ă€ŠMutant awakening: My evolution knows no boundsă€‹


 Chapter 1: How it started

    Students gathered in the schoolpound, the cool afternoon air gently brushing their skin and their faces alight with anticipation.

    Most students engaged in animated conversations with their friends, while others maintained a calm andposed demeanor.

    Today was the day they had all eagerly awaitedˇŞthe day when high mages would visit the academy to assist the students in awakening their unique mutant abilities.

    Several years prior, a strange lightning bolt struck the earth, creating a rift at the world''s center. From this rift emerged vicious creatures that flooded the. These creatures, known as Mutants, possessed tough, indestructible scales, incredible strength capable of toppling skyscrapers with a single finger.

    But that was not all.

    The mutants also had other extraordinary abilities such as elemental maniption, telekinesis, and powers previously unknown to humanity. Their rampage caused immense destruction, and humanity''s attempts to fight back with conventional weapons proved futile.

    After years of relentless conflict, Earth''s soldiers seeded in defeating one of these mutants and bringing it back to theirboratories. Experienced scientists then began their work, eventually discovering a method to transfer the mutant''s abilities to humans.

    By extracting the ability from the mutant''s core and integrating the raw energy with the human body, they created a new kind of mutant with their own powers.

    With this breakthrough, humanity regained hope, as they began tobat mutants using their own abilities. Any mutant killed was taken to theb, where its ability core was extracted and bestowed upon a human.

    The war continued for many years. When the mutants, now on the defensive, began retreating and withdrawing into theirirs, they had already decimated 99 percent of the world''s poption.

    Years after the war, surviving families who had acquired mutant abilities passed these powers down through generations. The only way for the new generation to fully hone these abilities was with the assistance of the high mages who had been present during the war. Once individuals reached the age of sixteen, a mage woulde to the academy to perform the awakening ritual.

    "I wonder what grade of mutant ability I''ll awaken today. I''ve heard so many stories. My great-grandparents were among the most powerful mutant ability users during the war. They made significant contributions. If they were so powerful, then I must have such potential within me.

    All I need now is for the mage to perform the ritual, and I''ll handle the rest," a frail-looking boy with rough brown hair and sunken cheeks muttered, his eyes filled with anticipation.

    "Shut up, Moses. It doesn''t work that way," a boy standing beside Moses interrupted. "Haven''t you heard stories about people from powerful families awakening grade-one mutant abilities? It doesn''t matter who your parents or grandparents were. What matters is how many mutant cells they passed down to you and whether your body can handle a high-grade ability." The boy, known as Jerry, added.

    "That won''t be my fate. I know I am destined for greatness. All I need now is the mage''s help to start the ritual, and then I''ll prove myself," Moses dered confidently, clenching his fists.

    As the two boys discussed, they noticed three teachers carrying what appeared to be a gigantic crystals. Despite thebined effort of the three, the crystal was cumbersome and difficult to manage.

    They ced the crystal on a raised tform in front of the students and stepped back, taking their positions behind it.

    The students observed the teachers and the enormous crystal on the tform with bewilderment.

    After a few minutes, a blinding light appeared at the center of the tform, prompting the students to shield their eyes. The light grew more intense by the second until it finally faded.

    Once the light dissipated, the students cautiously opened their eyes and refocused on the raised tform.

    "Is that the mage?" a female student eximed, spotting a man standing tall in the center of the tform.

    He was dressed in a long purple robe that swept the floor,pletely bald, with a face lined with wrinkles, and a long gray beard nearly reaching the ground.

    "He used his teleportation ability to arrive here in the blink of an eye," another student remarked, his eyes wide with shock.

    The man on the tform regarded the students before clearing his throat and speaking.

    "Good day to you all," he began in a raspy voice. "I am sure you all know why you are gathered here today. Today is the day you will awaken your mutant abilities, which will determine your future."

    "Without wasting any more time, I will begin calling names. When your name is called, pleasee forward, touch the crystal, and concentrate. Is that understood?" The man, known as Winchester, announced, and the students responded in unison.

    Winchester extended his right hand, and a long scroll appeared instantly. He unfurled the scroll and cleared his throat before continuing.

    "Let us begin. Moses Simon, pleasee forward to begin your awakening ritual!" Winchester announced.

    Moses took a deep breath and stepped forward. He climbed the tform and approached the giant crystal, taking another deep breath and rubbing his palms together.

    "This is my moment. I have to awaken a high-grade mutant ability to prove to my brother that I can achieve something significant in the future," Moses thought as he continued rubbing his palms before cing them on the crystal.

    "Now, close your eyes and concentrate!" Winchester instructed.

    Moses followed themand, closing his eyes and focusing intently. As time passed, the students below the tform witnessed the crystal beginning to glow brightly.

    The blue light from the crystal illuminated the entirepound, and a powerful energy surged through the air, pushing some students backward and causing others to shield their eyes.

    Winchester''s gaze shifted to the side of the crystal, where a single number was boldly disyed: three.

    Mutant abilities are graded into five levels, with grade one being the weakest and grade five the strongest. Those who surpass grade five are ssified as Heroic Grade, and individuals who exceed the Heroic Grade are often referred to as Grandmasters.

    Winchester, the mage conducting the ritual, was a Grade Five mutant ability user. Despite years of training, he had not surpassed Grade Five, with only a few individuals achieving Heroic Grade by defeating high-grade mutants and undertaking extreme tasks.

    For a sixteen-year-old like Moses, awakening a grade-three mutant ability was akin to hitting the jackpot. His youth and the discovery of a grade-three ability indicated that he possessed powerful mutant cells capable of further development in the future.

    Top guilds would undoubtedly seek him out immediately after his graduation.

    "Moses Simon has awakened a Grade Three Earth ability!" Winchester dered. Hearing this, Moses'' eyes flew open, and he jumped for joy.

    "I told you I was special!" he shouted, leaping around, while the students apuded.

    Winchester conjured a metallic belt with three glowing bars at its center and handed it to Moses.

    "This is a skill slot that will help you utilize your ability more effectively," Winchester exined as Moses epted the belt.

    Moses strapped the belt around his waist. The moment it was fastened, he felt raw energy coursing through his veins, circting throughout his body. The sensation was calming and invigorating, giving Moses a sense ofsting energy.

    With the skill slot secured, Moses stomped his foot, causing a rock to rise from the ground and float before him. The students below watched in awe and began pping.

    "You are free to leave now, Moses! Next student, please step forward! Brandon Steele!" Winchester announced.

    Moses descended the tform and returned to his friend joyfully.

    Brandon Steele approached the tform, trembling with nerves and drenched in sweat. A look of apprehension marked his face as he stood before the crystal.

    "Please, ce your hands on the crystal and concentrate," Winchester instructed.

    Brandon exhaled deeply, slowly extended his hands to touch the crystal, and closed his eyes, focusing with all his might.

    Unlike Moses, whose crystal had glowed brilliantly, Brandon''s crystal emitted only a faint blue light barely visible in daylight.

    The environment remained calm and quiet, with no significant energy fluctuations.

    Winchester nced at the side of the crystal and his expression shifted to one of disappointment as he saw the number written on it.

    "Brandon Steele has awakened a Grade One Air mutant ability!" Winchester''s voice echoed throughout thepound.

    Laughter erupted among the students, and some began taunting Brandon.

    Brandon lowered his head in embarrassment, wishing he could disappear.

    Winchester summoned a skill slot with a single glowing bar and handed it to Brandon, who epted it listlessly before leaving the tform. As he returned to his ce, the students continued to mock him for awakening the weakest grade.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    "Shall we continue?" Winchester cleared his throat.

    He resumed calling out names, and students quickly moved to the tform to awaken their mutant abilities.

    Most students awakened grade-two abilities, while a few achieved grade-three, like Moses. No one else awakened a grade-one ability after Brandon, and no one surpassed grade-three.

    The ritual continued until Winchester finally called the name everyone had been waiting for.

    "Angelica Wesley, please step forward!" Winchester announced, and the crowd erupted in cheers and apuse.

    Angelica walked gracefully toward the tform. She had long blue hair that reached her waist, piercing blue eyes, and a doll-like, pretty face. Her appearance was captivating, leaving many of the boys in awe.

    She hailed from a powerful family renowned for their Ice mutant abilities, with both her parents being grade-five users. This background made everyone eager to see what grade she would awaken.

 Chapter 2: No ability?

    As Angelica ascended the raised tform, the students gazed at her with adoration, almost worshipping her as if she were an idol. Some of the boys even copsed in awe at the mere sight of her.

    Her beauty was so extraordinary that it left many in a state of utter disbelief.

    Walking towards the crystal with regal grace, Angelica ced her hands on it without waiting for Winchester''s instructions or even closing her eyes to concentrate.

    Moments after her touch, the crystal began to glow with an intensity far surpassing that of the other students. A powerful wind enveloped the tform, and a radiant blue aura surrounded Angelica.

    This phenomenon persisted for several minutes until a number finally appeared beside the crystal.

    Winchester scrutinized the number on the crystal with a look of puzzlement.

    Clearing his throat, he spoke.

    "Uhm... Angelica has awakened a Grade Four Lightning Control mutant ability."

    The announcement elicited gasps of astonishment from the crowd. Angelica''s eyes widened in disbelief.

    "What do you mean, Lightning Control? There must be a mistake. My entire family are ice mutant ability users. How could my ability be different?" Angelica demanded, her voice tinged with frustration.

    Despite awakening the highest-grade ability seen that day, Angelica was dissatisfied with the type of ability she had received.

    "Sorry, Angelica, but there is no mistake," Winchester replied calmly.

    "It can''t be! It''s impossible!" Angelica insisted, her voice rising in anger. "There must have been a mistake! Let me try again!"

    "It is not possible to repeat the awakening process," Winchester countered. "You have awakened your ability, which is Lightning Control. If you doubt it, you can test it yourself." He then summoned her skill slot and extended it towards her.

    Angelica stared at the metallic belt with four glowing bars for a moment before epting it. Strapping it around her waist, she felt raw energy surge through her body, invigorating her.

    Taking a battle stance, Angelica extended her palms backward, took a deep breath, and then thrust her hands forward. A vivid purple lightning bolt shot from her hands, streaking toward the students below the tform.

    The students erupted in panic as they saw the lightning charging toward them. At thest moment, Moses stomped his foot on the ground, raising a makeshift wall that intercepted the lightning and shielded them from harm.

    After sessfully blocking the lightning, Moses sighed with relief and lowered the wall.

    Angelica stood in stunned silence, unable toprehend that she was not an ice ability user but a lightning user. Her mind was flooded with thoughts about how her father would react.

    "Don''t be too hard on yourself, Angelica. I''ve seen simr situations before. There was a family known for fire-bending abilities, but their son awakened with wind abilities. Perhaps there were circumstances unknown to us, like an infidelity, which might exin the difference," Winchester said softly.

    Angelica''s face flushed with anger as she turned her gaze toward Winchester.

    "My mother would never betray my father!" Angelica retorted, her face red with indignation.

    "That''s one possible exnation. Either your mother had an affair or you might be adopted. Once you graduate next year, you might uncover more about your origins," Winchester asserted.

    Angelica clenched her fists, electric sparks gathering around them, and, fuming with rage, she stormed off the tform. Unlike the other students, Angelica left thepound immediately and headed straight to her dorm room.

    "Let''s proceed! Only a few students remain!" Winchester dered, resuming the call of names.

    As the names were called, each student approached the tform to awaken their abilities. Most achieved decent grades, eliciting joy, while those with lower grades cried in despair.

    Finally, Winchester called out, "Ss Griswold! Please step forward!"

    Ss, who had remained silent and kept his gaze fixed on the floor, lifted his eyes toward the raised tform. He walked toward it, trying to keep his expression calm despite his racing heart. The other students nced at him with curiosity and surprise, some noting that his face was unfamiliar.

    "Is it just me, or does that guy look like he''s new here?" one student whispered.

    Although Ss had joined the academy on the same day as the others, he had kept to himself, avoiding interactions and relishing his solitude.

    He stepped onto the raised tform and stood before the crystal.

    "I''ll give it my best shot," Ss thought.

    He ced his hands on the crystal and closed his eyes, focusing intently on awakening a high-grade mutant ability. He knew that achieving at least a Grade 3 would significantly brighten his future. With a Grade 3 ability, he could join a prestigious guild, earn a substantial amount of Tokens, and secure afortable and peaceful life.

    Conversely, if he were to awaken a lower-grade ability, his future would likely be bleak. In the current world, strength dictates statusˇŞthe strong rule while the weak are relegated to insignificance.

    Ss stood there for several minutes, hands pressed firmly against the massive crystal, his eyes tightly shut. The surrounding students, including Winchester who stood beside him, wore puzzled expressions.

    "Why is it taking so long for him to make the crystal glow?" a student called out from the crowd, and murmurs of agreement followed. Typically, it took no more than five minutes for the crystal to react, but twenty minutes had passed with no sign of a glow from Ss.

    Winchester moved closer to Ss and whispered softly, "Concentrate, boy."

    Ss nodded, redoubling his efforts to focus. Minutes continued to pass with no reaction from the crystal. Winchester sighed heavily and shook his head in disappointment.

    "Ss Griswold has failed to awaken any mutant ability!" Winchester dered. Ss''s eyes snapped open, and his heart raced at the announcement.

    The students below could no longer contain theirughter. Some began to mock him openly, their jeers cutting through the air.

    "I can''t believe he even failed to awaken a Grade 1 ability!" a student eximed.

    "His body must be so weak it couldn''t even sustain a lower-grade ability?" another chimed in.

    "What a weakling! He doesn''t even deserve to breathe the same air as us!" a bully shouted.

    Ss dropped to his knees, gripping his hair in frustration. His mind raced with anguish. "Why? Why? Why!" he screamed internally, pulling at his spiky orange hair. Tears welled up in his eyes, but he fought to keep them from falling, desperate to avoid further humiliation.

    "No ability? Nothing at all?!" Ss muttered to himself in disbelief. He had feared awakening a lower-grade ability, and now he had failed to awaken any ability at all.

    "Why me? What did I do wrong? I did exactly what everyone else did! I followed the rules! Why could I not awaken any ability?" Ss continued to agonize internally as he yanked at his hair, strands falling around him.

    "Ss, please leave the tform so we can conclude the process," Winchester requested.

    Ss remained on his knees for a few more minutes before he stood up, his gaze fixed on the floor. He slowly made his way down from the tform, enduring the mocking andughter of his peers. Students with water abilities sshed water on his face, and those with earth abilities threw stones at him.

    Finally, Ss returned to his designated spot, his head bowed in defeat. His mind was consumed with thoughts of the grim future that awaited him.

    ---

    PRESENT DAY"

    In the academy''s backyard, two students leaned against the wall, smoke drifting from their mouths. One, dressed in a navy blue uniform, checked his wristwatch, irritation evident on his face.

    "Why isn''t he here yet?" Osborne muttered with a scowl. "He knows how furious I get when he''ste, and he still chose to show upte."

    As they stood there, the sound of approaching footsteps caught their attention. A frail-looking boy, his spiky orange hair covered in dust and part of his face dirtied, arrived at their location.

    "Sorry I''mte," Ss said, panting heavily. He had run from his dorm room to arrive on time.

    Osborne red at Ss and approached him.

    "Sorry you''rete?" Osborne spat, his voice dripping with anger. "You''re ten minuteste and think saying ''sorry'' is enough?"

    Ss''s heart pounded at Osborne''s words, and he swallowed hard.

    "I was busy cleaning Anthony''s room to earn a few Tokens and lost track of time," Ss exined, his gaze fixed on the floor.N?v(el)B\\jnn

    "How many times have I warned you not to take other jobs while working for me, Griswold?!" Osborne''s voice echoed through the deserted area, sending shivers down Ss''s spine.

    "I promise, it won''t happen again," Ss pleaded, falling to his knees. Osborne, a Grade 3 Wind ability user, was formidable, and Ss knew defiance would be dangerous. With no mutant ability of his own, his only recourse was to beg for leniency.

    "Sorry isn''t enough!" Osborne retorted, grabbing Ss by the hair and pulling him to his feet. He then clenched his right fist and swung it at Ss''s face.

    The punchnded squarely, sending Ss sprawling backward with his cheek turning red and swollen.

    Osborne walked toward Ss, whoy on the ground trying to recover.

    "I''ve warned you countless times, Ss! If you''re even a secondte again, I''ll deal with you myself!" Osborne dered, kicking Ss''s chest with all his might. Ss crashed into a nearby wall.

    "Make sure this doesn''t happen again," Osborne added before turning away and walking off with his entourage.

    Ssy there, blood trickling from his mouth, his face bruised and swollen. His life had deteriorated since the awakening ceremony. For the past two years, he had endured relentless bullying from peers with high-grade abilities.

    "When will I finally be free from all this torment?" Ss wondered to himself as he picked himself up. He wiped the blood from his mouth with his sleeve before heading back to his dorm room.

    Ss walked down the academy''s dimly lit hallway until he reached his dorm. He pushed open the door and entered. The room was small, barely amodating two beds and two wardrobes. He was alone now, his former roommate having left for the VIP area, iming he couldn''t share space with someone like Ss.

    Ss stood for a moment, then removed his bloodstained uniform and threw it onto the second bed. Hey down on his back, staring at the ceiling. Thoughts of his bleak future and the torment he endured filled his mind.

    Eventually, sleep overtook him, the harshness of his reality fading as he drifted into unconsciousness, holding on to a faint hope for a better future.

 Chapter 3: Extra member

    The morning sun rose, its rays piercing through the room and shining brightly into Ss''s eyes, rousing him from his slumber. He got out of bed, made his way to the bathroom for a shower, and then dressed in his uniform.

    After gathering his belongings, Ss exited his room and headed directly to the cafeteria for breakfast.

    "I hope I don''t run into Caleb and his minions like I did yesterday," Ss thought as he walked.

    Arriving at the cafeteria, Ss joined the queue for food. The students were being served one by one by the academy staff until it was finally his turn.

    The server, casting a disdainful nce at Ss, ced a single loaf of bread on his tray and poured a small amount of watery soup into a dish. He set it in front of Ss with a look of contempt.

    Ss nced at the sparse meal on his tray, then at the tray of the student served before him. That student had received five loaves of bread and arge bowl of soup, while Ss was given only one loaf and a small te of soup.

    "Excuse me, sir, but I think there might be a mistake," Ss said politely.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    "Did I?" the server retorted with a scoff. "Do you really think I would serve a lowly student like you the same amount as the others? You''re lucky to get even that much," he added dismissively.

    Ss''s heart sank at the server''s words. Despite the humiliation, he had no choice but to ept the tray and walk to his seat at the far end of the cafeteria, away from the other students.

    As he walked, Ss''s gaze was fixed on the meager food, his expression one of profound sadness. It had been twenty-four hours since hest ate; his previous meal had been taken from him by Caleb and his followers. Now, his only sustenance for the day consisted of a single loaf of bread and a small amount of soup.

    Suddenly, a loud p echoed through the cafeteria as Ss''s tray was knocked from his hands. The tray flew through the air andnded upside down on the floor, scattering its contents.

    Ss''s eyes widened in horror.

    His only meal for the dayy in a ruined mess on the floor.

    "No, no, no!" he cried, rushing to salvage at least the bread. But before he could reach it, a student stomped on the bread, crushing it beneath his boot.

    Ss watched in despair as hisst hope for a meal was destroyed.

    "Oops, seems I identally stepped on your bread. My apologies," Caleb said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

    Ss''s anger surged. Clenching his fists, he stood up and swung a punch towards Caleb''s face. Ss was fully aware of the potential consequences of striking a powerful student like Caleb, but his rage overwhelmed his fear.

    The punch connected solidly, sending Caleb stumbling backward. The students gasped collectively, astonished to see Ss, a known weakling,nd a powerful hit on a Grade 3 user.

    Caleb''s expression darkened as he rubbed his cheek where Ss''s fist had struck. "How dare you, Ss? How dare youy your filthy hands on me!" Caleb roared, signaling his minions.

    In an instant, two of Caleb''s friends were at Ss''s side, restraining him and preventing any movement. Despite Ss''s attempts to free himself, their enhanced strength made it impossible.

    Caleb clenched his right fist, now encased in a solidyer of ice, and approached Ss menacingly. "You should have known better than to attack me!" Caleb said as he swung his icy fist toward Ss''s chest.

    The impact shattered the ice and drove Ss backward. The force of the blow made Ss cough up blood.

    Before Caleb could deliver another punch, the cafeteria doors burst open, and two teachers d in sleek ck mutant armor entered.

    "I''m not finished with you yet. You hear me? I''m not finished!" Caleb spat before walking away. His minions released Ss, who copsed to his knees, blood dripping from his mouth.

    The teachers advanced to the front of the cafeteria. A male teacher with long brown hair and a muscr build cleared his throat to capture the students'' attention.

    "Good morning, students," the teacher, David, said. "We have received instructions from Sir Benedict to select one student to apany us on a specific raid. We are heading to the Mutant''s Realm to search for an artifact. Since most of our staff are engaged in other missions, we are choosing one person from here to join our squad.

    You will bepensated with tokens and mutant body parts after the raid. If you are interested, raise your hand now!"

    Several hands shot up eagerly, each student eager to demonstrate their abilities and attract Sir Benedict''s attention.

    David scanned the raised hands before focusing on a particr student, a smirk forming at the corner of his lips after catching sight of a certain boy.

    "You!"

 Chapter 4: Raid

    "What? Why him?"

    "I think you''ve made a mistake, sir. That is the boy with no talent!"

    "What about me, sir? I am a Grade Four fire ability user! I will be of great help!"

    "I can''t believe he chose that trash over us!"

    Noise erupted in the cafeteria after David selected Ss. Everyone had expressions of disbelief on their faces; even Ss was quite shocked that he had been chosen for the mission.

    "Silence!" David''s authoritative voice cut through the noise, causing the students to quiet immediately. "Pleasee forward." He then turned his gaze toward Ss and spoke calmly.

    Ss hesitated for a moment before walking toward David.

    "You don''t have to worry; you won''t be joining us inbat. All we need you to do is carry our equipment and collect valuable parts from dead mutants. Do you understand?" David exined, and Ss nodded.

    "You said I''ll get paid, right?" Ss asked in a hushed tone.

    "Yes, you will be rewarded," David confirmed.

    "Very well, then. I''m in."

    David squeezed Ss''s shoulder after hearing his response, then turned and began to walk away.

    "Come on, the portal has been activated," David said before exiting the cafeteria. Before Ss left, he nced back at the faces of the students, who were all disying looks of hatred and jealousy.

    He stared at them for a few moments before exiting the cafeteria.

    David and the other staff members led Ss to the portal room. After a brief walk, they finally arrived.

    At the center of the room stood a round blue portal, with three individuals in shiny ck armor standing beside it.

    "Is that the student joining us?" a female staff member inquired, eyeing Ss from head to toe with a look of puzzlement.

    "Yes. Ss Griswold will be joining us on the raid," David responded.

    "Isn''t this the same student with no mutant ability? He''s not equipped with an active skill slot, so he''s definitely the one," the female staff member, Alisha, pointed out.

    "Yes, you are right, Alisha. This is the boy with no ability. But it doesn''t matter since he''s only needed to carry our bags and collect valuable body parts. It''s not like he''ll be needed inbat or anything," David remarked.

    "It doesn''t matter whether or not he will be fighting mutants; this is a portal leading to a Grade 5 mutant realm. It would be dangerous for someone like him to be there," Alisha interjected.

    "Nothing will happen, Alisha. We will handle the mutants, and he will take care of carrying our bags and supplies," David retorted.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    "I agree with Alisha. This person will only be a liability. I can''t fight mutants and also worry about protecting someone weak. Tell him to go back to ss and bring someone who''s at least Grade 3," a man among the group, Jonas, chimed in.

    David sighed and walked over to the group.

    "Let me have a quick word with you all," David said as he took the entire team, except Ss, to a corner. He then began to whisper to them, and a few secondster, they walked back to Ss.

    "Just make sure you stay close to us, all right?" Alisha said, tapping his shoulder softly.

    Ss was surprised that she was suddenly amodating of him joining them, and he became curious about what exactly David had told them to change their minds.

    "Here are the bags I want you to carry for us," David said, handing over tworge bags to Ss. Ss grabbed the bags, slinging one behind him and the other in front. The bags were quite heavy, but as long as he received decent payment at the end, he was fine with it.

    The group moved closer to the portal and stood in front of it.

    "Everyone ready?!" David asked audibly, and the group responded collectively. "Let''s go!"

    With those final words, they stepped into the portal and vanished instantly.

    A few seconds after disappearing from the portal room, the group appeared at their destination. Ss''s heart raced as it was his first time traveling through a portal to the Mutant''s realm.

    He took a moment to survey his surroundings.

    The area was dark and filled with towering mountains. Roaring and screeching sounds echoed from a distance, and what appeared to be giant crimson bats with sharp wings filled the air.

    "Don''t make any noise to avoid attracting the Death Bats Mutants. They are all blind but are drawn to sounds," David instructed, producing a round orb from his pouch and tapping it twice.

    The orb began to glow a bright yellow light, slightly illuminating their path and making it easier for them to advance.

    As they approached the mountains, Ss decided to ask a question.

    "What exactly is this raid about? You mentioned something about an artifact," Ss whispered.

    "Yes, Ss. This isn''t like any other raid. We are not after valuable mutant body parts," David exined.

    Mutant body parts can be used to craft weapons and armor, known as mutant weapons or mutant armor. The higher the grade of the mutant killed, the higher the grade of the weapons. However, these weapons are not cheap; a single mutant dagger can be worth thousands of Tokens. Only those from affluent families or those who hunt mutants themselves to collect valuable body parts own such gear.

    "So, what artifact are we looking for?" Ss inquired.

    David cleared his throat before asking, "Have you heard of the Apex Mutant?"

    "I''ve heard stories. The only mutant who was able to master every single mutant ability. I heard it was the most powerful mutant and could wipe out humanity in the blink of an eye," Ss responded.

    "That is correct. We are here in this realm to search for the artifact of the Apex Mutant," David informed, and Ss''s eyes widened in shock.

 Chapter 5: Teamwork

    The group could be seen heading towards the mountains, with David''s glowing orb brightening their path.

    "Artifact of the Apex Mutant? What do you mean by that?" Ss inquired as he kept walking forward, carrying heavy bags behind him.

    "You see, kid, the Apex Mutant isn''t like the rest of the mutants. He was like a god in the mutant realm. When the rift tore open and mutants flooded Earth, the Apex Mutant stayed in his realm because he saw no reason to dominate Earth when he already ruled his own realm. However, during our research after the war, we found out that the Apex Mutant had died.

    But before he died, he transferred all his power into a single artifact. Whoever finds the artifact first and is chosen by the Apex Mutant will inherit all his abilities," David exined while moving forward.

    Ss remained silent for several minutes, digesting David''s words.

    After a few moments, Ss raised a question.

    "How are you sure the artifact is in this realm?"

    "Because we scanned the realm, and it shows a powerful energy source around here. It''s far more powerful than anything we''ve ever seen before, so it can only be the artifact," David responded.

    Ss nodded and refrained from asking further questions. He could sense how the rest of the group was secretly ring at him in disdain for asking so many questions, so he thought it best to stop.

    As the group advanced, they suddenly halted as a loud cracking sound echoed from behind. Everyone shifted their gaze backward and saw Ss stepping on a dry bone.

    The moment his boot touched it, the bone shattered, and the sound tore through the quiet area, attracting the attention of the Death Bats flying overhead.

    "You''ve got to be kidding me!" David muttered with a frown as he unsheathed his giant de, gripping it firmly with both hands.

    "Can''t you watch where you''re going?!" Aisha chimed in, readying her bow and arrow.

    The rest of the group also prepared their weapons, their gazes locked on the Death Bats flying toward them at incredible speed.

    "Stay behind us, Ss!" David ordered in an authoritative tone as he took a battle stance. Two Death Bats swooped in within striking distance, but before they could attack, David swung his de and decapitated them.

    Green blood sttered as the bats'' heads hit the ground.

    Aisha quickly ced three arrows in her bow, pulled the string back, and released them. The arrows shot through the air at lightning speed, piercing three Death Bats in the head. They let out a deafening screech before falling dead.

    David charged forward, leaping into the air. He swung his de effortlessly, beheading four more bats with a single sh.

    Another man from the group also leaped up, splitting a bat in half with his battle axe.

    Ss stood a few feet away, watching the battle between his group and the Death Bats.

    "They''re well organized. They''re not even using their mutant abilities, yet they''re able to take down those Death Bats," Ss thought, awe-struck as David killed five more bats with his de and Aisha shot down four more with her arrows.

    A few minutester, the ground was littered with the corpses of Death Bats. The group wiped the blood off their weapons.

    "Ss,e carve out the bats'' wings and fangs," David ordered. Ss nodded, retrieving a dagger from David and dropping to his knees to carve out the wings and fangs.

    "And hurry up. Those bats travel in groups, so more are probably on their way. I can''t afford to be exhausted before we encounter the god of this realm," David added.

    Ss chopped off the wings and carved out the fangs, cing them in a bag.

    "All done," Ss said as he stood up.

    "That was quick," Aishamented.

    "I''ve worked with different groups in the past to earn a few tokens, so I have some experience," Ss replied.

    Aisha nodded, then turned and began to walk away with the rest of the group. Ss slung the bag over his shoulder and hurried to catch up.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

    They walked for a few moments before arriving at the foot of a mountain.

    "We''re going to climb to the top, guys. The god''s castle is up there," David informed them. "The mountain''s surface is rough, so it should be easier to climb."

    Aisha stepped forward, cing her hands on the mountain. She gripped a rock and slowly began to climb. The rest of the group followed suit.

    "How do they expect me to climb this mountain with these bags?" Ss muttered as he nced up. He couldn''t even see the top because of how tall it was.

    "I guess I don''t have a choice," he mused as he began to climb, gripping the rocks firmly. His pace was much slower than the rest of the group due to the weight of the bags he was carrying.

    It felt like he was hauling gym weights behind him, and he couldn''t use his hands to support the bags since they were already upied with climbing.

    An hour passed, and the group was now halfway up the mountain. Ss''s face was drenched in sweat, his palms red, and his whole body trembling.

 Chapter 6: Something doesnt feel right

    They kept climbing for several more minutes until the group finally arrived at the top of the mountain. David shifted his gaze towards Ss, who was still struggling to reach the top, and he assisted him in getting to the top.

    Arriving on top, Ss tossed the bags on the floor and dropped to his knees, panting heavily.

    "Let''s rest here for now and eat some food before resuming our mission!" David spoke audibly as he opened one of the bags and brought out several tes of food and water bottles. He handed the tes over to his team and also gave Ss one.

    Ss''s eyes lit up in joy after retrieving the te of food from David. He never expected to eat anything else after his food had been destroyed by the bullies back in the cafeteria.

    Without wasting any time, he opened the te and began to eat. A few minutes passed, and the group was now done eating and resting. Ss gathered the supplies, and they resumed their journey through the mountain top.

    While walking forward with the glowing orb brightening their path, David suddenly halted his steps and signaled the group to do the same.

    He nced around the area with a serious look etched on his face before saying, "There is something on this mountain." He informed them as he ced his right hand on the hilt of his de while ncing around.

    The rest of the group drew out their weapons and prepared themselves for battle.

    David kept ncing around the dimly lit area until he caught a glimpse of six glowing eyes in the shadows several meters away.

    "Mutants!" David eximed as he unsheathed his de and gripped it firmly with both hands while ncing in the direction of the glowing eyes.

    The eyes began to move as they drew nearer until the group could finally see what it was. The mutant had the features of a wolf.

    Razor-sharp fangs, ws that resembled daggers, ck fur covering their whole bodies, pointy ears, and glowing red eyes.

    "Grade Five mountain wolves, eh?" David pondered internally after examining the wolves standing several meters away. "Ss, go hide behind that rock!" David shifted his gaze towards Ss and uttered.

    Ss hesitated for a few moments before dashing towards the rock and hiding behind it. While hiding behind the rock, he nced at the wolves.

    Just by looking at them, Ss could tell they were all Grade Five mutants. The group of staff members were all Grade Four mutant ability users, but with the help of their mutant armor and weapons, and their numbers, they had the upper hand in this fight.

    The wolves were three in number, while the staff members were five. Even though a Grade Five mutant is much more powerful than a Grade Four mutant ability user, as long as the mutant is outnumbered, it would most likely be on the receiving end.

    But that doesn''t always work.

    For example, if a group of Grade Four healers faced a single Grade Five wolf, the healers would get devoured because they don''t possess any offensive power that they could use against the mutant. All they have is a defensive ability, which is healing.

    Only those with offensive abilities can outshine a high-graded mutant in numbers.

    "I wonder what abilities David and the group have. So far, they haven''t used any of their mutant abilities." Ss pondered internally while hiding behind the rock.

    The wolves still stood several meters away, saliva trickling down from their mouths as they nced at the group of trespassers standing before them. After examining their prey for a few moments, they let out a loud howl before dashing forward on all fours.

    "HERE THEY COME!" David alerted as he got into a battle stance, his gaze fixed on the mutant wolves dashing towards them.

    The wolves arrived within striking distance and leaped into the air collectively, heading towards the group with their mouths wide open, hoping to bite off their heads with their vicious fangs.

    Catching sight of the wolves heading towards them from above, the group leaped a few meters backward, causing the mutant wolves to miss their targets andnd back on the ground.

    One of the mutants swiftly regainedposure and began to charge towards the group. Aisha ced an arrow in her bow, pulled it back, and released it.

    The arrow traveled through the air at lightning speed and made its way toward the iing mutant. Upon making contact with the mutant wolf, the arrow shattered instantly and bounced off without leaving a single scratch on it.

    Aisha''s eyes widened in shock as she swiftly shot three more arrows towards the wolf, only to be met with the same result.

    The wolf finally closed the gap and leaped towards Aisha with its mouth wide open. David stepped in and swung his de gracefully towards the wolf''s head.

    The de sliced through it, separating the head from the neck. Green blood sttered around the area as the wolf''s headless body hit the floor, and the head fell down beside it.

    Ss, who watched from a distance, had a shocked expression on his face. He shifted his gaze towards David''s skill slot and noticed the four bars at the center of it glowing brightly, with what looked like a red aura surrounding his whole body.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    "He activated his mutant ability before swinging his de. My guess is his mutant ability is super strength. But what''s with that aura around him?" Ss pondered internally before shifting his gaze towards the rest of the group members behind David.

    The three members had their hands stretched towards David, with a glowing bright light hovering over their palms.

    "Ah, I see. Those guys have support mutant abilities. They probably enhanced David''s super strength mutant ability, making it easier for him to defeat the wolf with a single strike." Ss''s eyes widened slightly upon realization.

    A loud howl snapped him back to reality as David charged towards thest two wolves and shed his de through the air. A single sh from his de took off the heads of the wolves, and their lifeless bodies fell to the ground.

    "Now that''s how it''s done. Great teamwork, guys." David turned and walked back to his group after sheathing his de. "Let''s hurry up. We''ve spent enough time in this realm, and soon it will begin to copse with us still inside," David added.

    Ss came out of hiding and headed towards the dead wolves lying on the ground. He pulled out his short dagger, then dropped down on one knee and began carving out the ws and fangs of the wolves. He also carved out the glowing eyes and a few patches of fur before cing them in the bag.

    While Ss was busy carving out the rest of the valuable body parts, he noticed the group having a secret discussion several meters away. They were whispering, making it impossible for Ss to hear a word they were saying.

    "Something doesn''t feel right here. They seemed to have had a discussion before we left the academy, and now they are having the same secret discussion that only I don''t know about. Why do I feel like they are nning something?" Ss pondered internally, his gaze fixed on David and the group.

    ---

 Chapter 7: A setup

    The squad could be seen walking through the dimly lit mountain pass after their sh with the wolves. The fight had been swift, thanks to their excellent teamwork and unwavering determination.

    As they continued forward, with the bags slung over his shoulder, Ss''s mind was filled with thoughts. The fact that the rest of the group had initially refused to let him join the raid, but then suddenly agreed after David whispered something to them, made him wonder what David had told them.

    So far, the job had been easy for him.

    Too easy.

    And the deal was good.

    Maybe a little too good.

    "Something is definitely not right. I can feel it," Ss pondered but chose to remain silent as he continued walking.

    The squad walked through the mountain for a few more hours until they finally arrived in front of a giant crimson door bearing the symbol of a skull with a de at its center.

    The group halted as David moved closer to the door to examine it closely.

    "This is definitely the chamber of the god of this realm," David muttered while cing his hand on the symbol on the door.

    "So, what now?" Aisha inquired.

    "Now we go in and kill it. I''m sure the god will be the one holding the Apex Mutant''s artifact, so all we have to do is y it and get the damn artifact. Then, when we''re done, we''ll open up the portal and return to the academy," David dered.

    David clenched his right fist tightly, pulled his arm back, and swung it at the door with all his might.

    BAM!N?v(el)B\\jnn

    A loud banging sound reverberated throughout the area as his fist collided with the door. Upon impact, the gigantic crimson door flung open, and a strong gust of wind escaped the chamber, pushing them back a few steps.

    "Alright, let''s go in," David dered. As he attempted to walk into the dark chamber, he suddenly halted and shifted his gaze to the side.

    "My de," he eximed.

    Hearing David''s words, Aisha reached behind her, but her arrows and bow were nowhere to be found. The rest of the group were also missing their weapons.

    "Damn it. We must have left them in the area where we defeated the wolves," Aisha said with a frown, facepalming.

    "That''s right. After we rested, we forgot to pick up our weapons," David muttered.

    "So, what do we do now?" Ss inquired.

    "We go back, Ss. There''s no way we can survive against the god of this realm without our mutant weapons," David responded.

    "Alright, let''s get going," Ss muttered.

    "No, Ss, you have to stay here," David stopped Ss, speaking in a serious tone.

    "What do you mean?" Ss asked.

    "You need to wait inside the chamber until we return. We''re not sure how many of those wolves are still out there, and without our weapons, we won''t be able to protect you if we run into them. The best thing to do is to wait inside the chamber. You''ll be much safer in there. The god is still several meters inside the chamber, so as long as you don''t venture further, you''ll be safe," David exined.

    "Are you crazy?!" Ss snapped. "You want me to go into the chamber alone? A ce where a high-graded god mutant dwells?!"

    "This is the best option right now, Ss. If you follow us back, you''re going to die. Just wait for us in there, and we''ll be back before you know it," David insisted.

    "No, no, I can''t. I have no abilities. There''s no way I''m going in there on my own! Why don''t you ask one of them to stay back while the rest go fetch the weapons?" Ss protested.

    "We need to stick together, so if we encounter high-graded mutants, we can kill them together," David responded before moving closer to Ss and cing his hands on his shoulder.

    "You''ll be safe, Ss. Trust me," David said solemnly and in a convincing tone.

    Ss wasn''tfortable with the n, but he knew his words would fall on deaf ears, so he chose to stop arguing and simply nodded.

    "Good. Just go in there and wait. Don''t go further in, just stand over there. We''ll be back in no time," David added.

    Ss took a deep breath before walking slowly towards the chamber. He stood at the edge of the dark chamber before stepping inside and kept walking forward.

    As he ventured deeper, Ss nced around. The area was dark, and the only source of light was the orb in David''s hand outside the chamber.

    While Ss was busy observing the surroundings, he heard a creaking sound from behind, causing him to turn around swiftly. He saw the door he had entered through closing at an incredible speed.

    "HEY!" Ss''s eyes widened in shock as he dashed toward the door. As he ran as fast as his legs could carry him, he noticed a huge grin on David''s face on the other side.

    Before Ss could escape, the door mmed shut.

    "Hey, open up! Open the door! Let me out of here! Hey! Please! Let me out!" Ss kept banging on the door and pleading.

    But no matter how hard he cried and pleaded, it all fell on deaf ears.

    "They betrayed me. They lured me in here to be a meal for the god mutant," Ss whispered, his heart racing, and his blood boiling in anger.

    While Ss was absorbing what had just happened, he noticed a faint red light beneath the surface he stood on.

    Ss stared at the light for a few moments before dropping to his knees and digging into the floor with his short dagger. He kept digging until his dagger hit something solid.

    "What the hell is this?" Ss wondered as he picked up the glowing red object from the floor to examine it.

    The moment his hands touched the object, a deep mechanical voice echoed in his head.

    [ARTIFACT HAS DETECTED A CAPABLE HOST.]

    [SCANNING HOST.]

    [SCAN COMPLETED.]

    [SILAS GRISWOLD HAS ALL THE REQUIREMENTS TO BECOME THE HOST OF THE APEX MUTANT.]

    [WILL YOU ACCEPT THE POWER TO BEGIN YOUR EVOLUTION?]

    [YES OR NO?]

 Chapter 8: Two quests

    Ss stood there in bewilderment after hearing the mechanical voice in his head. He nced around, searching for the source of the voice, but after a few moments, he realized it wasing from the red glowing object he had dug out.

    "What the hell is this thing? Could it be the artifact the group was searching for? The artifact of the Apex Mutant? It has to be, because the voice mentioned something about a host of the Apex Mutant. But what does it mean by that?" Ss pondered internally.

    Ss was suddenly snapped out of his thoughts as the mechanical voice spoke again.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    [You have one minute to decide whether or not you will ept the power of the Apex Mutant.]

    [59]

    [58]

    [57]

    [56]

    Ss''s heart raced as the countdown began. He was still trying to understand what was happening, and now he was given limited time to make a decision.

    His mind drifted back to the words he had heard moments ago.

    "I wonder what will happen if I ept? It clearly says I will be the host of the Apex Mutant. But what does it mean by ''host''? Does it mean I''ll inherit all the powers of the Apex Mutant and get stronger? Is that even possible?"

    Several thoughts raced through Ss''s mind as the numbers continued counting down.

    [10]

    [9]

    [8]

    [7]

    "What do I have to lose? Besides, if this really can make me stronger, then it''s best for me to ept it," Ss mused before finally speaking two words.

    "I ept!"

    As soon as he said those words, the countdown stopped instantly.

    [Congrattions, you have epted the mantle of Host!]

    [The process will now begin!]

    The familiar voice echoed in Ss''s head again, but this time, he wasn''t as shocked or nervous.

    He shifted his gaze towards the glowing red object in his hand and noticed it was turning into dust. The object quickly disintegrated into tiny particles, and when Ss identally inhaled the dust, he dropped to his knees as a sharp pain shot through his head.

    The pain was excruciating, like someone was drilling inside his skull. He grabbed his head with both hands and screamed at the top of his lungs.

    The painsted for a few minutes before it finally subsided. Ss let go of his head and slowly rose to his feet, panting heavily.

    *Ding!*

    A soft chime echoed, followed by the familiar robotic voice. But something was different this time.

    "What the hell is this screen?" Ss wondered, his gaze fixed on the red window floating in front of him.

    The holographic screen disyed the same words spoken by the robotic voice.

    [Two tasks are required toplete the process.]

    [The first task is hidden.]

    [Click the ept button to start the first task. The first task will be revealed after it ispleted.]

    Ss stared at the screen with a dumbfounded expression.

    "What the hell is going on here? First, there was the strange voice, and now this strange screen?" Ss mused as he rubbed his chin.

    "This appeared right after I agreed to be the Host, so I''m guessing it has something to do with that," Ss thought. "But how am I supposed toplete the first task if I don''t even know what it is?" hemented while examining the screen.

    He still had doubts about whether any of this was real, but he figured there was no harm in giving it a shot. After all, he was probably going to get eaten by the god of the realm soon anyway.

    After staring at the red holographic screen for a few moments, Ss reached out to click the ept icon on the screen. His finger passed right through it as if it wasn''t even there.

    "Hmm... So it''s not a touch screen. How do I start the first task then?" Ss muttered.

    As soon as he said those words, the screen in front of him morphed into a new one.

    [First task has been initiated.]

    [Host will now run wild.]

    Ss nced at the new screen, and his eyes widened in terror as he read the words written boldly on it.

    "Wait, what does it mean by ''host will now run wild''?" Ss shouted, his heart racing, but there was no response from the system. Suddenly, he felt dizzy and fell to his knees.

    "What the hell is happening?" Ss muttered weakly as his eyes began to close. He fought to stay awake, but eventually, he couldn''t resist anymore and passed out on the floor.

    ---

    **Outside the chamber...**

    David and his group stood in front of the chamber door.

    "That fool actually bought our lie," Aisha said, shaking her head with a mischievous grin. "I almost feel bad for him."

    "Why feel bad for him? He''s a useless piece of trash with no mutant ability, Aisha. He had no worth or future. Sacrificing him to the god for the artifact was the best decision," David interjected.

    After the war against the mutants years ago, scientists figured out a way to create portals that led to the realms of the mutants. Guilds traveled through these portals to hunt down mutants and sell their valuable body parts for tokens, while others crafted weapons from their corpses.

    There are different portals for different grades of mutant realms. A portal''s grade is determined by the grade of the mutants that dwell in that particr realm. These portals are sold to guilds or solo rangers at a high price since they can earn a lot of tokens from hunting.

    However, some portals appear in different locations without anyone activating them. These portals are usually grade five, and unlike the other realms, these particr realms are always governed by a god mutant.

    The god mutant keeps the other mutants in the realm in check. Once the god mutant is killed, the rest of the mutants in the realm die, and the realm copses.

    Some of these god mutants have intelligence like humans and are capable of bargaining.

    Before the group entered the realm, they had already examined the god of the realm and saw that it was an intelligent mutant, one that could bargain. They also scanned the chamber and realized it dwelled in a temple, meaning it was the type of mutant that needed a sacrifice to grant a wish.

    The group knew they wouldn''t be able to kill the god on their own, and the god would definitely grant their wish as long as they sacrificed one of their members to it. David was aware of this, which is why he asked Ss to join the groupˇŞso he could sacrifice him to the god and demand the artifact in return.

    "It''s been an hour since he went in there. He must have been torn apart by the god by now. Let''s go in and make our demand," David said as he ced his hands on the gigantic crimson door and pushed it open with all his might.

 Chapter 9: Chamber incident

    The doors of the chamber began to open slowly, and the group waited patiently until they were fully open. They stood outside for a few moments before stepping into the dimly lit chamber, where the glowing orb brightened their paths.

    "I don''t see him anywhere. He''s probably in the belly of the mutant," Aishamented after examining the area.

    "No, I don''t think so," David muttered, a look of disbelief etched on his face, his gaze fixed on a certain part of the room.

    A figure could be seen standing motionless several meters away from them.

    "Who the hell is that?" Aisha blurted out with a puzzled expression.

    "It''s Ss," David muttered in disbelief after stretching forth his orb and recognizing the figure.

    "How is he still alive?" Aisha questioned.

    Ss just stood there, meters away, his gaze fixed on the floor, showing no sign of movement. It felt as if he were a living statue.

    "What''s he doing standing there? Why isn''t he moving or saying anything?" Aisha whispered softly, as Ss''s silence was starting to creep her out.

    "Something isn''t right. The god mutant should have crawled outside and devoured him the moment he stepped into the chamber, but for some reason, he''s still alive and without a single scratch on his body," David mused.

    Ss stood there for a few moments before lifting his head and shifting his gaze towards the group. Catching sight of Ss''s eyes, the group took a few steps back, their hearts racing.

    "What the hell? Look at his eyes!" a man in the group eximed in shock.

    Ss''s eyes were now pitch ck, and ck veins could be seen below his eyes, stretching across his face.

    "It''s not just his eyes...look at his hands. He has ws, and his muscles are much bigger than they used to be. What''s going on here?" David voiced out, his right hand gripping his sword, ready to unsheathe it.

    Ss red at them coldly before dashing forward at incredible speed. In the blink of an eye, Ss appeared directly in front of a man standing beside David.

    Before the man could react, Ss swung his vicious ws towards his neck. The ws traveled through the air at lightning speed and severed the man''s head from his body.

    Blood sttered around the ce as his lifeless body hit the floor, followed by his head.

    The eyes of the whole group widened in terror after watching Ss behead their fellow member without breaking a sweat.

    "A monster! He''s a monster!" Aisha eximed at the top of her lungs as she attempted to dash outside the chamber. However, before she could reach the door, she felt a strong gust of wind pass beside her as Ss ran past her and shut the door.

    Ss stood in front of the door, making sure no one left. He red at the group, his expression dark and menacing, resembling that of a cold monster that lived only to spill innocent blood.

    The whole group leaped several meters backward to create distance and figure out exactly what was going on.

    "I don''t know what''s happening, but I know one thing for sure: that person isn''t Ss Griswold," David muttered as he pulled out his sword and gripped it firmly in his right hand.

    "What do we do, David? Arnold was a Grade 4 ability user, and he was killed like an animal. I hate to say this, but based on what I''ve seen, Ss is far stronger than us. His speed, his strengthˇŞthey''re out of this world!" Aisha voiced out with her heart racing as she clenched her bow in her left hand.

    "He might be strong, but definitely not stronger than us if we work together," David responded before shifting his gaze towards the remaining two members standing behind him. "Use your support ability to increase my strength and speed. I''ll distract him while you hit him in a critical spot with your arrow, Aisha!" David ordered.

    They gave a collective nod, and the two members stretched forth their hands towards David. What looked like a round, glowing energy formed in front of their palms, and David''s body was now covered in a red aura.

    David felt power rush through his veins, ready to be unleashed. He shifted his gaze towards Ss before charging forward.N?v(el)B\\jnn

    "It''s game over for you, boy!" David shouted as he swiftly closed the gap. Arriving within striking distance, David swung his de towards Ss''s head.

    The de traveled through the air at incredible speed, heading towards Ss, who just stood there motionless. When the de was only a few inches away, Ss sidestepped, and the de missed him by a hair''s breadth.

    Before David could retrieve his outstretched arm, he saw Ss shing his vicious ws towards him.

    Unable to react swiftly, the ws connected with his chest, drawing blood. David groaned in pain as he leaped a few steps back to create space.

    However, Ss didn''t relent. He closed the gap instantly and swung his ws towards David, who was still trying to recover from the first hit.

    When the ws were on the verge of making impact with his neck, Aisha fired an arrow that pierced right into his arm.

    There was not a single sound from Ss when the arrow pierced his arm, nor was there a single drop of blood.

    Ss no longer focused on David; his gaze was now fixed on the woman who had just shot him.

    He grabbed the arrow stuck in his arm and pulled it out before charging forward. Aisha''s heart skipped a beat as she saw Ss closing in on her. She readied another arrow and shot it towards Ss.

    Ss deflected the arrow with his ws and finally arrived in front of her. He then drove the arrow he had removed from his arm through her chest, piercing her heart.

    Blood trickled down from her mouth as her lifeless body fell to the floor.

    Ss shifted his gaze towards the two supporting members, and with a clean strike, he took off their heads.

    The whole chamber was now filled with blood, littered with the heads and bodies of the squad.

    David stood several meters away, disbelief evident on his face after witnessing Ss ughter his entire group in the blink of an eye.

    "What type of monster is this? Did the god mutant possess him instead of killing him? I''ve never heard of a mutant that could take over a human''s body. What the hell is happening?" David pondered internally, his heart racing, and cold sweat trickled down his face.

    The confidence he once had was gone after watching his group get killed, and all he felt now was nothing but fear. He shifted his gaze towards the door and contemted on running his life.

    "Running would be pointless. He would kill me before I even get to the door. What am I going to do?" David mused as Ss finally shifted his gaze towards him with a devilish look evident on his face.

    "I guess I have no other choice. I will have to fight. After all, I was elected to be the leader of this particr raid so it''s my duty to fight until the very end." David intoned as he clenched his de tightly in his right hand before charging forward while making a loud battle cry.

 Chapter 10: The mutant system

    David dashed forward, his de gripped tightly in his right hand, his gaze fixed intently on Ss. Arriving within striking distance, David shed his de horizontally towards Ss''s chest.

    The de traveled through the air at lightning speed, but just inches away from Ss, Ss swerved his body sideways, dodging the strikepletely.

    David quickly retrieved his outstretched arm and swung his de once more. Reacting swiftly, Ss moved in the opposite direction, and David ended up shing nothing but thin air.

    Before David could retrieve his outstretched arm, Ss shed his ws forward, tearing through David''s chest. Blood gushed from the wound, and the force of the strike pushed him several steps backward.

    "Argh!" David grunted in pain, cing his left hand on his chest to slow the bleeding. "Such speed and reflexes," David pondered internally before rolling his de and charging forward once more.

    When he was within striking distance, he swung his de, aiming for Ss''s chest. However, as he expected, Ss dodged the attack effortlessly.

    David attempted to swing his de again, but Ss grabbed it and broke it in half before he could retrieve it.

    Ss held onto the top half of the de, while David was left with the lower half.

    "Damn it. My only weapon is gone. How did he break a Grade 3 mutant de with his bare hand? Just who is this guy?" David screamed internally, his heart racing.

    He knew the fight was over the moment his sword was broken.

    "Please!" David pleaded as he dropped to his knees, bowing his head. "Please have mercy on me. I don''t know what came over me. I was only trying to prove to the Sirs that I was capable of dangerous raids. That''s why I had to use you for a sacrifice. Please forgive me and spare my life!" David begged, tears streaming down his cheeks and dropping onto the floor.

    Ss red at him coldly for several minutes before slowly walking towards him. He stood before David, his expression dark and menacing.

    David lifted his head slowly to face Ss standing before him. Ss gestured for him to rise and face him.

    "Is he going to spare me? I hope he does. And when he lowers his guard, I''m going to finish him off," David pondered internally as he rose to his feet as Ss ordered.

    David stood in front of Ss, and when he noticed Ss wasn''t doing anything other than ring at him, he attempted to plead once more. However, Ss stretched out his left hand and sunk his ws into David''s head. As his ws touched David''s head, a blue aura began leaving David''s body and entering Ss''s.

    The strange aura from David''s body continued to transfer to Ss, and as it did, David''s body slowly turned into solid ice.

    Ss finally let go of David''s head, and before David could utter a word, Ss ran his hand through David''s chest and grabbed his heart. David froze as he felt Ss grip his heart and pull it out.

    Blood poured from his chest like water as his lifeless body hit the cold, hard floor.

    Ss nced at the heart in his hand before tossing it onto the floor beside David.

    He stood there for a few moments before copsing and passing out instantly.

    ...

    A few moments passed, and Ss''s eyelids began to lift open as he slowly regained consciousness. He sat up, rubbing his spiky orange hair sluggishly.

    "What happened? Did I ck out?" Ss mused, scratching his head with a dumbfounded look.

    Thest thing he remembered was the system message informing him that he was going to run wild, and then he cked out.

    "What happened after I cked out? What does it mean that I will run wild?" Ss pondered until he finally caught a glimpse of his palms, and his eyes widened in terror.

    "Is that blood?" Ss voiced in shock as he swiftly rose to his feet and examined his palms closely. "It''s blood. Even my entire uniform is stained with blood," Ss blurted out as he examined his body and noticed the bloodstains.

    While struggling to understand what had happened, Ss''s eyes caught a glimpse of a figure lying beside him. Out of curiosity, Ss shifted his gaze, and his eyes widened in shock.

    He eximed and took several steps back, his heart racing.

    "That''s Mr. David. He''s dead. Wait, those are his group members. They''re all dead. They''re dead.

    They''re dead," Ss panicked as he nced around the area and saw several human heads scattered around, with David''s heart lying beside him.

    As Ss examined the area, struggling to figure out what had happened, a familiar chiming sound was heard, and a red holographic screen popped up in front of him.

    **DING**

    [You have sessfullypleted the first quest.]

    [Quest information: Kill the traitors and drain the soul of the leader.]

    [Reward: 50 experience points and 5 attribute points.]

    [Additional reward: A new skill.]

    [Skill name: Lightning Dash.]

    [Skill information: Once activated, the host can move at lightning speed for two seconds. A total of ten soul points is required for the skill.]

    Ss nced at the series of windows popping up in front of him, his expression dumbfounded.

    Even though he hardly understood what the message was about, he understood one thing.

    "I killed them," Ss muttered.

    The quest said to kill the traitors and extract the soul of the leader. The area was filled with the dead bodies of the squad, and the only person alive was Ss, who had blood on his hands.

    Even a toddler would instantly understand what happened here.

    "So the quest was for me to kill them? Eh? That''s why it was hidden. The system knew that if I knew what it was, I wouldn''t have done it. I know they tried to kill me, but that doesn''t mean I should pay them back with evil!" Ss voiced, his voice echoing throughout the area.

    But he noticed something.

    No matter how hard he tried to feel guilty or remorseful, he just couldn''t. Even though he had just murdered six people, he felt nothing inside.

    His emotions were nd and empty.

    Ss was the type of boy who would feel bad for stepping on an ant, but now he didn''t feel anything after killing five human beings.

    "What''s happening to me?" Ss wondered before shifting his attention back to the system. "Could it be because of this strange system? It mentioned something about evolution earlier. Maybe the more I evolve, the less human I be." Ss didn''t think too much about it as he began to study the rest of the information disyed on the screen.

    "Rewards: 50 experience points, 5 attribute points, a new skill? This is almost like the game I used to y. A game where the avatarpletes missions, gains experience points, and levels up." Ss''s eyes widened slightly with realization.

    "If this is like the game, then there should be a panel disying all my information, right?" Ss muttered, and the screen morphed into a new one. The red holographic screen hovering in front of him was different from the first.

    The size and length were greater than the previous one, and the information disyed was also different.

    [Name: Ss Griswold.]

    Race: Half-breed.

    Level: 0.

    Health: 100/100.

    Soul points: 100/100.

    **Attribute Panel:**

    Strength: 5.

    Speed: 5.

    Reflex: 5.

    Agility: 5.

    Intelligence: 10.

    [Avable attribute points to distribute: 5.]

    **Skill Panel:**

    Number One: Lightning Dash.]

    [Skill information: Once activated, the host can move at lightning speed for two seconds. A total of ten soul points is required for the skill.]n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    Ss nced at the screen in front of him, rubbing his chin.

    "It truly is like the game," Ss blurted after examining the screen.

    "If it''s like the game, then once I level up, I''ll get stronger? Haha, is this even real?" Ss doubted while stroking his chin.

    There has never been a case where someone could get stronger or awaken an ability like in a game.

    People wouldugh at him if he mentioned something like this.

    "I killed those guys. The system made me kill them. If it could make me run wild, then it means it''s real," Ss mused, his gaze fixed on the screen.

    "Ss Griswold getting stronger? I wonder what expression everyone will have when they realize the trash they once knew has climbed to the top and be the strongest," Ss grinned.

    He never thought a day woulde when he would be powerful. After the awakening ceremony, all his hopes and dreams were destroyed.

    A person with no mutant ability is destined to have a disastrous future. That''s how the current world works.

    Your future is determined by your power grade.

    However, things were starting to turn around for Ss.

    He shifted his gaze downward and nced at the attribute panel.

    "Hmm... five extra attribute points. If I ce them in my strength, I''ll definitely get stronger," Ss mused.

    "System, add all points to my strength!" Ss called out.

    A notification screen popped up beside the previous one.

    [Five points have been added to your strength.]

    [Strength is now a total of 10.]

 Chapter 11: Turtle Claw

    [Five points have been added to your strength.]

    [Strength is now a total of 10.]

    Ss nced at the notification as he stretched his body, but he still felt the same.

    There was no difference at all.

    "Strange. Did it even work? I still feel exactly the same." Ss frowned as he clenched his fist and punched the air.

    "I guess five points are not enough to make a big difference. Maybe if I get an additional twenty points, then I might feel different," Ss assumed before shifting his gaze back to the screen to examine the rest of it.

    "I was given one skill, Lightning Dash. I guess if I keep leveling up, I''ll unlock more skills," Ss pondered. "The Apex mutant is the only mutant who was able to use more than one mutant ability. Now that I am his host, I''ll definitely get other skills and abilities." Ss giggled before ncing at the description of the skill.

    "The skill isn''t half bad. Moving at lightning speed for the duration of 2 seconds would be valuable in a fight. However, what I don''t understand is the item required to use the skill. 10 soul points are required." Ss rubbed his chin before shifting his gaze back to the top of the screen where he could see his total amount of soul points.

    "What the hell is a soul point?" Ss pondered, and a familiar robotic voice sounded in his head.

    [Soul points are the total amount of soul you have in your body. Soul points are also necessary when you want to use any skill. When your soul points run down, you will receive a notification asking you to consume a soul before you run wild. If the soul points go below one percent, the host will run wild until a soul is consumed,] the system exined.

    Ss''s eyes widened slightly after hearing the exnation.

    "The quest Ipleted earlierˇŞit said to kill the traitors and extract the soul of the leader. I ran wild immediately after the quest began, and then I killed the whole group and extracted the soul of David?" Ss questioned, and the system gave a resounding answer.

    "So you''re saying if I fail to consume a soul and my soul points hit zero, I''ll ck out just like I did earlier and begin to ughter people?" Ss voiced out.

    [That''s why you need to do all you can to avoid running out of soul points. Make sure it stays at 100 percent all the time, and when it finally goes below 50, make sure you consume a soul as soon as possible to avoid running wild,] the system cautioned before going mute.

    Ss stood there in silence as he struggled to digest the words he had just heard. Just when he was jubnt that he finally got something good after so many years of suffering, this had to happen.

    He had be a monster that feeds on human souls to live.

    "How do I go about seeking people to consume their souls day in and day out to avoid running wild?" Ss wracked his brain as he grabbed his head out of frustration.

    He suddenly snapped out of his train of thought by a soft chiming sound, and a window screen popped up beside him.

    [Your second andst processing quest has arrived.]

    [Quest information: Kill the god of the realm.]

    [Rewards are shown and granted after the quest ispleted.]

    [Failure is death.]

    Ss nced at the screen in disbelief, and before he couldin, he heard thunderous footsteps meters away, causing him to shift his gaze towards the direction of the sound.

    As the footsteps echoed, the whole chamber shook. It felt like there was an earthquake.

    "Damn it. Damn it. It''sing. How on Earth am I supposed to fight a god mutant with no weapon?" Ss panicked before shifting his gaze towards one of the dead bodies and caught sight of a de.

    The de was owned by one of the members with a support mutant ability.

    Ss swiftly made his way towards the body and picked up the de. He got into a battle stance as he awaited the mutant.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    The thunderous footsteps grew louder until the mutant finally arrived at his location.

    The mutant was 8 feet tall, and it stood on two feet like a human. Its body was covered in hard scales, and a round shell could be seen behind it, like a turtle. Long ws that were the size of a katana de, and two glowing red eyes.

    Overall, it looked menacing, and just by ncing at it, Ss felt shivers run down his spine.

    While ncing at the mutant, Ss noticed a notification pop up above the mutant, disying some information about it.

    [Name: Turtle ws.]

    [Grade 5]

    [HP: 1000/1000.]

    Ss examined the information written boldly on the screen.

    "It''s a Grade 5. Damn it. Am I even strong enough to defeat a Grade 2 mutant, let alone a Grade 5? I am dead meat," Ss gulped down saliva, his heart racing.

    The mutant stared at its prey for a few moments before charging forward. Despite its huge size, it still moved at an incredible speed that even surprised Ss.

    The mutant arrived within striking distance and swung its ws down towards Ss. Ss caught sight of the vicious ws heading towards him from above, and at thest second, he leaped several meters backward, dodging the ws by a hair''s breadth.

    Ss performed a series of backflips to create a gap. He finally regained hisposure and got into a fighting stance.

    The mutant wasted no time and instantly charged towards Ss again. Ss braced himself as the mutant closed in on him and swung its ws down towards his head once more.

    This time, Ss reacted by lifting his de and stopping the iing ws midway.

    "Argh... wrong decision!" Ss cursed himself as the mutant began to apply pressure, aiming to overpower Ss and make him lower his de so the ws could tear through his head.

    Ss gritted his teeth as he struggled to keep up with the mutant''s strength. He noticed he was running out of energy, and if he continued like that, the ws would make impact. So, he used all his might to push the ws back up and leaped a few steps backward.

    Ss didn''t stop there. He swiftly closed the gap and swung his de towards the mutant''s exposed right side.

    .

 Chapter 12: Fighting the mutant

    Ss gritted his teeth as he struggled to match the mutant''s strength. He could feel his energy depleting, and if he continued like this, the ws would soon make contact. Summoning all his might, he pushed the ws upward and leaped several steps backward.

    Ss didn''t stop there. He swiftly closed the gap and swung his de toward the mutant''s exposed right side.

    *CLANG!*

    Upon impact, a loud nging echoed throughout the chamber. The sensation Ss felt was akin to striking solid metal.

    "Curse these tough scales!" he muttered, leaping back once more to create distance and n his next attack.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    But before he could catch his breath, the mutant charged forward. In the blink of an eye, it closed in and shed its vicious ws toward him.

    Ss''s eyes widened in terror as the ws hurtled toward him at incredible speed. At thest second, he raised his de to block the attack.

    *CLANG!*

    *BAM!*

    Though he managed to block it, the sheer force of the mutant''s blow sent Ss flying backward. He crashed into a pir and fell face-first onto the floor.

    "Argh... ugh..." Ss groaned in pain. He felt several bones shatter upon impact, but for some reason, the pain vanished within seconds, and the broken bones mended themselves.

    *DING!*

    [Passive skill: Super Fast Healing has taken care of your injuries.]

    [-10 Soul Points]

    [Soul Points: 90/100]

    Notifications popped up before Ss as he wondered what had just happened to his injuries.

    "Passive skill... I see," he mused, his gaze fixed on the screen floating in front of him. "This wasn''t listed among my skills earlier. I guess the system only disys active skills, while passive ones are hidden."

    In the games he used to y, characters had both active and passive skills.

    Active skills required the yer''s input to activate, while passive skills didn''t need attention. They would automatically trigger when certain conditions were metˇŞlike when a character''s HP dropped below a specific threshold, and a passive healing ability would kick in to restore health.

    "This passive skill is definitely useful. The only issue is the insane amount of soul points it consumes."

    The system had already warned him about what would happen if he ran out of soul pointsˇŞand how he would need to restore them.

    The thought of running around the academy, looking for souls to consume, made him sick.

    "I''ll have to try my best not to get injured," Ss mused, eyeing the Turtle w mutant as it prepared for another attack. "But can I even win this fight without getting hurt? Honestly, I''m not even sure if I''ll make it out alive."

    Ss gulped as he took up a fighting stance, fully recovered from his injuries. All he had was a worn de from a dead staff member and the martial arts techniques he''d learned at the academy.

    Ever since failing to awaken a mutant ability, Ss had focused on martial arts training. Maybe if he learned enough, he could join a lower-tier guild and earn a few tokensˇŞbetter than being jobless and dying without purpose.

    But could a battered de and martial arts skills really defeat a Grade Five god of the Realm?

    *THUD! THUD!*

    The chamber shook as the mutant charged forward, its thunderous footsteps echoing through the space.

    Ss gripped his de tightly, took a deep breath, and charged toward the mutant.

    As he neared striking distance, the mutant shed its ws toward him. Ss, reacting swiftly, sidestepped, narrowly dodging the attack by mere centimeters. He continued his advance, closing the gap.

    "Die!" Ss screamed at the top of his lungs, swinging his de with all his might at the mutant''s body.

    The de sped forward, but when it made contact, Ss''s eyes widened in disbelief. The de shattered on impact.

    The top half of the de exploded into millions of pieces, leaving Ss with nothing but the hilt.

    "What the hellˇŞ?" Before he could finish, a sharp pain shot through his back as the mutant''s ws shed him from behind, sending him flying once again.

    He crashed through three pirs before finally mming into a wall, crumpling to the ground.

    [You have been injured.]

    [-30 HP]

    Ss clenched his teeth in pain, struggling to rise. Blood poured from his back, staining the floor beneath him.

    As expected, the pain disappeared a few secondster, and the bleeding stopped as his body healedpletely.

    [Passive skill: Super Fast Healing has taken care of your injuries.]

    [-10 Soul Points]

    A holographic screen appeared before Ss, and his attention fixed on the number of Soul Points remaining.

    "Only eighty soul points left, and that bastard doesn''t have a scratch on it," Ss cursed internally, his heart pounding.

 Chapter 13: You have slain the mutant

    "Only eighty soul points left, and the bastard is still standing tall." Ss pondered internally, his gaze fixed on the Turtle mutant standing several meters away from him.

    Ss knew fully well that he wasn''t capable of defeating a Grade 5 mutant, especially the god of the realm. However, he hoped that with his newfound strength, he would at least hold it off until help arrived. He was sure the academy would send more staff to the realm if they noticed the raid hadn''t beenpleted within the usual time.

    And when help finally arrived, and they were busy with the mutant, he would stick around so he couldnd the final blow and fulfill his quest.

    However, with the way things were going, Ss wasn''t sure if he would still be alive when help finally arrived.N?v(el)B\\jnn

    "What''s the point of saving the soul points if I''m going to die without using them?" Ss mused, shifting his gaze toward the window screen floating beside him. "Lightning Dash increases my speed for a duration of two seconds. Within that time, I should be able tond a solid hit on it."

    [Skill: Lightning Dash has been activated]

    [-10 soul points]

    Without wasting any time, Ss activated the skill.

    Once the skill was activated, the whole area seemed to freeze, and time itself seemed to have stopped. The dust particles flying around in the air froze, and the mutant that had been charging forward at an incredible speed was now traveling at a pace simr to that of a snail.

    The whole scene was a bit surprising to Ss, but he knew he had no time to be amazed by it. Seizing the opportunity, he dashed forward and headed toward the mutant.

    Arriving within striking distance, Ss dropped the half-de, clenched his fists tightly, then leaped a few meters into the air. He joined his fists together and brought them down like a hammer toward the bastard''s head.

    BAM!

    Ss''s fists collided neatly with the mutant''s head, but there was no reaction from it.

    "What the hell? My fists... they''re broken!" Ss clenched his teeth in pain and leaped a few steps backward to create some distance and recover. "Those scales... is there even a way to prate them?" Ss pondered internally as he waited for his broken fists to heal.

    While he waited patiently, he examined the mutant, who was surprisingly still standing several meters away from him.

    "The whole body is covered in tough scales. I need to find a part that isn''t." Ss mused, and when his fists werepletely healed, he prepared himself for another sprint.

    "What the..." Ss''s eyes widened in shock as he caught sight of the mutant''s eyes glowing bright red. In the blink of an eye, a redser beam shot out and headed toward him.

    ZAP!

    Ss, who hadn''t expected such an attack, was caught off guard. Theser beam sent him flying several meters backward until he crashed into a pir and fell to the floor.

    [Soul points: 50/100]

    Ss punched the floor before picking himself up. The injuries from theser were gone, but Ss wasn''t bothered by the amount of soul points it had cost him, because his attention was now fixed on something else.

    "The eyes." Ss grinned, his gaze fixed on the bloodthirsty eyes of the bastard. "The only part of the body with no scales is the eyes. How did I not notice this earlier?"

    "If I can seed in piercing the eyes, it should be game over for it." Ss crouched slightly before shooting out like a rocket after activating his skill.

    In less than a second, he arrived at the spot where he had dropped the de, broken in half, and picked it up.

    ZAP!

    The skill, Lightning Dash, deactivated after two seconds, and the mutant shot anotherser beam toward Ss. Expecting the attack this time, Ss had enough time to dodge.

    He reacted by swerving his body to the side, dodging the beampletely. Before Ss could catch his breath, the mutant shot out two beams from different angles, both heading toward him.

    Reacting quickly, Ss sidestepped, dodging the first beam by a hair''s breadth. He shifted his gaze toward the second beam, and when it was only a few centimeters away, Ss ducked low, letting the beam pass over him.

    [Skill: Lightning Dash has been activated]

    Without wasting any time, Ss activated the skill and charged forward. He crouched slightly before leaping several meters into the air, high above the mutant.

    With the lower half of the de gripped firmly in both hands, Ss brought it down on the mutant''s left eye.

    The de sank into the eye, causing green blood to stter all around. What followed was a deafening screech from the mutant. Ss swiftly pulled out the de and stabbed the eye again.

    "DIE!" he screamed at the top of his lungs, repeatedly plunging the de into the mutant''s left eye. His whole face and uniform were soon covered in green blood, and the ground beneath them was slick with it.

    He finally pulled the de from the left eye and repeated the process on the second eye.

    [Soul points: 40/100]

    [Soul points: 30/100]

    Ss made sure to activate Lightning Dash to keep the mutant sluggish while he kept stabbing the eyes over a hundred times. He continued piercing the eyes, screaming at the top of his lungs, until he finally received the notification he had been waiting for.

    [Congrattions, you have in the god of the realm]

    [Congrattions, you havepleted thest processing quest]

    Ssnded gracefully on the floor after receiving the notification. The mutant stood tall for a few moments before copsing, and the entire chamber shook as its gigantic body hit the floor.

 Chapter 14: Level up X 20

    [Congrattions, you have in the god of the realm]

    [Congrattions, you havepleted thest processing quest]

    Ssnded back gracefully on the floor after receiving the notification. The mutant stood tall for a few moments before dropping dead, and the whole chamber shook the moment the gigantic body hit the floor.

    "That was... close." He leaned his hands on his knees, panting heavily with cold sweat trickling down his face. "I can''t believe I defeated a Grade 5 mutant. Usually, it would take a whole squad to kill it, but I did it all on my own. On top of that, I did it with a Grade 3 mutant de and no mutant gear."

    Ss was now feeling a bit proud of what had just happened. Grade 5 is the highest and most powerful grade in the set of numerical mutants. Numerical mutants are mutants identified by the numbers of their power grades.

    However, there are certain types of mutants that go beyond Grade 5. These types are often found in Special Grade Realms or Advanced Realms.

    These types of mutant realms are only raided by a full team of Grade 5 mutant ability users, and at least twenty people should be on the team. Any team with fewer than twentyrades will only meet a disastrous end.

    The items found in these types of realms are very rare and are sold to the highest bidder. The mutants in the realm drop valuable items that can be crafted into weapons or consumed by those who wish to upgrade their mutant grade.

    These items are called Energy Pills.

    But for Ss, he didn''t care if there were still whole sets of powerful mutants above the one he just killed. As long as he had just in a Grade 5 mutant, one that would take a full squad to kill, he was content with it.

    "I guess the increase in strength worked after all," Ssmented as he nced at his clenched fist. He remembered adding his five attribute points to his strength earlier before the sh.

    He thought the attribute points didn''t work because he felt no different from his regr self, but in the end, he realized that he had gotten stronger...strong enough to defeat a Grade 5 mutant.

    "If I can get really strong by adding just 5 points to strength, I wonder just how strong I''ll be if I add ten or twenty." The thought of that alone made Ss grin, and his heart raced with excitement.

    He couldn''t wait to get back to the mutant academy and show those who looked down on him that he was no longer the same guy they knew. Also, with his newfound strength, getting into a nice guild shouldn''t be a problem in the future.

    Ss stood there, daydreaming about his future with his fingers rubbing his chin, but his thoughts were interrupted by a soft chiming sound.

    Ding*

    [Your reward has arrived.]

    [Since youpleted both quests, here are your rewards]

    [20 attribute points]

    [10 attribute points]

    [Level up X 20]

    [A Grade 2 mutant chest piece armor has been added to your arsenal]

    [A Grade 2 mutant scythe has been added to your arsenal]

    [A Grade 2 mutant leg armor has been added to your arsenal]

    [You have unlocked a new active skill]

    [Active skill: Soul ws: User is able to shoot out a strange type of w from the tip of their fingers once the skill is activated. (A total of one soul point is required for it)]

    _________

    Ss scanned through the notification screen floating in front of him. His eyes widened in shock, and his jaw almost dropped to the floor.

    "What the hell? I knew I expected a juicy reward... but... but... but all of this?" He gulped down saliva while ncing at the screen.

    To make sure what he was seeing was real, Ss had to rub his eyes twice before shifting his gaze back to it.

    "Nah, this must be a trick or something," he assumed before dismissing the screen and calling out the main system screen that disyed all his stats.

    [Name: Ss Griswold.]

    [Race: Half-breed.]

    [Level: 20.]

    [Health: 100/100.]

    [Soul points: 30/100.]

    **Attribute Panel:**

    [Strength: 10.]

    [Speed: 5.]

    [Reflex: 5.]

    [Agility: 5.]

    [Intelligence: 10.]

    [Avable attribute points to distribute: 30.]

    **Skill Panel:**

    [Lightning Dash: Increases speed for a duration of two seconds. A total of ten soul points is required.]

    [Active skill: Soul ws: User is able to shoot out a strange type of w from the tip of their fingers once the skill is activated. (A total of one soul point is required for it.)]

    **Arsenal:**

    [Chest piece armor (Grade 2).]

    [Leg piece (Grade 2).]

    [Scythe (Grade 2).]

    ------------------------------

    Ss examined the screen with his fingers rubbing his chin, "The rewards are real, I see."

    "Getting such an insane amount of level-ups for just two quests is crazy," Ss blurted.

    In the games he used to y, the characters only leveled up once per quest, and the rewards he got were based on the difficulty of the quest. But for some reason, he had leveled up twenty times for justpleting two quests.

    "Well, whatever. I don''t really care about that. All that matters is that I get stronger." Ss then dismissed the thought as he shifted his gaze toward the attribute panel.

    "30 attribute points, eh?" A huge grin stretched across his face as he nced at the number of points he had.

    "Now, how do I distribute the points? If I ce all the points in strength, the rest will becking. I can''t put all my eggs in one basket, so I''ll just distribute it like... this..."

    [Strength + 10.]

    [Agility + 10.]

    [Speed + 5.]

    [Reflex + 5.]

    Upon adding all points to his attributes, Ss felt a burning sensation travel through his entire body, and it felt like his whole organs was set on fire. It wasn''t really painful, and in less than a second, the feeling vanished.

    RUMBLE!n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

    Before Ss could check his body and confirm if there were any changes, the whole chamber shook, and he fell to the floor. Debris began to fall here and there, and the whole ce was now filled with dust.

    "Shit... the realm is copsing!" Ss eximed, his eyes widening in terror.

 Chapter 15: Collapsing

    **RUMBLE!**

    Before Ss could check his body and confirm if there were any changes, the whole chamber shook, and he fell to the floor. Debris began to fall here and there, and the whole ce was now filled with dust.

    "Shit... the realm is copsing!" Ss eximed, his eyes widening in terror. He scanned the whole chamber, his heart pounding in his chest as he pondered how to get the hell out of there.

    Once the god of a realm is killed, the realm copses after a few minutes. Ss knew this, but he had gotten carried away by the system and its rewards.

    "What do I do? What do I do?" he screamed internally while ncing around the ce that was now copsing. He shifted his gaze upward and caught sight of a gigantic pir descending towards him at incredible speed.

    Reacting swiftly, Ss leaped to the side, dodging the pir by a hair''s breadth. He then began to dash toward the door he hade in through. As Ss ran toward the door, he clenched his right fist tightly, and when he arrived directly in front of it, he threw his fist forward with all his might.

    **BAM!**

    A loud banging sound echoed through the whole chamber as the door was sent flying instantly. Ss wasted no time and dashed outside the chamber, continuing to run forward.

    The only way out of a chamber was through a portable portal or the same gate they had entered from. Ss remembered where the gate was located, but based on the distance, it would take him hours to get there.

    He still had to climb down the damn mountains, and that alone would take him nothing less than an hour.

    "The realm will definitely copse before then! I''m not going to make it!" Ss screamed internally while running forward, trying to maintain bnce as the whole ce shook uncontrobly.

    Ss kept running until he suddenly halted his steps after catching sight of a figure standing a few meters away from him.

    "Damn... a mutant?!" He gulped down saliva after scanning the figure.

    It was a five-foot-tall mutant standing on all fours. The mutant''s head was tiny, no bigger than the fist of a newborn child, while its body was huge. Its ws were the length of a katana de, and its eyes glowed eerily.

    [Name: Tyrax Mutant]

    [Grade 2]

    While ncing at the mutant, a notification popped up above it. Ss nced at the notification, and when he saw the grade of the creature, a huge grin stretched across his face.

    "Grade 2? Tsk." He clicked his tongue confidently.

    The mutant red at Ss for a few moments before charging forward on all fours like a wolf. When it arrived within striking distance, it leaped into the air, heading towards Ss from above.

    Ss swiftly sidestepped, dodging the mutant''s ws by mere centimeters. After sessfully evading the strike, he clenched his fist and countered with a punch.

    **BAM!**

    Ss''s fist collided with the mutant''s tiny head, and the force behind the hit sent it flying backward. Ss waited patiently for it to rise back up and attack... but after a few moments, there was still no movement from the creature.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    "Hmm..." he mused as he made his way toward it to examine it. He dropped to one knee to inspect the mutant.

    The tiny head of the mutant seemed to have burst open like a balloon, and green blood was seeping out of it.

    "Well, what do you know? A single punch was enough to take down the bastard," Ss mused while inspecting the mutant''s battered head.

    Ss needed no one to tell him that it was the extra points he had added to his strength earlier that made it possible to take down the mutant with a single blow. If his points had still been at 10, it would have taken him at least five or seven strikes to y the creature.

    [Congrattions, you have in a Tyrax.]

    [Level up X 5.]

    [5 attribute points.]

    A notification popped up in front of Ss while he was busy examining the mutant, but he swiftly dismissed the screen and rose to his feet. He was in a critical situation and didn''t have time to scan through the system.

    He finally arrived at the edge of the mountain and stood there, ncing around the realm. From where he stood, he could see the entire realm falling apart, and the mutants that were still alive were being killed one by one by gigantic rocks falling everywhere.

    "Shit... what do I do? In less than ten minutes, this whole ce could copse." Ss gulped down saliva, his whole uniform drenched in sweat.

    As Ss was busy wracking his brain on how to save his skin, he saw a round blue light appear beside him, and a whirring sound could be heard. The swirling, blue glow of the portal was a stark contrast to the fading light of the realm.

    A few momentster, a circr portal formed, and three individuals emerged from it. They were all d in shiny blue armor and armed with high-grade mutant weapons.

    The group consisted of two men and a woman. The woman seemed to be in herte twenties, with long silver hair tied up in a ponytail, and her body was quite alluring.

    The woman, known as Kara, swiftly made her way toward the teenage boy.

    Ss let out a sigh of relief after catching sight of the group, and when he attempted to walk toward them, Kara pulled out a giant de, pointing it at Ss, with the tip only a few inches away from his neck.

    Ss''s heart skipped a beat, and he halted his steps instantly.

    "Stay back!" Kara ordered, her voice cold and menacing.

 Chapter 16: Missing

    "Stand back!" Karamanded, her imposing mutant de leveled at Ss''s throat. Ss swallowed hard, his feet halting abruptly as he instinctively raised his hands above his head.

    He recognized the faces of the group that had just arrived.

    The woman standing before him was Kara. She was a Grade 5 wind ability user and held a prestigious position at the academy, which garnered her immense respect from both students and faculty.

    But if they were from the academy, why were they brandishing weapons at him?

    "Umˇ­ Mrs. Kara, I''m Ss Griswold, a student from the Arc 3 mutant academy. I''m not a mutant," Ss stammered, finally mustering the courage to speak.

    "I''m well aware of who you are, Ss. Your uniform alone is enough to indicate you''re a student of the Arc 3 mutant academy," Kara responded, her voice crisp and unwavering.

    "Then why the weapons?" Ss asked, his tone tinged with confusion.

    "The academy''s radar has shown that the entire squad sent here has been eliminated. We were tracking them through their skill slots, but now they''re all inactiveˇŞmeaning they''re dead," Kara dered, her voice resonating with authority. "All of them, except you, Ss."

    Ss''s heart thudded against his chest at her words, and he strained to maintain aposed expression, desperately hoping to avoid suspicion.

    If the academy discovered that he had killed the entire squad, it would raise questions, and eventually, he''d be in serious trouble.

    "I have no idea what happened. I guess I''m just lucky," he muttered, after a long pause.

    "Lucky?" Kara echoed with an arched brow, shifting her gaze toward the two men standing behind her. "You twoˇŞgo and retrieve the bodies of our fallenrades. Move swiftly; we''ve got less than five minutes before this ce copses," she ordered.

    The duo responded with synchronized nods before speeding off, their movement leaving a faint trail of red lightning behind them.

    Within seconds, they reached the dimly lit chamber and began their search without hesitation.

    "My God," one of them gasped, his eyes widening in shock as he spotted Aisha''s lifeless body lying in a pool of blood, with two severed heads lying beside her.

    The chamber was drenched in blood, bodies strewn haphazardly across the floor. Debris and fallen pirs cluttered the space, and more debris continued to fall as the chamber copsed further.

    "What in the world happened here?" the second staff member,rger and more muscr than hispanion, muttered as he knelt beside David''s body to examine it.

    "Do you think the god of this realm was responsible?" he asked, his eyes lingering on both the corpse of the mutant and the bodies of their fallenrades.

    "They had enough strength to defeat the mutant had they fought together. Furthermore, the mutant''s blood is still fresh, while the blood of ourrades has long since dried. It''s clear they died far before the mutant," the smaller staff member exined, his voice echoing eerily throughout the chamber.

    "This is puzzling. If they were indeed killed by the god of the realm, then who, or what, killed the mutant? Thest I checked, the god of the realm is the most powerful mutant in any mutant realm, so we can''t assume another mutant did it," the smaller staff member articted, his tone reflecting the gravity of the situation.

    "We don''t have the luxury of time to figure this out. I''ll carve out the valuable body parts from the dead mutant. You take ourrades'' bodies back to the academy," the muscr staff member instructed, producing a knife and beginning to slice off the mutant''s vicious ws.

    Woosh!

    Woosh!

    Woosh!

    As he worked meticulously, extracting the mutant''s valuable parts, the other staff member swiftly transported their fallenrades'' bodies back to the academy. Within moments, he had secured the bodies, and the muscr man finished carving out the necessary body parts.

    He packed the items into his bag before speeding out of the crumbling chamber.

    Woosh!n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    He returned to the spot where he had left Kara and Ss. Kara was still holding her de at Ss, who remained frozen in ce, his hands in the air, his uniform now soaked in sweat.

    "All done, Mrs. Kara. I''ve retrieved all the body parts," the man whispered into her ear.

    "And what of the artifact? Did you find it?" Kara inquired in a low tone, careful not to let the young boy overhear.

    "There wasn''t enough time to search the entire chamber. However, our advanced tracker couldn''t detect its raw energy anymore. It appears the artifact has already been taken," the man whispered back, and Kara''s eyes widened slightly in disbelief.

    ''Who could have imed it?'' she wondered, her eyes drifting back to Ss.

    She stared at him for several moments before finally lowering her de.

    "Let''s move. We need to get out of here," Karamanded, gesturing for Ss to step forward.

    Ss hesitated briefly, then began walking toward the portal and leaped through. The moment he entered, he disappeared from sight.

    The muscr staff member also stepped through the portal, vanishing from the realm. Kara, however, remained, scanning the surrounding area with a watchful eye.

    ''The entire squad is dead, and yet the artifact is missing?'' she mused, her eyes narrowing as she scrutinized the dimly lit chamber.

    ''Who could have taken it? Whoever did must have awakened the power of the Apex Mutant.''

    ''Could it have been Ss Griswold? He''s the sole survivor, while the others perished. If the artifact is gone, then surely he''s the one who took it and harnessed its power. And yet, the way he looked, the fear in his eyesˇŞit''s hard to believe he could have awakened the most powerful ability in mutant history.''

    ''Or maybe he did and he''s pretending to be scared. I''ll have to question him and also keep a close eye on him. If truly he awakened the ability then he has the power to wipe out the entire continent.''

    Kara pondered internally before stepping into the portal and vanishing.

 Chapter 17: Questioning

    Zwin!

    Ss materialized within the expansive portal room, the very one he had left not too long ago. The difference now, however, was that the room was teeming with people.

    Staff members were stationed everywhere, and among them stood Sir Dominic, one of the Sir Four of the academy.

    Sir Dominic was an imposing figure, standing at six feet tall with a physique reminiscent of a bodybuilder. His short ck hair was neatly cropped, and he was dressed in a crisp brown suit and tie, a skill slot strapped around his waist, glowing with five purple bars. His expression was unreadable, making it impossible to discern whether he was pleased or furious.

    Ss surveyed the room, immediately guessing the reason for Sir Dominic''s presence.

    For someone of Sir Dominic''s stature to leave his office ande down here meant only one thing: something significant had transpired.

    ''They must''ve heard about the missing artifact. Damn it, they better not detect that I possess its power. I need to keep this hidden for now,'' Ss thought, his heart pounding with anxiety.

    As he stood silently, Kara and the muscr staff members emerged from the portal, and the blue light of the gateway flickered out of existence.

    Sir Dominic wasted no time. The moment his eyesnded on Kara, he strode toward her with urgency. "What happened in there? I''ve seen the bodies of our staffˇŞwhat exactly went wrong?" His voice was deep,manding, and it filled the room.

    "We don''t have a clear answer. By the time we arrived, we found nothing but bodies and blood. The only survivor is this boy, Ss Griswold," Kara replied, her gaze locking onto Ss, who stood silently in front of her.

    At Kara''s response, Sir Dominic turned his sharp gaze toward Ss, scrutinizing him from head to toe. Disdain was etched into his rugged face.

    "What was a worthless nobody with no active skill slot doing in a Grade 5 realm?" Sir Dominic spat, his voiceced with anger, sending a ripple of fear through the staff present in the room.

    Ss remainedposed, unmoving. Though he was panicking internally, on the verge of sheer terror, he somehow maintained a calm fa?adeˇŞsomething that surprised even him.

    "Thest member of the squad fell illst night, and since the other staff members were upied with raids or teaching, the squad leader made the decision to take a student along. His only job was to carry their supplies, nothing more," Kara exined respectfully, her eyes cast downward, unwilling to meet Sir Dominic''s gaze.

    "He needed a student, and he couldn''t find at least a Grade 4 student? What possible use could trash like this be? Even if his only task was to carry supplies, he''s still a liabilityˇŞa powerless boy with no active skill slot. He should never have been part of such a dangerous mission!" Sir Dominic''s voice boomed through the room, causing the tension to escte.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

    His focus returned to Ss as he took several deliberate steps toward him. "I remember you," Sir Dominic said, his voice low yet sharp. "You''re the same boy who was brought to my office for dealing hard drugs. You sell drugs to earn extra Tokens, don''t you?" he asked pointedly.

    Ss nodded in affirmation.

    "The Tokens you made from dealing drugs weren''t enough for you, were they? Is that why you volunteered for the raid? Tell meˇŞwhat exactly do you need so many Tokens for? The academy already provides you with food and shelter. We even offer you basic mutant weapons. So, what more do you need?" Sir Dominic asked, his voice rising with each question, resonating throughout the room.

    "The Grade 1 mutant weapons and armor we receive are insufficient. As you know, I don''t have any abilities of my own, so I''m forced to rely on mutant armor and weapons. That''s why I need every single Token I can get, to afford decent gear," Ss exined, his tone steady and measured, his gaze unwavering as he looked up at Sir Dominic.

    Mutant armor was far from ordinary. These armors amplified the wearer''s speed and strength considerably.

    For example, a person wearing Grade 5 mutant armor would see their strength and speed increased tenfold, allowing them to move faster than a regr human while reducing the damage they took in battle.

    People who hadn''t awakened a high-grade mutant ability typically relied on mutant armors and weapons to hold their own in high-grade mutant realms.

    However, such equipment came with exorbitant price tags, only affordable by the wealthy, while the less fortunate had to make do with scraps.

    This was why Ss had been working tirelessly at the academyˇŞsaving up as much as he could, hoping to one day purchase gear that would help him survive future raids.

    "All right, Ss, I understand your situation. I don''t me you for joining the squad; it wasn''t entirely your fault," Sir Dominic bellowed. "What I don''t understand is howˇŞof all the people who entered that realmˇŞyou, the weakest of them all, are the only one to return alive."

    "There were at least two Grade 4s on that team, and possibly a Grade 3 as well, but they all died. Yet here you are, a boy with no skill slot, no mutant ability, and no mutant armor. Care to exin what happened?" Sir Dominic demanded, his voice taking on a far more serious edge.

    Ss swallowed hard, his pulse racing as if it were trying to break free from his chest.

    What was he supposed to say? He knew the truthˇŞthe entire group had died because of him. He had killed them all during his uncontrolled rampage.

    Although he hadn''t been in control of himself at the time, it didn''t change the fact that their deaths were on his hands. How could he exin what had happened without incriminating himselfˇŞand without revealing that he now possessed the powers of the Apex Mutant?

 Chapter 18: System interface

    "MutantsˇŞthey attacked. I was told to run and hide, which I did. By the time I came back, they were all dead," Ss finally spoke, breaking the heavy silence after several tense minutes.

    "Run and hide, huh?" Sir Dominic echoed, a sneer creeping into his voice. "That''s exactly what I''d expect from trash like you." He turned away dismissively and began walking towards the exit.

    "It''s clear this boy knows nothing. He was too busy hiding, as expected. Without a skill slot, there''s no way he could''ve killed the squad or defeated the god of the realm. We''re wasting time interrogating him," Dominic concluded as he neared the exit.

    "And what about the artifact?" Kara interjected just before Sir Dominic could leave. Her voice, though calm, held a weight that stopped him in his tracks. He turned back slowly, a calcting look in his eyes.

    "We couldn''t detect any raw energy from the artifact when we arrived. There''s no trace of it left. It''s gone. Someone or something took it."

    Dominic''s jaw clenched in barely restrained fury. "Gone?" he repeated, his gaze locking onto Kara from across the room.

    "Yes, sir," Kara affirmed audibly.

    "And you''re certain no one else entered the realm apart from the squad?" he pressed.

    "The squad was the only group that went through the portal. I personally ensured that." Kara nodded. "There''s a possibility one of the squad members retrieved it, but was killed before they could report back," she spected.

    Dominic''s eyes narrowed as they once again shifted to Ss, ring at him from head to toe. Ss looked weak, almost sickly. How could someone so physically frail have obtained an artifact of such power? If he had, surely his appearanceˇŞand his auraˇŞwould radiate some kind of almighty presence, right?

    "We''ve been hunting for that artifact for years," Dominic began, his voice tight with anger, "and when we finally get close, you carelessly let it slip through your fingers?" His words were directed at Kara, though she wasn''t at fault.

    Dominic knew this, but he needed someone to vent his frustration onˇŞand Kara was a convenient target.

    "We''ll examine the bodies and see if we can find anything. If one of them did obtain the artifact, we''ll figure out who and extract it," Kara muttered, her head still bowed.

    "You''d better," Dominic growled, before storming out of the room, leaving an oppressive silence in his wake.

    As the door closed behind him, Ss let out a long, relieved sigh, wiping the sweat from his forehead with the sleeve of his shirt.

    "Head back to your dorm, Ss. We''ll call for you if we need anything," Kara instructed, her voice soft but firm.

    Ss nodded and exited the portal room, making his way down the dimly lit hallway. As he walked, he nced down at his smartwatch to see if he had missed any notifications.

    "Come deliver this goody as soon as possible, shithead." Ss read through the barrage of messages he had missed while on the mission.

    There were a total of eight unread messages, all from the same sender.

    "Didn''t this idiot know I was on a raid? Why''s he pestering me now?" Ss muttered to himself. Unlike before, he wasn''t panicking about missing their texts.

    "They''ll probably try to punish me for not showing up, but we''ll see how that goes." Ss couldn''t help but grin as he turned off his smartwatch. "Maybe I''ll even get a few level-ups and some decent rewards out of it."

    After a few minutes of walking, he reached his dorm. The door was wide open, and from where he stood, Ss could see that the inside was a disaster zone.

    The beds were flipped over, his clothes were scattered everywhere, and the floor was drenched in water. Ss stepped inside, his expression twisting into a frown.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

    "What the hell happened in here?"

    As he scanned the chaotic room, his eyes fell on a piece of paper pinned to the wall. Written on it in bold letters was a single message:

    **"You''re dead meat, Ss Griswold."**

    Ss didn''t need to guess who had left the threat. He ripped the note off the wall, crumpled it, and tossed it into the trash. Without bothering to clean up the mess, he flipped his bed back over andy down.

    He had more important things on his mind.

    As Ss settled onto his bed, a holographic screen materialized before his eyes, floating in the air.

    **----------------------**

    **[Name: Ss Griswold.]**

    **[Race: Half-breed.]**

    **[Level: 25.]**

    **[Health: 100/100.]**

    **[Soul points: 30/100.]**

    **Attribute Panel:**

    **[Strength: 25.]**

    **[Speed: 10.]**

    **[Reflex: 10.]**

    **[Agility: 15.]**

    **[Intelligence: 10.]**

    **[Avable attribute points to distribute: 0.]**

    **Skill Panel:**

    **[Lightning Dash: Increases speed for two seconds. Costs 10 soul points.]**

    **[Active Skill: Soul ws: Allows the user to shoot a unique w from the tips of their fingers. Costs 1 soul point.]**

    **Arsenal:**

    **[Chest piece armor (Grade 2).]**

    **[Leg piece armor (Grade 2).]**

    **[Scythe (Grade 2).]**

    **----------------------**

    Ss rubbed his chin, disbelief in his eyes as he scanned the screen.

    "What I really wanted to check was the armor listed in my arsenal," he muttered. "A Grade 2 scythe, chest piece, and leg armor... If I''m not mistaken, these items cost thousands of Tokens. And I have them just like that?"

    It seemed unreal.

    For years, Ss had been saving every Token he could, hoping to afford at least a Grade 2 or 3 set of armor to boost his chances of surviving future raids. Now, here he was, staring at the equipment on the screen, waiting for him to equip it.

    "I seriously need to test this out, see if it''s legit." Ss whispered to himself before shifting his attention back to the screen.

    Just as he was about to delve deeper, the interface morphed, revealing a new message that made his heart skip a beat.

    **[Your soul points are critically low.]**

    **[Consume a soul to restore points before the countdown begins.]**

    Ss bolted upright, his eyes wide. "Wait.. What the hell?"

 Chapter 19: Scapegoat

    [Your soul points are critically low.]

    [Consume a soul to restore points before the countdown begins.]

    Ss bolted upright, his eyes wide. "What the hell?"

    The notification he had desperately hoped to avoid now hovered ominously before him.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    "What the hell does this mean? I still have 30 soul points left. I''ve been careful not to drop below that, so why is it considered low?" Ss voiced aloud, his tone a mixture of frustration and shock.

    During his battle with the God of the Realm mutant, he had realized that without using the skill he''d unlocked, he would undoubtedly perish. Engaging such a powerful mutant in his weakened state, especially armed with a broken de, was a death sentence. That''s why Ss had resorted to using his active skill, *Lightning Dash*.

    *Lightning Dash* consumed 10 soul points per use, but Ss had calcted that as long as he didn''t deplete all his points, he wouldn''t lose control.

    Or so he had thought.

    Now, however, the system had proven him wrong. Even though he still had 30 soul points remaining, the dreaded notification had appeared.

    "System, exin to me what''s happeningˇŞright now!" Ss demanded, his face slick with sweat and his heart pounding in his chest.

    The system responded with silence.

    "Of course. Just as I thought. What a useless piece of crap!" Ss snapped, getting off the bed and beginning to pace the room. His gaze remained fixed on the translucent window screen before him, his fingers absently rubbing his chin.

    "I''ll have to figure this out myself," Ss muttered, scrutinizing the notification carefully. "It seems like this is just a reminderˇ­ A warning about the countdown. And when that countdown ends, I''ll lose control if I haven''t consumed a soul."

    He furrowed his brow. "If it''s a reminder, I wonder how much time I have left before the countdown starts."

    The idea of draining someone''s soulpletely repulsed him. Worse, he had no idea how to even go about it. Thest time he''d consumed a soul, he hadn''t been in control of his body, so the memory was hazy at best.

    "Maybe when the timees, the system will guide me through the process," Ss mused, his expression contemtive. "Either way, there''s no escaping this. It''s part of me now. I''ll have to find a scapegoat, lure them somewhere isted, and do what needs to be done. Because if I go berserk, I might end up killing hundreds of students, and the academy would send me to the Iron Barrows for cleansing.

    It''s safer to absorb a soul now, to prevent that from happening."

    Ss concluded grimly, dismissing the screen and falling back onto his bed. Hey there, staring up at the ceiling, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts.

    Faces of those who had bullied him and treated him like garbage shed through his mind. Using one of them as a scapegoat would almost be poetic justice. Perhaps taking out those who tormented him would even make him feel betterˇŞit would be doing the world a favor, after all.

    "Now, who should I choose from my list of tormentors?" Ss''s expression darkened as he pondered his options, but eventually, sleep imed him, and he drifted off.

    ---

    The next morning arrived, and the sunlight streamed through the small window of Ss Griswold''s room, flickering across his face, rousing him from his slumber.

    He stood up from the bed, stretching his body. For someone carrying such a heavy burden, he had slept soundly.

    The exhausting battle with the God of the Realm mutant had drained everyst bit of his energy, and that exhaustion had granted him a restful night.

    [Your daily quest has arrived.]

    [Complete 20 push-ups.]

    As Ss made his way toward the bathroom, a holographic screen materialized before him, halting him in his tracks.

    "Daily quests, huh? I was hoping to see something like this earlier since it was a feature in the games I used to y. When I didn''t find it, I figured the system didn''t have such a function. But here it is," Ss mused, ncing at the notification.

    Without a second thought, he dropped to the floor and began doing push-ups on his knuckles. Being a martial arts specialist, 20 push-ups were effortless. Now that his strength had grown significantly, the task was even easierˇŞalmostughably so.

    *Pushing himself for thest rep.*

    [Daily questplete.]

    [Reward: 5 attribute points.]

    As Ss finished the final push-up, a notification appeared. He rose to his feet and eyed it with satisfaction.

    "Five attribute points. Not bad. I''ll save them forter," he said, stepping into the bathroom.

    After a quick shower, Ss dressed in his uniform,bed his hair, and left his room, shutting the door behind him.

    The hallways were already filled with students making their way to the cafeteria for breakfast. After eating, they would head to their respective sses for training and lessons.

    Ss walked through the bustling hallway until he reached the cafeteria. He joined the line of students waiting to be served their food.

    The academy provided meals for students who couldn''t afford to buy their own. While the free meals weren''t as good as those purchased with tokens, they were still better than nothing.

    Ss usually relied on these free meals, despite earning a few tokens from odd jobs. He preferred to save his tokens for weapons rather than spend them on food.

    But today, Ss decided to try something different. He stepped out of the queue and headed toward the section where students paid for their meals.

    As he approached the vendor, the man behind the counter red at him, clearly surprised to see Ss standing there.

    Ss was well-known for relying on the academy''s free food, so his presence in the paying line was unexpected.

    "Well, wellˇ­ What''s a piece of trash like you doing here? Lost your way?" a familiar voice sneered from behind him.

    Ss turned slowly, locking eyes with three students standing with their arms crossed. He recognized them immediately.

    A grin spread across Ss''s face.

    "Well, guess who''s going to be my scapegoat?" Ss muttered to himself, his gaze fixed on Caleb and hisckeys.

    """

    A/n: You can vote with Golden tickets now for a mass release.

 Chapter 20: Cafeteria clash

    "Well, wellˇ­ what''s a piece of trash like you doing here? Lost your way?" a familiar voice sneered from behind.

    Ss turned slowly, his eyes locking with the three students standing with arms crossed. He recognized them instantly.

    A grin began to stretch across Ss''s face, subtle but unmistakable.

    "Well, guess who''s going to be my scapegoat?" he muttered under his breath, his gaze firmly fixed on Caleb and his cronies.

    Caleb took a step closer, his posture filled with arrogance. "We didn''t finish what you startedst time, Griswold. You were saved by Mr. David," Caleb remarked darkly, his expression turning grim.

    Ss stood still, his face calm and collected.

    Had this been only a few days earlier, Ss would have been trembling, likely on his knees, pleading for mercy. But now, he felt nothing but an odd sense of calm, free of the panic Caleb used to inspire.

    "But don''t worry," Caleb continued, his cruel smile returning. "I''m not going to beat you to a pulp. I need something from you." His tone wasced with malicious intent. "You took part in yesterday''s raid, didn''t you? Which means you must''ve earned yourself a nice stash of Tokens."

    "What I want is every single Token you earned during the raid. All of it. Along with whatever you had before." Caleb''s voice hardened, issuing his demand as though it were an undeniable decree.

    "And why, exactly, should I give you the Tokens I earned?" Ss asked indifferently, his voice devoid of any emotion.

    "Because I said so," Caleb snapped back, his irritation unmistakable. "And because you humiliated me in front of everyone yesterday!" His face grew redder, clearly unustomed to being questioned in any way.

    Ss studied him for a brief moment before calmly turning his attention away, effectively dismissing Caleb entirely. His eyes drifted toward the man selling food, as though Caleb''s demands were inconsequential.

    The sight of Ss ignoring himpletely made Caleb''s blood boil. His hands balled into fists, the veins in his neck bulging as he was consumed with fury.

    "You filthy piece of trash! How dare you ignore me!" Caleb roared, his voice cutting through the buzz of the cafeteria, drawing everyone''s attention to the brewing confrontation.

    Blinded by rage, Caleb swung his fist with all his might, aiming for the back of Ss''s head. The punch flew through the air at remarkable speed, but just as it was about to connect, Ss moved his head ever so slightly, allowing the fist to miss him by mere centimeters. He felt the rush of air as it brushed against his cheek.

    *Gasp!*

    A collective gasp echoed through the cafeteria as students witnessed the scene unfold before their very eyes.

    "Did he just dodge Caleb''s punch with his back turned?!" a girl eximed in utter disbelief.

    "There''s no way that trash could''ve done that," her friend responded, though uncertainty lingered in her tone. "Caleb probably didn''t put much effort into it."

    Caleb, however, was genuinely stunned.

    ''I put everything I had into that punch, and yet this trash dodged it without even looking?'' Caleb thought, his disbelief quickly giving way to anger as his re hardened.

    Ss slowly tilted his head before turning fully to face the three towering figures behind him.

    "Don''t start something you can''t finish, Caleb," Ss''s voice carried a cold, detached sharpness, sending a chill through Caleb''s spine despite his growing rage. His face flushed red with anger.

    "Don''t you dare get cocky, you bastard! Boys, get him!" Calebmanded as he stepped back, letting hisckeys do the dirty work.

    At Caleb''smand, the twockeys charged at Ss, their fists hurtling toward his head simultaneously. Ss remained calm, observing their movements without a flicker of fear. As the fists came dangerously close, he sidestepped effortlessly, dodging the strikes with grace.

    One of theckeys quickly recoiled, pulling his arm back beforeunching another punch. Reacting fluidly, Ss dodged again, the fist grazing past him, missing by the narrowest margin.

    This time, Ss decided to counter. He clenched his right fist tightly and swung it toward theckey''s face with calcted precision.

    *BAM!*

    The sound of Ss''s fist making contact echoed loudly through the cafeteria. The force behind his punch lifted theckey off his feet, sending him crashing backward into a table. tes shattered upon impact, and theckey copsed onto the floor, groaning in pain.

    Ss nced down at his hand, flexing his fingers as a small smile curled at the corner of his lips.

    "No question about itˇ­ I''ve gotten stronger," he mused to himself, his eyes still on his fist. "But I''ll need to keep it under wraps. If I go overboard, I''ll just draw unnecessary attention. I have to be cautious, hold back."

    His thoughts were abruptly interrupted by a furious scream.

    "AHHHH! HOW DARE YOU, YOU WORTHLESS TRASH!"

    Ss turned his attention toward the remainingckey, who was charging toward him, palms pressed together as a pulsating green energy gathered between them. Theckey thrust his hands forward, the green energy swelling into a vibrant orb before rapidly firing off as a powerful beam.

    *BOOM!*

    The beam shot toward Ss at blistering speed, and the spot where Ss had stood erupted in a violent explosion. A thick cloud of smoke and dust billowed into the air, obscuring the aftermath from view. Students stood frozen, watching intently, awaiting the dust to clear and reveal the fate of Ss.

    "He''s dead. No way he survived that!" one student murmured.

    "Yeah, he''s finished!"

    "Sammy probably went a little too far," anothermented nervously.

    "Too far? Are you kidding? That trash deserved it! Well done, Sammy! Caleb!" some of the students cheered, their eyes fixated on the dissipating smoke.

    Caleb grinned triumphantly, his earlier fears dissolving as he basked in the praise. For a moment, he thought Ss had made him look foolish by dodging his punch, but now that Ss was gone, there was nothing to worry about.

    "What the hellˇ­ is that?" Sammy muttered, eyes widening in disbelief as the dust began to settle.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    As the smoke cleared, a figure remained standing tall,pletely unscathed among the debris.

 Chapter 21: Single hit

    Caleb grinned triumphantly, his earlier fears dissolving as he basked in the praise of the students around him. For a brief moment, he had thought Ss might have embarrassed him by dodging that first punch, but now, with the explosion clearing and Ss supposedly gone, there was nothing left to worry about.

    "Waitˇ­ what the hell is that?" Sammy muttered, his eyes widening in disbelief as the dust from the explosion began to settle.

    As the smoke and debris cleared, a figure remained standing tall and steady. Despite the st and the destruction surrounding him, Ss waspletely unharmed.

    The dust finally vanished, and there he wasˇŞSs, standing exactly where he had been, without a scratch.

    "Huh? How''s that even possible?" Sammy stammered, his mouth hanging open. The energy beam he''d unleashed should have wiped Ss out, but now it seemed like nothing had happened at all.

    The students gathered around watching the unfolding drama let out a collective gasp. Some looked incredulous; others were utterly confused, their faces mirroring the disarray in the air.

    ''Did Sammy just hold back? Or is this trash more durable than we thought?'' Caleb''s brows furrowed as he tried to make sense of it all. ''Noˇ­ he couldn''t have survived that attack. There''s no way.''

    "I don''t know how you''re still standing, but I swear there''s no way you''ll survive this next one!" Sammy''s voice roared with frustration. His hands extended once again, gathering energy to conjure another, more devastating beam of light.

    [5 points have been added to your Speed.]

    Ss didn''t waste time. He quickly assigned his newly earned attribute points from the daily quest to his Speed. An electric surge of energy coursed through his body, and the next thing anyone knew, Ss had disappeared from his spot.

    Moving faster than most couldprehend, Ss dashed forward. His speed was so immense that the students had trouble tracking his movements. In mere moments, Ss was already in front of Sammy, his fist clenched and aimed.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

    *BAM!*

    His punchnded squarely on Sammy''s cheek, the sound of bone meeting flesh resonating throughout the cafeteria. Sammy staggered back, barely managing to keep his bnce. His cheek immediately swelled and reddened from the impact.

    ''Whatˇ­ how does this trash have this kind of strength?'' Sammy''s thoughts raced as he winced in pain, unable to believe how much damage Ss had done with just one hit.

    But Ss wasn''t finished.

    Before Sammy could recover or even think of retaliating, Ss began charging again, his eyes locked onto his next target.

    "Die!" Sammy screamed, in a desperate attempt to regain control. He extended his right hand again and released another round of energy straight at Ss, who was rapidly closing in.

    *POOOOFF!!*

    The beam shot forward, but just as it was about to strike Ss, he effortlessly dodged it, swerving to the side and letting the energy pass him by mere inches. The speed and precision with which Ss moved made it clear he was no longer the weakling they all thought he was.

    After dodging the beam, Ss didn''t lose momentum. He was back on the offensive, charging toward Sammy with deadly intent. Sammy, growing increasingly desperate, fired a barrage of energy beams. But Ss, now fully in tune with his newfound abilities, weaved through the sts effortlessly, his movements fluid and precise.

    Before Sammy could even process what was happening, Ss was right in front of him once again. With a determined look in his eyes, Ss unleashed another devastating punch, this time aimed directly at Sammy''s jaw.

    *BAM!*

    The punch connected with even more force than the first, sending a shockwave rippling through the cafeteria. Sammy''s body was lifted off the ground, his feet leaving the floor as he was hurled backward by the impact.

    He flew through the air, crashing into a nearby table with a sickening thud. tes and cutlery scattered across the floor as Sammy''s limp body slid off the table and crumpled to the ground. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, and his once-defiant expression had been reced by one of unconsciousness.

    "Did he just knock out a Grade 3 mutant ability user with a single punch?"

    "That''s not possible! There''s no way Ss Griswold could''ve done thatˇ­ is there?"

    "This has to be a joke. What happened to the weak Ss?"

    The students erupted into a chorus of murmurs and exmations. They were all in shock, trying to make sense of the situation. Just a few days ago, Ss had been the academy''s punching bag. Now, he had taken out two of the strongest bullies without even breaking a sweat.

    Caleb, who had watched everything unfold from a distance, swallowed hard. His body trembled slightly as he stared at Ss. Fear and confusion battled for dominance in his mind. He had never imagined a scenario in which Ss would be standing over his fallenrades.

    ''Heˇ­ he beat both Sammy and his brother with just his fists. No powers. No mutant armor. Nothing. And I can feel itˇ­ he''s not even going all out,'' Caleb thought, his face going pale as sweat began to bead on his forehead. He had never felt this kind of fear, especially not toward someone like Ss.

    ''There''s no way he''s doing this naturally. Did he take some kind of drug? An energy pill? There''s no way someone without a skill slot could do thisˇ­'' His thoughts spiraled into panic. ''He humiliated me. Everyone''s watching.

    Tomorrow, I''ll be a joke if I don''t do something. I can''t let him win.''

    Determined to salvage his reputation, Caleb clenched his fists and steeled his resolve. He wouldn''t let a weakling like Ss bring him down in front of the entire school. He had to win.

    With newfound determination, Caleb lunged forward, charging at Ss with everything he had. His fists flew forward, aiming straight for Ss''s head. But Ss, as if reading Caleb''s movements, casually stepped to the side, allowing the punch to miss him entirely.

    Caleb, undeterred, quickly pulled back and swung again, this time with even more force. But once again, Ss dodged with ease, making it look effortless.

    ''I can''t even touch him. What the hell is going on?!'' Caleb''s frustration mounted as he continued throwing punches, each one failing to connect.

    *BAM!*

    Without warning, Ss retaliated, his fist mming into Caleb''s chest. The impact left Caleb gasping for air, a sharp pain radiating through his ribs. He coughed, blood and saliva spilling from his mouth.

    Before Ss could press forward and finish the fight, he suddenly felt a hand grab his arm. His instincts kicked in, and he turned to face his would-be assant.

    A young woman in shining brown armor stood behind him, gripping his arm firmly.

    "Enough," Kara ordered, her voice firm and resolute, cutting through the chaos in the cafeteria.

 Chapter 22: Payment for your service

    Before Ss could press forward and finish the fight, he felt a hand mp down on his arm. His instincts immediately told him to defend himself, but when he turned to face the person, he held back. It wasn''t an attacker.

    A young woman d in shiny brown armor stood behind him, gripping his arm firmly. Her presence was calm, yetmanding.

    "Enough," Kara ordered, her voice cutting through the chaotic noise in the cafeteria with a tone of finality that left no room for argument.

    Ss blinked, recognizing her instantly. Of course, there was no forgetting a face like hers.

    ''Mrs. Kara? What''s she doing here?'' Ss thought, confusion washing over him as he stared at the academy instructor. Kara was a known figure at the Arc 3 Academy, but she rarely involved herself in any of the everyday affairs, let alone cafeteria brawls. She spent most of her time on high-risk raids in dangerous, high-grade realms. Seeing her intervene in a petty fight wasˇ­ unprecedented.

    Kara''s arrival hadn''t just stunned Ss; the entire cafeteria was in awe. Most of the students were familiar with her reputation, though many had never even seen her. Kara was one of the academy''s eliteˇŞa warrior whose presence was only needed for the most dangerous missions. For her to show up here, in the middle of what seemed like a trivial skirmish, was beyond unusual.

    Kara continued to hold Ss''s arm, her sharp, observant eyes boring into his. She stared into his crimson eyes, searching, as if trying to understand something deeper about him. Finally, she let go of his arm and turned to leave, walking toward the exit without saying another word.

    Ss watched her retreating form, scratching the back of his spiky hair in confusion.

    ''What''s going on? She didn''t even say anything,'' Ss thought, puzzled. But before she reached the door, Kara stopped in her tracks, her head turning slightly, casting a cold, sidelong nce at Ss.

    That look said it all.

    ''Oh. She wants me to follow her,'' Ss realized, his pulse quickening. Without hesitation, he hurried to catch up, falling in step behind her as they left the cafeteria together.

    Once the doors swung shut behind them, the tension that had gripped the cafeteria shattered, and the students erupted into murmurs and whispers. All eyes were now on Caleb, who still stood in the center, motionless, as if frozen in ce.

    "I can''t believe that trash, Ss, beat up Caleb and his minions!"

    "He wasn''t even using any mutant armor or skills! What''s going on with him?"

    "Seriously, what''s up with that guy? And Caleb didn''t stand a chance! He got wrecked!"

    "And here I thought Caleb was a big deal. Guess not."

    "Caleb the Trash, more like."

    The whispers grew louder, more vicious, each one like a knife twisting in Caleb''s gut. He stood there, his eyes locked on the floor, fists clenched so tightly that his nails dug into his palms, drawing blood. The humiliation was unbearable, and the mockingughter from the students cut deeper than any physical wound.

    ''I used to be someone. I used to be respected. Nowˇ­ I''m just a joke. And it''s all because of *him*,'' Caleb fumed silently, his face flushing red with a mixture of anger and shame.

    His mind raced with thoughts of revenge.

    ''You won today, Ss. But this isn''t over. I''ll make sure you pay for what you did. I''ll kill you, and then we''ll see who''s the real trash.'' Caleb''s thoughts darkened as he red at the doors Ss had walked through.

    ---

    Outside the cafeteria, Kara and Ss walked silently down the academy''s dimly lit hallways. The echo of their footsteps was the only sound between them, creating an eerie silence. Kara''s pace was steady, purposeful, and Ss followed without a word, though the questions building up inside him were almost too much to bear.

    He wanted to ask her why she had intervened. He wanted to know what she thought of what had just happened. But one nce at Kara''s fierce, unreadable expression was enough to keep his mouth shut. There was a tension in the air that made Ss feel like any question could tip the bnce, and so he remained silent, obediently following her lead.

    As they continued to walk, Ss noticed something strange. They weren''t heading toward any of the usual cesˇŞno ssrooms, no offices. Instead, Kara led him up a stairway that he knew all too well.

    The rooftop.

    ''Why are we going up here?'' Ss wondered, growing more confused with every step.

    After several minutes of silent walking, they finally reached the top. The rooftop was a wide, open space, cluttered with old, discarded equipment and the metallic scraps of past academy projects. The wind whistled softly across the expanse, ruffling Ss''s hair and cooling his heated skin.

    From this vantage point, he could see the entire academy grounds and beyond, stretching out toward the distant city.

    Kara continued walking until she reached the center of the roof, where she stopped and turned to face him. Ss, however, hesitated near the entrance, unsure of what to do next.

    "Come here," Kara''s voice rang out, firm andmanding.

    Ss swallowed hard, hesitating only for a moment before walking over to join her. He stopped a few feet away, standing opposite her in the center of the rooftop, the wind swirling gently between them.

    Without saying a word, Kara reached into her armor and pulled out a small brown leather pouch, norger than her hand. She extended it toward Ss, who epted it carefully, his curiosity piqued. He quickly untied the pouch and peered inside.

    His eyes widened.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    Inside were three sharp, bloodstained fangs and the tips of two vicious-looking ws, their edges gleaming in the sunlight.

    "That''s your share from the raid," Kara said evenly. "The rest of the valuable body parts were handed over to the higher-ups, considering the rest of the team didn''t make it out."

    Ss stared at the items in disbelief. He hadn''t expected anything like this. After all, the raid had been a disaster, with everyone else on the team dead and him barely making it out alive. He had chosen not to harvest any of the god of the realm''s body parts, fearing it would draw unwanted suspicion. Carving up a powerful mutant while being the sole survivor would have looked far too suspicious.

    Still, the system had rewarded him well. Grade 2 armor, weapons, and a solid boost of attribute points had been enough to satisfy him. But this? This was more than he could have hoped for.

    ''Grade 5 fangs and ws? These things are worth a fortune,'' Ss thought, remembering the exorbitant prices he had seen in the Blood Market. A single Grade 5 w tip could go for over 900,000 Tokens. With just these items, he wouldn''t have to worry about tokens for a long time.

    "That should be more than enough to cover what you were promised before joining the raid, correct?" Kara''s voice cut through his thoughts, reminding him of her presence.

    Ss nodded quickly. "Yeah. It''s more than enough."

    "Good," Kara replied. Then, without warning, she stepped closer to him, closing the distance between them until she was just inches from his face. Her presence was cold, her eyes sharp and focused.

    "And just so you know," she added in a voice that sent a chill down Ss''s spine, "I didn''t bring you up here just to give you those items."

 Chapter 23: I will help you

    Ss nodded quickly. "Yeah. It''s more than enough."

    "Good," Kara replied. Then, without warning, she stepped closer, closing the distance between them until she was just inches from his face. Her presence was cold, her eyes sharp and focused.

    "And just so you know," she added in a tone that sent a chill down Ss''s spine, "I didn''t bring you here just to give you those items."

    Hearing Kara''s words, Ss swallowed hard, and his heart skipped a beat.

    "What do you mean?" he muttered, his gaze fixed on Kara''s straight face.

    "I know what happened back in the Grade 5 realm, Ss. I know exactly what happened," Kara said audibly, causing Ss''s eyes to widen slightly, though he tried to maintain a calm expression to avoid suspicion.

    ''Is she talking about how I killed the entire group? I did my best to cover my tracks, so how did she find out?'' Ss wondered, his heart pounding in his chest.

    Kara stood in silence for a few moments before continuing, "I know you were the one who obtained the artifact of the Apex Mutant... and I know the power now dwells within you."

    "You might have seeded in fooling everyone because you look skinny and weak, and everyone still sees you as trash, but you can''t fool me. I can see right through you," Kara dered.

    Ss now understood the situation.

    Most people in the academy, including the staff, had no idea what Kara''s mutant ability was. They knew her as a Grade 5, but the nature of her ability was unknown to many.

    However, after hearing Kara''s words, Ss had already figured out what her ability was.

    ''It must be a Grade 5 inspection ability.''

    Those with inspection abilities can scan individuals and determine the type of ability they have, as well as their grade, without needing to look at the skill slot.

    While looking at people, they see a strange type of glowing aura around them, and the color of the aura reveals what type of mutant ability they possess. The brightness of the aura corrtes with the individual''s grade.

    However, the ability is considered weak because it bes useless in battle. You can only identify your opponent''s ability, but there''s nothing to counter it.

    ''Now I see why she''s always equipped in Grade 5 mutant armor and always carries her de around. She''s like those who must rely on mutant armor and weapons because their abilities are ineffective in a fight,'' Ss thought while ncing at Kara.

    Ss saw no reason to deny it, as Kara had already scanned him and must have seen the aura around him.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

    ''The aura I saw around himst night was dim, but now it''s brighter and more powerful. Could it mean he grew stronger overnight?'' Kara wondered, observing Ss.

    She could see a bright aura surrounding him, a mixture of purple and red. The aura resembled a me, making it appear as though Ss''s entire body was aze.

    The aura around Ss was unlike anything she had ever encountered. The aura colors she had seen in others were typically blue, green, orange, gold, or silver. She had never seen anyone with a red or purple aura, nor had she seen such mixed colors.

    This was one reason she had deduced it was Ss who obtained the artifact in the realm and had been chosen as the host.

    Ss couldn''t tolerate the awkward silence any longer, so he posed a question. "If you knew about it, why didn''t you say anythingst night? You knew everything, yet you still allowed Sir Dominic to mock you. Why?"

    Kara remained silent for a few moments, then finally responded, "That''s because I need you alive, Griswold."

    "Err? Need me alive? You don''t even know me!" Ss blurted out, his face puzzled.

    "I need you alive so I can help you grow stronger, watch you rise until you reach the peak and surpass everyone. I, personally, will ensure you be the strongest, Griswold!" Kara spoke solemnly, her voice a mix of determination and anger.

    Ss stood there, dumbfounded, struggling to grasp what was unfolding.

    He had only met Kara in personst night, and from the way she reacted and spoke to him when they first met, it was clear she harbored disdain for him. Why then was she so determined to protect and train him to reach his full potential?

    "I don''t understand, ma''am. You don''t even know me, yet you''re willing to risk everything for me. I''d like to know why," Ss muttered, bewildered.

    "I made a promise to someone a long time ago," Kara began. "I used to be a sensei in a small dojo. I trained a few students for annualpetitions. After a full year of training, all my students lost their first matches in thepetition."

    "The higher-ups of the dojo called a meeting, my father was among them, and they scolded me for being a bad teacher. They called me useless. They said it was my fault the students lost. They said everything I touched always ended badly. They said I was only teaching the students to be as weak as I am."

    "After the meeting, I promised to prove them wrong someday. Just because I awakened a trash ability doesn''t mean I''ll die without leaving a positive mark on someone''s life. So I joined the mutant academy and began my training. I worked hard to improve myself first before seeking a worthy student."

    "Andst night, when I realized you became the host, I knew you were the one. That''s why I want to protect you and guide you on your journey, Griswold. I will make you unstoppable, and anyone who tries to stand in our way will be eliminated."

    "So, what do you say?" Kara asked.

    Before Ss could fully process her words and respond, he heard a soft chiming sound in his head, and a notification popped up in front of him.

    [Apulsory quest has arrived]

 Chapter 24: Offer

    *Ding*

    [Apulsory quest has arrived.]

    [ept her offer.]

    [Reward: Instant level up, 5 attribute points.]

    [Failure: Death.]

    A series of notifications materialized right in front of Ss immediately after Kara finished speaking, and he nced at the notification to see what it was all about.

    Scanning through it, Ss''s eyes widened slightly in shock.

    ''The quest is to ept her offer and failure is death? This system is trying to force me into epting it without giving me a choice!'' Ss eximed internally, his gaze fixated on the screen floating in front of him.

    Ss doubted the words of Kara. The whole backstory she told him sounded like a lie to him, and he assumed Kara was only trying to deceive him so she could exploit him in the future.

    He contemted turning down her offer and also pleading with her to keep it a secret, but right now it seemed he didn''t have much of a choice anymore.

    His only option was to ept. If he failed to do that, his heart would stop, and he would die.

    ''The system said I was the host. It will do everything to protect the host. If it wants me to ept Kara''s offer, it means she''s telling the truth and not deceiving me,'' Ss pondered, his fingers rubbing his chin and a look of contemtion evident on his face.

    Seeing the other wasn''t saying anything and all he was doing was stare at her chest, Kara frowned and voiced out.

    "Are you going to give me a reply, you pervert?!" she voiced out angrily.

    Kara''s voice snapped Ss out of his train of thoughts, and he shifted his gaze towards her face.

    "Pervert?" he blurted in bewilderment.

    "You were busy staring at my breast, moron!" Kara replied with her face bright red in anger.

    "Ah, no, no, I wasn''t!" Ss''s eyes widened in disbelief after hearing Kara''s words.

    He was only staring at the system''s notification that was floating in front of Kara, and since he was the only one who could see the screen, Kara assumed he was a pervert and was busy ring at her breast.

    "Whatever," she spat. "So, what do you say?"

    Ss took a deep breath in and out before speaking up. "You''re sure you won''t double-cross me in the future?"

    "Now, why would I do that? My only intention is to train you and guide you through your journey. I have no ulterior motives. And with my connections in this academy, I will make sure your secret is safe until you graduate," Kara bellowed with a sincere look on her face.

    Ss nodded as he took a step closer to her. "I ept your offer, then," Ss affirmed, and they both shook hands.

    Ss still gripped Kara''s hand for a few moments as he spoke, "But let me tell you. If you have any intentions of betraying me or something, I suggest you do it now while I''m weak. If it happens sometime in the future when I''m stronger, you will learn why it''s called the Apex Mutant. And you will learn the hard way."

    Ss stated in a menacing tone that was barely above a whisper before letting go of Kara''s hand and exited the rooftop.

    Kara stood there, stunned by what just happened. Ss''s words came as a surprise to her, and she was caught off guard.

    ''Was that fear I felt just now?'' Kara pondered internally as she watched Ss walk away.

    Feeling afraid wasn''t amon thing for Kara. She wasn''t the type of person who''s afraid of anyone. Even if the person is far stronger than her, she would still maintain her confidence.

    But the case of Ss was different.

    The words Ss spoke, his deep and menacing tone, sent shivers down her spine and made her heart pound in her chest.

    ''At least he''s on my side now. Let''s see how the future goes,'' Kara pondered internally.

    ---

    Ss could be seen walking down the hallway after his meeting with Kara, his gaze fixed on the screen in front of him.

    [You have leveled up.]

    [You have gained 5 attribute points.]

    Ss wasn''t too focused on the reward notifications because his gaze was fixed on a separate screen.

    [Reminder: Your soul points are critically low.]

    [Consume a soul to restore points before the countdown begins.]

    Ss had nned on luring Caleb out of the cafeteria and consuming his soul earlier, but after Kara''s intervention, his n was ruined.

    ''I have to find a way to restore these points before tomorrow,'' Ss mused before arriving in front of a door.

    From where he stood, he could hear people grunting and shouting inside.

    *Hyah! Hyah! Hyah! Hyah!*

    Ss pushed the door open and stepped inside the ce. Upon entering, Ss nced around.

    The space resembled a vast dojo with punching bags and dumbbells scattered about. A group of students in red gi stood in the center of the dojo, punching the air as the senseimanded. With each punch, a *"Hyah!"* echoed through the room.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    Ss took his shoes off and made his way into the changing room. He swiftly dressed in the red gi like the rest and exited the room before going to join the line.

    As he joined the line, the students couldn''t help but turn their heads and re at him in disdain.

    Caleb had already spread the news that Ss probably consumed an energy pill, which was why he was able to defeat him and his friends.

    Energy pills are items obtained from a certain type of mutant known as the Rascal Tier.

    The Rascal Tier is part of the mutant ssification but is given a separate name due to how aggressive and dangerous they are. All they think about is hunting and killing, with no intelligence whatsoever.

    If a person with no ability consumes an energy pill, their strength and speed will be heightened, but it will also make the person dangerous like the Rascals.

    "ss, we have a celebrity in our midst," the sensei training the students spoke after catching sight of Ss. "I heard what you did to my son, Griswold," he added, his face bright red in anger.

 Chapter 25: Sensei Josh

    "ss, we have a celebrity among us," the sensei announced upon spotting Ss. "I heard what you did to my son, Griswold," he added, his face flushing with visible anger.

    All heads immediately turned to face Ss at the sensei''s words, and all of them red at him with unhidden disdain.

    The sensei, a towering man with bulky muscles and short blonde hair, walked with purposeful strides toward Ss and came to a stop directly in front of him.

    "I heard about what happened in the cafeteria, Ss. What you did to my son and his friendsˇŞI heard every detail." Sensei Josh''s voice was filled with suppressed fury.

    Ss remained standing in silence, maintaining a calm and unflinching expression on his face.

    "What exactly did you hope to achieve by consuming illegal Energy Pills? Tell me, are you so tired of being worthless trash that you thought the pills could magically make you important?" Sensei Josh sneered, his face bright red with barely contained rage.

    Since taking Energy Pills makes a person dangerously aggressive, the government had ced an outright ban on them, making them an illegal substance. Anyone caught using them would face a hefty fine of a million Tokens or be thrown into the notorious Jingling Bars.

    Ss could have easily been sent to the Jingling Bars since everyone suspected him of using the energy pills, but with no solid evidence, there was nothing they could do to him.

    "You''re fortunate that I''ve been instructed not toy a hand on you, Ss. And you''re doubly fortunate we couldn''t find any evidence that you took an energy pill this morning," Sensei Josh continued, his eyes narrowing with suspicion.

    Ss, who had remained silent throughout the entire ordeal, decided to respond, "What makes you so certain I consumed an energy pill, sensei?" His tone was calm, yet carried a weight of seriousness.

    Sensei Josh nearly burst outughing at Ss''s question. "There''s no possible way that a piece of trash like you could take on three Grade 3 mutant ability users without some sort of illegal steroid. Everyone knows what an energy pill does to someone as useless as you, so it''s obvious you took one."

    "Or maybe your son and his minions were just too weak and lost to a piece of trash like me?" Ss remarked, a mischievous smirk forming on his lips, which only caused Sensei Josh''s blood to boil in anger.

    What the sensei wanted more than anything at that moment was to grab Ss and beat him into a pulp, but he had received strict orders from Kara just moments ago not toy a hand on Ss.

    Sensei Josh was left baffled by Kara''smand. He couldn''t fathom why she suddenly seemed to care about Ss, but he had no choice but to obey without question. After all, disobeying her would result in disastrous consequences.

    ring at Ss for a few moments, he finally turned and walked back toward the raised tform in the center of the dojo.

    He climbed onto the tform, casting a nce at the faces of the students gathered before speaking. "We''re done with warm-ups, so it''s time for the sparring matches."

    "Choose your opponent and begin a one-on-one sparring match!" Sensei Josh ordered, his voice booming across the room.

    The students began to select their opponents. Most of those with higher-grade abilities picked someone of a simr power level, while those with lower grades paired off with others at their level.

    Ss stood there, watching the other students choose their opponents. Not a single one approached him.

    They were all too afraid that Ss might still be high on the energy pill, and if they sparred with him, the match might end badly for them.

    Ss nced around the dojo until he noticed a stunning female student walking toward him. At first, he paid her little attention, assuming she wasn''t heading his way, but as she drew closer, his heart skipped a beat.

    She had long blue hair that cascaded down to her waist, piercing blue eyes, and a delicate, doll-like face. Her beauty was captivating, leaving Ss and several others momentarily mesmerized.

    She came from a powerful family, well-known for their Ice mutant abilities, with both her parents being high-ranking Grade 5 users. But when she awakened, to everyone''s shock, she manifested a lightning mutant ability instead of ice.

    Her family, seeing her as a disgrace, had disowned her. Since then, she had lost all the poprity and honor she once held in the academy.

    Even though she no longer had the prestigious status of her family, she was still as stunning as ever, and Ss couldn''t help but stare at her.

    Finally, the girl stopped directly in front of him, her expression nk as she spoke in a soft voice, "Would you like to spar with me?"

    Ss was taken aback by her offer. "Err? Spar with you?" he blurted out in surprise.

    "I know I''m a Grade Four and you don''t have an active skill slot, but since no one else is avable, we have no other choice but to spar together," Angelica said softly, her eyes unwavering.

    Ss nced around and realized she was right. All the other students had already chosen their opponents, and the only ones left were him and Angelica.

    "Are you sure you want to fight me, even after all the rumors?" Ss asked, scratching his spiky hair.

    "What rumors?" Angelica responded, her expression unchanged.

    "Rumors about me using energy pills and all that," Ss rified.

    "Are the rumors true?" Angelica asked, her expression still neutral.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    "What? No, of course not!" Ss shook his head vigorously, denying the im.

    "Then there''s nothing to worry about," Angelica replied matter-of-factly.

    Ss nodded in agreement, and the two of them walked closer to the raised tform.

    On the tform, two students were already facing off. One wielded a Grade 3 katana, while the other, a scrawny boy, held two short mutant daggers.

    As Ss watched the fight from the side, a notification screen suddenly appeared in front of him:

    [Consume a soul to restore soul points.]

    [5 soul points will be deducted every hour until a soul is consumed.]

    [Soul points: 20/100]

    """

    A/n: Your Golden Tickets and power stones will be appreciated.

    Thanks for reading my book!

 Chapter 26: Sparring

    [**Consume a soul to restore soul points.**]

    [**5 soul points will be deducted every hour until a soul is consumed.**]n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    [**Soul points: 20/100**]

    Ss was taken aback after reading the system notification, cold sweat trickling down his face as his heart pounded in his chest.

    When the system had warned him about a countdown earlier, this wasn''t at all what he had expected. He thought he would have at least two or three days to restore the points, but instead, he had been given no more than four hours.

    This morning, Ss had woken up with a total of 30 soul points. However, during his fight against Sammy, he had been forced to use his passive skillˇŞhis super-fast healing ability.

    The beam Sammy had shot caught him off guard, and when it struck him, the healing ability had kicked in, mending all his injuries in seconds. That was the only reason he had been able to continue fighting and make it seem as though the beam had left nosting mark.

    Ss hadn''t paid much attention to the soul points he had lost because his initial n was to consume the souls of Caleb and his minions. However, Kara''s arrival had ruined everything, and now he was paying the price.

    ''Five soul points will be deducted every hour until a soul is consumed? Damn! Just how am I supposed to restore these points?'' Ss pondered internally, cold sweat still dripping down his face.

    ''Caleb will probably be in training for the next two hours, and after that, it''s lunch. I guess I''ll have to track him down during lunch.''

    Angelica, standing beside him, noticed the nervous expression on Ss''s face and raised a question.

    "Is everything okay?" she inquired, her voice gentle, her eyes showing genuine concern as they nced over Ss''s face.

    Hearing her words, Ss quickly dismissed the notification and shifted his gaze towards her.

    He forced a smile, trying to appear at ease before replying, "Yeah. All good."

    "You don''t need to worry about our match, Ss," Angelica said with a kind smile. "I know there''s a huge gap between us. I''m a Grade Four mutant ability user, and you don''t have any active abilities yet. But it''s just a sparring match, so there''s no reason to feel anxious. Besides, I''ll hold back, so don''t worry." Her smile was warm, radiating an unexpected kindness.

    She assumed Ss was nervous about their uing sparring match, so she tried to offer him someforting words.

    But Ss wasn''t worried about the sparring match. No, he was anxious about something far worseˇŞthe possibility of losing control if he didn''t consume a soul soon.

    ''Better she thinks I''m afraid of sparring her than knowing the truth," Ss mused. "That I''m actually terrified of going wild if I don''t get a soul soon.''

    "Thanks for your concern, Angelica," he said with a nod, turning his attention back to the ongoing fight on the tform.

    The two students standing on the tform were yet to engage inbat. They had been circling each other for a while, each waiting for the other to make the first move.

    Suddenly, a girl watching from the sidelines clenched her fists and raised her right hand, shouting, "Babe! What are you doing?! Don''t tell me you''re afraid of that loser! Hurry up and take care of him!"

    Her voice echoed throughout the dojo.

    The boy with the katana, Billy, grinned in response to his girlfriend''s words. Not wanting to disappoint her, he dashed forward.

    Using his wind ability, Billy swiftly closed the gap between him and his opponent, Marcus. As he reached striking distance, he swung his de towards Marcus in a rapid arc.

    **CLANG!**

    A loud metallic sound rang out as Marcus parried Billy''s strike with his twin daggers. Without hesitation, Marcus countered, thrusting one of his daggers forward in an attempt tond a blow.

    Billy, quick on his feet, sidestepped just in time, dodging the dagger by a hair''s breadth.

    Having dodged the attack, Billy reared back before shing forward with all his strength. The de sliced through the air at incredible speed, the wind augmenting its velocity. As the sword neared Marcus, he raised both of his short daggers in defense.

    **CLANG!**

    The sh echoed through the dojo as Marcus blocked the strike, though the sheer force behind Billy''s attack sent him stumbling back a few steps.

    Billy wasn''t about to let up. He charged forward once again, and when he was only a few meters away, he propelled himself into the air using his wind ability. Hovering above Marcus, he tightened his grip on his sword and prepared to bring it down with full force.

    At thest second, Marcus leaped backward, narrowly avoiding the strike. He followed up with a series of backflips to create more distance between them.

    After regaining hisposure, Marcus stood a few meters away, his gaze locked onto his opponent. He stood still for a moment, then stomped his foot hard against the floor. The moment his foot connected, the ground beneath him quaked slightly. Tworge, round rocks shot up from the floor and floated in front of him, awaiting hismand.

    **"An earth ability user, huh?"** Ss thought to himself, his eyes narrowing as he observed the fight, studying their movements and abilities closely.

    Marcus leaped into the air, spinning his body slightly before delivering two powerful kicks to the rocks. The rocks flew toward Billy at high speed.

    "What theˇŞ" Billy''s eyes widened in surprise as he saw the iing rocks racing toward him.

    He quickly bit down on the hilt of his katana, holding the de in his mouth, while thrusting his hands forward. A strong gust of wind enveloped the tform, and those watching from the sidelines had trouble seeing what was happening due to the cloud of dust swirling around them.

    The wind''s power grew, and Billy skillfully used it to slow down the iing rocks until they were moving at a crawl.

    "Take this!" Billy shouted as he threw his arms forward. The rocks, caught in his wind currents, were sent back towards Marcus at high speed.

    **BAM!**

    Caught off guard by his own attack being reflected, Marcus failed to react in time. The rocks mmed into him, sending him crashing out of the ring and onto the floor outside the tform.

 Chapter 27: Easy win

    The fight ended with Billy emerging victorious, and he was hailed by the students watching from the sidelines as he exited the raised tform. His triumph echoed through the dojo, and a few momentster, another match began.

    This time, the contestants were a male student wielding a Grade 2 mutant deˇŞsimr to the one Billy usedˇŞand Kevin, his opponent, who had no mutant weapon but was fully d in shiny silver armor. The armor glinted under the dojo lights, its high grade evident at first nce. Ss guessed it was likely a Grade 4 piece of equipment.

    ''Rich bastard,'' Ss thought with envy as he observed Kevin''s suit of armor.

    Kevin was well-known in the academy, not only because of his prowess but because of his affluent background. His family, exceedingly wealthy, provided him with everything he needed to seed in the academy. The shiny silver armor he wore, worth nothing less than a million tokens, was just another tool they had purchased for him, ensuring he could keep up his high scores.

    Despite his wealth, Kevin wasn''t a bully. In fact, he was liked by many for being humble. He often hung out with a small group of lower-grade students, and when his friends weren''t around, he kept to himself. It was one of the reasons some loved himˇŞand also why others despised him.

    The fight started with both students swinging their attacks. The student with the katana was relentless, unleashing strike after strike in an effort tond a hit. Meanwhile, Kevin evaded each attack with fluid ease, swerving his body around gracefully as the de whooshed past him.

    Ss watched closely, noting how the armor enhanced Kevin''s agility, making it easier for him to dodge. The gap in their skill level was obvious, but Kevin was still holding back, choosing not to strike just yet.

    Several minutes passed, and the pattern continued. The katana-wielding student kept attacking with increasing desperation, while Kevin danced around the blows, never breaking a sweat.

    ''He''s trying to wear his opponent down,'' Ss realized, recognizing the strategy Kevin was employing. ''He''s waiting for the other guy to tire out before making his move.''

    Most of the spectators didn''t understand this, though, and many of them jeered at Kevin for what they perceived as cowardice.

    But Kevin ignored their taunts, his attention solely on his opponent. When he saw the katana-wielding student panting heavily, sweat trickling down his face, Kevin finally decided to act.

    ''Gotcha,'' Kevin smirked, closing the distance between them in an instant. He clenched his fist tightly and swung it forward, aiming for the student''s face.

    **BAM!**

    The sound of Kevin''s fist connecting with the student''s face echoed throughout the dojo. The impact was so forceful that the boy''s nose twisted in an unnatural way, and the force of the blow lifted him off his feet, sending him crashing several meters outside the tform. He was unconscious before he even hit the ground.

    Kevin dusted off his hands, exiting the tform with the same grace and confidence he had exhibited during the fight.

    ''Damn... what a monster,'' Ss thought, staring at Kevin, who now stood a few meters away. ''I wonder if my current stats are as strong as his.''

    Kevin, sensing someone''s gaze on him, turned his eyes toward Ss. When their gazes met, Kevin shot Ss a cold, challenging stare, as if expecting him to look away. But Ss didn''t flinch. He held Kevin''s stare, unfazed by the intimidation.

    "Ss, it''s time," Angelica''s voice cut through the tension, and Ss broke eye contact with Kevin to look at her.

    "Don''t worry, I''ll hold back," Angelica reassured him with her usual warm smile.

    "Me too," Ss replied, his tone cold as he stepped onto the tform. His response left Angelica momentarily stunned.

    ''Err... what does he mean by that?'' she muttered to herself, climbing up after him.

    As they stood opposite each other, a red holographic screen materialized in front of Ss.

    [Optional quest has arrived]

    [Defeat the stronger opponent standing before you within 10 minutes]n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

    [Rewards: (hidden)]

    Ss scanned the notification, his expression unreadable. ''An optional quest... I can choose whether toplete it or ignore it.'' He mulled it over, eyeing the reward. It was hidden, but something told him it would be worth the effort.

    Still, he knew better than to act impulsively.

    ''There''s no way I can defeat a Grade 4 mutant like Angelica without going all out. But if I do, it''ll attract attentionˇŞand I can''t afford to draw too much attention to myself right now.''

    He dismissed the quest screen, deciding to y it safe. Going all out wasn''t an option today.

    Clenching his fists, he adopted a fighting stance, bracing himself for the match.

    Angelica stood still for a few seconds before suddenly charging forward, her fist shooting toward his face with incredible speed. Purple sparks of lightning crackled around her fist as she closed in.

    At thest second, Ss leaped back, causing her punch to hit nothing but air.

    Angelica didn''t hesitate. She quickly regained her stance and dashed toward him again, this time aiming for his chest. Ss reacted swiftly, raising his arms to block the iing punch.

    **BAM!**

    Her fist collided with his forearms, and though he managed to block the blow, the sheer force behind it sent him stumbling back.

    ''She''s using her lightning ability to increase the speed of her punches," Ss thought as he sidestepped her next punch with a graceful dodge.

    Taking advantage of the opening, Ss threw a punch of his own, deliberately holding back to avoid revealing too much. Angelica, however, ducked beneath the punch, avoiding it by a hair''s breadth.

    She leaped into the air and spun around, delivering a roundhouse kick aimed directly at Ss''s head.

    Ss saw the attacking but chose not to react, letting the kick connect. The impact sent him sliding across the tform, eventually causing him to fall off andnd on the ground below.

    Angelica''s eyes widened in surprise. She hadn''t expected the fight to end so quickly. She had purposely held back, expecting Ss to dodge the kick and prolong the match. But instead, he had taken the hit without any attempt to defend himself.

    ''Could it be that he''s too weak to even handle a light kick?''  Angelica wondered. ''Or maybe he''s stronger than he looks and let the fight end on purpose to avoid revealing his strength?''

    Her thoughts swirled as she made her way to the edge of the tform, watching as Ss slowly picked himself up from the floor.

    ''You interest me, Ss Griswold,'' Angelica mused, her eyes fixed on him as he dusted himself off.

 Chapter 28: Wild hunt

    Thebat ss finally ended after all the students hadpleted their matches, and Ss exited the dojo instantly. His heart was pounding heavily in his chest, recalling thest notification he had received several minutes earlier.

    [Soul Points -5]

    [Soul Points -5]

    Thebat ss hadsted a total of two hours, and during that time, Ss had lost ten soul points. Each time his soul points dropped, Ss felt his whole body grow sluggish while all of his senses heightened at the same time.

    As he nced at the people around him, he could see the glowing aura of their souls radiating from their bodies, and the sight was irresistibly alluring to him. All he could think about was reaching out to grab them and consume every single soul inhabiting their bodies.

    However, he couldn''t simply attack someone at random without risking getting caught and locked up behind the cold, jingling bars. Thus, he had no choice but to control his urges. Although it became increasingly difficult to restrain himself as the hours wore on, he was forced to try his best.

    Ss exited the dojo with his face drained of color, pale and glistening with sweat, as he began to make his way down the hallway.

    The hallway was packed with students also exiting theirbat sses, all of them heading towards the cafeteria for dinner. Anyone who happened to catch a glimpse of Ss stared at him in confusion, noticing how unnaturally pale his face had be.

    Ss finally reached the cafeteria, and he stood at the entrance, scanning the entire room carefully. His eyes darted around, seeking out a specific group of people.

    "Where the hell are they?" Ss wondered to himself after thoroughly surveying the area but still failing to locate Caleb and his minions.

    He frowned deeply before turning around and staggering away, determined to go find them elsewhere. If he stayed in the cafeteria any longer, he feared he might lose control and attack someone on impulse.

    Ss stepped through the main exit doors, emerging into the expansivepound of the academy. He nced around briefly before heading towards the backyard.

    As Ss walked, he suddenly heard footsteps behind him, which caused him to pause and slowly turn around. When he did, there was no one in sight. With a slight frown, he continued walking.

    "Hmm..." he mused, hearing the footsteps again. This time, when he turned around, he was met with the sight of a de hurtling towards him with brutal speed. His reflexes kicked in immediately, and he stretched out his right hand, stopping the de mid-air.

    Ss''s eyes locked onto the person wielding the weapon, and he instantly recognized him.

    "Finally. I''ve been expecting you," Ss thought, a sinister smirk spreading across his face.

    The attacker was Carlos, Sammy''s twin brother, and another one of Caleb''s notorious minions.

    As Carlos''s de remained suspended in mid-air by Ss''s grasp, a chill ran down his spine. He was utterly shocked that a so-called weakling like Ss could react so quickly, especially when seemingly caught off guard.

    Carlos tightened his grip on the hilt of his de and began to pull it free from Ss''s hand. Blood began to drip from Ss''s palm as the de slid through it, so Ss released the weapon, causing Carlos to stumble backward.

    Carlos quickly regained hisposure, and without hesitation, he charged forward once more, his gaze locked intently on Ss. With a powerful swing, he aimed to sever Ss''s head from his neck.

    However, before the strike could connect, Ss sidestepped with grace, dodging the attack by a hair''s breadth. Carlos quickly pulled his arm back and swung his de once again.

    The de cut through the air with brutal force, and just as it neared Ss, he swerved aside, dodging the strike effortlessly. Ss immediately countered with a punch of his own.

    **BAM!**

    His fist mmed heavily into Carlos''s right side, and the sickening sound of bones cracking echoed throughout the area.

    "What the...!" Carlos gritted his teeth as pain erupted from his ribs, which had shattered upon impact. He was forced to leap several meters backward to recover and regain hisposure.

    "Sammy wasn''t exaggerating... this bastard is something else," Carlos thought internally, his gaze fixed on Ss, who stood a few meters away, his expression cold and menacing.

    "Hurry up and get here! I don''t think I canst much longer!" Carlos thought, dropping his de and thrusting both arms forward, his palms open wide.

    Suddenly, a long, sharp spike made entirely of ice shot forward like a missile, speeding towards Ss at an incredible pace. Ss''s eyes widened slightly as he spotted the spike, but he remainedpletely unfazed.

    **SSSHHHHH!!!**

    The ice spike tore through the air, and when it was just a few meters away, Ss leaned back, bending until his body was almost parallel with the floor, narrowly avoiding the icy projectile.

    After sessfully dodging the attack, Ss straightened up and began dashing forward, his fists clenched tightly in preparation.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    "SILAS! DIE!" Carlos bellowed as he threw his hands forward again, releasing three more long spikes of ice.

    Ss continued charging forward, his expression calm and focused. The first spike came at him, but Ss sidestepped, allowing it to pass harmlessly beside him. The second spike closed in fast, but Ss ducked low, letting it fly over him.

    He rose back to his feet and resumed his advance. The third spike was only a few meters away when Ss stretched out his right hand and caught it mid-flight.

    He gripped the cold spike tightly, pulled his arm back, and hurled it with all his strength.

    **SWEEEEVVV!**

    The ice spike soared through the air with deadly uracy, and before Carlos had time to react, it pierced him directly in the stomach, the force driving him several steps backward.

    Carlos let out a pained groan, his hands instinctively clutching the spike as he tried to pull it out. But before he could manage to do so, Ss was upon him, pinning him firmly against the wall with a cold, merciless stare.

    [Soul Points -5]

    """

    A/n: Vote with your Golden tickets for a mass release.

    10 tickets= 3 extra chapters.

 Chapter 29: Out of time

    He gripped the cold spike firmly, pulled his arm backwards, and swung it out with all his might.

    SWEEEEVVV

    The spike sliced through the air with deadly precision. Before Carlos could react, it plunged deep into his stomach, driving him several steps backward from the sheer force of the impact.

    Carlos groaned in agony, gripping the spike with both hands as he struggled to pull it out. But before he could seed, Ss was upon him, pinning him against the wall with a cold, merciless gaze.

    [Soul Points -5]

    A red notification screen appeared right in front of Ss.

    "Shut up, I know!" Ss growled as he dismissed the screen and shifted his gaze back to Carlos, who remained pinned to the wall.

    As Ss stared at him, he could see the glowing blue aura of Carlos''s soul emanating from his body. Ss had no idea how to drain a human''s soul before, but the sight of Carlos filled him with a raw, animalistic urge. He instinctively knew what to do. He needed to grab Carlos''s head.

    Sharp ck ws began to grow from his fingers as he red at Carlos, saliva trickling down his chin like a wild beast. His cold eyes locked onto his prey, and once the ws were long enough, Ss seized Carlos''s head, sinking them deep into his skull.

    A refreshing surge of energy coursed through Ss''s body the moment his ws made contact, and Carlos immediately froze, paralyzed by the grip of death.

    Before Ss could fully begin the process, someone suddenly charged at him and knocked him to the ground.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    "Get off him, you bloody bastard!" Sammy shouted as he forcefully shoved Ss aside.

    Ss rolled across the floor before regaining his bnce and getting back on his feet. A deep frown crossed his face as he caught sight of Sammy and Caleb standing a few meters away.

    ''Damn it... I was so close to restoring my points. Now I''ve only got an hour before I lose control,'' Ss thought, cold sweat trickling down his face. His gaze narrowed, focusing intently on the two boys.

    "Ss Griswold, you made a big mistake earlier," Caleb dered, his voice dripping with venom. "You shouldn''t have humiliated me and myrades in front of everyone! I know you used Energy PillsˇŞthat''s the only reason you were able to defeat us. But this time, I''m ready to fight fire with fire."

    Caleb reached into his pocket and pulled out two glowing red pills.

    Ss''s eyes widened slightly. ''Energy Pills?'' he thought.

    Caleb tossed one of the pills to Sammy, keeping the other for himself.

    "You''re not leaving here tonight, Ss Griswold!" Caleb spat, opening his mouth and swallowing the pill.

    "Aaarrgghh!" Both Caleb and Sammy screamed in unison as their bodies convulsed violently. Ss covered his ears from the deafening noise. The boys dropped to their knees, shaking uncontrobly for several minutes before slowly rising to their feet.

    Their expressions were cold and menacing, their eyes now glowing bright red. Their muscles had swelled, and they stood taller than before, their transformationplete.

    Ss, however, remained unfazed. Caleb and Sammy were both Grade 3s, and with the help of the pills, they now possessed the strength of Grade 4 mutants. Ss''s current stats far exceeded that of a Grade 4, so he wasn''t concerned about them. His only real worry was restoring his points to avoid running wild.

    Caleb and Sammy stood still for a moment before dashing forward at blinding speed. In an instant, they closed the distance andunched their fists toward Ss''s face.

    **Sweeesshhh.**

    The first punch traveled through the air with tremendous force, but just inches away from impact, Ss sidestepped, dodging the blowpletely.

    Caleb swiftly retracted his outstretched fist and swung again, but Ss ducked low, causing the punch to miss once more. Without hesitation, Ss countered with a strike of his own.

    **BAM!**

    His fist connected with Caleb''s right side, forcing him to stumble backward. Sensing danger from behind, Ss whirled around just in time to see a green energy beam heading toward him. At thest second, he swerved, dodging the beam by a hair''s breadth.

    Sammy, undeterred, conjured another energy beamˇŞthis one twice the size of the firstˇŞand hurled it toward Ss without warning.

    Ss charged toward the iing beam. As it neared, he leaned back until his body was parallel to the ground, narrowly avoiding the attack. Rising smoothly from the maneuver, he continued his advance. Sammy fired two more beams, but Ss sidestepped them effortlessly.

    Closing the distance, Ss reached Sammy and delivered a devastating uppercut.

    BAM!

    The punch snapped Sammy''s head back, forcing him to stare at the evening sky. Before Sammy could recover, Ss followed up with a second blow that lifted him off his feet and sent him crashing into a nearby wall.

    Sammy slumped to the floor but wasn''t out of the fight yet. Ss turned his attention back to Caleb, prepared to finish the job.

    But just as he spun around, a de drove straight into his chest.

    Blood sttered everywhere as the de tore into his body. Though the pain was excruciating, Ss couldn''t scream. He looked down at the de, then up at Caleb, who was holding the hilt.

    "What... have... you... done...?" Ss muttered weakly.

    "Sorry it had to end like this, Griswold. But you should''ve known better than to disrespect me!" Caleb sneered, a victorious grin spreading across his face as he let go of the de. Ss copsed to his knees, gasping for breath.

    "No... you... don''t understand..." Ss stammered, his voice barely above a whisper.

    "Understand what?" Caleb spat, his expression a mix of confusion and disdain.

    [Host has undergone a critical injury]

    [Passive skill: Super Fast Healing will now activate]

    [Super Fast Healing cannot fully heal the injury: Reason: Soul points critically low]

    [Soul Points -5]

    [Your soul points are empty]

    [Host will now run wild]

    ""

    A/n: Vote with your tickets and power stones for a mass release of three chapters.

 Chapter 30: Massacre

    [Host has undergone a critical injury]

    [Passive skill: Super Fast Healing will now activate]

    [Super Fast Healing cannot fully heal the injury: Reason: Soul points critically low]

    [Soul Points -5]

    [Your soul points are empty]

    [Host will now run wild]

    After reading thest notification floating before him, Ss immediately felt dizzy and copsed.

    Caleb stood there, his expression a mixture of confusion and anger. When he finally saw Ss fall, he clicked his tongue and turned toward his friends, signaling for them to leave before anyone could spot them.

    "Let''s get out of here, guys. The bastard''s dead," Caleb dered as he walked back to where Sammy and Carlos stood.

    "Huh?" Sammy stammered, his face pale with terror, his eyes locked on a specific spot behind Caleb.

    "What the hell are youˇŞ" Caleb began, frowning, but when he turned to see what had shaken Sammy, his eyes widened in shock, and his jaw dropped.

    Ss, who had been lying motionless just moments ago, was now rising to his feet as if nothing had happened. With a calm, deliberate motion, he gripped the hilt of the de lodged in his chest and yanked it out without uttering a sound.

    "What the hell?" Caleb gasped, disbelief flooding his voice. "Am I seeing this right? Is his wound healing... at an insane speed?" He swallowed hard as he watched the gaping injury on Ss''s chest seal itselfpletely, leaving no trace of the stabbing.

    Once fully healed, Ss stepped forward, and as he moved, the group finally saw his transformed appearance in full.

    His once neat hair had turned sharp and bristly, like the quills of a porcupine. His muscles had be more defined and bulkier, vicious ws, and his eyes had turned pitch ck. Beneath them, dark veins pulsed visibly, spreading across his arms and legs like twisted roots.

    His mere presence was menacing. Just looking at him sent shivers down their spines.

    "A demon..." Sammy muttered under his breath, cold sweat dripping from his face.

    "What the hell happened to him? He was supposed to be dead! But instead, he''s turned into this... this freakish mutant!" Caleb''s voice trembled, his bravado reced by raw fear.

    Ss stopped a few meters away from them, standingpletely still, his gaze locked onto them with an eerie silence.

    "Hey, guys, don''t let him scare you!" Caleb shouted, trying to rally his courage. "He''s still just Ss Griswold. This is all an act to freak us outˇŞdon''t fall for it!"

    Caleb''s words seemed to bolster Sammy''s courage, and with a loud battle cry, Sammy charged forward without hesitation.

    **SLASH!**

    A thin white line shed through the air, followed by a heavy thud as Sammy''s head tumbled to the ground like a ball. His body followed shortly after, blood spraying in all directions as his life was snuffed out in an instant.

    ''What... what just happened?'' Caleb froze, his mind struggling toprehend what he had just witnessed.

    One second, Sammy had been charging, and the next, his head was rolling across the floor, while Ss remained standing in the same spot.

    ''Wait... his ws... they''re dripping with blood...'' Caleb''s mind raced as the horrifying truth hit him. ''He attacked Sammy so fast, we didn''t even see it. Just how fast is this guy?'' Panic seized him, and all the confidence he once had evaporatedpletely.

    Carlos, however, was too enraged to be paralyzed by fear. He stepped forward, his face twisted in fury, and stretched out his hands, palms open wide.

    "You... How dare you kill him like that!" Carlos roared, summoning five long ice spikes that floated in the air for a split second beforeunching toward Ss with deadly force.

    **Whoosh!**n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

    Ss vanished from his spot, reappearing directly in front of Carlos in the blink of an eye. Before Carlos could react, Ss''s ws shed, and his head was severed clean from his body.

    Blood sprayed like a fountain as Carlos''s headnded at Caleb''s feet, followed by the copse of his headless body.

    Caleb''s heart sank into his stomach, his face ashen with terror. His shirt clung to him, drenched in cold sweat, as though he had been submerged in water.

    ''This guy... he''s a devil!'' Caleb screamed internally, his heart pounding violently in his chest as his gaze remained glued to Ss.

    ''I have no choice but to run.'' Caleb''s mind finally settled on a decision, and without hesitation, he spun around and sprinted toward the door that led to the main academy building.

    As he ran, something unnerved himˇŞthere were no footsteps behind him. No one was chasing him. Driven by curiosity, he risked a nce over his shoulder, only to find that Ss had vanished.

    "Where is he?" Caleb muttered, scanning the area frantically. His heart nearly stopped when he turned his gaze forward again. There, standing directly in his path, was Ss.

    ''Shit... shit... shit!'' Panic coursed through Caleb''s veins, and in a desperate attempt to flee, he tried to turn and run the other wayˇŞbut there was Ss, standing behind him as well.

    "Please! Please, don''t kill me!" Caleb pleaded, his voice shaking. "I''ll give you anything! Look, I''ve just transferred all my tokens to you. Please, spare my life!" Caleb frantically made a quick transfer, hoping to buy his life.

    But Ss didn''t seem to be listening. It felt as though the person before Caleb wasn''t Ss anymore but a wild creature driven by an insatiable instinct to hunt and kill.

    "Please... I''m the only son..." Caleb whimpered, tears spilling from his eyes, his voice filled with desperation and regret.

    Ss stared at him for a moment before reaching out and gripping Caleb''s head with one hand. His ws sank deep into Caleb''s skull, and a glowing blue aura began to flow from Caleb''s body into Ss''s.

    [Soul Points: 10/100]

    [Soul Points: 50/100]

    [Soul Points: 70/100]

    [Soul Points: 100/100]

    Even though his soul points were fully restored, Ss didn''t stop. He continued draining everyst bit of Caleb''s soul, his hunger insatiable. As the seconds passed, Caleb''s body began to solidify, turning into a lifeless, petrified husk.

 Chapter 31: First evolution quest

    Ss jolted upright in his bed the moment the morning sun shone brightly into his eyes. He sat there, his heart pounding in his chest, his entire body drenched in sweat.

    ncing around the room, a puzzled expression crossed his face.

    "My dorm room?" he muttered in disbelief as he scanned his surroundings. "How the hell did I get here?"

    Ss had no memory of returning to his dorm. Thest thing he recalled was being out in the academy courtyard with Caleb and his minions.

    Fragments of the previous night''s events shed through his mindˇŞhis encounter with Caleb, the fight, the sharp pain as the de pierced his chest. After that, everything went ck, and now he had woken up in his room as if nothing had happened.

    "Before I cked out... I remember the system notifying me that my soul points were empty, and that I would lose control. Don''t tell me..." Ss''s eyes widened as the realization struck him.

    Out of curiosity, he opened the system interface.

    **----------------------**n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    **[Name: Ss Griswold]**

    **[Race: Half-breed]**

    **[Level: 21]**

    **[Health: 100/100]**

    **[Soul Points: 100/100]**

    **Attribute Panel:**

    **[Strength: 30]**

    **[Speed: 10]**

    **[Reflex: 10]**

    **[Agility: 15]**

    **[Intelligence: 10]**

    **[Avable Attribute Points to Distribute: 5]**

    **Skill Panel:**

    **[Lightning Dash: Increases speed for two seconds. Costs 10 soul points.]**

    **[Active Skill: Soul ws: Allows the user to extend unique ws from the tips of their fingers. Costs 1 soul point.]**

    **Arsenal:**

    **[Chest Armor (Grade 2)]**

    **[Leg Armor (Grade 2)]**

    **[Scythe (Grade 2)]**

    **----------------------**

    Ss examined the interface with a furrowed brow, his fingers rubbing his chin thoughtfully, his expression neutral but focused.

    "My soul points have been fully restored. It''s obvious what happenedst nightˇŞI killed Caleb and his minions." Ss mused aloud, his gaze fixed on the screen, fingers still absently rubbing his chin.

    He wasn''t troubled by the thought or feeling guilty. They deserved it after everything they had done to him. What concerned him more was what transpired after he consumed their souls.

    Had he killed anyone else?

    Had he been discovered by the academy''s higher-ups?

    And most troubling of allˇŞwho had brought him back to his dorm?

    These questions nagged at him as he stared nkly at the interface. He knew what he was capable of when his soul points ran out, and the possibility that he hadn''t stopped after draining Caleb, Sammy, and Carlos was a very real concern.

    "If the academy''s higher-ups had found me, they wouldn''t have just brought me back to my dorm and let me sleep peacefully. They would''ve locked me up in the dungeons by now. So what really happened?" Ss pondered, tapping his chin as he searched for answers.

    As his thoughts churned, the screen in front of him suddenly vanished, only to be reced by a new one.

    **[Ding! Your first evolution quest has arrived!]**

    **[Complete the quest to evolve into a Tier 5 Soul Devourer mutant.]**

    **[Soul Devourer Tier 5 Info: The lowest tier of Devourer mutants. A mutant capable of growing stronger by consuming the souls of fellow mutants.]**

    **[Once the host evolves into a Tier 5 Soul Devourer mutant, the host will gain attribute points from each soul consumedˇŞhuman or mutant.]**

    **[You have until sundown to ept the quest.]**

    **[Failure to ept the quest will result in cardiac arrest.]**

    **[Quest Info: Clear a Grade 3 mutant realm without assistance and consume the soul of the realm''s deity.]**

    **[Rewards will be disyed uponpletion.]**

    Ss stared at the screen in silence, processing the new information.

    "Evolution?" he muttered, his fingers once again tapping his chin thoughtfully. "That''s rightˇŞI remember the system mentioning something about an evolution back when I absorbed the artifact."

    He had read plenty of novels where the protagonist evolved bypleting quests, so he wasn''tpletely unfamiliar with the concept. However, the mechanics here seemed more intense and far more dangerous than anything he had encountered in fiction.

    "Tier 5 Soul Devourer mutant... That''s the lowest rank of the Soul Devourer types, which means there''ll be future quests to evolve into higher tiers."

    Soul Devourer mutants, as the system had described, were mutants that gained strength by feeding on the souls of their own kind. There were a total of five tiers, each with its unique attributes. The Tier 5, which Ss would soon be, granted him the ability to gain extra attribute points from every soul he consumed, whether human or mutant.

    "At least I won''t have to worry about hunting down students to drain them of their souls," Ss intoned, a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. But as he nced further down the screen, the grin quickly faded.

    "Clear a Grade 3 mutant realm without a party? Is this system trying to kill me?"

    Though Ss had the strength of a Grade 4 mutant ability user, he wasn''t confident in his ability to clear a Grade 3 realm on his own. Typically, it took at least three Grade 3s and two Grade 2s to clear a realm of that level, and now the system expected him to do it solo.

    "Punishment is death if I refuse, and an attempt toplete the quest might be death too. It''s confirmedˇŞthe system is out to kill me," Ss muttered, frustrationcing his words.

    "I guess I have no choice but to give the quest a shot. But waitˇŞhow do I even gain ess to a mutant realm? Students aren''t allowed to travel through portals unless it''s for a test or if they''ve been approved by staff for a raid. So where the hell am I supposed to find a Grade 3 portal to clear?" Ss wondered, his fingers still absently rubbing his chin as his brow furrowed in deep thought.

    "Maybe the system will transport me to the realm once I ept the quest. I guess I''ll just have to wait and see." Ss concluded, dismissing the system interface.

    Before he could head to the bathroom to freshen up and prepare for the day, a sharp knock on his door made him freeze in ce. His heart skipped a beat as his gaze darted toward the door.

    He stood still for a moment, listening intently, then slowly made his way toward it. Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Ss opened the door cautiously.

    Standing before him was Kara, her expression grim, her eyes burning with intensity. She looked every bit as furious as she did concerned.

    "We need to have a serious discussion aboutst night, Ss," Kara said, her tone leaving no room for argument.

 Chapter 32: Explanation

    Ss froze after hearing the knock, his gaze locking onto the door. He stared at it for a few moments before cautiously walking toward it. Taking a deep breath, he exhaled slowly before pulling the door open.

    Standing directly in front of him was Kara, her presence emanating an aura of barely contained fury. Her expression was akin to that of a raging devil, her eyes burning with intensity.

    "We need to have a serious discussion aboutst night, Ss," Kara said sharply, her voice carrying an edge of authority.

    Ss didn''t need to guess what she was referring to; it was obvious. Yet, he chose to feign ignorance, ying dumb to confirm his suspicions.

    "Uhm... what are you talking about, ma?" Ss inquired, scratching his head with a confused, dumbfounded expression.

    "Don''t y dumb, Ss. I was therest night. When I arrived, you''d already killed them all. I was the one who cleaned up your mess and brought you back to your dorm room after you passed out," Kara responded, her frown deepening as her eyes bore into him.

    Ss nodded slowly, a sense of relief washing over him. "I see... I was wondering earlier how I ended up back in my room. Well, I guess it''s good to know it was you. At least I won''t have to worry about getting locked up behind the jingling bars," he said, his voice tinged with an ironic sense of relief.

    Kara nced around, her eyes scanning the room briefly before grabbing Ss''s right arm and pulling him inside. She shut the door behind them with a swift motion.

    "What the hell happenedst night? What did you do to Caleb and his friends? I examined the bodies. They were killed by ws, and Caleb''s bodyˇ­ it''s like he turned into some sort of petrified husk. I need to know exactly what happened," Kara demanded, her tone sharp and unyielding.

    Ss stayed silent for a few moments, weighing his response. Finally, he spoke. "There''s something you should know about the Apex Mutant artifact I absorbed."

    "Okay?" Kara urged impatiently, her arms crossed as she awaited his exnation.

    Ss sighed heavily before speaking again. "In order for me to live and use my abilities to the fullest, I need to consume souls. If I don''t consume souls, I lose control and go wild until a soul is devoured. That''s what happenedst night... I lost control of my body, and that''s why those guys were killed so brutally. Caleb''s bodyˇŞwell, it''s what happens when I consume a soul."

    His exnation was clear and devoid of any remorse, as if he were merely stating facts. Ss had no qualms about what he''d done; they deserved it. His concern wasn''t the act itself but the implications of losing control and whether he had killed others beyond Caleb''s group.

    Even though he hadn''t truly run wildst nightˇŞhe had intended to kill them all alongˇŞthe fear that lingered was of a different nature. The fear that, after killing them, he wouldn''t stop and would rampage through the academy, wreaking havoc. That would end disastrously for him.

    Kara stood still, processing the information. Her expression flickered between shock and understanding as the weight of Ss''s confession settled in.

    After a long moment, she finally broke the silence. "Yeah, I''ve read something simr to your case years ago... A mutant who feeds on souls to survive."

    She sighed. "The Apex Mutant is abination of all species of mutants, including the soul-eater species. Since you''re now the host, it makes sense that you''d need souls to survive. But does it have to be a human soul?" Kara asked, her voice filled with genuine curiosity and concern.

    "For now, yes," Ss replied. "But soon, I''ll be able to consume the souls of mutants as well."

    Kara''s eyes narrowed, her suspicion evident. "How are you so sure of that?" she questioned, her re intensifying.

    Ss chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his head. He hadn''t told her about the systemˇŞthe quests, the leveling up, or the attribute points. Even though Kara had proven herself trustworthy so far, he felt it was wiser to keep that part hidden, at least for now.

    She would undoubtedly grow suspicious in the future as he continued to grow in power, but until then, he preferred to keep that secret to himself.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

    "I did some research," Ss answered. "That''s how I found out."

    Kara stared at him for a moment longer before nodding. "I see. Well, Caleb was the son of Sensei Josh, and I''m sure he''ll be furious when he finds out his son is dead. But don''t worry, I''ll do everything in my power to make sure no one links it back to you," Kara assured, though her words carried a weight of warning.

    Ss''s heart raced when she mentioned Sensei Josh, but he sighed in relief at her assurance. Kara had a high rank within the academy, and with her power and influence, she could easily cover his tracks. Ss trusted she''d be able to sweep this under the rug.

    "Today''s a Saturday, meaning there are no sses," Kara continued, changing the subject. "Hurry up and get dressed. We have somewhere to be."

    Ss blinked in confusion. "Err? Somewhere? Where are we going?" he asked, unsure of what she had nned.

    "To the Ranking Arena," Kara replied, her tone making it clear this wasn''t up for debate.

    The Ranking Arena. Ss had heard of itˇŞa ce where top students with high-graded mutant abilities went to fight, climbing their way up the leaderboard. It was a prestigious andpetitive environment, where students showcased their talents and gained recognition from the academy''s top staff.

    It wasn''t just about thepetition; students participated for various reasonsˇŞtraining, gaining poprity, or simply out of boredom. But for Ss, it had always been a ce to avoid. He had never once set foot in the arena, both because he hadn''t possessed any notable abilities before and because he had no interest in watching his bullies fight.

    "Why do you want me to go to the arena, ma?" Ss asked after a moment''s hesitation.

    "It''ll help you improve," Kara exined. "The duels will sharpen your battle IQ. That''s why I want you there."

    Ss frowned. "Fighting low-graded students won''t help me improve anything. The fights would be too easy."

    "Then pick a tougher opponent. Maybe a Grade 4," Kara suggested. "I want to see what you''re capable of, Ss."

    Ss hesitated again. "If I defeat a Grade 4 in front of everyone, I''ll be exposing myself. I don''t want that."

    "Not if you fight anonymously," Kara countered. "I''ve seen students register under false names and wear costumes. No one will know who you are. All they''ll see is an anonymous fighter defeating high-ranked students."

    Ss stared at her, weighing his options before letting out a heavy sigh. "Fine," he muttered, before turning and heading to the bathroom.

    Once inside, he nced at the screen floating before him.

    [Time left to ept the quest: 10:49:35]

    "I''ve still got time. I''ll go to the arena, defeat a few opponents, boost my level, and maybe earn some attribute points. I have a feeling this evolution quest is going to be dangerous, and I could use every advantage I can get." Ss thought to himself as he prepared to leave.

 Chapter 33: Grinding time!

    Ss took a quick shower and got dressed in his usual uniform. Even though it was a Saturday and students were allowed to wear whatever they wanted, Ss still chose his uniform. The reason for this was simple: he had no other clothes except the ones given to him by the academy.

    After making sure everything was in order, he exited the room with Kara, shutting the door behind them.

    The students passing by looked confused as they watched Ss walk out of the room with a staff member as striking as Kara. Being teenagers, their minds immediately filled with assumptions about what might have transpired between Ss and Kara inside the room.

    However, Kara quickly shot a re in their direction, her eyes sharp and menacing, and the onlookers scattered, running off to mind their own business.

    "Come on," Kara said as she led the way down the hallway toward the exit.

    The Ranking Arena was located far from the dormitories and a good distance away from the main academy building, so they had quite a walk ahead of them. After several minutes, Ss began hearing the loud cheers of a crowd echoing in the distance. As they drew closer, the arena came into view.

    The massive arena, known as the "Ranking Arena," stretched out before them like an endless ocean, its vastness awe-inspiring. It was capable of seating tens of thousands of spectators, and the electric energy of excitement filled the air.

    Tiered rows of seating rose high, seemingly disappearing into the horizon, packed with students from various nations. The air was thick with the sound of conversations,ughter, and the rustling of backpacks as students moved about.

    On the left, a group of international students waved gs proudly, their banners bearing the colors of the Arc of mutant academy they were in. On the right, a cluster of tech-savvy students huddled aroundptops, their faces glowing from the light of the screens.

    In the center of the arena, a vast expanse of polished hardwood stretched out, dotted with students sitting cross-legged, reclining against backpacks, or standing in groups as they engaged in animated conversations.

    "This way," Kara muttered, leading Ss toward a section of the arena where costumes for fighters were sold. "Pick any costume you like and go register your name. I''ll take care of the bill," she said.

    Ss nodded and turned his attention toward the rows of costumes disyed in front of him, each with its own price tag. Many of the costumes were crafted from parts of mutant creatures, providing strength and speed boosts to the wearer.

    However, these specialized costumes came with a high price tag. Ss wasn''t interested in gaining an advantage through equipment; all he needed was something that would conceal his identity.

    His main goal ining to the arena was to grindˇŞto gain as many attribute points and level-ups as possible. To achieve this, he needed to fight and defeat students who were at least of Grade 3 or 4.

    The academy believed that Ss had no mutant abilities. If he was seen defeating high-ranked opponents, too many questions would be raised, and people might eventually connect the dots and realize that he was the one who had obtained the artifact in the mutant realm.

    This was why Ss needed a costume to hide his identity while he focused on his mission.

    After scanning the various options, Ss finally spotted a costume that caught his eye. It was a ghostly mask, simr to the kind used in horror movies. Ss grabbed the ghost mask, ced it on his face, and checked his reflection in the nearby mirror to ensure his face waspletely covered.

    Satisfied with the result, he donned the rest of the costume, a ck, tattered cloak, and adjusted it toplete his look.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

    "All done!" Ss announced, his voice now deep and menacing due to the mask.

    "Good. Now, head down that hallway on your right and register your name. I''ll be watching from the stands," Kara instructed.

    Ss gave a nod and walked toward the hallway. As he advanced, he called up his arsenal panel, examining the items listed.

    He hadn''t used any of the items in his arsenal since acquiring them, and the thought of equipping the scythe and chest piece briefly crossed his mind.

    "No, that would make me too overpowered. My current stats are more than enough to deal with Grade 4s," Ss decided, dismissing the panel.

    After walking a few more steps, he arrived at the registration area. Standing before aputer, Ss ced his hands on the keyboard, his eyes fixed on the screen as instructions for entering a nickname appeared.

    "Nickname... What should I go with?" Ss mused, staring at the blinking cursor.

    He needed a name that had no connection to his real identity. Something obscure. Something that wouldn''t draw too much attention.

    "Ghost Ranger," he finally decided.

    It wasn''t the most exciting name, but that''s what Ss neededˇŞsomething simple and unremarkable.

    After typing in the name andpleting the registration process, he was quickly matched with an opponent named Chris Davidson.

    "A Grade 2?" Ss frowned in mild disappointment when he saw his opponent''s grade. "The rewards for defeating lower grades won''t be much. I need tougher opponents. But I guess they''re starting me off easy for my first match. As I win more fights, the difficulty will increase."

    As he mulled this over, the voice of the announcer rang out across the arena.

    "The next fight: Chris Davidson versus..." The announcer paused, likely confused by the name on his list. "Errˇ­ Ghost Ranger?"

    Hearing the announcer''s words, Ss cracked his knuckles, then began walking toward the center of the arena, ignoring the crowd''s snickers and jeers at his chosen nickname.

    He ascended the raised tform, taking his position opposite Chris, who wielded two katana des. A glowing Grade 2 skill slot hovered around Chris''s waist, indicating his strength.

    [Optional Quest: Defeat the opponent to earn rewards.]

    [Rewards will be revealed upon questpletion.]

    Arge screen materialized before Ss, disying the quest details. "It''s grinding time," he muttered under his breath, eyes locked onto his opponent, waiting for the referee to give the signal.

 Chapter 34: Ranking match

    [Optional quest has arrived: Defeat the opponent to earn rewards.]

    [Rewards are shown after the quest ispleted.]

    ncing at the screen, Ss saw the huge disy materialize in front of him. "It''s grinding time," he thought to himself, his gaze fixed intently on Chris, waiting for the referee''s signal.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    The female referee, standing between the two fighters, raised her hands high above her head, signaling the start of the match. As soon as she dropped her hands, Chris let out a loud battle cry and charged forward.

    His speed was unremarkableˇŞnothing special, at least in Ss''s eyes. Chris moved like a drunk man stumbling toward his bedroom, his motions sluggish and uncoordinated.

    Finally, Chris came within striking range, drawing his right hand back and swinging his katana forward in a sweeping arc.

    *Sweeesshh!*

    The de sliced through the air, aiming for Ss, but he casually sidestepped, dodging the attack by just a few inches.

    As Ss avoided the first strike, he spotted Chris''s second katanaing from the opposite direction. Reacting quickly, he swerved to the side, narrowly evading the second strike.

    Chris regained his bnce immediately and swung once again, this time aiming for Ss''s head. Ss ducked low, letting the de pass harmlessly over his head, then swiftly countered with a powerful punch.

    **BAM!**

    Ss''s right fist connected solidly with Chris''s jaw, delivering a punishing blow. The impact lifted Chris off the ground, sending him crashing several meters away.

    Chrisnded heavily on the floor, lying motionless for a moment. Ss stood still, his eyes trained on his downed opponent. ''If he was defeated, the system would have notified me by now. The fight isn''t over yet,'' Ss mused internally.

    A few moments passed before Chris stirred, slowly pulling himself to his feet. His eyes locked on Ss with renewed determination. He cracked his knuckles and began dashing forward again, clearly refusing to give up.

    Once more, Chris charged, his gaze fixed on Ss, who stood calmly, watching every movement. This time, Chris thrust both of his katanas forward, aiming for Ss''s chest. The des shot toward him at blinding speed, but Ss effortlessly sidestepped at thest moment, avoiding the dual strike.

    Before Chris could retract his arms, Ss closed the gap between them and delivered another devastating punch aimed at Chris''s face.

    **BAM!**

    The force of Ss''s fist sent Chris flying backward yet again, lifting him into the air before he crashed face-first onto the tform. He slid several feet beforeing to a stop, motionless on the ground.

    [Congrattions, you have defeated your opponent.]

    [You have leveled up.]

    [You have leveled up.]

    [Reward: 5 attribute points.]

    A series of notifications shed before Ss, who nced at them with satisfaction. ''Too easy... just as I expected,'' he thought, feeling pleased with the oue. ''The rewards might not be huge, but they''re still better than nothing. I can''t wait to face higher-level opponents.''

    He dismissed the notification screen and turned his gaze back to Chris, who was now being checked by the referee. After a brief examination, she realized Chris could no longer continue and raised her hand, dering the result.

    "Winner: Ghost Ranger! Ghost Ranger has earned 5 points and is now on the leaderboard, while Chris has been relegated! Ghost Ranger''s current position is 300!" the referee announced loudly, but the crowd remained silent.

    There were no cheers, no apuse. The audience showed no interest in a battle between two low-ranked students. Their attention was solely on the top-tier fighters, and to them, Ss and Chris''s match had been nothing more than a filler to pass the time.

    Ss calmly stepped off the tform, heading toward the waiting area for his next match. Meanwhile, another fight immediately began on the tform behind him.

    This time, the battle was between two Grade 4 students, both earth ability users. The energy in the arena noticeably shifted as the students exhibited far more skill than Chris had in the previous bout. One of them, a tall, muscr boy named Vic, had a clear advantage due to his experience.

    Vic dominated the match with precise and powerful movements, stomping his foot to send spikes of earth shooting toward his opponent, then raising walls of stone for defense. His control over his abilities was far superior, and it quickly became apparent that his opponent didn''t stand a chance.

    After a few short minutes, Vic delivered a final, decisive attackˇŞa massive boulder formed from the ground that sent his opponent flying off the tform and into the audience.

    "Vic has defeated his opponent and has now risen to 3rd ce on the leaderboard!" the female referee announced.

    The crowd erupted in cheers, chanting Vic''s name over and over. Some of the female students in the stands blushed as Vic, clearly enjoying the attention, waved and blew kisses toward them, basking in the glory of his victory.

    ---

    **Elsewhere in the arena.**

    In a small, dimly lit changing room, a group of students surrounded a boy who was kneeling on the floor, trembling with fear. His face was covered in bruises, and his jaw was swollen and red. It was clear he had juste from a fight and had lost badly.

    "You useless idiot! How could you lose to a nobody like that? Some trash with no mutant ability?!" a bulky student, Billy, shouted angrily. He grabbed a fistful of the boy''s hair and yanked it, causing the boy to cry out in pain. "Now you''ve been relegated, and that jerk Vic and his crew are ranking up, stealing all the attention!"

    "I-I couldn''t help it..." the boy, Chris, muttered weakly. "You know I can''t use my mutant ability properly..."

    "Shut up! Can you hear yourself right now?" Billy roared, yanking Chris''s head back even harder. "Even if you don''t know how to use your mutant ability, you still have that Grade 2 skill slot! You should have an advantage over someone with no skill slot at all! Stop making excuses!"

    "You don''t understand..." Chris whimpered, his voice trembling. "That student... Ghost Ranger... I know he doesn''t have a skill slot, but his strength... the way he moved... It was almost like he was a Grade 3 mutant ability user!"

    Billy and the other students exchanged confused, startled nces, their eyes widening in surprise.

 Chapter 35: Rigged

    Chris''s trembling voice echoed in Billy''s mind, creating a ripple of tension among the group. For a moment, the usually brash and confrontational Billy found himself grappling with the possibility that something deeper had taken ce in the fight against Ghost Ranger.

    Still, he refused to let fear seep in. He clenched his fists, his eyes narrowing. "What the hell are you talking about, Chris? We all saw the fight. You lost because you were weak, not because that guy is overpowered," Billy barked, his disbelief clear in his tone.

    Chris''s gaze remained glued to the floor, his voice a little more urgent now. "That''s what you think, but I swear... I put everything into that fight. It was like he knew every move before I even made it. There''s something off about him."

    Billy stood silently for a moment, assessing Chris. He wasn''t one to back down from a fight, but hearing Chris''s conviction made him pause. "Fine," he said after a moment, turning his sharp gaze toward Kenny, one of the Grade 4 fighters in their circle. "Kenny, go to the organizers and pay them off. I want to see if Chris is telling the truth. Get yourself a match with Ghost Ranger.

    I want to see this for myself."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

    Kenny raised an eyebrow but quickly nodded. He was used to Billy''s demands and, more importantly, knew better than to question him. Without another word, Kenny walked off to meet the organizers.

    Matchmaking in the ranking arena was designed to be random, with students facing off against opponents of the same grade or one grade higher or lower. However, there was always a way to cheat the system if you had enough tokens to spare. Some students could bribe the organizers to arrange a match against any opponent they wanted, whether for an easy win or to settle personal scores.

    Though it was illegal and punishable by a ban from the arena, corruption was rampant. Students who could afford it rarely faced consequences, as long as they knew who to bribe.

    Kenny met with one of the organizers, a man hidden behind a silver mask, and after a quick exchange of words, handed over a small pouch of tokens. The organizer nodded and began typing rapidly on hisputer. Within moments, the deal was sealed. Kenny would face Ghost Ranger in the next round.

    ---

    While Kenny was making arrangements, Ss stood in a secluded corner of the arena, observing the ongoing fights with his arms crossed. He was growing impatient as the minutes ticked by. He had nned to fight several more opponents by now, gathering enough attribute points to prepare for his evolution quest, but the long wait between matches was slowing him down.

    There were still five hours left before his time ran out, and he needed to rack up more points if he was going to survive what came next.

    On the tform, a fight was ying out between two Grade 2 girls, Lucy and Rose. Lucy was a chain user, her shiny ck chains whipping through the air as she tried tond a hit on her opponent. Rose, however, was quicker. She dodged the first chain easily and, with sharp reflexes, caught it when Lucy sent it toward her again.

    Rose yanked hard, pulling Lucy toward her, and when Lucy stumbled forward, Rose leapt into the air and drove her knee into Lucy''s face with a sickening crack.

    **BAM!**

    The sound of Lucy''s nose breaking reverberated through the arena as she copsed outside the tform. The announcer dered Rose the winner, but as usual, the crowd didn''t react. Fights between lower grades were a mere distraction to the spectators, who were here to see the top-ranking students battle it out.

    Ss continued to watch, taking mental notes about the various mutant abilities on disy, but his frustration was mounting. Time was slipping away. The fights dragged on, and he couldn''t afford to lose any more minutes. If only the arena had multiple tforms so fights could ur simultaneouslyˇŞhe might have already had three matches by now. But there was nothing he could do except wait.

    Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the battle between two Grade 3sˇŞone a wind user and the other a telekinesis userˇŞcame to an end, with the wind user victorious. And just like that, it was finally Ss''s turn.

    The announcer stepped onto the tform, microphone in hand. "Next match: Ghost Ranger versusˇ­" She trailed off, confusion crossing her face as she read the name on her list. She blinked, then excused herself, stepping down to confer with one of the organizers.

    Ss felt a sense of unease crawl up his spine. Something wasn''t right.

    He stretched and cracked his knuckles, preparing himself for what he assumed would be another easy fight. ording to the ranking system, his opponent was a Grade 2 ice ability user, someone who should pose no real threat. He nned to finish the match quickly and move on to his next opponent.

    The announcer returned to the tform after her brief conversation, and her voice was filled with uncertainty as she spoke again. "Next match: Ghost Ranger, a fighter with no mutant ability, versus Kenny Dogs, a Grade 4 mutant ability user!"

    The crowd let out an audible gasp at the announcement, murmurs spreading like wildfire through the stands. Ss''s eyes widened as the words sank in.

    ''Grade 4?''

    That couldn''t be right. His opponent was supposed to be a Grade 2. What had changed?

    His gaze scanned the crowd, quickly zeroing in on Chris and Billy standing with a group of high-ranked students. They were smirking, eyes glinting with malicious intent. It didn''t take long for Ss to realize what had happened. The fight had been rigged. They''d paid off the organizers to set him up against a much stronger opponent, hoping to find out if Chris was indeed telling the truth.

    But instead of fear, a slow grin spread across Ss''s face.

    ''Ah, so they rigged the fight. Smart. Whoever rigged it should be... rewarded handsomely because that was exactly what I wanted!,'' he thought to himself. His fingers twitched in anticipation, and a familiar red notification screen materialized beside him.

    [A stronger opponent has been detected.]

    [Defeat the stronger opponent to earn rewards.]

    Ss''s heart pounded with excitement. This was the moment he had been waiting forˇŞthe chance to test himself against a stronger foe and earn even greater rewards. He turned his attention back to Kenny, who was swaggering onto the tform, a smug look on his face. The arena lights gleamed off the crystalline armor Kenny had formed around his body, a testament to his Grade 4 defensive mutation.

 Chapter 36: Without breaking a sweat

    [A stronger opponent has been detected.]

    [Defeat the stronger opponent to earn rewards.]

    Ss''s heart pounded with excitement. This was the moment he had been waiting forˇŞthe chance to test himself against a stronger foe and earn even greater rewards. He turned his attention back to Kenny, who was swaggering onto the tform, a smug look etched across his face.

    The arena lights gleamed off the crystalline armor Kenny had formed around his body, a visible manifestation of his Grade 4 defensive mutation. Each step Kenny took seemed to echo throughout the silent arena, the crowd eagerly awaiting the unfolding spectacle.

    Kenny stood opposite Ss, his expression filled with arrogance. His fists clenched tightly, ready to crush the supposed "weakling" standing before him.

    The crowd, which had been buzzing with conversation before the match, now quieted down to whispers as they watched Kenny enter the tform. Confusion rippled through them, disbelief clear in their voices.

    "I thought Ghost Ranger was just some guy with a low-level mutant ability?" one student muttered.

    "No, he''s not even that. The guy has no ability at all!" another replied, shaking his head in bewilderment.

    "Then why on earth would they pit him against Kenny, a Grade 4?" someone else chimed in, disbelief dripping from their tone.

    "It has to be a mistake, right? There''s no way this match was set up properly."

    "Yeah, well, if it isn''t a mistake, Kenny might actually make Ghost Ranger live up to his name... turn him into a real ghost right here."

    The murmurs of confusion turned into eager anticipation. Despite the oddity of the matchup, the crowd now smelled blood. They were looking forward to seeing Kenny demonstrate his power and crush the underdog. To them, this was no contestˇŞjust a slow, inevitable destruction.

    Kenny, ring at Ss with disdain, broke the tension. "I heard you were pretty strong... I''m only here to see for myself if it''s true or just a rumor. No hard feelings, mate," he said, his voice dripping with mock sincerity.

    Ss met Kenny''s smug expression with a calm smirk of his own. "Hard feelings? Bro, I''m d you came," he replied nonchntly, cracking his knuckles as he loosened up and got into a fighting stance,pletely ignoring the biting sarcasm in Kenny''s voice.

    Ss''s calm confidence visibly unsettled Kenny, and for a brief second, confusion flickered across his face. "What the hell''s that supposed to mean?" Kenny demanded, his tone harsher now, the cocky edge slipping. But Ss remained silent, his focus already locked in.

    The female referee, standing between the twobatants, raised her right hand above her head, signaling the start of the match. Her eyes darted nervously between them, clearly understanding the mismatch yet bound by the rules.

    "Fight!" she called out, swiftly dropping her hand to begin the match.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    The moment the signal was given, Kenny rushed forward with surprising speed for someone of his size, his face twisted in anger. His powerful legs pounded against the tform as he charged at Ss, aiming to finish the fight quickly. His right fist, pulled back in preparation, swelled as he activated his mutant ability.

    The fist grew in size as if bing a massive, heavy weaponˇŞa wrecking ball aimed straight for Ss''s face.

    Ss, watching carefully, noticed the dramatic ergement of Kenny''s fist. "Body ergement," he thought, calmly analyzing his opponent even as the massive blow barreled toward him.

    As Kenny''s colossal fist came within inches of his face, Ss smoothly sidestepped the attack, his movements so fluid and quick that it seemed almost effortless. Kenny''s punch whistled through empty air, his eyes widening in surprise as Ss dodged the blow with minimal effort.

    "What the...?" Kenny muttered, shocked that his initial strike had been so easily avoided. He quickly retrieved his arm and swung again, this time with even more force, hoping to catch Ss off guard.

    But Ss was prepared. Just as before, he dodged the attack at thest moment, slipping out of the path of Kenny''s oversized fist by a mere hair''s breadth. Before Kenny could even react, Ss countered.

    BAM!

    Ss''s fist connected with Kenny''s ribcage, the sharp sound of bones cracking echoing through the arena. The force of the punch reverberated through Kenny''s body, causing him to stumble backward.

    "What the hell? How can this brat hit so hard?" Kenny screamed internally, his face twisted in pain. He could feel his ribs breaking under the pressure of Ss''s precise and powerful strike. Gasping, Kenny leaped backward, trying to create space to recover.

    Watching from the sidelines, Billy''s frustration was palpable. His face flushed with anger as he barked out orders. "What the hell are you doing, moron? Finish this fight already!"

    Kenny gritted his teeth and nodded at Billy, determined to prove himself. His gaze snapped back to Ss, who stood a few meters away,posed and rxed, as though the fight was nothing more than a warm-up for him.

    Kenny roared, dashing forward once more with reckless abandon. As he ran, his entire body began to grow. His once imposing figure swelled even further, his muscles bulging grotesquely as his height shot up from 6 feet to an intimidating 9 feet tall. His body now resembled a monstrous giant out of some fantasy novel, muscles bulging beneath his crystalline armor.

    But Ss remained unfazed, his sharp eyes taking note of the change. "The more he grows, the slower he bes," Ss observed, noticing the trade-off in Kenny''s transformation. "That''s the drawback of his body ergement mutation."

    As Kenny closed the distance, he raised both of his gigantic fists high above his head, bringing them down in a hammer-like blow, intending to crush Ss with raw power. The force behind the descending fists could have caused an earthquake.

    At the veryst second, Ss swerved to the side, narrowly avoiding the devastating attack. Kenny''s fists mmed into the tform, creating a deep crack in the stone floor beneath him. But before Kenny could pull back his arms, Ss had alreadyunched himself into the air, his body twisting in a graceful leap that carried him several meters above the ground.

    With precision, Ss swung his right fist toward Kenny''s oversized head.

    BAM!

    The punch connected with a sickening thud, sending shockwaves through Kenny''s skull and forcing him to stumble backward. Not wasting a second, Ssnded on his feet and leaped again, delivering another powerful blow to Kenny''s head before he could recover.

    BAM! BAM! BAM!

    Punch after punch, Ss rained down blows on the giant, not giving him a moment to breathe. Each strike was as precise as it was powerful, keeping Kenny off bnce and reeling from the sheer speed of the assault. Ss''s fists became a relentless storm, battering Kenny from all sides. The towering mutant had no chance to regain his footing.

    Before long, the relentless barrage took its toll. Unable to withstand the onught, Kenny''s massive frame wobbled before crashing to the ground with a thunderous thud. His erged body shrank back to normal size as his mutant ability faded, and hey on the floor, bleeding and utterly defeated.

    "Did I just lose to a guy with no mutant ability?" Kenny thought, his mind spiraling in disbelief. "I couldn''t evennd a single hit... Just who the hell is this guy?"

    The entire arena fell into a stunned silence, the disbelief almost tangible in the air. No one moved. No one spoke. All eyes were glued to Ss, the unknown fighter who had just taken down a Grade 4 opponent with shocking ease.

    Seated among the crowd was Kara, who watched the fight with a broad smile on her face, her eyes gleaming with admiration. Unlike the rest of the onlookers, she wasn''t surprised at all. "It''s been only a few hours, and he''s already this strong," she mused to herself, her excitement growing with every passing second. "I wonder how powerful he''ll be after a month or two.

    Hell, he might even surpass entire countries of mutant awakeners."

    """

    A/n: Vote with your Golden Tickets and Power stones for a mass release!

 Chapter 37: Quest begins

    The Ranking Arena is apetitive system designed by a select group of staff members at the mutant academy. The primary purpose behind establishing the arena was to help students refine their abilities and improve through fighting opponents of equal strength.

    The ranking system is crafted to ensure fairpetition, pitting students against those of the same grade to push them to their limits without overwhelming them. Only by illegal means could someone manage to face an opponent outside their grade level.

    This system had been in ce to prevent unfair advantages and bullying, but despite this safeguard, there have been numerous instances where stronger students have managed to rig the matches to torment weaker students.

    However, in the entire history of the Ranking Arena, no lower-grade student had ever emerged victorious against a higher-grade opponentˇŞuntil today.

    The crowd could hardly believe their eyes. They had just witnessed an unprecedented event: an unknown fighter had defeated Kenny Dogs, one of the academy''s most formidable Grade 4 mutants. Ghost Ranger, a mysteriouspetitor with no apparent mutant abilities, had somehow taken down Kenny, a fighter known for his immense strength and ruthless efficiency.

    As Ss, still under the guise of Ghost Ranger, walked off the tform, the murmurs from the crowd grew louder.

    "Who is this guy hiding behind the ghost mask?"

    "Does he really not have any mutant abilities?"

    "Is he using energy pills? But that doesn''t make sense... He fought too calmly, like he already knew he''d win!"

    "Kenny Dogs lost to someone without powers? This can''t be real!"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    The disbelief and confusion rippled through the spectators as Ss moved away from the tform with an air of confidence. Everyone present had the same burning question: *Who exactly is the Ghost Ranger?*

    Ss made his way to his usual corner, leaning against the wall, a subtle smirk ying on his lips as he examined the floating window screen that appeared beside him.

    ---

    [Congrattions, you have defeated your opponent!]

    [You have leveled up.]

    [You have leveled up.]

    [You have leveled up.]

    [You have leveled up.]

    [Reward: 15 attribute points and a level up in all your skills.]

    [Active skill: Lightning Dash is now Level 2.]

    [Active skill: Soul ws is now Level 2.]

    ---

    Ss studied the screen with a calm expression, his fingers rubbing his chin in satisfaction.

    "Oh? I almost forgot my skills could level up," he mused quietly, his grin widening. "Fifteen attribute points... Not bad at all. With this, my chances of surviving in the realm have increased quite a bit." Ss pondered for a moment, his eyes shifting toward the countdown timer on the screen.

    "A few more hours left. Let''s see if I can rack up some more levels and attribute points before leaving," he muttered before dismissing the window and turning his attention back to the tform.

    Over the course of several hours, numerous fights took ce, and Ss found himself stepping back into the ring once more. This time, his opponent was another of Billy''srades. As expected, Ss easily overpowered him, just as he had done with Kenny Dogs, and received the same rewards.

    After two more decisive victories against lower-grade opponents, Ss finally decided to call it a day. Approaching the ranking terminal, he logged out of the arena, now sittingfortably within the top 50 ranks after just a single day of fighting. Without alerting Kara to his departure, he swiftly made his way to a remote, under-construction area of the academy.

    The construction zone was eerily quiet, with several unfinished buildings dotting thendscape, their skeletal frameworks exposed. Ss scanned the area briefly before focusing his attention back on the floating window screen in front of him.

    ---

    [Time left to ept the quest: 00:19:37]

    [ept] [Decline]

    ---

    Ss stared at the screen for a few moments before speaking, "I ept."

    As soon as the words left his mouth, a powerful gust of wind swirled around him, kicking up dust and debris from the surrounding construction site. Ss raised his arm to shield his eyes as the winds intensified, pushing him back slightly. In the midst of the storm, a glowing red portal began to form in front of him, its energy slowly building until it expanded into a massive, swirling gateway.

    When the dust finally settled, and the wind died down, Ss stood face-to-face with the fully formed red portal. His heart raced with a mix of anticipation and anxiety as he took a step forward, standing just inches from the swirling vortex.

    "This is it," he whispered to himself, his voice filled with both excitement and nerves. He was eager to begin the quest and see what awaited him on the other side, but at the same time, he knew the dangers of venturing into a high-grade realm alone.

    "I''ll give it my best shot," Ss muttered under his breath, taking a deep breath before stepping through the portal.

    ---

    Within seconds, Ss was transported from the construction site to apletely different world. He now stood in the middle of a vast, barren desert. The sand beneath his feet was a deep, blood-red color, and the moon that hung high in the sky was also a menacing crimson. The entirendscape was bathed in an eerie red glow, giving the environment an unsettling, otherworldly feel.

    In the distance, the sounds of growls and roars echoed across the desert, signaling the presence of dangerous mutants lurking just out of sight.

    ---

    [You have entered the Grade 3 mutant realm.]

    [Your Evolution Quest has begun.]

    [Time left toplete quest: 08:59:58]

    ---

    Ss frowned as he read the notifications that appeared before him. "Eight hours to clear a Grade 5 realm by myself? Are they serious?" he muttered, feeling the weight of the task ahead.

    He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, trying to formte a n. "Well, I guess it''s standardˇŞeight hours is the usual time limit for clearing a realm. If you don''t finish before then, the realm copses, and if there are still mutants inside, they''ll break out and enter the human world."

    The idea of a realm copsing without defeating the realm''s god was a serious concern for most raiders. If the god and its servants managed to escape, it could wreak havoc on the human world, which was why most teams made it their mission to clear the realm as quickly as possible.

    "Eight hours, huh?" Ss muttered, steeling himself as he dismissed the screen and began his trek across the blood-red desert. The clock was already ticking, and he knew he had little time to waste if he wanted toplete his quest.

 Chapter 38: Wormtant Serpent

    **Name: Ss Griswold.**

    **Race: Half-breed.**

    **Level: 30.**

    **Health: 100/100.**

    **Soul points: 100/100.**

    ---

    ### **Attribute Panel:**

    **Strength: 25.**

    **Speed: 15.**

    **Reflex: 10.**

    **Agility: 15.**

    **Intelligence: 20.**

    **Avable attribute points to distribute: 45.**

    ---

    ### **Skill Panel:**

    **Lightning Dash LVL 2:** Increases speed for two seconds. Costs 10 soul points.

    **Soul ws LVL 2:** Allows the user to shoot a unique w from the tips of their fingers. Costs 1 soul point.

    ---

    ### **Arsenal:**

    **Chest piece armor (Grade 2).**

    **Leg piece armor (Grade 2).**

    **Scythe (Grade 2).**

    ---

    The blood-red desert stretched endlessly before Ss, each step sinking into the warm, shifting sands. He walked with a purpose, his gaze fixed intently on the translucent interface that floated in front of him. After the exhausting ranking matches, he hadn''t anticipated his system rewarding him so generously, but the extra attribute points filled him with an invigorating sense of power.

    "I never expected to earn this many points," he mused, his eyes narrowing as he scanned his stats. "Forty-five attribute points... it''s more than enough to turn me into a powerhouse. Looks like the system is in a generous mood today, probably trying to fast-track my growth."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    Ss''s mind whirred as he weighed his options. The opportunity to distribute so many points at once wasn''t something to be taken lightly. Every decision here would impact his future battles.

    "Bnce... or focus?" He paused mid-step, the wind whipping strands of his hair across his forehead. "No. Strength. Strength is the key. Everything elsees second."

    Determined, he began the process.

    **[25 points have been added to your Strength.]**

    **[Strength is now a total of 50.]**

    Almost immediately, a surge of raw energy flooded his veins. It was different from the subtle boosts he had experienced before. This was palpable, almost like his body itself was evolving in real-time. His muscles twitched, his skin felt tighter over the enhanced muscle mass, and his senses seemed to sharpen all at once.

    He clenched his fist, a smirk curling at the edge of his lips. "That''s more like it."

    Yet something strange caught his attention. His intelligence stat had changed, and not by his doing. It was 10 earlier today, but now it read 20. He frowned, confused.

    "What the hell?" he muttered under his breath. Curiosity getting the better of him, Ss attempted to allocate points to his intelligence stat, just to test things out. But as soon as he tried, a shing error message blinked into view.

    **[Error: Unable to allocate points.]**

    Ss let out a shortugh, shaking his head. "Looks like I can''t make myself any smarter through this system." He rubbed the back of his head with a small chuckle before focusing back on the task at hand.

    "Right, then. Ten points to Agility. Five to Speed. Five to Reflex."

    **[10 points have been added to your Agility.]**

    **[Agility is now a total of 25.]**

    **[5 points have been added to your Speed.]**

    **[Speed is now a total of 20.]**

    **[5 points have been added to your Reflex.]**

    **[Reflex is now a total of 15.]**

    Satisfied with the distribution, Ss dismissed the interface with a wave of his hand and continued on his way. The air around him was eerily quiet, save for the faint whistle of wind. The sand dunes rolled like waves in every direction, the harsh sun casting long shadows across the barren wastnd.

    Then, without warningˇŞ

    **SPWOOOSSHH!!**

    The sand behind Ss erupted, the ground splitting as an enormous mutant shot out from beneath the surface, its massive body surging toward him at breakneck speed. Ss, moving on instinct alone, dove to the side, narrowly avoiding being devoured.

    "Shit!" Ss cursed, quickly recovering his stance as he leaped several meters backward to assess the situation.

    Before him loomed a grotesque creature, its body resembling a gargantuan worm, though muchrgerˇŞeasily the size of a school bus. Its metallic scales glistened in the sunlight, a harsh contrast to the deep shadows cast by its writhing form. Hundreds of razor-sharp fangs lined its gaping maw, and a long, serpent-like green tongue flickered out as if tasting the air.

    The creature''s eyes, small and beady, gleamed with menacing intent.

    **[Name: Wormtant Serpent.]**

    **[Grade: 3.]**

    **[HP: 500/500.]**

    The notification above the mutant didn''t faze Ss. "A Grade 3, huh?" he muttered, his fear fading as his confidence swelled. "This shouldn''t be too hard."

    The Wormtant red at him, its beady eyes narrowing as it sank back into the ground, disappearing beneath the sand. Ss''s eyes widened in confusion.

    "What the hell? Where did it go?"

    He tensed, scanning his surroundings. The desert floor trembled beneath his feet, vibrating with the movement of something massive.

    **SPWWOOSSHH!!**

    The creature shot out again, its gaping maw wide open, aiming to swallow Ss whole. But Ss was already prepared. Anticipating the attack, he spun on his heel, his fist clenched tightly, and swung with all his might.

    **BAM!**

    The blow connected with the mutant''s metallic scales, sending a shockwave through the air. The impact was powerful enough to push the Wormtant back, but not enough to kill it. It quickly burrowed back into the sand before Ss couldunch a follow-up attack.

    "Damn it!" Ss growled, frustration evident in his voice. "How am I supposed to kill this thing if it keeps hiding?"

    He clenched his fists, his gaze darkening. "I need to finish it in one strike... but my fists alone won''t do the job. That thing''s scales are too tough."

    His hand drifted toward the scythe strapped to his back. "Looks like it''s time to bring out the big guns."

    With a flourish, Ss summoned his scythe. The weapon appeared in his hand as if materializing from thin air, blue energy swirling around it before solidifying into its true form. The scythe''s de gleamed a deadly red, its length tall and menacing. It looked like something straight out of a nightmare, its curved de glinting like a malevolent eye.

    Strange symbols were etched into the de, ancient markings that Ss had never been able to decipher. No matter how much he tried to read them, thenguage remained a mystery. But that didn''t matter. He didn''t need to understand it to wield it.

    Ss gripped the scythe tightly, positioning himself in a battle-ready stance. His eyes scanned the desert around him, waiting for the telltale rumble of the Wormtant beneath the surface.

    It didn''t take long.

    The ground shook violently as the mutant approached, traveling quickly beneath the sand. Ss tensed, muscles coiled like a spring. He leapt backward just as the sand exploded beneath him, and the Wormtant lunged forward, its maw wide open, ready to devour him.

    But this time, Ss wasn''t about to let it escape.

    Hended a few meters away, then charged forward with blinding speed, his scythe raised high. In a single fluid motion, he swung the de down.

    **SLASH!**

    The scythe cleaved through the Wormtant with terrifying ease, cutting the mutant in half. Dark purple blood sttered across the desert, soaking the sands as the creature''s two halves fell with a sickening thud.

    **[Congrattions, you have in a Grade 3 Wormtant Serpent.]**

    Ss exhaled heavily, his chest heaving as the adrenaline slowly faded from his system. But before he could catch his breath, a new movement in the sand caught his eye. His heart sank.

    Three more Wormtant Serpents burst from the ground, their massive forms hurtling toward him.

 Chapter 39: Serpent Slayer

    **SLASH!**

    The scythe cleaved through the Wormtant with terrifying ease, slicing the mutant''s body cleanly in half. Dark purple blood exploded from the gash, sttering the hot desert sands, creating thick, violent pools that immediately began to soak into the ground. The creature''s two halves dropped with a sickening thud, organs spilling from the opening in grotesque heaps.

    **[Congrattions, you have in a Grade 3 Wormtant Serpent.]**

    Ss exhaled deeply, his chest rising and falling heavily as adrenaline coursed through his veins. The thrill of victory was short-lived, however, as movement caught his eye in the periphery. His heart stuttered for a moment.

    Three more Wormtant Serpents erupted from beneath the sand, their massive bodies curling and writhing as they surged toward him with deadly intent. Their screeches echoed, filling the barren air with a chilling sound.

    "Shit!" Ss cursed under his breath, his eyes widening with terror as the mutants rushed toward him at a terrifying speed, their mouths gaping wide to reveal rows upon rows of jagged, razor-sharp fangs, gleaming in the harsh desert sun. Each fang looked capable of tearing through flesh and bone with little effort.

    Acting on pure instinct, Ss leapt backward, his enhanced reflexes allowing him to evade their snapping jaws by mere centimeters. He could feel the rush of air as their fangs barely missed his flesh, the sensation of narrowly avoided death sending a fresh surge of adrenaline through him.

    Hended smoothly, his feet digging into the sand as he skidded to a halt, kicking up a small dust cloud around him.

    There was no time to rest.

    One of the mutants lunged toward him immediately, its serpentine body coiling tightly beforeunching itself into the air. The shadow of its massive form loomed over Ss, its maw widening as it attempted to swallow him whole in a single, brutal attack.

    Ss reacted instantly, his body moving with the precision of someone trained forbat. He sidestepped gracefully, his enhanced speed and reflexes granting him just enough time to dodge the attack by inches. The sound of the mutant''s fangs snapping shut just behind him sent a shiver down his spine.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    Without missing a beat, Ss countered, his scythe cutting through the air with deadly precision.

    **SHUK!**

    The de of his scythe bit deep into the Wormtant''s thick, leathery hide, piercing through muscle and tissue. The creature shrieked in pain, its dark purple blood oozing from the fresh wound, staining the ground beneath it.

    Ss gritted his teeth, feeling the resistance of the creature''s flesh as he dragged his weapon through the mutant''s body, creating a deep, jagged gash that extended from its midsection to its tail.

    Blood poured from the wound, thick and viscous, and part of the Wormtant''s insides spilled out, leaving a trail of its own innards behind. But despite the grievous injury, the creature wasn''t done fighting. It let out a guttural growl and twisted its body with incredible speed, whipping its tail toward Ss in ast-ditch attempt to take him down.

    Anticipating the attack, Ss leaped into the air, narrowly avoiding the tail as itshed out beneath him. He felt the wind from the strike rush past his legs as he soared upwards, gripping his scythe tightly with both hands. Time seemed to slow as he lifted the weapon high above his head, ready to deliver a finishing blow.

    "DIE!"

    With a mighty yell, Ss swung the scythe down.

    **SLASH!**

    The de connected with the mutant''s skull, slicing cleanly through bone and brain matter, splitting the creature''s head in two. Dark blood sprayed in all directions, coating the crimson desert sands as the Wormtant fell lifelessly to the ground with a heavy, echoing thud.

    >>[Congrattions, you have in a Wormtant Serpent]<<

    A familiar notification shed before Ss''s eyes, and he allowed himself a brief moment of relief, wiping the beads of sweat and stters of blood from his face with the sleeve of his jacket. His chest heaved with exhaustion, the toll of battle weighing heavily on his body.

    But his respite was short-lived.

    **SWOOSH!**

    A sudden rush of air reached Ss''s ears, his instincts ring with rm. He whipped around just in time to see something hurtling toward him at blinding speed. His eyes widened in shock as he realized his mistake. He had forgotten about the remaining two Wormtant Serpents.

    The two mutants opened their cavernous mouths, their throats glowing an eerie, sickly green. A split secondter, they shot streams of liquid from their mouthsˇŞglowing green acid, bubbling as it soared through the air with deadly uracy.

    "Shit!"

    Caught off guard, Ss had no time to dodge.

    The acid hit him square in the chest, and the moment it made contact with his skin, he felt an unbearable, searing pain. His flesh began to bubble and burn, the acid eating away at him as blood poured from the wound.

    "What theˇŞ" Ss gasped, his voice choked with pain. "Acid?!" His eyes widened as the realization hit him. He gritted his teeth, his body trembling as waves of agony coursed through him. Sweat poured down his face, mingling with the blood that now soaked his chest.

    **[You have sustained a critical injury]**

    **[You are bleeding]**

    **[-10 HP]**

    **[Passive skill: Superfast Healing activated]**

    **[-10 Soul Points]**

    Through the haze of pain, Ss saw the notification appear in front of him. His passive healing skill kicked in, and within moments, the burning sensation faded. His skin began to knit itself back together, the acid wounds healing rapidly. In a matter of seconds, the injury waspletely gone, leaving only smooth, unscarred flesh behind.

    "Damn it," Ss muttered under his breath, his chest still heaving as he wiped the sweat from his brow. His gaze turned back to the two Wormtant Serpents, now watching him warily from a few meters away.

    "They had that kind of ability, and they waited until now to use it? Pathetic," he sneered, his voice dripping with disdain.

    Ss gripped his scythe with renewed determination, the weight of the weapon familiar andforting in his hands. Without hesitation, he charged forward at lightning speed, his body blurring as he closed the distance between himself and the mutants in an instant.

    The Wormtants responded by unleashing another volley of acidic spit, the glowing green liquid cutting through the air in deadly arcs.

    "Not this time!" Ss growled, his eyes narrowing as he weaved and dodged, his body moving with the fluidity of a dancer. He sidestepped the attacks with ease, the acid sshing harmlessly into the sand as he closed in on his targets.

    When he was within striking distance, Ss leapt into the air, his scythe raised high above his head. With a single, powerful motion, he swung the weapon down.

    **SLASH!**

    The scythe cut through the first mutant, splitting its body in half with a clean, brutal strike. The creature let out a final, pitiful shriek as dark purple blood gushed from its wounds, staining the ground beneath it.

    >>[Congrattions, you have in a Wormtant Serpent]<<

    Ssnded gracefully, his eyes already scanning for the second Wormtant. To his surprise, it was retreating, burrowing itself back into the ground in an attempt to escape.

    "Damn that bastard," Ss muttered, his gaze locked onto the sand where the creature had disappeared. He could feel the tremors beneath his feet as the mutant moved underground, but he stood still, waiting patiently for it to resurface.

    The ground shook violently, and a momentter, the Wormtant burst from the earth,unching itself at Ss in a desperate, final attack.

    But Ss was ready.

    Before the creature could close in on him, he swung his scythe with all his might.

    **SLASH!**

    The de cut cleanly through the Wormtant''s body, slicing it in half before it even had a chance to strike.

    >>[Congrattions, you have in thest Wormtant Serpent]<<

    The notification shed before Ss''s eyes, the word st" standing out in bold. It was over. No more ambushes, no more surprise attacks. He had in them all.

    Ss stood there for a moment, panting heavily as he wiped the sweat from his brow. The sun beat down on him mercilessly, but the heat was the least of his concerns.

    "It''s only just the beginning," Ss muttered, his brow furrowing in frustration . "And I''ve already lost 10 soul points. I can''t afford to lose more...not when there are even more tougher mutants waiting for me ahead."

 Chapter 40: Crazed Chimptant

    The notification shed before Ss''s eyes, with the word st" standing out in bold. It was over. No more ambushes, no more surprise attacks. He had in them all.

    For a moment, Ss just stood there, panting heavily as he wiped the sweat from his brow. The sun beat down on him mercilessly, but the heat was the least of his concerns.

    "It''s only just the beginning," Ss muttered, his brow furrowing in frustration. "And I''ve already lost 10 soul points. I can''t afford to lose more... not when there are even tougher mutants waiting ahead."

    He stood there for a few moments, catching his breath, before advancing forward. His feet sank into the crimson sand with every step he took, each one feeling heavier than thest. The weight of the journey was pressing down on him, but there was no turning back now.

    "Come to think of it... I haven''t been receiving any rewards for ying the mutants," Ss pondered internally, his scythe gripped firmly in his left hand while his right rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I guess all rewards will be granted after the quest ispleted. That''s if I even seed."

    He continued walking through the arid desertndscape until he halted in his tracks upon seeing a thick forest looming just a few meters away.

    "Hmm..." Ss mused aloud, his gaze fixed on the dark and imposing treeline. Without giving it too much thought, he resumed his steps, his legs carrying him toward the forest.

    Once inside, the coolness of the shade was a wee contrast to the sun-drenched desert. Ss walked steadily through the dense forest, chopping down thick tree branches that obstructed his path with quick, efficient swings of his scythe. His eyes, however, were always scanning the area, never resting. The quiet of the forest was unnerving.

    **RATTLE! RATTLE! RATTLE!**

    Ss suddenly stopped after hearing strange footsteps from several different angles, the hairs on the back of his neck standing on end. He gripped his scythe tightly with both hands, eyes darting around as he tried to pinpoint the source of the sound.

    As he nced around, his sharp eyes caught sight of figures lurking high in the treetops.

    "Mutants," Ss thought grimly after spotting the hidden shapes. The glowing red eyes, flickering in the shadows above, were unmistakable. There were more of them than he''d anticipated.

    "There are too many of them!" he whispered urgently to himself as more glowing eyes appeared, all focused on him with predatory intent.

    Though their features were obscured by the canopy, the sheer number of glowing eyes was enough to make Ss realize he was surrounded.

    "A mutant that hides in trees... hunts in groups... monkey-type mutants," Ss murmured, his voice a low, measured monotone as he assumed a ready stance, waiting for them to make the first move.

    He remained still, listening to the eerie silence of the forest, until finally, one of the creatures emerged from hiding and leaped from the tree. Now out in the open, Ss could finally see what it was.

    It resembled a chipmunk, but it was farrger than any natural rodent. Its ws were nearly as long as a katana de, gleaming dangerously in the forest''s dim light. Two vicious fangs jutted from its mouth, capable of ripping flesh and bone apart with ease. ck fur covered its entire body, and those glowing red eyes bore into Ss with malice.

    The creature looked menacing, to say the least.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

    **[Name: Crazed Chimptant]**

    **[Grade: 2]**

    [HP: 100/100]

    A notification screen materialized in front of Ss, disying the basic information of the mutant. But even though it was only Grade 2, Ss wasn''t relieved.

    "Even lower-graded mutants like this will wear me down," Ss thought, clenching his teeth. "Especially since there are so many of them."

    "Bloody monkeys," Ss muttered through gritted teeth, preparing himself. When the mutant came within striking range, he swung his scythe in a wide, horizontal arc. The de sliced through the air, and the mutant fell to the ground, neatly cut in half.

    Dark purple blood sprayed across the forest floor as the creature''s body copsed, its limbs twitching uselessly for a few moments before it went still. The once lush forest floor was now littered with fallen leaves and the lifeless mutant.

    **[Congrattions, you have in a Crazed Chimptant]**

    A notification screen blinked into existence, but Ss paid it little attention. His focus immediately shifted back to the treetops, where the remaining mutants had begun to stir.

    The rest of the mutants leaped down from the trees simultaneously, descending toward him like a rain of ws and teeth. Their red eyes burned with savage intent.

    Ss''s eyes widened slightly, his instincts kicking in. At thest second, he jumped back, narrowly avoiding their attack. They crashed into the spot where he had stood only moments before, ws digging into the earth with a thud.

    Before Ss could catch his breath, six more mutants were on him, shing at him from all sides. Their sharp ws arced toward him, but Ss was faster. He swung his scythe in a blur of motion, deflecting their ws with a loud, metallic **CLANG**.

    Without wasting any time, Ss retrieved his scythe and swiped it through the air again, faster and more precise this time.

    **SLASH!**

    Three of the mutants'' heads were severed from their bodies in a single swing. Dark purple blood gushed from their wounds, staining the ground as their heads fell to the dirt.

    Without missing a beat, Ss turned his body, dodging the iing attacks from the remaining three mutants.

    "Die!" he growled as he countered their strikes, slicing them cleanly in half with a swift arc of his scythe.

    **[Congrattions, you have in a Crazed Chimptant]**

    **[Congrattions, you have in a Crazed Chimptant]**

    **[Congrattions, you have in a Crazed Chimptant]**

    The floor was now a gruesome battlefield, soaked with the dark, sticky blood of the Crazed Chimptants. Ss panted heavily, his chest heaving as he surveyed the remaining mutants. They were clearly hesitant, watching theirrades fall so easily.

    For a moment, they simply stood there, unsure of whether to attack. But eventually, driven by whatever instinct or madness governed them, the rest of the Chimptants charged at Ss all at once.

    Ss tilted his head slightly, rolling his shoulders in preparation for the next wave. Just as they were about to reach him, he dropped his scythe, took a single step forward, and extended his right hand.

    **[Soul ws has been activated]**

    Blue, glowing energy shot out from his fingertips, forming into five ethereal ws that sliced through the air. The glowing aura streaked toward the iing mutants, striking five of them in quick session. The creatures were flung backward, their bodies hitting the ground with fatal force.

    Ss didn''t stop there. He swiped his hand againˇŞtwice moreˇŞsending out ten more Soul ws. The energy tore through the air, ripping through the rest of the mutants and sending them flying to their deaths.

    **[Congrattions, you have in thest of the Crazed Chimptant]**

    "Phewˇ­ I''ve been dying to test out that particr skill. It''s quite handy, and it doesn''t even require a lot of soul poiˇŞ" Ss''s words were abruptly cut off by a sharp, stinging pain in his back. The force of the attack threw him off bnce, sending him crashing into a nearby tree with a loud thud.

    **[You have sustained a critical injury]**

    **[You''re bleeding]**

    **[-10 HP]**

    **[Passive skill: Super-Fast Healing will now activate]**

    **[-10 Soul Points]**

    Ss gritted his teeth against the pain, forcing himself back to his feet. He shifted his gaze toward the creature that had attacked him, eyes narrowing in recognition.

    Standing before him was a mutant much like the ones he had just killed, butrgerˇŞmuchrger. It stood at nine feet tall, towering over him with ws the size of small swords. Its eyes glowed brightly, filled with fury. On its head sat a rusty, golden crown, signifying dominance.

    [Name: Crazed Chimptant King]

    [Grade: 4]

    [HP: 1,000/ 1,000]

    """"

    A/N: Vote with your Golden Tickets and Power stones! Thanks!

 Chapter 41: Realms Key

    [-10 Soul points]

    Ss gritted his teeth in pain as he pushed himself off the ground, his gaze locking onto the mutant that had just attacked him.

    Standing before him was a creature that resembled the Crazed Chimptant he had recently in. However, this one was vastly differentˇŞit towered at a staggering 9 feet tall, with ws three times the size of the regr Chimptants. Its glowing eyes seemed capable of shooting outser beams, and a rusty golden crown sat upon its head, signifying its dominance.

    **[Name: Crazed Chimptant King]**

    **[Grade: 4]**

    Ss''s heart sank as his eyes widened in shock.

    "A Grade 4 mutant in a Grade 3 realm? What the hell is going on?" His throat went dry as he gulped, his gaze never leaving the towering mutant just a few meters away.

    A Grade 3 mutant realm was supposed to host only lower-graded mutantsˇŞGrade 1, Grade 2, and at most, Grade 3. There had never been a recorded case of a higher-grade mutant appearing in such a realm. Yet here he was, face-to-face with a mutant far beyond the realm''s expected danger level.

    "I knew it!" Ss raged internally. "This damn system has been trying to kill me all along! Ever since it forced me to raid this ce alone, it''s been setting me up for failure! Bloody system!" His fists clenched as frustration burned in his chest.

    Ss''s eyes darted toward the spot where he had dropped his scythe while activating the Soul ws ability. It was farˇŞtoo far to retrieve in time. His frown deepened as his mind raced.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

    "I guess I''ll have to rely on my fists... No, wait. If I can summon the scythe, I can just unsummon and summon it back!"

    Acting on his thought, Ss unsummoned the scythe, and it instantly vanished from where it had fallen. A secondter, it reappeared in his right hand, solid and familiar. He gripped it firmly.

    The Chimptant King red at him with gleaming eyes for a brief moment beforeunching itself forward at lightning speed.

    "It can move that fast? Even with its massive size? What a monster!" Ss thought in disbelief as the mutant closed the distance in the blink of an eye, its massive ws shing toward him.

    Reacting swiftly, Ss lifted his scythe just in time to block the strike. The force behind the blow was immense, sending him skidding backward several meters, his boots digging into the ground.

    "Such power! No wonder it''s the king of those crazed bastards!" he thought, still sliding uncontrobly until his back mmed into a tree.

    Before he could fully catch his breath, the mutant was upon him again, its ws swiping viciously. At thest second, Ss ducked low, narrowly avoiding the deadly strike. The ws hit the tree behind him, slicing it in half as though it were nothing but a dry twig.

    The mutant didn''t relent. Retracting its arm, it unleashed another brutal strike. Ss rolled to the side, dodging the ws entirely and quickly getting behind the mutant. Rising to his feet, he swung his scythe in a sharp arc toward the mutant''s exposed back.

    But just as his de neared, the Chimptant King twisted its massive body in an unnatural motion. Its eyes zed, releasing a deadlyser beam straight toward Ss.

    **ZAP!**

    The beam struck Ss squarely in the chest, sending him flying back like a ragdoll. He crashed into a tree with bone-jarring force, and before he could even hit the ground, the mutant was already above him, its giant fists mming down like a hammer.

    "Kuah!" Blood spurted from Ss''s mouth as he was driven into the earth.

    **[You have sustained a critical injury]**

    **[You are bleeding]**

    **[-10 HP]**

    Before Ss could gather his wits, the mutant grabbed his right leg, lifting him effortlessly as if he weighed nothing. With a vicious grunt, it flung him high into the air.

    As Ss soared through the sky, pain wracked his body, but before he could even begin to think aboutnding, the mutant appeared above him once more. Its massive hands mmed together, striking him with the force of a sledgehammer.

    **BAM!**

    Ss hit the ground hard, the impact causing his bones to crack, and blood poured from his mouth again. His entire body was riddled with bruises, and his vision blurred from the pain.

    **[You have sustained several critical injuries]**

    **[Passive skill: Super Fast Healing activated]**

    **[-30 Soul points]**

    Ssy still, barely able to move as his healing ability slowly kicked in. Gradually, he could feel his wounds mending, the pain receding. Forcing himself to his feet, he turned his gaze back to the Chimptant King, which loomed over him, waiting for the moment to deliver a finishing blow.

    "My strength is far greater than this thing''s. The only advantage it has over me is its speed," Ss muttered to himself, his injuries continuing to heal at a rapid pace. "If I can somehow match its speed, I should be able to..."

    His thoughts were cut short as the mutant suddenly closed the distance once again, its ws slicing through the air. Reacting instinctively, Ss sidestepped, narrowly avoiding the deadly strike, and leaped backward several meters.

    Without wasting another second, he activated his skill.

    **[Active Skill: Lightning Dash activated]**

    **[Time remaining: 0:0:4]**

    Time seemed to slow down. The Chimptant King, the trees, the leavesˇŞeverything around Ss froze in ce, as if caught in a moment of suspended animation.

    Seizing the opportunity, Ss tightened his grip on his scythe and surged forward. In one fluid motion, he brought the de down with all his strength, slicing cleanly through the mutant''s neck.

    **[Congrattions, you have in the Crazed Chimptant King]**

    Dark purple blood sprayed out as the mutant''s headless body crumpled to the ground. Ss dropped to his knees, panting heavily, cold sweat dripping down his face.

    **DING!**

    **[Host has acquired the Realm''s Key]**

    **[Realm''s Key: Allows exit from the realm. All rewards will be lost, and the evolution quest will be cancelled with no improvements to stats.]**

    """

    A/N: Vote with your Power Stones and Golden Tickets.

 Chapter 42: The castle

    Ss knelt, trying to calm the frantic beating of his heart as he stared down at the massive, headless body of the Crazed Chimptant King. Dark purple blood still oozed from the mutant''s neck, pooling on the forest floor beneath its corpse. His hands trembled slightly, more from exhaustion than fear, as he wiped the cold sweat from his brow with the back of his sleeve.

    He had finally taken down the creature, but the battle had pushed him to the brink. His muscles ached, his breathing wasbored, and the stench of blood and decay clung to his skin like a heavy mist.

    A soft chime rang in his mind.

    **DING!**

    **[Host has acquired the Realm''s Key]**

    His tired eyes focused on the red notification window that blinked to life before him, illuminating the darkened space around him with a faint glow.

    **[Realm''s Key: Allows instant exit from the realm. All rewards will be lost, and the evolution quest will be canceled. No improvements to stats.]**

    Ss blinked at the message. An exit, right here in front of him. He could leave this hellish ce behind. His tired muscles screamed for him to take the offer, to use the key and be done with it. But as he read thest line of the message again, a sharp pang of regret struck him. If he left, all his efforts would be for nothing.

    "An instant exitˇ­ just like that?" he muttered under his breath, his voice barely more than a rasp. "But no rewards, no evolution."

    His hand hovered in the air, fingers twitching as if to select the key and leave this nightmare behind. He had been fighting mutants, one after another, since the moment he had arrived in this forsaken realm. His soul points were running dangerously low. Each time he used his abilities, his life force drained further, and he hadn''t even reached the final challenge: the god of the realm.

    The threat of death hung over him like a sword, yet his ambition tugged at him. To leave now would be to throw away everything he had worked for.

    Ss clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white. "I can''tˇ­ I won''t turn back now." His voice was steady, thoughced with exhaustion. "If I quit, then everything I''ve done so far will have been in vain."

    Determination zed in his eyes as he swiped the screen away, dismissing the notification. He would see this through to the end. He had no choice now.

    His gaze shifted to the massive corpse lying at his feet. The Crazed Chimptant King had been a fearsome foe, but now it was nothing more than a valuable carcass. Ss knelt beside the body, his mind quickly calcting the worth of the creature''s parts. A Grade 4 mutant was rare, and its remains would fetch a hefty price in the ck market.

    "I can''t just leave all of this behind," he murmured to himself. "This much could set me up for a long time."

    With practiced precision, he pulled out a small, wickedly sharp de and began carving away at the Chimptant King''s body. First, he sliced through the thick hide, peeling backyers of fur and muscle to reach the valuableponents beneath. He removed the wsˇŞeach one as long as his forearmˇŞand carefully stowed them in his pouch.

    Next came the teeth, sharp and jagged, perfect for crafting weapons or talismans. He worked quickly, his hands steady despite his fatigue, slicing away parts of the creature with clinical efficiency. The glowing eyes, still faintly lit with thest remnants of the mutant''s life force, were thest to go. He ced them gently in his pouch alongside the other parts.

    Once he had finished with the Chimptant King, Ss moved to the bodies of the Grade 2 Crazed Chimptants that littered the area. Their parts weren''t as valuable, but every bit helped. He swiftly gathered their fangs and ws, stuffing them into his pouch before finally rising to his feet, his collectionplete.

    The forest around him was still. The oppressive atmosphere that had weighed on him since his arrival remained, but something was different now. As he made his way through the thick underbrush, hacking away at the branches and vines that blocked his path, a strange sense of calm settled over the area.

    After walking for what felt like hours, Ss began to notice something unusual.

    "I haven''t seen a single mutant since the fight with the Chimptant King," he muttered to himself, his grip tightening on his scythe. His instincts screamed that something was off. The forest had been crawling with mutants before, yet now it was eerily quiet. It was as though the entire realm had gone into hiding.

    He pressed on, moving forward with a growing sense of unease. The trees began to thin as he continued, the dense canopy of leaves giving way to open sky. And then, in the distance, he saw it.

    A castle.

    The structure loomed ahead of him, dark and foreboding. Its stone walls were ancient, covered in creeping vines and moss, but the energy that radiated from it was undeniable. Ss could feel it even from this distanceˇŞa powerful force, pulsing through the air like a living thing.

    "That must be the god''s residence," he muttered, wiping the sweat from his brow with a trembling hand. His eyes flicked to the countdown in his system. Less than three hours remained.

    "Time to end this," he whispered, though the words felt hollow in his mouth. His heart was pounding in his chest, his hands shaking as he gripped his scythe tighter. The castle loomedrger with every step, its dark silhouette framed against the dying light of the realm''s sky.

    As he drew closer to the entrance, something on the ground caught his eyeˇŞbodies. Mutants, scattered across the path, their corpses mangled and broken. Dark purple blood soaked the ground beneath them, a thick, viscous fluid that pooled in the cracks of the stone. The sight made Ss''s stomach churn.

    "Whatˇ­ the hell happened here?" he muttered, stepping over the lifeless bodies. Each one was mutted beyond recognition, their flesh torn open, their bones shattered. Some had been dead for hours, their bodies stiff with rigor mortis. Others were fresher, their blood still seeping from open wounds.

    Ss pressed on, his mind racing as he made his way through the carnage. The castle doors were wide open, a gaping maw that seemed to swallow the light. Ss hesitated for only a moment before stepping inside.

    The air inside the castle was thick, almost suffocating. The stench of blood and decay was overwhelming, filling Ss''s lungs with every breath. More bodies littered the floor, scattered haphazardly across the stone. Mutants of all shapes and sizes, each one ughtered in a gruesome disy of violence.

    "This isˇ­ worse than I thought," Ss whispered, his voice barely audible over the deafening silence that filled the castle. His gaze darted around the room as he stepped forward, his scythe raised and ready. Every step echoed in the cavernous hall, the sound bouncing off the cold stone walls.

    At the far end of the hall, a massive staircase led upward, spiraling into the upper levels of the castle. Ss climbed, his heart racing with every step. When he reached the top, he found himself in a vast, open roomˇŞone that could only be the throne room.

    His eyes fell on therge, imposing throne at the far end of the room. For a moment, everything was still. Then, movement behind the throne caught his attention.

    Ss froze.

    Behind the throne, a massive figure hunched over, its face buried in the flesh of another mutant. Blood dripped from its fangs as it fed, the sound of bones cracking and flesh tearing filling the otherwise silent hall.

    Ss''s breath caught in his throat. His mind raced as he pieced together what had happened. The dead mutants outside, the empty forest, the bodies littering the castleˇŞit was all because of this creature.

    "Itˇ­ killed them all?" he whispered, his voice trembling. Why is a mutant feeding from its fellow mutant? Wait...the system informed me that once the evolution quest ispleted I''ll evolve into a Soul Devourer mutant...a mutant that feeds on other mutant to get stronger.."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    "This particr mutant has fed from all itsrades, does it mean its a Soul Devourer type mutant and as it feeds on them it gets stronger? That''s definitely it...this is the god of the realm!" Ss''s eyes widened in fear upon realization.

    He saw at least a hundred dead mutants outside, and if the mutant fed from all of them it meant that each one increased its strength...

    "This is bad." Ss swallowed hard. "Kill a Soul Devourer mutant to be a Soul Devourer mutant..do I even stand a chance with my current stats?"

    Standing there with his thoughts, part of Ss was now regretting not using the Realm''s Key to escape. But it was already toote. He was now in the god''s territory and it would only end when he''s dead or victorious.

    "Only 47 Soul points left...if I get injured at least three times it''s over. I have to give it my best shot." Ss readied his fighting stance as he waited for the mutant to finish up with its dinner and notice his presence.

    The creature slowly rose to its feet, turning to face Ss. The sheer size of it took his breath away. It was massive, its body covered in thick, dark scales that glistened with blood. Its eyes, glowing a deep crimson, locked onto Ss with a hunger that made his blood run cold.

 Chapter 43: Realms god

    Standing there with his thoughts swirling, part of Ss regretted not using the Realm''s Key to escape when he had the chance. But now, it was toote. He was already deep within the god''s territory, and there would be no escapeˇŞthis would only end when one of them was dead, or when he was victorious.

    "Only 47 Soul points left... if I take even three solid hits, it''s over. I have to give it my best shot." Ss steadied his fighting stance, eyes focused, as he waited for the mutant to finish its grotesque meal and notice his presence.

    The creature slowly rose, its massive body towering over the bloodstained ground. Ss''s breath caught in his throatˇŞthe thing was a hulking monstrosity, its dark, thick scales gleaming in the dim light, drenched with the blood of its recent prey. Its glowing, crimson eyes locked onto him, and the raw hunger in that gaze sent a chill down Ss''s spine.

    The mutant stood at least eight feet tall, crowned with two enormous horns that curved ominously from its skull. Its de-like ws gleamed in the flickering light, and behind it trailed a long, wickedly sharp tail that swished menacingly.

    As Ss sized up the creature, a notification screen appeared above its head, cold and impersonal:

    [Name: Sycrax, God of the Realm]

    [Grade: 4]

    [HP: 1000/1000]

    Ss''s heart skipped a beat as he read the system''s information.

    "A Grade 4... the same as the Chimptant King. But this... this thing is leagues stronger than that creature ever wasˇŞ"

    His thoughts were abruptly cut off as the mutant suddenly materialized directly in front of him. There was no warning, just a sh of movement as its vicious ws sliced through the air.

    "Too fast!" Ss''s mind screamed as he barely managed to raise his scythe in time to block the strike.

    CLANG!

    The force behind the blow was overwhelming. Even though he blocked it, it felt like he had done nothing. The sheer impact sent him hurtling backward, crashing into a wall with a loud crack that echoed through the chamber.

    Ssnded hard on one knee, teeth clenched in pain. But there was no time to recoverˇŞthe mutant was already closing in again, moving at blinding speed.

    SWWOOSH!

    SLASH!n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    Ss rolled to the side just in time. The ws missed him by inches, instead mming into the wall, leaving a gaping hole where the strike hadnded. Dust and debris filled the air.

    "He cut through that wall like it was wet paper," Ss muttered, his heart racing. He scrambled to his feet, eyes locked on the mutant, who was already charging toward him again.

    Within seconds, it was within striking range. This time, Ss sidestepped, narrowly avoiding the ws that sliced through the air just inches from his face.

    "What the..." His eyes widened in horror as a fireball suddenly shot from the mutant''s maw, exploding against his chest before he could react. The st sent him crashing into the far wall, and he copsed to his knees, gasping for breath.

    "Elemental abilities?" Ss thought grimly as he slowly pulled himself to his feet, eyes trained on the creature. "No ordinary mutant should be this fast or this strong, especially with elemental powers... What *is* this thing?"

    Sycrax stood still for a moment, its burning gaze fixed on Ss. Then, with a low growl, it thrust its arms out toward him. Two enormous fireballs, glowing a deep red, shot out from its hands and hurtled toward Ss at terrifying speed.

    Ss''s instincts kicked in. He swiped his right hand forward, releasing the soul ws from his fingertips, hoping to intercept the attack. The soul ws raced toward the iing fireballs, but the moment they collided, the fireballs engulfed them entirely, continuing their deadly path toward him.

    Before Ss could react, the fireballs mmed into him,unching him backward with devastating force. His body crashed through the crumbling wall, sending him tumbling outside the castle. He fell for what seemed like an eternity before hitting the sandy ground below.

    "Argh..." Ss groaned in agony, his chest badly burned, and several bones fractured from the impact.

    [You have sustained a critical injury.]

    [Passive skill: Super-Fast Healing has now activated.]

    [-10 Soul points.]

    As the notification shed in his vision, Ss felt the rapid healing process begin. His injuries mended at a speed that defied nature, and in seconds, he was back on his feet,pletely healed. But the cost weighed heavily on his mindˇŞhis soul points were dwindling fast.

    Breathing heavily, Ss gazed back up at the castle, his thoughts racing. From the gaping hole in the wall, he saw the mutant leap out, descending toward him like a predator pouncing on its prey.

    Ss reacted just in time, springing backward as the mutant crashed into the sand where he had just been standing. Its ws dug deep into the ground, missing him by mere inches.

    "How long can I keep defending?" Ss gritted his teeth, clutching his scythe tightly as he dashed forward, determined to go on the offensive. With a sharp swing, he aimed the de at the mutant''s leg.

    The scythe connected with a sickening sound, tearing through the creature''s thick scales. Dark purple blood gushed from the wound, staining the sand. Ss blinked in shock. He hadn''t expected his weapon to do any real damage, yet somehow it had cut deep.

    "Guess I made the right call putting most of my points into strength," he thought, sidestepping another vicious swipe from the mutant and countering with another swift sh from his scythe.

    SLASH!

    The scythe bit into the mutant''s other leg, drawing more blood. But despite the severe injuries, the creature remained standing tall, its gaze burning with fury.

    "I need more than this to kill it," Ss realized grimly, as he narrowly dodged another strike. Leaping several meters back to gain some distance, he tried to catch his breath. But the mutant was relentless. It thrust both arms out againˇŞthis time, a massive fireball shot from one hand while an equallyrge ice spike shot from the other.

    "What theˇŞ?" Ss''s eyes widened in disbelief. "Two elemental abilities?! How is that even possible?"

    The fire and ice raced toward him, promising only death.

    ---

    The sound of footsteps echoed down a dimly lit hallway as Kara walked, her expression calm andposed. She moved with purpose, heading toward a specific dorm room.

    Reaching the door, she knocked twice, then waited. No response. Frowning slightly, she used her key to unlock the door and stepped inside, flicking on the lights.

    The room was exactly as it had been that morningˇŞundisturbed.

    "Where the hell is Ss?" Kara wondered as she scanned the empty room.

 Chapter 44: Congratulations, you have slain the Realms god!

    Swoooosshhh!!

    The fireballs and ice spikes shot toward Ss with rming speed, a deadlybination of elemental fury that threatened to engulf him. Reacting with a lightning-fast reflex, Ss leapt to the side, narrowly evading the first wave of attacks. The relentless Sycrax, undeterred, followed up with a barrage of fireballs and ice spikes, each one crackling with lethal energy as it surged forward.

    Ss tightened his grip around his scythe, feeling the cold steel resonate with his resolve. He charged ahead, eyes locked onto the chaotic elements flying toward him. As the fireballs drew dangerously close, just inches from his skin, he performed a backbend, arching his body with practiced precision until his back was just inches from the ground,pletely dodging the scorching mes.

    In one fluid motion, he rose back up, scythe poised for action, swinging it toward the iing ice spikes.

    SLASH!

    The de of his scythe met the ice with a satisfying crunch, shattering the projectiles into sparkling fragments that scattered like diamonds in the air. With a triumphant surge of adrenaline, Ss continued his sprint, determination burning in his chest as he set his sights on the imposing figure of the god of the realm.

    "I have killed a god far stronger than you when I was at my weakest!" Ss bellowed, his voice a mixture of defiance and bravado, echoing through the battlefield as he ran.

    He recalled the encounter with a Grade 5 realm god shortly after acquiring the systemˇŞa victory won not through brute strength but cunning. The mutant he had faced was a defense-type, focused solely on protection rather than offense. Its hard scales made it formidable, and Ss had struggled tond a solid blow.

    Yet, in a moment of rity, he had targeted its vulnerable eyes, striking when the creature was least prepared.

    Defense-type mutants were not like their more aggressive counterparts. A Grade 5 defense-type mutant was considered weaker than a Grade 3 or Grade 4 mutant trained to kill with lethal efficiency.

    That knowledge weighed heavily on Ss; it was the sole reason he had seeded against the Grade 5 mutant in that realm. But Sycrax was different; it was an attack-type mutant, a being far more dangerous than any Grade 5 defense-type. Yet, Ss felt a fierce determination swell within himˇŞa resolve to y it.

    If he failed, everything he had fought for in this forsaken realm would be lost and he would be dead.

    Ss dashed forward, the speed of his movements surprising even Sycrax, which seemed momentarily stunned. In a heartbeat, he closed the distance, unleashing a primal battle cry as he shed his scythe at the mutant''s already injured right leg.

    SLASH!

    The de found its mark, slicing into the very spot where the mutant had been wounded before. Sycrax roared in agony, dark purple blood gushing from the wound like a torrent. Ss deftly sidestepped as the mutant, enraged, swung its massive ws toward him. He narrowly avoided the lethal swipe, adrenaline coursing through his veins.

    Before Sycrax could retract its colossal arm, Ss seized the opportunity. He dashed forward, using the arm as a bridge to vault himself up, reaching the same level as the mutant''s neck. In that fleeting moment, he swung his scythe toward its throat with all his might.

    SLASH!

    The scythe bit into the mutant''s neck, but to his dismay, the impact was less than he had hoped; it barely left a mark.

    "No good," he muttered under his breath,nding gracefully back on the ground. He quickly swerved to the side, narrowly avoiding another fireball hurtling toward him from the mutant''s furious retaliation.

    Sycrax, fueled by rage, shot three more fireballs at Ss, the fiery projectiles crackling with deadly energy. Caught off guard, Ss was propelled backward by the st, the heat singeing his skin. Before he could regain his footing, a sharp ice spike plunged into his shoulder, piercing through flesh with agonizing intensity.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    "Argh!" Ss gritted his teeth against the sharp pain, a surge of frustration mingling with his determination as he gripped the spike and yanked it free. The moment the spike was out, he felt the familiar tingling sensation of his mutant abilities activating, and his wounds began to heal before his eyes, the pain subsiding as vitality surged through him.

    With his injuries healing, Ss quickly nced at his dwindling soul points, dread creeping into his chest as he saw the numbers dropping. He charged forward again, urgency driving him.

    "Only 23 points left...dammit!" Ss shouted, his voiceced with a mixture of determination and desperation as he pressed on. Sycrax, sensing the human''s proximity, unleashed three more fireballs. In a split-second decision, Ss ducked low, the mes roaring above him, barely missing him by mere inches.

    After evading the fireballs, he propelled himself forward, channeling his frustration and anger into speed.

    "I''ve been the weakest my whole life! Now that I''ve finally gained something that could change that, I can''t afford to die! No! I can''t die here!" Ss roared, his voice echoing with a fierce resolve as he dashed ahead, a brilliant blue aura enveloping his body, crackling with energy and determination.

    [Active skill: Lightning Dash has been activated]

    As he closed in on the mutant, he activated Lightning Dash, feeling a rush of power surge through him. The world around him frozeˇŞeverything but Sycrax, which moved in slow motion, its movements akin to that of a snail.

    Arriving within striking distance, Ss leapt high into the air, soaring above the mutant, his scythe raised triumphantly.

    He gripped the scythe tightly with both hands, raising it above his head, and swung it down with every ounce of strength he could muster, a battle cry bursting from his lips, a sound of pure ferocity.

    SLASH!

    The scythe embedded itself into the mutant''s head, splitting it in half with a sickening crunch. Dark purple blood erupted in a violent spray, painting the ground around him as Sycrax let out a final, agonizing roar before copsing to the ground with a thunderous crash.

    Ssnded back on the ground, dropping to his knees, sweat pouring down his face, his heart pounding violently in his chest as he struggled to catch his breath, the weight of victory pressing down on him.

    [Congrattions, you have in the god of the realm]

    [Congrattions, you havepleted the evolution quest]

    [Ding!]

    [You have evolved into a Tier 5 Soul Devourer mutant]

    [Info: Host is now a Tier 5 Soul Devourer mutant, allows host to obtain attribute points once a human or mutant soul is consumed.]

    [Ding!]

    [You have unlocked a new passive skill]

    [Passive skill: Soul sh: This skillbines your soul points with your scythe. It allows the host to reduce the health of enemies more quickly with the scythe and guarantees a sure hit. (Note: Just because it guarantees a sure hit doesn''t mean your enemies can''t dodge your strike..it depends on what grade the enemy is. No soul points are required for use.)]

    [Ding!]

    [You leveled up]

    [Level up x10]

    [+5 attribute points]

    [All your skills have leveled up]

    [Your scythe has leveled up to Grade 3]

    Ss continued to receive a flood of notifications, each one ringing in his ears while he struggled to catch his breath. Yet, amidst the chaos of alerts, his attention was drawn primarily to one specific notification: the evolution notification.

    "I did it," Ss eximed, a triumphant smile breaking across his face as he nced at the screen. "I guess I won''t have to worry about running wild anymore now that I''m free to consume the souls of mutants too."

    This was one of the main reasons he had sought toplete the quest and evolve. He was weary of the incessant notifications warning him of the consequences of failing to consume a soul. He had only survived thest encounter because Caleb and his men had fallen into his trap, but he couldn''t rely on luck forever.

    Now, with his evolution, a renewed sense of hope blossomed within him. He could consume the souls of mutants whenever they underwent testing in the mutant realm or when the system assigned him a quest.

    Ss shifted his gaze toward the rest of the rewards he had received. He felt a twinge of disappointment regarding the number of attribute points he had gained, but upon realizing he had unlocked a new skill, he grinned.

    "I had no idea I could create a skill of my own. It must have activated when I was about to deliver that final blow...I was wondering about the aura surrounding my body," Ss mused, his gaze still locked on the screen, excitement coursing through him.

    [Host will now be transported out of the realm]

    After receiving thest notification, he vanished in a brilliant sh of light, leaving the battlefield behind.

    ---

    Somewhere in the academy, a man sat in a dimly lit office, his expression dark and brooding, resembling a devil contemting his next malevolent move. In front of him sat a female student with long, flowing blonde hair, her face delicately shaped like a cup, reflecting both innocence and the weight of fear.

    "So you''re saying you saw Ss Griswold killing my sonst night?" Sensei Josh questioned, his voice a low growl filled with barely contained rage, each word sharp and threatening.

    The female student bowed her head, her voice trembling as she responded, "Yes, i did." The girl, known as Lucy, replied earnestly, her heart racing as she met the gaze of the enraged man before her.

    """

    A/N: Vote with your Golden Tickets and Power stones! Thank you!

 Chapter 45: Revelation

    In the heart of the academy, far from the chatter of students, a man sat in a dimly lit office, his presence casting a shadow that seemed to fill the room. His face, weathered and stern, bore the heavy weight of anger, the kind that simmers just beneath the surface, ready to erupt.

    His eyes, dark and hollow, held the gaze of the lonemp that flickered above, casting a devilish glow over his furrowed brow.

    Across from him sat a female student, her posture tense, shoulders drawn up as if trying to make herself smaller in the face of his simmering rage. Her long, blonde hair cascaded over her shoulders like a waterfall of gold, its luster dimmed by the dread that clung to her like a second skin.

    Her face was delicate, almost fragile, with soft features that might have evoked innocence, but right now, it was tight with fear, her eyes downcast as if they dared not meet the burning intensity of the man before her.

    "So, you''re telling me you saw Ss Griswold kill my sonst night?" Sensei Josh''s voice broke the silence, low and dangerous, each word dragged from the depths of barely contained fury.

    Lucy, the female student, lowered her head even further, her voice trembling as she struggled to speak, her heart pounding violently in her chest. "Yesˇ­ I saw it," she said, her voice faltering but her words unwavering. The gravity of her statement made the air around them seem heavy, almost suffocating. Her hands trembled slightly in herp, though she tried to still them.

    She could feel the heat of Sensei Josh''s burning gaze, his fury radiating from across the desk like a palpable force.

    At her admission, Sensei Josh''s fists clenched so tightly that the skin across his knuckles turned white. His breath came in slow, deliberate bursts, each one controlled with great effort. His face, already flushed with anger, darkened even further.

    A pulse throbbed violently at his temple, and for a moment, it seemed as if the chair beneath him might buckle under the weight of his barely suppressed fury.

    "Ss Griswold," he muttered, as though saying the name alone could exin the unthinkable. His voice was low, but the fury simmering beneath it was unmistakable. His mind reeled. He wantedˇŞneededˇŞto understand.

    "Tell me," he demanded, leaning forward slightly, his voice sharper now, more intense, "tell me exactly what you saw." Themand carried the weight of desperation, his eyes narrowing into slits as he searched for answers.

    Lucy swallowed hard, her throat dry, her gaze dropping to the floor as if the very act of recalling the events made her weak. "Last night," she began, her voice trembling as the memory unfolded in her mind, "after dinner, I went to the back yard to clear my head. You know, blow off some steam. I was smoking jelly weed, like I sometimes do when I need to think.

    That''s when I saw itˇ­" Her voice wavered, her eyes still fixed on the floor.

    "The way he killed them allˇ­ it wasn''t human. It was like something had taken over himˇŞsomething evil. I didn''t understand it, not at first. It all happened so fast. But one thing was clearˇŞSs killed them. He killed them all.

    I saw it with my own eyes." Her voice, despite its shakiness, rang with conviction.

    Sensei Josh remained silent, his face a mask of barely controlled rage. His sonˇŞhis boyˇŞdead. The thought was like a de twisting in his chest, each revtion cutting deeper. His hands, still clenched into fists, trembled slightly with the effort it took to keep himselfposed. For a long, agonizing moment, he said nothing, his thoughts a violent swirl of disbelief, grief, and anger.

    After what felt like an eternity, he spoke, his voice low and almost strained, "Could it have been energy pills? Did you see him take anything before the fight?" There was a desperation in his tone, as though he were searching for some exnationˇŞany exnationˇŞthat made sense of the nightmare Lucy was describing.

    Lucy shook her head slowly, her hair shifting slightly with the movement. "No, it wasn''t him. Caleb and Sammy were the ones who took the energy pills, hoping they''d stand a chance. But it didn''t matter. Ss killed them all, like it was nothing." Her voice was quieter now, haunted, as if she were still trying toprehend the horror of what she had witnessed.

    Sensei Josh''s eyes widened slightly, his disbelief written inly across his features. Caleb and Sammy were both Grade 3s, trained and capable. Ss Griswold, on the other hand, was a boy without any mutant ability, a student with no active skills. How could someone like thatˇŞsomeone so unremarkableˇŞoverpower not just Caleb, but multiple Grade 3s? The very thought seemed impossible.

    "Thatˇ­ that doesn''t make sense," he muttered, more to himself than to Lucy. His mind was spinning, trying to connect dots that refused to align. "Something is off here. We''re missing something." His voice was louder now, his frustration building. He couldn''t wrap his mind around what Lucy was telling him. "Are you sure you didn''t see anyone else?

    Someone helping him, maybe? Anything at all that could exin this?" His eyes bore into her, searching for any hint of somethingˇŞanythingˇŞthat could make this make sense.

    Lucy shook her head more firmly this time, her voice stronger as she answered, "No. It was just Ss. No one else. After I saw him kill your son, I ran. I didn''t want to be next." Her words, though simple, were heavy with meaning, each one a blow to Sensei Josh''s already fragileposure.

    He sat there, motionless, his thoughts a chaotic mess. For several long minutes, he said nothing, the silence in the room oppressive. His mind raced, trying to make sense of the iprehensible. But no matter how hard he tried, the pieces refused to fit. Slowly, he rose from his chair, his movements deliberate as he straightened his shirt, his expression hardening into one of grim resolve.

    "Listen to me, Lucy," he said finally, his voice low butmanding, "you are not to speak of this to anyone. No other students are to hear about what you saw. Do you understand?" His eyes locked onto hers, unyielding.

    Lucy nodded quickly, her fear palpable. "Yes, Sensei," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

    "Good. You may go." His tone was dismissive, leaving no room for further discussion. Lucy stood hastily, her movements quick and nervous as she fled the room without looking back.

    With the office now empty, Sensei Josh stood still for a moment, gathering himself. His thoughts were a storm, raging and relentless. But there was no time for hesitation. He needed answers. Without another word, he stepped out of the office, his footsteps echoing through the hall as he made his way toward Sir Dominic''s office.

    The journey was long, the distance between the regr staff section and Sir Dominic''s secluded quarters stretching on. It took nearly ten minutes for Sensei Josh to reach his destination, but once he did, he wasted no time. Without so much as a knock, he pushed open the door and stepped inside.

    Sir Dominic looked up from his desk, surprise shing across his face. A female staff member, Mary, sat across from him, equally startled by the sudden intrusion.

    "Can''t you knock?" Sir Dominic''s voice was deep,ced with irritation.

    Sensei Josh barely registered the rebuke, his mind focused on the task at hand. "I''m sorry, Sir Dominic, but this is urgent. I need your attention now."

    Sir Dominic frowned, ncing at Mary before turning his gaze back to Josh. "Can''t it wait? I''m in the middle of a meeting," he said, his tone growing impatient.

    "It can''t wait," Sensei Josh replied firmly, his voice leaving no room for argument.

    Sensing the gravity of the situation, Sir Dominic relented. "Fine. Sit down."

    Josh nodded and took a seat next to Mary, leaning forward as if the weight of his words were too heavy to bear.

    "Speak," Sir Dominicmanded, his tone sharp and expectant.

    "It''s about my son, and the other students who died. I think I know what really happened," Sensei Josh began, his voice tight with emotion.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    "What are you talking about? We know what happened. They were killed by mutants when they attempted to raid a Grade 4 mutant realm on their own. Kara found their bodies and brought them back," Sir Dominic stated, his tone matter-of-fact.

    Sensei Josh''s hands mmed down on the desk, his voice rising. "That''s not true! They didn''t raid any realm. My son was murderedˇŞby another student. And I have a witness who saw everything."

    Sir Dominic''s brow furrowed, his expression hardening. "What are you saying, Josh?"

    "I''m saying Caleb and the others were killed by one of their own. A boy named Ss Griswold," Sensei Josh dered, his voice filled with conviction.

    At the mention of the name, Sir Dominic''s eyes narrowed in recognition. "Ss Griswold? The boy with no mutant ability? What nonsense is this, Josh?" His tone wasced with skepticism, though a flicker of unease crossed his features. "I''ve heard that name recently. He was the only one who survived thest raid, wasn''t he?

    The rest of the teamˇŞtrained staffˇŞwere all killed, but somehow, Ss survived. And now you''re telling me he killed your son, who was a Grade 3? This doesn''t add up."

    Sensei Josh''s hands clenched into fists once more, the frustration boiling over. "I know it sounds impossible, Sir, but it''s true. I have a witness who saw everythingˇŞshe saw Ss kill them. I don''t know how he did it, but I''m telling you, this boy is hiding something. He''s not what he seems."

    """

    A/N: Vote with your Golden Tickets and Power stones for a mass release of five chapters.

 Chapter 46: Hiding something

    Sir Dominic''s expression turned serious after hearing Sensei Josh''s words. Leaning forward with both hands on the desk, he spoke sharply, his voice cutting through the tension. "What exactly are you insinuating, Josh?"

    "I''m saying there''s a strong possibility that Ss is hiding something," Sensei Josh replied, his tone firm. "Think about itˇŞhe was the only survivor, while all his teammates died in the Grade 5 realm. On top of that, the Apex Mutant''s artifact mysteriously disappeared during that raid. This boy, who was once considered weak, has suddenly be powerful enough to defeat three Grade 3 students.

    Doesn''t that strike you as odd?"

    Sir Dominic fell silent, his mind swirling with thoughts.

    When Ss had been brought back from the realm, Dominic had examined him closely. At the time, all he saw was a frail, powerless boyˇŞhardly someone capable of wielding the power of the Apex Mutant.

    ''There''s no way someone that weak could have gained such power,'' he thought. ''If he had truly obtained the Apex Mutant''s ability, it should have shown in his appearance, in the aura surrounding him. But everything about that boy screamed weakness. Could it have all been a ruse?''

    As these conflicting thoughts raced through his mind, Dominic remained silent for several moments before finally speaking. "Are you certain of your ims, Josh? This witness you mentionedˇŞdid they actually see Ss kill your son and his friends?"

    "Yes, she did," Sensei Josh replied instantly. "I can bring her here if you''d like."

    "That won''t be necessary," Sir Dominic said, shifting his gaze to the woman seated next to Sensei Josh. "Mary here is a Grade 4 mind reader. She has the ability to read one''s thoughts."

    His voice deepened with authority as he continued. "Tomorrow morning, bring Ss here. Mary will ask him a few questions, and if he''s lying, she''ll know. She can read his mind."

    "That''s a great idea, Sir," Sensei Josh said, nodding in approval. "I''ll bring Ss first thing tomorrow." He rose from his chair, his face hardening with anger. "But if it turns out I''m right, and that bastard killed my son, I want your permission to kill him myself."

    "You have my word," Sir Dominic replied gravely. Sensei Josh gave a short nod before exiting the room.

    ---

    The morning sun rose, casting bright rays into Ss''s room, and the light flickered into his eyes, waking him from sleep. Sitting up, he rubbed his face, yawning as he shook off the remnants of slumber.

    "I passed out," he murmured, scanning the room. Thest thing he remembered was the system notifying him of hispleted quest before he cked out.

    Suddenly, a notification popped up in front of him:

    **[You have unread notifications]**

    Ss clicked the message, and a new screen appeared before him:

    **[You have evolved into a Tier 5 Soul Devourer mutant]**

    **[Info: As a Tier 5 Soul Devourer mutant, you gain attribute points each time you consume a human or mutant soul.]**

    **[Ding!]**

    **[You have unlocked a new passive skill.]**

    **[Passive Skill: Soul sh. This skill channels your soul points into your scythe, allowing you to drain your enemy''s health more quickly. It guarantees a sure hit, but only if your enemy cannot dodge. (Note: The effectiveness depends on your enemy''s grade. No soul points are required to use this skill.)]**

    **[Ding!]**

    **[You have leveled up.]**

    **[Level up x10.]**

    **[+5 attribute points.]**

    **[All your skills have leveled up.]**

    **[Your scythe has leveled up to Grade 3.]**

    "I''ve seen those notifications already. Show me the ones I missed," Ss instructed, and the interface morphed into a new set of notifications.

    **[Additional Rewards for Quest Completion: (Soul Recovery [1]: This allows the host to recover soul points without consuming a soul.)]**

    **[Your soul points are critically low.]**

    **[-5 soul points per hour until a soul is consumed.]**

    **[Soul Points: 11/200]**

    Ss''s eyes lit up with joy as he read the first notification.

    "Wow, I can recover my soul points without needing to consume a soul? That''s amazing!" he eximed. But his joy quickly faded as he looked further down the screen, realizing the severity of his situation.

    "Damn it. The battle with the god of the realm drained most of my soul points, and now I''ve only got 11 left. The countdown has already started, and if I don''t consume a soul in less than three hours, I''ll lose control," he muttered, his expression darkening with worry.

    Ss knew that, as a Tier 5 Soul Devourer mutant, he could consume the souls of other mutants. However, there were no mutants nearby, and it wasn''t like he could just attack someone without consequences. The academy only sent students to realms for quests, and there wasn''t an ongoing test at the moment.

    Moreover, Ss doubted the system would give him another quest right after hepleted his evolution quest.

    "Consuming a mutant''s soul isn''t an option, and I''m not ready to lure someone else to their death. Last time, I was lucky Kara showed up to clean up my mess. If she hadn''t arrived in time, I''d be locked up behind bars right now," he said, his frustration growing.

    "I guess I don''t have a choice but to use the Soul Recovery," Ss muttered. He had nned to save it for a more challenging situation, like a raid, but now he had no other option.

    **[Soul Recovery has been used.]**

    **[Soul Points restored.]**

    **[Soul Points: 200/200]**

    "Oh, it''s 200 now? Must''ve changed after my evolution," Ss mused, ncing at the screen. He sat there for a moment, contemting his progress before summoning the system''s interface to take a closer look.

    ---

    **Name:** Ss Griswold

    **Race:** Mutant

    **Evolution Tier:** Tier 5 Soul Devourer

    **Level:** 40

    **Health:** 100/100

    **Soul Points:** 200/200

    ---

    ### **Attribute Panel:**

    **Strength:** 50n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

    **Speed:** 20

    **Reflex:** 15

    **Agility:** 35

    **Intelligence:** 20

    **Avable Attribute Points:** 5

    ---

    ### **Skill Panel:**

    **Lightning Dash LVL 3:** Increases speed for 4 seconds. Costs 10 soul points.

    **Soul ws LVL 3:** Allows the user to shoot ws from their fingertips. Costs 1 soul point.

    ---

    ### **Arsenal:**

    **Chest Piece Armor (Grade 2)**

    **Leg Piece Armor (Grade 2)**

    **Scythe (Grade 3)**

    ---

    As Ss reviewed his stats, a knock at the door interrupted him. He looked up, puzzled. ''Who could be knocking so early?'' he wondered, getting out of bed.

    He opened the door to find Sensei Josh standing outside, nked by two towering men.

    "Good morning, Ss. Your presence is required in Sir Dominic''s office," Sensei Josh informed him, his voice tight with barely contained anger as he red at Ss with disdain.

 Chapter 47: Grade 4 mind reader

    Ss blinked at Sensei Josh''s words, his face immediately reflecting surprise.

    "Sir Dominic wants to see me in his office?" he blurted out, his voice filled with shock and disbelief.

    "Yes, he does," Sensei Josh responded, his toneced with disdain.

    Sir Dominic wasn''t the type of man who interacted with students. He rarely left his office, preferring to issue orders that were to be followed immediately. His presence was usually required only for missions that needed someone of his immense power. A man so disconnected from the student body suddenly wanting to see Ss in person?

    That could only mean one thing.

    ''He found out. He knows I killed Caleb, Sammy, and Carlos that night. Damn it.''

    That was the only exnation Ss coulde up with. Getting summoned to Sir Dominic''s office meant he had definitely done something wrong, and the only thing that came to mind was the cold-blooded murder of three students.

    "Alright," Ss muttered after a few moments of tense silence. He stepped out of the room, pulling the door shut behind him.

    "This way," Sensei Josh instructed, turning on his heel to lead the way. The two staff members apanying him moved in to nk Ss, ensuring he wouldn''t try anything reckless.

    As they walked down the halls, curious eyes followed Ss. Whispers spread through the student body like wildfire, wondering what trouble he''d gotten himself into this time.

    ''What did he do now?'' Angelica, who lingered near the corner, thought to herself as she watched Ss being escorted by the staff.

    Even though Ss knew he was in serious trouble, his outward expression remained calm andposed. Internally, he was panicking, but none of that turmoil showed on his face. He kept a stoic demeanor as they walked, the quiet tension surrounding him.

    After a brief but tense walk, they arrived in front of Sir Dominic''s office. Sensei Josh knocked firmly on the heavy wooden door. A deep male voice invited them inside.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    Josh pushed the door open, and they stepped into the vast, intimidating office.

    As Ss entered, his eyes immediatelynded on Sir Dominic, who sat behind arge, imposing desk with his arms folded. Sitting across from him was a woman in her early thirties, and behind Sir Dominic stood someone Ss recognized instantlyˇŞKara.

    Kara''s expression was one of concern, and Ss quickly realized why. Sir Dominic had already briefed her on what Sensei Josh had reported, and it was clear that Kara was worried.

    ''If Mary reads my mind, she''ll discover everything. The artifact, the power I''ve gained, the murdersˇŞeverything.'' Kara had worked hard to keep his secrets hidden, helping him cover his tracks the night of the killings. But it seemed her efforts had been in vain.

    "Ss Griswold, correct?" Sir Dominic''s voice broke through the tense silence after Ss entered. "Please, have a seat next to this lovelydy here," he gestured towards the chair beside the woman.

    Ss, still ring at Kara, reluctantly shifted his gaze and took a slow, measured seat next to Mary. His heart raced, but outwardly, his expression remained collected.

    "Don''t be afraid, Ss. We just want to ask you a few questions," Sir Dominic said with a smile that had a mischievous edge to it.

    "I see." Ss nodded, his voice carefully neutral. "Questions about what?"

    "Before we proceed," Mary interrupted gently, "please allow me to hold your hands." Her request caused Ss to whip his head towards her in surprise.

    "What? Why?" he asked, clearly bewildered.

    "Mary here is a Grade 4 mind ability user," Sir Dominic exined, his voice carrying a certain weight that made Ss uneasy. "She has the ability to read minds and detect lies. Additionally, she can delve into memoriesˇŞrecent events, past incidents, and anything that might be of interest. In short, she''s very good at what she does."

    The exnation sent chills down Ss''s spine, and Kara''s as well.

    ''A Grade 4 mind reader? If she gets into my head, she''ll uncover everything. Damn it, I''m screwed,'' Ss thought, swallowing hard. His eyes locked on Mary''s outstretched hands.

    "Please," she repeated, her voice calm and a warm smile on her lips. "Give me your hands so we can proceed."

    For a few agonizing moments, Ss sat frozen in ce. But finally, he extended his hands toward Mary, who grasped them gently, rubbing his palms in an almostforting gesture.

    "Now, Ss," Mary began, her voice soft but firm. "I want you to answer truthfully. If you lie, I''ll know immediately. My ability will inform me." She closed her eyes, preparing to concentrate.

    Then she asked, "What really happened in the Grade 5 mutant realm? What became of your teammates? And did you find the artifact that gave you the powers of the Apex Mutant?" Her voice was steady, but each word felt like a dagger pointed straight at Ss.

    [Ding!]

    [Alert! Someone is attempting to use an ability to extract information from you.]

    [Would you like to block this ability?]

    [Yes] [No]

    A holographic screen shed into existence before Ss''s eyes after Mary asked her questions. He studied it closely, realization dawning on him.

    ''I can block her from reading my mind? The system must want to keep this secret, too, which is why it''s offering to help.'' Ss grinned inwardly, his attention fixed on the holographic prompt.

    Behind Sir Dominic, Kara was sweating profusely. The room felt like it was closing in on her. Mary''s questions had pushed her to the brink of panic.

    ''This is it. Mary''s going to discover everything. There''s no way to stop it. It''s all over,'' she thought frantically, her heart hammering in her chest. She nced at Ss, who sat there unmoved, exuding a calmness that puzzled her.

    ''Why is he so calm in such a dire situation?'' Kara wondered.

    ''I choose to block the ability!'' Ss dered internally.

    [Yes]

    [Host has sessfully blocked the mind reading ability.]

    """

    A/N: Character art is now avable in the character tab. Do well to check it out!

    Also, vote with your Golden Tickets and Power stones for a mass release!

 Chapter 48: Blank

    ''This is it. Mary''s going to discover everything. There''s no way to stop it. It''s all over,'' Kara thought frantically, her heart pounding in her chest. She nced at Ss, who sat there,pletely unmoved, exuding a calmness that baffled her.

    ''Why is he so calm in such a dire situation?'' Kara wondered, feeling increasingly anxious.

    ''I choose to block the ability!'' Ss dered internally.

    [Yes]

    [Host has sessfully blocked the mind-reading ability.]

    A slight look of confusion appeared on Mary''s face as she delved into his mind.

    Usually, when she asked a person a question and entered their thoughts, she would be met with a flood of memoriesˇŞfragments of their experiences from the past month. If the person lied, their thoughts would betray them, exposing the truth.

    But inside Ss''s mind, there was only darknessˇŞan empty void. No memories. No images. Nothing.

    ''What is this?'' Mary pondered, her eyes still shut, hands sping Ss''s, trying to probe deeper.

    "I already told you guys before: when the mutant came, the group told me to run and hide, which I did. After a few minutes, I came out and found the whole team dead, including the Realm''s god. As for the artifact, I have no idea what happened to it," Ss repeated calmly after a few moments of silence.

    Every eye in the office was now fixed on Mary, awaiting her confirmationˇŞwas Ss telling the truth or not? The tension in the room grew thick as everyone held their breath.

    Mary sat in silence, her face slick with sweat, her expression tense and uncertain.

    ''What''s going on here? This has never happened before. What the hell is happening?'' Mary wondered, panic creeping in as she struggled to maintain herposure. Cold sweat trickled down her face as she realized Sir Dominic was watching her every move. She couldn''t afford to disappoint a man like him.

    What would he say if she failed to read the mind of the infamous "trash"?

    Sensing the dy, Sir Dominic raised a brow and asked, "Is everything okay, Mary?"

    Mary opened her eyes and shifted her gaze toward him, forcing a nervous smile. "I just... erm... hold on, let me retry," she stammered before refocusing on Ss.

    "Please respond to my question again. What happened in the Grade 5 mutant realm, and what happened to the artifact?" Mary shut her eyes once more and asked, her voice trembling slightly.

    "Dan, the leader, told me to hide when the mutants attacked, and I did. After a while, I came out and found them all dead, including the Realm''s god. I don''t know how they died, and I have no clue where the artifact went," Ss responded in the same calm tone. But inside Mary''s mind, panic surged. She was sweating profusely now, her mind racing.

    ''Could he somehow be blocking my ability? Is he preventing me from reading his mind?'' Mary wondered, her gaze fixated on Ss, who remained eerilyposed.

    ''Is that even possible? I''m a Grade 4 mind readerˇŞI''ve read the thoughts of powerful mutant ability users before. How can he block me?'' Her thoughts raced, her troubled expression deepening.

    "Mary? What did you find?" Sir Dominic''s voice interrupted her internal struggle.

    Mary remained silent for a few moments before finally answering, "He''s telling the truth." Her voice was steady, though her eyes were still locked on Ss.

    Kara''s eyes widened slightly in disbelief.

    ''What the... why didn''t she figure out he''s lying?'' Kara mused, her mind spinning.

    "That''s a lie! I know this bastard had something to do with all of this. Maybe he didn''t cause the deaths in the realm or steal the artifact, but I''m sure he killed my son and his friends!" Sensei Josh shouted, his face flushed with anger.

    "I didn''t kill anyone," Ss replied, his voice cold but measured. Sir Dominic shifted his attention back to Mary.

    "Mary?" he asked, seeking further rification.

    Mary hesitated but repeated, "He''s telling the truth. Ss Griswold is innocent."

    It was a lie, but she had no choice. She couldn''t read his mind, and revealing her failure in front of Sir Dominic wasn''t an option. Lying was the only way out.

    "What? That''s a lie! Don''t listen to him! He killed my son! I have a witness!" Sensei Josh roared, his voice trembling with rage.

    "Are you calling me a liar, Josh? Are you implying my ability is weak and I failed to extract the truth?" Mary snapped back, her frustration boiling over.

    "Well, yeah, that could be it!" Sensei Josh shot back angrily.

    "Josh, Mary has been reading minds for yearsˇŞshe''s never failed. That''s why I asked her to verify this. If she says he''s innocent, then he''s innocent," Sir Dominic spoke in a calm yet firm tone.

    "No! It''s a lie! She saw him kill my son!" Sensei Josh persisted.

    "Or maybe she hallucinated. Tell me, what was this witness doing alone in the backyard at that hour of the night? Let me guess... smoking jelly weed. You and I both know what happens when someone smokes thatˇŞthey get high, and when they''re high, they start seeing things." Sir Dominic''s voice was sharp, cutting through the tension.

    "What are you insinuating, Sir Dominic?" Josh growled, narrowing his eyes.

    "I''m saying your witness was probably high, and none of what they saw was real. You heard Mary. Ss is innocent. Your son and his friends were killed because they foolishly tried to raid a high-grade mutant realm to earn tokens. So drop it and go mourn your loss," Sir Dominic said coldly, his words harsh but final.

    Though Sir Dominic had been curious if Ss was truly involved, the entire ordeal had turned into a waste of time. And Sir Dominic was a man who valued his time above all else.

    "Can I go now? I have sses to attend," Ss asked, standing up, his voice cool.

    Sir Dominic nodded, giving him permission to leave.

    As Ss turned toward the door, Sensei Josh grabbed his arm in a fury.

    "You''re going nowhere!" Sensei Josh snarled, his face twisted with rage.

    Ss''s expression darkened, his eyes cold and menacing. He grabbed Sensei Josh''s hand, tightening his grip. As Ss applied pressure, Josh felt his bones twisting painfully.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    "Back off," Ss warned in a low, dangerous tone that sent a shiver down Sensei Josh''s spine.

 Chapter 49: Welcome to the club

    As Ss turned toward the door, Sensei Josh''s hand shot out, gripping Ss''s arm with unexpected force. His face, contorted with fury, bore down on Ss like a storm about to break.

    "You''re going nowhere!" Sensei Josh snarled, his voice thick with rage, veins bulging from his temples as his grip tightened.

    Ss''s expression shifted instantly. His usual calm melted away, reced by a cold, dangerous intensity. His eyes, once indifferent, now gleamed with a chilling menace. He slowly reached up and grabbed Sensei Josh''s hand. His grip tightened with deliberate slowness, each inch squeezing the life out of Josh''s fingers.

    The sensei''s bravado quickly faded, his bones twisting painfully beneath Ss''s iron-like grasp.

    "Back off," Ss said in a voice barely above a whisper, but it carried a weight that sent a sharp chill down Sensei Josh''s spine. It wasn''t just amandˇŞit was a warningced with a promise of consequences.

    Sensei Josh, momentarily paralyzed by both pain and fear, released Ss''s arm, his heart pounding in his chest. He felt something unsettling in that brief exchange, something that wed at the edges of hisposure. His pulse quickened just from the sight of Ss''s cold, unreadable face, a face that seemed to strip him of his own strength.

    ''Am I really afraid of this trash? Or is it something else? Why is my heart racing like this?'' Sensei Josh thought to himself, his eyes still locked onto Ss as he walked out of the office, shutting the door behind him witt a calm finality.

    As Ss strode down the hallway, the tension from the encounter melted away, reced by a different focus. His gaze was drawn to the notification that floated before him, the glowing text filling his vision.

    [Host has shown bravery even in a dire situation]

    [+2 attribute points]

    ''A reward for bravery? Interesting.'' Ss thought, a small smirk ying at the corner of his lips. ''Those attribute points will definitelye in handy.'' His thoughts lingered on the untapped power he had yet to assign.

    ''I still haven''t used the points I got after the evolution quest eitherˇ­ Sensei Josh interrupted before I could even look into the system properly.'' He cast a nce back down the hallway. ''I guess I''ll deal with that after today''s sses.''

    Eventually, Ss arrived at the cafeteria, the bustling noise of students chatting and eating filling the air. He slipped through the entrance and made his way toward the section where paying students were lined up, waiting to buy their meals. Ss joined the queue, standing silently behind the other students, ignoring the hostile looks being shot his way from various tables.

    After a few minutes, it was finally his turn. Ss grabbed an enormous portion of food and handed the vendor three Grade 2 Crazed Chimptant ws, spoils from his first evolution quest.

    The vendor raised an eyebrow, studying the ws carefully before nodding in approval. "Legit," the vendor muttered before handing over the tray of food. Ss took the tray without a word and began scanning the room for a seat.

    As he moved through the crowded cafeteria, his eyesnded on Angelica, who was sitting at a table surrounded by a group of her friends. Her gaze met his, and she waved him over, her face brightening.

    "Hey, Ss! Why don''t you join us?" she called out, her voice carrying over the noise.

    Ss shook his head. "Nah, I''m good," he replied, continuing to walk past her table.

    "Come on, mate! Don''t be shy, have a seat with us!" A voice called from the group, causing Ss to pause mid-step and nce over.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    The speaker was a tall, handsome boy with long silver hair tied back in a neat ponytail. His piercing blue eyes and strong jawline made him stand out, and his confident, rxed demeanor was a clear indicator of his status in the academy.

    He was Victor Hardcastle, though most students simply called him Vic. Ss had seen him fight in the Ranking ArenaˇŞVic was a Grade 4 mutant ability user and skilled, to say the least.

    His reputation as a top-ranking student made him popr not only for his power but also for his looks, which caused almost every girl in the academy to swoon over him.

    After a brief hesitation, Ss turned and approached the table, sitting down in the vacant chair beside Angelica. As he ced his tray on the table, all eyes shifted to the mountain of food he had piled onto it.

    "You gonna eat all that, mate? Isn''t that a bit much?" Vic asked, his eyebrows raised in shock.

    "I woke up really hungry," Ss said nonchntly, his eyes on the food, though a strange feeling began to creep over him.

    ''I was starving this morningˇ­ but when I used the Soul Recovery, the hunger vanishedpletely.''

    Even though his hunger had disappeared, Ss had still chosen to buy food, curious to see if he could still eat like a regr person. He picked up a spoon and took a bite, filling his mouth with the food before swallowing. Almost immediately, a wave of nausea hit him, and before he could stop it, he vomited right onto the floor.

    "Whoa, what the hell, man?!" A girl sitting across from him eximed in disgust. She had long brown hair that matched her piercing brown eyes. Her name was Ivy, a Grade 2 mutant ability user known for her sharp tongue and colder demeanor.

    Ss froze, his expression one of shock and confusion. ''I can''t eat human food anymore?'' His mind raced as he tried to piece things together. Earlier, when he had checked the system, he had noticed a change...

    [Name: Ss Griswold]

    [Race: Mutant]

    ''My race changed from Half-breed to Mutant after the evolutionˇ­ I evolved into a Tier 5 Soul Devourer mutant. I''m no longer human, which means I can''t eat like normal people anymore.'' He stared nkly at the mess on the floor, processing the realization.

    "Ss, are you okay?" Angelica asked, her eyes full of concern.

    "Yeah, man, what''s going on?" Vic chimed in, leaning forward with a frown.

    Ss finally looked up, forcing a smile. "I''m fine. Just a little sick. You knowˇ­ after what happened in the Grade 5 realm. Seeing all those deathsˇ­ it still gets to me sometimes," he lied, hoping to deflect their concern.

    "Yeah, I heard about that. I don''t get why you joined a raid in such a high-grade realm. You''re lucky to be alive," Ivymented, her tone softer now.

    "I needed tokens to upgrade my gear. The raid seemed like the best way to earn a lot of tokens quickly," Ss replied. Ivy nodded in understanding.

    An awkward silence settled over the group, with everyone else continuing to eat except for Ss. Angelica, sensing the tension, decided to break it.

    "By the way, I don''t think I''ve introduced you to everyone, Ss. This is VicˇŞyou probably know him since he''s pretty well-known around here." Vic shed a yful grin and raised his juice in a mock salute.

    "And this is Ivy. She might seem cold, but she''s actually pretty sweet once you get to know her," Angelica added with a smile.

    "And finally, this is David," she gestured toward thest boy, who had been silent the entire time. He looked up briefly, but his shyness was evident. Ss noticed the single glowing bar on David''s skill slot, marking him as a low-grade mutant ability user. That exined his timid nature. "They are the only people that stayed with me even after I awakened a wrong mutant ability."

    "Nice to meet you all," Ss said, nodding politely. He didn''t want to be part of any group, he only agreed to sit with them because of Vic.

    Vic was well known in the Ranking arena so if he gets close to him he might learn a few thing.

    "Wee to the club, mate," Vic added with a warm smile.

    Across the cafeteria, a group of boys sat watching them intently, their eyes narrowing as they noticed Vic and his group.

    "That bastard Vicˇ­ Is he mocking us by recruiting a guy with no visible abilities?" Billy, one of the boys, sneered. His voice dripped with contempt. "He thinks just because he''s topping the leaderboard, he can bring in weaklings and still stay on top."

    "We lost our spot in the rankings because of that guy Ghost Ranger," another boy muttered bitterly.

    "Ghost Rangerˇ­ I hope he shows up soon. I want to crush him and reim my rank," Billy growled, his eyes darkening with anger. "And as for Vic and his little group, we''ll deal with them soon enough."

 Chapter 50: Cunning crafter

    Students dispersed from the dining hall, heading to their respectivebat sses once breakfast was done. Vic, Ivy, and David headed to their session, which focused on honing their abilities, while Angelica and Ss walked toward the dojo for their martial arts training.

    As they stepped inside, the dojo was already bustling with activity. Most of the students had donned their crimson-red gis and were lined up, waiting for Sensei Josh to arrive and begin the ss. The air was thick with anticipation, yet a strange undercurrent of restlessness filled the room.

    Ss nced at Angelica before quietly slipping into the changing room. He emerged momentster, now dressed in his own red gi, the soft fabric feeling familiar against his skin as he joined the row of waiting students.

    "Where''s Sensei?" Angelica asked from beside Ss, her eyes scanning the dojo in confusion.

    Chapter Continue:

    "I don''t know," Ss replied, shaking his head slightly.

    "He''s neverte," Angelica muttered, her brow furrowing further. "Something''s off."

    Minutes passed, yet there was still no sign of Sensei Josh. The dojo began to fill with murmurs, students exchanging puzzled nces. Some grew impatient, others anxious. Finally, as the minutes ticked away and still no instructor appeared, the conclusion seemed inevitableˇŞthere would be no ss today.

    One by one, the students began to disperse, leaving the dojo behind in disappointment.

    "I guess that''s that," Angelica sighed, crossing her arms. "No ss today. What are you nning to do with the extra time?" she asked, turning to Ss with a casual curiosity.

    Ss rubbed the back of his neck. "Not much. I''ll probably just head back to my room, catch some sleep," he responded, the recent events and constant pressure of the system weighing on his mind.

    Angelica gave him a knowing look, though her eyes glinted with an idea. "I''m heading to the crafter''s shop. I need to forge a weapon for the uing test. You want toe with me?"

    "Uing test?" Ss echoed, raising a brow. His memory was hazy, overwhelmed by everything else that had been going onˇŞthe system, the evolution, the strange quests that had consumed his focus.

    "Yeah," Angelica replied with a light shrug, "we were informed about it two weeks ago. We''ll be sent to a mutant realm, and I''m going to need proper gear for that. You should too."

    Ss blinked, a bit taken aback. He hadpletely forgotten about the test, buried under the weight of the system''s challenges. "Ah, right. I''ve had other things on my mind," he muttered, then nodded. "Sure, I''lle with you."

    Angelica smiled faintly, pleased by his response, and they both stepped out of the dojo into the crisp morning air. The academy''s towering buildings cast long shadows over the narrow paths, and they made their way along one that led to the crafter''s shop.

    After several minutes of walking through the tranquil grounds, they arrived at a small wooden shop, nestled between tall, ancient trees. It had an unassuming exterior, almost camouged by the foliage around it. Yet the moment they stepped inside, Ss felt an entirely different atmosphereˇŞa sense of power and craftsmanship surrounded him.

    The shop was small but packed with an array of high-grade mutant weapons and armors. des with intricate designs, armor that seemed to hum with energy, and weapons of every size and shape adorned the walls. Each piece was a masterpiece, forged from the remnants of fierce creatures that once roamed the mutant realms.

    Behind a heavy counter stood a bald-headed, wiry man, his face partially obscured by arge pair of ck goggles. He was hunched over a red-hot de, striking it repeatedly with a hammer, the rhythmic ng of metal ringing through the room.

    "Good morning, sir," Angelica greeted as she approached the counter.

    Without ncing up, the man continued working on the de. "How can I help you?" he asked, his voice gruff, his focus never wavering from the weapon he was crafting.

    "I''m here to forge a weapon," Angelica said, pulling a long, gleaming ck w from her pocket and cing it on the counter in front of him. "This is a Grade 4 w, from a Litant Mutant. I''d like a katana forged with it."

    At that, the man paused, finally looking up. He reached out and took the w in his hands, inspecting it closely. The moment it touched his hands, his eyes widened, and he examined it with more care, tilting it under the light. After a long moment, he even brought it closer to his mouth, running his tongue along the edge.

    "It''s legit," he confirmed, still inspecting it. "Where did you get this?"

    Angelica''s expression tightened. "It was thest gift my father gave me before he disowned me," she replied, her voice cold and measured. "I''d appreciate it if you didn''t ask further questions."

    The man looked at her for a beat longer, then nodded, putting the w down. "I only ask because students sometimes bring in stolen mutant parts to craft weapons. If something''s stolen, I end up taking the fall."

    At first nce, the crafter had assumed Angelica was just another studentˇŞprobably broke, wasting his time with some low-level mutant part. But the moment she pulled out that rare w, he knew she wasn''t just any student. She was someone with resources, someone who could bring him a tidy profit. His mind began calcting, scheming.

    "So," Angelica interrupted his thoughts, "how much will it cost?"

    The crafter rubbed his chin, his eyes darting between the w and Angelica. After a moment of thought, he leaned forward, a sly grin spreading across his face. "1,500 tokens. That''s the best I can do since you''re still a student."

    "1,500 tokens?!" Angelica eximed, her eyes widening. "I only have 900 tokens on me."

    "900 tokens isn''t enough for a Grade 3 mutant katana, let alone a Grade 4," the man replied smoothly, his voice dripping with confidence. "The price is 1,500, and that''s final."

    Frustration shed across Angelica''s face as she retrieved the w and slipped it back into her pocket, clearly annoyed by the crafter''s greed.

    "Wait," Ss said quietly, stepping forward. He reached into his pouch, pulling out three Grade 2 Crazed Chimptant fangs, andid them on the counter. "What about these fangs and 900 tokens? Will that be enough?"

    The crafter eyed Ss carefully before taking the fangs in his hands. He examined them closely, turning them over in his fingers before speaking. "Grade 2 Crazed Chimptant fangs, huh? You''d need ten of these to meet the 1,500 token mark."

    "Ten?!" Angelica snapped, her face twisting in anger. "This guy''s a thief! And he dares use other students of stealing!"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    Ss, remaining calm, reached into his pouch again and pulled out seven more fangs. He tossed them onto the counter. "That''s ten. Now, get to work."

    The crafter stared at the pile of fangs in disbelief. For a moment, he was speechless. ''Who is this kid? How does he have so many fangs?'' he thought to himself, his eyes flicking back to Ss.

    Then his gaze fell on Ss''s pouch. It still looked heavyˇŞclearly, the boy had more valuable items hidden away in there. The crafter''s thoughts darkened.

    ''He''s just a student without an active skill slot. The girl might be a Grade 4, but she looks weak. Taking them both down and stealing that pouch shouldn''t be too hard,'' he mused, a sinister smirk ying at the corners of his mouth.

    He hadn''t had many customerstely, and now was his chance. These two would be the perfect targets to exploit, and he could cover his tracks to avoid any trouble with the academy.

    "''"

    A/N: Shameless author asking for a gift, tickets, and power stones for motivation.

    If you want a weekend mass release tomorrow vote with your Golden tickets and all. Thanks for reading, guys!

 Chapter 51: Crafter with a stealth ability

    "He''s just a student without an active skill slot. The girl might be a Grade 4, but she looks weak. Taking them both down and stealing that pouch shouldn''t be too hard," the crafter thought to himself, a dark, calcting grin spreading across his face.

    Business had been slowtely, and this was his golden opportunity. Two academy students, both seemingly naive, made for perfect targets. If he yed his cards right, he could not only fleece them but also cover his tracks, avoiding any bacsh from the academy. After all, these two wouldn''t be missed if they disappeared.

    Clearing his throat, he shifted his stance behind the counter, adopting a more business-like tone, though mischief still danced in his eyes. "I''m afraid this still won''t be enough. You''ll need to add five extra Grade 2 fangs or perhaps a single Grade 3 w," he said, his voice smooth but loaded with ill intent as he eyed Ss and Angelica.

    Ss held the crafter''s gaze for a few beats, his eyes cold and unblinking. After a moment, he retrieved his ten fangs from the counter, showing no sign of frustration. Without a word, he turned to leave, his movements measured, calm.

    "Let''s go, Angelica. This guy clearly isn''t interested in doing business," Ss said quietly, his gaze briefly meeting hers.

    The crafter''s eyes widened in disbelief as they began to walk away. Panic shed across his face. "I''m not ready to do business? I just told you the price!" he shouted, the desperation creeping into his voice.

    Ss paused mid-step but didn''t turn around. His voice remained level, almost detached as he spoke over his shoulder. "Earlier, you told me to add ten more fangs to hit the 1,500 token mark. Now you''re asking for five extra? What do you take us for?" His tone was calm but sharp, each word cutting deeper than thest, as though he had expected this game from the start.

    The crafter''s confidence wavered. He quickly changed tactics, realizing his ploy was backfiring. "All right, how about thisˇŞjust add three more fangs. Thirteen total, and I''ll craft your de," he offered, his voice loud and insistent. He was trying to salvage the deal, his greed outweighing his pride.

    But Ss didn''t even slow his stride, his back turned to the man as he continued toward the exit with Angelica.

    "Okay, okay, two more fangs then! Just two!" the crafter called, his desperation rising. "All right, fineˇŞjust one more! One more, and it''s a deal!" The tension in his voice was palpable, the sound of his feet shuffling anxiously behind the counter.

    But the only response was the soft click of the door closing as Ss and Angelica walked out, leaving the crafter standing there, red-faced and fuming.

    "Goddamn those little bastards!" he cursed through clenched teeth, his knuckles white as his fists tightened with fury.

    ---

    Outside, the cool air of the afternoon greeted Ss and Angelica as they made their way back toward the academy''s main building.

    As they walked, Angelica broke the silence, her voice soft but curious. "Where did you get those fangs, though?" she asked, her eyes lingering on Ss, clearly intrigued.

    "It was part of the payment I received from the Grade 5 raid," Ss lied smoothly, keeping his gaze forward, the flicker of deception well-hidden beneath his calm expression.

    "Really?" Angelica said, her tone a mix of curiosity and gratitude. "And you were willing to spend them on me?"

    "You needed the de for the test," Ss responded evenly, his hands casually tucked into his pockets as he maintained his steady pace.

    "Yes, but I''m a Grade 4 mutant ability user," Angelica pressed, concern creeping into her voice. "I have control over lightning, and I can defend myself. You need that stuff more than I do. If you sell the fangs on the ck market, you could easily get yourself a decent mutant weapon, something that could really help you with the uing test."

    Chapter Enjoy:

    Ss remained silent for a moment, letting her words hang in the air. He wasn''t in need of any additional weaponry or armor. The system had already provided him with everything he neededˇŞa scythe that grew stronger with each use, and armor that adapted and leveled up alongside him.

    In truth, he had no interest in acquiring new equipment, not when the ones he had were bound to him, improving with every battle.

    That''s why he had been willing to help Angelica. But his motives weren''t entirely selfless. Ss had his reasonsˇŞreasons Angelica didn''t need to know. By assisting her, he was ensuring that she owed him. In the future, if he ever found himself in a dire situation, perhaps even needing her soul to replenish his dwindling points, she might just repay the debt.

    As they continued along the narrow, dimly lit path, Ss''s expression shifted slightly, his senses sharpening. Something was off.

    Angelica noticed the change instantly. "What''s wrong?" she asked, her eyes locking onto him, alert.

    "Someone''s following us," Ss murmured, his voice calm, betraying no hint of rm. He didn''t turn around, but his eyes scanned the surroundings carefully.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    Angelica stopped in her tracks, her body tense as she quickly spun around, her eyes darting across the street. "I don''t see anyone," she whispered, her voice tinged with unease.

    "They''ve been trailing us since we left the shop," Ss exined, his tone matter-of-fact. "I''m betting it''s the crafter, using a stealth ability to cloak himself."

    Several meters behind them, the crafter had indeed activated his stealth ability. His form flickered, invisible to the naked eye, as he moved soundlessly across the cobblestones. A twisted grin spread across his face as he tightened his grip on therge de in his hand.

    ''First, I''ll take her down. That Grade 4 Litant w is mine,'' he thought, his eyes gleaming with greed as he charged toward Angelica, the de ready to slice through her neck.

    The crafter moved quickly, his de cutting through the air with deadly precision. He closed the distance in a heartbeat, and just as his weapon was about to strike, it froze in ce.

    Ss had caught the crafter''s arm.

    The man''s eyes widened in shock, his body trembling as he looked down to see Ss gripping his arm tightly. His other hand remained casually in his pocket, as though this were nothing more than an inconvenience.

    ''How did he stop me? Even with my stealth ability?'' the crafter thought, his heart pounding in his chest. His stealth shattered the moment Ss touched him, revealing his presence.

    Ss''s eyes narrowed. With a deliberate slowness, he removed his right hand from his pocket, curled it into a fist, and drove it directly into the man''s face.

    BAM!

    The punch connected with a sickening thud, the sound of bone crunching reverberating through the street as the crafter''s nose twisted gruesomely. The force of the blow sent him sliding backward, blood gushing from his now broken nose.

    The man staggered to a halt, his face a mask of pain and rage. Blood dripped down his chin as he snarled, "How dare you, brat?!"

    With blood pouring from his shattered nose, the crafter raised his de once more, his fingers trembling as he activated his stealth ability again. In an instant, he disappeared from view, leaving only the faint echo of his footsteps in the air.

    But Ss stood his ground, unmoved.

    The tension crackled like electricity between them, and without warning, the crafter charged forward again, now invisible.

    ''""

    A/N: Character image is now avable. Go check it out and vote for the MC, Ss Griswold!

 Chapter 52: Reflex

    The man staggered to a halt, his breathing ragged, his face contorted in a gruesome mask of pain and fury. Blood poured from his shattered nose, trickling down to his chin before sttering on the ground. His eyes burned with rage as he snarled, "How dare you, brat?!"

    His hand trembled as he raised his de once more, blood staining his fingers as they curled around the hilt. Despite the injury, the crafter wasn''t done. Summoning thest of his energy, he activated his stealth ability once again. In a sh, his form shimmered and disappeared. Only the faint echo of his footsteps lingered in the air, leaving behind an unsettling silence.

    But Ss didn''t move. He stood his ground, his posture unwavering, as if he had anticipated every second of the encounter. His gaze remained sharp, focused, unfazed by the man''s disappearance.

    Tension rippled through the air, thick and suffocating, like the calm before a storm.

    Angelica''s breath hitched, and her eyes widened in fear as the man vanished before her. She quickly assumed a fighting stance, her limbs trembling but ready. "Ss, get back! This guy''s a maniac!" she shouted, her voice barely masking the terror bubbling beneath her words. Her heart raced as her eyes darted from side to side, scanning every corner, but there was nothingˇŞjust emptiness.

    Ss didn''t budge. His calm, stoic expression remained as he too surveyed their surroundings. But his mind was already calcting his next move.

    ''His stealth has be much harder to detect. Seems he''s finally pulling out all the stops,'' Ss thought, his eyes flicking around the space, searching for any hint of movement.

    SuddenlyˇŞ

    SLASH!

    Ss barely registered the sound before he felt itˇŞa sharp, searing pain tearing across his back. He hissed through clenched teeth as blood spattered in crimson arcs, staining the ground beneath him. The crafter had managed tond a hit, his de slicing through flesh like a hot knife through butter.

    Wincing, Ss spun on his heel, his fist shooting out in a blur toward the man''s face. But before his punch couldnd, the man vanished once again, leaving nothing but the cold, empty air in his wake.

    "Ss!" Angelica cried out, her voice cracking with panic as she rushed toward him. Her face was pale, her eyes wide with concern. "Are you hurt? Let me see!"

    She reached out, desperate to inspect the wound, but Ss turned away swiftly, blocking her from getting a closer look. The cut had already begun healing, and he wasn''t about to let her find out about his regenerative ability. That secret was his to keep.

    "It''s fine," Ss said with a forced grin, trying to calm her down. "Just a tiny scratch."

    "A tiny scratch? Ss, there''s blood all over the ce! Let me take a look," Angelica insisted, her voice rising as she stepped forward and tried to examine his back. But to her astonishment, there was nothing. The wound had vanishedpletely. "What the...

    I swear I saw him cut you!"

    "He missed," Ss lied easily. "The blood? That''s not mineˇŞit''s his, from when I smashed his nose earlier. Trust me, I''m fine." He straightened up, the smile dropping from his face as he turned his attention back to the battlefield, his eyes sharp and alert.

    A voice echoed from the shadows, dripping with disdain. "You think you can detect me, brat? I''m a Grade 3 stealth ability user. You only caught me earlier because I let my guard down!"

    Ss stood rooted to the spot, his fists clenched tight at his sides, his jaw set. His gaze swept over the empty space, analyzing every inch of their surroundings.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    ''He''s good... far too good for my current stats,'' Ss thought, the reality of the situation dawning on him as he nced around. His muscles tensed, ready for whatever came next.

    SWOOOSH!

    A surge of danger pricked at Ss''s senses, and he twisted just in time. The crafter''s de sliced through the air where Ss had stood only moments before, missing him by mere centimeters. The rush of wind that followed the de''s path was cold and sharp.

    Ss sidestepped fluidly, avoiding the strike. His reflexes had saved him once again, but this time he knew it was too close forfort. He countered with a punch, but the man vanished yet again, slipping into the shadows like a ghost.

    "Ss, are you alright?!" Angelica''s voice rang out, high-pitched and frantic. She was standing several paces away, her wide eyes betraying her growing fear.

    Ss took a deep breath, his mind racing. ''He''s too strong for me to detect right now... I need to increase my Reflex if I''m going to keep up with him.'' Ss mentally summoned his system interface, and without hesitation, he allocated a portion of his attribute points to Reflex.

    [5 Points have been added to your Reflex.]

    The change was immediate. With his Reflex now heightened, Ss could see itˇŞevery subtle shift, every minuscule movement of the air. The crafter was no longer invisible to him. Ss tracked the man''s movements as he crouched behind a wall, eyes locked on Angelica like a predator stalking its prey.

    ''Guess I''ll stick to my initial n and go after the girl first... then if he lowers his guard I''ll attack him,'' The crafter thought, his lips curling into a smirk. He gripped his de tighter, preparing to strike. Chapter Find:

    Just as the man dashed forward, intent on taking Angelica out, he froze mid-stride. His side-eye caught sight of Ss charging toward him, faster than before.

    ''What theˇŞ''

    BAM!

    Ss''s fist mmed into the crafter''s face with brutal force. The impact was so powerful that the man''s stealth ability immediately deactivated as he was sent flying across the street, crashing into the hard pavement several meters away.

    Angelica gasped, her fear momentarily giving way to awe. Ss turned to her, his expression calm. "Angelica, go back to the academy. I''ll handle this. I''ll catch up with youter," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

    "But SsˇŞ" Angelica protested, her voice trembling with worry.

    "Go," Ss insisted, his gaze firm. "I''ve got this."

    For a long moment, Angelica hesitated, her eyes flickering between Ss and the fallen crafter. Finally, she nodded, swallowing hard. "Okay... be careful, alright?" she said softly, before turning and sprinting away, her lightning ability crackling at her heels, propelling her forward at incredible speed.

    As her figure disappeared into the distance, Ss turned back to the crafter, who was struggling to rise to his feet. Blood dripped freely from his nose, his face a battered mess.

    "You sent her away?" the man spat, his voiceced with disdain as he red at Ss. "What, you think you''re that much stronger than me, brat?!"

    Ss''s expression remained cold and unyielding. "No," he said darkly, stepping closer, "I sent her away because I don''t want her to see what''s about to happen to you." A sinister grin spread across his face, his eyes gleaming with menace.

    The crafter felt a cold chill crawl down his spine. Instinctively, he took a step back, his hands trembling as he tightened his grip on the de.

    ''What is with this kid? He doesn''t even have a mutant ability, but... he''s terrifying. Something about him is justˇŞwrong,'' the man thought, panic welling up inside him.

    "What... what are you talking about?" the crafter stammered, his voice faltering.

    "You forced me to use ten soul points. Points I didn''t n on burning so soon," Ss replied, his voice eerily calm. "Now you''re going to help me replenish them. And I''ll gain some attributes while I''m at it."

    The man blinked, confused. "Soul points? What the hell are youˇŞ"

    Ss didn''t bother to answer. He continued walking toward the man, each step heavy with purpose.

    "Dammit! I''m not sticking around for this!" the crafter shouted, spinning on his heel to flee. But as he turned, his blood ran cold. Ss was already behind him, blocking his escape.

    """

    A/N: No Golden Tickets and Power stones? Hmm..

 Chapter 53: First kill

    "You forced me to use ten soul points. Points I didn''t n on burning so soon," Ss''s voice was eerily calm, but beneath the surface, his intent was lethal. His eyes glinted in the dim light as he took slow, deliberate steps forward. "Now, you''re going to help me replenish them. And I''ll gain some attributes while I''m at it."

    The man blinked, confusion shing across his features. "Soul points? What the hell are youˇŞ"

    Before he could finish, Ss advanced. There was no point in exining. He kept walking, each stepnding with purpose, his presence growing more menacing with every second.

    "Dammit! I''m not sticking around for this!" the crafter shouted, spinning on his heel in panic. He bolted for the exit, his feet pounding against the ground in desperation. But his breath caught in his throat, and his heart sank as he turned to see Ss already standing behind him, blocking his path. The speed was unimaginable.

    "Die!" the crafter screamed, unsheathing a de with thest ounce of strength he could muster. His desperation fueled a wild swing, and the de cut through the air at terrifying speed. The sharp edge gleamed as it hurtled toward Ss, inches from shing through him.

    But just as the de was about to connect, Ss sidestepped smoothly, as if the attack had never even been a threat. His movements were fluid, effortless, as though he had anticipated every strike before it was made. The man''s eyes widened in disbelief.

    In the blink of an eye, Ss retaliated. His fistshed out, striking the crafter with brutal precision. The man stumbled backward, blood spraying from his nose and mouth. His face was now a crimson mask, drenched in the result of Ss''s unrelenting force.

    "Please!" the man gasped, dropping to his knees. His voice wavered, drenched in terror and pain. "Just let me go! I''ll forget about everythingˇŞI won''t steal your mutant body parts! I''ll even craft the de for freeˇ­ Please, spare me!"

    Ss tilted his head slightly, an eerie calm settling over his features as he stood over the man like a shadow.

    "So, that''s what this was about, huh?" His voice was a low growl. "You doubled the price of the de just to scare us off and ambush uster. Clever. Very clever."

    The man, trembling, stared up at him, eyes wide with fear. His breath came in ragged gasps, the hope of escape growing dimmer by the second.

    "But not clever enough," Ss continued, his voice dropping lower. The cold menace in his words cut through the air like a knife. He stepped closer, looming over the cowering figure.

    "You were willing to kill us for some mutant body parts. So, tell me," his voice dripped with lethal intent, "why shouldn''t I kill you right now?"

    The man''s body shook with terror. "Please," he whispered, bowing his head, his voice barely audible. "Pleaseˇ­ I''ll make it up to you."

    [Ding!]

    [Compulsory Quest: Kill the enemy and consume their soul to earn rewards.]

    [Rewards: (Hidden)]

    [Failure: Death]

    [Enemy killed: 0/1]

    A cold, red notification shed before Ss, floating ominously in front of him. His lips curled into a slow, dark smile. The system had sealed the man''s fate. His choice was no longer his own.

    "The system just gave me another reason to end you," Ss muttered, his words sending chills down the man''s spine.

    "System?" the crafter stammered, confusion creeping into his terrified expression.

    But there would be no answers. Ss''s hands moved faster than the man could react, gripping the crafter''s head with an iron hold. The sharp ws that extended from Ss''s fingertips glinted wickedly before sinking deep into the man''s skull.

    A strangled cry escaped the man''s throat, but his body was already frozen in ce, paralyzed by the invasive power now coursing through him. His eyes rolled back, and a soft, glowing blue aura began to leak from his body, swirling up into the air like a wisp of smoke. The man''s life forceˇŞhis very soulˇŞwas being siphoned away.

    [Soul Points: 190/200]

    [Soul Points: 200/200]

    [Host has gained 1 attribute point.]

    [Host has consumed his first soul after his first evolution]

    [Host has gained 5 new attribute points.]

    Notifications filled Ss''s vision, but he was barely aware of them. The sensation of absorbing the man''s soul was intoxicating.

    Even as the system confirmed his soul points had been restored, Ss didn''t let go. The rush of power was too addictive to stop. He was feeding on the man''s essence, draining himpletely.

    The man''s body began to stiffen, his skin losing its color and hardening like stone. Piece by piece, he transformed into a petrified husk, hollow and lifeless. The once-breathing figure was now nothing more than a shell.

    Only when the body was fully drained did Ss release his grip, and the lifeless husk crumbled to the ground with a heavy thud.

    [Host has made his first human kill post-evolution.]

    [Host has gained 5 additional attribute points.]

    [Congrattions! You havepleted thepulsory quest.]

    [Host has gained 5 additional attribute points.]

    Ss nced at the string of notifications, his mind already analyzing the possibilities. His eyes flicked to the petrified husk on the ground. The sight of it stirred no guilt, no remorseˇŞonly a cold indifference.

    "I gained attributes for consuming his soul... and even more for killing him," Ss mused, speaking softly to himself as he stared at the body. "If I keep consuming souls, I''ll grow even strongerˇŞmutants especially. I could get far more powerful without relying on the system''s quests."

    A grin spread across his face, the allure of unchecked power gleaming in his eyes. But his gaze darkened as it fell back on the husk.

    "I need to dispose of this," Ss muttered. His voice was low, almost detached as he crouched beside the solidified corpse. "If anyone finds this, especially Angelica... it''ll raise too many questions."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    He crouched down and gingerly touched the stone-like body. "So this is what happens when a soul ispletely drained?" He scowled, disgust etched into his features. "Disgusting."

    Ss grabbed the petrified legs of the corpse and began dragging it down the street, his steps silent in the darkness. He knew the academy grounds well. He would take the body to a ce few venturedˇŞa small, forgotten corner behind the training grounds where students rarely set foot.

    After a few minutes of dragging the body through the shadows, Ss found the spot. With a quick nce around, he dumped the husk into the crevice between two abandoned buildings. Satisfied that the body was out of sight, he took onest look before leaving the scene behind.

    ---

    Ss''s feet pounded against the pavement as he sprinted back toward the academy. The streets were quiet, the night air cool and still. Within minutes, he arrived at the gates, slipping inside unnoticed. His mind still buzzed from the fresh rush of power.

    "Hey, Ss!"

    The sudden voice caused him to halt mid-step. Ss turned to see a familiar figure approaching from behind. Vic, a tall, broad-shouldered boy with a silver ponytail, strode toward him with his hands casually tucked in his pockets.

    "What''s up, Vic?" Ss greeted, trying to mask the lingering tension in his body.

    "You alright?" Vic asked, his face shadowed with concern. "Angelica came rushing in earlier, saying you were in trouble. Something about a crafter attacking you guys?"

    Ss forced a chuckle, scratching the back of his neck. "Yeah, that''s true. The crafter came after us, but I took care of it. Nothing to worry about."

    Vic''s expression darkened with anger. "That bastard," he muttered, his fists clenched. "I was about to head over there to teach him a lesson myself. No one messes with my friends."

    "Appreciate the thought, man," Ss replied, giving Vic a grateful nod. "It''s good to know someone''s got my back."

    Vic smirked, offering Ss a fist bump. Ss returned the gesture. "No problem. Oh, by the way, we''ve got no sses tomorrow. They''re giving us a break to prepare for the uing test. Me and the group are heading to the ranking arena. Chapter Read:

    You in?"

    Ss thought for a moment before nodding. "Sure. Count me in."

    ---

    Meanwhile, in her dorm room, Angelica sat on the edge of her bed, her mind racing. Her elbows rested on her knees, and her face was a mask of disbelief.

    ''How did he do it? His speed... his strength... even his healingˇŞit''s unnatural,'' she thought, her mind piecing together everything she had witnessed earlier. ''And he doesn''t even have a skill slot. There''s no way he should be able to do all that.''

    She leaned back, staring at the ceiling as the puzzle pieces fell into ce. Her eyes narrowed with suspicion.

    ''I was right all along... Ss Griswold is hiding something.''

 Chapter 54: Points distribution

    Ss headed back to his room. Upon arriving, he shut the door swiftly and went straight to his bed. Without hesitation, he summoned the system''s interface.

    ---

    **Name:** Ss Griswold

    **Race:** Mutant

    **Evolution Tier:** Tier 5 Soul Devourer

    **Level:** 40

    **Health:** 100/100

    **Soul points:** 200/200

    ---

    ### **Attribute Panel:**

    **Strength:** 50

    **Speed:** 20

    **Reflex:** 20

    **Agility:** 35

    **Intelligence:** 20

    **Avable attribute points to distribute:** 18

    ---

    ### **Skill Panel:**

    **Lightning Dash LVL 3:** Increases speed for 4 seconds. Costs 10 soul points.

    **Soul ws LVL 3:** Allows the user to shoot unique ws from the tips of their fingers. Costs 1 soul point.

    ---

    ### **Arsenal:**

    **Chest piece armor (Grade 2)**

    **Leg piece armor (Grade 2)**

    **Scythe (Grade 3)**

    **Ghost Mask and Ghost outfit**

    ---

    Ss sat there, his gaze fixed on the floating window screen in front of him, his fingers rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

    "I almost lost today because I couldn''t react in time and I wasn''t fast enough," Ss muttered while examining the screen. "I guess I''ll need to focus on my Reflex and Speed attributes for now, at least until they match the rest."

    **[9 points have been added to your Speed.]**

    **[Speed is now a total of 29.]**

    **[9 points have been added to your Reflex.]**

    **[Reflex is now a total of 29.]**

    Ss distributed the points evenly, determined to ensure what happened against the crafter never happened again. After adjusting his stats, his gaze shifted to the bottom of the screen, where his equipment arsenal was disyed.

    "I haven''t really used any of the gear yet, except for the scythe. It''s lower-graded armor, so I didn''t pay much attention to it. But now that I know it can level up with use, I should find a way to upgrade it before the next evolution quest."

    The best option for leveling up his gear was in the Ranking Arena, and Vic had already invited him to join the group there as a spectator. Ss had agreed to go with them, but he wasn''t nning to be just a spectatorˇŞhe would be a fighter.

    "The group can''t know that I''m actually Ghost Ranger. I overheard them talking about Ghost earlier. So, when I get to the Ranking Arena, I''ll have to sneak into the back, change into the costume, and then join the fight," Ss decided, dismissing the screen before lying down on his bed.

    His gaze shifted toward the second, now-vacant bed in the room. He used to share the room with another student, but after Ss failed to awaken any mutant abilities, the boy demanded a new room. The boy couldn''t afford to be seen with a "trash" like Ss, especially since rumors spread that weakness was contagious. Since the boy left, Ss had been alone.

    Ss used to hate the loneliness, but now that he had the system, he realized that being alone was for the best. The boy had made the right decision to leave.

    Ss shook his head while ncing at the empty bed, then turned away and closed his eyes.

    ---

    The morning sun rose, its rays flickering through the small room and shining brightly into Ss''s eyes, waking him from his slumber.

    Yawning and stretching, Ss got off the bed, went to the bathroom, and took a shower. After dressing in the academy''s uniform, he stood in front of a small mirror,bing his hair. As hebed, Ss noticed something odd.

    "White?" he blurted out, his eyes widening as he caught sight of a few strands of white hair. "I must be getting old," he chuckled, shaking his head before finishing up.

    Once satisfied with his appearance, he left the room, shutting the door behind him. Ss dashed down the hallway, leaving a strong gust of wind in his wake that nearly knocked several students off bnce.

    A few secondster, Ss arrived at the cafeteria. After buying his meal, he headed over to where Angelica and the group were sitting.

    "Hey, guys," Ss greeted them with a smile.

    At the sound of his voice, Angelica looked up and immediately jumped to her feet, hugging him tightly.

    "Ss, you''re okay!" she sighed with relief, nearly squeezing the life out of him. "I know Vic told me you were fine, but it''s such a relief to see you safe for myself."

    "Yeah... I''m... okay..." Ss managed to choke out as Angelica''s grip tightened, making it hard for him to breathe. "Angelica... I... can''t...

    breathe..."

    Realizing she was crushing him, Angelica quickly let go. "Sorry! I''m just so happy you''re safe," she said with a warm smile before returning to her seat.

    Ss sat beside Vic, and they exchanged a quick fist bump. He nced at Ivy and gave her a nod, which she returned with a smile. But when Ss looked at David, the quietest member of the group, David snubbed himpletely.

    Ss shrugged it off and turned back to Angelica, who was asking a question.

    "What happened after I left, Ss?" she asked, curiosity filling her eyes.

    "I''m not sure... I told him that if he didn''t back off, I''d report him to the academy staff, and they''d deal with him. After that, he apologized and left. Then I came back here," Ss lied, omitting the part where he had actually killed the man by draining his soul.

    "I see," Angelica muttered. "Did the psycho say why he attacked us?"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    "He imed you were rude to him, along with some other nonsense. He''s clearly a psycho. Only a lunatic attacks kids for something so petty," Ss replied. "Anyway, let''s just move on."

    "Exactly. Let''s focus on today''s n," Vic chimed in, his voice muffled by the bread he was stuffing into his mouth. "After breakfast, we''ll head to the Ranking Arena to train for the uing test and improve our rankings on the leaderboard."

    Just as Vic finished speaking, a group of students approached their table. The leader of the group spoke in a deep, menacing tone.

    "Did I hear you say ''Ranking Arena''?" Billy growled, causing Vic and the others to look up at him.

 Chapter 55: Ghost Ranger is back online

    Vic, along with the rest of the group, immediately turned their attention to Billy after his outburst, the air in the cafeteria thickening with tension.

    "What''s up, Billy boy?" Vic asked casually, rising from his seat. His movements were rxed, his usual smirk ying on his lips as he stretched out his hand for a handshake, seemingly unfazed by the sudden hostility.

    Billy''s eyes narrowed. "Are you mocking me, man?" he hissed, refusing to acknowledge the hand stretched toward him, his jaw tight with frustration.

    Vic''s smile faltered slightly as he realized the handshake wasn''t happening. Slowly, he withdrew his hand, sliding it into his pocket with a shrug, trying to diffuse the situation. "I have no idea what you''re talking about, Billy boy," he said, his voice deliberately calm, yet carrying a hint of mockery beneath the surface.

    Billy''s lips twisted into a sneer. "Of course you don''t." His voice was low, but it dripped with venom, his eyes zing with contempt.

    Vic sighed, scratching the back of his head with feigned indifference. "Are you gonna tell me what''s up, or not? Because I''d really like to finish my food before I head to the ranking arena with my friends." His tone was dismissive, as if Billy''s anger was nothing more than an inconvenience.

    Billy''s face flushed with anger. "I''m talking about this weakling you just recruited!" He jabbed a finger in Ss''s direction. Ss sat there, silent and still, seemingly uninterested in the brewing confrontation, his focus entirely on his meal even though he wasn''t eating it.

    Vic raised an eyebrow, ncing at Ss briefly before turning back to Billy. "You mean Ss?" he asked, his tone t. "He''s just a friend, man."

    Billy''s voice rose, reverberating through the cafeteria and drawing the attention of nearly every student in the room. "You think because you''re top of the leaderboard, you can recruit weaklings to your group and still stay number one? You think we won''t notice? You just want to make the rest of us look bad!"

    A murmur spread through the cafeteria as students began to whisper, casting nces at Vic and Ss. Vic rolled his eyes, his patience clearly wearing thin. "That wasn''t my intention at all. Ss is just my friend, nothing more," he repeated, his voice calm but with an edge to it now, as if the conversation had finally be tiresome.

    Billy let out a sharpugh, the sound harsh and filled with bitterness. "A grade 4 making friends with a nobody? A guy with no mutant ability? Don''t make meugh." The disbelief in Billy''s voice was evident, as if the idea was so absurd it pained him to even consider it.

    Vic exhaled slowly, his hand hovering over his te as he considered his next words. "Look, Billy boy, you''re free to believe whatever nonsense you want. It really doesn''t matter to me. Now, can I please just finish my damn food?" His voice had grown colder, and without waiting for a reply, he turned away, walking back to his seat.

    Billy''s eyes zed as he clenched his fists. "You better watch your back, Vic. You''re ying with fire, and one day you''ll get burned!" he spat before turning on his heel, storming out of the cafeteria with his group of followers trailing behind him.

    Ivy, who had been watching the exchange with a bored expression, finally spoke up. "What was that all about?" Her eyes flicked back to Billy''s retreating form, her brow furrowing slightly.

    Vic shrugged, shoving another piece of bread into his mouth. "He''s mad ''cause his top boys got their asses handed to them by the Ghost Ranger, whoˇŞsurprise, surpriseˇŞhas no mutant ability. Meanwhile, I ranked up, and his whole crew went down." He smirked, clearly enjoying Billy''s frustration.

    Ivy scoffed, picking at her food. "Serves him right. It''s not our fault his guys are a bunch of weaklings. Just proves they can''t fight without relying on their powers." She clicked her tongue, her eyes glinting with disdain.

    Vic grinned. "Exactly. Couldn''t have said it better myself," he muttered, continuing to stuff his mouth with food as if the confrontation had never happened.

    A few minutester, the group finished their meal and made their way out of the cafeteria. The chatter of students and the clinking of tes faded behind them as they stepped into the hallway, the cool air greeting them. As they strolled down the corridor, Vic''s eyes widened in sudden recognition.

    "Oh, shit. Is that Mrs. Kara?" His voice dropped to a whisper, his steps faltering slightly. "How do I look, guys? Dashing?" He quickly straightened his shirt and ruffled his hair, trying to lookposed as Kara approached.

    Ivy rolled her eyes. "Rx, Vic. You might be the best-looking guy in the academy, but let''s be realˇŞshe''s never gonna notice you." Her tone was blunt, and Vic shot her a wounded look.

    As Kara reached them, Vic stepped forward with a bright smile. "Good morning, Mrs. Kara," he said, his voice dripping with charm.

    But Kara barely spared him a nce. Her focus was entirely on Ss. Without a word, she grabbed Ss by the arm and started pulling him away, her grip firm, her face set with purpose.

    Ss barely turned his head as he called back to the group. "You guys go ahead. I''ll catch upter."

    Angelica, looking slightly worried, called after him. "Is everything okay, Ss?"

    Ss gave a small nod. "Yeah, all good. Go on without me. I''ll meet youter."

    The group stood in silence, watching as Kara led Ss down the hall and out of sight.

    "You don''t thinkˇ­ they''re a couple, do you?" Vic muttered, eyes still wide in disbelief.

    "Oh my God, you''re an idiot, Vic," Ivy groaned, pping the back of his head as they began walking again.

    "Ouch! Am I wrong, though?" Vicined, rubbing the back of his head. "Didn''t you see how she grabbed his arm? Man, he''s lucky. If Kara ever touched me like that, I''d be in heaven right now," he added, a dreamy expression crossing his face as they exited the building and headed towards the ranking arena.

    Meanwhile, Kara had led Ss to the rooftop of the academy, where they werepletely alone. She shut the door behind them with a soft click, her eyes narrowing as she turned to face him.

    "What exactly happened in Sir Dominic''s office?" she asked, her voice low but firm, cutting through the silence like a de.

    Ss blinked, caught off guard by the directness of the question. "How did I do what?" he asked, his face betraying his confusion.

    "Mary is a grade 4 mind reader," Kara said, her tone sharp. "But somehow, she couldn''t tell you were lying. I want to know what you did."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    Ss hesitated for only a moment before answering. "I found a way to block her from using her mind-reading ability on me."

    Kara''s eyes darkened with curiosity. "How? How could you block a grade 4 mind reader?"

    "I don''t know... I just did. It worked," Ss replied, his voice steady.

    For a long moment, Kara said nothing, her gaze locked on him, studying him as if trying to read his very soul.

    "Just how many things are you capable of, Ss Griswold?" she murmured, her voice filled with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. "I can feel it. Your auraˇŞit''s stronger than thest time we spoke. It''s like you''re growing more powerful by the second. Are you sure you''re telling me everything? Because if you want me to help you keep this secret, I need to know every detail."

    Ss remained silent, his mind racing. He had never told her about the system or his level-ups. She didn''t need to know thatˇŞat least not yet. She already knew enough. One day, if he trusted herpletely, maybe he''d tell her. But for now, it was safer to keep that part hidden.

    "I''m not hiding anything from you," Ss said finally, his voice calm. "Can I go now? I have somewhere I need to be."

    Kara tilted her head slightly. "Where?"

    "The same ce you took me yesterday. The ranking arena," Ss answered.

    Kara stared at him for a moment longer before nodding. "Alright. But be careful. Don''t reveal too much, and don''t let anyone find out you''re the Ghost Ranger."

    Ss nodded in acknowledgment before walking away, leaving her alone on the rooftop.

    He moved swiftly through the academy grounds, slipping into the ranking arena through the back door to avoid being seen by his group. Once inside, he headed straight for the ranking system, his fingers moving quickly over the keys as he logged into his Ghost Ranger ount.

    **(Ghost Ranger is now online).**

 Chapter 56: About time I level up my armors

    Ss swiftly logged into his ''Ghost Ranger'' ount, and the system promptly matched him with a Grade 3 wind ability user. Initially, the system would have paired him with a lower-ranked mutant ability user.

    However, after his impressive victories against three higher-ranked opponents during hisst match, the system now automatically ced him against more formidable opponents, recognizing his growing prowess.

    Once logged in, Ss made his way to an empty dressing room, its stark walls echoing his footsteps. He changed into his usual ck tattered cloak, the fabric worn and frayed at the edges, adding to his mysterious allure. He carefully donned his ghost mask.

    "Hmmˇ­" Ss mused, settling onto a worn wooden bench. He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, the air thick with anticipation as his mind raced with possibilities. "Why don''t I seize this opportunity to rank up my mutant armors and also the scythe?"

    Ss had never utilized his armors since the system had provided them to him. Initially, he had dismissed them as irrelevant, considering their low grades unworthy of his attention. However, now that he understood the potential for these items to rank up with consistent use, he felt a renewed sense of determination to equip them for the first time.

    [Armor Equip]

    With a decisive thought, Ss summoned the armor, and a brilliant blue energy enveloped his chest and legs, pulsating with an ethereal glow. As the radiant light faded, the armor materialized around him.

    The armor, unfortunately,cked any distinctive design; it appeared in, covering only his chest and legs in a rather rudimentary fashion.

    "This wasn''t what I was expecting, but okay," Ss remarked, his disappointment evident in his furrowed brow as he scrutinized the armor. Its simplicity contrasted sharply with the grand expectations he had imagined.

    He then summoned his scythe, which materialized with an ominous thrum in his grip.

    As he gripped the weapon tightly in his right hand, he felt a surge of energy coursing through his veinsˇŞan exhrating sensation he could only attribute to his newly acquired passive skill linked to the scythe. The weight of the scythe felt reassuring.

    Ss nced at himself in the mirror, noting how the scythe, now clenched in his right hand,bined with the ghost mask covering his face, transformed him into a figure reminiscent of a killer from a horror movieˇŞor perhaps more fittingly, the Grim Reaper himself, a harbinger of death cloaked in shadows.

    With a sense of purpose igniting within him, he exited the dressing room and headed straight to the arena, his heart pounding with anticipation.

    ---

    Somewhere Else in the Arena....

    Billy and his boys had just arrived at the bustling arena, excitement crackling in the air like static electricity. They moved purposefully toward the system to log in and set up their match. One of the boys, named Mark, was the first to step up to the terminal.

    As he busied himself logging in, his gaze flicked to the screen disying the list of fighters currently online. Among the names, one in particr stood outˇŞan entry they had all been fervently hoping to encounter toda.

    "Billy, you won''t believe who''s online right now!" Mark eximed, his voice tinged with exhration as he shifted his gaze toward Billy, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.

    Upon hearing Mark''s words, Billy swiftly maneuvered to the system, peering at the screen with growing intensity.

    "Ghost Ranger, huh?" His expression darkened as he recognized the name among those currently active. A calcted smile crept onto his lips, revealing the sinister thoughts brewing in his mind. "You know what to do, boys," hemanded, his tone dripping with malice.

    "He has an opponent right now; maybe we should wait for his next match," Mark suggested cautiously, assessing the situation.

    "All right, we''ll wait for his next fight. As soon as he''s done, you pay the organizers as usual to secure a match against Ghost Ranger. Alsoˇ­" Billy leaned in closer to Mark, producing two small red pills from his pocket, the capsules glinting ominously under the fluorescent lights.

    "Energy pills?" Mark blurted out, his eyes widening in disbelief as he retrieved the capsules, realizing their significance.

    "These will ensure your victory. With your Grade 3 lightning ability and these two energy pills to enhance it, you''ll undoubtedly emerge victorious and reim our rightful ce on the leaderboard," Billy dered, his voice cold and filled with an intoxicating sense of mischief.

    Mark nodded, sliding the pills into his pocket with a mixture of eagerness and apprehension. He logged into his ount and exited the area, his heart racing at the prospect of facing the infamous Ghost Ranger.

    ---

    In the Main Arena...n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    In the main arena, Ss stood watching an ongoing fight from the sidelines, the air thick with tension and excitement.

    The current bout featured Vic engaged in a fierce battle against a fellow Grade 4 earth ability user. The sh had been dragging on for severall minutes, with bothbatants hurling rocks at one another, sending debris flying as they desperately sought tond a decisive blow.

    "This has dragged on for far too long, wouldn''t you agree, mate?" Vic smirked, confidence radiating from him as he stomped his foot on the ground. Instantly, three makeshift earth spears shot up from the ground around him, glinting menacingly in the arena lights.

    With a primal roar, he hurled the spears toward his opponent, who had just managed to erect a hasty wall of earth to block the iing projectiles. As the spears raced towards him at blinding speed, the boy stomped his foot again, and a sturdy wall surged up from the ground to intercept them.

    After sessfully deflecting the spears, the boy lowered the wall, only to realize with growing horror that Vic was no longer in his line of sight.

    "Over here, mate!" Vic''s voice echoed from above, tauntingly.

    As the boy nced around in confusion, he heard Vic''s challenge and instinctively looked up, just in time to see Vic descending with a hammer-like kick aimed straight at him.

    BAM!

    The kick connected solidly with his head, sending him crashing to the ground like a ragdoll, unable to mount any defense.

    The boyy motionless on the ground, and the referee promptly dered Vic the winner, elevating him to the top position on the leaderboard, a testament to his overwhelming strength and skill.

    "Next match: Ghost Ranger versus Windy Danny!" the female announcer''s voice rang out, electrifying the arena as Ss, the Ghost Ranger, ascended the raised tform, the crowd erupting into a frenzy.

    After his stunning performance in the previous ranking matches, anticipation buzzed through the spectators, many eager to witness more of his extraordinary feats.

    "Seriously, who is that guy?" Ivy, seated among the crowd, questioned, her gaze fixated intently on Ss as he climbed the tform, a mix of admiration and curiosity sparkling in her eyes.

    "I have no idea," Angelica muttered, equally captivated by the unfolding drama.

    "I heard he created his ount just yesterday and already broke into the top 100ˇ­ I''m certain that by the end of today, he''ll be among the top 50 or even the top 20," Ivy dered, her face glowing with anticipation as she leaned forward in her seat, eager for the battle tomence.

    Ss finally reached the tform, standing tall and poised opposite his opponent, Windy Danny.

    Windy Danny had his face concealed by a red mask, with only his piercing eyes visible. He was shirtless, proudly disying his Grade 3 skill slot strapped around his waist, his muscr physique entuated by the two long katana des he gripped firmly in both hands.

    "Fight!" the referee announced, her voice cutting through the electrifying tension in the arena. To everyone''s astonishment, both fighters charged in simultaneously, ready to engage in what promised to be an epic sh of power and skill.

    """

    Shameless Author''s note:

    A Super gift= 15 bonus chapters.

    Normal gifts= 5 bonus chapters.

    5 Golden Tickets and Power Stones= 3 bonus chapters.

    Thanks for reading!

 Chapter 57: Compulsory quest: Kill or be killed

    Ss finally reached the tform, standing tall and poised opposite his opponent, Windy Danny.

    Windy Danny''s face was concealed by a red mask, leaving only his piercing eyes exposed. Shirtless, he proudly disyed his Grade 3 skill slot strapped around his waist, his muscr physique entuated by the two long katana des he gripped firmly in both hands.

    "Fight!" the referee announced, her voice slicing through the electrifying tension in the arena. To everyone''s astonishment, both fighters charged simultaneously, ready to engage in what promised to be an epic sh of power and skill.

    As they closed the distance, Windy Danny shed one of his des toward Ss''s neck with incredible speed. Ss, with swift reflexes, lifted his scythe and deflected the de using the handle, the sh of steel reverberating through the air.

    Without missing a beat, Windy Danny swung his second de, more aggressive and brutal this time. Ss sidestepped, narrowly dodging the strike by a hair''s breadth.

    Seizing the opportunity, Ss countered, swinging his scythe horizontally toward Windy Danny.

    "Shit!" Danny eximed, his eyes widening as he saw the scythe hurtling toward him with tremendous speed. He reacted quickly, using his wind ability to propel himself backward just in time, causing the scythe to miss its target.

    But Ss didn''t relent. In a blink, he closed the gap, and before Windy Danny could react, Ss flipped his scythe around and mmed the butt of it onto Danny''s head. The blownded squarely, sending Windy Danny staggering backward, almost tumbling off the tform. Only his wind ability saved him, allowing him to regain his bnce at thest moment.

    Ss stood a few meters away, his gaze locked on Danny, who was still trying to recover.

    ''How do I even level up the armor?'' Ss thought, his mind racing. ''Do I need to let him hit me a few times so the armor can activate and absorb the damage?''

    He knew he could end the fight now, but that wouldn''t help him achieve his real goal. He wanted to level up both his armor and scythe, but with the way things were going, he wasn''t sure he''d gain anything beyond a few level-ups and attribute points.

    ''Let''s test it out,'' he decided, staying in ce while Windy Danny struggled to recover.

    The crowd wore puzzled expressions as they watched Ss just standing there, seemingly giving up his chance to finish the fight.

    Windy Danny, finally steadying himself,unched forward with his wind ability. In less than a second, he was right in front of Ss, swinging his de toward his chest.

    *CLANG!*

    The de collided with Ss''s chest armor, sending a resounding ng throughout the arena. The force of the blow pushed Ss backward, his boots skidding across the tform until he regained his footing.

    Ss nced down at his armor. Still intact.

    He looked back at Windy Danny with a smirk. "Is that all you''ve got?" His tone dripped with mockery.

    Windy Danny''s blood boiled at the taunt. Letting out a furious battle cry, he propelled himself forward again, both katana des gripped tightly in his hands. He swung the first toward Ss''s chest, then immediately followed with the second.

    *SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!*

    *CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!*

    Windy Danny attacked relentlessly, each strike shing against Ss''s armor. For every blow aimed at an unprotected part of his body, Ss either blocked with his scythe or deftly sidestepped. Windy Danny screamed in frustration, swinging with wild abandon, while Ss stood there, mostly unscathed.

    ''Still no notification?'' Ss thought, his frustration growing. ''Are you kidding me?''

    He had taken more than ten blows to the chest, yet no notification indicated that his armor had upgraded to Grade 3.

    ''I guess it doesn''t work like that. What a waste.'' Ss frowned as he dodged two more strikes from Windy Danny.

    Having had enough, Ss leapt into the air, spinning his body around before delivering a roundhouse kick. Windy Danny, still reeling from his wild swings, couldn''t react in time. The kicknded squarely on his head, lifting him off the ground and sending him crashing off the tform.

    [You have leveled up]

    [You have leveled up]

    [+3 attribute points]

    "Winner, Ghost Ranger!" the female announcer''s voice rang out, and the crowd erupted in cheers.

    "I knew he was holding back the whole time!"

    "Jeez, this guy is a beast! Took him down with one kick!"

    "Just who is this Ghost Ranger?!"

    "I love you, Ghost Ranger!"

    The crowd''s cheers echoed as Ss exited the tform. But before he could leave, he noticed someone else stepping onto it.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    "Leaving so soon?" Mark asked, climbing the tform with a mischievous smirk on his face.

    "Next match: Ghost Ranger versus Vicious Mark!" the woman announced, her words sending shockwaves through the crowd.

    "He''s fighting again? Right after hisst match? That''s not fair," Vic, a bystander, muttered, worried for Ghost Ranger. He knew the fighter would need rest after such an intense battle, but for some reason they are making him fight another opponent immediately.

    As Ss sized up Mark, a notification screen appeared in front of him.

    *Ding!*

    [Apulsory quest has arrived.]

    [Kill or be killed!]

    [Kill the enemy standing before you and consume his soul for rewards.]

    [Enemy killed: 0/1]

    [Rewards: (Hidden]

    [Failure: DEATH!]

    [Time left: 1:49:43]

    Ss''s eyes widened in shock, his heart pounding as he read the notification.

    ''Kill my opponent? His thoughts raced. ''How am I supposed to kill someone in front of this massive crowd?''

    And why was the system calling Mark an "enemy"? Then it hit himˇŞMark had likely rigged the ranking system to face him. That could only mean he harbored ill intentions, making him a genuine threat. But still, kill him?

    ''The system''s slowly turning me into a cold-blooded killer,'' Ss thought, cold sweat trickling down his face. ''Even though it''s targeting those who deserve it, part of me isn''tfortable with this.''

    ''But do I even have a choice? It''s kill or be killed. That''s the reality of this world. Do whatever it takes to survive... even if it means sacrificing someone else.''

    ''The real question is, how do I drain this guy''s soul in front of hundreds of people? And I only have an hour to do it... Damn it.''

    Ss''s mind raced, weighing his options, as he stared down Vicious Mark, who was now standing opposite him, holding two energy pills in his right hand.

    ""''

    Shameless Author''s note:

    A Super gift= 15 bonus chapters (Instantly).

    Normal gifts= 5 bonus chapters (Instantly).

    5 Golden Tickets and Power Stones= 3 bonus chapters (Instantly).

    Thanks for reading!

 Chapter 58: Berserker

    Ss nced at the notification lingering in the corner of his vision before shifting his gaze back to Mark in front of him.

    Just a few meters away stood Mark, his once-lean form now swelling grotesquely. Mark made sure the referee wasn''t paying attention before pulling two small pills from his pocket, tipping his head back, and tossing the pills into his mouth.

    A guttural growl erupted from Mark''s throat as the pills worked their way through his system. His body began to convulse, veins bulging under his skin, glowing faintly as his muscles surged, growing at an unnatural rate.

    His eyes, once dull, lit up with a fiery red glow, and his entire expression twisted into something dark and feral. The crowd gasped at the sudden transformation. Most of them assumed it was simply his body ergement mutant ability taking over.

    But Ss knew better.

    The sight of Mark''s enhanced form towering over six feet tall didn''t rattle him. He had seen this beforeˇŞenergy pills weremon among fighters desperate to win, especially in unsanctioned matches like these.

    But the way Mark''s eyes burned with fury and the unhinged snarl on his lips suggested something more potent, something dangerous.

    Mark let out a roar that silenced the entire arena as the referee stepped in, unaware of the brewing chaos.

    "Fight!" she called out, and without a moment''s hesitation, Mark shot forward like a cannonball.

    His speed shocked everyone, even Ss. In the blink of an eye, Mark closed the distance between them, his fist already swinging toward Ss''s face with brutal force. The wind whipped around them from the sheer velocity of the punch.

    Ss barely had time to react. He instinctively leaned to the side, dodging the punch by mere inches as it whooshed past his ear.

    The force alone sent dust and debris scattering around him. Before Ss could even regain his stance, Mark was already swinging again, more aggressively this time, his fists moving like battering rams.

    Ss ducked low, feeling the rush of air from the missed punch as it soared just above his head. He swung the fist down and Ss reacted by leaping backwards.

    The ground trembled as Mark''s fists mmed into it, leaving cracks in the tform beneath them. Ss didn''t waste the opening; he pivoted sharply and delivered a quick, precise punch to Mark''s right side.

    BAM!

    The impact was sharp and loud, and Ss felt the satisfying crack of Mark''s ribs breaking beneath his fist. Yet Mark didn''t even flinch. He bellowed like a crazed mutant and, without pausing, swung both of his enormous fists downward, aiming to crush Ss in one massive strike.

    Ss leapt backward, the blow missing him by a hair''s breadth. When Mark''s fists collided with the floor, it sent a small tremor through the arena. The audience gasped again, murmuring amongst themselves as they watched the terrifying spectacle unfold.

    "What''s wrong with Mark? He''s fighting like a berserker," one of the students in the crowd remarked, his face contorted in confusion.

    Mark''s movements were far from his usual fighting style. He was known for calcted strikes, but now he fought like a mindless beast, his growls getting louder, his attacks sloppier but much more forceful.

    ''What''s with this guy?''

    Ss''s mind raced.

    The pillsˇŞ they were turning Mark into something else. He had fought opponents on energy pills before, but none had been this far gone. Normally, they felt pain when hit. Mark waspletely numb to it, his mind clearly overtaken by the drug.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    Before Ss could analyze further, Mark came charging at him again, drool dripping from his mouth, his eyes brimming with a menacing rage. His fists shot out like missiles.

    Ss dodged with grace, stepping to the side, letting Mark''s punch sail past him once more. He didn''t wait for Mark to recover this timeˇŞSs countered with a brutal punch to the ribs again.

    BAM! CRACK!

    More ribs shattered, but Mark was undeterred, merely letting out another growl, his face twisting into a snarl. He swung wildly at Ss again, clearly feeling no pain, no fear.

    Ss darted backward, creating space between them.

    ''What''s driving him?'' he thought, watching Mark with a wary eye. ''Is it just the pills? Why isn''t he feeling pain?''

    Mark barreled forward again like an enraged bull, saliva flying from his mouth as he closed in on Ss, his fist raised high. Ss gritted his teeth and muttered, "Enough of this."

    As Mark''s massive fist descended, Ssunched his own fist to meet it head-on.

    BAM!

    The collision of fists sent a shockwave through the room. Mark was knocked backward, sliding across the ground, while Ss remained rooted in ce, barely moving an inch.

    Yet, Mark didn''t stay down. He pushed himself back up, growling as he prepared to attack again.

    From the sidelines, the referee and the organizers began to realize something was wrong. Mark wasn''t just using his mutant abilityˇŞhe was juiced up. One of the organizers stood up, shouting, "Energy pills! Stop the fight!"

    The female referee rushed toward Mark to intervene, but before she could reach him, Mark, in his drug-fueled frenzy, swung his giant fist at her without hesitation.

    His punch connected with her face, sending her flying across the tform. The audience collectively gasped, boos and jeers erupting as they watched her crumple to the ground several meters away.

    Billy, watching from the sides, paled, sweat dripping down his face as he muttered, "Dammit! He said he could handle two pills! This is out of control!"

    Ignoring the chaos behind him, Mark''s bloodshot eyes focused on Ss again. The drug had consumed him fully now, making him a danger to everyone around him.

    [Time left: 0:10:34]

    Ss nced at the system notification again, his eyes narrowing.

    ''Ten minutes left.''

    He had no choice now. He turned on his heel and sprinted off the tform, dashing into the main building.

    Mark let out a roar of frustration and charged after him, knocking Billy aside without even slowing down. Billy crashed against the wall, groaning in pain as Mark tore through the hallway in pursuit of Ss.

    Ss sprinted down the corridor, his mind working furiously. He nced over his shoulder, catching a glimpse of Mark chasing him like a wild animal, his heavy footsteps thundering through the halls.

    ''Come on, just a little longer,'' Ss thought as he ran, darting past several doors until he finally reached the dressing room. He shoved the door open and stepped inside, spinning around to face the entrance. His breath was steady, his eyes sharp. This was the spot.

    He waited, hearing the sound of Mark''s footsteps getting closer and closer. The door burst open, and Mark came crashing in, his eyes zing, his body trembling with raw, untamed energy.

    Ss grinned. ''Now''s my chance.''

    """

    A/N: Golden Tickets will be appreciated.

 Chapter 59: Who did it?

    Vic, Billy, Angelica, and several other students and organizers rushed down the dimly lit hallway, the tension evident in the air. Each of their faces was a reflection of the same shared dreadˇŞMark had snapped, and if he caught up to Ghost Ranger, there was no doubt he would kill him. The thought sent a ripple of urgency through the group.

    They couldn''t allow this to escte any further, but time was running out.

    Their footsteps echoed loudly in the empty corridor, a rapid, chaotic symphony of panic.

    After several exhausting minutes, they finally arrived at the dressing room door. It was slightly ajar, hanging awkwardly on its hinges, cracked from what looked like a violent impact. There were holes scattered across the surface, evidence of a struggle that had yed out here recently.

    Vic stepped forward instinctively, his hand reaching for the door, but before he could enter, an organizer grabbed him by the arm.

    "Stay behind, kid," the man said in a low, firm voice, his eyes dark with caution. He stepped ahead, pushing the door open wider with a slow, deliberate creak. The room beyond seemed to hold its breath as they all cautiously entered, their bodies tensed for an ambush. They were ready for anythingˇŞat least, they thought they were.

    **BLERGH!**

    The moment they stepped inside, the metallic stench of blood hit them like a wave, and the women among the group began to retch uncontrobly. Angelica and Ivy turned away, their hands trembling as they tried to contain their nausea. The scene before them was nightmarish.

    Lying in the middle of the floor was Mark''s lifeless bodyˇŞhis severed head resting gruesomely beside him. Blood soaked the ground in a massive pool, so thick it had started to congeal in ces, and parts of his skin had hardened as rigor mortis set in. The crimson stain painted a horrifying picture of violence.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    "What...what the hell is this?" Vic gasped, his voice barely above a whisper as he knelt down beside the gruesome remains. His heart raced in his chest, the sight almost too much to process. He leaned closer, his eyes wide with disbelief. "Who did this?!" he demanded, scanning the mangled corpse with a shaking hand.

    "Who else?" Billy growled through clenched teeth, his eyes wild with fury. "It was the Ghost Ranger! That psychopath! He''s nothing but a cold-blooded killer!"

    "Shut up, Billy!" Vic snapped, jumping to his feet and getting in Billy''s face. The air between them crackled with tension. "This wouldn''t have happened if you hadn''t pushed him to take those damn energy pills! You''re as much to me for this as anyone!"

    "I didn''t force him to do anything!" Billy retorted, his fists clenched at his sides. His face was flushed with anger, his jaw set hard. "Mark made his own choices, and you know it!"

    "Oh, don''t give me that crap!" Vic shot back, his voice rising with every word. He took a step closer, standing nose-to-nose with Billy now. "You knew exactly what you were doing! You wanted payback on Ghost Ranger for knocking your team down the leaderboard! You didn''t care how Mark did it, as long as Ghost Ranger paid!"

    "Yeah, I was angry," Billy admitted, his voice low and dangerous, "but I''d never tell him to take pills when I knew they were banned! Don''t pin this on me!"

    "Knock it off, both of you!" The organizer barked, his deep voice cutting through their argument like a de. His sharp gaze silenced them instantly. "We''ve got a dead student here, and this isn''t the time for your petty bullshit!"

    The organizer knelt beside Mark''s body, his trained eyes moving carefully over the scene, piecing together the grisly puzzle. "It''s obvious he was killed by a de. A single, precise strike," he muttered, running his fingers over the fatal wound. "Whoever did this was highly skilled. The Ghost Ranger uses a scythe, doesn''t he? And he''s known for his expertise with it.

    This has his signature all over it."

    Angelica, still trembling from the sight of the corpse, finally found her voice. "It must have been self-defense," she whispered, her voice shaky but firm. "Mark wentpletely crazy. He even attacked the referee... Ghost Ranger must''ve been terrified. He had no choice but to defend himself."

    The organizer nodded slowly, standing back up. "You''re probably right. Mark was out of control. If he had caught Ghost Ranger, he would''ve torn him apart." His voice was somber, though there was a hint of relief. "Thank God it ended this way instead of the other way around."

    Vic looked around the room, scanning the shadows for any sign of the Ghost Ranger. "Where is he now?"

    "He must have taken off after the fight," Ivy replied, her face still pale. She rubbed her arms as if trying to ward off a chill. "Let''s get out of here. I can''t stand this anymore." She nced at Angelica, who nodded, and the two hurried out of the room, their faces filled with revulsion.

    Vic lingered for a moment longer, casting onest, scathing nce at Billy before following the others outside. With them gone, only Billy and the organizer remained, the room thick with the smell of blood and death.

    "So what now?" Billy''s voice was low, cold with rage. "That bastard killed someone, and you''re just going to let him walk away?"

    The organizer didn''t even look up from the corpse as he replied. "It was self-defense, Billy."

    "Self-defense?!" Billy''s voice rose, incredulous. "How can you be so sure?!" His fists were clenched so tightly his knuckles had turned white.

    "We all saw what Mark became," the organizer replied calmly. "He attacked the referee when she tried to stop him. I saw him m you against the wall like you were nothing. Ghost Ranger had no choice. If he hadn''t defended himself, he would''ve been dead. That''s why we''re letting this slide."

    Billy''s anger boiled over, his blood roaring in his ears. Everything had spiraled out of control. His entire n to prove his team''s strength had fallen apart. Instead of teaching Ghost Ranger a lesson, Mark was deadˇŞand now, Ghost Ranger would walk free.

    "You''re all full of shit," he spat before turning to storm out of the room.

    "Hold on," the organizer''s voice stopped him in his tracks. Billy turned slowly, his expression filled with venom.

    "You and your team have been removed from the leaderboard," the organizer said coldly. "You''re banned frompeting in the ranking arena."

    Billy''s eyes widened in shock. "You can''t be serious! You can''t just ban us! I didn''t even know Mark was using energy pills! I had nothing to do with it!"

    "As team leader, it''s your job to know what your teammates are up to," the organizer replied, his tone final. "Mark used banned substances, and because he was part of your team, you all have to face the consequences."

    Billy''s voice cracked as desperation filled him. "But... all the time I spent? All the years climbing the ranks? You''re telling me it has all gone to waste?"

    "I''m afraid so," The organizer replied.

    Billy clutched his head in frustration, his breathing in from ragged gasps as he screamed, the raw sound echoing in the blood-soaked room. His fury surged like a wild fire, and all he could think of was one person...Ghost Ranger.

    """

    A/N: 5 Golden Tickets= 3 extra chapters!

 Chapter 60: VIC!

    KACHUM!

    Ss twisted the doorknob with precision, feeling the metal''s coolness before pushing the door open. The hinges creaked slightly as he stepped inside, and after taking a deep breath, he quietly shut the door behind him. Without wasting a moment, he moved toward the bed, his movements calcted, like someone with a heavy burden on his mind.

    Copsing onto the bed, Ss leaned back, allowing his gaze to drift toward the holographic notification screen floating in front of him.

    [Congrattions, you have killed the enemy.]

    [One Soul Recovery has been granted to you.]

    [+3 attribute points.]

    [+3 attribute points for consuming the soul of a Grade 3 mutant ability user.]

    The bright glow of the screen reflected in his eyes as Ss scanned the text, his fingers absently rubbing his chin. Despite the notification of his victory, there was an undeniable hint of worry etched across his face.

    Ever since he received the [Kill or Be Killed] quest notification back at the arena, the weight of the situation had been pressing on him. He knew he had to figure out a way toplete the quest without everyone finding out what he had doneˇŞwithout exposing himself. Draining Mark''s soul right in front of a huge crowd would have been suicide.

    So, Ss had been forced to think on his feet, struggling toe up with a solution that would save his life while maintaining his secret identity.

    Fortunately for him, fate had intervened when Mark started acting like a crazed animal, giving Ss the golden opportunity he needed. He knew instantly that it was the perfect moment, and without hesitation, he ran. His only hope was that Mark would follow him. And, as expected, he did.

    Ss had led him to a secluded area within the ranking arena, the one ce without any surveince cameras. He knew that the changing rooms were the only locations in the entire arena where cameras were prohibited. The organizers had designed it that way to protect the fighters'' privacy. Once there, Ss waited patiently, biding his time until Mark arrived.

    As soon as Mark burst through the door, Ss activated his Lightning Dash ability. In that instant, Mark frozeˇŞhis body renderedpletely immobile like a statue.

    That was all Ss needed. With the perfect window of opportunity, he consumed part of Mark''s soul and, with one swift motion, severed his head clean off with his scythe. The entire ordeal had taken less than five seconds, all thanks to his finely honed skills and the power of his active ability.

    "I wonder what''s happening back there now," Ss muttered quietly to himself, rubbing his chin in thought. "They''ve probably discovered Mark''s body by nowˇ­ I just hope they''re not looking for me."

    He let out a small sigh before continuing. "Then again, why should I be worried? They have no clue who ''Ghost Ranger'' really isˇ­"

    Ss decided it would be best to stay away from the arena for the foreseeable futureˇŞat least until the situation cooled off and the chaos died down.

    With that thought, he dismissed the notification screen andy back down on the bed. Even though it wasn''t yet time for students to return to their dorms for the night, Ss felt no urgency to leave. Since he didn''t have anything else on his schedule, he opted for a nap to pass the time until dinner.

    His eyelids grew heavy as he shut his eyes and soon drifted off into a light sleep.

    ---

    Knock! Knock!

    Several minutester, Ss was roused from his slumber by a knock at the door. Blinking groggily, he sat up, rubbed his eyes, andzily got out of bed. He stretched for a moment before walking over and opening the door.

    "Angelica?" Ss muttered, a bit surprised to see her standing there.

    "Hey, Ss," Angelica greeted him with a warm smile. "I just wanted to check up on you and make sure everything''s okay. Thest time we saw you, Mrs. Kara had taken you away. You''re not in any trouble, are you?" Concern was evident in her voice as she searched his face for any signs of distress.

    "Nah, it''s all good," Ss replied casually, leaning against the doorframe. "I just decided to head back to my dorm for a quick nap. Sorry for ditching you guys earlier." He gave a sheepish smile and rubbed the back of his neck.

    "It''s fine," Angelica reassured him. "Actually, I think you made the right choice by not sticking around."

    "Really? Why''s that?" Ss asked, feigning ignorance despite already knowing exactly what she was referring to. He had to y dumb to avoid raising suspicion.

    "Well, something insane happened after you left. One of the fighters wentpletely berserk and started attacking everyone in sight," Angelica exined, her voice lowering slightly as if the memory of it still disturbed her.

    Ss widened his eyes in mock surprise. "What?!"

    "Yeah, it was pretty intense. I''ll give you all the detailster," Angelica continued. Then, ncing past Ss, she asked, "Aren''t you going to invite me in?"

    Ss stiffened slightly, his mind racing. "Uhˇ­ what? Youˇ­ you want toe inside?" he stammered, clearly ufortable with the idea.

    "If it''s alright with you," Angelica said with a smile, though her expression was tinged with mild suspicion at his hesitation.

    Forcing out a nervous smile, Ss turned and nced back at the state of his room. It was an absolute disaster. Osborne and his goons had trashed the ce a few days ago, leaving dirt and water all over the floor. The room was such a mess that even a pigsty would have looked cleaner inparison.

    He winced before turning back to Angelica. "You know what? Maybe it''d be better if we talked outside," Ss suggested with a nervousugh, stepping out of the room and shutting the door quickly behind him, blocking her view.

    "Ohˇ­ okay, sure," Angelica said, raising an eyebrow in mild suspicion but deciding to let it slide. "Vic and the others are hanging out in the cafeteria. Since it''s still early, there aren''t many students around, so it''s pretty quiet there. Maybe we can talk morefortably over there."

    "Sounds good to me," Ss replied with a smile, and the two of them headed down the hallway together.

    After a short walk, they arrived at the cafeteria. As Angelica had said, the ce was mostly empty, with only Vic, Ivy, and David seated at the far end. They waved over at Ss and Angelica as they approached.

    "Look who finally decided to show up! How was your alone time with Kara? Did you guysˇ­ you knowˇ­ kiss?" Vic teased, grinning mischievously as Ss walked up to them.

    "Shut up, you idiot!" Ivy snapped, smacking the back of Vic''s head with a sharp p. Vic winced, rubbing his head in mock pain.

    Ignoring the banter, Ss turned his attention back to the main topic. "Angelica mentioned something crazy happened at the Ranking arenaˇ­ what''s the story?" he asked, keeping his tone neutral.

    "Yeah, it was nuts," Vic said, leaning forward. "Remember this morning during breakfast when that group of Grade 3 and 4 students came over to our table? Their leader gave us that weird warning."

    Ss nodded in agreement.

    "Well, it turns out one of the guys in their group took some kind of energy pill during his fight against Ghost Ranger. It sent him into full rogue mode. The dude wentpletely nuts, andˇŞget thisˇŞhe even hit a female referee! After that, he chased Ghost RangˇŞ"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    "VIC!"

    Before Vic could finish, a loud voice echoed through the cafeteria, causing everyone to look toward the entrance. Ss, Vic, and the rest turned their heads just in time to see Billy and his entire crew walking in. Their faces were full of anger, and it was clear they were looking for trouble.

    "Oh, crap," Vic muttered under his breath as he stood up abruptly, his fists clenched tightly by his sides.

 Chapter 61: Cafeteria incident.

    Billy and his men barged into the cafeteria, their footsteps echoing as they furiously stormed towards Vic and the group. Vic immediately rose to his feet, fists clenched, and stepped forward, a faint smile ying on his lips.

    "What''s up, Billy?" Vic questioned with forced calmness, standing his ground in front of the looming figure.

    Without uttering another word, Billy suddenly threw his right hand forward. In an instant, three metallic chairs were ripped from the floor, hurtling through the air towards Vic with tremendous speed.

    Vic''s eyes widened in shock. At thest second, he swerved to the side, barely avoiding the chairs as they whizzed past him by mere inches. The projectiles didn''t stop, though. They barreled forward, heading straight for Ss and Angelica, who were standing behind Vic.

    "Get down!" Ss shouted, pushing Angelica out of the way just in time before ducking low. The chairs flew over his head and crashed against the wall with a deafening tter.

    "What the hell, man?!" Vic yelled, his voice tinged with anger. But Billy wasn''t listening. He raised his hand again, his telekinesis grabbing hold of five more chairs, which hovered in the air before zooming toward Vic and the group.

    Vic''s sharp eyes caught the iing chairs, and he reacted fast. He stomped his foot on the ground, and with a thunderous crack, a makeshift wall of earth erupted between them and the projectiles.

    CRASH!

    The chairs mmed into the earthen barrier and fell to the floor with a tter. Breathing heavily, Vic turned toward Angelica and the others. "You guys need to get out of here. It''s clear Billy''s here to vent his rage on us. GoˇŞI''ll hold him off until the staff arrives!" Vic barked, his voice leaving no room for argument.

    "No. I can help," Angelica responded, her eyes zing with determination. Purple sparks of lightning crackled around her hands, illuminating the tension in the air.

    "Alright then," Vic nodded grimly, "Ivy, take Ss and David and get a staff member, now!" He shot a nce toward Ivy, his tone urgent.

    Ivy nodded and darted towards the back door, David following closely behind. But Ss didn''t move.

    "What the hell are you doing?!" Vic demanded, bewildered when he saw Ss still standing his ground.

    "I can help too," Ss replied confidently, his voice steady, not even sparing Vic a nce.

    Vic''s confusion deepened. "What do you mean? Billy and his crew are a bunch of Grade 2s and 4s, and you don''t have any mutant ability! You''re gonna get yourselfˇŞ"

    SWOOSH!

    Before Vic could finish, the makeshift wall exploded as two gigantic ice spikes tore through it, still surging forward. Vic barely had time to react as he stomped the ground again, raising another wall that blocked the spikes at thest possible moment.

    As the dust settled, Vic lowered the wall and saw Billy charging toward him with two more of hisrades, while the remaining three advanced on Angelica and Ss.

    Billy reached out, and a long metallic pole flew into his hand. With a menacing grin, he pulled the pole back and swung it viciously at Vic''s head.

    Reacting with swift precision, Vic sidestepped, dodging the pole entirely. Before he could catch his breath, two razor-thin wind strikes whistled toward him. He mmed his foot down again, and a round b of earth rose up. He spun on his heel and kicked the b toward the iing wind strikes.

    The projectiles collided mid-air, but Vic''s rock deflected the wind attack, sending the b hurtling toward its source.

    BAM!

    The wind user, caught off guard, took the full impact of the rock and was sent crashing backward. Satisfied, Vic turned his attention back to Billy and his remainingrades. His gaze flicked briefly to Angelica and Ss, checking on their status.

    Angelica was holding her own, summoning bolts of lightning that struck one of the attackers with precision. Her speed was heightened by the electricity coursing through her, allowing her to gracefully dodge several attacks. Vic expected nothing less from a Grade 4 mutant ability user.

    What surprised him, however, was Ss. Despite having no mutant abilities, Ss was still standing, untouched and unscathed. Two Grade 3 students with hardening abilities had surrounded him, their fists swinging with forceful strikes. Yet Ss effortlessly weaved and dodged each blow, never striking back.

    He could have easily retaliated, but Ss knew if he defeated them outright, it would raise too many questions. His strategy was clearˇŞwear them down, then let Vic handle them.

    "Is that all you know how to do? Dance around?" one of the boys spat, his hardened fist swinging toward Ss''s face with brutal force.

    Ss ducked and dodged, but before he could breathe, he sensed another attacking from behind. He dropped low and countered with a swift uppercut.

    BAM!

    His fist connected with the boy''s jaw, snapping his head back, eyes fixed on the cafeteria ceiling. Ss followed up with another punch that sent the boy crashing to the ground.

    "No, that''s not all I know how to do," Ss responded coldly, shifting his gaze toward the second boy.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    Vic, meanwhile, was still locked in a fierce battle with Billy and his two remaining minions. Billy''s telekic abilities continued to hurl dangerous objects toward Vic, who responded by raising walls of earth in rapid session, barely keeping up.

    "Vic, die!" Billy bellowed, raising both his hands above his head. The air around them became heavy as every metallic chair in the cafeteria flew into the air, gathering in a swirling vortex above Billy''s head.

    Vic''s heart raced as he stared at the massive ball of metal, sensing the immense power behind it.

    "This is the end for you, Vic!" Billy screamed, ready to release his final, devastating attack.

    But before Billy could strike, his eyes widened in disbelief. Ss appeared directly in front of him, as if out of nowhere. With terrifying speed, Ss grabbed Billy by the face and mmed his head into the ground with such force that the floor cracked beneath him.

    """

    Weekend mass release..

    A super gift= 10 extra chapters.

    A normal gift equals 5 chapters.

    5 Golden Tickets= 3 extra chapters.

 Chapter 62: Staffs arrival

    Vic''s heart pounded as he gazed at the massive ball of metal suspended in the air, feeling the overwhelming force it radiated. The air around him seemed to thrum with raw power.

    "This is the end for you, Vic!" Billy yelled, his voice filled with rage and triumph as he prepared to unleash his final, catastrophic attack.

    But just as Billy was about to strike, his eyes widened in shock. Ss appeared directly in front of him as though he had materialized from thin air. In a blur of motion, Ss seized Billy by the face, his grip like iron, and drove his head into the ground with such ferocity that the floor splintered beneath them, cracks snaking out in all directions.

    The entire cafeteria fell silent, the echo of Billy''s head hitting the ground still ringing in their ears. Every eye in the room was glued to Ss, stunned by the speed and power he had just disyed.

    One moment, Ss had been several meters away, engaged inbat with two of Billy''s henchmen. In the blink of an eye, he had crossed the distance and taken Billy down with a single, devastating move. Now, Billyy motionless on the ground, barely conscious, groaning in pain.

    "Hey, Ss, what the hell?" Vic finally broke the silence, his voice thick with disbelief. His gaze was locked on Ss, who stood over Billy like a predator towering over its prey.

    Billy''s remainingrades snapped out of their shock, quickly assuming fighting stances, weapons and abilities at the ready, their eyes filled with fury and fear.

    "That''s enough, all of you!" A deep male voice thundered through the cafeteria. The tension in the air dissolved as three staff members strode into the room, their presence immediatelymanding order. Behind them, Ivy watched silently.

    "Everyone, return to your dorms immediately!" one of the staff members ordered, his tone brooking no argument. "If you''re injured, go see the healer before heading to your rooms! If I catch any of you fighting again, you will face severe punishment!" He cast a cold, warning nce at the students.

    Billy''s conscious friends hurriedly gathered their fallenrades, including Billy himself, and carried them out of the cafeteria, heading straight for the clinic. The room slowly emptied, but Ss remained rooted in ce, his expression expectant. He had been waiting for a system reward notification, yet none hade.

    A brief flicker of disappointment crossed his face before he shook it off and turned his attention to Vic and Angelica, who were now ring at him, demanding answers.

    "What?" Ss asked, his tone both defensive and confused.

    "What do you mean, ''what''?" Vic retorted, still processing what he had just witnessed. "How did you do that?"

    "How did I do what?" Ss replied coolly, feigning ignorance.

    "Don''t y dumb, Ss," Vic shot back, his voice rising slightly. "Angelica told me about what happened yesterday with the crafter. I didn''t believe her, but now that I''ve seen it with my own eyes, there''s no denying it. You''re hiding something."

    "Yes, Ss," Angelica chimed in, her voice soft yet earnest. "We''re your friends, remember? You can trust us. Whatever it is, we''ll keep it to ourselves. We won''t expose you if that''s what you''re worried about."

    Ss fell silent for several long moments, his gaze shifting between Vic and Angelica. In the short time they had known each other, both had proven themselves to be trustworthy. Vic, especially, had demonstrated unwavering loyalty. Earlier, when Billy and his gang had shown up, Vic had stood his ground despite being outnumbered, willing to face them alone until help arrived.

    That kind of bravery wasn''t something you faked. Ss knew he had to stop lying. It was bing too dangerous to keep everything to himself. Besides, having someone to confide in might ease the burden he carried.

    With a deep sigh, Ss finally spoke. "It happened during the Grade 5 raid. I came across an artifact, and... it chose me to be its host."

    Vic''s eyes widened, understanding dawning on his face, while Angelica, unfamiliar with the context, looked puzzled.

    "You mean ''you'' were the one who found the artifactˇŞ" Vic started to shout, but Ss quickly mped a hand over his mouth.

    "Shh! Keep your voice down!" Ss hissed, casting a quick nce around to ensure no staff members had overheard.

    Vic nodded apologetically as Ss removed his hand. "Sorry. But... are you telling me that *you* found the artifact? The same one that everyone in the country, including the higher-ups and the Seven Eternal Families, has been searching for?"

    "It wasn''t like I went looking for it," Ss replied, his voice low and serious. "I just stumbled across it. It was buried deep underground, and when I dug it out... it chose me."

    "What about the staff members who were with you during the raid? Were they around when this happened?" Vic pressed, his curiosity piqued.

    "They were alive, but they weren''t in the same area when I found it." Ss conveniently left out the part where they had locked him inside the Realm''s god chamber as a sacrifice before he discovered the artifact.

    "I see." Vic nodded, deep in thought, his hand rubbing his chin as he processed the information.

    Angelica, who had been quietly listening, finally spoke up, frustrationcing her words. "Okay, can someone exin what''s going on? What artifact? What powers?"

    Vic raised an eyebrow at her ignorance but nodded. "I''ll exin everything during breakfast tomorrow before we head out for the test."

    He turned back to Ss, his tone bing more serious. "Now I understand why you''ve kept this secret. If the academy or, worse, any member of the Eternal Families finds out, they''ll use you for their own gain. They might even lock you up and experiment on you to extract the power."

    "We''ll need to keep this under wraps until we can figure out a n," Vic continued. "But don''t worry, we''ll talk more tomorrow. For now, let''s head back to our dorms like the staff said."

    "What about Billy?" Angelica asked, her voice tinged with fear. "He''s not going to let this go. What if he tries to get back at us during the test?"

    "Billy can try all he wants," Vic replied confidently, a smirk on his face. "He''s too weak to be a real threat."

    "See you all tomorrow," he added, giving a casual wave before heading out of the cafeteria.

    "Goodnight," Ss muttered, offering Angelica a brief nce before walking away as well.

    Angelica stood there for a few moments, lost in thought as she watched Ss disappear down the hall. ''Something doesn''t add up,'' she thought. Ss had told her the crafter left him alone after he threatened to report him, but the look she had seen in the crafter''s eyes earlier suggested there was more to the story. ''Maybe the crafter didn''t just leave. Maybe something else happened...''n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    ---

    Inside the portal room, several machines hummed with power, the air heavy with the anticipation of the student test scheduled for the next morning. The room was vast, filled with dozens of portals prepared and ready.

    The door creaked open, and Sensei Josh entered, his footsteps echoing ominously across the floor. He walked with purpose toward one particr portal machine, his expression dark and sinister, like the devil himself.

 Chapter 63: Day of the test

    The next morning came swiftly. Ss rose from his bed, his mind already preupied with the events of the day. Today was the test day, a day when students would be sent into Mutant realms for a raid. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation, and Ss could feel the weight of what was toe. His thoughts lingered on the system''s uing quest and the rewards that would follow his sess.

    After a quick stretch, he headed to the bathroom to freshen up. A few momentster, fully dressed in the academy''s uniform, Ss stood in front of the mirror, running ab through his hair. As his fingers worked through the strands, he noticed something strangeˇŞmore streaks of white hair had appeared.

    "Am I getting old, or is this part of the system and evolution thing?" Ss muttered, his brows furrowing as he stared at his reflection. With a slight shrug, he continued grooming himself, making sure everything was in order before stepping out of his room. He made his way down the hallway, the usual morning chatter of students blending into the background as he walked toward the cafeteria.

    After a brief walk, Ss arrived at the cafeteria, where his friends were already seated, having their breakfast.

    "Morning, man," Vic greeted, raising a fist for a bump as Ss approached. Ss reciprocated, sliding into the seat beside him.

    "Morning, Angelica," he said with a nod to the rest of the group.

    "I''ve told them everything about you," Vic said after a brief silence. "They all understand now how you got your powers, and how dangerous it is if anyone finds out."

    Earlier, before Ss had arrived, Vic had exined everything to Angelica, Ivy, and DavidˇŞthe events ofst night, the powers, and the artifact. Angelica had been confused at first, struggling to grasp the situation, but after a thorough exnation, she eventually caught on.

    "I see," Ss responded, nodding thoughtfully. "Thanks for keeping my secret. I really appreciate it."

    "Of course. That''s what friends are for," Vic remarked, a smirk creeping across his face. "But, you know, I might not be doing this for free. How about you whisper some sweet things about me to Mrs. Kara? You know, help me win her heart." He winked yfully, clearly enjoying the joke.

    "Not again," Ivy groaned, rolling her eyes in exasperation. She let out a long sigh, clearly tired of Vic''s antics.

    Ss, however, remained serious. "Mrs. Kara already knows about me," he said, causing Vic''s eyes to widen in disbelief.

    "What?" Vic blurted out, staring at Ss in shock. "How did she find out?"

    Ss leaned in slightly, his voice lowering. "She found out when she came to rescue me in the realm. With her abilities, she sensed that the aura around me was... different. Not like anything she''s ever seen before. She connected the dotsˇŞthe artifact went missing, and my aura suddenly changed.

    It wasn''t hard for her to figure it out."

    His words were barely above a whisper, ensuring no one around could overhear the sensitive information.

    Ivy was the first to speak up, her expression full of bewilderment. "If she knows, why hasn''t she said anything? She''s a staff member, and she''s been involved in the academy''s search for the Apex Mutant''s artifact for years. Why would she stay silent now?"

    "Yeah, that''s a good point," Vic added, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Kara''s been one of the key people hunting for that artifact. If she knows it''s you who has it, why hasn''t she exposed you?"

    Ss sighed. "She promised to keep my secret and help me train... to hone my powers. That''s why we suddenly got close."

    "That doesn''t make any sense," Ivy said, still in shock. "Why would she betray the academy and help you of all people?"

    "I don''t know," Ss admitted, shaking his head. "Maybe she feels sorry for me... or maybe there''s something else. I just don''t know."

    There was more to the story, but Ss wasn''t ready to share it. Kara had told him something important, but he wasn''t sure whether to trust her or not. Until he knew for sure that she wasn''t manipting him, he''d keep that part to himself.

    "This feels wrong," Ivy muttered, her face clouded with doubt. "Kara''s always been loyal to the academy, to the higher-ups. Now she''s risking everything for you? I don''t buy it. You shouldn''t trust her, Ss."

    "I don''t think he has much of a choice," Vic interjected. "The best move right now is to y along and see where this leads. If Kara wanted to expose you, she would''ve done it by now. As long as she hasn''t made a move against you, I think you''re safe."

    Ss nodded in agreement, though there was still unease in his heart.

    Throughout the conversation, Angelica had remained unusually quiet, something that hadn''t gone unnoticed by the group. At first, they assumed she simply had nothing to add, but her silence was bing more apparent. Now, she was ring at Ss, suspicion evident in her eyes.

    "What''s up, Angelica?" Ivy asked, breaking the tension. "You''ve been quiet this whole time. What''s on your mind?"

    "Yeah, it''s not like you to stay this quiet," Vic added, looking at her curiously.

    Angelica shifted her gaze away from Ss, forcing a smile. "Nothing. I''m just... surprised, I guess. This is all a lot to take in," she said, her tone calm, but her eyes betrayed something deeper.

    "Don''t worry, you''ll get used to it," Vic said reassuringly, giving her a light pat on the shoulder.

    They continued their breakfast, exchanging light conversation for the next few minutes until a staff member entered the cafeteria, ordering the students to proceed to the announcement hall. Ss and the others stood up, following the crowd as they made their way to the hall.

    Upon arrival, Ss noticed several circr portal devices arranged throughout the hall. A number of staff members stood beside them, preparing for the test. Momentster, Sir Dominic strode to the front of the room, his hands in his pockets, exuding authority.

    "Good morning, students," Sir Dominic began, his voice clear andmanding. "As you all know, today is the day of the test. You''ve done this before, so I won''t waste much time. But for those who need a reminder, here''s how it works!"

    He paused, scanning the room before continuing. "You''ll be sent into a Grade 2 Mutant realm after forming groups of five. The group that clears the realm first and collects the most valuable body parts will earn the highest score. If any group fails to clear their realm within six hours, we''ll send in staff to handle it before the realm copses."

    The students erupted into cheers, pping and buzzing with excitement.

    "You''ve got ten minutes to form your groups!" Sir Dominic added with a booming voice.

    Immediately, the students began scrambling to form their teams, with those possessing high-grade skill slots picking the strongest members. Lower-grade students were left to form their own groups.

    "I guess we''re a team," Vic said, slinging an arm around Ss and David.

    As the groups took shape, Sensei Josh stood beside one of the portal devices, his gaze fixated on Ss. His expression darkened, a storm of thoughts brewing behind his eyes.

    A few minutes passed, and the students were now done selecting their teammates and they stood each of the team stood in front of the portal that was already powered up and glowing a bright blue light.

    "Remember, you have 6 yours toplete the test!" Sir Dominic announced as the students began to go through the portal and vanished instantly.

    Ss and his group moved closer to the portal. They took a deep breath in and out before stepping in one by one. It finally got to Ss''s turn, and before he stepped in he caught sight of a family face standing beside the portal.

    It was Sensei Josh.

    Sensei Josh was ring at him with a mischievous grin on his face, but when he made eye contact with Ss he swiftly shifted his gaze away.

    Ss didn''t think too much about it. He shifted his gaze back to the portal stepped inside. The moment he went through, he vanished instantly.

    A few seconds after he vanished from the portal room, he appeared in the mutant realm, and a notification shed before him.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    [Ding!]

    [You are now in a Grade 5 Mutant Realm]

    """

    20 Golden Tickets= 3 extra chapters!

 Chapter 64: Steel wolf

    Sensei Josh was ring at Ss with a mischievous grin stretched across his face, as if he knew something Ss didn''t. But the moment their eyes met, Josh quickly averted his gaze, his smirk fading. It was strange, but Ss didn''t think too much about it at the time.

    Turning his attention back to the portal, Ss took a deep breath and stepped inside. The moment his body crossed the shimmering threshold, he felt a strange sensation wash over him, and before he could blink, he was goneˇŞvanished in an instant.

    A few secondster, Ss found himself standing in a new environment. He had been teleported into the mutant realm, and as he looked around, a familiar chime sounded in his ears, followed by a notification shing before his eyes.

    [Ding!]

    [You are now in a Grade 5 Mutant Realm]

    Ss''s heart skipped a beat, his eyes widening in shock as the message hovered in front of him, glowing ominously.

    ''What the hell? A Grade 5 realm?'' he thought, his mind racing.

    Just moments ago, Sir Dominic had explicitly announced that they would all be sent to a Grade 2 realm for safety. It had been made clear that this was a controlled testˇŞsafe enough even for the academy''s lower-grade students. The academy staff knew that sending students to a higher-grade mutant realm would be far too risky. There was a high likelihood that most of them wouldn''t make it back alive.

    Even though there were staff members stationed on standby, prepared to jump in if anything went wrong, they couldn''t intervene immediately. The portal required at least two to four hours to cool down after each use. If someone attempted to use it before the cooling period ended, the portal could copse, and the mutants within it would break free, causing unimaginable chaos.

    To prevent any idents, the academy took precautions by assigning the students to a Grade 2 realm, making sure no one was sent into a situation they couldn''t handle. However, the notification in front of Ss confirmed the worstˇŞthis wasn''t a Grade 2 realm at all. It was a Grade 5 realm, one of the most dangerous ssifications.

    "Hey, is it just me, or does this ce seem kinda off?" Vic asked, breaking the silence. He scanned their surroundings, his gaze moving across the dark, rocky cavern. The entire ce had an unsettling atmosphere, and the air was thick with something unidentifiable.

    Vic reached into his pocket and pulled out a medium-sized, orb-like object that resembled an eye. With a quick tap on the surface, the object emitted a bright red glow, casting light into the cavern and illuminating their surroundings.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    "This is why we collect mutant eyes," Vic exined, holding the glowing orb up high. "They can be used as a light source or a scope, but I mostly use them as lights in dark ces like this," he added, waving the object around to get a clearer view of their surroundings.

    "I don''t know about you guys, but this ce is giving me the creeps," Ivy muttered under her breath, nervously ncing around. "I''ve been in Grade 2 realms before, and they''ve never felt like this."

    "I know what you mean," Vic said, nodding. "It feels more like a Grade 3 realm, but since the academy confirmed that it''s a Grade 2, there''s no need to panic." He paused, then shrugged. "Let''s get started. We''ve wasted enough time already, and we need to make sure we finish at the top," he added confidently, marching forward.

    Ivy followed closely at his side, with the ever-silent David trailing behind them.

    Ss and Angelica fell into step beside them. Ss hadn''t said a word since arriving and reading the notification. His mind was still reeling from the revtion that they had been sent to a Grade 5 realmˇŞone of the most dangerous ces for a mutant of his level.

    ''They''ve sent us to our deaths,'' Ss thought grimly, ncing at his teammates. ''Sure, there are two Grade 4 students here, but what about Ivy and David? How are they supposed to survive in a ce like this?'' His mind raced as they walked deeper into the cavern.

    As they advanced, a familiar chime echoed in Ss''s ears, followed by another notification popping up in front of him.

    [DING]

    [The system has detected that this is the perfect location to begin your next evolution quest.]

    [Your next evolution quest has arrived!]

    [Complete this quest to evolve into a Tier 4 Soul Devourer mutant.]

    [Tier Information: Tier 4 is considered the weakest tier of the Soul Devourer mutants. It grants the Host extra attributes for every soul consumed.]

    [Complete this quest and you''ll be one evolution away from bing a Tier 3 Soul DevourerˇŞthe final tier for this mutant type. Then you can advance to the next stage.]

    [Evolution Quest: Carry your team, y the Realm''s god, and consume its soul!]

    [Quest rewards will be revealed afterpletion.]

    Ss scanned the series of notifications with a frown, taking his time to absorb the information.

    ''An evolution quest... but this time, I''m supposed to rely on the team for help?'' he thought, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. ''I''m being asked to carry the group, meaning I''ll be doing most of the heavy lifting while they just back me up.''

    He continued walking in silence, his mind working overtime. ''I''ve never fought in a Grade 5 realm before,'' he thought grimly. ''Thest time I faced a Grade 5 realm god, it was a defensive-type mutantˇŞnothing to write home about. But this time... this time, there are a lot more of them waiting for us.''

    Despite his uncertainty, Ss was determined. ''I''m not sure if I stand a chance, but I''ll give it everything I''ve got.'' He dismissed the notifications just as Vic stopped in his tracks.

    "What''s wrong, Vic?" Angelica asked, moving closer as she noticed him kneeling on the ground with his hand pressed against the rocky surface.

    "Something''sing," Vic replied, his eyes narrowing. "They''re approaching fast... and there are a lot of them."

    "How many?" Ivy asked, her voice tinged with fear as her eyes darted around the dark cavern.

    "A lot," Vic said sharply, rising to his feet and cracking his knuckles.

    ''Mutants that travel in packs and live in caves...'' Ss thought, trying to piece it together. His eyes widened as the realization hit him. "Wolves!" he eximed. "I think they''re wolves!"

    As if on cue, a pack of wolves emerged from the shadows. They looked like regr wolves at first nce, but there was something distinctly unnatural about them. Their bodies wererger than normal wolves, and their fur gleamed like metal under Vic''s red light. Their fangs and ws were made of solid steel, and their glowing eyes radiated a menacing energy.

    [Name: Steel Wolf]

    [Grade: ˇ­..

 Chapter 65: Steel wolves

    "Mutants that travel in packs and live in caves..." Ss thought, his mind racing to piece the information together. His eyes suddenly widened as the realization dawned on him. "Wolves!" he eximed aloud, the word escaping his lips almost involuntarily. "I think they''re wolves!"

    As if on cue, a pack of dark, shadowy creatures emerged from the depths of the cave. At first nce, they looked like regr wolves, but as they stepped into the crimson glow of Vic''s light, it became clear that these were no ordinary animals.

    Their bodies were muchrger, their fur not soft but gleaming like polished metal. Their ws and fangs, sharp and menacing, looked as though they had been forged from pure steel, each one capable of slicing through flesh and bone with ease.

    Their eyes, glowing with an unnatural luminescence, burned with a predatory hunger, exuding an aura of malevolent energy that sent a shiver down Ss''s spine.

    [Name: Steel Wolf]

    [Grade: 2]

    A notification screen materialized before Ss, pulling his attention for a brief moment as he scanned its contents.

    ''Grade 2 mutants should be rtively easy to deal with, but the problem is their sheer numbers,'' Ss mused silently. ''This situation reminds me of those Crazed Chimptants I had to face during my first evolution quest. It''s not the strength that''s dangerousˇŞit''s the overwhelming force of numbers.'' After quickly dismissing the screen, Ss redirected his focus to the advancing wolves.

    "You were right, Ss! They are wolves!" Vic shouted with a mixture of excitement and determination in his voice. His two fists clenched tightly as he stared down the approaching pack. "Angelica, get ready! You know what to do!"

    The wolves, with their eyes fixed on their trespassers, emitted a deafening, bone-chilling howl that echoed throughout the cave, amplifying the growing tension.

    Without wasting another moment, they charged forward as one, their bodies moving with a terrifying speed and precision. Angelica, however, remained calm and collected. With a confident stride, she stepped forward, her eyes narrowing in concentration. She raised her right hand, and from her palm, a bolt of purple lightning crackled to life, surging through the air like a snake made of pure energy.

    The bolt raced towards the iing wolves with lethal intent.

    ZAP!

    The lightning struck several wolves, sending them flying backward with a sharp yelp, their bodies smoldering from the impact. But the attack had not been enough to stop the entire pack.

    The wolves that had escaped the strike continued their relentless charge, closing the distance with frightening speed. Without hesitation, Angelica sent another bolt of crackling energy forward. This time, her aim was true, and a few more of the creatures copsed lifelessly to the ground, their steel fur charred and smoking.

    "Nice shot!" Vicplimented, mming his foot onto the ground. Instantly, the earth beneath his feet rumbled, and three sharp spikes of rock erupted from the floor, shooting forward with deadly uracy like missiles aimed at the charging wolves.

    The spikes impaled several of the wolves, the force of the impact killing them instantly. But still, the pack pressed on. Undeterred, Vic repeated the same action, mming his foot down once more. Four more jagged spikes of earth shot forward, each one finding its mark, piercing the wolves through their heads and bodies.

    The wolves'' bodies flew backward before crashing to the ground with a sickening thud.

    Ss stood back, observing the efficient teamwork between Vic and Angelica.

    ''They''re handling these Grade 2 wolves pretty well. It''s almost like they''ve been preparing for this moment,'' he thought, unable to help feeling impressed by how smoothly they worked together. But even as he watched them, a gnawing sense of responsibility tugged at him.

    ''I can''t just stand here while they do all the work. The system''s made it clearˇŞI''m supposed to be the leader of this team, not a bystander.''

    Clenching his fists tightly, Ss took a deep breath and suddenly dashed forward, his body moving so quickly that he was a blur of motion.

    A powerful gust of wind swept through the cave, rushing between Vic and Angelica as they both turned in surprise. In the blink of an eye, Ss had already ced himself directly in the path of the remaining wolves, standing as an immovable barrier between the pack and his teammates.

    Three wolves immediately fixed their gaze on Ss, their metallic bodies gleaming as they leapt high into the air, aiming to pounce on him from above. Ss''s eyes narrowed as he tracked their movements. With a sharp instinct honed through countless battles, he stepped back just in time, allowing the wolves to crash into the ground where he had just been standing.

    One of the wolves quickly regained its footing and lunged at Ss again, its fangs bared and ws outstretched. But before it could get any closer, Ssunched a devastating punch.

    BAM!

    The sound reverberated through the cave as Ss''s fist mmed into the wolf''s steel body with incredible force. The impact sent the creature flying several meters across the cave before itnded with a sickening crunch.

    [Congrattions, you have in a Steel Wolf.]

    A notification appeared before Ss, but he dismissed it almost immediately, his focus now shifting to two more wolves that were closing in on him. He pulled his right arm back, muscles tensing as he prepared to strike.

    BAM!

    His punch connected with the first wolf''s head, knocking it down in a single blow. Ss didn''t pause for a second, turning his gaze to the second wolf, whose gleaming eyes were locked onto him. With a swift, powerful punch, Ss sent it flying backward, the creature letting out a final whimper as it hit the cave floor.

    Two more wolves leapt towards Ss, their ws extended as they aimed for his throat. In a fluid motion, Ss leaped into the air, evading their attack, and as he descended, he brought his heel down with brutal force.

    BAM!

    His heel smashed into the wolf''s head, causing it to cry out in agony before copsing. Ssnded smoothly, spinning his body around with graceful precision before delivering a wless roundhouse kick to the final wolf, sending it flying.

    [Congrattions, you have in a Steel Wolf.]

    [Congrattions, you have in a Steel Wolf.]

    [Congrattions, you have in a Steel Wolf.]

    [Congrattions, you have in a Steel Wolf.]

    [Congrattions, you have in a Steel Wolf.]

    Multiple notifications shed in front of Ss as he stood amidst the carnage, his face expressionless despite the pile of dead wolves around him.

    ''It would''ve been so much easier if I had my scythe and armor,'' Ss thought to himself.

    ''But I can''t risk using the scythe. If they find out I''m actually the Ghost Ranger, it might not end well for me, especially with that guy I killed at the Ranking Arena still fresh in people''s minds.''

    Even as he pushed these thoughts aside, he knew deep down that he wouldn''t be able to hide his weapons forever. The deeper they ventured into this realm, the more powerful the enemies would be, and eventually, he''d be forced to reveal his full arsenal.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    "That was quick. We owe it all to Ss Griswold," Vic remarked, walking over to Ss and pping him on the shoulder. "You didn''t have to jump in, though. We could''ve handled those weaklings ourselves."

    "Yeah, I know," Ss responded, his tone casual. "But I figured I''d help out." Vic gave him a yful smirk before kneeling down to inspect the scattered wolf bodies littering the cave floor.

    "These bastards were definitely grade 2s," Vic mused aloud. "Guess we were being paranoid about the academy sending us to a high grade realm with tougher..."

    "VIC, BEHIND YOU!" Angelica''s panicked voice cut through the air. Vic and Ss spun around just as a shadowy creature emerged from the darkness, its massive ws already swung towards Vic''s head.

    """

    A/N: Golden Tickets or Gifts to unlock bonus chapters..

 Chapter 66: Steel wolf King

    .

    "These bastards were definitely Grade 2s," Vic mused aloud, still catching his breath. "Guess we were paranoid about the academy sending us to a high-grade realm with tougher..."

    Before he could finish, Angelica''s panicked voice pierced the air. "VIC, BEHIND YOU!" Her cry came toote.

    Vic and Ss spun around just as a hulking shadow detached itself from the darkness. Its massive ws were already swinging downward, aimed straight at Vic''s head. In that heart-stopping moment, Vic knew there was no time for him to react.

    But Ss was faster.

    Without hesitation, Ss summoned his scythe. It appeared in his right hand with a sharp metallic hum, and he gripped it tightly, swinging the de with deadly precision.

    CLANG!

    A deafening sh echoed as the scythe collided with the creature''s ws, deflecting them mere inches away from Vic''s head. The force sent sparks flying into the air, the ws screeching against Ss''s weapon.

    "Move!" Ss shouted, leaping backward as Vic scrambled to create some distance between himself and the beast.

    The creature growled, a low, menacing sound that reverberated through the cavern. Ss stood his ground, his eyes narrowing as he took in the full sight of the mutant. It resembled the wolves they had just fought, but this one was different. It stood on two legs, its form more humanoid, towering over them. Its gleaming steel ws were the size of katana des, lethal and deadly.

    [Name: Steel Wolf King]

    [Grade: 3]

    A notification blinked in front of Ss, confirming what he had already suspected. ''Grade 3, just like I thought,'' he reflected internally, his focus unwavering.

    Vic let out a nervous chuckle, still reeling from his near-death experience. "Man, thanks! That was way too close forfort," he said, his gaze shifting to the towering creature in front of them. "But this thing... it''s way stronger than those others. What the hell is it?"

    "Yeah, it''s a Grade 3," Ss responded coolly, never taking his eyes off the beast.

    "What?! Grade 3?!" Vic blurted out, his voiceced with disbelief.

    Ivy''s voice trembled with fear. "What do you mean, Grade 3? This is supposed to be a Grade 2 realm. We''re only supposed to be dealing with Grade 1s and 2s!"

    "Looks like the academy sent us somewhere a little more challenging than advertised," Ss replied with a calm, almost detached tone, stepping forward slowly. His scythe gleamed menacingly in the red light of the cavern.

    "What are you doing, Griswold?" Vic asked, watching Ss with wide eyes.

    "You guys hang back. I''ll handle this overgrown wolf pup," Ss said coldly, summoning his mutant armor. In the blink of an eye, his body was encased in ck, angr tes of armor, each piece fitting seamlessly with the next. His face was obscured, and the scythe in his hand seemed to pulse with a sinister energy.

    Vic stared at him, a sudden realization dawning.

    ''That scytheˇ­ that armorˇ­ why does it feel like I''ve seen this before?'' he wondered, his mind racing.

    "Isn''t that the same scythe the Ghost Ranger uses?" Angelica murmured, her voice barely audible over the tension in the air.

    Vic''s eyes widened. "That''s it! I''ve seen it before! Ss... Ss is the Ghost Ranger!"

    Ss ignored their chatter, his attention fully on the Steel Wolf King. The creature was watching him too, its metallic body tense and ready for a fight. It snarled, baring its steel fangs.

    Without warning, the Steel Wolf King lunged, its wsing down in a deadly arc toward Ss. He raised his scythe to meet the attack.

    CLANG!

    The sound of metal against metal rang out again as Ss blocked the strike. But the wolf wasn''t done. Its other w was already swinging toward him from the side. Ss spun to his right, raising his scythe just in time to intercept the second attack. The force of the blow sent him skidding backward across the rocky ground.

    Ss barely had a moment to recover before the wolf was on him again, its ws shing in a blur of deadly strikes. But Ss moved like water, weaving through the onught with grace and precision. Each time the wolf swung its ws, Ss danced around it, his scythe moving like an extension of his body.

    Seeing an opening, Ss swung his scythe in a wide arc, aiming for the creature''s side.

    CLANG!

    The de hit the wolf''s metallic hide with a resounding crash. Ss''s eyes narrowed as he saw only a slight crack appear where his scythe had struck. ''What the... its entire body is metal. My strike barely did any damage.''

    But Ss wasn''t one to give up easily.

    ''If I keep hitting the same spot, maybe I can crack it open.''n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    The Steel Wolf King howled in fury, its eyes glowing with rage. Itshed out with its ws, but Ss was already moving. He sidestepped the attack and swung his scythe again, aiming for the same spot.

    CLANG!

    This time, the crack deepened, and the wolf let out a pained growl.

    Not giving it a chance to recover, Ss activated his skill.

    [Active skill: Lightning Dash has been activated]

    The world seemed to slow down as Ss''s body surged forward in a blur of speed. The wolf''s movements became sluggish, its ws frozen mid-swing. Ss gripped his scythe with both hands and brought it down with all his might on the crack he had made earlier.

    The de sliced through the wolf''s metallic hide, and a spray of dark purple blood erupted from the wound. The Steel Wolf King let out a deafening howl of pain, stumbling backward, trying to distance itself.

    But Ss wasn''t about to let it escape. His body blurred once more as he activated his skill again, closing the distance in an instant. With a powerful leap, Ssunched himself into the air, his scythe raised high above his head.

    SLASH!

    The de came down in a swift, clean strike, severing the wolf''s head from its body. Ssnded gracefully on one knee, his scythe dripping with dark purple blood. The Steel Wolf King''s massive body copsed to the ground with a thunderous crash, its head rolling a few feet away.

    [Congrattions, you have in the Steel Wolf King]

    Ss rose to his feet slowly, his breathing steady. He turned to face hispanions, who stood several meters away, staring in stunned silence.

 Chapter 67: A mistake

    Outside the realm, the staff remained gathered in the portal room where the students had departed, eyes scanning the area nervously. They lingered there in case they received a distress signal from the students or if they noticed anything out of the ordinary happening. They were prepared to act swiftly and dive into the realm to handle any emerging threat or situation if the need arose.

    Most of the staff didn''t want to be there. They had other important responsibilities waiting for them, and with the students being sent to a low-graded realm for the test, they saw no real reason for any distress calls. Encounters with danger were expected to be minimal at best.

    Still, the staff had been ordered to remain there by Sir Dominic himself, so they had no choice but to obey his directmand.

    No one dared to question Sir Dominic''s orders. His authority was absolute, and though they thought it was a waste of time, they followed the directive to the letter. They waited patiently, though with increasing boredom as minutes turned into what felt like hours.

    As the minutes ticked by, the staff continued to monitor the room, their gazes fixed intently on the dozens of portal devices scattered around the room. Each portal stood silently, awaiting any possible activity. But as one of the staff members nced around, his eyes caught sight of something off, something that made him pause.

    It was one of the circr portal devices, and something wasn''t right about it.

    His eyes widened slightly in rm as he rushed toward the device to take a closer look. Examining its exterior with growing concern, he noticed something strange on the left side of the device: five glowing red bars.

    "What the..." His heart raced as he processed what he was seeing, dread creeping in. He turned to face the rest of his colleagues, his voice shaky.

    "A Grade 2 mutant realm''s portal is supposed to have how many bars?" he asked loudly, drawing their attention.

    "Are you serious, Philip? Five years on this job and you still don''t know how to tell the portal grades apart?" a bulky man with a bald head and a thick, bushy beard spat with disdain.

    "Just answer the question!" Philip snapped back, frustration evident in his voice. His sharp tone caused the others in the room to flinch.

    "Alright, alright," the bald man grumbled. "A Grade 2 portal has two glowing green bars on the side. It''smon knowledge. How do you still not know this?" He shook his head in disbelief.

    "Two green bars, huh? Then why does this one have five glowing red bars?" Philip shouted, his voice rising with panic.

    At his words, everyone froze. All eyes turned toward the portal device, and suddenly, the room was filled with stunned silence. The staff quickly rushed over to where Philip stood, their eyes glued to the portal in question.

    "What are you talking about? There''s no way that..." the bald man''s words trailed off as he got a clear look at the device. His face turned pale as the glowing red bars came into view. "What is this?!" he eximed, his voice filled with disbelief.

    "This is a portal device for a Grade 5 mutant realm! What''s a device like this doing here?!" he roared, his face contorted with shock and fear.

    "I don''t know! This has to be some kind of mistake," Philip stammered, beads of sweat forming on his brow as panic settled in. His heart pounded loudly in his chest as his mind raced for an exnation. "It must''ve been swapped when we were choosing the portals for the test," he added nervously.

    "We have to inform Sir Dominic immediately! The students won''t survive in there!" the bald man yelled, bolting out of the room without a second thought. The remaining staff looked around in panic, their fear evident. None of them could fathom how this grave mistake had urred, and they were all terrified of how Sir Dominic would respond.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    They dreaded the consequences they would face for such a dangerous oversight.

    None of them had noticed the Grade 5 portal device during the selection process. They had confirmed the Grade 2 portals three separate times before bringing them to the room. And during each of those confirmations, the Grade 5 portal wasn''t there.

    So how had it suddenly appeared?

    Just moments after the bald man left, he returned, this time with Sir Dominic and Kara by his side. The two of them walked briskly toward the portal device, their expressions grim. When their eyesnded on the glowing red bars, their disbelief was immediate.

    "How did you let this happen?!" Sir Dominic bellowed, his face turning an angry shade of red as he advanced on the staff. His voice thundered through the room, reverberating off the walls.

    "You were supposed to confirm the portal grade three times before the test! So how could this happen?" Kara demanded, her eyes filled with concern as she looked at the portal.

    "We did, Mrs. Kara! We confirmed it all three times!" Philip said, his voice trembling with fear.

    "You did? Then exin why we''re looking at a Grade 5 portal!" Sir Dominic roared, his face twisted with fury. He was pacing the room now, his pristine white suit damp with sweat as he tried to keep his rage in check.

    "We have no idea, sir. It''s almost like the device was swapped. We checked them all earlier, and they were all Grade 2. Now, suddenly, one of them has turned into a Grade 5." Philip''s voice was desperate as he tried to exin the unexinable.

    Sir Dominic''s pacing quickened, his face bing more distressed by the second. His steps were frantic, and his mind raced to calcte the enormity of the situation.

    "How long has it been since the students left?" Sir Dominic asked after a tense silence had settled over the room.

    "An hour and twenty minutes, sir," Philip replied, ncing nervously at his wristwatch.

    "An hour and twenty minutes? They''ll never survive that long in a Grade 5 realm. They''re probably already dead!" Sir Dominic growled, wiping the sweat from his brow as he resumed pacing.

    "They might stand a chance if any of them are high enough in grade. If there are any Grade 4s among the students, they might be able to hold their own until we get there. I''m not saying they''ll seed in clearing the realm, but they could buy themselves some time," Kara said calmly, though her face betrayed her worry.

    Sir Dominic paused and turned toward one of the female staff members seated at a nearbyputer. "What are the names and grades of the students who entered the portal?" he demanded.

    The woman quickly began typing, her fingers flying across the keyboard. After a few moments, she read the list aloud.

    "Ivy Forbes, a Grade 2 healer. David Daniels, a Grade 1 body mutation ability user..." she began.

    Hearing these names, Sir Dominic let out a long, heavy sigh, the weight of the situation finally sinking in. His hopes were quickly fading.

    "Angelica Wesley, a Grade 4 lightning control ability user. Victor Hardcastle, a Grade 4 earth ability user. Andstly, Ss Griswold... no mutant ability," the woman finished.

 Chapter 68: Portal device swapped

    "Ivy Forbes, a Grade 2 healer. David Daniels, a Grade 1 body mutation ability user," the woman began, her voice steady.

    As soon as Sir Dominic heard these names, a long, heavy sigh escaped his lips, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. His hope began to drain, reced with the cold realization of what this meant.

    "Angelica Wesley, a Grade 4 lightning control ability user. Victor Hardcastle, a Grade 4 earth ability user. Andstly, Ss Griswold... no recorded mutant ability," she concluded, her voice faltering slightly.

    Upon hearing thest two names, both Sir Dominic and Kara''s eyes widened in disbelief.

    "Did you just say Victor Hardcastle?" Sir Dominic blurted out, his face a mix of shock and dread.

    "Yes, sir. Victor was among the group that entered the portal," the staff member confirmed with a slight bow of her head.

    "Damn it!" Sir Dominic spat, punching the nearby wall with such force that it cracked slightly. His frustration was palpable. "Do you even know who Victor Hardcastle is? Or the kind of family he''s from?" His voice rose in fury, yet the staff stood silent, perfectly aware of who Victor was.

    They knew full well the power and influence of the Hardcastle family, and they also knew better than to answer what was clearly a rhetorical question.

    "If Victor dies in there, we''re all doomed," Sir Dominic muttered, his voice dropping to a fearful whisper. "Not even the higher-ups will be able to protect us." Cold sweat trickled down his face, dampening his once-pristine white suit. He looked as if he''d just emerged from a pool, drenched in anxiety.

    "Power up the portal! I''m going in," Sir Dominicmanded as he hastily removed his white suit jacket and tossed it aside, revealing a tight white shirt that clung to his muscr frame.

    "Sir, you know we can''t do that! The portal needs at least three hours to cool down before we can power it up again!" Kara interjected, stepping forward to block his path.

    "I don''t care about your cooldowns or technicalities!" he barked, ring at her. "All I care about is getting in there and rescuing them. Victor''s in a Grade 5 mutant realm with a bunch of weaklings! Even if he''s strong, he won''tst long. I need to go in now!"

    His voice dripped with urgency, but Kara didn''t back down. She held her ground, her expression firm.

    "So all you care about is Victor?" she asked, her disappointment clear. "You don''t care about the othersˇŞthe students who went in with him?"

    Sir Dominic''s eyes flickered with frustration. "Victor Hardcastle is my top priority. He''s from a prestigious family, so yes, I care about him the most. If the others die in there, I won''t lose sleep over it, as long as I get Victor out alive."

    Kara''s expression shifted to one of thinly veiled disgust. His disregard for the lives of the other students, especially those from less privileged backgrounds, sickened her.

    "If you charge through that portal now, everyone will dieˇŞincluding Victor Hardcastle," she said sternly. "I''m asking you to wait. Let the portal cool down. Once it''s ready, we''ll go in together, and if they''re still alive, we''ll save them all."

    Silence hung between them for a moment. As much as Sir Dominic hated to admit it, she was right. Charging in without letting the portal reset would end in disaster. He clenched his fists but knew there was no other choice.

    "Fine. I''ll wait," he muttered begrudgingly. "Let me know the moment it''s ready."

    With that, he turned on his heel and left the room, his frustration evident in the force of his steps.

    Once he was gone, Kara approached the portal console, a small, satisfied smile tugging at her lips. "Let''s see what you''re really capable of, Ss," she mused quietly to herself. "We''re counting on you."

    """

    Meanwhile, deep within a dimly lit cavern, the group was hard at work, carving out the valuable body parts of the Steel Wolves and their King. The cavern floor was littered with wolf corpses, the air thick with the metallic scent of dark purple blood that stained the ground. They had encountered several more wolves since their initial fight, but they took them down with rtive ease.

    Yet, despite the sessful hunt, no one had spoken to Ss since his battle with the Steel Wolf King. His effortless victory had left them all uneasy, and as they nced at him from time to time, it was clear they now viewed him differently. It was as if they were looking at a stranger, someone far more dangerous than they had realized.

    Mutant ability users who surpassed Grade 5 were a rare breed. None of them had ever seen one in person, and only a few even existed on Earth. But the way Ss had foughtˇŞthe sheer power, the blinding speedˇŞit was undeniable. He was beyond Grade 5.

    Vic, who had been carefully prying metallic ws from one of the dead wolves, finally broke the silence.

    "Ghost Ranger, huh?" he muttered, a weak attempt to lighten the mood.

    The two girls, Angelica and Ivy, shot him a look, their raised eyebrows clearly asking, *Really?*

    Vic shrugged under their disapproving res. "What? I was just trying to break the awkward silence."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    Ss, who had been quietly observing, let out a sigh. "Yes. I am the Ghost Ranger," he said finally. "I didn''t tell you because I didn''t know how you''d react. Especially after... what happenedst time...

    with the guy I killed. I thought it''d be best to keep it quiet until things calmed down."

    "Screw that," Vic said bluntly, standing up and cing a reassuring hand on Ss''s shoulder. "That guy deserved it. We all know it was self-defense. You don''t need to beat yourself up about it. Just don''t hide stuff from us, alright? We''re a team.

    No matter how crazy things get, we''ve got your back."

    Ss looked down, letting out another sigh before locking eyes with the group. "There''s something else I need to tell you..."

    Angelica stepped forward, her face filled with concern. "What is it, Ss?"

    "The moment I entered this realm, I knew what grade it was," Ss began, his tone serious. "The academy didn''t send us to a Grade 2 mutant realm like they said they would. We''re in a Grade 5 realm."

    The revtion hit the group like a wave. Shock registered on each of their faces.

    "We''ve already encountered the lower-grade creatures," Ss continued. "But the next ones wee across might be Grade 4 or higher. Given our power levels, our chances of survival are slim."

 Chapter 69: Overwhelming

    "The moment I entered this realm, I knew exactly what grade it was," Ss began, his voice low and serious. His words hung in the air like a storm cloud. "The academy didn''t send us to a Grade 2 mutant realm like they said. We''re in a Grade 5 realm."

    The revtion hit the group like a thunderp. Shock rippled across their faces, draining the color from their expressions.

    "We''ve already encountered lower-grade creatures," Ss continued, his gaze sharp as he studied each member of the group. "But the next ones we run into... they might be Grade 4 or higher. Given our current power levels, our chances of surviving are slimˇŞat best."

    A tense silence followed, thick with fear and disbelief. Their eyes turned to Ss, waiting for more, but dreading what he might say next.

    "G-Grade 5?" Angelica''s voice was barely a whisper, trembling as she stared at him with wide eyes.

    "How can you be so sure about the realm''s grade, Ss?" Vic asked, his attempt to stayposed betrayed by the tremor in his voice. Deep down, he was terrified.

    Vic was a Grade 4 mutant ability user himself, but even he wasn''t strong enough to handle a Grade 5 realm alone. If he had a team of high-grade mutant ability users, they might have a fighting chance. But their group consisted of a Grade 1, a Grade 2, and AngelicaˇŞa Grade 4 who hadn''t yet mastered her ability. She was still raw, and Vic knew he couldn''t rely on her fully in a life-or-death situation.

    "It''s because of the artifact and the powers I''ve obtained," Ss exined, his voice steady. "They allow me to sense the grade of the realm. The moment I stepped through the portal, I knew this was Grade 5."

    Ivy, standing at the back, snapped. "If you could sense the realm''s grade, why didn''t you warn us *before* we traveled through the portal?" Her voice was sharp, panic clear in her eyes.

    "Ivy!" Angelica''s brows knitted in concern, surprised at the sudden outburst.

    Ss didn''t flinch. "I can only tell the grade once I''m inside. I can''t just nce at a portal and know what''s beyond it."

    "This isn''t the time to assign me," Vic interjected, trying to cut through the tension. His fingers moved quickly as he sent out a distress signal to the academy, his face tight with anxiety. "We''re in serious trouble here. Instead of turning on each other, we need to focus on how to survive."

    "I''ve already sent the distress call," Vic added, swallowing hard. "But help won''t arrive immediately. They''ll need to give the portal time to cool down before they cane through."

    "Then let''s just stay here and wait," Angelica suggested, her voice hesitant. "If we keep moving forward, we''re more likely to run into higher-graded mutants."

    Ss frowned, his mind racing. He couldn''t afford to sit idle. Not now. His system had notified him of an Evolution Quest, and his goal was to clear the realm before help arrived. If the academy intervened, he''d have to abandon the questˇŞand face the penalty that came with it.

    "We can''t stay here," Ss announced, his voice loud enough to make everyone''s eyes snap to him.

    "Why not?" Vic asked, confused.

    "Look around," Ss gestured at their surroundings. "This ce is a narrow, cramped cavern. If mutants find us here and attack, we''ll have no room to fight. We need to keep moving forward. And don''t worry about getting hurtˇŞI''ll protect you."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    Without waiting for a response, Ss turned and began to stride deeper into the dimly lit cavern, his scythe at the ready. The group exchanged uneasy nces before reluctantly following him, their footsteps echoing in the eerie silence.

    For several minutes, they moved through the narrow passage, shadows dancing along the walls as the dim light flickered. Suddenly, Ss halted, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the area.

    "What''s wrong?" Vic asked, his gaze darting nervously around them.

    "There''s something here," Ss muttered, gripping his scythe tightly. His senses were on high alert.

    A piercing screech echoed from above, deafening and bone-chilling. The group''s heads snapped upward, and they saw a massive ck bat with glowing red eyes swooping down towards them.

    "Get back!" Ss ordered, dropping into a fighting stance. As the bat hurtled closer, he swung his scythe in a powerful arc.

    *SWOOSH!*

    At thest second, the mutant bat twisted its body mid-air, evading Ss''s strike. It soared upward, screeching loudly as it circled for another attack.

    [Name: Wingedtant Bat]

    [Grade: 3]

    Ss nced briefly at the notification that appeared in his vision. His grip tightened on the scythe as the bat dived toward him again, its screeches filling the cavern.

    This time, Ss moved faster. With a swift, precise sh of his scytheˇŞ

    *SLASH!*

    The de tore through the mutant''s body, cutting it cleanly in half. Dark purple blood sprayed across the cavern floor as the bat''s lifeless body thudded to the ground.

    [Congrattions, you have in a Wingedtant Bat]

    A holographic screen flickered in front of Ss, but he ignored it. The ground beneath him began to tremble, and the sound of approaching footstepsˇŞheavy, thunderousˇŞfilled the air.

    The group stiffened as the footsteps grew louder. From the shadows emerged a horde of mutants, and above them, a swarm of bats like the one Ss had just killed.

    But Ss''s eyes were fixed on the towering figures leading the charge. They were monstrous, resembling orcs, each standing nearly eight feet tall. Their bodies were covered in thick, red scales, and their massive ws gleamed like battle axes. Their eyes glowed crimson, shooting deadly beams of light. And at the center of each forehead was a single, enormous horn.

    [Name: Cave Orcs]

    [Grade: 4]

    Cold sweat trickled down Ss''s face. ''Grade 4,'' he thought, his heart pounding. He could take down one Grade 4 mutant on his ownˇŞbut there were half a dozen of them.

    Before he could react, one of the orcs lunged at him with blinding speed, its ws shing downward. Ss''s eyes widened as he barely managed to raise his scythe in time to block the attack.

    *CLANG!*

    ''What the..''

    The impact drove Ss to his knees, the sheer force of the mutant''s strength overwhelming him.

    ""

    A/N:

    A luxury Car= 5 extra chapters tonight.

    A Magic Castle= 10 extra chapters tonight.

 Chapter 70: Group of Grade 4s

    Cold sweat trickled down Ss''s face. ''Grade 4,'' he thought, his heart pounding. Facing one Grade 4 mutant was something he could handle on his ownˇŞbut there were half a dozen of them now, each more menacing than thest.

    Before he could react, one of the orcs lunged forward with blinding speed, its ws shing down toward him. Ss''s eyes widened as he managed, just in time, to raise his scythe and block the brutal attack.

    *CLANG!*

    ''What the...''

    The impact drove him to his knees, his body trembling under the mutant''s overwhelming strength. His arms shook as he fought to hold up his weapon, the weight of the attack pressing down with merciless force.

    The mutant raised its wed hand again before Ss could regain his breath. This time, without any warning, it swung down with full force. Ss leaped back in response, dodging the deadly strike by mere inches.

    Hended a few meters away, his eyes scanning the group around him, each figure looming, radiating a feral power that filled the air. ''Not only are they absurdly strong, but they''re nearly as fast as I am.'' Ss''s thoughts raced as his gaze remained fixed on the orcs, his nerves taut. *This... this must be the real power of a Grade 4 mutant.*

    He had battled a Grade 4 mutant once before, but even he could tell that these orcs possessed greater strength and speed than the Crazed Chimptant King he had fought during his first evolution quest. A nce to his side revealed Vic, standing there, his face pale with fear.

    "Hey, Vic," Ss called, steadying his voice, "those bastards are all Grade 4 except for the bats. So I''ll need your support on this."

    Vic swallowed hard, his face resolute as he nodded. "Sure thing. Let''s do this!" He stomped his foot down, summoning three sharp, earthen spears that rose and hovered in front of him, ready to strike.

    "Focus on those bats; I''ll handle the orcs," Ss said, his grip tightening on the scythe as he charged forward.

    As he dashed toward the group, he spotted three bats screeching loudly as they flew toward him, with two gigantic orcs charging closely behind them.

    *SWWOOSSHH!*

    A strong gust of wind swept past him as Vic hurled his makeshift spears, each striking a bat squarely in the head. Dark purple blood sttered as the creatures fell lifeless to the ground. Ss, undeterred, pressed forward, his focus zeroing in on the two orcs that advanced, ws poised for another attack.

    When they reached striking range, the orcs swung their ws down together, aiming to tear him apart. In thest moment, Ss sidestepped, and their ws missed, digging deep into the floor instead.

    He didn''t waste the opportunity. With precision, Ss swung his scythe toward the mutants'' arms before they could retract them.

    [Passive Skill: Soul sh Activated]

    A blue aura flickered around the scythe''s de as it sliced through the mutant''s arm, leaving a deep cut. Dark purple blood spurted out, and the orcs howled, yanking their injured limbs back before retaliating with a swift, powerful swipe. Ss dodged to the side, moving gracefully to avoid the ws.

    Just then, a sh of red light caught his eye. Aser beam, moving at blinding speed, shot toward him from his right. Ss reacted instantly, raising his scythe to block the beam just in time, though the impact drove him back several meters before he regained his footing. He looked up to see the orc responsible for the attack.

    Each orc had glowing red eyes, but one of them stood out, its eyes zing brighter than the others. It was differentˇŞthis one had no ws but instead could fireser beams from its eyes.

    ''I''ll need to watch that one carefully,'' Ss thought, crouching low beforeunching himself forward.

    [Active Skill: Lightning Dash Activated]

    Activating his skill, Ss elerated, moving at a speed that left the orcs struggling to track him. In his perception, they appeared nearly motionless, while to the orcs, he seemed to vanish and reappear instantly.

    Within seconds, he was within striking distance. Leaping into the air, he swung his scythe toward an orc''s head.

    But as his scythe descended, the orc''s eyes grew brighter until aser shot out.

    *ZAP!*

    The beam struck him, sending Ss hurtling back across the room. He crashed hard against a wall, sliding down to the floor, winded.

    "They tricked me," he muttered through gritted teeth.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    ''They made me think only one of them could firesers, hoping I''d lower my guard. Turns out they all can.''

    "Ss!" Angelica shouted, her face etched with worry as she ran toward him.

    "Don''t worry about me!" he yelled back, trying to steady himself. "Go help Vic!"

    Nearby, Vic continued to battle the bats. The ground around him was littered with bat corpses, yet they kepting, wave after wave. His energy was draining, his face drenched in sweat as his breathing grew ragged.

    Angelica gave Ss a firm nod and sprinted toward Vic. She extended her hands toward three bats approaching them, fingers twitching in concentration.

    "Angelica, do something already!" Vic''s voice was tight with confusion as she stood there, hands outstretched, but nothing happened.

    "Why isn''t it working?" she murmured, eyes wide as she struggled to summon her ability. Panic had paralyzed her, rendering her power useless.

    Ss clenched his jaw, frustration boiling over. ''She''s too afraid to use her ability... there goes one of our few chances.'' He shook his head, refocusing on the orcs, and lunged forward.

    The orcs unleashed a barrage ofsers as he closed in, but Ss was prepared. Ducking and weaving, he dodged each beam, which singed the floor around him.

    When he was close enough, he activated his skill again.

    [Active Skill: Lightning Dash Activated]

    At his enhanced speed, the orcs seemed frozen, allowing him to maneuver between them. He swung his scythe down toward an orc''s leg, severing it cleanly.

    Dark purple blood gushed out, and the creature copsed onto one knee, howling in pain.

    Ss gripped his scythe, positioning himself to deliver a finishing blow.

    *SLASH!*

    But before he couldplete the attack, a searing pain shot through his chest as another orc''s w raked across him, the impactunching him backward. He crashed hard against a wall, pain blossoming across his chest as he crumpled to the floor.

    [Host has undergone a critical injury]

    [Host has undergone a critical injury]

    [-20 Soul Points]

    [-20 Soul Points]

    Notifications flooded his vision, and within moments, he felt his wounds beginning to heal. Gritting his teeth, he pushed himself to his feet, his gaze drifting toward Vic and Angelica.

    Vic was still holding his own, though exhaustion etched his features as he struggled against the relentless wave of bats. Angelica remained frozen, her heart hammering as she grappled with her fear.

    ''Vic''s stamina is almost spent, and Angelica''s too frightened to use her powerˇ­ so it''s up to me to finish this?'' Ss''s gaze flicked to the three advancing orcs, their red eyes glinting with malice.

    *DING!*

    [You have obtained the Realm''s Key]

    [The Realm''s Key allows the host to cancel the evolution quest and leave the realm. Exiting will forfeit all rewards, including evolution.]

    ''The Realm''s Keyˇ­ I could leave right now,'' Ss thought, ncing at the notification he''d received earlier after killing the first bat but hadn''t checked. ''But that would mean abandoning them.''

    He lingered on the option briefly, before looking up at the three Grade 4 orcs advancing, their malicious eyes fixed on him, their forms towering and imposing.

    ''Do I really have a chance against them? Or should I just leave?''

    """

    A/N:

    5 Golden Tickets= 1 extra chapters.

    A luxury Car or Massage chair= 2 extra chapters.

    A Magic Castle= A mass release of 10-15 Chapters!

 Chapter 71: Kill the weakling, so Apex predator can be born

    [The Realm''s Key grants the host the option to cancel the evolution quest and leave the realm. Exiting will forfeit all rewards, including evolution.]

    ''The Realm''s Keyˇ­ I could leave right now," Ss thought, eyeing the notification he''d received after killing the first bat, a message he hadn''t reviewed until now. ''But leaving would mean abandoning them.''

    He lingered on the option briefly, then lifted his gaze toward the three Grade 4 orcs advancing on him, their malicious eyes locked on his, their towering forms casting long shadows. Their movements radiated intimidation, reminding him just how massive and deadly they truly were.

    ''Do I really have a chance against them? Or should I just leave?''

    Ss stood, deep in thought, the look of contemtion unmistakable on his face, while sweat drenched his skin.

    ''What the hell is wrong with me? I''m letting fear get the best of me. I haven''t even tried my hardest, yet I''m already concluding I don''t stand a chance? This is the kind of thinking the old Ss Griswold would fall intoˇŞthe weakling!''

    ''Butˇ­ I am no longer that weakling! I''ve be someone different! I have to give this my all, and in order to do that, I have to kill the weakling within, so the Apex predator can be born.'' He clenched his scythe in his right hand, feeling a surge of power as glowing blue energy pulsed from its de.

    The odds of victory were slim, but they weren''t zero.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

    The orcs finally reached striking distance, and with no further warning, they swung their massive ws down on him, aiming to obliterate him with brute force.

    [Active skill: Lightning Dash has been activated]

    **WOOOSSHHH!**

    Ss darted to the side, evading the heavy strikes with ease, beforeunching himself forward at blinding speed until he was positioned behind the orcs.

    Without hesitation, he swung his scythe toward the leg of the nearest orc. A thunderous roar echoed through the chamber as Ss''s de sliced through flesh, dark purple blood spilling onto the ground.

    The other orcs whipped around, ws shing through the air as they tried to catch him. Ss responded with swift reflexes, sidestepping to avoid their deadly blows. Then, activating his Lightning Dash, he propelled himself forward at lightning speed, arriving once more behind his enemies.

    Ss tightened his grip on his scythe, swinging it toward the legs of the second orc.

    [Soul sh has been activated]

    **sh!**

    The scythe tore through the creature''s legs, severing one entirely. The orc dropped to its knees, its agonized cries reverberating in the cavern.

    ''Hmph!'' Ss leaped several meters backward, evading a retaliatory w by a hair''s breadth.

    Landing lightly, he dashed forward again, his scythe zing with energy, his body encased in an intimidating aura, his eyes fierce with determination.

    The mutant turned its bloodshot gaze on him, its annoyance evident as it prepared to shoot a redser beam from its eyes.

    The beam rocketed through the air, aiming directly at Ss. He ducked low just in time, narrowly avoiding the scorching st as it hit a distant wall, shattering it and scattering debris.

    Ss resumed his advance, determined to close the distance. As he neared, the orc swung its ws once more, attempting to slice him in two.

    At thest second, Ss darted to the side, evading the strike, and countered with a swift, precise swing of his scythe, aiming for the outstretched arm.

    **SLASH!**

    Ss''s scythe sliced through the orc''s arm, dark purple blood spilling from the wound. The orc let out a roar of pain that echoed through the cavern.

    Ss didn''t stop there. His eyes locked onto the first orc, now crippled with its legs severed, and he charged, ready to end it.

    [Active skill: Lightning Dash has been activated]

    In a burst of speed, Ss leapt into the air. Now hovering over the orc, he gripped his glowing scythe with both hands, raising it high above his head, preparing to strike down with deadly intent.

    Descending, Ss wore a fearsome expression, resembling a Grim Reaper about to deliver judgment.

    The scythe buried itself into the orc''s skull with a sickening crack, splitting it in half. The creature released a final scream before copsing, lifeless.

    [Congrattions, you have in a Cave Orc]

    **SHIUK!**

    Ss yanked his scythe from the mutant''s skull, sidestepping swiftly to avoid another iing w strike. Before the orc could recover, he swung his scythe in a clean arc, severing the creature''s head.

    Dark purple blood sprayed like rain, the massive head rolling toward the remaining orcs who had been watching the battle from afar.

    [Congrattions, you have in a Cave Orc]

    A notification appeared before Ss, but he ignored it, shifting his gaze toward Vic and the others to check their status.

    "Angelica, start helping already! I''m out of stamina!" Vic shouted, stomping his foot, summoning three earthen spears that shot toward an approaching wave of bats. The spears impaled three of them, but two more screeched and continued their approach.

    Vic copsed to his knees, sweat pouring down his face, his breathing ragged. Despite his best efforts, exhaustion was overtaking him, and the swarm of bats made it seem as though he hadn''t made a dent in their numbers.

    Angelica stood paralyzed, her heart hammering. The weight of Ss''s earlier warningˇŞthat they were in a Grade 5 realm, facing Grade 4 orcsˇŞhad struck a chord of terror within her, immobilizing herpletely.

    "Angelica, do something!" Vic, still kneeling, looked back at her as the bats closed in. "If you don''t, we''ll all die, and you''ll never get a chance to make your family pay!" His voice was a desperate cry.

    The words jolted Angelica out of her paralysis, igniting a spark of resolve. Her frightened expression hardened into one of steely determination.

    She took a steadying breath, nted her feet, and focused, her hands sparking with electricity as she thrust them forward, releasing a powerful bolt of crackling purple lightning.

    """

    A/N: Gifts for motivation and tickets for motivation. Thank you.(??????).

    (? ???¨Ś??? ?)    (???^???^?)

 Chapter 72: Fallen friend

    "Angelica, do something!" Vic, still kneeling, whipped his head back toward her as the bats swarmed closer, their screeches growing louder. "If you don''t, we''re all dead! And you''ll never get a chance to make your family pay!" His voice rang out, thick with desperation and fear.

    The urgency in his words jolted Angelica from her paralysis, igniting a spark of fierce determination within her. Her fearful expression transformed, hardening into one of steely resolve.

    She took a steadying breath, her feet rooted firmly in ce as she focused. Sparks of purple electricity crackled around her hands as she thrust them forward, unleashing a powerful bolt of lightning.

    The lightning shot forward with a loud crack, striking the oing bats and sending them flying backward in a storm of energy.

    "Way to go," Vic managed to call out, still panting from his spot on the ground, a faint, relieved smile breaking through his exhaustion.

    Angelica paid him no attention, stepping forward again, raising both hands. With another intense burst, she unleashed another surge of lightning that tore through arger cluster of bats. Their pained screeches filled the cavern, echoing off the walls as Angelica continued her relentless assault, each bolt crackling with precision.

    Behind her, Vic and the others watched in awe, barely able toprehend her power.

    Ivy moved toward Vic, dropping to her knees beside him. "Let me heal you," she murmured, her voice gentle as she ced her hands on his chest. A soft yellow light glowed from her palms, spreading across Vic''s body and enveloping him in its warmth. Slowly, the injuries he had sustained in his struggle with the bats began to knit together, healing under Ivy''s touch.

    But Ivy was a lower-graded healer, so the process was slow. It took her several painstaking minutes topletely mend his wounds, and though his injuries disappeared, Vic remained on his knees, visibly drained. While Ivy could heal the wounds, restoring his stamina was beyond her ability.

    "You''ve done enough. Go back to David," Vic said gently, his voice softened by exhaustion. Ivy gave a slight nod and rose, making her way back to where David stood several meters away.

    David was motionless, his expression unreadable. He had stood there since they arrived, without a single flicker of fear or even acknowledgment, his face an emotionless mask. It was impossible to tell if he felt any fear at all.

    No one had heard David utter a single word since their arrival. In fact, it had been months since he hadst spoken. The only time anyone had ever heard his voice was during their initial introductions. Since then, he had remained utterly silent, watching with a detached intensity, emotion absent from his face and his actions.

    "Can''t you help them, David?" Ivy''s voice broke through the silence as she looked up at him. "They need an extra hand. I''ve done my part healing Vic. Do something instead of just standing there." But David''s eyes remained fixed, unmoving, his attention wholly focused on Ss.

    Annoyance flickered across Ivy''s face at his silence. She turned her gaze back to the ongoing battle. Ss was locked inbat with the Cave Orcs, while Angelica continued to hold off the relentless swarm of bats.

    As Ivy and David stood there, a hulking figure emerged from the shadowed depths behind them. It was another Cave Orc, identical to those Ss was battling a few meters away.

    The Orc raised its wed hand, swinging it down toward Ivy with brutal force. David noticed the massive shadow darkening the ground beside them, and as he turned, he saw the deadly ws racing toward Ivy with blinding speed.

    Before he could react or shout a warning, the ws made contact.

    SLASH!

    The Orc''s ws shed through Ivy''s body, from her head down to her back. Blood sttered everywhere, raining down as she let out a chilling scream. Her cries of agony echoed through the cavern, drawing the horrified attention of herrades. They turned, their eyes widening in horror as they took in the sight of Ivy lying in a crimson pool of her own blood.

    "IVY!" Vic and Angelica shouted in unison, their voices raw with shock and fear.

    David stood frozen, cold sweat beading on his brow as the Orc turned its cruel gaze toward him. His heart thundered in his chest, paralyzed with terror as he watched the creature raise its ws for another strike.

    "Damn it!" Ss cursed under his breath, his expression twisted with fury.

    [Active Skill: Lightning Dash has been activated]

    The Orc''s ws paused in midair as Ss rocketed forward, covering the distance in a blink. In an instant, he stood between David and the monstrous creature, his scythe gripped tightly in his hands.

    Ss swung his weapon upward in a deadly arc, his movements quick and precise.N?v(el)B\\jnn

    [Passive Skill: Soul sh has been activated]

    The scythe sliced upward, tearing through the Orc''s legs and up to its chest, splitting the creature open. Dark purple blood sprayed from its wounds as its massive body crashed to the ground in a lifeless heap.

    [Congrattions, you have in a Cave Orc]

    Ss pulled his scythe from the creature''s body, the notification shing in his mind as he turned his gaze toward Ivy, lying motionless, her eyes barely open and filled with pain.

    Vic crawled to her side, his face stricken as he checked her pulse. Angelica continued battling the bats, knowing that even a brief pause could spell disaster. She fought on, trusting Vic to care for their fallen friend.

    "Hey, hey! Are you okay? Ivy, can you hear me?" Vic''s voice shook as he tapped her shoulder gently, trying to rouse her. But Ivy''s eyes remained shut, her body still as stone.

    Ss, having seen enough death to know the signs, understood immediately that Ivy was gone. His experiences with loss had left him keenly aware of the difference between life and death.

    "Ivy, Ivy! Come on, wake up! Ivy!" Vic''s voice cracked as he shook her gently, desperation creeping into his tone. But she gave no response. Angelica, tears streaming down her cheeks, continued her assault on the bats, her movements growing fiercer with each tear that fell.

    Ss''s blood boiled, rage overtaking him as he clenched his scythe with trembling hands. He turned, eyes zing, toward the remaining Orcs. A fierce red energy began to radiate from him, growing brighter as his fury intensified. His eyes glowed with a fiery red light, his gaze locked onto the mutants as more Orcs appeared from the shadows.

    The red energy around Ss intensified, casting an eerie glow across the entire cavern. The Orcs, sensing something dangerous and unfamiliar, hesitated, clearly intimidated by the ominous aura surrounding him.

    [DING!]

    [Host has entered the Apex Rampage Mode]

    [Info: Apex Rampage Mode is a rare urrence triggered by extreme anger or profound sadness.]

    [More information: The Apex Rampage Mode grants the Host enhanced strength, speed, and healing abilities, simr to the effect of running wild. However, in this mode the host retains full control over his actions.]

    [Duration: Apex Rampage Mode willst for 10 minutes.]

    """

    A/N: Vote with your Golden Tickets and Power Stones. Thanks!

    Also, go check out image of the Main character in the homepage and give him a vote.

 Chapter 73: Apex Rampage Mode

    [DING!]

    [Host has entered Apex Rampage Mode]

    [Info: Apex Rampage Mode is a rare urrence triggered by extreme anger or profound sadness.]

    [More Information: The Apex Rampage Mode grants the Host enhanced strength, speed, and healing abilities, simr to the effect of running wild. However, in this mode, the Host retains full control over his actions.]

    [Duration: Apex Rampage Mode willst for 10 minutes.]

    Ss nced at the series of notifications popping up in front of him for a brief moment before dismissing them, shifting his gaze back to the group of Cave Orcs in front of him.

    The orcs stood there, only a few meters away, sensing the sudden increase in power surrounding him. Even Vic, watching from the side, could sense the power radiating from the aura around Ss and couldn''t help but wonder exactly what had happened to cause this change.

    Ss took a step forward, his scythe clenched tightly in his right hand, his gaze intense and fixed intently on the mutants.

    The system had informed him that the state he was now in was simr to the state when he "runs wild," meaning he wouldn''t need any Soul Points to use his abilities. He could unleash his full power without worrying about his soul points running out.

    WHOOSH!

    Ss stood there for a few moments, thenunched forward at blinding speed. In the blink of an eye, he arrived directly in front of the mutants. Ss swung his scythe horizontally, shing the right leg of one mutant, bringing it down to its knees.

    The mutant let out a loud, piercing cry of agony, which Ss swiftly silenced with a single clean strike to its neck. Dark purple blood poured out as the mutant''s lifeless body copsed onto the ground.

    After sessfully ying the mutant, Ss sensed danger from behind and swiftly sidestepped, dodging the iing ws entirely. He then countered by swinging his scythe towards the mutant''s outstretched arm, severing it cleanly.

    Ss didn''t stop there. He leaped up into the air, bringing his scythe down upon the mutant''s head, splitting it in half with a powerful strike.

    As hended gracefully back on the ground, Ss caught sight of threeser beams closing in on him at lightning speed. He stood motionless as the beams hurtled towards him, and when they were mere inches away, he sidestepped, dodging them effortlessly.

    After sessfully evading theser beams, Ss unsummoned his scythe and swiped his right hand forward, releasing five thin, red ws that shot forward. The ws raced towards the remaining orcs with deadly precision.

    In thest second, the orcs lifted their ws, managing to block the iing soul ws. However, even though they had sessfully deflected the attack, the force behind it drove them back several steps.

    The mutants finally regained theirposure, but when they looked towards the spot Ss had stood, he was no longer there. He seemed to have vanished into thin air.

    In the next instant, Ss appeared behind them, swinging his scythe with deadly force toward the body of one of the orcs.

    SLASH!

    Impact was made, and the mutant''s body was split in half. Blood sttered across the ground as both halves of the mutant''s body hit the floor.

    Ss''s purpose for using the soul ws hadn''t been to wound or defeat the mutants; he knew that the ability would barely affect Grade 4 mutants. Instead, he used it as a distraction. While the mutants were upied with blocking his attack, he activated Lightning Dash and moved to the back of the mutants in less than a second.

    [Congrattions, you have in a Cave Orc]

    [Congrattions, you have in a Cave Orc]

    [Congrattions, you have in a Cave Orc]

    Ss dismissed the notifications instantly as he shifted his gaze to the two orcs charging toward him at incredible speed. He steadied his stance, and as they came within striking range, they swung down their ws with deadly force.

    Reacting with remarkable agility, Ss sidestepped, dodging the strike as though it were effortless. He countered by shing his scythe towards the mutant''s right side, the de connecting neatly and carving a massive wound.

    Blood gushed from the mutant, which let out a deafening roar of agony. It staggered backward, attempting to create distance and recover, but Ss didn''t let up.

    Closing in on the orc at lightning speed, Ss leapt into the air. Once he was at the same level as the mutant, he swung his scythe, severing the creature''s head in a single, brutal motion.

    A few meters away, Vic knelt, his gaze fixed on the ongoing battle between Ss and the orcs, a look of disbelief clear on his face. He could barely track Ss''s movements. All he saw was a bright red streak moving around at blinding speed as the orcs fell, one after another.

    ''This guyˇ­ he seems to get stronger with every second,'' Vic thought, his gaze locked on the red light as it shed across the battlefield.

    Ss continued his relentless assault, dashing forward, swinging his scythe, and cutting down the remaining orcs. His speed made it impossible for the orcs to keep up; by the time they registered his presence, their heads were already detached.

    [Congrattions, you have in a Cave Orc]

    [Congrattions, you have in a Cave Orc]

    [Congrattions, you have in a Cave Orc]

    [Congrattions, you have in a Cave Orc]

    Ss beheaded the final orc, and the heavy thud of its head echoed as it hit the ground, followed by the fall of its massive body. He stood there for a few moments, waiting for the notifications to clear, then nced at the countdown.

    [5 minutes left until Apex Rampage Mode ends]

    It had taken him no more than five minutes to decimate the orcs, thanks to the sudden power boost he''d received. If he hadn''t entered this state, the battle would have taken far longer and been significantly more difficult.

    Ss then turned to face the group. Angelica was weeping beside Ivy''s body, while Vic knelt next to her, still struggling to catch his breath.

    "You two should wait here," Ss said, his voiced deep and menacing. " I''ll go take care of the Realm''s god. Once that''s done, we''re free to leave."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    ""

    Note: There''s going to be a mass release of ten chapters on the first of next month to fill up privileges.. so update for the rest of this month might be slow.

    Don''t forget to support.. and thank you for reading!

 Chapter 74: Hedgetant

    Ss then turned around to face the group. Angelica waspletely lost in grief, weeping beside Ivy''s lifeless body, her tears pooling on the cavern floor, while Vic knelt down beside her, visibly exhausted and still struggling to recover his stamina.

    "You two should stay here," Ssmanded, his tone dark and resolute. "I''ll go and take care of the Realm''s god myself. Once that''s done, we''ll be free to leave this ce." His voice carried an ominous weight that seemed to echo through the cave, cutting through the air like a de.

    Vic''s eyes widened in shock as he absorbed Ss''s words. "Are you insane? You want to take on the Realm''s god all by yourself? That''s suicide, man!" he eximed, his tone a mixture of disbelief and genuine fear.

    "The only one thinking of suicide should be the mutant god when itys eyes on meˇŞnot the other way around," Ss retorted, his voice cold as ice. He directed a steady, unyielding gaze at Vic.

    "Stay here with Angelica. She needs someone to keep her safe and grounded right now. Besides," he added, casting a quick nce around, "this ce is like a maze, abyrinth of tunnels. I won''t miss any mutant on my way to the god''s chamber.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    If I encounter any creature along the path, I''ll make sure it won''t survive long enough to find its way back here." With that final reassurance, Ss turned away and began to walk deeper into the cavern.

    "Ss!" Angelica''s voice, weak and trembling, called out to him. He stopped in his tracks, ncing back over his shoulder. Her tear-streaked face was a blend of sorrow and dread. "Pleaseˇ­ be careful. I don''t want to lose anyone else here today," she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper, raw andced with pain.

    For a brief moment, Ss held her gaze, giving her a single, solemn nod before he turned and resumed his determined stride. The darkness seemed to close around him as he pressed forward through the dimly lit cavern, his footsteps echoing softly against the stone walls. Suddenly, he was met by a swarm of batsˇŞcreatures identical to those Angelica had just defeated moments earlier.

    But unlike her, Ss cut through them with ruthless efficiency, dispatching the winged creatures without even breaking his pace.

    He continued his way through the cavernousbyrinth, the flickering torchlight casting eerie shadows around him as he advanced. After several tense minutes, he finally came to a halt in front of a massive, foreboding red door. Its surface was worn and covered in strange runic symbols, radiating an ominous energy. Ss stepped forward, resting his left hand against its cold, ancient wood.

    "I can feel the overwhelming powering from within. This has to be the god''s chamber," he muttered to himself, pushing on the door to test if it would open. The door creaked, groaning as it swung open without resistance, inviting him to step inside.

    The moment he crossed the threshold, torches lining the chamber walls red to life, casting eerie green mes that bathed the vast space in an unnatural glow. The room stretched out before him, a vast open arena broken only by a few stone pirs and the ghastly light from the torches, which painted sinister shadows on the walls.

    SWWOOSSHH!

    Before he could fully take in his surroundings, a powerful force blurred through the air, barreling toward him at blinding speed. Ss barely had a moment to register the attack before he was flung into the air, the impact sending him hurtling backward.

    BAM!

    He crashed against the stone wall, his body mming with a heavy thud, yet somehow, he managed tond on his feet, his stance only momentarily faltering. He looked up, his gaze quickly scanning the room, only to see the mutant charging toward him once again with terrifying speed. This time, however, Ss was prepared.

    As the mutant closed in, he ducked low, rolling to the side at thest second to evade it. He rose swiftly, adjusting his stance as he faced the creature, which now stood a few meters away, studying him with predatory focus.

    ''Interesting,'' Ss thought, analyzing the creature. ''A hedgehog-type mutant. That would exin its speed and the ball-like form it takes when attacking.'' He lowered his gaze to examine his own injuriesˇŞdeep gashes from the creature''s quillsˇŞonly to watch them rapidly close, his body healing almost as quickly as the wounds had appeared.

    The mutant resembled an enormous, grotesque hedgehog, its body covered in thousands of razor-sharp quills that glistened in the eerie green light. The creature''s natural instinct was to curl up into a ball, using its armor for both offense and defense.

    [Name: Hedgetant (Realm''s god)]

    [Grade: 5]

    Ss watched the notification sh above the mutant, disying the relevant information. He smirked, a spark of determination flickering in his eyes.

    ''A hedgehog-type mutant. It relies heavily on speed and its almost imprable defenses. Fast and nearly indestructible, but itcks the brute strength to dominate in closebat. I, on the other hand, possess everything I need to end this,'' he mused, tightening his grip on his scythe as he assumed a battle-ready stance.

    The mutant let out a guttural growl before curling up and rolling toward him at a frightening speed, its deadly quills bristling. Ss held his ground, watching as it closed the distance. At thest possible moment, he sprang into the air, letting the mutant shoot harmlessly beneath him.

    Hended nimbly, swinging his scythe down in a powerful arc toward the creature''s exposed back. But before his de could connect, the mutant rolled to the side with uncanny agility, leaving his scythe to slice through empty air.

    "Hmph," Ss grunted, frustration shing across his face as the Realm''s god repositioned itself and charged at him once more, transforming into a spinning, ded ball. Ss waited until thest moment, sidestepping deftly to avoid it. With swift precision, he swung his scythe at the mutant''s side.

    CLANG!

    A resounding ng echoed through the chamber as his scythe struck the mutant''s quills. "It''s pointless!" he muttered in frustration, realizing his attacks weren''t prating. The mutant''s quills were as tough as iron, shielding it from every angle and leaving no opening for a clean strike.

    "Argh!" Ss grunted in pain as the creature shot toward him again, its quills gouging into his flesh as it made contact. Blood sprayed from the wounds, and the force of the impact lifted him off his feet, sending him hurtling backward.

    He collided with a stone pir, crumpling to the ground for a brief moment before rising to his knees, his wounds rapidly mending themselves, as if mocking the mutant''s efforts.

    He steadied himself, looking up just as the creature prepared for another strike. The mutant, relentless in its assault, came barreling toward him once more, its ded body whirling in a lethal spin. Ss gripped his scythe with both hands, his gaze never wavering, his focus locked on the creature.

    When the mutant was within striking distance, Ss swung his scythe with every ounce of force he could muster. The de connected, producing another deafening ng as the creature was pushed back several meters. Yet, despite the force of the blow, it remained unscathed.

    ''There''s no way I can hurt this creature while it''s in that form. I need a new strategy. And I''m running out of time,'' Ss thought, frustration mingling with the urgency of his situation.

    [One minute left until Apex rampage mode ends]

 Chapter 75: You have slain the Hedgetant

    Just like before, a loud nging sound echoed as the Mutant was pushed several meters backward.

    "There''s no way I can injure that bastard while it''s in that form. And I''m slowly running out of time,"* Ss mused grimly.

    >[One minute left until Apex Rampage Mode ends]

    "Only one minute left... I can''t waste it." Ss clenched the scythe tightly in his right hand andunched forward at blinding speed. Even though his skill was activated, the Realm''s god still moved freely.

    Its speed had reduced slightly, but it remained incredibly fast. Ss wasn''t too shocked that the mutant hadn''t frozen like the others whenever he activated his Lightning Dash ability. He hadn''t expected anything less from a Grade 5 mutant.

    As Ss dashed forward, he continuously activated the skill, boosting his own speed even more and slightly slowing the mutant''s. In the blink of an eye, he arrived directly in front of the mutant and swung his scythe at it.

    CLANG!

    A loud nging sound reverberated throughout the chamber as Ss''s scythe connected with the mutant''s hardened, quill-covered body. The force behind the hit sent the mutant rolling several meters backward, but there wasn''t a scratch on it.

    "I can''tnd a solid hit while it''s in that ball-like form. It has to be in its normal hedgehog shape for me to injure it. But by the looks of itˇ­ that bastard has no intention of changing back," Ss thought, his gaze fixed on the Realm''s god, which was now rolling toward him with tremendous speed.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    "This scythe is useless for now." Ss unsummoned his scythe, then cracked his knuckles as he prepared himself for the mutant''s next move. As it neared, quills aimed straight for him, Ss leaped to the side, dodging the attack cleanly.

    Then, in one swift motion, he thrust both hands forward, grabbing two of the mutant''s quills on either side of its ball-like form. As he gripped the quills tightly, the others dug into his arms, drawing blood. Ss clenched his teeth against the pain but held on, determined not to let the mutant escape his grasp.

    "If you''re not going to revert to your normal form, then I''ll just have to break through your defense with my bare hands!" he roared, his voice filled with intensity. Holding the quills with both hands, he strained to pull them apart, shouting at the top of his lungs as he exerted every ounce of strength.

    Ss kept pulling the quills on both sides of the mutant''s ball-like body with all his might. His enhanced strength coursed through him, and as he pulled, the red aura around his body intensified, and his eyes glowed even brighter. Finally, with a burst of raw power, he ripped the mutant''s body apart.

    Dark purple blood poured out like a river, and the mutant let out a guttural growl of pain before it finally died.

    Ss dropped both halves of the creature on the floor, then copsed to his knees, panting heavily.

    >[Congrattions, you have in the Realm''s god]

    >[Host is no longer in Apex Rampage Mode]

    >[Congrattions, you havepleted the evolution quest]

    >[Congrattions, you are now a Tier 4 Soul Devourer mutant]

    >[You have leveled up x20]

    >[You have gained 20 extra attribute points]

    >[Host has unlocked a new active skill: Soul Control LVL 1]

    >[Skill Info: Host can move anything or anyone with a soul without physical contact. The skill functions simrly to telekinesis, except host cannot move nonliving objects until the skill reaches a higher level]

    >[Host has unlocked their own shop]

    >[Shop Info: You can buy and sell weapons and armor in the shop. Other items are also avable as long as you have the required resources.]

    >[More rewards: All armor and weapons have leveled up]

    Ss nced at the series of notifications that popped up before him, taking a moment to catch his breath. A grin flickered across his face as he took in the messages, but he dismissed them quickly. Now wasn''t the time to dwell on his new rewards.

    He had already killed the Realm''s god, and soon, the entire realm would copse. Slowly, he rose to his feet, his body feeling the full brunt of exhaustion as the effects of Apex Rampage Mode wore off. It felt as if his body had been crushed under a train.

    Staggering toward the dead mutant, Ss pulled a small dagger from his pocket and began carving out roughly a hundred quills from its corpse. He stored these quills in his system''s arsenal, then carved out another hundred and ced them in his pouch.

    Once he was certain he had gathered everything he needed, he exited the chamber and began his journey back to the area where he''d left the team.

    ---

    **Outside the Realmˇ­**

    In the portal room, the staff members were still present, waiting for the portal to cool down before powering it up to retrieve the students. Kara stood at the forefront, fingers rubbing her chin while her foot tapped the floor rhythmically. She waited patiently for a moment before ncing at the clock to check the time.

    "It''s time already. Go fetch Sir Dominic so we can proceed," she ordered, directing her gaze toward the bald staff member nearby.

    The man nodded and dashed out of the room. Momentster, he returned with Sir Dominic, who removed his suit jacket and tossed it aside as he approached the portal device.

    "Power it up!" hemanded, rolling up his sleeves. The portal device began to hum, a small blue spark appearing at its center. Gradually, the sparks multiplied, expanding until a full blue portal shimmered into view.

    "All right, let''s go!" Sir Dominic announced, moving toward the portal.

    "Wait!" Kara held him back, her eyes fixed on the portal. "Someone''sing through," she murmured, voice tense.

    """

    A/N: Once again, there will be a mass release on the first of next month. I hope you all support until then by sending in Golden Tickets and Power Stones.

 Chapter 76: Finally back

    "Power it up!" Sir Dominicmanded, his voice edged with urgency as he rolled up his sleeves. The portal device whirred in response, humming louder as energy surged through its core.

    A faint, crackling blue spark appeared at the center, flickering like a distant star. Gradually, the light intensified, each spark fueling the next, until the device erupted in a swirling blue vortex. The portal shimmered, casting an eerie, otherworldly glow that filled the room.

    "Alright, let''s go!" Sir Dominic announced, striding toward the portal with purpose.

    "Wait!" Kara''s voice was sharp as she reached out, halting him in his tracks. Her gaze was fixed intently on the shifting, spiraling blue. "Someone''sing through," she whispered, tension thick in her voice.

    "You''re saying someone made it backˇŞon their own? That''s impossible!" Sir Dominic''s brow furrowed as he peered closer, eyes narrowing in disbelief. Emerging slowly from the portal''s depths was David.

    He staggered into the portal room, clearly shaken. Healers stationed nearby rushed forward, their hands already glowing with a soft light as they prepared to assess his injuries. Sir Dominic strode up to him, his face a mixture of impatience and anxiety.

    "David, right? What happened in there? Where''s the rest of your team? Are theyˇ­ dead?" he asked, the questions spilling out as his mind raced, but David only stared ahead, haunted and silent.

    Momentster, Angelica stumbled through, her eyes bloodshot and swollen from tears. She took in the scene, her gaze settling on Sir Dominic, and something inside her snapped.

    She lunged at him, her voice breaking as she screamed, "You bastards!" She was trembling with rage, her fists clenched, but the academy staff held her back. "Because of you, we lost our friend! Do you even care? It''s all your fault!" Her voice rang out, every wordced with grief and bitterness. Sir Dominic felt his stomach twist as her words sank in.

    "You meanˇ­ someone died?" he stammered, his voice catching. A wave of dread washed over him. "Don''t tell me it was Victor!"

    Before Angelica could respond, Vic himself stumbled through the portal, his knees buckling as he hit the ground, panting. Relief flooded Sir Dominic''s face; he hadn''t even realized he''d been holding his breath. The knowledge that Vic had survived made the burden of the rest of the news just a bit lighter.

    Healers hurried to Vic''s side, checking him over, while Kara lingered near the portal, her face tense, her eyes never leaving the blue whirlpool.

    ''Is heˇ­ really gone?'' she wondered, a hollow feeling growing inside her. She held her breath, her eyes searching the portal''s depths, hoping for onest miracle.

    Then, through the portal''s glow, a shadowed figure emerged, slowlying into focus. It was Ss, and draped over his shoulders was Ivy''s limp, lifeless body. Kara''s eyes widened for a moment, a glimmer of relief flickering through her. But just as quickly, she masked her face with a neutral, guarded expression.

    Ss walked forward, his steps slow and measured, carrying Ivy with a reverence that weighed heavily on the room. As he approached Sir Dominic, he lifted his gaze, piercing through the man with a look that sent an inexplicable shiver down Dominic''s spine, as if Ss were peering straight into his soul.

    "My friend here is dead," Ss said, his tone calm but icily precise. "From what I understand, she had no family outside the academy, so I''m entrusting you to give her a burial fitting of her sacrifice."

    Sir Dominic swallowed hard and nodded. "Weˇ­ deeply regret what happened. Thisˇ­ this was a mistake on our end. But rest assured, those responsible will face consequences." He spoke the words, but they sounded hollow even to himself.

    Ss''s eyes narrowed, his gaze shifting to Sensei Josh, who stood a short distance away, his expression a blend of disbelief and fury.

    ''How in hell did that brat survive?'' Josh fumed internally, struggling to conceal his emotions. ''It had to have been VictorˇŞshielding them, protecting them all.''

    Sir Dominic, sensing Ss''s intensity, shifted uneasily. "What are you implying, son?"

    Ss''s gaze lingered on Josh a moment longer before he turned back to Sir Dominic. "Forget it, sir. It''s not worth exining."

    Sir Dominic exhaled sharply, gathering himself. "Once again, we''re deeply sorry for what happened to your friend. The academy is fully responsible, and we willˇŞ"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    "Sorry?" Angelica''s voice cut through his apology, harsh and raw. "Because of you, Ivy is dead! She''s gone! And all you have to say is that you''re sorry?" Her voice wavered with emotion. "You probably don''t even care, just because she didn''t have anyone to fight for her!" She struggled against the staff holding her back, her grief pouring out in uncontroble waves.

    Sir Dominic, visibly ufortable, avoided her eyes. "I still need to understand what exactly happened in there," he said, turning to the group as a whole. "How did you manage to survive a Grade 5 mutant realm?"

    "Now''s not the time for questions," Vic cut in, stepping forward protectively. "We barely made it out with our lives, and you want to interrogate us? Give us some space." His tone was firm, deliberately shielding Ss from unnecessary attention.

    Sir Dominic gave a stiff nod. "Alright, then. Given what you''ve been through, I''ll end the test and bring the other students back. And don''t worryˇŞyou''ll receive additional marks for your ordeal."

    "Don''t bother with the extra mark," Ss interjected, pulling a small, weathered brown pouch from his belt. He extended it to Dominic, who took it with a slight frown.

    Curious, Sir Dominic loosened the pouch''s drawstring and peered inside. His eyes widened at the sight: a hundred quills from the realm''s god, each one more valuable than anything the other students would find in their Grade 2 realmsbined.

    "I suppose that puts our group at the top of the rankings," Ss remarked dryly. He ced Ivy''s body gently in the hands of one of the healers, then turned and started toward the exit.

    He paused in the doorway, casting onest, cold nce at Sensei Josh, his eyes hardening as they locked onto the man''s face, a silent warning passing between them. Then, without another word, he disappeared into the hallway, his footsteps echoing faintly as he headed toward his dorm.

    As he walked, he was suddenly interrupted by the appearance of a red, shing notification screen that hovered in his line of sight:

    [Apulsory quest has arrived]

 Chapter 77: Lacking attributes

    Ss halted in front of the door, his gaze shifting sideways to where Sensei Josh stood, silently observing the scene. Ss''s eyes narrowed, and he fixed Sensei Josh with a prating, unblinking stare. The intensity in his gaze held for a few heartbeats before he turned away, stepping out of the room with a calm, lethal resolve.

    He strode down the hallway toward his dorm room, each step measured and deliberate.

    As he walked, a sudden, shing red notification appeared before him, hovering like a warning:

    [Apulsory quest has arrived]

    [Quest Info: Apex Predator]

    [More Information: Someone in the academy endangered the host''s life. The host must hunt down this person like an Apex predator and eliminate them.]

    [Kills: 0/1]

    [Duration: 1 week]

    [Reward: (Hidden)]

    [Failure: Death]

    Ss paused mid-step, examining the notification with a slight, dark smile. The quest required him to hunt down the one who had sent him and his group to the Grade 5 mutant realm and exact revenge. Although the system didn''t reveal the person''s identity, Ss already knew who it was.

    Earlier in the day, while the students were stepping through the portals, he''d noticed Sensei Josh lingering near their group''s portal, his expression unreadable yet suspiciously intent. The instant they found themselves in a Grade 5 realm instead of the promised Grade 2, Ss knew who was responsible.

    This wasn''t the first time Ss had shed with Sensei Josh. Josh knew, thoughcked evidence, that Ss was involved in the death of his son and his friend. One witness had survived to tell the story, but the academy dismissed it, insisting that a boy with no active Skill Slot couldn''t possibly have overpowered a group of Grade 3 mutants.

    To everyone else, it seemed impossible; but to Josh, it was a bitter truth he couldn''t let go.

    Fury stirred within Ss, his anger fueled not by the need for self-preservation but by something colder. If Josh had tried to face him alone, Ss might have respected his resolve.

    But the fact that he''d risked the lives of Ss''s entire group just to seek his revenge made Ss''s blood simmer with contempt. This wasn''t just about survival; this was about a man who would sacrifice anyone to satiate his own hatred.

    He didn''t need the system''s encouragement to eliminate Sensei Josh; he''d already nned to. All he needed now was the perfect opportunity. ''You just wait,'' he thought, the corners of his mouth twitching into a dark grin. ''I''ll make you regret it.''

    Ss continued down the hallway, finally arriving at his dorm room. He pushed open the door and entered, closing it behind him with a quiet, final click. Crossing the room, he sat down on his bed, summoning his system''s interface with a flicker of thought.

    ---

    [Name: Ss Griswold]

    [Race: Mutant]

    [Evolution Tier: Tier 4 Soul Devourer]

    [Level: 62]

    [Health: 100/100]

    [Soul Points: 110/200]

    ---

    ### **Attribute Panel:

    - Strength: 50

    - Speed: 29

    - Reflex: 29

    - Agility: 35

    - Intelligence: 30

    - Avable attribute points to distribute: 29

    ---

    ### **Skill Panel:**

    - **Lightning Dash LVL 3:** Boosts speed for 4 seconds. Costs 10 soul points.

    - **Soul ws LVL 3:** Allows ws to extend from fingertips. Costs 1 soul point.

    - **Soul Control LVL 1:** Enables movement of beings with souls, simr to telekinesis but limited to living things at this level.

    ---

    ### **Arsenal:**

    - **Chest Piece Armor (Grade 3)**

    - **Leg Piece Armor (Grade 3)**

    - **Scythe (Grade 4)**

    - **Ghost Mask and Ghost Outfit**

    - **Hedgetant Quills (100)**

    - **Soul Recovery (1)**

    ---

    **[Shop]**

    ---

    Ss scanned through the interface, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. The first thing he noticed was his increase in Evolution Tier. As a Tier 4 Soul Devourer, he could now gain an additional attribute point from each soul he consumed.

    He felt a faint twinge of disappointmentˇŞan extra attribute point was useful, but he''d been hoping for something more substantial with this evolution.

    "I guess each evolution unlocks a little more," he muttered, scrolling through his stats.

    "The more I evolve, the closer I get to a new, more powerful skill set." He reasoned that as a Soul Devourer, his strength came from absorbing others'' attributes. Still, he yearned to evolve beyond the limitations of his current Tier.

    "Once I move past this stage, the real abilities will start to emerge."

    Ss then directed his attention back to his avable points. Deciding to focus on his speed, agility, and reflexes, he began to allocate the points, increasing his stats systematically.

    [10 points added to Speed: 39]

    [10 points added to Reflex: 39]

    [9 points added to Agility: 44]

    He''d intentionally left his strength unchanged. While his strength already surpassed his other attributes, he knew that boosting his agility and reflexes would make him a more versatile and deadly opponent. Satisfied with his distribution, he turned his focus to the skill panel.

    The new active skill he''d unlocked caught his attention, and he read its description with growing interest.

    "Soul Control, huh?" he murmured, considering its potential. "Being limited to living things for now is a bit of a drawback, but once I level this upˇ­" He trailed off, imagining the possibilities. With enough progression, he could conceivably crush a mutant with a mere thought, bypassing physical constraints altogether.

    That kind of power appealed to him, and he made a mental note to start practicing with it immediately.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    Lastly, Ss''s eyes moved to the new panel that had appeared at the bottom of his screen: the shop. Curious, he tapped it, and the interface transformed into a disy of various items, gear, and tools. His eyes lit up with interest as he browsed rows of mutant armor, high-grade weapons, potions, and specialized items.

    One item, a potion designed to fully replenish his soul points, caught his eye. Another item, a unique container, promised to store additional souls, allowing him to save and draw on their energy as needed. Ss scrolled further, noting with quiet excitement the array of advanced gear and equipment he could now ess.

    There were weapons he''d never seen, tools he''d only imagined, and gadgets that could enhance his abilities in ways he''d yet to explore. He stopped to admire a Grade 5 armor piece that promised near-imprable defense, and his mind began spinning with ns.

    A faint smile spread across his face. This was just the beginning; with the right equipment, he would soon be a force unlike any this academy had ever seen.

 Chapter 78: The [Shop]

    Ss tapped the notification, his curiosity getting the best of him. The screen morphed, presenting him with an entirely new interface showcasing a massive inventory of mutant armors, enhanced weapons, and mysterious artifacts. Items shed before him like a treasure trove he could only dream of, each one more alluring than thest.

    His fingers swiped across the screen in awe, his wide eyes reflecting the vast selection of items he had ess to.

    Some of the items drew his attention immediately: a potion that imed to replenish soul points in seconds, simr to his Soul Recovery ability but seemingly even more potent; another item allowed for the storage of extra souls, letting him consume themter as he needed.

    The possibilities in this shop were endless, and Ss felt a pulse of excitement. This was unlike anything he''d seen, and he had no idea where to even begin.

    As he continued to scroll, his gazended on something that sent a thrill through him: the same Grade 5 quills he''d obtained from the Hedgetant were listed here. And the price? A single quill was worth 50,000 tokensˇŞa value double that of an entire Grade 2 mutant''s body parts. Ss''s eyes widened in disbelief as he did the mental calctions.

    "I collected a hundred quills," he murmured, feeling a rush of excitement building up.

    "If I sell them all here, I''d be looking at five million tokens. Five million! Are you kidding me?" His voice was a mixture of shock and exhration, as if he''d hit the jackpot of all jackpots.

    When he''d collected those quills, his intention was to sell them on the ck Market or Blood Market, underground marketces where rare and illegal items exchanged hands.

    These markets dealt in mutant parts, experimental enhancements, and powerful weapons that were difficultˇŞif not impossibleˇŞto find in standard shops. He knew he could turn a decent profit, even if the prices were significantly lower than in regted stores.

    Items that would fetch 1,000 tokens elsewhere could go for as little as 400 or 500 tokens in these markets, simply because the risks were high, and buyers knew it.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    The Blood Market had appealed to him initially because it didn''t ask questions. No one there would wonder how a student had managed to get his hands on a hundred Grade 5 quills, and theck of scrutiny was exactly what Ss needed. He''d been prepared to take the lower price and sacrifice a bit of profit if it meant keeping a low profile.

    "Where did a student get a hundred Grade 5 quills?" he could almost hear a suspicious shopkeeper asking if he tried selling them elsewhere.

    That kind of attention was exactly what he wanted to avoid. But with the academy''s shop now at his fingertips, Ss realized he didn''t need to risk going through the Blood Market anymore. The system would give him double the tokens he''d anticipated, and he wouldn''t have to answer a single question.

    "Five million tokensˇ­" he whispered, hardly daring to believe his luck. "I never imagined I''d have that kind of money in my life." He decided to sell half the quills now, keeping the other half in reserve for future opportunities or emergencies.

    His fingers tapped the screen, and he watched as his stock of quills decreased by fifty. In the top right corner of his screen, his token bnce shot up to 2,500,000 tokens in an instant.

    Ss''s grin stretched wide as he took in the staggering number. The thrill of newfound wealth surged through him, and he returned to scrolling through the shop, wondering what other treasures awaited him.

    As he scanned the listings, his gaze froze on a particr weaponˇŞa scythe that seemed to radiate a dark, enticing energy even from the disy screen. It bore a simr shape to his own scythe, but this one was far more menacing.

    The handle was lined with jagged edges that glowed a vivid red, casting a faint but eerie light around the de. Skull motifs decorated the handle, and strange, intricate symbols were etched along the curve of the de, seeming to pulse as he observed them.

    The name alone piqued his interest, and he clicked on it eagerly.

    [Name: Soul Reaper]

    [Description: Guarantees a 100% hit rate on enemies below Grade 5. Additionally, the scythe drains a portion of the enemy''s soul with each hit, adding to the user''s soul points.]

    [Bonus: Grants +5 strength while equipped.]

    Ss read through the description slowly, his expression shifting from curiosity to excitement, then to something close to reverence.

    "A scythe that can drain my enemies'' souls? That''sˇ­ amazing." His mind raced with the possibilities. This weapon wouldn''t just help him inbat; it would allow him to regain soul points while fighting. No more having to retreat or conserve his powerˇŞhe could charge forward, sustaining himself directly from his opponents.

    "On top of that, it guarantees a sure hit if the enemy''s below its grade." He didn''t need to think twice before he clicked "Purchase." The transactionpleted, and his tokens dropped by a million. Ss barely blinked at the cost; the scythe was worth every token.

    Just as he confirmed the purchase, a brilliant blue light appeared on his bed, shing brightly before settling into a faint glow. When the light dissipated, the Soul Reapery on his bed, the markings on its de casting a red, ominous hue that illuminated his room.

    Ss stepped closer, entranced, and picked up the weapon. The weight was perfect, feeling both powerful and bnced in his grip. As his hand wrapped around the handle, a system notification shed in front of him.

    [Name: Soul Reaper]

    **Strength: 50 (+10)**

    A surge of power coursed through him as he held it, and he couldn''t help the grin that spread across his face. His old scythe had struggled against the Hedgetant''s quills and even more against the orcs'' tough scales in the Grade 5 realm.

    But now, he had a weapon that could pierce any defense, no matter how imprable. And it didn''t just have offensive powerˇŞthe Soul Reaper offered the advantage of keeping his soul points replenished, a feature that could be lifesaving in prolonged battles.

    Pleased, Ss added the scythe to his arsenal and sat back on his bed, still buzzing with anticipation for his next encounter. Now, he was truly ready for anything, and he knew exactly who he wanted to test his new weapon on.

    ---

    Meanwhile, in a different part of the academyˇ­

    In a dimly lit office, Sensei Josh paced restlessly, his hands clenched into fists. His office was small and shadowed, the only lighting from a faint deskmp that cast his expression in stark relief. Beads of sweat glistened on his forehead, and his jaw clenched as he muttered furiously under his breath.

    "How the hell did that little brat survive?" he hissed, the wordsced with anger and a touch of fear. Each step he took echoed through the silent room, a relentless rhythm of frustration. He had meticulously set up the perfect trap, one he''d been sure Ss would never escape. Grade 5 mutant realms were unforgiving, lethal for anyone below their level.

 Chapter 79 Eager to get revenge

    Sensei Josh paced restlessly back and forth in his dimly lit office, his face slick with sweat, his expression a vtile blend of anger and fear. His movements were sharp, jerky, every step brimming with an emotion he barely contained.

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    "How the hell did that bastard survive?" he muttered under his breath, clenching and unclenching his fists as he continued to pace. "I did everything. I swapped the portal devices, set the path, made sure his group went through that portal.

    So why isn''t he dead?!" He let out a roar of frustration, grabbing the edge of his desk and flipping it over, scattering papers, ink bottles, and pens across the floor in a violent crash.

    "That bastard killed my son," he hissed, voice cracking under the weight of his hatred. "I can''t stand seeing him breathing, walking around this academy like he''s untouchable. I tried everythingˇŞI even threw him to the mutants, hoping they''d rip him apart. But somehowˇ­ somehow, it didn''t work."

    He stopped his pacing, staring nkly at the overturned desk, and muttered, "Why didn''t he die in there? How did they survive in a Grade 5 realm?" His voice turned into a low growl as he spected, "Could it have been Vic? Noˇ­ no, Vic is just a Grade 4; he couldn''t have handled it on his own. Somethingˇ­ something fishy must have happened in that realm."

    Josh''s eyes narrowed as a dark thought crept into his mind. "Maybe I was right all along," he whispered. "Maybe Ss did obtain power from the artifact. No one here believes me; they all think he''s nothing but innocent trash with no mutant ability to speak of. But I see through him." His voice trembled, cold sweat trickling down his face as he realized the extent of his own suspicions.

    "If only they''d look deeper, they''d understand the truth about Ss Griswold."

    His fists clenched tighter, and an auraˇŞblue and ominousˇŞbegan to glow faintly around his veiny knuckles.

    "The academy won''t act, and my ns to kill him in the mutant realm didn''t work. I''ll just have to do it with my own two hands," he muttered, his eyes flickering with dark resolve.

    ---

    In another part of the academy, hurried footsteps echoed down a dimly lit hallway as Sir Dominic and Kara strode purposefully. The silence between them held an unspoken tension as they walked, their path lit by the faint glow of wall sconces casting long shadows along the corridor.

    When they finally arrived at Sir Dominic''s office, he pushed the door open, entered without a word, and made his way to his seat with a heavy sigh. Kara closed the door behind her, ncing at him with a watchful, questioning gaze as he settled in.

    Sir Dominic folded his arms, leaning back with an expression of exhausted relief. "I really thought he would dieˇ­ Vic, I mean," he said aloud, his voice carrying a trace of weariness as he looked across at Kara, who stood opposite him, her face stern and attentive. "If Vic had died in there, it would have been a nightmare for this entire academyˇ­ and for me." He leaned forward, his voice dropping.

    "Do you know how powerful the Hardcastle family is, Kara?"

    Kara gave a firm nod. "I know exactly who they are, sir."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    "Then you understand the gravity of the situation." Sir Dominic''s tone turned somber as he continued. "The Hardcastles aren''t one of the Ten Eternal Families, but they hold as much power as the highest-ranking family among them. If Vic had lost his life here, the Hardcastles would have burned every single mutant academy on this continent to the ground.

    No one crosses the Hardcastles, not even the highest authorities in this academy."

    Kara''s expression remained steady, though she couldn''t deny the chill that ran down her spine. The weight of the Hardcastles'' reputation was not lost on her; they were feared across the globe, their reach and influence unmatched.

    Silence stretched between them before Sir Dominic broke it again, this time with a note of concern in his voice. "But how did they survive?" he asked, more to himself than to Kara. "That realm was a Grade 5 zone, and yet they made it out. All except Ivy Forbesˇ­" His words trailed off, and he leaned back, visibly grappling with his thoughts.

    Kara shifted her stance and said, "There were two Grade 4s in the group, sir. Vic and Angelica."

    Sir Dominic nodded thoughtfully. "Vic has his powerful family background, and Angelica shows promiseˇ­ but even so, two Grade 4s alone shouldn''t have been able to clear a Grade 5 realm. We sent in groups of staff membersˇŞstrong, well-trained Grade 3s and 4sˇŞand they didn''te back alive. But Ssˇ­ Ss survived."

    At the mention of Ss, Sir Dominic''s expression darkened, and he leaned forward, resting his arms on the desk. "That boy hase out of a Grade 5 Mutant Realm twice now. Doesn''t that seemˇ­ unusual?"

    Kara tensed slightly, masking her apprehension with a neutral expression, though her mind raced. If Sir Dominic connected the dots, her alliance with Ss coulde under scrutiny. "What are you implying, Sir?" she asked, maintaining a calm tone.

    "The first time Ss entered a Grade 5 realm, the artifact we''d been hunting forˇŞthe Artifact of the Apex MutantˇŞdisappeared without a trace," Sir Dominic exined, his gaze fixed on a distant point in the room as he pieced together his suspicions. "We sensed its power within the realmˇ­ but then it vanished. Either someone took it, or it somehow escaped to another realm."

    Kara''s pulse quickened, though she kept her face carefully neutral.

    "And now," Sir Dominic continued, "a group of students managed to clear a Grade 5 realm with almost no casualtiesˇŞaside from Ivy Forbes. Two Grade 4s and a trio of ''weaklings,'' as some might sayˇ­ shouldn''t have been capable of such a feat. But then I consider Ssˇ­" His voice trailed off, and a troubled look crossed his face.

    "Ss was the only survivor in the first incident, and here he is again in the midst of another improbable victory. It''s almost as if there''s anˇ­ unnatural element in y."

    Kara felt a bead of sweat form at her temple. Her mind raced, formting responses that might deflect his suspicions without arousing further curiosity. "Are you suggesting that Ss isˇ­ hiding something?" she asked, feigning mild surprise.

    Sir Dominic''s brow furrowed, and he spoke in a low, contemtive tone. "When Ss entered the Grade 5 realm the first time, the artifact we were after disappearedˇ­pletely. And now, the group he was with hase out alive, with most of the mutant inhabitants within the realm in." He paused, as if turning over a theory in his mind.

    "Someone in that realm had power beyond their rankˇ­ and the only consistent factor in both incidents is Ss."

    "Butˇ­ but the Mind Reader inspected Ss''s mind," Kara stammered, her voice careful. "She confirmed he was innocent, didn''t she?"

    Sir Dominic''s face darkened further. "At the time, I believed that. But thinking backˇ­ the look on her face when she pulled away from Ssˇ­ it was almost as if she''d seen somethingˇ­ something she hadn''t expected. Somethingˇ­ unsettling."

 Chapter 80 The test has been cancelled!

    "I didn''t think about it too much at that time, but with what just happened, it''s starting to make sense," Sir Dominic remarked, his voice steady yetced with an underlying tension.

    "What do you mean, sir?" Kara inquired, her brow furrowing with curiosity, the air thick with unspoken questions.N?v(el)B\\jnn

    "The look on the mind reader''s face when she ventured into Ss''s mind... it was as if she stumbled upon something she wasn''t supposed to see," Sir Dominic responded, his tone dropping to a near whisper. "It was obvious that the result she received when she delved into his head wasn''t what she was expecting, not in the slightest."

    "So, are you saying she''s hiding something?" Kara pressed, her voice rising slightly with intrigue.

    "Maybe. But what could she possibly be hiding? She''s a Grade 4 mind reader; there''s no way she failed to extract his thoughtsˇ­ unless she failed and concocted a lie to cover up her mistake?" Sir Dominic mumbled, his fingers rubbing his broad chin thoughtfully, deep lines of contemtion etched across his face.

    "The mind reader was a Grade 4, and considering Ss has no mutant abilities, I don''t think she would have struggled when it came to reading his mind," Kara pointed out after a few seconds of reflective silence, her voice steady.

    "But the look on her faceˇ­," Sir Dominic muttered again, his eyes narrowing. "It can''t be a mere coincidence. I refuse to believe it''s just coincidence. Even Josh suspects Ss, which means there''s definitely something unusual about him," he added, frustration creeping into his tone.

    "We both know that Sensei Josh only made thosements because he was enraged over his son''s death and was desperate for someone to me. Ss was the perfect scapegoat for him to vent his fury on," Kara replied, her tone resolute. "But if you have doubts or suspect something, just give the order, and I''ll take care of it," she offered, her voice tinged with respect.

    Sir Dominic sat in silence, his fingers still tracing the contours of his chin, a deep look of contemtion settling over his features. He had dedicated many years of his life to aiding the academy in the search for the artifact. However, unlike the other staff members, Sir Dominic''s motivations ran deeperˇŞhe sought the artifact not for the academy but for his own gain. His ambition was to harness the power of the artifact and force those above him to bow down before him. The thought of finally being close to achieving his goal fueled his determination; he couldn''t let this opportunity slip away.

    After several minutes of silence, the tension thick in the air, Sir Dominic finally spoke up, his voice low yetmanding. "Kara, I want you to go tell the mind reader that I''m requesting her presence in my office. I want some time alone with her. Who knows? I might just uncover the answers I''ve been searching for after my meeting with her," he ordered, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of expectation and determination.

    Kara bowed respectfully, her posture attentive as she turned around and exited the office, the door clicking shut behind her.

    """

    In the portal room, a wave of students was starting to return from the realm after Sir Dominic had issued orders for several staff members to venture inside and clear the realm, thus signaling the end of the test. After the rming incident with Vic''s group, he deemed it prudent to cancel the test entirely, postponing it to ater date when the chaos had settled.

    "I wonder why they had to cancel the test when we only spent less than five hours in there! That''s totally unfair!" a muscr boy with a Grade 4 skill slot around his waist spat vehemently as he emerged from the shimmering blue portal, his group trailing behind him with disgruntled expressions.

    "I was prepared to clear the whole realm so I could snag some juicy body parts to upgrade my gear!" another student chimed in, his enthusiasm matching the frustration of the first boy.

    Following the test, students were instructed to submit half of what they collected in the realm to the academy for assessment and scoring. Once the scores were recorded, the students would then distribute the remaining half of the body parts among their group. However, many students would often y mutants and keep the body parts for themselves, sidestepping submission to their group, hoping to stockpile enough to sell at the Blood Market for tokens to upgrade or purchase weapons.

    "I heard the cancetion of the test has something to do with a group of lower grades," a female student with short brown hair interjected, her voice cutting through the murmur ofints.

    "It''s always the bloody lower grades! They are always the problem! What''s so hard about clearing a Grade 2 realm? Why would anyone have issues in a realm like that?" the muscr boy retorted once more, his disdain palpable.

    "Lower grades shouldn''t be allowed to breathe the same air as us high grades! They shouldn''t even be ssified as humans; they are nothing but burdens and wastes of space!" he dered, his voice dripping with contempt.

    "Watch your tone, hotshot. You don''t know the full story," a staff member interjected as he approached the boy known as Matt, his demeanor calm yet firm.

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    The students around them shifted their gazes toward the staff member, admiration evident in their eyes, while the female students couldn''t help but blush at his presence.

    "What''s there to know? All I know is that the test got canceled because a group of weaklings couldn''t clear a Grade 2 realm, and one of them ended up getting hurt badly," Matt spat, his voiceden with disdain.

    The staff member continued walking toward him, hands casually tucked in his pockets. He had spiky golden hair that obscured his eyes, standing at a towering six feet, d in the navy blue staff uniform. A skill slot with four glowing red bars encircled his waist. Overall, he emanated a youthful charm and an aura that drew attention, the kind of young man every girl dreamed of.

    His name was us.

    "Look, it''s us. We hardly see him around the academy because he''s always on missions. He''s still as handsome as ever," a female student whispered, her cheeks flushed with excitement as her gaze remained fixed intently on us.

    us continued striding forward until he finally halted in front of Matt. Leaning slightly toward him, he spoke in a soft yet firm tone, "They didn''t get into trouble in a Grade 2 mutant realm, blockhead. They identally got transferred to a Grade 5 realm, and that''s why the test was canceled." His words hung in the air, eliciting gasps of shock and disbelief from the surrounding students, their eyes widening at the unexpected revtion.

    """

    A/N: Done with the mass release of five chapters. Gifts and tickets will be appreciated! Thanks for reading!

 Chapter 81 Klaus

    The room was thick with a tense, disbelieving energy. Voices echoed off the metal walls as students murmured amongst themselves, eyes wide with shock.

    "What? Did he just say Grade 5 mutant realm?!"

    "I thought we were only supposed to be sent to a Grade 2 realm for the test! What does he mean by Grade 5?!"

    "How did they survive if it was a Grade 5?!"

    The whispers quickly turned to a low hum of panic and incredulity, faces filled with disbelief and fear. Students exchanged nces, trying to process the weight of us''s words.

    Standing among them, Matt''s face twisted in confusion. He muttered, almost to himself, "Grade 5?" His gaze bore into us as if he needed to make sure he''d heard right.

    us gave a casual shrug, his tone sharp but devoid of remorse. "Yeah, that''s correct,d. There was a mistake on our end. That mistake dropped your fellow students into a Grade 5 realm instead of a Grade 2. They lost a member, but the rest of them made it out fine." us took a step closer, his boots echoing ominously in the silence that followed. "So let''s make this clearˇŞthe test wasn''t canceled because they got injured in a lower-graded realm. It was canceled because they barely made it back alive. Now quit the chatter and get back to your dorm rooms."

    He dismissed the crowd with a sweeping gesture. Matt and his teammates exchanged a somber nce before nodding and turning away. Slowly, the other students followed suit, shuffling down the hallway, casting asional nces back at us.

    Once the portal room emptied, us lingered, watching thest of them disappear down the hall. He let out a slow breath and adjusted his cor, slipping his hands into his pockets as he strode into the corridor. The click of his heels reverberated against the stone floors as he headed toward his next destination, his gaze shadowed by his thick, unruly hair.

    As us rounded a corner, he spotted Kara walking toward him with her usual determined stride. She wasn''t looking for him specifically; rather, this hallway just happened to lead to her intended destinationˇŞthe Mind Reader''s office.

    Kara continued forward, her footsteps steady, her eyes narrowing slightly as she noticed using closer. She stopped in her tracks a few feet from him, her expression neutral but guarded.

    "Kara, good to see you," us greeted, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

    "Good to see me?" Kara''s tone was edged with mockery as she looked him over. "Hard to believe you can even see me with that hair covering half your face."

    us chuckled, clearly amused. "I''ve told you countless timesˇŞI can see just fine, even with my hair in my eyes. And you know why I keep it like this."

    Kara rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. "Yeah, yeah. Something to do with yourˇ­ unique ability." She scoffed lightly. "So, you''re back from the mission. How did it go?"

    us''s smirk faded, reced by a more serious look. "No trace of the Sycrax species here on Earth. But we found one of their outposts on hari. The base was deserted, thoughˇŞseemed they cleared out fast."

    Kara''s eyebrows lifted, her curiosity piqued. "So, what did you find?"

    us reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small, crimson switch. Its surface was smooth and metallic, glinting in the dim hallway light. He handed it to Kara, who took it carefully, her brow furrowing as she inspected the device.

    She turned it over, examining every angle, but her confusion only deepened. After a long silence, she looked up, puzzled. "What is this supposed to be?"

    "You don''t know?" us''s voice was thick with mock surprise. "And here I thought you were one of the academy''s best."

    Kara''s eyes shed with irritation. "If I knew, us, I wouldn''t be asking." Her tone was biting.

    us sighed, his yful demeanor giving way to a more serious one. "That''s a portal switch. Powers up a specific type of portal, designed to transport beings from one realm to another. It can move someone from a distant to a mutant realm, or even from one mutant realm to another."

    Kara''s eyes widened as he continued.

    "High-level mutantsˇŞGrade 4s and 5s, specificallyˇŞsometimes use these when they realize they can''t survive in their own realms. They hop through these portals, looking for a safer ce, but that often hasˇ­ unintended consequences. When a mutant realm suddenly has new, powerful upants, its Grade can spike. For instance, a Grade 3 realm could shift up to a 4 or even a 5 if a powerful enough entity entered."

    Kara''s jaw tightened, understanding dawning on her. "And the Sycrax? Are they trying to build one to Earth?"

    "They wish." us''s lips twisted into a grim smile. "They''ve been trying for years. But they know it''s next to impossible. So, they''ve shifted their focus. They''re working on creating a portal to a mutant realm instead. They figure that if they can infiltrate a high-Grade realm and cause chaos, the realm will eventually copse. When that happens, the barriers weaken, andˇŞboomˇŞthe Sycrax species and any other trapped mutants will spill out into our world. It''s their way in without breaking the rules."

    Kara''s expression darkened, realization settling heavily on her. "That''sˇ­ catastrophic. We need to warn Sir Dominic and the others."

    "Not yet, Kara." us held up a hand. "I''m still gathering intel. This could be a false lead, and we don''t need to start a panic without proof. Give me a little more time. If my suspicions are right, I''ll inform Dominic myself."

    He took a step forward, his smirk returning. "Now, you were on your way somewhere, right? So get moving, Kara. I''d hate to keep you from your duties because you were chatting with the most arrogant staff member in the academy." His grin widened. "Not that I''m not better than everyone hereˇŞbut you''re certainly not among the elite, Kara."

    Kara''s re could''ve melted steel. Without another word, she brushed past him, heading toward the Mind Reader''s office, irritation radiating from her like heat.

    Several minutester, the Mind Reader arrived at Sir Dominic''s office. She paused just inside the doorway, taking in his imposing figure seated behind the dark, expansive desk. His arms were folded, a look of quiet calction on his face.

    Dominic''s eyes flicked to Kara. "Wait outside, Kara. I need a private word with her."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    His voice was deep and steady, carrying a weight that made Kara instinctively nod before stepping out and closing the door softly behind her. As the door shut, the Mind Reader''s eyes met Dominic''s, and in his expression, she saw something that made her pulse quickenˇŞa seriousness that hinted he knew more than he was letting on.

 Chapter 82 Are you lying?

    Mary, the grade 4 mind reader, stepped hesitantly into the office. Her eyes fell upon Sir Dominic, who sat across the room, arms folded tightly across his chest, his eyes dark and unwavering. The silence between them was thick and unforgiving, pressing down on her shoulders like a weight.

    "Go wait outside, Kara. I need to have a serious conversation with Mary here," Sir Dominicmanded in a tone that brooked no argument.

    Kara inclined her head slightly, giving a respectful bow before she slipped out of the office, the door clicking shut behind her. Sir Dominic''s gaze shifted sharply to Mary, pinning her in ce.

    "Please, have a seat, Mary," he gestured to the vacant chair opposite him, his tone deceptively polite.

    Mary obeyed instantly, lowering herself into the chair with a forced calmness, even as her heart began to thud ufortably in her chest. She swallowed, ncing at him warily.

    "Is thereˇ­ a problem, sir?" she asked, her voice slightly strained, betraying the tension crackling in the air.

    "There will only be a problem if you don''t answer my questions truthfully," Sir Dominic replied, his tone steely. Each word was measured,yered with a quiet intensity that seemed to squeeze the air from the room. "I want you to answer my questions truthfully, Mary. Can you do that for me?"

    Mary''s mouth felt dry, but she managed a slight nod. "Of course, sir. Go aheadˇŞI have nothing to hide."

    Sir Dominic''s eyes narrowed, a shadow of suspicion crossing his face. "Let''s hope you don''t." He leaned forward, his hands resting on the polished surface of his desk as his gaze bore into hers. "You remember a student named Ss Griswold?" His tone was cold, unyielding.

    Mary''s pulse quickened. "The boy you asked me to read a few days ago? Yes, sir. I remember him."

    A faint nod from Sir Dominic. "Good. And was heˇ­ truly innocent? When you went into his head, did you find anything that would suggest otherwise?" His voice was dangerously soft, as if daring her to lie.

    "Yes, sir." Mary swallowed, willing her voice to stay steady. "I couldn''t find any memories of him harming Sensei Josh''s son, or anything rted to the artifact. He''s innocent, sir."

    Sir Dominic stood slowly, smoothing his suit as he took measured steps toward her. Each footfall echoed in the room, a reminder of his authority and her vulnerability. He stopped a mere pace away, looking down at her with an unreadable expression.

    "Are you sure?" he asked, his voice a low rumble, each word weighted with expectation.

    Mary''s heart drummed wildly in her chest. She forced herself to keep her face calm, but she could feel the tension tightening around her. "Y-yes, sir. Ssˇ­ isn''t guilty of what Sensei Josh ims he did," she murmured, her voice barely a whisper.

    Sir Dominic''s gaze lingered on her face for an excruciatingly long moment before he took another step, moving to stand just behind her. She felt the heat of his presence at her back, a silent, oppressive force.

    "Are you telling me the truth, Mary? Or are you covering something up? Did your ability fail in any way?" His hand reached forward, fingers lightly grazing a strand of her hair. He twirled it between his fingers absently, the gesture so casual yet strangely unsettling.

    "Why would I lie, sir?" Mary''s voice was barely steady. "Besides, with Sscking an active skill slot, my ability couldn''t have failed. I''ve never failed you before, sir."

    Sir Dominic''s fingers continued to twist her hair, each turn a subtle reminder of his control. "True. You''ve never failed meˇ­ yet. But with what''s been happeningtely, I''m beginning to question many things." He leaned closer, his tone almost a whisper. "When you entered his mind, I saw the look on your face. You lookedˇ­ surprised. Can you tell me why?"

    Mary was silent for a few agonizing seconds. The real reason for her surprise gnawed at herˇŞSs''s mind had been a nk te, void of any memory, as if he were newly born. She had never encountered anything like it before, and the mere thought of telling Sir Dominic made her stomach twist. He would never ept her inability to read the mind of a "worthless student," and if her failure became known, she could lose everything.

    "Well, I was surprised becauseˇ­ there were some memories I saw that weren''t veryˇ­ pleasant," she finally said, forcing her voice to sound steady.

    Sir Dominic''s eyebrows arched, a flicker of interest sparking in his eyes. "What kind of memories?"

    She took a steadying breath. "I saw him purchasing illegal items from the Blood Market. Energy pills, sir. It seems he was desperate to defend himself against the bullying he''s been enduring."

    "Energy pills?" Sir Dominic''s tone sharpened. "So you''re telling me he could''ve had a hand in Sensei Josh''s son''s death? Sensei Josh did mention something about Ss taking those pills."

    "No, sir. I didn''t see any memory of him harming anyone. Just that heˇ­ bought the pills, knowing the risk if he were caught." Mary''s voice grew faint, her stomach churning at the half-truth.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

    They both knew the punishment for a student caught with Energy pills. The Jingling Bars, a notorious prison where offenders were forced into gruelingbor and sent to mutant realms to serve as expendable muscleˇŞa ce no one wanted to end up.

    Sir Dominic let out a heavy sigh, seeming momentarily defeated. He turned and walked back to his desk, folding his arms as he leaned back in his chair, watching her thoughtfully.

    "Fine. We won''t send him to the Jingling Bars. The academy still needs him, for now. But he will be punished for using those pills," he said, voice dark and final. "Mary, I''m choosing to believe youˇ­ for now. But if I find out you lied," his tone hardened, "I''ll make sure your lifeˇŞand the lives of everyone you hold dearˇŞare turned inside out. I know exactly where your family is hiding, and it would take me no time at all to pay them a visit if I felt it necessary."

    Mary felt a cold wave of fear sweep over her. She forced herself to stand, keeping her gaze low as she moved to the door, her heart pounding with each step. She could feel Sir Dominic''s eyes boring into her back, like a shadow she could never escape. She slipped out of the room, hastening down the hall, the threat ringing in her ears, refusing to let her forget that her every move, every word, was under his watchful eye.

 Chapter 83 Punishment

    Three days had passed since the tragedy in the Grade 5 realm. While the academy''s buzz had shifted to more routine topics, the loss of Ivy Forbes lingered in the minds of those closest to her. Most students had already moved on, their memories of the incident fading as quickly as the rumors that followed. But for Angelica and her small circle of friends, Ivy''s death was still a raw, open wound that stung each day.

    Angelica had been hit the hardest. Ivy had been more than just a friend; she had been like a sister. Since her family had disowned her for manifesting a lightning ability instead of the expected ice powers, Ivy had been one of the few constants in her life, her unwavering support in a world that often felt hostile.

    Angelica now walked through the academy''s halls with a hollow look in her eyes, her usual energy drained, her grief visible in her every step. Ss had seen it allˇŞthe sleepless nights, the far-off stares, the silent tears she tried to hide.

    He was trying his best to support her, though he still couldn''t fully grasp his own feelings about Ivy''s death. His initial anger had been a zing fury, but after that faded, he feltˇ­ empty, somehow numb. Still, he pushed aside his detachment, doing what he could to help Angelica through her mourning.

    Vic, too, had felt the loss deeply, but he had managed to pull himself out of his grief, a stoic mask hiding whatever pain still lingered. He handled it his own way, perhaps seeking sce in keeping the group grounded, acting as the anchor while Angelica struggled and Ss wrestled with emotions he couldn''t understand. For David, it was harder to read his feelings, as he often sat silently, his gaze distant, a shadow over his normally lively spirit.

    Ss''s system, however, had remained disturbingly quiet since the incident. No new quests, no updates, only the looming threat of his upletedpulsory missionˇŞthe order to hunt down and kill Sensei Josh. It gnawed at him, a constant reminder that he couldn''t rest, couldn''t rx, until it was done. Yet finding a way toplete it wasn''t easy; he had been seeking the right opportunity, but so far, nothing had aligned in his favor.

    Ss dressed in his academy uniform and took a moment to look at his reflection. His once dark hair was now streaked with snow-white strands, the result of hispleted evolution quest.

    It had started as a few stray strands, but now nearly half of his hair had turned, an almost ghostly change that he suspected would soon take overpletely. He noted the cold look in his own eyes, a reflection of the numbness he couldn''t shake. Sighing, he straightened his uniform and left his room.

    The cafeteria was already crowded by the time he arrived. The tter of trays and the hum of conversation filled the air as students crowded around tables, busy with their meals and animated chatter. Ss quickly scanned the room, spotting Vic and David sitting a few tables away. He made his way through the crowd and took a seat with them.

    "Morning, man," Vic greeted, giving him a quick fist bump.

    Ss returned the gesture, noting David''s silence as he sipped his drink, seemingly lost in thought. Ss couldn''t help but nce around for Angelica, hoping to see a hint of her usual presence.

    "Where''s Angelica?" he asked, concern evident in his voice.

    "She skipped breakfast," Vic replied, sounding resigned. "Said she wasn''t hungry and went straight to the dojo. She''s probably venting out her anger on the punching bag."

    Ss nodded, understanding. "Makes sense. Ivy was like family to herˇ­ She''s going to need a lot of time to process this."

    Vic sighed, setting his drink down, his gaze dropping. "She''s been through hell. First, her own family turns their backs on her, and now she loses the one person she trustedpletely. It''s all because of her lightning powers instead of the ice they expected. The academy treats her like an outsider, just because she''s different. She''s got no one else but us now. We have to stand by her, no matter what."

    Ss felt the weight of Vic''s words, the silent pact between them. They all knew what Angelica''s life had been like. The academy wasn''t a kind ce to those who didn''t fit its rigid molds. She had be one of themˇŞthe only family she had left.

    They ate quietly, each of them lost in their own thoughts. After a while, they headed their separate ways. Ss walked toward thebat ss, his mind drifting to Angelica''s state and how he might be able to help her heal, if he could. His thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice calling out to him.

    "Ss!"

    He turned to see Kara approaching, her gaze sharp and assessing. Ss felt a chill run down his spine. He knew better than to take her presence lightly; her questions always seemed to dig deeper than anyone else''s.

    "Good morning, Mrs. Kara," he greeted her with a slight bow, forcing himself to maintain a calm expression.

    Kara''s lips curved into a slight smirk, but her eyes held a hint of something else. "You''re lookingˇ­ well, Ss. A bit too well, if you ask me, for someone who faced down a god in a Grade 5 realm."

    Ss''s fingers twitched, but he kept his face neutral. "I''m just on my way to ss. If this isn''t urgentˇ­"

    "Hold on," Kara interrupted, crossing her arms, her gaze sharpening. "I won''t keep you long. Just one question. Was it you who killed the realm''s god?"

    Ss took a steadying breath, meeting her eyes. "Yes, it was me."

    Find more to read on empire

    Kara''s expression didn''t change; it was as if she had already known and simply needed confirmation. "Your powers have spiked beyond what''s expected of someone at your level. So fastˇ­ almost unnaturally fast."

    Ss clenched his jaw, his eyes hardening. "When you''ve spent most of your life being weak, you don''t waste a chance to change that. Weakness isn''t an option anymore."

    Kara''s gaze softened slightly, but her tone remained cautious. "I get wanting to protect yourself. But the rate you''re growingˇ­ it''s almost unsettling, even to those who know you."

    Ss didn''t flinch. "There are people who want what I have, people who would do anything to take it from me. If theye for me, I need to be ready."

    Kara held his gaze, something unreadable flickering in her eyes. After a moment, she gave a slight nod, seeming to ept his answer. "Alright. I just needed to make sure there was nothing elseˇ­ hidden. But before you go, there''s one more thing you need to know."

    Ss''s brows furrowed as he stopped in his tracks, ncing back at her.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

    "Mary, the mind readerˇ­ she told Sir Dominic about your dealings. About the energy pills you''ve been getting from the Blood Market."

    Ss felt his stomach drop, his blood running cold. He knew exactly what that revtion meant. The Jingling Bars. The academy''s punishment for students caught trafficking or using restricted items.

 Chapter 84 Substitute sensei

    Ss''s heart hammered in his chest as he processed Kara''s words. The usation of using energy pills was absurd, but the implications were dangerous, and his mind raced with possibilities. "What do you mean, energy pills? I''ve never used those in my life!" he blurted out, disbelief painting his features.

    Kara rolled her eyes, amusement dancing in her expression. She closed the distance between them, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Rx, Griswold. It''s obvious you didn''t use any. Mary, the mind reader, fabricated that story because she couldn''t read you. It''s not something she wants anyone finding out, so she spun that little lie. If you''re smart, you''ll keep ying along." The glint in her eyes suggested she found his panic amusing, and a small smirk tugged at the corners of her mouth.

    Ss could feel the anxiety tightening in his chest. The thought of being sent to the jingling barsˇŞa notorious detention facility where students faced severe punishmentˇŞmade his stomach churn. "So I''m off to the jingling bars, then?" he asked, his voice thick with dread.

    "Not quite," Kara replied, her expression shifting to one of seriousness. "Sir Dominic mulled it over and decided to put you on punishment detailˇŞthree weeks as a porter and picker. You''ll be among the staff raiding a low-grade realm, working without pay orpensation. Think of it as munity service.''" Her tone suggested she thought the punishment was fitting, if not a bit amusing.

    Ss took a moment to process her words, a mixture of relief and curiosity flooding through him. While he hadn''t envisioned such a fate, he saw a silver lining in it. Being part of a raid could potentially lead to level-ups, hidden rewards, or at least some valuable experience. Suppressing a smirk, he replied, "That sounds fair enough."

    Kara nodded, her expression softening momentarily. After a quick farewell, he turned and left her, heading toward the dojo. As he walked through the academy''s bustling corridors, students hurried past him, someughing and others exchanging heated discussions. The cacophony of voices faded into the background as he focused on the anticipation of the training ahead.

    Pushing open the heavy wooden doors to the dojo, Ss was greeted by the familiar scent of sweat, polished wood, and an undercurrent of determination that permeated the air. The sight before him was familiar yet slightly jarring. Students were already lined up in their crisp red gis, forming neat rows as they faced a man standing imposingly on a raised tform at the front.

    Ss''s brow furrowed in confusion. The man wasn''t Sensei Josh; instead, a wiry figure with hollowed cheeks and a shock of graying hair at the center of his bald headmanded attention. He looked like a specter, a ghost of someone who had endured too many battles. ''Where''s Josh?'' Ss wondered, an unsettling feeling creeping over him as he walked into the dressing room to put on his own gi, the fabric familiar against his skin.

    Re-emerging, Ss stood beside Angelica, who remained stoic, her gaze fixed on the sensei with a intensity that seemed to exclude everyone else from her world. "Good morning. You didn''te for breakfast," Ss ventured, trying to bridge the gap.

    Her eyes flicked to him briefly, cold and unyielding. "I wasn''t hungry," she replied, her tone dismissive and final. Ss felt the sting of her indifference, but he held his ground, unwilling to retreat.

    On the tform, the substitute sensei spoke, his voice brittle but clear. "Sensei Josh is unwell, so I''ll be leading today''s lesson. My name is Sensei Sam, and I''ll introduce you to a special move: the flying tornado kick."

    Ss felt a thrill of interest spark within him as Sensei Sam exined the maneuver. "The flying tornado kick requires you to leap into the air, spin around, and deliver a kick while your enemy''s defense is down. This move is particrly effective when your opponent is focused solely on your hands, believing you can only strike with your fists. The moment you see an opening, you leap and strike with your leg!" He demonstrated the move,unching into the air with astonishing grace, twisting his body as he spun three times before delivering a powerful kick that sliced through the air.

    The students stood in awe, their eyes widening as hended effortlessly, a look of control etched on his face. A thunderous apuse erupted, filling the dojo with excitement as Sensei Sam stepped back, a faint smile breaking his stoic facade.

    Once the apuse subsided, Sensei Sammanded the students to pair up and begin practicing. Ss turned to Angelica, hoping for a chance to reconnect, but before he could voice his request, she had already started walking away, leaving him standing there, the weight of her dismissal palpable. "AngelicaˇŞ" he called out, but she ignored him, opting to join a different group of students who were allughing and chatting.

    Just then, a voice sounded behind him, smooth and confident,ced with a teasing tone. "Seems your girlfriend just ditched you, huh?"

    Ss turned, meeting the gaze of a smirking boy with long brown hair that brushed against his shoulders, skin the color of rich chocte, and a slightly muscr build that spoke of training and discipline. A glint from a Grade 3 skill slot at his waist caught Ss''s eye, drawing his attention further. Your next journey awaits at empire

    "And you are?" Ss asked, eyeing the neer warily as he strode closer.

    "Sebastian," the boy introduced himself, extending a hand, the confidence radiating from him. "But you can call me Seb."

    "What do you want?" Ss shot back, barely sparing a nce at the offered handshake.

    Seb didn''t falter, though a hint of embarrassment flickered across his face as he dropped his hand. "I know about you, Ss. You''re kind of famous around hereˇŞthe trash with no skill slot," he said with a smirk, his tone teasing but also inquisitive.

    Ss''s expression hardened at thement, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. "So, are you here to mock me or what?" he demanded, his patience wearing thin.

    "No, no, I''m not here to mock you," Seb replied with a slight chuckle, attempting to diffuse the tension. "I was actually impressed by your fight against Billy and his minions in the cafeteria. It got me curious. Just how strong can someone be without an ability? I want to see for myself. So, what do you say? Let''s be partners for today''s training."

    Ss narrowed his eyes, skepticismcing his features. "Whatever you think you saw, it''s none of your business. I''d advise you to stay out of my way." With that, he turned his back on Seb and walked away, leaving the boy momentarily stunned.

    As Ss crossed the dojo floor, a strange prickle crept up his spine, a sensation that somethingˇŞor someoneˇŞwas watching him intently.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    He paused, ncing toward the entrance, where the door was slightly ajar. A shadowed figure lurked just beyond the threshold, their gaze fixated on him with an intensity that sent a chill through his bones. The lingering sense of being scrutinized gnawed at him, but before he could assess the situation further, the figure slipped away, leaving Ss with a  feeling of unease.

 Chapter 85 Shady boy

    The dojo buzzed with energy as students selected their partners, pairing off to practice the dynamic new move that Sensei Sam had just demonstrated. Laughter and spirited conversation filled the air, punctuated by the thuds of fists against palms and feet against the floor.

    It was a cacophonny of enthusiasm and determination, yet amidst all the activity, Ss and Seb remained still, an ind of tension in a sea of motion. They stood several meters apart, watching the others train, the sound of their peers'' training seeming to fade into the background.

    "Come on, man. I mean you no harm. I just wanna train," Seb urged, his gaze flicking toward Ss, who stood with his arms crossed, his expression inscrutable.

    Ss hesitated, his mind churning with uncertainty. He didn''t want to partner with Seb, especially after the things he''d said, but the reality was undeniableˇŞthere was no one else avable. He let out a frustrated sigh, his breath escaping in a rush of resignation, before he trudged toward Seb, taking his ce opposite him with a hardened look etched on his face. The dojo''s atmosphere shifted slightly, the air growing thicker as they prepared to face off.

    "Remember what Sensei said," Seb instructed, enthusiasm bubbling beneath his words. "Fight your opponent until you find an opening. Once you find it, seize the opportunity and strike with the flying tornado kick." With a nod, Ss settled into a fighting stance, feeling the familiar pulse of adrenaline begin to rise within him.

    Seb clenched his fists tightly, excitement dancing in his eyes as he charged forward, his movements fluid and lightning-quick. Ss remained calm, steadying himself as he watched Seb close the distance between them. Just as Seb reached striking distance, he pulled back his right arm, his fist aimed squarely at Ss''s face, propelled by the sheer force of his momentum.

    The fist shot forward, but at thest possible moment, Ss took a few steps back, expertly evading the blow. Seb''s punch met only air, frustration briefly flickering across his features. Without missing a beat, Seb closed in again,unching a second punch with renewed determination, this time with an aggressive follow-through.

    Ss sidestepped deftly, his body moving almost instinctively to avoid the iing strike. "You''re quite fast, Ss," Seb remarked, a grin splitting his face, clearly reveling in the challenge.

    "Or maybe you''re just too slow for a trash like me to find it easy to dodge?" Ss shot back, a smirk of his own curling at the corners of his lips. Seb chuckled, undeterred by the jab, and pressed forward again.

    This time, Seb stepped into striking distance, his fist aimed squarely at Ss''s chest. Ss reacted in a heartbeat, swerving to the side and dodging effortlessly, not even breaking a sweat as he slipped past Seb''s attack. With a surge of confidence, Ss countered, swinging his own punch with unanticipated speed and power. His fist shot through the air, the force behind it palpable and potent.

    Seb''s eyes widened in surprise as he recognized the potential impact of Ss''s punch. Just a few meters away, the strike seemed like a freight train bearing down on him. In a split-second decision, Ss pulled back slightly, intentionally reducing the punch''s momentum.

    BAM!

    Seb managed to cross his arms in a desperate attempt to shield himself, but even with the reduced force, the impact reverberated through him. The blow pushed him back several steps, the shock of it leaving him momentarily stunned.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    "WhaˇŞwhat the..." Seb muttered, gritting his teeth against the lingering pain that shot through his arms. He regained his bnce and stared at Ss, a mix of astonishment and exhration crossing his features. ''Even his weakest strike packs a punch,'' he thought, a grin still stered on his face as he contemted Ss''s surprising strength.

    After a brief moment to collect himself, Seb charged at Ss again, swinging another punch. Ss, quick on his feet, blocked the punch with his left arm, anticipating the next strike that was already on its way.

    Seb aimed a second punch at Ss''s face, which Ss also deftly blocked, deflecting the impact with minimal effort. Before he could catch his breath, Seb unleashed a relentless barrage of punches, a flurry of fists aimed at Ss, each oneing with speed and power.

    Yet Ss found the strikes almost too easy to counter. With a blend of agility and calm focus, he sidestepped and blocked each punch, a smirk growing on his face as he danced around Seb''s attacks. It was as if the world had slowed down for him, allowing him to analyze each movement, each feint.

    Seb finally paused, breathing heavily, clearly frustrated. Seizing the opportunity, he leaped into the air, performing a spectacr spin before delivering a powerful kick aimed straight at Ss''s head. Ss watched the kick approach, his eyes narrowing. Instead of dodging, he stood firm, a calcted decision coursing through him.

    PAH!

    The kick connected with Ss''s face, sending him sliding backwards, the impact jarring but not debilitating.

    "Good! That''s what I''m talking about!" Sensei Sam eximed, his voice booming across the dojo as he witnessed the exchange unfold. "Guys, we have a student who has mastered this skill, so I don''t understand why you all find it so difficult!" He red at the rest of the students, disappointment etched on his face.

    Seb approached Ss, disbelief evident in his expression. "You did that on purpose, didn''t you?" he asked, his tone low and conspiratorial.

    "Did what?" Ss replied, feigning innocence, confusion flickering across his features.

    "You could have dodged that kick easily but you didn''t. That''s the same thing you did when you fought against Angelica on that tform. You lose on purpose so you can end the fight quickly. That just proves you''re truly hiding something, man." Seb''s eyes gleamed with intrigue, the smirk on his face growing more pronounced.

    Ss felt the air grow heavy around them, tension crackling as he stepped closer to Seb. He could feel his heart racing, and a chill washed over him as he clenched his right fist slowly, an unintentional signal of warning.

    "Who the hell are you and what exactly are you after?" Ss questioned, his voice cold and edged with something darker. As he advanced, an inexplicable force seemed to tighten around Seb''s neck, an invisible grip that sent shivers down his spine.

    ''What the...? What''s going on?'' Seb thought frantically, panic coursing through him as he struggled against the unseen pressure. Sweat beaded on his forehead as he grasped at his throat, desperate for relief.

    [Active skill: Soul Control is being used]

    With each slow clench of Ss''s fist, the grip around Seb''s neck intensified, squeezing the breath from his lungs.

    "Let me give you a warning, man. Stay the hell away from me or you''ll regret it," Ss hissed, his tone chilling and unwavering. As he released his fist, the invisible force dissipated, and Seb dropped to his knees, gasping for air, relief flooding through him as he regained control over his body.

    Ss turned on his heel, striding away towards the rest of the students, leaving Seb kneeling in shock, struggling to catch his breath.

    Hourster, thebat ss concluded, and the atmosphere buzzed with energy as students exchanged stories and celebrated their newfound skills. Ss scanned the room, hoping to find Angelica among them, but his heart sank when he realized she had slipped away unnoticed. It was clear she was avoiding him, and frustration bubbled within him. Find more chapters on empire

    Shrugging off the disappointment, Ss decided to head to the cafeteria to find his friends, Vic and David. As he walked, his wristwatch chimed softly, pulling his attention. A text from David lit up the screen, causing a frown to crease Ss''s brow.

    "Meet me in the storeroom... Me and Vic have something important to tell you."

    Curiosity piqued, Ss quickened his pace, his mind racing with possibilities. He wondered what urgent news could draw them away from their usual hangout. It crossed his mind that perhaps it had something to do with Angelica and her sudden distance, and he felt a twinge of anxiety as he headed toward the storeroom.

    ---

    Somewhere else in the academy, Vic navigated the quiet corridors, his mind racing with excitement. He had just finished speaking with a group of female students who had summoned him to confess their feelings, and he could hardly contain his glee. The anticipation of sharing the news with David and Ss fueled his steps as he approached the entrance to the main building.

    But as he advanced, his gaze fell upon a figure sprawled on the floor several meters ahead. "David?" he blurted out, recognition striking him like a bolt of lightning. He hurried toward his friend, fear gripping his heart as he dropped to his knees beside David, whoy there badly injured, barely conscious.

    "What the hell happened, man? Who did this to you?" Vic demanded, his voice a mix of anger and concern, a storm brewing within him as he took in David''s state.

    With great effort, David lifted his left arm slightly, pointing toward his wrist.

    "Your wristwatch is gone," Vic said, his eyes darting to David''s wrist, where the familiar piece of technology should have been. Panic surged through him. What had happened? Why was David lying here, vulnerable and hurt?

    """

    A/N: Done with thest batch for today.

    Gifts will be very much appreciated.

    Thanks for reading my work! (? ???¨Ś??? ?)

 Chapter 86 Confronting Sensei Josh

    Ss walked down the dimly lit hallway, his footsteps echoing softly off the stone walls as he approached the storeroom where David had asked to meet.

    The silence in this secluded part of the academy was almost suffocating, a stark contrast to the bustling training areas and livelymon spaces. It felt eerieˇŞtoo quiet, too removed from the rest of the buildings. Ss''s mind raced with questions about the urgency and secrecy behind David''s message, wondering if it might finally exin Angelica''s strange behavior since they returned from the Grade 5 realm.

    For days, Angelica had been distant, as if burdened by something she couldn''tˇŞor wouldn''tˇŞshare. She avoided eye contact, barely spoke, and seemed to drift into her thoughts whenever Ss tried to reach out. Whatever was eating at her, Ss was determined to find out. Maybe David and Vic could help him understand what was going on.

    Ss finally arrived at the storeroom. The door stood ajar, casting a narrow strip of light onto the dusty floor. Shadows flickered across the dimly lit room, where remnants from battles pasty abandoned. Ancient equipment and weaponry, relics from the war with the mutants, were scattered around, each piece a reminder of old, bloodstained memories.

    Rusting weapons, heavy machines once used to extract mutant abilities from cores, and the asional cracked skill slot were strewn across the room. Thick webs stretched between forgotten objects, giving the room an even more sinister air.

    As Ss ventured further in, his eyes narrowed on a strange, faint glow from the corner. An old portal device, powered up and humming softly, stood out among the ruins. The other devices were either broken or dormant, their power drained years ago. But this one was active, its pale light casting an unsettling hue over the room.

    "What the...?" Ss muttered, his gaze fixated on the portal. "Why is this portal randomly powered up? And where the hell are David and Vic?"

    Just as he began to turn around, a sudden, forceful shove from behind sent him stumbling forward. He couldn''t react in time as he was propelled straight into the portal, which swallowed him whole before closing, leaving the storeroom silent once more.

    Back in the room, a female student stood where Ss had been moments ago, her face pale and her hands trembling as she looked at the spot where he vanished. Her eyes darted around nervously, panic written across her face.N?v(el)B\\jnn

    "I... I did it. I just sent him to his grave," she whispered, her voice barely audible as she struggled to steady her breath. Her heart pounded wildly in her chest, as if aware of the gravity of her actions.

    ---

    Ss reappeared in a destendscape that felt like a twisted mirror of reality. The sand beneath his feet was an eerie, blood-red color, much like the realm he had visited during his first evolution quest. Dust clouds rose around him, and in the distance, mountains crumbled, sending tremors through the ground. The entire realm seemed on the brink of copse.

    Ss scanned the barren horizon, his expression a mix of confusion and anger, until his gaze locked onto a lone figure standing a few meters away. He didn''t recognize the person immediately, but as the figure turned to face him, realization dawned.

    It was none other than Sensei Josh.

    "This is a Grade 1 realm I cleared myself," Sensei Josh dered, his voice carrying across the deste expanse. "I killed the Realm''s god, and now it''s unstable. Soon, it will copse entirely."

    Ss''s gaze sharpened as he took in Josh''s words. His eyes were cold, unreadable, as he observed his former teacher. He remained silent, the tension between them building with each heartbeat.

    Josh sneered, his eyes gleaming with malice. "I brought you here, Ss. It''s the perfect ce to kill you. No one will know. When this realm copses, it''ll erase any trace of what happened. Whatever goes on here stays hereˇŞespecially when there are no witnesses."

    The sensei''s voice dripped with contempt, as though savoring each word. Ss remainedposed, his expression calm, though his mind raced. This wasn''t just an attackˇŞit was a calcted betrayal.

    "You''re probably wondering about that text from your friend, right?" Sensei Josh taunted. With a smirk, he pulled something out of his pocketˇŞa ck wristwatch. Ss''s eyes narrowed at the familiar sight.

    "I got this from your friend," Josh sneered. "He''s probably dead by now. I made sure to give him the beating of his life. Even if he''s not dead, he''ll stay quiet. He''s the type who doesn''t talk muchˇŞ"

    "Why?" Ss interrupted, his voice cold and unyielding.

    Josh faltered, momentarily thrown off by Ss''s interruption. "Why, what?"

    "Why target them?" Ss''s voice was deadly calm, his gaze piercing. "Why do you keep hurting people who have nothing to do with this? First, you endangered everyone in that realm, and we lost a friend. Now David?"

    Josh''s eyes zed with anger. "I''ll do whatever it takes to see you dead, Ss Griswold! You killed my son! I don''t care how many people I''ll have to sacrifice to get what I want!"

    Ss''s face remained expressionless, but his eyes grew colder. "So, it''s that easy for you to hurt innocent people?" he asked quietly.

    "Yes, it is!" Josh spat back defiantly.

    Ss''s lips curled into a faint, bitter smile. "Then you''re no different from the mutants you im to despise."

    With that, Ss stepped forward, and in his hand, dark energy began to coalesce. The energy took shape, a mixture of ck and red hues swirling around his right hand. Slowly, the energy brightened, solidifying into a massive scytheˇŞthe Grade 5 Soul Reaper he had obtained.

    The sight of the weapon made Josh''s eyes widen in shock. He took a step back, hisposure slipping as he stared at the scythe in disbelief.

    "Where... where did you get that?" he stammered, panic flickering in his gaze. "There''s no way you could''ve hidden a weapon like that."

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    Ss''s grip on the scythe tightened, his expression colder than ever. "The system gave me apulsory quest," he said, his voice low and menacing. "The quest is to kill you. But honestly? I don''t need the system to tell me to kill someone like you."

    Without another word, Ss lunged forward, moving with blinding speed.

 Chapter 87 Silas Griswold VS Sensei Josh

    ''Where in the hell did a weapon like thate from? Could he have been hiding it all along? Noˇ­ there''s no way he could keep something that massive hidden without me noticing.'' Sensei Josh''s thoughts raced, his intense gaze locked onto Ss, who approached him steadily, gripping a massive scythe in his right hand. The weapon''s dark steel gleamed ominously, its deadly arc exuding an aura of dread that sent a chill up Josh''s spine.

    "The system gave me apulsory quest...and that quest is to kill you. Not that I need the system to tell me to rid the world of filth like you, Josh." Ss''s words dripped with venom as heunched himself forward at a speed that was almost invisible to the naked eye.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    [Active skill: Lightning Dash has been activated]

    In a sh, Ss vanished, his activated skill leaving Josh momentarily paralyzed, as if frozen in time. Ss reappeared inches from him, a blur of motion with his scythe raised high, his grip tightening as he swung it down with lethal intent toward Josh''s neck. The de carved through the air at breakneck speed, cutting through the silence like a thunderp.

    **SLASH!**

    Blood sprayed in every direction, a crimson shower that painted the sand as Sensei Josh''s head was violently severed from his neck. The head spun through the air,nding with a hollow thud, while his body remained upright for a single, eerie second before copsing in a heap on the ground. Blood gushed out, pooling beneath the headless corpse as Ss stood over it, his face an impassive mask.

    "I expected more of a fight. In the end, you were just a weakling," Ss murmured coldly, his piercing gaze fixed on the lifeless body of his fallen opponent.

    "Impressive, kid."

    The voice from behind shattered the silence, and Ss whipped around, his eyes widening in disbelief. There, a few meters away, stood Sensei Josh, perfectly intact, wielding a katana de that gleamed with menace.

    "What the...?" Ss muttered, his expression a mixture of shock and confusion as he tried to process the sight before him.

    "The speed you demonstrated... I guess I was right about you acquiring the power of the Apex Mutant," Sensei Josh''s voice was steady, carrying a hint of grim satisfaction.

    "How are you even alive? I just killed you!" Ss eximed, frustrationcing his voice.

    "No, you didn''t," Sensei Josh replied with a sly smirk. "Look behind you and see for yourself."

    Ss stared at him, his gaze intense, before slowly shifting his eyes back to where the body should have been. The headless corpse was gone, as though it had never been there at all. Even the blood and traces of violence had vanished from the sand, leaving only an unmarked surface.

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    "Do you know why people hide their abilities, Ss?" Sensei Josh''s voice broke the silence, the questionden with a dark irony. "It''s so their enemies stay unaware, allowing them to strike when least expected. Catching them off guard, rendering them helpless."

    The nature of Sensei Josh''s powers had long been shrouded in mystery, with only a select few in the academyˇŞthe Sirs and a handful of trusted staffˇŞprivy to it. Among the students, rumors abounded. Some whispered that he wielded the power of wind, others believed hemanded fire, while still others guessed telekinesis. But all of them were wrong. Josh did not fall within the elemental ability users; his power was something far rarer and infinitely more dangerous.

    "You didn''t really think I''d go down that easily, did you?" Sensei Josh''s voice dripped with derision, his expression smug as he watched Ss struggle to piece together his power''s nature.

    "I had a feeling you were the one who obtained the artifact, which meant you likely gained its powers... so I came prepared." Josh''s smirk deepened as he rolled his katana in his hand before gripping its hilt tightly. "You want me dead, don''t you, Ss? Thene and make it happen!" His taunt cut through the tense air, daring Ss to attack again.

    Ss''s face twisted with dark resolve as he charged forward, his speed amplified by the lingering effects of Lightning Dash. Sensei Josh stood his ground, assuming a defensive stance, his de poised and ready.

    Within striking range, Ss swung his scythe horizontally, the de whistling through the air with deadly precision, closing in on Josh in a heartbeat. Josh lifted his katana at thest possible moment.

    **CLANG!**

    The resounding sh echoed across the sands as Josh blocked the attack, his katana straining against the force of Ss''s blow. But Ss didn''t relent,unching another vicious strike before Josh had a chance to fully recover.

    **CLANG!**

    Again, Sensei Josh managed to parry, though the sheer power of the impact forced him back several paces. Before he could regain his footing, Ss activated Lightning Dash again, appearing directly behind him in a sh.

    Ss swung his scythe once more, this time aiming to bisect Josh. The de found its mark, slicing cleanly through his body.

    Blood erupted from the wound as Sensei Josh''s body was cleaved in two, his insides spilling out onto the ground. But as his body hit the sand, it instantly disintegrated into dust, leaving no trace of his defeat.

    Ss''s eyes widened, his face a mask of horror and confusion. Before he could react, a sharp, searing pain tore through his back as a de pierced through him from behind.

    Gritting his teeth, Ss leaped several meters forward, spinning around to face his attacker. Sensei Josh stood there, his katana glistening with fresh blood, his face twisted in a mocking grin.

    "I warned you, Ss. You''ll have to try a lot harder than that," Josh taunted, his voice mocking. "I brought you here to die, to pay for killing my son, and that''s exactly what I''m going to ensure." His words were a chilling promise, heavy with a hatred that ran deep.

    ''What''s happening here? I''m killing him, yet he''s not staying dead!'' Ss thought, his mind reeling as he felt the wound on his back begin to close, healing faster than he''d anticipated.

    As the injury knitted itself closed, Ss activated Lightning Dash once again, the burst of speed propelling him forward like a lightning bolt. He appeared in front of Josh, whose body seemed momentarily immobilized, and with a swift, clean stroke, he decapitated him once more. Yet, just as before, Josh''s head and body vanished the instant they hit the sand.

    ''ARRGH!'' Ss''s agonized scream echoed as a de struck from behind, piercing through his back and emerging from his chest. Blood poured freely as he dropped to his knees, gasping, while the pain radiated through him.

    ''Damn itˇ­ just what kind of ability does this bastard have?!'' Ss screamed internally, writhing as Sensei Josh twisted the de with a slow, sadistic pleasure.

    """

    A/N: Creation is hard! Vote for me! (?ČË? ?????????)

 Chapter 88 Silas Griswold VS Sensei Josh PT 2

    "ARRGH!" Ss''s agonized scream echoed through the deserted training grounds, a raw, guttural sound that seemed to resonate with the very stones beneath his knees.

    He looked down in horror as a de protruded from his chest, its metal slick with his blood, glistening under the harsh lights. Each beat of his heart seemed to pulse more blood out of the wound, each drop feeding the cold ground beneath him. Ss gasped, his vision blurring as his own blood poured freely, staining his clothes and sttering onto the sand.

    "Damn it... just what kind of ability does this bastard have?!" Ss raged silently, feeling the pain radiate in waves as Sensei Josh twisted the de with slow, cruel deliberation.

    Ss gritted his teeth, forcing down the pain that threatened to engulf him. His fingers dug into the earth beneath him as he willed himself to rise. Gasping with effort, he staggered to his feet, eyes zing with a newfound fury. Without a second thought, he pivoted sharply, swinging his fist with every ounce of strength he could summon toward Josh''s face.

    *BAM!*

    The impact was brutal, sending a shockwave of force rippling through the air. Ss''s punchnded squarely on Sensei Josh''s face, connecting with a sickening crunch of bone. The sheer power behind the strike sent Josh flying backward, his body lifted from the ground and hurled several meters before it collided heavily with the floor. Ss''s heart pounded as he watched Josh crumple, a small satisfaction growing within him. But he knew it wasn''t over.

    Breathing heavily, Ss looked down at the de still embedded in his chest. With a steadying breath, he wrapped his blood-slicked fingers around the hilt, his grip tightening as he prepared to pull it free. In one swift, agonizing motion, he tore the de from his flesh, gritting his teeth against the fresh surge of pain as blood flowed down his torso. But he knew that pain was temporary.

    Already, the torn skin and tissue began to mend, knitting together under the influence of his enhanced healing ability. Within seconds, his chest was smooth and unmarked, leaving only the memory of pain behind.

    Once healed, Ss lifted his gaze, eyes locking onto Sensei Josh, who was now picking himself up, wiping a trickle of blood from his mouth with a look of mocking defiance. But there was something else in Josh''s gazeˇŞsomething that hinted at the tiniest flicker of fear. Ss took a step forward, and he saw Josh flinch, however slight, confirming his suspicions.

    "What ability does this guy have?" Ss wondered, clenching his fists tightly as he pondered the strange fight unfolding before him. "None of my attacks are doing anythingsting. It''s like I''m fighting a shadow, a hologramˇ­ or some kind of projection."

    The realization dawned slowly, his mind piecing together the clues.

    "Waitˇ­ a hologram. An illusion?" His jaw tightened as everything began to make sense. "Of course! It''s all an illusion. That exins why my attacks don''t seem to hurt him, why he keeps reappearing in different ces like he''s teleporting. And my soul pointsˇ­ they''re not increasing when I hit him with my scythe. Normally, the scythe would draw power from my enemies'' souls, but there''s been nothing this whole time. That''s because I''m not facing a real body. Just a trick of light and shadows."

    Ss clenched his fists, his face darkening as he red at Sensei Josh. "He''s a Grade 4 mutantˇ­ that must be why his illusions can hurt me even though I can''t harm him in return. Clever. But this ends now."

    He tightened his grip, allowing a sneer to cross his face. "Damn illusionists. It''s just a matter of time before I exhaust my stamina on these phantoms, and once I''m spent, the real coward wille out to finish me off."

    But a cruel smile flickered on Ss''s lips. "Fortunately for me, I''ve got a little trick up my sleeve as well. Total soul recoveryˇ­"

    He flexed his fingers, feeling power surge through him as he gathered his resolve. With newfound rity, he dismissed his scythe, the weapon vanishing from his hand, and prepared himself to close the distance between them with pure, unrelenting force.

    [Active Skill: Lightning Dash Activated]

    With a burst of energy, Ss activated his skill, propelling himself forward in an instant. Moving at near-inhuman speeds, he covered the ground between them in the blink of an eye, appearing mere inches from Josh''s face. His right arm pulled back, he delivered a punch with all the force his body could muster.

    *BAM!*

    The punchnded with an impact that reverberated through the entire training ground, sending dust and debris spiraling into the air. The blow shattered Josh''s jaw, twisting his head at an unnatural angle as it separated from his neck. Read new adventures at empire

    The headless body copsed to the ground in a sickening spurt of bloodˇŞbut just as quickly, it dissolved into nothingness.

    Anticipating the next illusion, Ss spun around, his eyes narrowing as he saw Sensei Josh reappear, de in hand, preparing to strike from behind. But Ss was ready. He sidestepped the iing attack with precise timing, watching as the de sliced through empty air. Before Josh could react, Ss countered with another devastating punch, sending him flying backward yet again.

    *BAM!*

    Josh''s form dissipated on impact, fading into thin air as the illusion shattered. Ss scanned his surroundings, his muscles coiled, ready to react. His eyes darted across the battlefield, waiting for the next ambush, his senses heightened as he braced himself.

    A low chuckle interrupted the silence, and Sensei Josh''s voice echoed from all around.

    "So, you''ve figured it out, haven''t you?" he sneered. "You know what my mutant ability is, but that won''t make a difference. I hope you''re ready to meet your end." He snapped his fingers, and four identical copies of himself materialized around Ss, each armed and glowering, their eyes glinting with malicious intent.

    "Tsk." Ss rolled his eyes in irritation, but he didn''t hesitate. Pulling his right arm back, he let dark energy flow through him, manifesting as glowing, razor-sharp ws that extended from his fingers, gleaming ominously.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    [Active Skill: Soul ws Activated]

    Without wasting a second, he unleashed the ws, watching as five dark, ethereal ws shot forward with deadly uracy, slicing through the air toward the clones of Sensei Josh.

    The first line of clones raised their weapons in a desperate attempt to block, but as soon as their defenses dropped, the next wave of ws found their mark, ripping through flesh and bone with unrestrained power. In moments, the illusions crumbled to the ground, their heads severed from their bodies before dissolving into dust.

    A faint soundˇŞlike a stifled coughˇŞcaught Ss''s attention. He turned slowly, his gaze honing in on a small figure hiding several meters away, half-obscured by a fallen rock. Sensei Josh was slumped against it, blood trickling from his nose, his chest heaving withbored breaths as he tried to maintain control.

    "Did heˇ­ really destroy my Grade 4 illusions like they were nothing?" Josh''s thoughts were frantic, his mind reeling from the realization of Ss''s strength. He was drained, his stamina nearly gone from the repeated exertion of crafting and controlling the illusions. Each breath felt heavier, each heartbeat a painful reminder of his vulnerability. "I thoughtˇ­ he would have been dead by now. But somehow, heˇ­"

    Before he could finish the thought, the rock he was hiding behind was wrenched away, lifted effortlessly into the air and tossed aside as though it weighed nothing. Josh looked up, his face draining of color as Ss loomed over him, his expression dark and unfeeling, his gaze hard and unyielding.

    "Found you." Ss''s voice was a low, cold whisper, devoid of any sympathy or restraint. His eyes glowed with a dangerous light, casting shadows across his face that made him look almost inhuman. The menace in his voice sent a chill down Josh''s spine, his body frozen as he stared into the face of his own impending doom.

 Chapter 89 Sensei Joshs death

    "Iˇ­ I never thought it would go this far. Heˇ­ he should have died after I stabbed him, but somehow, heˇ­" Sensei Josh''s voice trailed off, his sentence unfinished as his horrified eyes widened. The rock he had been hiding behind was lifted effortlessly into the air, tossed aside like it weighed nothing.

    "Found you," Ss''s voice was cold and unfeeling, each syble carrying the weight of finality. He stood over Josh, his eyes glowing with a malevolent light, his expression twisted into something dark and menacing.

    The aura surrounding him was almost suffocating, a mixture of bloodlust and eerie calm that made Josh''s heart hammer against his ribs. A shiver raced down Josh''s spine, an instinctive reaction to the predator standing over him.

    Sensei Josh''s throat felt tight as he swallowed, instinctively trying to scramble backward, his hands pressing into the dirt as he attempted to crawl away. But Ss matched his every move, taking slow, calcted steps forward. With a sudden motion, Ss reached down, grabbing a fistful of Josh''s hair and yanking him to his feet.

    "AHH!" Josh cried out, his scalp burning as Ss''s iron grip forced him upright. He struggled weakly, but his body felt drained, the illusionary energy he had expended leaving him on the verge of copse. Ss''s strength was overwhelming.

    "You brought me out here to kill me, didn''t you?" Ss''s voice was low, filled with cold contempt. He tightened his grip on Josh''s hair, the pain making Josh''s vision blur.

    "Then why are you crawling away like a scared dog instead of fighting back?"

    Josh''s breath hitched, his face paling as he tried to break free, but it was hopeless. Ss''s grip was unrelenting. The sinister grin on Ss''s face only deepened as he spoke, "Seems you''re out of stamina. You''ve got nothing left. But me? I could do this all day."

    With that, Ss released Josh''s hair, allowing him to fall to the ground. Just as Josh was about to catch his breath, Ss''s fist came swinging towards him with deadly precision.

    *BAM!*

    The punch connected with brutal force, sending a shockwave through the air. Josh''s nose shattered instantly, a sickening crunch filling the silence as his face twisted from the impact. The force behind Ss''s punch sent Josh flying backward, his body skidding across the sandy ground until he crashed into a nearby rock. Blood poured from his broken nose, staining the ground beneath him.

    Gasping, Sensei Josh tried to push himself up, his hands slipping on the blood-slicked sand. But before he could gather himself, Ss was already there, looming over him, grabbing him by the hair once more.

    "You really thought this would end differently, didn''t you?" Ss hissed, his voice dripping with disdain. "Your sonˇ­ that pathetic excuse for a human being was nothing but a waste of space. I did the world a favor by getting rid of him. And now, I''ll do the world another favor by taking you out too!"

    Ss released Josh''s hair only to deliver another powerful punch, this one aimed squarely at his face.

    *BAM!*

    The impact sent a shockwave that rippled through the ground, causing nearby stones to tremble and dust to rise. Josh was flung through the air again, mming against a second rock before crumpling to the ground, his body battered and broken. Hey there, barely able to breathe, his vision swimming with darkness. Yet even in his pain-ridden haze, he felt the cold hand of fear grip him as Ss approached once more, his footsteps slow and deliberate.

    "Justˇ­ do it already!" Josh spat, blood dribbling down his chin. His voice was thick with pain and anger. "Kill me if you have to! Just knowˇ­ the academy will hunt you down. You''ll end up joining me soon enough!"

    Ss chuckled, an unsettling sound that sent another wave of dread through Josh. "Funny," he said, tilting his head. "If I remember correctly, you said something about ''what happens in a realm, stays in a realm,'' right? Especially when there are no witnesses. And right nowˇ­ there are no witnesses."

    Josh''s eyes widened in horror as the full meaning of Ss''s words sank in. He had used the realm''s istion as a pretext to kill Ss without consequence, but now, it was he who faced the brutal reality of that istion.

    "You nned this whole ambush thinking you''d get away with murder," Ss continued, his tone mocking. "But looks like you miscalcted. Now I''ll be the one getting away with it." A wicked grin spread across Ss''s face as he tightened his fist, a faint blue aura beginning to glow around it.

    Before Josh could even process what was happening, Ss''s glowing fist came crashing down against his face once more, sending him stumbling backward. But Ss didn''t let up. He pressed forward, his fists a relentless storm of fury.

    *BAM! BAM! BAM! BAM!*

    BAM! BAM! BAM! BAM!

    Each punchnded with bone-crushing force, the impacts echoing through the deste training ground.

    Josh''s face became a bloody mess, his nose and cheekbones shattered, his skin bruised and swollen, each hit pushing him closer to the edge of consciousness. Ss''s punches didn''t slow, didn''t weaken. He was unrelenting, a force of nature. Blood sttered across the ground, staining the sand beneath them.

    With a final, brutal uppercut, Ss lifted Josh off his feet, sending him sprawling across the ground. Josh''s battered body hit the sand, and hey there, his breaths shallow, his body trembling. Ss''s eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he stretched out his hand, beckoning Josh''s lifeless form toward him.

    [Active Skill: Soul Control Activated]

    A force, invisible but overwhelming, gripped Josh''s limp body and began to drag him across the ground, pulling him towards Ss. He was helpless, his body drained of any will to resist, his consciousness slipping as Ss stood over him, staring down with cold, merciless eyes.

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    "This is the end." Ss''s voice was barely above a whisper, but the weight of his words was crushing. "You hear me? This is the end for you."

    He grabbed Josh''s head, his fingers digging into his scalp, pulling him closer. ck ws extended from Ss''s fingertips, sharp and deadly. With a final, ruthless movement, he plunged the ws into Josh''s skull, feeling the resistance give way as he began to drain the very essence of his soul.

    A glowing, ethereal aura began to pour from Josh''s body, drawn into Ss like a river of energy.

    *[Soul Points: 150/200]*N?v(el)B\\jnn

    *[Soul Points: 190/200]*

    *[Soul Points: 200/200]*

    The system notifications kept popping up as his soul points replenished, his strength returning with each passing second. But the drain continued, the extra soul energy beginning to fill his reserve.

    *[Soul Reserve: 50/100]*

    *[Soul Reserve: 70/100]*

    *[Soul Reserve: 100/100]*

    Once his reserves were full, Ss pressed his ws deeper into Josh''s skull, a sickening pop echoing through the silence as Josh''s head split open. There was no blood, no sign of life left in the husk that had once been Sensei Josh. His body was nothing more than a petrified shell, his soul fully absorbed.

    *DING!*

    The system notification shed in front of Ss''s eyes.

    *[Congrattions, host haspleted thepulsory quest. Rewards: +10 attribute points]*

    Ss read the message, a faint scowl forming on his face. "Really? That''s it? After all of thatˇ­ just ten points?" he muttered, feeling a bitter edge of disappointment.

    Before he could dwell on it further, a loud rumbling from behind caught his attention. The realm began to shake, rocks tumbling as the ground began to copse. Dust filled the air, obscuring his vision as thendcape crumbled.

    "Ah, that''s right..the realm is copsing. Time to get out of here," Ss mused, a slight smirk on his face as he turned away, his steps quickening as he dashed through the copsing realm, leaving the remains of Sensei Josh behind in the dust.

    """

    A/N: Vote with your Golden Tickets and Power Stones!

 Chapter 90 I killed him...

    Ss emerged from the Grade 1 portal, feeling the sudden shift as his feet touched solid ground again. The moment he arrived in the storeroom, the portal behind him shimmered briefly before vanishing entirely, leaving only the rusty, ancient-looking portal device that had sent him there in the first ce. The storeroom was dimly lit, its concrete walls and cluttered shelves casting long shadows, and the air carried a stale, metallic scent.

    Ss took a slow, careful look around, eyes scanning every corner, half-expecting someone to be lurking in the shadows. But the room was exactly as he had left itˇŞquiet, unchanged, and vacant. Still, the events in the realm had left him uneasy, and he couldn''t shake the thought of who might have forced him through the portal in the first ce.

    "I wonder who shoved me inside that portal earlier," Ss muttered to himself, his voice barely more than a whisper in the silence. A slight scowl crossed his face. "Whoever it was, they''d better keep their face hidden." With a sigh, he turned and stepped out of the storeroom, his footsteps echoing softly as he moved down the empty hallway.

    Just as he adjusted his coat, a notification alert chimed, followed by a holographic screen that materialized in front of him, casting a faint blue glow on his face.

    [Host has some unread notifications]

    Ss blinked, remembering the alerts he''d ignored earlier. Back in the copsing realm, he hadn''t had the luxury of checking his notificationsˇŞit had been a race against time to escape. Now that he was back, safe for the moment, curiosity got the better of him.

    He tapped the screen, and a series of red notifications popped up, each one filling him with a mixture of surprise and intrigue. Explore stories at empire

    [Host has gained an additional 5 attribute points for consuming the soul of a Grade 4 mutant ability user.]

    [Host has created a new active skill during his fight with his opponent.]

    [Skill Information: Soul Jab LVL 1 ¨C When activated, this skill allows the Host to channel his soul points into his fist, delivering a punch powerful enough to kill a lower-grade opponent or reduce the health of a higher-grade by 50%.]

    [Additional Information: Soul Jab may be ineffective against opponents significantly more powerful than the Host. This skill requires 30 soul points per use.]

    As Ss read each notification, his eyebrows raised in surprise and then settled into a look of intense focus. He hadn''t even realized he''d created a new skill during his frenzied assault on Sensei Josh back in the realm. It reminded him of how his Soul sh ability had first manifested during another moment of intense emotion. But this new skill, Soul Jab, was something different altogetherˇŞraw, brutal, and unfiltered in its power.

    "A single punch strong enough to kill a low-grade opponentˇ­ sounds insane," Ss murmured, unable to hide the mix of excitement and awe in his voice. He could almost feel the potential of the skill radiating off the screen. This could very well be the strongest ability he''d acquired so far.

    However, his enthusiasm dimmed slightly as he read on, his gaze settling on the cost: *thirty* soul points per use.

    "Thirty soul points for one punch?" Ss muttered, his brows knitting together. He weighed the skill''s value against the cost, remembering that his most energy-draining abilities, like Super Fast Healing and Lightning Dash, only required ten points each. Most of his other skills either used just a single point or none at all.

    But as he thought about it, the high cost made sense. Power of this magnitude would naturallye with a price. With one well-ced punch, he could bring down enemies that would otherwise take all his strength to defeat. The more he considered it, the more eager he became to try it out.

    "I can''t wait to test it," he whispered, a sly smile tugging at the corner of his lips. He dismissed the notification screen and nced at his wristwatch, where messages from Vic blinked on the disy. Vic had been texting him repeatedly, desperate to get in touch while Ss was fighting for his life in the realm.

    As he skimmed the messages, Ss quickly pieced together the situation: someone had attacked David, and he was now lying injured in the clinic. Ss had a pretty good idea who was behind it, and instead of anger, he felt a cold satisfaction. He had already settled the score.

    With the texts read, he turned on his heel and headed straight for the clinic.

    Minutester, Ss reached the clinic''s entrance. He took a moment, steadying himself, and pushed the door open. Inside, the fluorescent lights cast a sterile glow over the white-tiled room, amplifying the quiet stillness. Ss scanned the rows of beds until he spotted David lying on one, pale and motionless, the bed''s white sheet stark against his dark clothing. Vic sat beside him, his face lined with worry.

    "Hey, guys," Ss called, his voice low as he approached. Both David and Vic looked up, relief flooding Vic''s face.

    "Where have you been, mate? I''ve been texting you all day. Thought the same guy who attacked David got you too," Vic said, his voice filled with a mixture of relief and frustration.

    Ss shrugged, keeping his face impassive. "Does he know who did this to him?" His gaze fell on David, whoy expressionless, staring at the ceiling as if deep in thought.

    Vic shook his head, his frown deepening. "How would I know? He hasn''t said a single word since it happened. I keep asking, but he just ms up."

    Ss nodded slightly, understanding David''s silence. "The person who attacked him was Sensei Josh." Ss''s tone was calm, almost detached, as he reached into his pocket and retrieved a small, battered wristwatch. He held it up for Vic to see.

    "He took David''s watch after attacking him. Then, he used it to lure me into the storeroom with a fake text," Ss exined, his voice quiet butced with an undercurrent of anger.

    Vic''s eyes widened in shock. "What? Why would he do that?"

    Ss cast a quick nce around the room, ensuring they were alone, then leaned closer to Vic and lowered his voice.

    "He wanted revenge. I killed his son, so he wanted to kill me too."

    Vic''s jaw dropped, his eyes wide with disbelief. "Youˇ­ you did what?!"

    Ss sighed, his gaze distant for a moment. "It happened a few weeks ago. When I first got this power, it wasˇ­ overwhelming. I couldn''t control it, and it drove me to kill them. I don''t regret it, though. Those guys tormented me for years just because I hadn''t awakened my mutant ability."

    He saw no reason to hide it from him now that they were close.

    Vic looked at him, his expression a mix of horror and understanding. He knew enough of Ss''s past to know the kind of cruelty he''d endured.

    "But there''s more," Ss continued, his tone grim. "Sensei Josh was the one who tampered with the portal device. He swapped the Grade 2 portal with a Grade 5, hoping I''d be killed in that realm. When I somehow survived, he decided to finish the job himself."

    Vic''s fists clenched at his sides, his face red with anger. "That man''s a monster! We should report him to the higher-ups and make him pay for this!"

    Ss shook his head, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes. "No need, Vic. He''s dead. I killed him."

    Vic stared at Ss, his face pale with shock, unable to process what he''d just heard.

    """

    Gifts and Golden Tickets will be very much appreciated! Thanks for reading!n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

 Chapter 91 Crimson Coffin planet

    "But there''s more," Ss continued, his tone grim and heavy. "Sensei Josh tampered with the portal device. He swapped the Grade 2 portal with a Grade 5, fully expecting me to be killed in that realm. When I somehow made it back alive, he decided to handle it himself."

    Vic''s fists clenched at his sides, his face reddening with barely controlled rage. "That man''s a monster! We should report him to the higher-ups and make sure he pays for what he''s done!"

    Ss shook his head, a faint, dark glint of satisfaction in his eyes. "There''s no need, Vic. He''s dead. I killed him."

    Vic''s expression froze, shock overtaking his features as he tried to process Ss''s words.

    "Wait... are you serious?" Vic asked, his voice dropping to a whisper. "You actually killed him?"

    "Yeah," Ss replied, voice steady. "He dragged me into a Grade 1 realm to finish the job himself. I had no choice, man. Besides, there was no way I''d let him live after everything he put us through."

    Vic''s gaze softened, a hint of understanding crossing his face. "I get it, man. I''m not judging. I''m just... it''s surprising how easily you can take a life."

    Ss''s jaw clenched as he spoke, anger simmering beneath his words. "I only kill those who deserve it. Josh was ready to kill me, he tried to kill us all in that realm... and he killed Ivy. The academy? They would''ve just locked him up, maybe for a few months. Then they''d let him out, while Ivy remains six feet under."

    Vic nodded, a sigh escaping him. "I understand. And like I said, I''m not judging you. Let''s just leave it behind and move forward. Now that he''s gone, we don''t have to worry anymore." He reached out, cing a supportive hand on Ss''s shoulder and giving it a firm squeeze. Then he added, "Oh, that reminds meˇŞAngelica was looking for you earlier. She asked me to tell you to meet her on the rooftop when you''re free."

    "Did she say anything else? Maybe about why she''s been so distant? I know she''s grieving Ivy, but something tells me that''s not the whole reason," Ss mused, his expression thoughtful.

    Vic nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I noticed that too. But she didn''t say anything more. Hopefully, you two can clear the air up there."

    Ss nodded and turned to leave, striding down the hallway, his pace quickening as he made his way up to the rooftop. He pushed the heavy door open, stepping into the cool evening air.

    There, he saw Angelica standing near the edge, her long blue hair and skirt swaying in the breeze, a look of sorrow etched on her face. Ss watched her for a moment, her figure silhouetted against the fading daylight, before slowly walking over.

    "Angelica?" he called out, his voice soft yet steady. She turned slowly to face him, her expression heavy with emotion. "You wanted to see me?"

    She gave a small nod. "Ss... I''m sorry. I''ve been so cold to you and the others. I thought... I thought I didn''t deserve to be friends with you all anymore. I tried to push you away, all of you, with my attitude." Her voice trembled, barely above a whisper.

    Ss frowned, his confusion evident. "What are you talking about?"

    "It''s my fault, Ss. Ivy... she died because of me." Angelica''s voice broke as she spoke, her gaze lowering. "While you and Vic were fighting for your lives and to save us all, I... I froze. I was too afraid. Vic and I are both Grade 4s, but he took charge, did most of the work. And when... when that mutant came for Ivy, I could''ve helped her, but I didn''t."

    Her shoulders shook, and tears began streaming down her cheeks. Ss took a step closer, gently cing his hands on her face, looking directly into her sorrowful blue eyes.

    "Angelica, listen to me," he said, his voice low but firm. "None of us knew the Orcs would attack her. You were doing your best, fighting those damn bats. You couldn''t have known Ivy was in danger."

    "But I was fighting the same bats I should have dealt with sooner!" Angelica cried. "If I''d joined Vic earlier, we might have defeated them faster, and I could''ve been there for her. Instead, I let my fear paralyze me, standing back like a coward while she needed me." She sobbed, her words filled with regret.

    "Hey, hey, look at me," Ss urged, wiping her tears away. "You did your best. You fought off the rest of the bats on your own, and if you hadn''t done that, it might have been more than just Ivy... David and Vic might not have made it either. Ivy''s death wasn''t your fault. It was someone else''s, and he''s been dealt with. Don''t carry this burden alone."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

    Angelica sniffled, and Ss''s voice softened as he continued. "You said we were friends, Angelica. Friends don''t push each other away. We stick together, no matter what. I''d never judge you or look down on you... because you were the first person who saw me as a friend."

    Angelica leaned forward, embracing Ss tightly, allowing her tears to fall freely as he held her, whispering quiet reassurances.

    ---

    In another part of the universe, far beyond Earth,ys popted by mutants and countless other species. Theses were unlike the Mutant realms, thoughˇŞtheir existence extended back thousands of years, unlike realms which would copse after being cleared.

    In these worlds, ns and leaders governed to maintain peace and order, simr to Earth but far more ancient andplex. Only a few top guilds on Earth had ess to portal devices that connected to these distants, yet no one dared journey there. The rumored treasures within these worlds surpassed anything in even the most advanced mutant realms. Yet the danger was equally legendary; few who entered would ever return.

    Among these seven mysteriouss was one known as the Crimson Coffin. This was the hearnd of mutants, a ce where the fabled Apex Mutant once ruled. At its center rose a tall, foreboding tower, wrapped in what seemed like mes of deep crimson. A colossal fire burned atop it, illuminating the bleakndscape. Within the tower sat a figure upon a throne crafted of bones and skulls, his hand gripping a chalice filled with a mysterious liquid.

    The silence of the throne room was shattered as the massive entrance doors swung open, and a figure rushed in, falling to his knees, head bowed low.

    "My lord," he spoke, his voice quivering. "Ie bearing news... news of the former n''s head, the Apex Mutant."

 Chapter 92 Punishment begins!

    At the heart of this deste stood a massive towerˇŞa structure twisted from charred rock and the remnants of long-forgotten battles. Red mes crackled along its jagged surface, casting an eerie crimson glow over the barren wastnd below. At the tower''s pinnacle, an immense me roared, its ominous light stretching across the horizonˇŞa symbol of the fearsome power and unyielding terror that ruled this world.

    Inside the tower''s shadowy throne room, a dark figure sat upon a throne carved from bones and skulls, his gaze piercing and predatory. He clutched a goblet filled with a thick, dark liquid that seemed to pulse with a life of its own. His eyes gleamed with a cruel intelligence, surveying the room with an air of absolute authority.

    The towering doors groaned as they opened, and a cloaked figure slipped inside, immediately dropping to his knees before the throne. "My Lord," he murmured, bowing his head low. "Ie bearing news ofˇ­ the former n Head. The Apex Mutant."

    The man on the throne, d in a long ck robe, sat up straight, brushing his dark hair back to get a clearer view of the man kneeling before him.

    "Speak, loyal servant," hemanded, his voice thunderous and deep, shaking the throne room slightly with its intensity.

    "The priest who once served the former n Head ims he sensed the power of the Apex Mutant. As we all know, the Apex Mutant died several years ago in the human world, so this must be a sessor. The Apex Mutant chose a host before his death, just as he promised, and that host has begun his growth. In time, he will be as powerful as the Apex Mutant once was." The servant''s voice was steady as he kept his head bowed, his loyalty evident.

    A troubled expression darkened the face of the man on the throne as he absorbed the news.

    "A host? Are you certain of this?" he demanded, his voice resonating with the same menacing tone.

    "The priest has never been wrong, my Lord. He confirmed that there''s a host in the human world," the servant affirmed audibly.

    "Damn it. Even after death, that bastard continues to torment me. I have worked tirelessly, spilled countless drops of blood, and wed my way to my position as n Head. I can''t let some human vessel destroy all I''ve built."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    "If this Host continues to grow, his powers will surpass not only mine but those of all the lieutenants under mymand. If that happens, he''ll surely take over my throne and im the n Head title." The Lord''s voice was tinged with fury as he glowered, a dark look clouding his face.

    "What should we do, my Lord? How should we proceed?" the servant asked, his voiceced with concern.

    "We have to eliminate this host before he grows any stronger. If we find him now, before he reaches his peak, we might still have a chance to kill him," the Lord replied, his tone edged with urgency.

    "But how do we travel to Earth, my Lord? All our scientists have failed to create a portal or open a new rift leading there. As it stands, I don''t think we have the means to make a move," the servant articted, his head still bowed.

    "Then we''ll have to wait for the humans to open a portal to the Crimson Coffin," the Lord replied, sipping from the goblet.

    "But, my Lord, we haven''t seen one of those portals in years. I believe the humans finally learned that venturing here is suicideˇŞno one who enters survives," the servant murmured.

    "If there''s one thing I learned during my time on Earth, it''s that humans never truly learn. No matter how dangerous it may be, they will try again. Greed drives them, and when they realize that valuable artifacts lie on this, they will undoubtedly return. All we must do is wait. And when that portal opens, you''ll seize the opportunity, cross through, and bring that host to me," the Lord ordered, his voice resounding through the room. The servant nodded in firm affirmation.

    "Also, ensure the Fifth n''s leader doesn''t catch wind of this. We both know how they are. If they find out about this host, they''ll do everything in their power to protect him," the Lord added, his tone hardening with finality.

    "I will do as youmand, my Lord," the servant replied, rising to his feet. He bowed his head once more before turning and slipping out of the room.

    With the servant gone, the Lord leaned back against his throne of bones, raising his goblet to his lips. As he drank, his mind filled with dark thoughts.

    "A host, huh?" he muttered, a cold smile twisting his lips. "He must die if I am to keep ruling the Crimson Coffin."

    ---

    A week had passed since Sensei Josh''s death, and surprisingly, no one spoke much of it. The students were content with the new sensei, who proved far more skilled than Josh, leaving them indifferent to his mysterious fate.

    Kara, however, knew Ss was responsible, and once again, she had covered for him, ensuring nothing linked back to him. After a few days, the incident faded into oblivion, and Ss had already moved on.

    Dressing for the day, he made his way to the cafeteria to meet his group. Today marked the start of his punishment for supposedly buying energy pills from the Blood Market.

    Of course, Ss hadn''t actually bought any pills, but this usation was far better than the academy discovering what really transpired.

    Ss filled his group in on the punishment over breakfast, and afterward, he headed to a different part of the academy where the staff assigned to oversee his "work" awaited.

    The area was a construction site filled with half-finished buildings, scattered equipment, and machinery. When Ss arrived, he noticed a group of staff members standing a few meters away.

    "All female?" he mused, mildly surprised as he walked toward them.

    There were four women, each dressed in the standard navy blue staff uniform. Ss''s eyes flickered over them, taking in their appearances.

    Each woman was strikingly beautiful, with captivating figures that would draw any man''s attention. However, Ss noticed something peculiar.

    "Grade 1s," he observed, ncing at the skill slots on their belts, each disying a single glowing bar.

 Chapter 93 A group of Grade 1s?

    "All female?" Ss mused internally, a look of surprise spreading across his face as he approached the group of women.

    Before him stood four female staff members, all adorned in the standard navy-blue uniforms that marked them as academy personnel. As Ss drew nearer, he took his time to observe each of them, noting their distinctive features and the subtle variations in their uniforms.

    They were all strikingly beautiful, each radiating a charm that could captivate any onlooker. Their bodies were sculpted and alluring, exuding a confidence that made them even more attractive. However, as Ss scrutinized them further, a curious detail caught his attention.

    "Grade 1s," he noted to himself, ncing at the skill slots affixed around their waists. Each one glowed with a single, faint lightˇŞa telling sign of their abilities.

    Ss had never been on a raid where every participant was a Grade 1. Even if they were set to breach a Grade 2 mutant realm, he expected at least one member of the team to possess Grade 2 capabilities. Yet, this entire group wasposed of Grade 1s.

    Theoretically, four Grade 1 mutant ability users could manage to clear a Grade 2 realm without relying on a higher-grade individualˇŞif they were careful and coordinated. However, in practice, teams usually included a higher-grade user for added safety. But this group was clearly an exception.

    "You must be the boy Kara told us aboutˇŞthe one who''s carrying our supplies and carving up mutant body parts?" one of the women called out, her voice slicing through his thoughts as she spotted Ss approaching.

    "Yeah," Ss replied, scratching the back of his head nervously and halting his steps just before reaching them.

    "I''m Ava, the one leading this raid," she introduced herself, extending her hand in a gesture of wee.

    "Ss," he replied, firmly shaking her hand.

    "Nice to meet you, Ss," she said with a warm smile that lit up her face.

    "These are myrades: Anita, Shirley, and Rose. Don''t be too surprised that there aren''t any high-grade ability users among us. We''re all new recruits, and since most guilds have turned us down due to our grades, the academy decided to offer us this job. However, before they fully hire us, we have to clear twelve Grade 2 realms on our own, without any support from high grades." Ava exined, her expression shifting slightly as she noticed the astonished look on his face.

    "I see," Ss murmured, considering her words. "But you do realize it''s quite dangerous for a bunch of lower grades to attempt to clear a realm that''s above their level, especially without any mutant armor or weapons?" he pointed out, concern edging his voice.

    "Yeah, we know the risks," Ava admitted, her smile unwavering and filled with determination. "That''s why we''remitted to giving it our best shot." She gestured toward arge ck bag lying on the ground. "Those are the supplies you''ll be carrying for us. I apologize for the weight; we had to pack quite a bit."

    Ava halted mid-sentence as Ss strode over to the hefty bag, effortlessly lifting it with one hand and slinging it over his shoulder. He turned back to Ava and the others, confidence in his posture. "Shall we? The portal has been powered up, and the countdown has already begun."

    "Ah, yes!" Ava eximed, her enthusiasm infectious as she stepped toward the portal, the rest of the group following closely behind her. "Alright, it''s showtime," she dered with excitement before stepping into the swirling portal, disappearing in an instant. The other women followed suit, leaving Ss standing alone for a brief moment.

    "I hope I get an opportunity to farm some attribute points in there," he thought, his heart racing with anticipation as he took a step forward, vanishing into the portal.

    A few momentster, he emerged in the realm, and a vivid red notification screen shed before him.

    Explore more adventures at empire

    [DING]

    [You have entered a Grade 2 realm]n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    [Optional Quest Activated]

    [Quest Information: Carry the team to earn exclusive rewards]

    [Rewards (Hidden)]

    Ss read over the screen hovering in front of him, his brow furrowing in thought.

    "This is the same type of quest I received in that Grade 5 realm. ''Carry the team''ˇŞwhich means I''ll need to really step up my game," he mused, ncing toward the women ahead. "But I don''t think I can go all out in front of them. So I guess I''ll just sit this one outˇ­ after all, it''s an optional quest." Ss dismissed the notification and turned his focus to the realm around him.

    Thendscape appeared as a broad, deste street, littered with debris and remnants of machinery scattered haphazardly across the ground. Various pathways branched off in different directions, and from where they stood, they could hear distant growls and roars of mutants echoing ominously in the background.

    "Well, at least it''s not another cave. I''m really getting tired of realms that look like caves," Shirleymented as she surveyed the environment, her expression revealing a hint of relief.

    "Let''s keep moving, everyone! We don''t have all day!" Avamanded, her voice resonating with authority, and the group began to advance forward.

    They navigated through the wide street, carefully sidestepping fallen machinery and jagged rocks, their senses heightened as they remained vignt. Ss trailed behind them, therge bag swaying slightly with his movements, his keen eyes scanning the area. Suddenly, he sensed a looming presenceˇŞa mutant nearbyˇŞbut the rest of the group continued walking, oblivious to the danger.

    The team soon halted a few meters ahead as a loud buzzing sound pierced the air, growing increasingly louder, reminiscent of a swarm of angry bees approaching them.

    "Everyone, get ready! We''ve gotpany!" Ava shouted, her tone shifting to one of urgency as she warmed up her hands, preparing for a fight. The other women quickly fell intobat stances, their expressions serious and focused.

    "They''re all prepared for battle?" Ss thought, a frown creasing his forehead. "So there''s no healer among them? Are thesedies really going on a raid without a healer?"

    The buzzing crescendoed until a swarm of enormous bees emerged, each insect the size of a truck tire, their wings glistening dangerously in the light, and their legs sharp enough to slice through flesh.

    The women stared at the approaching swarm, and when the bees were only a few meters away, they thrust their hands forward, unleashing a torrent of ice that erupted from their palms. The ice struck the bees mid-flight, freezing them instantly, and as they fell to the ground, they shattered into countless icy shards. After vanquishing the swarm with a single, coordinated attack, the team bent over, resting their hands on their knees, panting heavily from the exertion.

    "They did well defeating those bees," Ss thought, observing them closely. "But that attack seemed topletely drain their stamina, and the fight has just begun." He frowned, reconsidering his initial decision.

    "I might need to rethink skipping that optional quest."

    ''''"

    A/N: Gifts and Golden Tickets are my only motivation..and so far there''s nothing. ?????

    Anyway, thanks for reading!

 Chapter 94 Say the word!

    Ss watched the group of women stagger as they caught their breath after fending off the swarm of Grade 1 bees. Their shoulders rose and fell with each heavy breath, eyes cast downward as they fought off exhaustion. Only when he saw they had steadied themselves did he step forward.

    "You''re all looking pretty worn out," hemented, a hint of amusement in his tone. "And this is only the beginning."

    "Besides, I noticed somethingˇŞyou don''t have a healer."

    Ava, the group''s  leader, lifted her head, wiping the sweat from her forehead with the back of her sleeve.

    "That''s part of the challenge they gave us," she replied with a weary edge to her voice. "The higher-ups want us to raid this realm without relying on a healer." She managed a bitterugh, ncing at the others, who nodded in solidarity. "And as for our stamina...well, what do you expect from a bunch of Grade 1s?" Her gaze drifted to the ground, voice softening as the weight of her words sank in.

    Ss raised an eyebrow, a glint of incredulity in his eyes. "So you all knew you weren''t strong enough to take on a Grade 2 realm, yet you agreed anyway?"

    Ava''s eyes shed, and her jaw clenched.

    "What choice do we have, Ss?" she snapped, her voice raw with desperation and anger. "We need this job. Bing staff here isn''t just a paycheckˇŞit''s survival."

    She took a step closer, her voice trembling. "My mother''s lying in a hospital bed, fighting for her life after a Vroomtant attacked her. My aunt is struggling to save enough tokens to join an academy, and my little brother..." She paused, taking a shaky breath as her voice wavered. "He''s sick too. We all have people depending on us." She swallowed, her eyes misting over as she held his gaze, the fierce determination in her expression unmistakable.

    "I knew the risk, but I''m willing to take it. If I fail, I''ll lose everything."

    Ss stood silent, listening. Though his face betrayed nothing, a faint glimmer of empathy stirred within him. He understoodˇŞhe had once known that desperation, that willingness to push beyond his limits.

    Find adventures on empire

    Ava blinked, looking away as she bit her lip topose herself. "Sorry for...venting," she muttered, rubbing at the lone tear slipping down her cheek. "I just get carried away sometimes."

    Ss nodded slowly, his gaze steady. "No need to apologize."

    She managed a faint, grateful smile and lightly tapped his shoulder before turning back to the group, rallying them with a resolute nod. They gathered their supplies, and the group continued onward, moving cautiously down the deste street.

    Around them, debris littered thendscape, and the wreckage of machinesˇŞscarred by rust and w marksˇŞrose like skeletal remnants of a forgotten battlefield.

    "Look." Anita, one of the group members, pointed to a massive, jagged w mark etched into a machine''s metal frame.

    "There''s a mutant nearby," Shirley added, her voice taut with tension.

    "Keep your guard up," Avamanded, her tone steady butced with urgency. The group moved forward, their eyes darting around in wary anticipation, searching every shadow. Ss followed a few steps behind, his gaze focused, as he felt a prickling awareness of the mutant''s presence growing stronger.

    After several minutes, they finally spotted the creature lurking in the distance. The mutant stood low on all fours, its stance like a predator lying in wait.

    It resembled a lion but with twisted featuresˇŞits head was too small, snake-like, with gleaming, predatory eyes. Its massive body loomed asrge as a car, and a sinuous, de-tipped tailshed behind it, leaving grooves in the ground. Two dagger-like fangs protruded from its mouth, gleaming under the sparse light.

    A red notification screen flickered above the creature, illuminating its vital details.

    [Name: Kepromec]

    [Grade: 2]

    Ss studied the notification with his usual calm detachment, his gaze shifting from the creature to hispanions. Their faces were pale, beads of sweat forming anew on their brows as they gripped their weapons tightly. Fear was etched into their expressions, but none of them moved. Their stances stiffened, their eyes locked on Kepromec, each woman ready to stand her ground despite the sheer terror in her eyes.

    ''They''re brave,'' Ss mused, a trace of admiration softening his gaze. ''They know exactly what they''re up against, yet they''re still prepared to fight.''

    The mutant let out a low, bone-chilling growl that vibrated through the air, then burst forward with terrifying speed. Its roar, raw and feral, echoed around them, and Ava''s voice sliced through the tension.

    "Attack! Pin it to the floor!" she shouted, her voice strained butmanding. At her signal, the group unleashed an ice attack in unison, a frosty wave spreading out like a creeping storm across the ground toward the charging mutant.

    Their aim was to immobilize Kepromec''s legs, freezing it in ce. But as the ice encased its ws, the creature shattered it effortlessly, slicing through the frost with a single swipe and hurtling forward with undiminished speed.

    "Damn it!" Ava''s eyes widened with panic as she cursed. "Another round! Hit it again!"

    They fired another barrage of ice, more intense this time, but Kepromec''s ws tore through it just as easily. Unstoppable, it closed in, its twisted maw stretched into a menacing snarl.

    Within striking range, Kepromecshed out with its ded tail. The vicious tail whipped through the air at a blinding speed. Desperately, thedies formed a makeshift wall of ice to block the assault. The tail struck it with a thunderous crack, splintering the ice barrier instantly, and continued its deadly arc.

    **SLASH!**

    The tail sliced cleanly across Anita''s chest, the force throwing her backward. She crashed against a rusted machine, crumpling to the ground in a heap, her chest oozing blood. Shey still, limbs twisted at unnatural angles, breathing raggedly as pain contorted her face.

    The rest of the group, eyes wide with shock, barely registered her fall. They continued their assault on Kepromec, though their attacks grew weaker. Ss moved swiftly to Anita''s side, dropping to one knee to inspect her injuries.

    The gash across her chest wasn''t fatal, but it was deep, and her body had taken significant trauma from the impact. Broken bones, no doubt. Ss''s gaze softened as he whispered to her, "You''ll be alright. Just hang in there."

    Around them, the sounds of battle dulled, reced by heavy thuds as one by one, the others copsed, thrown back by Kepromec''s relentless onught. Ss''s gaze snapped up, scanning the scene. The rest of the teamy scattered, bloodied and exhausted, barely able to move a muscle.

    Ss moved to Ava''s side, whoy slumped against the ground, bruised and bloodied, a tear streaking down her dirt-stained face. She looked up at him, her lips quivering as she tried to speak.

    "No...I can''t...I can''t fail," she whispered hoarsely, voice breaking with each syble. Her hands trembled as she tried to push herself up, though her body protested with searing pain. "I need this job...my family...they''re counting on meˇ­"

    Ss knelt beside her, a hand on her shoulder, urging her to lie back down.

    "Rest," he said, his voice cool and steady. "You''re injured, and you''ve pushed yourself past your limit. If you keep going, you''ll only end up getting yourself killed."

    Ava''s eyes filled with fresh tears as she held his gaze, her voice barely a whisper. "But... I can''t...fail. I have to..."

    His gaze darkened, and his voice took on a chilling undertone as he leaned closer, eyes gleaming with intensity. "Are you absolutely certain, Ava? You need to clear this realm, to get that job, to save your mother? You''re willing to risk everything?"

    Her lips trembled as she answered, her voice soft but filled with conviction. "Yes...I am."

    "Then say the word," Ss said, his voice a low, dangerous whisper. "Say the word, and I''ll help you."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

 Chapter 95 Clearing the grade 1 realm

    Ava''s eyes brimmed with fresh tears, her emotions raw and vulnerable as she held Ss''s intense gaze. Her voice trembled, barely audible. "But... I can''t... fail. I have to..."

    Ss''s face darkened, a chilling undertone seeping into his voice as he leaned closer, his eyes gleaming with a predatory intensity. "Are you absolutely certain, Ava? You''re telling me that you *must* clear this realm, secure that job, save your mother? That you''re truly ready to risk everything?"

    Her lips quivered, but her gaze didn''t waver. Her answer, soft but resolute, seemed to cut through the tension hanging between them. "Yes... I am."

    "Then say the word," Ss murmured, his voice dropping to a low, dangerous whisper. "Say the word, and I''ll help you."

    Ava''s eyes searched his face, confusion flickering in their depths. She nced at him with a puzzled frown, her gaze shifting as if expecting to see some visible signˇŞa skill slot activated or an aura of power around him. But there was nothing. No active skill, no visible energy. Her confusion deepened.

    "How do you intend to help us when you have no active skill slot?" Ava''s voice was tinged with bewilderment, her brows furrowing.

    Ss only smirked, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes. "I guess you''ll just have to trust me."

    Hesitating, Ava cast a quick nce toward the others, who were watching the interaction with wary interest. With a resigned breath, she turned back to Ss, her voice thick with reluctant trust. "All right... please, help us, Ss."

    He nodded once, rising smoothly to his feet. "Just keep this a secret between us girls," he added with a sly grin, dropping his bag to the ground. His gaze shifted toward the approaching mutant, its monstrous figure hulking in the distance.

    Kepromec was drawing near, its tail coiled like a deadly whip. The creature''s eyes narrowed, calcting, as it zeroed in on Ss. Without a flicker of hesitation, he activated his skill.

    [Soul Control Activated]

    With a single thought, Ss seized control over the mutant''s body. Kepromec''s snarl froze mid-growl as an unseen force lifted it off the ground, flinging it backward like a rag doll. The creature hurtled across the wide, empty street, crashing into a jagged boulder with bone-shattering force. Ity there, stunned and twitching, its limbs scrabbling weakly at the dirt as it tried to rise.

    Ss closed in with grim determination, his shadow falling over the struggling mutant. He raised his fist, muscles taut with restrained power, and with one powerful swingˇŞ

    **BAM!**

    His punch connected with a sickening crunch, crushing Kepromec''s tiny skull. Dark purple blood sttered in every direction as its head exploded like an overripe fruit, staining the ground beneath it. The creature''s body twitched once, then fell limp, its life extinguished.

    [Congrattions, you have in Kepromec]

    A notification shed across Ss''s vision, but he dismissed it with a casual swipe. Three more Kepromecs, having witnessed the swift demise of theirrade, let out furious roars as they charged at him, their limbs pounding against the ground with a relentless rhythm.

    Ss scoffed, casting a disdainful nce at the oing mutants. "One thing I hate about low-graded mutantsˇŞthey always travel in packs." His fists tightened, knuckles whitening as he readied his stance, eyes fixed on the mutants barreling toward him, their grotesque faces twisted in rage.

    As the creatures reached him, their spiked tailsshed out in unison, aiming to shred him to pieces. But Ss moved with calcted precision, sidestepping each tail strike effortlessly. His body twisted, and his fist shot forward in a rapid counterattack.

    **BAM!**

    His knuckles collided with the skull of one Kepromec, shattering it on impact. Purple blood sprayed into the air, the creature''s lifeless body crumpling to the ground. Ss withdrew his arm just in time, narrowly avoiding another swipe from a sharp tail as he leaped backward.

    [Soul Control Activated]

    Ss activated his soul control swiftly , raising his right hand and lifting the remaining Kepromecs several feet into the air. Their limbs iled helplessly as they dangled, suspended by his control, before he flung them backward with a brutal force. They crashed against the rocks, one falling limp immediately, while the other groaned and attempted to rise, clearly dazed.

    Ss stalked toward the struggling mutant, a dark glint in his eyes. He crouched down, reaching for its head, and long, ck ws extended from his fingertips as he dug them into its skull.

    [Host is now consuming the soul of a mutant]

    [Soul Points: 200/200]

    [Soul Reserve: 100/100]

    [Host has gained 3 attribute points]

    Ss released his grip, watching as the mutant''s body crumpled to the ground, hollowed and lifeless. For a moment, he stood over it, his expression unreadable, before he turned back to the others. They stared at him, wide-eyed, shock and awe mingling on their faces.

    "You all can stay here and recover," Ss''s voice echoed across the clearing, firm and steady. "I''ll handle the rest."

    The group exchanged nces, each of them too stunned to speak. They couldn''t fathom how a boy without an apparent ability had dispatched creatures that had nearly overwhelmed them. Ss''s calm demeanor only added to their disbelief.

    When no one responded, Ss turned on his heel, disappearing into the shadows.

    """"

    **SCREEECH!**

    A shrill, ear-piercing screech shattered the silence as a Grade 1 serpent mutant lunged toward Ss, its elongated body slithering with deadly speed. Its jaws gaped wide, revealing a set of gleaming, venomous fangs poised to strike.

    Ss leaped upward in a graceful arc, dodging the creature''s snapping jaws by a mere fraction. As he soared above it, he summoned his Grade 5 scythe, gripping the weapon tightly with both hands. With a swift, precise motion, he brought it down.

    **SLASH!**

    The scythe''s de cleaved through the serpent''s body effortlessly, slicing it in half. Dark purple blood spurted from the wound, drenching the ground as the severed halves of the creature writhed before falling still.

    [Host is unable to absorb the soul of the Grade 1 serpentine mutant]

    [Reason: Soul points are full]

    A notification shed across Ss''s vision as hended, dismissing it with a sigh. He surveyed the battlefield around him, strewn with bloodied mutant corpses.

    "That should be thest one," he muttered, his gaze drifting across the scarred, blood-soaked ground. On his path to the god''s chamber, he''d encountered countless Grade 1 serpentine mutants and a swarm of Kepromecs, each one falling to his attacks with little resistance.N?v(el)B\\jnn

    Ss knelt by the closest mutant carcass, methodically harvesting its valuable parts. From the serpent, he extracted its fangs and thick, resilient skin, while from the Kepromecs, he collected the barbed tips of their tails and their deadly fangs. Once he''d secured each piece, he rose and resumed his journey toward the god''s chamber.

    ---

    **Back at the Academy...**

    A group of students walked down a shadowy path, returning from the Crater''s shop, irritation etched across their faces. They''d nned to sell the mutant body parts they got from the test that was cancelled for tokens, hoping to upgrade their gear for the Ranking Arena, but the shop had been inexplicably deserted, the door left unlocked and no trace of the Crater himself.

    "Of all days for him to go missing, it had to be today!" one student grumbled, his expression sour as they walked along the empty path.

    They opted to take a different route back to the academy, a secluded shortcut where they could smoke in peace before returning. The street, dim and deserted, seemed perfect for a brief escape.

    As they ignited their cigars, one of them noticed a shadowed figure lying slumped against a trash can nearby.

    "Waitˇ­ do you see that?" he asked, his voice low and cautious.

    They edged closer, squinting as they tried to make out the figure''s features. As they drew near, horror dawned on each of their facesˇŞthe figure lying motionless on the ground looked disturbingly familiar.

    "Is it just me, or does that look like... the Crater?" one of them stammered, wide-eyed and frozen as they stared at the lifeless, petrified husk sprawled on the ground.

    """

    Gifts and Golden Tickets will be very much appreciated! Thanks for reading!

 Chapter 96 Petrified husk

    "Waitˇ­ do you see that?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper,ced with a cautious edge.

    The group edged forward, each step slower than thest as they strained to make out the figure''s features in the dim light. The figurey slumped on the ground, motionless and shrouded in eerie stillness. As they drew closer, recognition shed across each of their faces, quickly reced by horror. The shape sprawled before them wasn''t just familiarˇŞit was unmistakably *him*.

    "Is it just me, or does that look like... the Crater?" one of them stammered, his voice trembling as he fought toprehend the sight before him.

    "Yes, yes! It''s definitely him!" another whispered, eyes wide with shock.

    "Butˇ­ what happened to him? Why does his body look like that?!"

    "Is he dead?"

    "Of course, he''s dead! Look at him!" Thest voice held a tremor of panic as reality set in.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    The students exchanged anxious nces, their expressions shadowed by dread. The body, twisted and hardened into something foreign and grotesque,y frozen in a stone-like state. It looked almost like a statue, but the warped and petrified expression hinted at a suffering beyond what they could imagine. They had seen death beforeˇŞbut nothing like this. The sight of it left them uneasy, their stomachs twisting in fear. What kind of force could have done this?

    "We have to report this to the academy! You two stay here. I''ll go with Stanley," one of the boys urged, attempting to maintain some control amidst the building panic.

    "You expect us to stay here with this... this *thing*?" another student cut in sharply, backing away from the body. "No way, man. I''ming with you."

    A tense argument erupted, voices ovepping as each tried to insist on apanying the others back to the safety of the academy. Finally, with reluctant nods, they agreed to head back together, their pace quickening as they left the horrific sight behind. They made their way through the academy gates, ncing around anxiously. Luckily, their path crossed with Kara, who was walking purposefully across thepound.

    "Mrs. Kara!" Stanley called out, his voice carrying an urgency that made her stop mid-step and turn to face them.

    "What is it?" Kara''s voice was cold and clipped, her gaze settling sharply on the boys, clearly unamused by the interruption.

    "There''s somethingˇ­ something you need to see," Stanley began, his words tumbling over each other. "The man who crafts our weaponsˇ­ we found him lying dead in an alleyway, but his bodyˇ­ it''s turned into some kind of horrible rock."

    Kara''s expression changed subtly, her eyes narrowing as a serious look took over her face. "Show me where you found him," she ordered, her tone steely, wasting no time on further questions. She began moving forward, the boys hurrying to keep pace.

    After a few steps, she abruptly stopped, turning to face them with an arched brow. "Where do you all think you''re going?" she demanded, her gaze flicking over each of their nervous faces.

    "Uhˇ­ we wereing to show you the body," one of them stammered.

    Kara crossed her arms. "Only one of you needs to guide me. This isn''t a battleground, and I don''t need all of you trailing behind. Now, who''s it going to be?" Her tone was unyielding.

    The boys nced at each other awkwardly before Kara''s gazended firmly on Stanley. "You. Come with me."

    Stanley swallowed, his friends shooting him looks of mild relief and annoyance as he rubbed the back of his neck, nodding. "Yes, Mrs. Kara," he replied, before turning to follow her.

    In silence, they walked through the quiet streets, the eerie memory of the body lingering in Stanley''s mind. Shadows stretched over the alleyway as they finally approached the spot where the petrified husky in grim solitude.

    "There it is, Mrs. Kara," Stanley whispered, pointing a shaky finger at the hardened form sprawled on the ground.

    Kara approached the corpse without hesitation, her face impassive as she knelt beside it, studying the texture and rigidity of the stone-like surface. Her expression remained unreadable, but her eyes darkened slightly with recognition.

    ''Just as I suspected,'' Kara mused internally, resting her hand above the body. ''This is exactly like what happened to Caleb and his friends that nightˇ­ no doubt, this was Ss''s doing.''

    She had seen something disturbingly simr not long ago. That night, when she had found Ss lying unconscious in the academy''s courtyard, Caleb and his friends had been discovered shortly afterward, their bodies transformed into solid husks, drained of life and left as cold, unfeeling rocks. She had hidden the evidence then, but now, seeing it happen again, her suspicions solidified.

    ''He''s reckless. This boy really needs to control himself. There''s only so much I can cover up,'' she thought, her eyes narrowing as she traced a hand over the body''s cold surface. ''What is he doing to them to cause this? It''s almost as though he''s draining them to the core, leaving nothing but a shell. And he keeps swearing he''s not hiding anything from me, while he consumes human souls without a second thought? No wonder his power grows so quickly.''

    Rising to her feet, she cast a lingering nce over the corpse, as if silently weighing her options. Then she turned to Stanley, her voice sharp with authority.

    "Return to the academy. I''ll take care of this," she ordered.

    Stanley hesitated, curiosity creeping into his voice. "Do you know what happened to him?"

    Kara''s face softened only marginally as she nced back at the body, a flicker of thought shing behind her eyes. "I''m not certain. He may have been infected by a mutant during a raid, or something simr. It''s possible that''s why he ended up like this."

    Stanley''s eyes widened, his mind jumping to the stories and warnings they''d been taught in the academy. "You meanˇ­ he was attacked by a Vroomtant or Shifter?"

    His reaction was almost amusing, as he gripped his head in horror, clearly envisioning the mutant creatures from their lessons.

    He thought of Vroomtants, Shifters, Creepers, Gliders, Scuttlers, Lurkers, and DriftersˇŞdeadly creatures categorized outside of traditional grading due to their unpredictable and evolving strength.

    With a single scratch or bite, these monsters could infect humans, transforming them into mutants as well.This type of Mutants are extremely rare, and one could find them in any realm. Be it a high graded realm or low graded realm. Because they have no grade they can be find in any type of realm. Encounters with these creatures rarely left survivors, and only the rare few who did survive lived to tell the horrific tales.

    Though Kara''s exnation was a fabrication, she knew it would easily be epted. Stanley would hardly question her word; after all, Kara was known for her vast experience, a well of knowledge about creatures most students only read about.

    Nodding, Stanley swallowed his fear and quickly made his way back to the academy grounds, leaving Kara alone with the petrified corpse. Once she was sure he was gone, Kara took a steadying breath, gazing down at the body with an exasperated expression.

    "Nowˇ­ how am I going to dispose of this?" she muttered to herself, her mind already running through possible solutions. She couldn''t leave it here, but moving it without drawing attention would be challenging.

 Chapter 97 You have slain Mochvren (God of the realm)

    Ss stood in the midst of carnage, breathing hard yet calm, his scythe glistening dark with the mutant blood that clung to its de.

    The fallen mutants around him, limp and twisted, the silence of the aftermath thick in the air.

    [Congrattions, you have in a Grade 1 Serpentine mutant]

    [Congrattions, you have in a Grade 2 serpentine mutant]

    [Congrattions, you have in a Kepromec]

    [Congrattions, you have in a Kepromec]

    [Congrattions, you have in a Grade 2 serpentine mutant]

    [Congrattions, you have in a Grade 1 serpentine mutant]

    [Congrattions, you have in a Kepromec]

    [Congrattions, you have in a Kepromec]

    Each kill notification blinked in his vision, marking his progress, but Ss barely acknowledged them. His eyes, cold and focused, were fixed on the chamber entrance, where three serpentine mutants watched him with a primal intensity.

    "These bastards just keeping," he muttered, tightening his grip on the scythe. The serrated edge seemed to hum in anticipation as the mutants surged forward, fangs bared and bodies undting with lethal agility.

    As they closed in, Ss remained unnervingly still, waiting until the first mutant was almost upon him. Then, with a swift sidestep, he swung his scythe in a brutal arc.

    The de cut through scales, flesh, and bone as it sliced the serpent in two, dark purple blood spraying across the stone floor. Before the next mutant could react, Ss spun on his heel, swinging the scythe backward to sever the tail of the second serpent. Its agonized screech filled the chamber, but Ss silenced it swiftlyˇŞhe leaped high, bringing the de down with crushing force, cleaving the creature''s spine.

    [Congrattions, you have in a Grade 2 serpentine mutant]

    Thest mutant hesitated, its slitted eyes darting between Ss and its inpanions. Ss noticed the fear that flickered within its gaze; even these monstrous creatures recognized when they were outmatched. But when the creature tried to slither away, its body froze mid-turn.

    [Soul Control has been activated]

    Ss extended his hand, and the mutant was lifted effortlessly from the floor, suspended by an invisible force. It thrashed and writhed, attempting to escape the crushing hold that enveloped it. Ss''s eyes narrowed with a detached coldness, his grip tightening in the air as he slowly closed his hand into a fist.

    The mutant''s body began to implode, bones snapping and flesh tearing, until it was nothing but a mangled mass that sttered to the ground with a final, sickening crunch.

    [Congrattions, you have in a Grade 2 serpentine mutant]

    Ss let out a low breath, dismissing the notifications with a flick of his hand. He wiped his brow, ncing warily toward the chamber''s entrance. Just as he took a step forward, the heavy stone doors sted open with a thunderous BOOM, shards of rock scattering across the floor as a new figure emerged from within.

    Ss narrowed his eyes as the hulking creature strode into view. It was over six feet tall, d in bronze-hued armor that gleamed ominously in the dim chamber light.

    A massive helmet covered most of its face, revealing only a pair of merciless eyes that burned with a fierce, primal rage. In one hand, it wielded a serrated de almost as tall as Ss himself, and from its back, a wickedly barbed tail swayed, dripping a venomous green liquid that hissed as it struck the floor.

    [Name: Mochvren (God of the realm)]

    [Grade: 2]

    Ss raised an eyebrow as the notification appeared. A slow, almost amused smile crept onto his face. "So, you''re the god of this realm? I''ve heard gods are meant to be impressive."

    Mochvren let out a roar, a guttural sound that reverberated through the chamber. The mutant lunged, its massive de slicing through the air toward Ss. But Ss moved with a preternatural calm, sidestepping at thest second as the de passed mere inches from his torso.

    Mochvren recovered instantly, swinging its weapon in a deadly arc once more. Ss anticipated the move, shifting backward with ease, his every motion precise and unhurried. Each time the mutant attacked, Ss evaded, watching for patterns, studying his enemy''s rhythm.

    ''So it''s got reach, power, and that tail looks like it''sced with venom,'' he thought, a cool assessment shing in his gaze as he analyzed the mutant''s movements. When the tail whipped toward him, he ducked low, feeling the faint breeze of its passing as he dodged cleanly. Discover stories with empire

    Mochvren, frustrated by its inability tond a blow, roared again, its fury building as it raised its de for a powerful downward strike. Ss seized the moment, charging forward with lightning speed. The god swung, but Ss intercepted with his scythe, the two weapons colliding with a resounding nging sound.

    To the mutant''s shock, its de shattered upon impact, the fragments scattering as Ss''s scythe continued on its deadly path. The de connected with the mutant''s chest, splintering its armor and carving a deep, gushing wound that oozed dark purple blood. Mochvren stumbled back, clutching its chest, rage ring as it tried to gather itself.

    Ss chuckled, his expression mocking. "Lost your weapon already? Let''s make this a little fairer, shall we?" With a smirk, he dismissed his scythe, letting it vanish in a wisp of shadow. He cracked his knuckles, beckoning the god forward with a glint of challenge in his eyes.

    The god hesitated, then bellowed with renewed fury, lunging forward and swinging its tail with a vicious force. Ss sidestepped effortlessly, evading each frenzied strike with a precision that bordered on contempt. Then, in a single, fluid motion, he closed the distance between them, fists raised.

    He struck first, an uppercut to the creature''s jaw that sent a shockwave through the area. The god reeled, but Ss was relentless, following with a flurry of punches that pounded into the creature''s armor, each blow denting the metal further.

    With one final punch, he sent Mochvren flying across the chamber, its body crashing into the stone floor with a deafening impact. The gody motionless, its helmet dislodged and head rolled to the side, dark purple blood pooling beneath it.

    [Congrattions, you have in Mochvren (God of the realm)]

    [Congrattions, you havepleted the optional quest]

    [Reward: You have gained 5 extra attribute points]

    [Level up x5]

    [Soul Control has leveled up]

    Ss stood over the fallen god''s corpse, breathing heavily, a grim satisfaction in his eyes. As the notifications appeared in his vision, he couldn''t help but scoff, muttering, "Only five points for all that effort? These realms really don''t know how to reward hard work."

    He nced down at Mochvren''s severed head, a wicked grin spreading across his face. He crouched, gripping the head firmly by its crest before lifting it, the lifeless eyes staring nkly into nothing. Turning on his heel, he strode toward the exit, intent on finding the others before the realm began to copse around him.

    ''""

    A/N: Vote with your Golden Tickets and send in Gifts for another mass release of 10 chapters!n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

 Chapter 98 Planning something

    Ss walked through the shattered remnants of the mutant realm, the severed head of the Realm''s god held firmly in his right hand and a pouch full of valuable mutant parts in his left. The path ahead was littered with debris and pools of dark, congealed blood, reminders of the brutal battles he''d left behind. His footsteps echoed in the silence as he moved closer to the exit, his senses still on high alert despite his victory.

    After several minutes of walking, Ss spotted a group of familiar figures up ahead, silhouetted against the dim light filtering through the realm''s strange sky. It was Ava and her team of female academy staff, all looking anxious as they waited. The instant they saw Ss, they rushed toward him, expressions ranging from disbelief to awe.

    "Ss!" Ava called out, her voice trembling as she took in his blood-spattered form. "Is it done?" She asked, her chest heaving from both exhaustion and anticipation, sweat glistening on her brow.

    Without a word, Ss extended the Realm god''s head toward her. Ava and the others stared in stunned silence, their eyes wide, mouths slightly open as they processed what he was holding. The weight of his victory was written across their faces, a mixture of relief, admiration, and shock.

    "How... how did you manage this?" Ava breathed, almost to herself, as she took in the gruesome trophy.

    Ss gave a half-smirk, shrugging nonchntly. "Let''s skip the details," he replied coolly. "And keep this a secret. When we''re back at the academy, you''re going to tell Sir Dominic that *you* were the ones who cleared the realm. Since I''ve been assigned to raid realms until month-end, I''ll keep helping you clear up to the twelfth realm so you can qualify for your positions. After that, you''re on your own."

    The women exchanged looks, still digesting his words. Anita finally found her voice, her expression guarded but curious. "Why are you helping us, Ss? You don''t owe us anything."

    Ss''s smirk broadened, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "I''m just doing it for the rewards," he replied with a faint chuckle.

    "The rewards?" Ava echoed, her brow furrowing. "What kind of rewards?"

    He waved her off dismissively. "You wouldn''t understand," he said, handing her the head of the Realm god and the other mutant parts. "And that''s enough questions."

    As Ss started to walk away, Ava''s voice rang out again, stopping him in his tracks. "Ss!" She called, her tone softer now, almost reverent. "Thank you. Because of you, we''ll get the jobs we need to support our families. We owe you. And don''t worryˇŞyour secret''s safe with us."

    Without turning, Ss gave a curt nod before continuing his stride, his form quickly disappearing into the shadows of the realm.

    A few minutester, Ava activated hermunicator and sent a request to the academy, marking their location for extraction. Within moments, a shimmering blue portal appeared, casting an eerie glow over the group. They exchanged relieved nces before stepping through, leaving the blood-soaked battleground behind.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    As they emerged back at the academy''s construction site, Ss wordlessly broke away from the group, heading toward the cafeteria. The evening sky had deepened to a navy blue, and the academy grounds buzzed with students gathering for dinner before curfew. The warm, bustling atmosphere of the cafeteria felt worlds away from the bloodshed he''d just left behind.

    Ss scanned the room until he spotted Vic and the others,  talking around a table a few meters away. He approached, and as he did, Vic looked up, a smirk breaking out on his face.

    "Oh, look who''s back from his ''punishment,''" Vic teased, rising to shake Ss''s hand. "How was the hunt?"

    Ss shrugged. "Still got more to do until the month ends. Guess I won''t be around as much during the day." He took a seat, ncing at the others as he settled in. Your next read awaits at empire

    Angelica leaned forward, a mischievous glint in her eye. "So? How was it? I heard you were sent to a lower-graded realmˇŞbet it was a breeze for you."

    "Yeah," Ss replied, a slight smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Everything went smoothly." He left out the part where he''d single-handedly faced down the god of the realm.

    As they exchanged updates, Vic leaned in, his tone suddenly more serious. "There''s news for you, Ss. The staff announced another test next weekˇŞeveryone''s going into the same realm. The academy says it''s for safety, but I think they just want to keep an eye on us."

    Ss''s expression tightened. "Everyone? Why throw all of us in together?"

    "Safety in numbers, they said," Vic replied, rolling his eyes. "To avoid a repeat of what happenedst time, they figure grouping us will make it easier to control things."

    Ss''s mind raced as he processed this. Being in the same realm as the other students meant he''d have to tread carefully. He wouldn''t be able to unleash his powers openly, especially not with the academy''s watchful eyes.

    "Ss," Vic continued, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "I don''t think mutants are the only threat in that realm. There are some students who aren''t happy with us. They''re still bitter about the canceled testˇŞthey me us for not being able to gather enough mutant parts. Plus, Billy and his gang are back from the hospital."

    Ss''s gaze hardened. "Billy and his cronies have it out for us? Let them try...." he said, though he was calcting how he''d handle any attacks without revealing his powers.

    "That''s the thing," Vic added, his tone grim. "Since the realm isn''t on academy grounds, there won''t be any staff around to stop him. It''s the perfect ce for revengeˇŞand they''ll have backup. We need to be ready."

    Ss leaned back, feigning nonchnce, though his mind was already turning over the implications. Billy and a handful of disgruntled students didn''t concern him; he was more powerful than any of them. But if they attacked with other students watching, he''d be limited. Revealing his abilities in front of so many witnesses will definitely not end well for him.

 Chapter 99 Mission in the Crimson Coffin

    Somewhere else...N?v(el)B\\jnn

    In a deserted area on Earth, a towering building reached toward the sky. The structure was both imposing and beautiful, with modern designs etched along its walls like art on stone. Both sides of the building were encased in colossal ss panels, revealing glimpses of the intricate interior.

    But this was no ordinary ss; forged from the remains of mutant body parts, it was unbreakable. Even the most destructive forceˇŞa missile, an explosionˇŞwould leave it unscathed, a testament to the strength and mystery behind the technology.

    This was the headquarters of the Aqua zing Guild.

    Though not part of the elite, Aqua zing was a guild with ambition. Its members weren''t content to stay in mediocrity, scraping by on minor hunts in lower-grade realms.

    They pursued high-stakes, high-reward hunts in advanced realms, knowing that recognition demanded courage and risk. In the world of guilds, only those willing to brave the most dangerous realms gained respect.

    However, Aqua zing still struggled to climb among the titans of the guild world. At the peak were the Vanquisher Guild, Terminator Guild, and Cobra Venom GuildˇŞthe top three, whose names alone inspired admiration. Only a few could join their ranks, and those who did were rewarded with lives of wealth and privilege.

    These top guilds held contracts with the Ten Eternal Families, Earth''s most influential and powerful figures. Such alliances brought wealth and resources, allowing the top three guilds to afford the best equipment, recruit the finest hunters, and tackle Advanced-grade realms, domains feared by even the bravest.

    For years, Aqua zing had aimed to secure its ce among these legends. Yet, while the other guilds enjoyed in fame and fortune, they remained one level below, clearing regr Grade 4 and 5 realms. It wasn''t enough, and their leader, Mr. Barlow, knew this all too well.

    Inside the guild''s towering fortress, in a vast, brightly lit room, five figures stood assembled. They were outfitted in armor that gleamed a metallic green, each set crafted with scales resembling fish, providing protection while allowing agility.

    Their expressions were tense, knowing the weight of the mission before them. Each wore Grade 4 skill slots, weapons at their sides, their eyes locked onto a rectangr portal device standing opposite them, its metallic surface pulsing with a faint blue glow.

    The silence was broken by the sliding of the entrance door. A man entered, his expression calm yetmanding. He was bald, not a single strand of hair on his head, and the intense light from above made his scalp shine like there was an extra light bulb in the room. d in a sharply tailored blue suit, his right hand tucked casually into his pocket, he exuded authority. This was Mr. Barlow, the guild''s enigmatic leader.

    "Good morning,rades," he greeted, his voice deep and steady as he surveyed them. "I trust you all understand why I''ve called you here."

    A woman from the group stepped forward, her face creased with worry. "Yes, sir, we understandˇ­ but don''t you think it''s too dangerous to enter the Crimson Coffin?" Her voice wavered slightly, a hint of fear slipping through.

    Mr. Barlow''s gaze sharpened as he answered, his tone unwavering. "Emily, we discussed this yesterday. I already exined the risks and the rewards. There''s no need to revisit the same concerns."

    Emily''s brow furrowed as she nced at herrades, then back at Mr. Barlow. "I understand, sirˇ­ it''s just that the Crimson Coffin is legendary for its dangers. Even with our armor and weapons, I''m not sure we''re prepared. Weck the equipment for a ce like that." Stay updated via empire

    Barlow''s expression darkened, his voice turning almost harsh. "This mission is crucial, Emily. If we want a ce among the top three guilds, we must prove ourselves. Just one mutant body part from the Crimson Coffin would elevate us to their level. Once we break into the top three, we''ll gain ess to the Eternal Families and the lucrative contracts they bring. Our ie will multiply, and Aqua zing will be a force to be reckoned with."

    He paused, letting his words sink in. "Yes, I understand it''s risky. The Crimson Coffin is not for the faint of heartˇŞthere are tales of teams vanishing without a trace. But that''s why we have a n. We''ve scanned the thoroughly, and the portal we''ll open will ce you in an area with fewer mutants. Your task is simple: find a stray mutant, kill it, take whatever valuable body parts it has, and get back through the portal. It doesn''t matter if it''s a lower-grade mutantˇŞthe fact that it came from the Crimson Coffin is what matters. That alone will earn us the respect we need. We''ll be the first guild to return with a specimen from that, and that will secure our ce in the top three."

    The room fell silent, each member absorbing the weight of his words. After a tense moment, a man spoke up. His voice was gruff, and his towering frame matched his deep, rugged voice.

    "With all due respect, sir, you make it sound easy. But we both know it won''t be as simple as that. The moment we arrive, we could be surrounded. Those scanners of yours aren''t exactly perfect."

    The man was Isaac, a burly hunter with a thick beard that covered the lower half of his face, giving him an almost primal appearance.

    Mr. Barlow''s gaze narrowed, his tone icy. "Are you afraid, Isaac? If so, say the word, and I''ll assign someone else to lead. And let me remind youˇŞif you decide to back out now, you can abandon any hope of bing my assistant."

    A chill ran down Isaac''s spine at the subtle threat, but he maintained hisposure. "I''m not afraid, sir. I''ll handle it." He bowed his head, signaling his submission.

    "Good," Mr. Barlow replied, his tone softening slightly. "Anyone else having second thoughts? If so, speak now, and I''ll find recements." His eyes swept across the group, challenging each of them to stand firm.

    No one moved. The silence that followed was a pledge of loyaltyˇŞor fear.

    "Very well," Mr. Barlow dered, his voice resuming its usualmanding tone. "If there are no objections, let''s begin. Power up the portal!"

    At hismand, the portal device began to hum, its core glowing with a fierce, electric blue. The air crackled with anticipation, and the room was filled with a sense of impending danger. The team gripped their weapons, faces set with steely determination, each knowing they were about to step into the unknown.

    """

    A/N: 10 Golden Tickets= 5 extra chapters.

    A Magic Castle= 20  extra chapters.

 Chapter 100 A trap?

    The crimson portal sparked to life, glowing ominously the moment the switch was flipped. A soft hum filled the air as energy pulsed through the portal, casting an eerie red light over the group.

    They each took a steadying breath, exchanging nces filled with silent resolve. Then, one by one, they stepped inside, vanishing from the headquarters in an instant, swallowed by the portal''s strange, flickering light.

    Only seconds passed  before they materialized in apletely foreign area. They found themselves standing in what seemed to be an endless, haunting forest.

    Massive trees loomed overhead, their leaves the same unsettling shade of crimson as the portal that brought them here. Crimson grass covered the ground in dense patches, and broken branchesy strewn across the forest floor, crunching softly beneath their feet as they moved.

    Isaac, the team leader, took a few cautious steps forward, his gaze keen as he surveyed their surroundings. One hand rested firmly on the hilt of his de, which was strapped securely around his waist, ready to be drawn at the slightest hint of danger.

    "I don''t sense any mutants nearby," he said, his voice low but confident. "It seems the Guild Master was rightˇŞthis area appears clear of any immediate threats." Yet his assurance did little to ease the tension that weighed down on the rest of the group.

    Emily, her face pale and strained, let out an uneasy breath. "It doesn''t matter if there aren''t any mutants right here, right now! Just by setting foot in this ce, they''ll already know we''re here. I''d bet anything they''re on their way towards us as we speak," she warned, her voice trembling slightly. Cold sweat beaded on her forehead, and her heart thudded against her ribcage.

    A Grade 4 mutant ability user, Emily was the strongest female member of the Aqua zing Guild, a fact that hadn''t gone unnoticed by the Guild Master when he''d chosen her for this mission. At first, the selection had filled her with pride. But that pride had quickly soured into dread the moment she''d learned they''d be journeying to the infamous Crimson CoffinˇŞa ce feared for its dangerous, mutant-infested terrain.

    Emily had considered declining the mission, but the Guild Master''s order had been clear: refusal meant permanent removal from the team. After dedicating decades of her life to the Aqua zing Guild, she couldn''t afford to lose her position. Reluctantly, she''d epted, though her stomach twisted with fear every step of the way.

    Isaac''s voice cut through her thoughts. "Let''s just stick to the Guild Master''s ordersˇŞlocate a stray mutant, engage it, and once we''ve secured the target, we''re free to leave." His tone was brisk, his gaze stillbing the area, ever vignt for any sign of movement.

    "If we can catch one on its own, it doesn''t matter if it''s high-grade or low-grade. We''ll handle it and get out." Your next read awaits at empire

    The group exchanged nces, some of them nodding in silent agreement. After a few tense moments, they started forward, pushing deeper into the forest. Branches tangled overhead like skeletal fingers, and they had to cut away at the thick foliage that obstructed their path, the sound of snapping branches echoing eerily through the silence.

    Minutes passed, each one weighed down by anticipation, as they walked through the dense forest. Suddenly, the entire group halted, instinctively going still as they sensed something unusual.

    "You all feel that energy, right?" Kate, the group''s second female member, whispered, her knuckles white around her bow, which she held tightly at her side.

    "Yes, we do," Isaac confirmed, his grip tightening on his de, ready to draw it at any moment. He cast a watchful eye on the surrounding trees, his senses heightened.

    A series of clicking, scraping sounds grew louder, reverberating through the forest until a mutant finally arrived in their location.

    It was a mutantˇŞa towering, vicious ant, its form nearly the size of a minivan. Its crimson exoskeleton gleamed in the filtered red light, and its massive, de-like forelegs sliced through the undergrowth as it moved, each step exuding an aura of menace.

    The group held their breaths as the creature fixed its gaze on them, its dark, soulless eyes glinting with an almost intelligent malice.

    "There''s no doubtˇ­ that''s a Grade 4 mutant," Isaac murmured, his expression hardening as he assessed the creature. Years of hunting experience had honed his ability to identify a mutant''s grade at a mere nce, a rare skill that had saved his life more than once.

    "That mutant''s definitely Grade 4!" he called to the others. "Good thing it''s aloneˇŞif we work together, we can bring it down without too much trouble!" Isaac''s tone held a steely edge as he drew his de, which caught the strange red sunlight and gleamed with a deadly shine.

    He braced himself, dropping into a fighting stance, his gaze never wavering from the monstrous ant. "Kate, you know the drill!" he barked, signaling her to take position.

    Kate took a deep breath, narrowing her eyes as she stepped forward, drawing three arrows from her quiver and notching them in quick session. With a practiced pull of her bow, she aimed for the mutant and released, the arrows slicing through the air towards their target.

    "Anthony!" Isaac ordered, his gaze flicking towards another member of the team. Anthony nodded, extending his hand as he activated his telekinesis ability. A faint glow surrounded the arrows, increasing their speed and honing their direction, ensuring they would strike the mutant precisely.

    *CLANG!*

    The arrows hit their mark, but instead of piercing its exoskeleton, they rebounded, ttering uselessly to the ground without so much as scratching its armored hide.

    "My arrows didn''t even dent it!" Kate spat, frustration evident as she lowered her bow, eyes narrowing at the undeterred mutant.

    Isaac frowned. "We need to weaken it before I can go in for the kill with my de. Derrick, you''re up next!" He turned to a man with spiky red hair and pale skin, his expression hardening in anticipation.

    Derrick nodded, striding forward with a calm determination. Bringing his hands together, he moved his fingers in a swift, intricate series of gestures.

    A bright glow pulsed from his palms as he formed a massive fireball, releasing it with a thrust of his hands.

    The fireball shot forward at blinding speed, roaring as it carved through the air and headed straight for the mutant.N?v(el)B\\jnn

    *BOOM!*

    An explosion erupted as the fireball connected, filling the area with dense smoke. The team watched intently, straining to see through the thick cloud that now cloaked the mutant.

    "Did we get it?" Emily whispered, her gaze locked on the lingering smoke, a glimmer of hope flickering in her eyes.

    As the smoke began to clear, a shadowy figure stood at its center. The ant was still there, though visibly injured, with faint scorch marks marring its exoskeleton. Yet it stood silently, showing no sign of pain or aggression despite the damage it had taken.

    Derrick scowled. "Why isn''t it fighting back? We''ve been attacking it, but for some reason, it''s just standing thereˇ­" His voice trailed off, confusion evident as he examined the mutant''s strange, passive stance.

    For a few agonizing moments, the mutant remained motionless. Then, without warning, it turned and began to scuttle away, its massive legs carrying it swiftly into the depths of the forest.

    "Quick! Don''t let it escape!" Isaac shouted, already preparing to give chase, but he felt a strong grip on his arm as Emily held him back.

    "Waitˇ­ what if it''s a trap?" she asked, her voiceced with caution. Her gaze remained fixed in the direction the ant had fled, her instincts screaming that something wasn''t right.

    """

    A/N:

    20 Golden Tickets= 3 extra chapters.

    A Magic Castle= 20 extra chapters.

 Chapter 101 Ant colony in the Crimson Coffin

    Isaac bolted forward, determined to chase the mutant running away, but a hand mped down on his arm, halting him mid-stride. Startled, he twisted around, ready to shake off whoever dared stop him.

    "Emily?" he blurted, a mix of surprise and irritation crossing his face as he stared into her intense eyes.

    "We can''t chase that ant. What if it''s leading us into a trap?" Emily''s voice was tense, her grip firm.

    "A trap?" Isaac scoffed, brushing off her hand. "What the hell are you talking about?" His eyes narrowed.

    "Think about it, Isaac," she pressed, her voice steady but edged with fear. "That ant hasn''t made a single move to attack us since it appeared. We''ve thrown everything at it, and it didn''t retaliate. A regr mutant would''ve rushed us the second itid eyes on us."

    Isaac frowned, considering her words, but his restlessness showed. "So, what are you suggesting?" he asked.

    "I''m saying this ant might be intelligent. It''s possible the queen sent it out as bait to lure us somewhere dangerous," she exined, her face pale as cold sweat dotted her brow. "We attacked it, and instead of fighting back, it just turned and bolted. That''s not normal behavior."

    Isaac paused, his jaw clenched in thought before he finally spoke, dismissively. "Look, Emily, I''ve been in this line of work for years. I know what an intelligent mutant looks like. Most of them have humanoid characteristics... that ant is definitely not one of them."

    "And how can you be so certain?" Emily challenged, her voice raised slightly. "This isn''t a regr realm, Isaac! This is the Crimson Coffin! Nothing here follows the usual rules, and mutants here are unlike anything in the standard realms!"

    Isaac''s gaze hardened. "That ant''s been wounded. Derrick got it good with his me, and one solid sh from my Grade 5 sword will finish it. You want out of this forsaken ce as much as I do, don''t you?" His voice was sharp, directed not just at her but at the whole team who stood, watching the exchange in tense silence.

    He gestured back in the direction the creature had fled. "This is our golden opportunity to kill it and im the resources we came for. If we let this chance slip away, we might never get another one like it. Stop making baseless assumptions and let''s catch this thing before it''s toote." Without another word, he turned, charging into the depths of the forest.

    Emily and the others exchanged wary nces before reluctantly following him, their boots crunching over the eerie crimson leaves scattered across the forest floor, dried skulls littering their path like grim reminders of the realm''s danger.

    Isaac suddenly dropped to his knees, his keen gaze tracking the faint indentations of prints and scattered droplets of blood on the ground. Stay tuned with empire

    "It went this way. Come on!" he called over his shoulder, springing up and resuming the chase with the others hot on his heels.

    They dashed through the dense forest for several minutes until they finally came to a halt, breathing heavily as a dark, jagged cave came into view a short distance away.

    "Is... is that a cave?" Derrick asked, his voice tinged with unease as he stared at the yawning entrance.

    Isaac moved cautiously toward the cave, kneeling once more to examine the ground. His eyes narrowed as he observed the distinct prints and drops of dark purple blood leading inside.

    "It''s in there!" he called, his voice echoing slightly in the silence.

    "Fantastic," Emily muttered, a mixture of dread and resignation in her voice. "Now let''s just head back."

    Isaac rose, turning back to face the group, his expression resolute. "The ant''s trapped in there. There''s only one way out, meaning it''s trapped," he dered, his voice hard. "We''ll go in, take it down, collect whatever we need, and leave."

    Emily shook her head, her face pale. "There''s no way I''m stepping foot in there!" she eximed. "Are you all blind? This could be a nest! Ants live in colonies. There could be hundreds waiting for us."

    Kate rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. "Oh, give it a rest, Emily. I don''t know why the Guild Master thinks you''re the strongest female here when you''re acting like a coward," she sneered.

    Isaac took a step toward Emily, his eyes narrowing as he leaned in close. "Listen, Emily. We''re all going in there. If you''re not up to it, you can stay out here alone." His voice dropped to a chilling whisper. "But when we''re back, I''ll be sure the Guild Master knows exactly what went down. You know what he''ll think when he hears you stayed behind while the rest of us risked our lives."

    Emily''s face hardened, her fists clenched. "You son of a..." she muttered under her breath, but she stepped forward, falling in line with the group.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    The group stood in uneasy silence before finally stepping into the shadowed mouth of the cave. Inside, it was nearly pitch-ck, with barely a hint of light to guide them.

    "Derrick?" Isaac murmured.

    Derrick nodded, holding his hand out as he conjured a small me that floated above his palm, casting a wavering, orange glow over the rocky walls. Shadows danced along the cavern''s interior, making the ce feel even more ominous.

    "This ce gives me the creeps," Kate whispered, her eyes darting around the narrow passage.

    "Let''s find the mutant and finish this quickly," Isaac said, his voice barely above a murmur as they advanced further inside, the silence thickening around them.

    RUMBLE!

    RUMBLE!

    RUMBLE!

    The entire group stopped in their tracks as the sound of heavy rocks shifting echoed through the cave. They spun around, horror filling their faces as they watched the entrance copse behind them, massive stones sealing off their only escape route.

    "Shit! How are we supposed to get out now?" Anthony cried, his face pale as he stared at the blocked exit, panic creeping into his voice.

    "Uhˇ­ guys?" Derrick''s voice was barely a whisper, his eyes wide with terror as he pointed deeper into the cave.

    They turned to see a line of enormous ck ants emerging from the darkness, their beady eyes glinting menacingly in the dim firelight. These ants were evenrger than the one they had pursued, and their jet-ck exoskeletons shone with an almost metallic sheen. Each one was the size of a huge truck, far more massive than the crimson-colored ant they''d followed.

    Isaac''s heart pounded in his chest, the realization sinking in. Cold sweat dripped down his brow as he stared at the advancing horde, the immensity of their mistake dawning on him.

    "Those... those ants..." His voice trembled as he whispered, "They''re all Grade 5s." His words hung heavily in the air, and a suffocating silence fell over the group as fear gripped them.

    """

    A/N: 20 Golden Tickets= 3 extra chapters.

    A Magic Castle= 20 extra chapters.

    50 power stones= 1 extra chapter.

 Chapter 102 Massacre at the crimson coffin

    They turned, and their blood ran cold. From the shadowed recesses of the cave, a line of colossal ck ants emerged, each one impossibly massive and menacing. Their dark, beady eyes glinted in the flickering firelight, full of cold intelligence and hostility.

    These ants dwarfed the one they had initially pursued; their jet-ck exoskeletons, polished to a metallic sheen, gleamed with a sinister beauty. Each one was the size of a fully loaded truck, standing so tall and broad that they blocked out any view of the cave''s exit. Compared to them, the crimson-colored ant they had followed seemed almost harmless. Explore more adventures at empire

    Isaac''s heart hammered against his ribcage as the grim realization dawned on him. He felt sweat trickle down his brow, his mouth dry as sand. He knew they had made a terrible, irreversible mistake.

    "Thoseˇ­ those antsˇ­" he stammered, his voice barely audible, strangled by terror. "They''re all Grade 5s." The revtion struck like a hammer blow, casting a suffocating silence over the group as dread seized each one of them, paralyzing them on the spot.

    The ants continued their approach, their bodies undting with each step, their powerful legs striking the ground with a rhythmic thud. They stopped only a few paces away, looming over the intruders. Then, from deep within their ranks, a low, screeching sound reverberatedˇŞa bone-chilling signal that tore through the silence and echoed throughout the cavern.

    "Didˇ­ did you just say Grade 5s?" Kate whispered, her voice trembling. She was drenched in sweat, and the bow in her right hand shook uncontrobly, the tension from her grip causing it to quiver.

    Emily''s face was ashen as she red at Isaac, her voice raw with terror and frustration. "I told you it was a trapˇ­ but you didn''t listen. You didn''t believe me." Her voice cracked, a thin trail of sweat tracing down her cheek.

    "How was I supposed to know, huh?" Isaac snapped, but his eyes stayed glued to the encroaching ants, his bravado faltering.

    "Do you even hear yourself?" Emily''s voice rose, her fear giving way to anger. "I warned you, but you ignored me! Nowˇ­ you''ve led us to our graves!"

    "This isn''t the time to shift mes," Anthony interjected, his tone sharp butden with fear. "We need to find a way out of this mess before things get any worse." His face was pale, his breathing ragged, but he forced himself to keep calm.

    A sudden, ear-piercing SCREECH echoed as one of the monstrous ants broke from the line, charging straight at them, its huge mandibles snapping as it closed in with terrifying speed.

    "Everyone, get behind me!" Isaac shouted, desperationcing his voice. He gripped his de, a Grade 5 mutant weapon, with white-knuckled intensity.

    "This de might just be enough to take down this bastard!"

    Summoning his superhuman strength, he braced himself, his gaze steely as the charging ant barreled toward him. The creature raised one of its enormous forelegs, swinging it toward him with deadly precision.

    At thest possible second, Isaac swung his de to intercept it, the impact sending a shockwave through his body. Despite his effort, the sheer force of the blow drove him backward, his feet scraping against the cave floor as he fought to keep his footing.

    With a roar, Isaac dug his heels in and charged forward, raising his de high.

    "Die!" he bellowed, bringing the weapon down in a sweeping arc.

    SLASH!

    His de bit deeply into the ant''s exoskeleton, carving a jagged wound into its ck shell. But Isaac''s triumph was short-lived. He watched in stunned disbelief as the injury closed before his eyes, the gash vanishing within seconds, leaving not a trace of damage.

    "What the hell justˇ­"

    BAM!

    Before he couldprehend the creature''s miraculous healing, the ant retaliated with brutal efficiency, swinging its massive foreleg and striking him with crushing force. Isaac was sent hurtling across the cave, crashing into a rock wall before copsing to the ground, dazed and struggling to breathe.

    With Isaac momentarily incapacitated, the mutant ant shifted its merciless gaze toward the rest of the group, who stood frozen with horror etched on their faces.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    "Guys, we have to do something!" Derrick''s voice was high-pitched with panic, his eyes wide as he stared at the approaching mutant.

    "Do what?" Emily shrieked. "What could we possibly do against a Grade 5 mutant?!"

    "Try something, anything, Emily!" Derrick snapped, desperation recing the bravado in his voice. "All you''ve done since we got here isin! Make yourself useful for once!" He turned his focus back to the mutant, thrusting both hands forward and releasing a zing ball of red fire that shot through the air, hurtling toward the creature.

    The fireball collided with the ant''s exoskeleton, mes licking its surface, but the creature seemed unfazed. Its gaze remained fixed on Derrick as it advanced, the mes dissipating as its injuries instantly vanished.

    "Damn it!" Derrick cursed, taking a step back as he threw two more fireballs in quick session. But the ant''s regeneration rendered them useless. Within seconds, it was upon him, its foreleg shing through the air and piercing his chest.

    A sickening spray of blood sttered across the cave floor as the creature lifted Derrick, its sharp foreleg embedded in his torso, before callously tossing him aside like a broken doll. Derrick''s body flew across the cave, crashing against the wall and copsing into a lifeless heap.

    "Derrickˇ­" Kate''s voice was barely a whisper, her face ghostly pale. In a frenzied attempt, she drew three arrows from her quiver, set them on her bowstring, and let them fly.

    The arrows sliced through the air, and Anthony used his telekinesis to elerate them, directing them toward the creature''s eyes. But just as the arrows were about to make contact, the mutant blocked them with a swift flick of its forelegs. In an instant, it lunged, its sharp tarsi stabbing through Kate''s chest, lifting her off the ground. The ant opened its maw wide, dropping Kate inside, then snapped its jaws shut.

    The sickening crunch of bones echoed through the cave as the creature devoured her. Once it swallowed, it turned its bloodthirsty gaze on the remaining survivors. Anthony''s confidence was shattered, reced by a look of sheer horror as he realized how outmatched they were.

    "I''m not done yet!" Isaac''s voice rang out behind them. Drenched in blood, he rose unsteadily to his feet, clutching his de with a death grip. Summoning every ounce of strength he had left, he sprinted toward the creature, his face contorted with rage and determination.

    With a powerful swing, he brought his de down on the ant''s foreleg, slicing it clean off. Dark purple blood sprayed into the air, apanied by a deafening screech of agony from the creature.

    Isaac smirked, but his satisfaction was short-lived. His smirk faded as he watched in stunned disbelief while the ant''s severed leg began to regenerate. Within seconds, the limb was restored, perfectly intact as though nothing had happened.

    "What theˇ­" Isaac muttered, frozen in horror, realizing the full extent of their hopelessness.

 Chapter 103 Fall of the Aqua Blazings comrades

    With a powerful swing, Isaac brought his de crashing down on the ant''s foreleg, severing it cleanly in one swift motion. A torrent of dark purple blood sprayed from the wound, painting the air with a sickening, metallic stench as it sttered across the cave floor. The creature let out a deafening, primal screech of agony that reverberated through the rocky walls, nearly causing Isaac to lose his grip on the hilt.N?v(el)B\\jnn

    He smirked, feeling a brief, hard-won surge of triumph. But his satisfaction evaporated almost instantly, reced by a cold, creeping dread as he watched the severed leg twitch on the ground. Before his horrified eyes, the torn limb began to regenerate, sinew and muscle weaving together with unnatural speed. In a matter of heartbeats, the ant''s leg was back, fully intact, as though nothing had happened.

    "What theˇ­" Isaac''s voice came out in a hoarse whisper, his face frozen in shock and despair as he realized the depth of their predicament.

    The mutant ant flexed its newly regenerated limb and immediately lunged at him, swinging its colossal foreleg with terrifying speed. Isaac barely managed to raise his de in time, bracing himself for the impact. The force was far beyond anything he could prepare forˇŞit struck him like a battering ram, lifting him clean off the ground. His body sailed through the air, his arms trembling from the recoil as his de ttered from his grasp.

    BAM!

    He crashed into the cave wall with a bone-jarring impact, pain searing through his body. His vision blurred, and he crumpled to the ground, every muscle screaming in agony. Broken ribs made each breath a shallow, ragged effort. He tried to rise, but his strength was fading fast, and his body refused to obey.

    "Emilyˇ­ Emilyˇ­" a voice trembled nearby. It was Anthony, his face drenched in sweat, his eyes wide with terror as he nced between Isaac''s broken form and the advancing mutant. "We have to do something, or we''ll end up like them."

    Emily stood motionless, paralyzed by fear, her gaze fixed on the monstrous creature. Horror was etched into every line of her face as she saw the blood scattered across the floor, a  reminder of her fallenrades. The thought was paralyzingˇŞa single one of these ck ants had effortlessly ughtered her fellow fighters without help from the others lurking a short distance away.

    "Even if we kill this one," she whispered, her voice hollow, "we''re doomed. The rest of the hive will devour us. There''s no way outˇ­ it''s over. This is where we die."

    Anthony turned to her, frustration shing in his eyes. "Are you serious? You''re giving up without even trying?" He shook his head, anger tightening his voice, but Emily merely shut her eyes, resigned.

    "Ah, damn it!" he cursed, panic gripping him as the ant closed in. Desperate, Anthony extended his hand, focusing all his energy to lift a nearby rock with his telekic ability. He hurled it toward the creature with all his might.

    The rock flew through the air, but upon impact with the ant''s exoskeleton, it shattered into harmless fragments. The creature continued its relentless advance, undeterred.

    "Damn itˇ­!" Anthony''s breath came in ragged gasps. With a quick motion, he summoned five of Kate''s arrows, hovering them mid-air with his telekinesis. With a flick of his wrist, he sent them soaring toward the ant, directing three toward its beady ck eyes, while the remaining two aimed at the softer underside near its legs.

    As the arrows streaked through the air, the ant''s mandibles spread wide, and it unleashed a jet of thick, ck liquid. The substance struck the arrows mid-flight, melting them instantly as it hissed and smoked. The ant continued its advance, unscathed.

    "No, no, noˇ­!" Anthony''s voice cracked as the ant retaliated, spraying him with the same ck acid. He screamed, his voice echoing through the cavern, as the corrosive liquid clung to his skin, eating away flesh and muscle. His desperate wails dwindled as his body was reduced to bones, copsing lifelessly to the floor.

    Emily''s entire frame shook as she heard his dying cries, her eyes still squeezed shut. But the creature wouldn''t waitˇŞit moved closer, looming over her, its sharp foreleg poised. In a swift motion, it plunged the limb into her chest, puncturing flesh and bone. Emily''s eyes shot open, a strangled gasp escaping her lips as blood poured from the wound, pooling beneath her. The ant lifted her limp form and tossed her into its gaping maw, devouring her without pause.

    Dark blood trickled from the creature''s jaws as it savored its kill, savoring each grisly bite.

    Isaacy crumpled against the far wall, his body battered, and his spirit crushed. His breath came in shallow, shuddering gasps, and the terror in his gaze was unmistakable as he watched the creature relish its gruesome feast. He had wanted to save them, but now he was barely hanging onto consciousness, his body battered and bones fractured beyond healing.

    Even if he were at full strength, Isaac knew he wouldn''t stand a chance.

    "Soˇ­ this is the power of the mutants in the Crimson Coffin," he thought, bitternesscing his mental words. He couldn''t tear his gaze away from the ants.

    This was his first raid on this forsaken. He''d heard stories from top guilds, tales about the blood-drenched horrors within the Crimson Coffin, where mutants reached levels of ferocity unmatched in any other realm. These mutants were beyond humanprehension; surviving even one encounter was a feat of pure luck.

    They had called the the Crimson Coffin for a reasonˇŞthe blood of countless humans stained its soil, and the few who escaped bore lifelong scars. Only a handful of peopleˇŞbarely 0.01%ˇŞhad ever returned to Earth alive.

    Isaac had known all this. But he had needed the promotion desperately, needed it to finally prove himself. Turning down the raid would have meant abandoning everything he''d struggled for. Now, that decision felt like a death sentence. "I should have said noˇ­ I''d have been better off alive with nothing than dead in this pit."

    He grimaced, a tear slipping down his cheek as he thought of his wife and daughter waiting for him back home. His heart broke at the memory, knowing he would never see them again.

    A rumbling sound broke through his despair, snapping him back to the present. He looked up, just in time to see the heavy stones blocking the cave entrance suddenly explode outward as if struck by an unimaginable force. The violent tremor caught the attention of both the mutant ants and Isaac, who turned his gaze to the entrance in awe.

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    Through the dust and settling rubble, a figure emergedˇŞa young woman, barely in her early twenties, with long, fiery ginger hair cascading down her shoulders. She was d in scaly ck armor that seemed to glint with a life of its own, and in her hand, she held a de, its tip gleaming ominously. Her presence radiated a power so intense that even the ants hesitated, skittering backward instinctively.

    Isaac could only stare, his face a mask of disbelief and hope. "Whoˇ­ who is she? And where did that aurae from?" His mind raced with questions as he watched the mysterious woman stride confidently into the cave, her gaze fixed on the monsters he had fought so desperately to escape.

 Chapter 104 Girl with a powerful aura

    **EARLIERˇ­**

    In the towering, ominous structure at the heart of the Crimson Coffin, a chilling air filled the vast throne room. At its center, a man cloaked in pitch-ck robes lounged on a magnificent, high-backed throne. Shadows seemed to cling to him, giving him a sinister aura. His face was partially concealed by his hood, but his piercing, ruthless eyes gleamed beneath it, surveying the room with silent authority.

    Beside him, to his right, sat a young woman in her early twenties. She had pale skin, herplexion almost ghostly, and a beauty that was both fierce and elegant. Her long, ginger hair cascaded over her shoulders, framing her face in striking contrast to the dark attire she woreˇŞa gown made of finely woven scales, glinting under the dim light like the armor of a predatory creature.N?v(el)B\\jnn

    On his left, a young man stood in silence. He appeared to be the same age as the woman, and they shared an uncanny resemnce, from their fiery ginger hair to their sharp, chiseled features. d in ck armor covered in jagged spikes, the young man''s demeanor was cold, his expression as harsh and unyielding as the spiked ting that protected him. The resemnce between them was striking; only the woman''s flowing hair and two huge melons on her chest set them apart.

    Suddenly, the heavy doors at the far end of the throne room swung open with a resounding crash. A middle-aged man, dressed in dark robes, hurried inside, his face lowered in deference as he knelt on the polished stone floor. He bowed deeply, his gaze fixed to the ground in submission.

    "My Lord," he spoke, his voice quivering slightly, filled with both reverence and a trace of unease.

    The man on the throne, known as Lord Cade, leaned forward, his voice a low rumble that echoed through the chamber. "Rise, Azu."

    Azu obeyed, rising to his feet, though he kept his head respectfully lowered, eyes never daring to meet his master''s.

    "Speak, Azu," Lord Cademanded, his tone both calm and terrifying, like the quiet before a storm.

    "My Lord," Azu began, his voice steadying as he delivered his report, "Ie bearing news. Some humans have been spotted in the Valley of Colonies territory. It appears they have ventured to our to hunt."

    At these words, a dark smile tugged at the corners of Lord Cade''s mouth, his gaze narrowing with amusement. "Humans, on our soil. I knew their greed would drive them here eventually," he said, a soft, menacingugh escaping him.

    Seated beside him, the young man, known as Lucian, let out a disdainful scoff, his tone icy. "Humans never learn. If they''re in the Valley of Colonies, they''ve likely encountered the Ants by now. The Ants will devour them; there''s no need to waste our soldiers on such pathetic creatures."

    Lucian was Lord Cade''s son, inheriting both his father''s ruthlessness and cunning. The young woman beside Lord Cade, his daughter and Lucian''s twin sister, watched her father with an expressionless look.

    Lord Cade''s smirk widened, his eyes gleaming with an ominous light. "I don''t intend for all of them to perish," he replied cryptically, casting a nce at his children. Both Lucian and his sister, Roxy, looked at him, puzzled by his words.

    "What do you mean, Father?" Roxy asked, her voice soft yet filled with curiosity.

    "A few days ago," Lord Cade exined, "the priest informed me that an Apex Mutant host has emerged in the human world. He only recently awakened his abilities, meaning he''s still weak. We must find him and eliminate him before he grows stronger."

    Roxy and Lucian''s eyes widened, their expressions a mixture of disbelief and excitement. The Apex MutantˇŞone of the most feared entitiesˇŞhad resurfaced, and this could change everything. Experience exclusive tales on empire

    Lord Cade continued, his tone darkening. "Our scientists and engineers have failed to create a portal or another rift leading back to the human world, meaning we can''t reach him from here. However, now that humans are on our, all we need to do is locate them and use their portal to gain ess to Earth."

    Lord Cade''s gaze swept over his children, lingering briefly on each before he delivered hismand.

    "I need one of you to go to the Valley of Colonies, find these humans before the Ants consume them all. Gain their trust if you can; help them, even, if it will make them more cooperative. And when the opportunity arises, follow them back to Earth through their portal. Once there, find the host and bring him to me."

    Lord Cade''s voice filled the room, chilling and resolute. Lucian and Roxy exchanged nces, both feeling the gravity of their father''s instructions.

    ---

    The deafening roar of an Ant echoed through the narrow cave, shaking loose stones from the walls. Isaac swallowed hard, his heart pounding as he braced himself, his eyes fixed on the monstrous creature bearing down on him.

    But suddenly, a surge of energy swept through the cave, and the massive stones blocking the entrance were sted away, scattering like pebbles from an unseen force.

    Isaac''s attention snapped toward the entrance. His eyes widened in shock as a figure emergedˇŞa young woman in scaly ck armor, holding a spear firmly in her right hand.

    Her long, ginger hair swayed around her as she advanced, her presence exuding raw power. She looked to be in her early twenties, but the aura surrounding her was that of a seasoned warrior. The Ants, sensing the danger, hesitated, shifting backward in instinctive fear.

    Isaac gaped at her, disbelief painted across his face.

    ''Who is she? And where does she get such a terrifying aura?'' he windered, unable to tear his gaze away.

    Roxy, the woman who had entered, scanned the cave with a sharp, assessing look. Her eyes flickered over the carnage, the scattered bodies of fallen humans.

    Her expression hardened as she assumed the worst. But when she spotted Isaac standing in the shadows, alive, she let out a small sigh of relief.

    With swift precision, Roxy unsheathed her de, gripping it tightly as sheunched forward. In a blur of motion, she appeared in front of the nearest Annt, her de already poised to strike. Before the creature could react, she swung her sword with deadly uracy, decapitating it in a single, clean stroke.

    A spray of dark purple blood erupted from the severed neck, the Ant''s head hurtling to the ground with a sickening thud. The rest of the enormous body crumbled beside it, lifeless.

    Isaac''s mouth fell open, his mind struggling to process what he had just witnessed. ''Did she justˇŞ'' He swallowed, his thoughts a swirl of awe and confusion.

    ''She killed the Ant with one strike. Who is this woman?''

    Roxy barely paused, her de dripping with the creature''s blood as she turned her gaze on the remaining Ants. Without hesitation, she darted forward, her movements a blur as she evaded a spray of ck acidunched by one of the Ants. She sidestepped effortlessly, the acidic liquid sshing harmlessly onto the cave floor.

    She reached the cluster of Ants, and with a flick of her wrist, her de sliced through the air, severing the heads of three Ants in rapid session.

    Their bodies copsed in a heap, the blood pooling around them. Thest remaining Ant reared up, emitting a high-pitched screech. But before it could attack, Roxy leaped into the air, her de raised.

    With both hands gripping the hilt, she brought the weapon down with a powerful, decisive strike. The de buried itself into the Ant''s skull, and it let out a final, agonized shriek before copsing in a heap of broken limbs.

    Roxy pulled her sword from the creature''s head, flicking the blood from its de with a practiced motion. She took a moment to survey the defeated mutants, her gaze cool and unbothered. Finally, she turned to Isaac, who stood in stunned silence, sweat pouring down his face, his breath shallow from fear and amazement.

    """

    A/N: So far no Golden Tickets or Gifts...Sad ?????

 Chapter 105 A passage back to Earth

    With both hands gripping the hilt, Roxy brought the weapon down with a powerful, decisive strike. The de sliced cleanly into the ant mutant''s skull, sinking deep and emitting a sickening crunch as it met bone. The creature let out a final, agonized shriek, its mandibles clicking frantically before its body convulsed and copsed into a heap of shattered limbs.

    Roxy wrenched her sword free from the creature''s head, flicking its blood from the de with a practiced, fluid motion. Her gaze swept over the cave, taking in the scattered remains of defeated mutants with a cold, unbothered expression.

    Finally, her gaze shifted to Isaac, who stood in stunned silence, his face glistening with sweat and his breathing in shallow, ragged gaspsˇŞa mix of fear and amazement written inly on his face.

    "Who...who are you? What are you?" Isaac stammered, his voice quivering as he struggled toprehend the deadly force before him.

    Roxy moved toward him with a calm, measured stride, her blood-soaked de gripped firmly in her right hand. Stopping just inches from him, she sheathed her weapon in one smooth motion, her eyes locking onto his with an unsettling intensity.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    "There are dozens more of those ants deep in the cave," she said, her tone chillingly calm. "They''ll being here soon, drawn by the scent of their fallenrades." Her words sent an involuntary shiver down Isaac''s spine, and he felt a cold sweat trickling down his face, betraying his fear.

    "I can leave you here to face them and meet the same fate as your friends," Roxy continued, her voice unyielding. "Or... you can ept my help, under the condition that you assist me in return."

    "What are you talking about?" Isaac blurted, confusion and suspicion etched across his features.

    "You see, I have a missionˇŞto find someone on Earth," Roxy exined, her tone steady and resolute. "At present, Ick a way to open a portal to your world. But youˇ­ you can make a few calls, and your friends could open one for us. All I need from you is passage back to Earth."

    "How can I trust you?" Isaac retorted, eyes narrowing. "You look human, but I know you''re not. You''re a mutant, and humans have learned the hard way never to trust your kind! For all I know, you''d turn on us the moment we get to Earth, opening portals to bring in more of your kind andunch another war. I''d rather die here than risk endangering everyone back home."

    Roxy arched an eyebrow, a slight smirk pulling at the corners of her lips. "You really think I''m powerful enough to conquer humanity single-handedly?"

    Isaac rolled his eyes, the fear giving way momentarily to irritation. "From what I just saw, yeah, you''re strong enough," he muttered, then clicked his tongue in exasperation. "And who''s to say you wouldn''t bring backup? Once you''re on Earth, what''s to stop you from opening more portals and unleashing yourrades?"

    "My mission has nothing to do with destruction," Roxy replied, her voice dropping to a softer, almost pleading tone. "I''m here for one purposeˇŞto locate the host of the Apex Mutant and bring him to my father. That''s it. I don''t want a war. Once my task isplete, I''ll vanish without a trace, leaving no evidence of my presence."

    Discover hidden content at empire

    Isaac fell silent, the internal conflict evident in his clenched fists and downcast eyes. He weighed her words carefully. Thest thing he wanted was another war that would leave his daughter vulnerable, the same way he had lost his wife and siblings. But if he stayed here, he''d surely die, and no one would be there to protect his daughter from whatever fate awaited her.

    Sensing his hesitation, Roxy spoke again, her voiceced with an unsettling certainty.

    "I know more about you than you realize, Isaac Anderson. You have a young daughter back on Earth, and she''s all alone now. Your wifeˇŞshe died of a disease spread by a Vroomtant, didn''t she?" Her eyes softened, a hint of empathy shing across her features.

    "If you die here, the Higher-ups will take her, use her, shape her into a weapon. Is that the future you want for her?"

    Roxy''s words pierced him, and he sat there, his fists clenched, his body taut with tension. She leaned in, her voice a near-whisper. "Let me help you, Isaac. In return, help me. I promise I have no intention of harming you or anyone else. I just want toplete my mission before it''s toote."

    After a tense silence, Isaac finally let out a shaky breath, the weight of his decision pressing down on him.

    "Fineˇ­ I''ll help you," he muttered, his gaze fixed firmly on the floor, unable to meet her prating stare.

    "There''s one more thing I need from you," Roxy added, her tone unwavering. "When we arrive on Earth, I need you to tell everyone that I was the lone survivor of the Fiery mes Guild. That guild was thest group toe to this. They were all killed by mutants, but I scavenged this armor and skill slot from one of their fallen members. It''ll make my story more believable."

    Isaac''s head snapped up, his face twisted in shock. "You want me to lie to my superiors?"

    "It won''t cost you anything," Roxy responded smoothly. "No one will question itˇŞevery single member, even the Guild Master, was ughtered. No one will know I''m an imposter."

    With that, she turned and walked toward one of the in ant mutants, unsheathing her de again. In a single, swift motion, she severed two of its forelegs, hoisting them up with a smirk before returning to Isaac''s side.

    "These are what you came here for, aren''t they? You''ve got what you need, along with a story that''ll secure your promotion. All I ask is for your help reaching Earth and backing up my story."

    Isaac looked at her, the doubt evident in his eyes, but the promise of survival and his daughter''s safety won out over his lingering suspicion.

    ---

    Inside the portal room of the Aqua zing Guild''s headquarters, the Guild Master and several members waited with tense anticipation, their eyes fixed on the glowing portal. After what felt like an eternity, Isaac finally emerged, weary but alive, and beside him was a striking young woman with long, fiery ginger hair and a massive de strapped to her waist.

    The Guild Master''s eyes widened as he took in the sight of the unfamiliar figure.

    "Who the hell is this?" he demanded, his tone a mixture of shock and suspicion as he red at Roxy. She stood close to Isaac, one hand gripping his arm to steady him, her expression unreadable but her posturemanding respect.

    Roxy merely inclined her head, her eyes flicking to Isaac as she awaited his response.

 Chapter 106 Old foe

    Isaac''s return to the guild stirred an undeniable tension, almost a charge in the air that was felt by everyone nearby. Mr. Barlow, the guild master, eyed the unfamiliar figure at Isaac''s side with a cool, calcting expression. He crossed his arms as he approached, his gaze flicking back to Isaac.

    "Isaac, where''s the rest of your team, and who''s thisdy?" His voice was even, but there was a hardness in his eyes as he scrutinized Roxy, who stood silently beside Isaac.

    Isaac''s jaw tightened, barely holding back the frustration that had been simmering ever since he''d escaped the Crimson Coffin.

    "You really had to ask that?" His voice dripped with resentment. "They''re all dead!" The bitterness in his tone was clear, yet Barlow''s face showed no hint of surpriseˇŞalmost as if he''d anticipated the oue.

    "I see," Barlow said, his voice chillingly indifferent. "And what about thisdy here?" His eyes settled back on Roxy, his tone neutral, almost detached.

    Isaac''s anger red. "That''s it? That''s all you have to say?!"

    "Watch your tone, Isaac." Barlow''s voice was sharp, his authority palpable. "Remember your ce. They died an honorable death, and I will make sure their families are taken care of. Now, answer my question."

    Isaac met Barlow''s gaze, his face flushed with barely suppressed anger. Finally, he spoke. "I found her in the Crimson Coffin. She was a member of the Fiery mes guildˇŞthe only survivor." His voice was steady, careful to avoid any hint of insincerity that might provoke suspicion.

    Barlow''s eyes widened slightly at the revtion. Stepping forward, he examined her armor and insignia closely.

    "I thought I recognized that me emblem," he murmured. "The Fiery mes guildˇ­ They were Aqua zing''s biggest rival. I hated your guild back in the day, and I especially couldn''t stand your guild master. But when I heard of your guild''s demiseˇ­ it struck me. I''m sorry for your loss." He ced a firm hand on Roxy''s shoulder, his expression softened by a look of feigned sympathy.

    Roxy gave a respectful nod, remainingposed.

    "But tell me," Barlow continued, "how did you manage to survive there for so long? It''s been over three months since the Fiery mes guild vanished."

    Roxy''s expression shifted subtly, her tone a blend of weariness and guarded strength. "I survived by hiding, scavenging, and fighting off low-grade mutants when I had no choice. It was a nightmare. But when I saw this man here, I knew I''d finally found a way out."

    Barlow gave a small nod, his gaze lingering on her face in silent assessment. "You''re safe now. And with your guild gone, I''d like to offer you a ce here in Aqua zing." His voice carried an unmistakable undertone as he observed her, taking in the details of her appearance with undisguised interest. "Now that my best femalerade is gone, I could use someone of your skill and resilience."

    Isaac stiffened, his surprise quickly shifting into disbelief. "Youˇ­ want her in our guild?"

    Barlow''s eyes narrowed. "Is there an issue, Isaac?"

    Isaac hesitated. "I meanˇ­ you barely know her."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    Barlow, unaffected by Isaac''sment, turned back to Roxy with a slight smirk. "She survived in the Crimson Coffin for three months and holds a Grade 4 mutant ability. She''s more than fit for the role." His gaze drifted down to her chest, lingering inappropriately before heposed himself, hiding a look of thinly veiled admiration.

    "I''d be honored to join your guild, sir," Roxy replied after a pause, her voice controlled, though her posture hinted at a certain unease.

    Barlow gave her an approving nod. "Wee to the guild. Take the time you need to recover. One of our members will show you to your quarters. Resume next month; after what you''ve been through, you''ll need it."

    Roxy nodded, following as a guild member guided her to her new quarters, while Isaac was taken away to the healer for treatment. Meanwhile, theb team eagerly collected the ant forelegs for examination and testing, buzzing with excitement at the rare specimen.

    Once inside her assigned room, Roxy shut the door quietly, allowing herself a moment to absorb her surroundings. The room was spacious, its decor simple yetfortable. A plush bed stood at the center, a wardrobe upied one corner, and a small drawer was set beside it. Slowly, she stepped forward, her eyes scanning every detail. Then, clenching her fists tightly, she whispered to herself.

    "Finallyˇ­ back on Earth. It''s only a matter of time before I locate the Host."

    --- Your next chapter is on empire

    The next morning, the first rays of sunlight pierced the window of Ss''s small room, rousing him from his sleep. He stretched, rubbing the sleep from his eyes before ncing at his system''s interface. Disappointed, he noted theck of new updates; his unspent attribute points remained as they were. Today, though, brought the promise of a new test, one postponed previously and now rescheduledˇŞa hunt in a single realm.

    Ss rose and quickly prepared for the day, his movements swift and efficient. After showering, he dressed in the academy uniform, then paused to examine his reflection in the mirror. His hair was an unusual mix of half-brown and half-snow white.

    "One more evolution quest, and it''ll bepletely white," he murmured, running a hand through it. In a school filled with students who routinely experimented with wild colors, the change in his hair color had gonergely unnoticed. Satisfied with his appearance, he turned away from the mirror.

    Leaving his room, he walked toward the cafeteria, where he nned to meet his friends, Vic and Angelica. They had texted him earlier, urging him to hurry up so they could train together before the test began.

    As Ss made his way down the hallway, his path was suddenly blocked by a group of students. Curiosity piqued, he looked up, and a frown crossed his face as he recognized the two figures standing before him. At the head of the group was Billy, his face flushed red with anger, fists clenched tightly at his sides.

    Standing beside him was someone Ss hadn''t seen in a long time: Osborne, a boy whose mere presence brought back unpleasant memories.

    "Long time no see, Griswold," Osborne sneered, a twisted smirk tugging at his lips.

    Ss''s eyes narrowed. Osborne had been a source of torment in his past, forcing Ss to run dangerous errands for a pittance, finding perverse pleasure in Ss''s difort and struggle. He was the one who''d made him deliver risky batches of Jelly Weed, an experience that had left Ss resentful and wary. And now, here he was again, standing in Ss''s path, smirking with that same old arrogance that sent a chill of irritation through Ss.

    """

    A/N: Mass release for the weekend?

    10 Golden Tickets= 2 extra chapters.

    A Dragon (Gift) = 5 extra chapters.

    A Magic Castle/ Dragon (Gift)= 20 extra chapters for the weekend.

 Chapter 107 Who is stronger?

    "Long time no see, Griswold," Osborne sneered, a twisted smirk tugging at the corners of his lips.

    Ss''s eyes narrowed, his gaze cold and unflinching. Osborne had been a source of torment throughout his past, forcing him into dangerous errands for a pittance, finding perverse delight in Ss''s difort and struggle. Osborne was the one who had made him deliver risky batches of Jelly WeedˇŞa task that had left Ss resentful, wary, and forever suspicious of Osborne''s intentions. And here he was again, standing in Ss''s path, smirking with that same arrogance that sent a chill of irritation through Ss''s veins.

    "What do you want, man?" Ss asked, his tone icy, his expressionpletely indifferent.

    "What''s with the attitude and questions? You work for me, man, and I haven''t seen you at our usual spot for weeks." Osborne replied, his smirk deepening as he stepped closer to Ss, clearly enjoying the power he thought he still held.

    "Just to be clear," Ss said, his voice barely concealing his anger, "I don''t work for you... I never did. You only used me to deliver illegal goods and left me to face all the consequences."

    "I paid you for your hard work, didn''t I?" Osborne shot back, taking another step forward. His voice took on a darker tone as he added, "You know damn well how mad I get when you don''t show up on time for the deliveries. Decided to stop working? Nah, it doesn''t work that way, bro. You don''t just walk away from Osborne. I left you a warning a few weeks agoˇŞpretty sure you saw it when you got back from the raid. Today''s the day you face the consequences. You''re going to be dealt with somewhere no staff wille to your rescue."

    Ss remained impassive, his expression an unreadable mask.

    "And do tell Vic and his little group that Billy and I areing for him, too," Osborne continued, ring at Ss with open disdain. "I heard what happened in the cafeteria a few days ago. Heard you stood up for Vic in that little scuffle. Now I''ve got two reasons to put an end to you."

    Ss regarded him briefly, his face still nk and unmoved. Without another word, he turned and walked forward, his gaze shifting briefly to Billy, who had stayed silent the entire time. Ss gave him a quick, dismissive nce before brushing past them and heading down the hall toward the cafeteria.

    ''What''s with that trash''s confidence?'' Osborne thought, watching Ss walk away. He had expected Ss to be trembling, maybe even begging after the threats he''d justid out, but oddly, his words hadn''t seemed to affect Ss one bit. It felt like he was staring at a whole different person, not the spineless kid he used to bully.

    ''Nah, I''m probably overthinking. He''s still the same trash,'' Osborne told himself, though his eyes flickered with doubt. Turning, he noticed Billy''s face flushed bright red with anger.

    "What''s with you? You haven''t said a word this whole time," Osborne said, frowning at hispanion.

    "I don''t want to waste my energy talking," Billy replied in a deep, menacing tone. "I need every bit of strength because, when we get into the mutant realm, my intention is to kill Vic." With that, Billy strode off, leaving Osborne to follow in silence.

    ---

    Ss walked down the hallway, his footsteps echoing softly, until he arrived at the cafeteria and spotted his friends seated at their usual spot. They appeared to have finished breakfast and were waiting for him to join them.

    "Morning, guys," Ss greeted, approaching the group.

    "What took you so long, man? Were you putting on makeup or something?" Vic teased, raising an eyebrow as he reached out for a fist bump.

    "Nah, I just ran into a couple of people on my way here. Nothing to worry about," Ss replied, purposefully leaving out the part about Osborne and Billy. He knew that if he mentioned the encounter, Vic and Angelica would worryˇŞand they couldn''t afford to be distracted from their tasks today.

    "So, what''s the n for this morning?" Ss asked, eager to shift the focus.

    "They said the test will start at 11 a.m., so since it''s only a little after nine, I suggest we get in some training to warm up," Angelica suggested.

    "Sounds good to me," Ss nodded. "Where should we train?"

    "Some students are working out in the announcement hall. We could head there, too," Angelica replied.

    The group agreed, and they made their way down the hall. After a few minutes of walking, they entered the vast training hall, which was bustling with students honing their skills in various areas. The hall could easily hold hundreds of people, so there was ample space for everyone to train without interruptions.

    Ss and his friends found a convenient spot and started warming up.

    "Why don''t we make this more interesting and duel?" Vic proposed, a mischievous glint in his eye as he looked at Ss. "Ss, I challenge you to a duel."

    Ss''s eyes widened in surprise, a look of disbelief crossing his face. "You... want to fight me?"

    "Yeah, why not? I''ve always wanted to see who''s stronger between us," Vic grinned, wrapping an arm around Ss''s shoulders and ruffling his hair. "Don''t get me wrongˇŞI know you''re stronger. I just want to see how big the gap is."

    "Fine," Ss sighed, ncing around the room. "But I can''t go all out with all these students around."

    "I get it. Just give me a taste of what you''ve got, even if you''re holding back," Vic insisted, clearly determined. "Come on, don''t make me beg."

    Ss paused, giving him a hard look before letting out a sigh of defeat. "Alright, alright. Just don''t say I didn''t warn you," he said, a glint of seriousness in his eyes as his expression darkened.

    ""

    A/N: Mass release for the weekend?N?v(el)B\\jnn

    10 Golden Tickets= 2 extra chapters.

    A luxury Car (Gift) = 5 extra chapters.

    Your next chapter awaits on empire

    A Magic Castle/ Dragon (Gift)= 20 extra chapters for the weekend.

 Chapter 108 Duel

    The atmosphere in the hall grew electrified as Ss and Vic took their stances, facing each other. David and Angelica moved to the side, eager to spectate, anticipation gleaming in their eyes. Ss stood calmly with one hand tucked into his pocket, while Vic cracked his knuckles and tilted his head, loosening up for the fight ahead.

    Vic continued to warm up, his knuckles popping as he sized Ss up. After a moment, he settled into his fighting stance, his gaze never wavering from Ss, who still had his hand in his pocket, unfazed.

    "Are you trying to mock me by keeping a hand in your pocket, mate?" Vic sneered, a slight frown creasing his forehead.

    "Not at all," Ss replied with a chuckle, slowly pulling his hand out and clenching it, his expression sharpening as he prepared to fight.

    For a moment, they merely red at each other, each waiting for the other to make the first move. The hall was silent but for the sound of their measured breaths, the tension thickening with each passing second.

    "Are you just gonna stand there and stare at me all day?" Vic taunted, a smirk tugging at his lips as he gestured at Ss toe at him. "Come on, mate! Don''t be a coward!"

    Ss took a steadying breath and, without another word, sprinted forward, catching Vic off guard with the sudden burst of speed. Ss closed the gap between them in an instant, his fist drawn back as he prepared to strike. Vic tensed, bracing himself. As Ss''s fist shot toward him, Vic sidestepped at thest moment, narrowly dodging the punch, and swung his own fist toward Ss''s head in response. But Ss ducked, the attack slicing harmlessly through the air.

    Without missing a beat, Ss leaped back to create some distance, then immediately lunged forward again, his fist aimed at Vic''s chest. This time, Vic managed to cross his arms defensively, absorbing the brunt of the impact. The force of Ss''s blow sent Vic staggering backward, his arms throbbing from the intensity of the hit.

    ''Even when he''s holding backˇ­ he''s still this strong? I''m d I''m his friend, not his enemy,'' Vic thought, regaining his bnce with a determined gleam in his eye. He quicklyposed himself, unwilling to let Ss see him falter. Experience new stories on empireN?v(el)B\\jnn

    "Is that all you''ve got, Griswold?" Vic called out, grinning defiantly as he raised his right leg above his head. "Brace yourself for what''s about to happen, mate." Without warning, he brought his leg down with a mighty stomp. The floor trembled, a shockwave rippling outward, and a gigantic round rock tore free from the ground, hovering before him.

    The small quake drew the attention of the other students in the hall, who paused their own training to watch the unfolding duel with bated breath.

    Vic held his stance for a moment before he leaped into the air, twisting his body as he delivered a powerful kick to the massive rock, sending it hurtling toward Ss. The rock shot forward at an astonishing speed, almost too fast for the untrained eye to track.

    Ss, however, remained unruffled. Watching the approaching boulder with unwavering focus, he drew his right arm back, gathering his strength. Just as the rock was about to collide with him, Ss thrust his fist forward, meeting the stone head-on.

    BAM!

    The hall echoed with a thunderous crack as Ss''s fist connected with the boulder, shattering it into countless fragments that scattered across the room. The spectators gasped in awe, some shielding their eyes from the debris, while others stared wide-eyed at Ss''s disy of raw power.

    "I wonder why Vic is holding back against that trash," a female student muttered under her breath, clearly unimpressed by the scene.

    But Vic wasn''t holding back at all. That boulder was one of his strongest attacks, and Ss had dismantled it without even breaking a sweat, all while maintaining his calm demeanor.

    Outside the hall, a tall, imposing staff member with spiky golden hair covering his eyes walked down the hallway with his hands tucked into his pockets. As he passed the hall entrance, he paused mid-stride, a faint look of interest flickering across his face. Turning slowly, he shifted his gaze toward the door.

    "What was that surge of energy I just sensed?" us mused to himself. Driven by curiosity, he pushed the door open and stepped into the hall, his eyes scanning the room until theynded on themotion near the center.

    Inside, the students had all turned their attention to the ongoing duel. When us''s gaze fell on Ss and Vic, he felt a spark of intrigue. "Ah, so that''s where the energy came from," he murmured, watching intently. "But the question isˇ­ which one of them was responsible for that power surge?"

    Meanwhile, Vic wasn''t done yet. Letting out a fierce battle cry, he stomped his foot on the ground, and three makeshift earthen spears rose from the floor, hovering in the air. Without warning, heunched the spears at Ss with unrestrained speed.

    The earthen projectiles sliced through the air, each spear aimed to hit Ss with pinpoint uracy. As the first spear closed in, Ss shifted to the side, narrowly avoiding it. The second spear came at him from a different angle, but Ss crouched low, allowing it to soar harmlessly overhead.

    Ss straightened, his eyes locking onto the final spear as it neared him. With a swift, decisive move, he thrust his hand forward, catching the spear mid-flight. In one fluid motion, he spun and hurled it back at Vic.

    Vic''s eyes widened in shock as his own spear flew back toward him. Reacting in thest second, he raised his hands and summoned an earthen wall that sprang up between him and the iing spear, blocking it just in time.

    Whoosh!

    But Ss wasn''t finished. Before Vic could lower the wall, Ss charged forward, his body a blur of motion. He swung his fist with brutal force, shattering the barrier, and his momentum carried his fist forward, connecting squarely with Vic''s face. The blow sent Vic sprawling backward, the impact leaving him momentarily dazed.

    From a few meters away, us continued to observe, rubbing his chin thoughtfully as he watched Ss with a keen eye. His lips curled into a faint, unreadable smile as he observed the young fighter. "Impressiveˇ­" he muttered to himself, his gaze lingering on Ss Griswold.

 Chapter 109 Announcement for the test

    Ss rushed over to Vic, who was sprawled on the floor a few meters away. Extending his right hand, Ss helped him up, pulling him to his feet.

    "You good, man?" Ss asked, a hint of worry creasing his brow.

    "Yeah, I''m fine," Vic replied, gritting his teeth as he gingerly rubbed his swollen, reddened cheek. "I knew you were stronger than me long before we even started, but the difference is just insane. You showed me how weak I am... and where I need to improve," he admitted, his tone a mix of frustration and respect.

    "You''re not weak, Vic. You''re just not on my level," Ss replied with a smirk, giving Vic''s shoulder a reassuring tap.

    "Arrogant bastard," Vic muttered, yfully pushing Ss to the side before heading back toward Angelica and David, who were watching nearby.

    Meanwhile, us, who had been observing the sparring match from a few meters away, nced at Ss for a moment before turning around and quietly leaving the hall.

    Ss made his way over to rejoin the rest of his group.

    "Good match. I''m honestly surprised yousted that long, Vic," Angelicamented with an impressed nod.

    Hearing her words, Vic''s face turned pale, his eyes widening as if he couldn''t believe what she''d just said.

    "What do you mean by that, Angelica? That was a close fightˇŞhe only won by luck!" Vic protested, his tone defensive.

    "Whatever helps you sleep at night, Vic," Angelica replied, rolling her eyes with a smirk.

    As the group continued to chat, a student approached them with an eager look on his face.

    "Mind if I get a shot, too? Just a quick match between you and me," the boy said, his voice confident as he addressed Ss.

    The entire group turned their attention toward the neer, and Ss recognized him instantly.

    "I watched your fight, and I''d like to have a quick round with you," the boy, whose name was Sebastian, added, his gaze unwavering as he waited for Ss''s response.

    "Not gonna haˇŞ"

    "Yes, he''d love to fight you," Angelica interrupted before Ss could finish, prompting him to turn to her, one eyebrow raised in surprise.

    "Yeah, our boy here''s still got plenty of energy left in the tank. He''ll definitely take you on, right, Ss?" Vic chimed in, draping an arm around Ss''s shoulders with a mischievous grin.

    Ss shot both of them a look, then quickly pulled them aside, moving out of Sebastian''s earshot to speak with them privately.

    "What''s with you two? You know I can''t fight him, right? Have you forgotten I''m trying to keep my strength under wraps? That guy''s suspiciousˇŞI can tell he''s up to something, so I think it''s best I stay clear," Ss muttered in a low, urgent tone, ncing over his shoulder to make sure Sebastian wasn''t listening.

    Read thetest on empire

    He remembered that just a few days ago, Sebastian had tried to spar with him during martial arts ss, even insinuating that Ss was hiding something. Ever since then, Ss had gone out of his way to avoid him.

    Vic nodded in understanding and turned back toward Sebastian, who was still waiting a few meters away.

    "Sorry, mate, but we think it''s best if we conserve our energy for the test. Maybe next time, yeah?" Vic said, his tone polite.

    Sebastian cast a quick nce at Ss, smirked slightly, then nodded and turned to leave without another word.

    "I agree with you, Ss. That guy''s definitely creepy," Angelica murmured as she watched Sebastian walk away, his hands casually tucked into his pockets as he disappeared into the crowd.

    ---

    A few hourster, as students wrapped up their training and warm-ups, they began heading back to their dorms to retrieve their mutant weapons and armor for the uing test. Ss''s group, however, had no mutant gear of their own, so they remained in the spacious hall, waiting.

    Before long, all the students had returned to the hall, gathering and waiting with anticipation for the staff to arrive. Conversations hummed throughout the space as students discussed strategies and shared ns for how they''d secure a top ranking in the test.

    Suddenly, a hush fell over the hall as the doors swung open and four staff members in navy-blue uniforms entered, carrying a massive circr portal device. Despite being carried by four people, the device''s sheer weight and size made it a struggle, and the staff carefully maneuvered it to the center of the hall.

    "That''s one serious portal device. I''ve never seen one this huge," Moses, an earth ability user, whispered to his friend, his eyes fixed on the machine with awe.

    The doors swung open once more, and Sir Dominic strode into the hall, his steps confident and his expression unreadable. Taking his ce before the gathered students, he scanned their faces before he spoke.

    "Greetings, everyone. I trust you all know why we''ve assembled here today," Sir Dominic''s deep, authoritative voice filled the hall, capturing everyone''s attention. "Thest test was canceled due to unforeseen circumstances, so today you''ll all be participating in a new one."

    "This test will be different from the previous one. Instead of separate mutant realms, you''ll all be sent to the same realm, but in groups. Each group will be deployed to a different location within that realm," he exined, and the students leaned in, absorbing every word.

    "Does that mean we won''t cross paths with other groups in the realm?" Moses asked, raising his hand to signal his question.

    "Not necessarily," Sir Dominic replied. "While you''ll start in different locations, there''s a possibility you might encounter other groups in certain areas of the realm."

    "The group that manages to gather the most valuable body parts will earn the highest score, which will be recorded once you return from the test," he continued, his tone leaving no room for uncertainty. "To maximize your chances, each team should consist of six members. You have ten minutes to assemble your teams." With that, he stepped back, and the students immediately began to scatter around the hall, each searching for strong teammates to form apetitive group.

    "Any openings here?" Sebastian''s voice interrupted as he approached Ss''s group, a smirk stered on his face. Ss stood there, fists clenched, his gaze fixed on Sebastian, eyes narrowing slightly as he weighed his next move.N?v(el)B\\jnn

 Chapter 110 New groups

    "Any group that manages to umte the most valuable body parts will secure the top position. The scores will be recorded as soon as you return from the test," Sir Dominic announced, his tone brisk. "To be on the safer side, you''ll form groups of six! You have ten minutes to select your teammates." He stepped back, his eyes sweeping over the students, who began to move around the hall, scouting for strong candidates to join their teams.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    Ss and his group stood silently, absorbing Sir Dominic''s words and ncing around the room.

    "I guess we''ll need two more members now thatˇ­ Ivy''s gone," Vic murmured, his voiceced with a hint of sadness. "Let''s walk around and find someone willing to join us."

    As they started to move forward, a voice from behind halted them. They turned to see Sebastian approaching, his expression hopeful.

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    "Got an open spot? I''d like to join," Sebastian said as he came closer.

    Ss''s expression darkened instantly. "What''s with you, man? I told you to stay the hell away from me," he growled, his fists clenching as he moved toward Sebastian with clear animosity.

    "Whoa, easy there," Vic intervened, quickly stepping between the two. "Take a breath, Ss. Chill out, all right?" he said in a calming tone, but Ss kept his intense gaze fixed on Sebastian, fury simmering beneath his calm facade.

    Sebastian raised his hands in a gesture of peace. "Look, man, I mean you no harm. I''m sorry if anything I said during martial arts training made you ufortable," he apologized, his voice sincere. "I didn''t mean it like that. I just want to join your group since I don''t have many friends around here."

    Angelica crossed her arms, studying him carefully. "What about your former group? The one you joined in the first test?"

    "They got an offer from a group of Grade 4 students, so they took it," Sebastian exined with a resigned shrug.

    "Aren''t you also a Grade 4 mutant ability user?" Vic asked, his brows furrowing.

    Sebastian sighed. "Yes, but this group we''re forming isn''t just for the test. If we do well, the team members will likely stick together and be close. One of the guys in that group is from one of the Ten Eternal Families. So, my old teammates took the opportunity to make connections."

    Vic nodded thoughtfully, then nced back at Ss, who was still bristling with resentment. "We don''t have much of a choice, Ss. Besides, no one else will want to join a group with a Grade One student and a guy with no active skill slot," Vic pointed out.

    Ss red at Sebastian for a moment longer before exhaling sharply and rxing his fists. "Fine," he muttered.

    "All right, we just need one more member. Wait here while I find someone," Vic announced, heading off across the hall.

    Several students initially showed interest in joining their group, especially with Vic, one of the academy''s strongest students, leading. But each time they noticed Ss and David in the lineup, their enthusiasm faded, and they turned away. After a few fruitless attempts, Vic finally managed to recruit a girl who seemed unfazed by the group''s reputation.

    The girl approached, her face bright with excitement as she stood next to Vic. It was obvious she had a bit of a crush on him and wasn''t about to let the chance to be on his team slip away.

    "Everyone, this is ZoeyˇŞthe only person who agreed to join us," Vic introduced her, and the group''s attention shifted to the neer.

    Zoey had long blonde hair that cascaded over her shoulders, a doll-like face, and an hourss figure. Around her waist, three glowing bars on her skill slot indicated her support capabilities.

    "What''s your mutant ability?" Angelica asked, raising an eyebrow.

    "I have a support skill. I can boost a person''s strength and speed temporarily," Zoey replied confidently.

    Angelica gave her a critical look. "A support skill? That''s hardly what we need right now. We need a healer or another student with a strong offensive skill. Support could end up being a liability," shemented, her tone more frank than harsh.

    Vic quickly spoke up, "No one else was willing to join, Angelica. Zoey''s the only one who agreed."

    Zoey''s eyes narrowed as she turned to Angelica. "Maybe you should worry about yourself, Angelica. After all, aren''t you the one who got disowned by her own family for having the ''wrong'' ability?" she retorted with a smirk.

    Angelica''s face turned a fiery shade of red, and sparks of purple lightning flickered around her clenched fists. "What did you just say to me?" she hissed, her voiceced with fury.

    Zoey scoffed, clicking her tongue. "You heard me."

    "Both of you, knock it off!" Vic''s voice rang out, loud andmanding. "The selection time is up, and you''re stuck with each other! So I suggest you start being polite!"

    The two girls immediately fell silent, though their res lingered.

    Sir Dominic stepped forward, his expression as stern as ever. "Now that you''ve all chosen your teams, the test shallmence!" he announced. Staff members standing by the portal device activated a series of switches, and the portal began to hum, slowly building energy until it opened into arge, swirling gateway.

    "Hold your teammates'' hands while passing through the portal to ensure you arrive together!" Sir Dominic instructed. Around the hall, students linked hands with their teams and began stepping through the portal one by one.

    Ss''s group approached, each gripping the hand of the person next to them. Just as Ss was about to step forward, he nced to the side and spotted Osborne and Billy, their eyes dark and menacing as they stared back at him.

    "Here we go again," Ss muttered under his breath before refocusing on the portal and stepping through with his group, vanishing into the unknown.

    """

    A/N: 10 Golden Tickets= 2 extra chapters.

    A luxury Car (Gift) = 5 extra chapters.

    A Magic Castle/ Dragon (Gift)= 20 extra chapters

 Chapter 111 Next evolution quest

    A few seconds after the group stepped into the portal, they arrived in the mutant realm. Taking a moment, they surveyed their eerie surroundings, allowing the strange, destendscape to sink in.

    The area resembled a forsaken cityscape, its streets scattered with dpidated buildings that towered ominously against the horizon. Debris and shards of broken ss littered the ground, remnants of the buildings'' past grandeur. Some skyscrapers leaned dangerously, as though the slightest gust of wind would send them tumbling down, while a few still stood firm, surprisingly resilient against the odds.

    "I wonder who built these buildings in this realm," Vic muttered, his gaze sweeping across the hauntingly silent city.

    "I can''t believe you just asked that question, Vic. Don''t you ever pay attention in ss?" Angelica replied, arching an eyebrow as she regarded him with a mix of exasperation and amusement.

    "Err..." Vic stammered, scratching his long, snow-white hair as he fumbled for a response.

    "You don''t need to mock him just because he doesn''t know," Zoey interjected, her re directed at Angelica. "If you know the answer, just tell him already."

    "Chill out, Zoey, she''s just joking," Vic said with a frown, but Zoey forced a tight smile, her expression softening only slightly to please him.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

    Angelica held Zoey''s gaze for a tense moment before shifting her attention back to Vic and the rest of the group, ready to exin.

    "These buildings were built by mutants who dwell here in this realm," she said, her tone taking on a more serious edge. "If you''d been paying attention in ss, you''d know that certain types of mutants have the ability to travel from one realm to another."

    She continued, her voice calm but audible, "It''s often the gods of realms who move to other realms when they realize they don''t stand a chance against the hunters sent in to clear them. That''s why a realm''s grade can suddenly spike. For instance, if a Grade 4 realm''s god ends up in a Grade 3 realm, the realm''s grade level will increase from Grade 3 to 4."

    Angelica paused, allowing her words to sink in before continuing, "And when a foreign realm''s god arrives in a new realm, there''s often a fierce conflict. The foreign god tries to take control, building these sorts of structures to create safe zones for weaker mutants to hide while the stronger ones fight for dominance."

    The group listened closely, taking in Angelica''s exnation as they considered theplex dynamics of realms.

    "So... does that mean there''s a foreign god in this realm right now?" Vic asked, his curiosity piqued.

    "I doubt it. This realm''s grade is still just Grade 2," Angelica replied, shaking her head. "If a foreign god hade here, it would likely be from a Grade 1 realm to keep the grade the same. Either that or the realm''s mutants managed to kill it before the scientists even discovered and documented this ce." Vic nodded thoughtfully, trying to absorb the information.

    Ss, however, remained detached from the conversation, his focus locked on a screen floating before him, his face a mask of neutrality as he studied it.

    [Your next Evolution Quest has arrived.]

    [Complete the evolution quest to be a Tier 3, the final stage of the Soul Devourer Tier.]

    [Tier 3 Soul Devourer Information: The host gains the ability to obtain a skill card from each soul consumed. Each skill card willst five minutes and can only be used once.]

    [Evolution Quest: y the god of the realm and consume its soul.]

    [Quest rewards will be shown uponpletion.]

    [Time limit: 6:49:22]

    Ss scrutinized the screen, his expression unwavering as he stroked his chin thoughtfully.

    "I can''t believe the system has given me an evolution quest in a low-graded realm," he mused internally, his eyes narrowing as he considered his predicament. "Most of my evolution quests have been in high-graded realms, so this feels like a bonus... but something''s not right."

    Then, a sudden realization struck himˇŞhe wasn''t alone in this realm. Hundreds of students were also present, all racing toward the god''s chamber to defeat it and boost their scores in the test. The system had likely triggered his quest to force him into apetition, challenging him toplete it before anyone else.

    "If the other students reach the god''s chamber before I do, the quest will be over. And if they show up while I''m fighting, the quest will also be overˇŞthere''s no way I could keep battling with everyone watching," he thought, frustration simmering as he contemted his limited options.

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    "Damn it... what now?" Ss pondered inwardly, strategizing as he searched for a way to outmaneuver the impending obstacles.

    The evolution he was striving for, Tier 3, represented the ultimate form of his Devourer abilities. It would grant him the power to absorb skills from each soul he consumed, allowing him to gather a temporary arsenal of potent abilities. But reaching that level hinged on the sess of this single, precarious quest.

    After a tense silence, Ss finally broke his focus and spoke.

    "Uh... would it be cool if I went off on my own?" he asked, ncing at the group. "If we split up, we might be able to gather more valuable body parts than if we all stick together."

    "You? Go solo?" Zoey scoffed, looking at him with disdain. "You''re just a boy with no mutant abilities. Do you want to end up as mutant fodder?"

    "Very well, then. Angelica,e with me," Ss replied calmly, ignoring Zoey''s remark as he turned and began to walk away.

    Angelica hesitated for a brief moment, casting a sidelong nce at Zoey before following Ss, leaving the rest of the group behind.

    "Are those two... a thing?" Zoey sneered, watching them walk away. "I wouldn''t be surprised. Loser dates loser."

    Vic, unfazed by herment, shifted his gaze to the side as he noticed a mutant lurking several meters away.

    "Looks like we''ve gotpany," he said, bracing himself. "You all stay back while IˇŞ"

    **WHOOSH!**

    Before he could finish, a powerful gust of wind surged past him as Devastator charged straight toward the mutant. In an instant, Devastator closed the distance, his fist swinging forward with relentless force.

    **BAM!**

 Chapter 112 Lets split up

    As Vic watched Angelica walk away with Ss beside her, a low growl reached his ears, pulling his attention to the side. Turning, he spotted a creature just a few meters away.

    The mutant stood no taller than five feet, gripping a short, crude dagger in its right hand. Its body was covered in rough green scales, glistening under the dim light, and its mouth hung open, revealing a long, twisted green tongue that flicked out as it stared at him with intense focus.

    "I recognize that type of mutant. These goblins travel in packs, like wolves. Stay behind me, everyone; I''ll handleˇŞ"

    Before Vic could finish, a sudden gust of wind whooshed past him, and in a blur of motion, Sebastian moved to intercept the mutant, positioning himself directly in front of it.

    Before the creature could react, Sebastian swung his fist with powerful precision at its head.

    BAM!

    His punch connected squarely with the mutant''s skull, sending it twisting around until a loud crack reverberated in the air. The goblin''s lifeless body dropped heavily to the ground, the dagger falling from its grasp.

    Sebastian let out a quiet sigh, turning his gaze back to Vic, who was now walking over with a faint grin.

    "Trying to show off, huh?" Vic quipped, stopping beside him.

    "Just lending a hand," Sebastian replied, flexing his fingers as he cracked his knuckles. His expression held a hint of a smile.

    "Well, don''t rx yet. More of these goblins are on their way." Vic''s voice held a serious note. Just as he spoke, a group of simr goblin mutants emerged from the shadows, each wielding daggers, and moving with sharp, predatory focus.

    "Annoying pests," Vic muttered, stomping his foot on the ground. Instantly, three long earthen spikes shot up from the ground, and with a quick motion, he directed them at the advancing mutants.

    The spikes whistled through the air with deadly speed, piercing the first three goblins directly through their chests, lifting them off their feet and pinning them to the ground, lifeless.

    With the first few mutants down, Sebastian charged forward at incredible speed, his two fists clenched as heunched himself toward the remaining creatures. As he reached the closest one, he threw a fierce punch, connecting squarely with the goblin''s head.

    BAM!

    The force of his punch sent the creature hurtling backward. Sensing danger approaching from behind, Sebastian spun on his heel, dodging just as a goblin''s dagger shed the air where he''d been standing a second earlier.

    But his respite was brief as three more mutants immediately lunged at him, daggers glinting. Sebastian reacted quickly, shifting to the side to dodge the first de. As the remaining two daggers neared, he ducked at thest possible second, letting the weapons swipe above him harmlessly.

    Taking the opportunity, Sebastian countered with a powerful uppercut that sent one of the goblins flying backward. Swiftly, he turned toward the second, activated his enhanced reflexes, and swung his fist directly at its head.

    BAM!

    His fist made impact, and the goblin''s skull burst open, spraying dark purple blood across the ground. The creature''s body crumpled lifelessly to the floor.

    With thest mutant dispatched, Sebastian leaped high into the air, sped his fists together, and brought them down onto another goblin''s skull with brutal force. The impact sent the creature crashing to the ground, dead on the spot.

    "Die!" Vic''s voice rang out as he stomped the ground again,unching four more earth spikes at the approaching goblins. The first three spikes struck with deadly precision, piercing the heads of three goblins, while thest spike impaled two mutants standing close together.

    A pool of dark purple blood seeped from the bodies, staining the ground as they copsed.

    "Looks like that''s thest of them," Vic said with a sigh, wiping sweat from his brow with the back of his hand. He turned to Zoey and David. "All right, you two. Come over here and carve out the valuable parts so we can get out of here."

    "Why should I be the one to collect the body parts?" Zoey retorted, her voice dripping with disdain. "That''s a job for the least useful member of the group. And since the most useless person here already left, I''d say that makes it this guy standing beside me."

    Vic''s expression darkened as he began walking toward Zoey, each step slow and deliberate. The cold intensity in his eyes sent shivers down her spine as he closed the distance between them.

    He finally came to a stop mere inches from her, his voice low and menacing. "I''ve tolerated your nonsense since you joined us. Insult any of my friends one more time, and I''ll make sure you don''t make it out of this realm alive."

    Zoey''s bravado vanished, her expression crumbling as her heart pounded in her chest, and a cold sweat trickled down her face. "I''m sorry, Vic. I didn''t mean to offend anyone. Please, forgive me." She bowed her head, pulling out a small dagger as she approached the dead mutants.

    Dropping to her knees, Zoey began to cut out the valuable body parts from each goblin, her hands moving quickly as shepleted the task in silence.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    A few minutester, she finished collecting the parts, and the group set off, leaving the carnage behind. Not long after, another team of students arrived at the scene, stopping in their tracks as they took in the aftermath.

    "Looks like someone got to these goblins before us," one of the students muttered, frowning as he surveyed the bodies littering the ground.

    Billy, a member of their group, approached one of the dead goblins and knelt beside it. His gaze fell on an earth spike embedded in its chest. With a quick pull, he dislodged it, examining it carefully.

    "I recognize this spike. It''s definitely Vic''s work," Billy said in a deep tone, his gaze sharpening as he held the spike up for a closer look.

    "So, it was Vic''s group that took down these goblins," Osborne growled, his fists clenching tightly. "They can''t be far off since these kills are fresh. If we push forward now, we''re bound to catch up to them."

    """

    Creation is hard, Vote for me!

 Chapter 113 Grade 2 Gobtants

    Ss could be seen walking down the deserted, debris-filled street, with Angelica walking silently beside him. The duo hadn''t exchanged a single word since they were separated from the rest of their group. Ss''s primary focus was on reaching the Realm''s god chamber before anyone else could, and his goal was simpleˇŞeliminate the god. Angelica, however, was deep in thought, trying to muster the courage to ask a question that had been weighing on her mind for a while.

    They continued forward for several long minutes in silence. Finally, the difort of the quiet grew too heavy for Angelica, and she decided to break it.

    "Earlier today, I heard some students talking about something that happenedst night," Angelica began, catching Ss''s attention. "They said the crafter''s body was found down in the alley. He was just lying there, dead, his body turned into this petrified husk."

    She paused, ncing at Ss to gauge his reaction. "I was there when that crafter attacked us," she continued, "andter that day, you said he''d run away after you threatened to report him. You never mentioned anything about his deathˇ­ so I wanted to askˇ­ was it you who killed him?"

    Angelica''s voice was soft, her gaze fixed on Ss as they continued walking.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    Ss remained silent for a moment, his face contemtive. After a few moments, he finally spoke.

    "Yes," he replied coldly, his expression unreadable.

    "I see," Angelica murmured. "Butˇ­ why?" she asked, her voice filled with curiosity and a hint of hesitation.

    "You were there, Angelica. You saw how he tried to kill us just to get his hands on some mutant body parts," Ss responded without even ncing at her.

    "I mean, why didn''t you tell me?" Angelica rified, and Ss fell silent again.

    "Well, back when it happened, we weren''t close like we are now. I didn''t trust you then. But now, I do. That''s why I didn''t deny it," he exined after another pause, and Angelica nodded slowly in understanding.

    "You can tell me anything, Ss," she said gently, a warm smile on her face. "No matter how bad it might be. I''ll never judge you."

    Ss gave her a slight nod before shifting his gaze forward, continuing to walk. They turned onto a different street and then abruptly halted as they spotted a group of goblinsˇŞsimr to the ones that had attacked Vic and the rest of their group.

    "Damn these mutants," Ss muttered with a frown, his gaze fixed intently on the goblins. "Just when I''m in a hurry."

    "Let''s make this quick," he said coldly, stepping forward. As Ss advanced, he summoned his Grade 5 scythe, which materialized in his right hand in the blink of an eye.

    "That scytheˇ­ it looks different from thest one, and it looks very expensive too," Angelica thought to herself, noting the weapon''s intricate details.

    Ss moved slowly at first, thenunched forward at blinding speed, arriving in front of the Grade 2 goblins in less than a second.

    Without warning, he shed his scythe horizontally, aiming straight for the mutants.

    [Passive skill: Soul sh has been activated]

    A glowing blue aura surrounded the scythe as it cut through the air, and before the goblins could react, it had already sliced five of them in half. Blood sttered across the ground as each goblin''s divided body hit the floor.

    [Congrattions, you have in a Grade 2 Gobtant]

    [Congrattions, you have in a Grade 2 Gobtant]

    [Congrattions, you have in a Grade 2 Gobtant]

    [Congrattions, you have in a Grade 2 Gobtant]

    [Congrattions, you have in a Grade 2 Gobtant]

    A series of notifications shed before Ss, congratting him for ying five goblins in a single strike. He swiftly dismissed the alerts, sensing an iing threat from behind.

    Spinning around just in time, Ss blocked the strike of two goblins with his scythe. But before he could catch his breath, two more goblins lunged toward him from behind, daggers aimed at his back.

    In a split second, Ss crouched, narrowly avoiding the daggers, which flew over him and continued forward with the goblins'' full force behind them.

    SLASH!

    The goblins'' daggers missed Ss but struck the three goblins directly in front of him, slicing their heads off. Dark purple blood sprayed like water as the mutants'' headless bodies dropped to the ground.

    [Passive skill: Soul sh has been activated]

    Ss then swung his scythe at the remaining two goblins, cleaving their bodies in half with a single, clean strike.

    [Congrattions, you have in a Grade 2 Gobtant]

    [Congrattions, you have in a Grade 2 Gobtant]

    Ss nced at the notifications for a brief moment before dismissing them, then looked back at Angelica, who stood a few meters away, still watching him.

    "Wowˇ­ I guess you didn''t need my help after all," she remarked, walking toward him with a smirk.

    "Well, you can help me now by carving out the valuable body parts while I head further into the realm to find the Realm''s god," Ss replied with a shrug.

    "Why are you so hellbent on finding the Realm''s god?" Angelica asked, pulling out a short dagger as she approached the fallen mutants. "Rx; we still have five hours till the rush hour."

    "I just thought it would be best if our group were the ones to kill the Realm''s god," Ss exined in a persuasive tone. "The points we''ll get for defeating it are worth far more than what we''d get from random mutants."

    "Fine," Angelica sighed, sensing his determination. "It''s not like I can stop you anyway, since you''ve already made up your mind. Just be careful, and I''ll join you when I''m done here."

    Ss nodded before dashing away, his focus unwavering.

    ---

    Ss sprinted through the streets for hours, taking down any mutant he encountered and collecting their valuable body parts. The empty pouch he had brought was now filled to capacity with rare and prized body parts. Yet, despite hours of searching, he still hadn''t located the god''s chamber.

    "Ah, damn it! Another group of dead mutants? Who the hell keeps killing them before us?" a Grade 4 student with spiky red hair muttered irritably, noticing several goblin corpses scattered on the ground.

    "Look over there! That guyˇ­ he''s the one who''s been killing the mutants in this area," another boy from the group said, pointing toward Ss, who was running several meters ahead.

    "He''s alone," the boy with spiky red hair observed, his gaze fixed on Ss. "Chase him down. Don''t lose sight of him. If he keeps taking the body parts in this area, we''ll be left with nothing. I think it''s best if we confront him and get a share of what he''s collected," he added, a dark expression spreading across his face.

 Chapter 114 50-50

    "Ah, damn it! Another group of dead mutants? Who the hell keeps killing them before we can?" A Grade 4 student with spiky red hair muttered angrily, his eyes scanning the floor, littered with the fresh corpses of goblins.

    "Look over there! That guyˇ­ I think he''s the one who''s been taking down all the mutants around here," another boy from the group interjected, gesturing toward Ss, who was running several meters ahead, seemingly oblivious to their presence.

    "He''s alone," the boy with spiky red hair noted, narrowing his eyes as he locked his gaze on Ss. "Chase him down. Don''t lose him. If he keeps grabbing all the body parts in this area, we''ll end up with nothing. It''s best if we confront him and make him share what he''s collected," he growled, his face darkening as a n took shape in his mind.

    ---

    Meanwhile, Ss came to a sudden halt, spotting two goblins only a few meters ahead. These goblins were muchrger than the ones he''d been fighting. Their weapons were no longer crude daggers but elongated, razor-sharp des akin to katanas.

    [Name: Gobtant King and Queen]

    [Grade: 2]

    A notification shed above the mutants, drawing a fierce grin from Ss as he took in the information.

    "Finally, the goblin king. That means I''m getting closer to the Realm''s god chamber," he murmured, excitement glinting in his eyes as he focused on the mutants ahead, his grip tightening in anticipation.

    The goblins stood there for a moment, still as statues, beforeunching themselves at him with explosive speed. Within seconds, they were upon him, swinging their massive des with merciless precision.

    Ss''s reflexes kicked in, and he twisted to the side, narrowly dodging the deadly swings. As he leaped backward, he raised his right hand and unleashed five thin, glowing ws from his fingertips, each one shimmering with a faint, ominous light.

    [Soul ws has been activated]

    The Soul ws shot through the air with lethal speed. The goblin king managed to deflect the first set with its de, a clumsy but effective block. However, as it lowered its weapon, it was greeted by a second, more intense barrage of ws hurtling toward it.

    Caught off guard, the ws sliced clean through its right arm, sending it stumbling backward with a roar of agony, blood gushing from the wound like a fountain. The goblin queen, enraged by the sight of her mate injured, let out a feral scream before charging Ss with blind aggression.

    The queen swung her de, aiming directly at his neck. Ss reacted instantly, summoning his scythe just in time to block the deadly strike, metal shing against metal with a loud, echoing ng.

    The goblin queen quickly recoiled, only tosh out again. This time, Ss sidestepped, watching as her de sliced through the air where he had stood only moments before.

    Before she could withdraw her arm, Ss countered, swinging his scythe with precision, chopping her arm clean off. Dark purple blood sprayed from the wound, painting the ground beneath her as she let out a blood-curdling scream of pain.

    But Ss wasn''t done yet. Dropping low, he swept his right leg across the ground, knocking her off her feet. The goblin queen fell with a heavy thud, struggling to get up as Ss seized the moment. He raised his scythe high and brought it down, severing her head with a single, powerful swing.

    [Your scythe has drained 10% of the Mutant''s soul, and it has been added to your soul points]

    [Your soul points have been restored]

    [Congrattions, you have in a Grade 2 Gobtant Queen]

    Notifications shed across his vision, but before Ss could focus on them, a thunderous roar shook the air around him. Spinning around, he saw the Gobtant King barreling toward him, its one remaining arm raised, eyes wild with fury.

    Ss stood motionless, watching the mutant approach. As it neared, preparing to strike, it suddenly froze mid-swing, its body immobilized by an invisible force.

    [Active skill: Soul Control has been activated]

    With a flicker of concentration, Ss held the mutant in ce. He approached it slowly, observing the rage and desperation on its contorted face.

    "I know how you feel right now, little one," Ss murmured softly. "All that hate, and yet you can''t do a thing. Believe me, I''ve been there."

    He clenched his fist, and the Gobtant King''s head exploded in a spray of blood and brain matter, sttering the area around him.

    [Congrattions, you have in the Gobtant King]

    With a sigh, Ss dismissed his scythe, recing it with a small dagger as he knelt down beside the bodies, beginning to carve out the valuable parts from the fallen mutants with careful precision.

    However, just as he was absorbed in his task, a voice rang out from behind him.

    "Hey! Excuse me!" The sharp tone of the spiky-haired boy, Spike, cut through the silence, making Ss freeze in ce, though he did not turn around. "I had my suspicions earlier, but now that I see you carving up those bodies, I''m convinced you''re the one who''s been killing all the mutants in this area."

    "Because of you, we''re down to just four lousy goblin eyes!" Spike spat angrily, but Ss remained kneeling, his back turned to the group.

    "Here''s what''s going to happen. You''re going to split those body parts with usˇŞ50-50!" he demanded, his voiceced with menace. The air grew tense as everyone waited, holding their breath, for Ss''s response.

    "Why should I?" Ss replied coldly, his voice low and steady. The question seemed to surprise Spike and hispanions, leaving them momentarily speechless.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    "Why should you?" one of Spike''sckeys sneered, stepping forward. "Because we''re telling you to, dumbass." The group burst intoughter, mocking Ss.

    Still, Ss remained silent, kneeling with his back to them, seemingly unbothered by their taunts.

    "These body parts are for me and my group. Why should I split them with yours?" he asked, his tone challenging.

    Enjoy new chapters from empire

    "Uhˇ­ I don''t see your group around here," Spike replied with a smirk, ncing around as his friends chuckled. "And maybe I wasn''t clear. I''m not askingˇŞI''m telling you. If you don''t give us our share, you''re dead. We''re all Grade 4s, and your group isn''t here to back you up. You''ve got no choice," Spike said, cracking his knuckles menacingly.

    "So that''s how it is?" Ss muttered, rising to his feet. With his back still to them, he summoned his Ghost Face mask from his arsenal and slipped it on, the dark visor gleaming ominously as he finally turned to face Spike and his group, his gaze piercing and unyielding.

    """

    A/N: Sighhhh..once again, vote with your Golden Tickets and Power Stones.

 Chapter 115 Fighting the grade 4 bullies

    "Uhˇ­ I don''t see your group around here," Spike replied with a sneer, his eyes ncing around the empty training field as his friends chuckled, theirughterced with malice. "And maybe I wasn''t clear. I''m not askingˇŞI''m telling you. If you don''t give us our share, you''re dead. We''re all Grade 4s, and your group isn''t here to back you up. You''ve got no choice," Spike continued, cracking his knuckles as the menace in his voice grew.

    "So that''s how it is?" Ss muttered, his voice low and tinged with the kind of quiet, simmering anger that only made the threat behind his words more potent.

    Rising to his feet, he kept his back turned to them for a moment, an image of calm before a storm. He reached into his arsenal and summoned his Ghost Face mask, sliding it on in a smooth, almost ritualistic motion. As the dark visor settled over his face, hiding his features, he finally turned, his gazeˇŞa piercing, unyielding reˇŞfixed on Spike and his group.

    A wave of confusion rippled through them, their smug confidence visibly faltering.

    "Huh? What''s with the mask?" Spike blurted out, his mocking tone breaking as a look of uncertainty crept into his eyes.

    "This is to protect my identity in case I end up deciding to let you all live," Ss replied coldly, his voice deepened and distorted by the mask, its tone edged with something dark and foreboding. "You''re lucky I didn''t get a kill notification from the systemˇŞbecause if I had, you''d already be dead." The weight of his words hung in the air, sending a chill through his audience.

    "The system? What the hell is he talking about?" one of the boys muttered, casting a confused nce at hispanions.

    Spike''s expression twisted in anger as he tried to reassert his control over the situation. "Hey, you! Quit acting tough and hand over the valuable body parts you collected if you wish to live!" he shouted, his face flushed with rage as two of hispanions took a step forward, fists clenched and ready.

    Ss stood unmoved, his posture calm but exuding an intimidating air of power. "If you value your lives," he warned, his voice carrying a deadly calm, "you won''t take another step."

    One of the advancing boys sneered, ncing dismissively at Ss''s waist. "You don''t even have a weapon or skill slot," he spat mockingly, gesturing with a derisive wave of his hand.

    Ss tilted his head, the eerie gleam of his visor catching the light. "I don''t need one," he stated, the certainty in his tone unnerving even the most confident of them.

    They exchanged uneasy looks, but their bravado won out as they charged forward, fists clenched and swinging.

    Their arms swelled, flesh and bone transforming, fists growing to the size of a giant''s, making the ground tremble beneath their advancing weight. Their faces twisted with exertion, yet Ss remained still, his posture betraying no fear, no inclination to dodge.

    As they closed in, the massive fists sliced through the air, aiming straight at him. But in the final second, he shifted, a single step back letting the two miss him entirely. The two boys, off-bnce, hastily retracted their fists, swinging again with renewed aggression. Ss sidestepped with fluid precision, his movements swift and effortless.

    Ss could''ve countered then, but he waited, his calm patience taunting them, letting them expend energy and scramble. Frustrated, they threw more desperate punches, their fists now growing evenrgerˇŞdouble the size of a giant''s.

    No matter how fast or hard they punched, Ss was faster, his reflexes sharp as he dodged their attacks with ease. His gaze stayed focused, watching every move, reading their intentions. When they closed in, aiming for a final, decisive strike, Ss ducked low in a fluid motion. As their fists whizzed overhead, missing by inches, he seized the opening.N?v(el)B\\jnn

    Without hesitation, he drove an uppercut from below, his clenched fist meeting the chin of the nearest boy with a resounding crack.

    BAM!

    The impact was instant and brutal. The boy''s head snapped back, eyes wide with shock as he looked skyward, his body lifted clean off the ground. He flew backward, tumbling through the air beforending in front of his stunnedrades. The boyy unconscious, sprawled across the ground, the fight knocked clean out of him.

    The others nced down at their fallen friend, then back at Ss, who remained poised, his unrelenting gaze now fixed on the second boy who hadn''t yet retreated. The boy''s face darkened, his muscles bulging as his size increased, his body transforming, preparing for the next strike. He clenched his fists together, the size of boulders, and leapt high into the air.

    Ss''s eyes narrowed, tracking every movement. As the boy plummeted down, aiming to crush him with sheer weight and power, Ss crouched and leaped into the air himself, spinning to deliver a devastating roundhouse kick aimed squarely at the side of the boy''s head.

    BAM!

    The kick connected with a sickening crack, and the boy was sent careening across the training ground, his body sprawling as hended with a heavy thud, motionless beside his friend. Ssnded gracefully, barely phased, his gaze sweeping over the rest of Spike''s group with a cold finality.

    "Next," he said, the distorted menace of his voice behind the Ghost Face mask sending a visible shiver through the remaining boys. His posture was calm, deadlyˇŞa hunter surrounded by prey.

    Spike stared in disbelief, his eyes wide, his mouth hanging open.

    ''What the hell just happened?'' he thought, his mind racing. ''Micheal and Kennedy were both Grade 4s, armed with body ergement abilities, and this guy took them out as if it were nothingˇ­''

    One of the remaining boys, his face a mix of fear and anger, sneered as he cracked his knuckles and stepped forward. "Weaklings," he muttered, a snarl curling his lips. He shot a nce at Spike. "Leave this to me. I''ll handle him."

    Ss watched as the boy approached, taking in the subtle changes overtaking his form. Red fur with ck stripes sprouted across his arms, and simr fur crept onto his cheeks.

    Long ck ws extended from his fingertips, glinting dangerously, and as he opened his mouth to let out a deep, guttural growl, Ss caught a glimpse of sharp, vicious fangs. A thick, red tail with a pointed tip swished behind him, swaying as if impatient for violence.

    ''Body transformation ability,'' Ss mused, observing the changes carefully. ''This is the same type of ability David has, though he''s only a Grade 1 and nowhere near this advanced. This guy''s a Grade 4ˇŞjust by looking at him, I can tell he''s powerful. Fast. Strong.''

    Your journey continues with empire

    Ss''s lips curled into a hidden smirk beneath his mask. ''Let''s see how well he holds up.''

    The boy, now fully transformed, let out a fierce roar,unching forward with blinding speed. In an instant, he was upon Ss, his ws slicing through the air, aiming for the masked fighter''s chest. Ss shifted aside, narrowly evading the strike, his movements smooth as he avoided a follow-up sh.

    ''He''s fast,'' Ss thought, noting the sheer swiftness of the strikes as the boy''s wsshed out in rapid session. But Ss was faster, sidestepping each attempt with a dancer''s grace.

    The boy snarled, frustrated by his inability tond a hit, and in a final desperate move, he lunged at Ss, leaping forward with ws bared and teeth gleaming. Ss shifted, preparing to counter, but a sudden jolt of energy rippled through him.

    [Soul Control has been activated]

    [Unable to use Soul Control]

    The failure stunned him, but his instincts kicked in just in time, allowing him to swerve to the side. As the boy missed his mark, Ss swung his fist, connecting with brutal force and sending him sprawling.

    Ss wasted no time, advancing on the dazed boy. Shadows fell over his form as he leaped, delivering a crushing axe kick to the boy''s head.

    BAM!

    The ground seemed to reverberate as Ss''s heel met its mark. The boy crumpled, eyes fluttering shut as he slipped into unconsciousness.

    The remaining members of Spike''s group could only stare, fear etched across their faces.

    "That guyˇ­ just who is he?"

    "Waitˇ­ that maskˇ­ It looks just like the one worn by the fighter in the ranking arena! Wasn''t he calledˇ­ Ghost Ranger?"

    Realization dawned, their terror intensifying as Ss slowly shifted his gaze toward them, his expression unreadable beneath the mask.

    """

    Author''s note:Mass release for theing weekend?

    10 Golden Tickets= 2 extra chapters.

    A luxury Car (Gift) = 5 extra chapters.

    A Magic Castle/ Dragon (Gift)= 20 extra chapters mass release for theing weekend and also to fill up new privileges chapters.

    You can also support by leaving a review on the book, voting, and leaving a description on the character image.

 Chapter 116 Defeated by a single hit

    Ss wasted no time. His focus sharpened, and he advanced on the dazed boy, his eyes glinting dangerously beneath the mask. Shadows danced over his form as he leaped into the air, bringing his leg down in a devastating axe kick aimed straight at the boy''s head.

    BAM!

    The ground shook from the impact, reverberating outward as Ss''s heel met its mark with bone-jarring force. The boy crumpled beneath him, his eyes fluttering shut as he sank into unconsciousness, his body limp on the ground.

    The remaining members of Spike''s group could only watch, frozen in horror. Fear etched itself across their faces as they exchanged nces, disbelief warring with terror.

    "Whoˇ­ who is this guy?" one of them stammered, his voice barely a whisper.

    "Waitˇ­ that maskˇ­ doesn''t it look just like the one worn by that fighter in the ranking arena?" another murmured, realization dawning in his widened eyes. "Wasn''t he calledˇ­ Ghost Ranger?"

    The shock rippled through them, spreading like wildfire as each of them processed what this meant. Ss''s gaze shifted toward them, his expression cold and unreadable beneath the ghostly mask that obscured his face. The intensity of his stare only heightened their fear.

    "Who the hell is Ghost Ranger?" Spike muttered, irritationcing his tone as he caught the fearful murmurs of his group.

    "Wellˇ­ since you''re still under the one-month ban, you haven''t encountered him," one of the boys beside Spike replied, swallowing hard as he kept his gaze locked on Ss.

    "He''s a new fighter in the ranking arenaˇŞhe''s been winning match after match, destroying opponents without mercy, both low and high grades alike. And here''s the scary partˇŞhe has no active skill slot, yet no one''s been able to stop him. At first, I didn''t recognize it, but now there''s no doubt. That ghostly maskˇ­ it''s exactly the same as the one worn by Ghost Ranger."N?v(el)B\\jnn

    Spike''s eyes narrowed, his brow furrowing as he absorbed the information. But he quickly shook his head, brushing off his friend''s words with a dismissive snort.

    "I don''t care if he''s the Ghost Ranger or the Grim Reaper. All I want is for him to be taken down! We''re here for those mutant body parts, and I''ll be damned if some masked fighter is going to stop us from finishing on top." He raised his voice, addressing the group with a sneer.

    "Stop acting like cowards and attack already!"

    The duo standing beside Spike hesitated, fear and doubt flickering in their eyes. They had just seen Ss dismantle one of their top fighters with ease, and the reality of facing him was enough to make their confidence waver. But Spike''s sharp tone cut through their hesitation.

    "Are you deaf?!" Spike barked, his voice filled with irritation. The duo flinched, snapping out of their daze, and after a brief exchange of nces, they stepped forward. The boy on Spike''s left thrust both hands forward, and from his palms, a long, dark chain shot out, snaking through the air at blinding speed as it coiled around Ss''s arms, binding him in ce.

    The chains tightened, restricting Ss''s movement and digging into his skin. The boy''s face split into a triumphant grin.

    "These chains neutralize mutant abilities. With your powers suppressed, you''repletely vulnerable!" he taunted, hisughter echoing through the space. He then nced over at hisrade, nodding.

    "Now''s your chance," he urged, his voice filled with confidence.

    Hisrade nodded in return, raising his right hand as a blinding yellow light began to form in front of his palm. The energy grew, swirling and pulsing with intensity, until it formed a massive sphere that glowed as bright as the sun, casting harsh shadows around the area.

    "Sr st!" he shouted, pulling his arm back slightly before thrusting it forward, sending the energy ball hurtling toward Ss with deadly force.

    But Ss''s eyes narrowed as the attack approached. With a fierce determination, he clenched his fists and yanked on the chains binding his arms. The chain user stumbled, surprised by the sudden pull. Before he could release the chains and retreat, Ss had dragged him close, positioning him directly in the path of the oing energy st.

    "Oh, crap!" the sr energy user gasped, his eyes widening in horror as he realized what was about to happen.

    **BOOM!**

    The Sr st collided with the chain user, unleashing a shockwave that rattled the entire area. The unfortunate boy copsed to the ground, knocked out instantly from the force of his friend''s attack.

    Ss turned his gaze toward the sr energy user, who was frantically attempting to conjure another energy beam, his face pale with fear. In the blink of an eye, Ss closed the distance, his fist clenched tightly as he swung with lethal precision.

    **BAM!**

    The sound of flesh meeting flesh echoed as Ss''s punch connected squarely with the boy''s face, sending him stumbling backward. Before the boy could regain his footing, Ss closed in and delivered another devastating blow.

    **BAM!**

    The second punch lifted the boy off his feet, sending him crashing to the ground several meters away.

    ''Is this real? He took down both of them with his bare fistsˇ­ what kind of monster are we dealing with?'' Spike wondered, his heart pounding as he watched Ss calmly dust his hands, as if the fight had been nothing more than an inconvenience.

    "Hey, you!" Spike called out, his voice wavering despite his attempt at bravado. Ss didn''t even nce in his direction, simply standing there, casually brushing off the dust from his hands. Frustration and anger red within Spike. "I don''t know how you managed to take them down, but don''t get cocky! I''ll show you that you''re no match for me!" mes ignited around his arms, burning a deep, ominous red as heunched himself forward, fists aze.

    With his fire ability propelling him, Spike closed the distance in an instant, his mes crackling in anticipation of the strike. But Ss remained unfazed, his stance steady as he watched Spike approach.

    "I''ve wasted enough time with you guys," Ss said, his voice cold and detached. "Now, it''s time to end this." He clenched his right fist, focusing intently as he activated a skill he had been itching to try out.

    [Active Skill: Soul Jab has been activated]

    A fierce, blue aura enveloped Ss''s fist as he channeled his soul points into the attack, concentrating their power into a single, devastating blow. Without a word, he swung his fist forward, aiming directly for Spike''s chest.

    DDDAAAMMM!

    The impact was deafening, like the crack of a thunderbolt. The sheer force of the hit unleashed a shockwave that shook the surroundings, even causing parts of nearby buildings to crumble and copse.

    Spike coughed up blood as the blow struck his chest, his body buckling under the pressure. Instead of flying backward, he dropped to his knees, gasping for breath, barely clinging to consciousness.

    "If you were a lower grade, that single punch would have ended you," Ss remarked coolly, his tone indifferent. Enjoy exclusive chapters from empire

    He turned his back to Spike, ready to walk away, but cast a final, cold nce over his shoulder. "I hope to find you all here after I''ve killed the Realm''s god. When Iplete my evolution quest, I''ll be able to copy your abilities and turn them into skill cards. So please, stick around."

    With that, he strode away, his steps unhurried as he headed toward the Realm''s god''s chamber.

    The chamber wasn''t far, its looming entrance visible just ahead. After a few minutes'' walk, Ss arrived at the doorway, pausing to take in the sight before him.

    "Damn itˇ­ other students are already here," he muttered under his breath, his eyes narrowing as he spotted several groups of students clustered near the entrance, all waiting for their chance to face the Realm''s god. "How am I supposed toplete this quest with everyone watching?"

 Chapter 117 Golem with a weapon

    Ss walked briskly through the narrow, dimly lit streets, his body still buzzing with adrenaline from his fight with Spike and his boys.

    He had nned to finish the fight quickly, ending it in one swift blow, but after noticing that one of them possessed a body transformation abilityˇŞthe same ability that had been the subject of countless whispers around townˇŞhis curiosity got the best of him. Ss had wanted to see for himself just how powerful this guy really was. In the end, he got carried away, prolonging the skirmish longer than he''d intended.

    Ss''s pace quickened as he kept moving forward. His brisk walk soon shifted to a light jog, and eventually, he broke into a full run.

    The sound of his footsteps echoed off the empty streets, filling the silence that stretched around him. After sprinting for a few blocks, he abruptly came to a halt, catching his breath, then resumed his advance at a slower, more cautious pace.

    As Ss continued down the path, he began to hear distant murmurs, voices that grew clearer the closer he got. When he finally arrived at the entrance to the Realm''s god chamber, he spotted a group of students standing around, blocking the entryway.

    Seeing the students gathered there, Ss''s face darkened, a deep frown etching across his features. He clenched his right fist tightly, a sh of anger lighting up his gaze.

    "Damn it," he muttered under his breath, the frustration evident in his tone. "Students have already made it here." Ss remained where he was, silently observing them as they prepared to enter the chamber.

    A quick look told him that each of these students belonged to different factions. Judging by their demeanor and the way they carried themselves, he guessed they were all leaders within their respective groups. They were here for one reason only: to y the Realm''s god and im the rewards that came with it.

    "How in the world am I supposed toplete the evolution quest now?" Ss pondered, frustration simmering within him as he observed the group of students with calcting eyes.

    [Time left: 03:06:39]

    The countdown timer shed briefly in his vision before he dismissed it with a quick nce. Without further hesitation, he stepped forward, joining the cluster of students.

    "Hey! You all better clear out, because I was here first!" a boy with short brown hair suddenly shouted, his voice echoing with impatience.

    "And what if you got here first? Do you think that makes the Realm''s god exclusively yours to y?" another student retorted, her voice thick with irritation.

    "Obviously, yes!" the short-haired boy snapped back, unwilling to back down.

    "Cut it out, all of you!" A taller girl stepped forward, her voice carrying amanding edge. "Let''s just go in already. We''ll work together to bring down the Realm''s god, and once it''s dead, we''ll split the spoils evenly."

    "Fine by me," another boy nodded, and the others murmured in agreement. The short-haired boy looked ready to argue further, but seeing the others align with her suggestion, he reluctantly fell silent and moved out of the way.

    With the decision made, the heavy doors creaked open, and one by one, the students began filing into the chamber. Ss followed behind them, blending in with the group as they crossed the threshold.

    Once thest student had stepped inside, the doors mmed shut behind them, and torches lining the chamber''s walls ignited, casting flickering red light throughout the massive room.

    Now that the space was illuminated, they took a moment to examine their surroundings. The chamber was enormous, more expansive than any of them had anticipated. Strange, intricate markings adorned the walls, the symbols seeming to writhe and shift in the shadows cast by the torches. The eerie red glow danced across the carvings, giving the room an otherworldly atmosphere.

    "Look! There''s another door up ahead," a girl pointed out, her hand indicating a doorway in the distance.

    "Let''s go," a tall, muscr boy urged, and the group moved as one toward the next door. When they reached it, they pushed it open and stepped into the next room.

    As they entered, the new area brightened instantly as more torches ignited, casting light across the expansive space.

    "Hmˇ­" Ss muttered to himself, his gaze scanning the room carefully.

    The setup reminded him of the chamber of the Hedgetant in the Grade 5 realmˇŞan open, spacious hall punctuated by towering pirs.

    As the group examined the room, a heavy, thunderous sound began to echo through the chamber, each step resounding like a crash of thunder. The ground trembled beneath their feet as the sound grew louder, until finally, a massive figure appeared, standing a mere few meters away from them.

    The creature that faced them was colossal, resembling a golem made of solid rock. It loomed over them, towering more than nine feet tall. In its massive right hand, it held an enormous, wickedly sharp de, and in the center of its head was a single, curved horn that gleamed ominously in the torchlight.

    [Name: Zuxclux (God of the Realm)]

    [Grade: 2]n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    [Weapon: Kepromec Sculpture (Grade 4)]

    [The weapon of the mutant enhances its strength, with almost guaranteed uracy on its strikes.]

    Several notifications appeared above the golem-like creature, the information unlike anything Ss had encountered before.

    "The system has never provided me with this kind of detailed info on a mutant''s weapon," Ss thought, his eyes narrowing as he studied the unfamiliar notifications.

    Usually, the system only told him the mutant''s name and grade. It had never specified weapon details.

    ''A Grade 2 mutant wielding a Grade 4 weaponˇ­ that''s new. The weapon boosts its strength, simr to how my scythe grants me additional strength points. But these students have no idea; they''ll likely assume it''s just an ordinary Grade 2 mutant and attack recklessly. I should probably warn them.''

    Before Ss could say a word, three students dashed forward, with three others close behind.

    They swung their arms back in unison before hurling them forward, releasing a powerful gust of wind meant to throw the golem off bnce. Though the force pushed it back a few steps, it barely phased the creature. As the golem staggered, three more students leaped into the air, both hands extended as they prepared their attacks.

    One of the students conjured a massive fireball,unching it from his palms, while the other fire user beside him did the same. The third student, who wielded lightning abilities, summoned a bolt of crackling energy and hurled it at the golem.

    Their attacks collided with the creature in a burst of fire and electricity, the impact exploding in a cloud of dust and smoke. They waited with bated breath, staring at the haze that obscured their target. Experience tales at empire

    "Did we get it?" one of the fire users asked, his eyes fixed intently on the dense cloud of smoke.

    "Definitely. There''s no way it survived all that," the second fire user replied confidently, a hint of smugness in his tone.

    Ss, however, knew better. He was certain it would take far more than a barrage of elemental attacks to bring down the Realm''s god.

 Chapter 118 Invisible to everyone.

    The students stood transfixed, watching the aftermath of their failed assault on the golem. The cloud of dust from their attacks had cleared, but whaty before them defied all their expectations. The golem was still standing, its massive form unscathed, an immovable force in the center of the room.

    One student, his face pale with disbelief, finally broke the silence. "Thisˇ­ this is impossible! Those attacks should''ve torn a Grade 2 mutant to pieces. How can it still be standing? It doesn''t even have a scratch!"

    The short-haired boy standing nearby clenched his jaw, irritation clear in his expression. Gripping a katana in his right hand, he red at the others. "Maybe it''s not the mutant that''s strong," he sneered, "maybe you all are just weak." Three other students stood beside him, each wielding a battle axe, and their faces bore the same grim determination.

    "Get out of my way and let us show you how it''s done," he said, his tone dripping with arrogance as he moved forward. With a collective nod, his allies positioned themselves at his side, and together, theyunched a fresh assault on the golem, advancing at breakneck speed. Their target was the creature''s legs; if they could bring it down to its knees, they might have a chance to finish it off.

    When their weapons collided with the golem''s stony legs, they expected to feel the satisfying impact of their attacks finding purchase. Instead, it felt like they had struck solid granite. Their faces twisted in shock, their weapons reverberating painfully in their hands.

    "The whole body is made out of stone!" one of the boys cried as he staggered back, his eyes wide with disbelief. He quickly put distance between himself and the golem, attempting to rpose himself for another assault.

    "Quit whining!" barked the short-haired boy, a fierce scowl on his face as he readied his de once more. With a roar, he pulled his arm back and swung his katana with renewed fury, only to find it shing uselessly against the golem''s dense armor yet again.

    "Damn it!" he spat, just as the golem''s enormous sword came down toward him. He barely managed to leap back in time, the de missing him by mere inches. The impact shook the floor with a booming force that sent the boy flying backward, his body mming against a pir before he crumpled to the ground, winded and dazed.

    "DIE!" The remaining axe users let out a fierce battle cry as they charged forward in unison, determined to take down the seemingly indestructible creature. A few paces behind them, another student raised his hand and unleashed a blinding green energy beam from his palm, its trajectory aimed squarely at the golem''s chest.

    The energy beam shot forward with tremendous speed, impacting the golem and forcing it back a few steps. But even as it reeled, one of the axe users with wind-manipting abilitiesunched himself into the air, propelling himself to the golem''s height with a gust of wind. In a swift motion, he swung his battle axe at the creature''s head, hoping to deliver a critical blow.

    The boy''s eyes widened as the golem swung its own weapon upward in response. Their weapons collided with a deafening ng, and the force of the impact shattered the boy''s Grade 3 axe. The bacsh sent him hurtling across the room until he crashed into a pir, slumping to the ground in defeat.

    "What''s wrong with this thing?" another student cried out in desperation, his voice trembling. "Why isn''t it dying?" Determined to keep fighting, the energy user fired another green energy beam, while the fire maniptors joined forces, conjuring a massive fireball that zed toward the golem.

    Their efforts, however, proved futile. The golem remained rooted in ce, the onught leaving only minor scratches on its stony exterior. Its unyielding posture seemed almost mocking, as though it knew they could do nothing to harm it.

    With methodical precision, the golem lifted its immense sword high above its head, then swung it down with earth-shaking force. The de crashed against the ground, releasing a shockwave that radiated outward and sent every student sprawling backward.

    Through the chaos, Ss''s gaze stayed focused on the golem.

    ''That weaponˇ­'' he thought, analyzing its immense power. ''That''s what''s enhancing its strength. It''s that damn de giving it this level of durability.''

    He nced around at the other students, most of whom were struggling to stand.

    ''If anyone here had a weapon above Grade 4, we might have a chance. But by the looks of it, none of them do. The highest grade here is probably a Grade 3.''

    A faint smirk crept onto Ss''s face as he observed the scene, realizing that none of the students had even noticed his presence. They had likely dismissed him from the beginning, assuming he was weak or irrelevant because he hadn''t openly disyed any skills.

    ''Perfect,'' he thought. ''If they treat me like I''m invisible, that''s exactly the advantage I need. I can take it down without them noticing'' With a quickmand, he called up his system interface.

    ---

    **[Name: Ss Griswold]**

    Your journey continues on empire

    **[Race: Mutant]**

    **[Evolution Tier: Tier 4 Soul Devourer]**

    **[Level: 70]**

    **[Health: 100/100]**

    **[Soul Points: 170/200]**

    ---

    ### **Attribute Panel:**

    - **Strength:** 50

    - **Speed:** 39

    - **Reflex:** 39

    - **Agility:** 44

    - **Intelligence:** 30

    - **Avable attribute points to distribute:** 23

    ---

    ### **Skill Panel:**

    - **Lightning Dash LVL 3:** Boosts speed for 4 seconds. Costs 10 soul points.

    - **Soul ws LVL 3:** Extends ws from fingertips. Costs 1 soul point.

    - **Soul Control LVL 2:** Allows control over beings with souls, simr to telekinesis but limited to living creatures.

    - **Soul Jab LVL 1:** Channels soul points into a punch strong enough to kill lower-grade opponents or reduce higher-grade opponents'' health by half.

    ---n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    ### **Arsenal:**

    - **Chest Piece Armor (Grade 3)**

    - **Leg Piece Armor (Grade 3)**

    - **Scythe (Grade 4)**

    - **Soul Reaper Scythe (Grade 5)**

    - **Ghost Mask and Ghost Outfit**

    - **Hedgetant Quills (100)**

    - **Soul Recovery (1)**

    ---

    **[Shop]**

    ---

    Ss tapped the [Shop] icon, and a new interface unfolded before him. He scrolled swiftly through the options, searching for a weapon that met his requirements. He needed something with range and a power level of Grade 5 or higher.

    Finally, his eyes settled on a Grade 5 dagger. It wasrger than a typical dagger, with a slightly curved de that almost resembled a miniature scythe. Without a second thought, he selected it, ignoring the price and description.

    Within moments, the dagger materialized in his hand, its de gleaming ominously in the dim light. Ss gripped the weapon tightly, positioning himself as he prepared for his strike. He shifted his right foot back, raised his arm, and then swung it forward with a sharp, precise motion, releasing the dagger with all the force he could muster.

    The dagger sliced through the air at lightning speed, its de aimed directly at the golem''s head. The creature barely had time to react as the weapon struck, embedding itself deep into its skull. A sickening crack echoed throughout the room, silencing the remaining students as they watched in stunned awe.

    [Congrattions, you have in Zuxclux (God of the Realm)]

    """

    A/N: Gifts is my motivation...give me more motivation (? ???????)

 Chapter 119 Who killed it?

    Momentster, the dagger materialized in his hand. The de''s polished surface gleamed under the dim chamber light, casting faint, fleeting reflections onto the surrounding walls. Ss gripped the weapon tightly, feeling the perfectly bnced weight of the hilt in his hand. It was as if the weapon had been forged for him and him alone. He shifted his stance instinctivelyˇŞhis right foot sliding back to anchor his position, his body coiling like a spring. With a sharp exhtion, he swung his arm forward, unleashing the dagger with precision and all the strength he could muster.

    The de sliced through the air at a velocity so rapid it became nearly invisible. Its whistle was sharp and fleeting, marking its deadly trajectory. It struck true, embedding itself deep into the golem''s skull with a sickening crunch. The creature''s immense frame shuddered before copsing to the ground.

    A thunderous crack echoed through the chamber, silencing every voice and movement. The remaining students froze, their expressions shifting from terror to stunned awe as they stared at the now-lifeless golem.

    [Congrattions, you have in Zuxclux (God of the Realm)]

    The chamber descended into an eerie, almost surreal silence. The students exchanged uncertain nces, their faces painted with confusion. They didn''t fully understand what had just urred, and the sight of the god-like golem lying still only deepened their bewilderment.

    "What the hell just happened?" a short-haired boy muttered, his voice trembling slightly as his wide eyes remained fixed on the massive mutant sprawled several meters away.

    "Did we... get it?" a fire bender whispered, still clutching his weapon, half-expecting another attack.

    None of them had seen the dagger''s flight. Ss''s throw had been too fast, a blur even for their sharp senses. To them, it seemed as though the golem had simply copsed. The air of confusion was palpable.

    For a long moment, no one moved. The students stood rooted in ce, their collective gaze locked on the fallen golem. Then, cautiously, a few began to inch forward. Their steps were hesitant,den with the fear that the creature might rise again. The possibility of a trap loomed over them.

    Ss, staying several paces behind, unsummoned the dagger with a quietmand. The weapon disappeared instantly, leaving no visible trace of its lethal impact. The move was calcted. He had no intention of iming credit.

    The students finally reached the golem, their trepidation giving way to curiosity. They crouched beside the hulking body, prodding it with their weapons and hands to confirm its demise.

    "I guess one of our attacks finally got through," a fire bender spected, his toneced with self-satisfaction. "It was acting tough, but deep down, it must''ve been close to death already."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    "This bastard really had me thinking we were goners," muttered a wind ability user. To vent his lingering fear, he kicked the lifeless mutant before spitting on it in disdain.

    "Well, it''s done. Let''s start carving out the valuables," dered the short-haired boy, his voice authoritative as he crouched to pry at the creature''s eyes. "The Realm''s god is dead. This realm is copsing soon, so let''s grab what we can and get out of here."

    "WaitˇŞwhere''s the golem''s sword?" a female student suddenly asked, scanning the area in confusion.

    Her question drew immediate attention. Now that it was mentioned, the weapon''s absence became ringly obvious. Explore more at empire

    "Yeah... where is it?" another chimed in, his eyes darting around as if the de might be hiding in in sight.

    "Who cares about the damn sword? Just help me with these body parts!" the short-haired boy barked, silencing further questions. One by one, the others knelt to assist, their greed outweighing their curiosity.

    Meanwhile, Ss seized the opportunity to slip out of the chamber unnoticed. His mission wasplete, and lingering posed unnecessary risks. As he left, he allowed himself a fleeting smirk, confident in his aplishment.

    ---

    HIYAAAHHH!

    The piercing battle cry shattered the stillness as Sebastianunched a devastating punch toward an advancing goblin. His fist connected with brutal force, sending the creature flying across the chamber. It mmed into the wall with a sickening thud, its body crumpling lifelessly to the floor.

    Beside him, Vic drove his foot into the ground with calcted precision. A sharp earth spike shot forward, impaling three goblins in a single, ruthless motion. Dark purple blood sprayed across the cold, uneven floor, staining the stones beneath.

    Vic straightened, brushing his snow-white hair back as he surveyed the aftermath. He arched a brow in faint surprise as the remaining goblins, mid-charge, suddenly copsed and died where they stood.

    "They''re all dead," Vic stated tly, his gaze lingering on the lifeless forms. His tone carried no triumphˇŞonly a measured conclusion. "Which means someone killed the Realm''s god."

    "You think it was Ss?" Sebastian ventured, his curiosity breaking the silence.

    Vic''s expression hardened as he turned toward Sebastian, his piercing gaze locking onto him. "Why would it be Ss?" he countered, his voice dripping with derision. "He''s just a weakling with no mutant abilities, remember? He''s probably out there clinging to Angelica, scavenging scraps like the parasite he is."

    "But," Sebastian pressed, "if I recall, he mentioned going solo earlier. That kind of confidence doesn''te from nowhere. Maybe he''s hiding more than we know."

    Vic snorted dismissively but said nothing. Instead, he turned and began walking toward Zoey and David, who stood further back. Before he could reach them, movement on the horizon caught his eyeˇŞa group of students approaching.

    Vic stopped in his tracks, his brows furrowing as recognition dawned. The group''s leader, nked by three others, stepped forward. He was a towering figure with muscr arms crossed over his chest and a dark, brooding expression that sent a chill through the air.

    "Hello, Vic," Billy greeted, his deep, gravelly voice cutting through the tension like a de.

    Vic''s jaw tightened, his mind racing. He knew exactly why Billy was here, and it wasn''t going to end well.

    """

    A/N: Vote with your Golden Tickets for an extra 2 chapters, and a castle for a mass release of 10 minutes.

 Chapter 120 Vic Vs Billy

    Billy stood opposite Vic, his muscr arms folded, his body tense, and his expression radiated pure rage as his eyes locked onto Vic, burning with intensity.

    "Hello, Vic," Billy greeted, his voice dripping with anger, the wordsced with venom. The atmosphere between them was thick with tension.

    Vic, though aware of Billy''s fury, leaned casually against a nearby structure. "What do you want, Billy boy?" he asked with an air of nonchnce, though the slight tightening of his posture betrayed a hint of unease that he worked hard to mask with a calm demeanor.

    "I came here to settle scores," Billy said, his tone cold, steely, and full of promise. "And also to make sure you don''t stand in my way ever again."

    Vic tilted his head slightly, a smirk ying on his lips as he raised a brow. "Settle what scores exactly?" he asked, his voice oozing sarcasm. "Because, as I recall, it''s you and your little group that''s beening after me with no real reason. If anyone should be settling scores, it''s me with you."

    Billy''s hands balled into fists, his voice rising with barely controlled fury. "You and your group are the problem! You know what your issue is, Vic?" Billy spat, his voice full of disgust. "You''re always trying to show off. Whether it''s in the ranking arena, at the academy, or anywhere else!" His eyes zed with the fury of a man pushed too far.

    Vic''s smirk widened, his gaze remaining steady. "Ah, I see now. So that''s what this is about," Vic mused, a hint of mockery in his voice. "You''re angry because you got banned from the ranking arena after your teammate, Mark, made a mess of things. Or maybe it''s because of what happened in the cafeteria that night? Butst time I checked, you were the ones who threw the first punch."

    Billy''s eyes darkened with pure rage. "Mark died trying to defeat the Ghost Ranger and reim our spotˇŞthe spot you *stole* from us! You took it from us and unted it like it was yours to keep. The top spot was ours, and you took it, you selfish bastard!" Billy shouted, his anger growing with each word.

    Vic''s expression remained calm, even though the tension in the air grew thicker. "You wouldn''t have dropped in the rankings if your teammates hadn''t lost to a fighter with no skill slots. Who loses to someone like that?" he asked, his voice dripping with disdain. "The Ghost Ranger was obviously weak, yet your boys couldn''t even beat him. And now you''re ming me for that?"

    Billy''s temper snapped. "You know what?" he shouted, his voice vibrating with anger. "Enough talk!" With a primal roar, he ripped his shirt off in one swift motion, revealing his well-built, muscr body, and the glowing Grade 4 skill slot at his waist. "I didn''te here to chat. I came here to *end* this. I don''t care about the consequences. I don''t care if I get punishedter. I don''t care if they lock me up again. All I want is for you to *perish*, Victor Hardcastle!"

    Billy''s words echoed around them as he activated his telekinesis. The ground beneath their feet trembled, and the buildings around them shook as Billy''s power surged to life.

    Sebastian, one of Vic''s allies, started to move forward instinctively to protect his friend, but Vic''s right arm shot out, blocking his path.

    "Stay back, mate," Vic said firmly, his eyes narrowing as he refocused on Billy, refusing to be distracted. He could feel the weight of the situation pressing down on him, but he stood his ground, fully aware of the threat in front of him.

    Billy, undeterred, gestured sharply to his own minions. "Stay back!" hemanded. "This is my fight."

    Without warning, Billy extended both of his arms, and the daggers of dead goblins rose from the ground behind him. With a flick of his fingers, the daggers shot toward Vic, speeding through the air with terrifying precision.

    Vic didn''t flinch. He mmed his foot onto the ground, summoning a massive earthen wall that rose behind him just in time. The daggers collided with the stone, embedding themselves deep into the surface.

    Billy''s eyes red with determination. He pulled the daggers from the wall using his telekic powers, bringing them back to him, andunched them again.

    Vic''s response was immediate. With another stomp, five massive earth spikes shot from the ground, soaring toward the iing daggers. The two projectiles collided with a loud crashˇŞthe daggers slicing through the spikes, turning them to dust as they continued their path toward Vic.

    Without missing a beat, Vic raised his arms and created another makeshift wall just in time to stop the daggers in mid-flight. The force of the impact made the stones crack, but the daggers were stopped, their deadly momentum halted.

    Vic lowered the wall, his gaze widening in shock as he saw Billy standing directly in front of him, far closer than he had anticipated.

    Before Vic could react, Billy swung his fist with deadly intent. The blownded with a sickening thud against Vic''s face, sending him staggering backward.

    Billy, sensing an opportunity, yanked Vic forward with his telekinesis, pulling him back into range. His fist connected with Vic''s face again, the force knocking Vic back once more.

    "Come over here!" Billy spat, his voice thick with rage as he pulled Vic closer yet again. This time, Vic was ready.

    As the invisible force yanked him toward Billy, Vic leaped into the air, clearing several meters before crashing his knee into Billy''s face.

    The impact was brutal, and a loud crack echoed through the air as Billy''s nose twisted grotesquely. Blood poured from his nose in a crimson flood as the force of the hit sent him stumbling backward, his body rocked by the blow.

    Billy clutched his nose, his face contorted in agony and fury. His chest heaved with anger as he red at his minions. "What the hell are you just standing there for, you useless bastards?!" he yelled, his voice hoarse with rage.

    One of his minions, looking uneasy, scratched the back of his head. "Uh, but you told us not to intervene... that you wanted it to be a one-on-one fight."

    Billy''s eyes narrowed, his anger boiling over. "When the hell did I say that, you idiot?!" he snarled, his voiceced with fury.

    The minion nodded quickly, pulling out his de and turning toward Vic. Without hesitation, he charged.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    The boy lunged forward, swiping his katana with speed and precision. A thin line of energy sliced through the air, heading directly for Vic.

    Vic reacted instantly, forming an earthen shield to intercept the energy de. He then summoned a de of his own, crafted from the earth beneath him. As the minion reached striking distance, Vic sidestepped and parried the katana with his own earth-made sword, then swung it toward the boy''s right side.

    The two des shed with a loud nging sound as the boy staggered back, forced to regain his bnce.

    But Vic didn''t have much time to recover. A massive green energy beam surged toward him from the front, while an earth spike shot forward from the side.

    ''He''s distractedˇ­ now''s my chance.''

    Billy, standing a few meters away, made his move. He subtly twitched his fingers, and one of the goblin daggers, previously discarded, rose silently behind Vic, aiming for the back of his neck.

    The dagger zipped through the air with deadly precision, moving swiftly toward Vic''s unguarded neck.

 Chapter 121 Vics strength

    The two des shed with a deafening *ng*, the sound reverberating through the battlefield as Vic staggered backward, his body tilting before he managed to regain his footing.

    But there was no time for recovery. A massive green energy beam crackled through the air, hurtling toward him with devastating force, while an earth spike erupted from the ground, racing toward his side with equal precision.

    ''He''s distractedˇ­ now''s my chance.''

    Billy, observing from several meters away, decided to strike. His eyes narrowed as he twitched his fingers, manipting the air around him. One of the goblin daggers, discarded during the earlier skirmish, began to rise. Floating silently, it adjusted its trajectory, aiming directly for the back of Vic''s exposed neck.

    With a flick of Billy''s hand, the dagger zipped forward, slicing through the air with lethal speed. Its target was clear: Vic''s unprotected back.

    "VIC, WATCH OUT!"

    Sebastian''s voice shattered the tension, his urgent scream cutting through the chaos as his eyes tracked the dagger''s deadly flight. Startled, Vic turned sharply, attempting to locate the threat, but his reaction came toote.

    **STAB!**

    Before Vic could fully process the danger, Zoey stepped between him and the oing de. The dagger pierced her chest with sickening precision, the de sinking deep. Zoey froze, her body stiffening as her mind processed the pain. Her gaze dropped, locking onto the hilt of the weapon embedded in her chest, blood pouring freely.

    Explore new worlds at empire

    For a moment, time seemed to stand still. Zoey swayed, her legs trembling before giving out entirely. She copsed to the ground with a dull thud, her breath shallow and uneven.

    "Zoey!" Vic''s voice cracked with shock and anguish, his wide eyes fixated on her crumpled form. But the time to mourn was stolen from him.

    The energy beam and earth spike were now mere moments away, hurtling toward him with unrelenting speed. Snapping back into focus, Vic stomped his foot into the ground with force. The earth obeyed hismand, a solid wall erupting between him and the iing attacks.

    The beam mmed into the barrier, exploding in a sh of green light, while the spike splintered on impact, scattering shards of stone in every direction.

    Vic didn''t wait for the dust to settle. Lowering the wall with a swift motion, he lunged forward, his body a blur of motion. His right hand clenched into a fist, encased in an earthen gauntlet that crackled with raw power.

    He closed the distance to the ice ability user in an instant. The boy, desperate,unched a shard of ice aimed directly at Vic''s chest. But Vic was faster. Twisting his body with precision, he dodged the attack and retaliated with a devastating punch.

    **BAM!**

    The gauntlet connected with the boy''s face, the impact producing a sickening crunch. The sheer force lifted the ice user off his feet, his body sailing through the air before crashing to the ground several meters away.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    Vic''s head snapped to the energy user, his fiery gaze locking onto the boy, who hesitated for a split second before raising his hand. A brilliant orb of light formed in his palm, surging forward as an energy beam aimed straight at Vic.

    The beam tore through the air with such speed that even Billy, watching from the sidelines, struggled to track its movement.

    Vic sidestepped the attack effortlessly, his movements fluid as he closed the gap between them. The energy user fired again, sending another barrage of beams in quick session. Vic weaved through them, each motion calcted, his focus unyielding.

    Finally, he reached the boy. Without giving him a chance tounch another attack, Vic swung his gauntlet with full force.

    **BAM!**

    The punchnded squarely, the boy''s head snapping back as his body was hurled across the battlefield. He smashed into the side of a building, crumpling to the ground in a motionless heap.

    Vic exhaled sharply, rolling his shoulders as he surveyed the damage. His gaze settled on Billy, who stood rooted in ce a few meters away, paralyzed by fear.

    Gone was Billy''s confident smirk. His once arrogant demeanor had melted into an expression of sheer terror. Watching Vic dismantle his allies with such ease left no room for doubtˇŞBilly waspletely outmatched.

    Billy wasn''t known as one of the academy''s strongest students. While his Grade 4 telekic ability gave him some standing, it was often dismissed as underwhelmingpared to other powers. His strengthy not in his ability, but in the alliances he had forged.

    Surrounding himself with stronger students who worshipped him like a deity had inted his ego. They carried him through every challenge, allowing him to strut through the academy with his head held high.

    But now, his so-called disciples were incapacitated, defeated in less than ten minutes. With no one to protect him, Billy''s confidence evaporated.

    Vic began to advance, his footsteps deliberate and heavy, his fists clenched tightly as his rage simmered beneath the surface.

    "You think you''re untouchable, huh?" Vic''s voice was low, almost a growl, as he closed the distance.

    Billy instinctively backed away, his face pale. Desperation seeped into his voice as he spat, "Don''t get cocky now! Who do you think you are?!"

    He thrust his hand forward, summoning a wave of debris from the shattered building. The rocks shot toward Vic, spinning and twisting through the air.

    Vic didn''t even flinch. The rocks stopped inches from his body, dropping harmlessly to the ground as if weighed down by some invisible force.

    "Throwing rocks at a Grade 4 earth user?" Vic scoffed coldly. "How pathetic can you be?"

    Billy''s eyes widened in panic, darting frantically around the battlefield in search of anything he could use as a weapon. But before he could act, Vic was already upon him.

    **BAM!**

    Vic''s fist collided with Billy''s face, the impact sending him flying backward. But Vic wasn''t done. A wall materialized behind Billy, halting his retreat.

    Vic crouched slightly, muscles coiled like a spring, before delivering a brutal uppercut. The force shattered Billy''s jaw, lifting him into the air.

    Billy''s body arced downward, heading straight for the ground. Vic stomped his foot, conjuring a jagged podium beneath him. Billy hit the rough surface with a sickening crunch, his body crumpling as bones snapped under the impact.

    Vic prepared to strike again, but his movement halted as a shadow fell over the battlefield.

    A tall figure approached, his presencemanding. Golden, spiky hair gleamed under the sunlight, partially obscuring sharp, piercing eyes. The man moved with an unhurried confidence, his right hand tucked casually into his pocket.

    He stopped a few feet away, surveying the scene with an expression that was both calm and cold.

    "What the hell is going on here?" us demanded, his voice cutting through the air like a de. His gaze swept across the battlefield, lingering briefly on the fallenbatants before settling on Vic.

 Chapter 122 Missing students

    Vic prepared to strike again, his fists trembling with rage, but his movement halted as a shadow fell over the battlefield.

    A tall figure approached, his presencemanding and his steps measured. Golden, spiky hair gleamed under the dim sunlight, partially obscuring sharp, piercing eyes that seemed to see everything. The man exuded an air of unshakable authority, his right hand casually tucked into his pocket, giving no indication of urgency despite the chaos surrounding him.

    He stopped a few feet away, surveying the scene with an expression that was both calm and cold, his gaze lingering briefly on the motionless figures strewn across the ground.

    "What the hell is going on here?" us demanded, his voice sharp and precise, cutting through the thick tension like a de. His words carried an air of finality, instantly silencing the battlefield.

    Vic turned sharply, his gaze meeting us''s. Relief and indignation mingled in his voice as he shouted, "Thank God a staff member is finally here! This maniac tried to kill us! You have to hurryˇŞZoey needs help! She was hurt by him!"N?v(el)B\\jnn

    us''s sharp eyes shifted toward Billy, whose broken, motionless bodyy sprawled on the ground, bruises covering his face and limbs. His shattered bones jutted out in unnatural angles, a grim testament to the brutality he had endured. Recognizing Billy, us''s expression darkened momentarily.

    Billy''s name was no stranger to us. He topped the list of students given a second chance under strict probationˇŞone more atrocity, and he was destined for the Jingling Bars.

    us stared at Billy for a moment longer before shifting his attention to Zoey, whoy a few meters away. In a blink, he disappeared from his spot and reappeared beside her.

    "Woahˇ­ he''s incredibly fast," Vic thought, stunned. us''s movement seemed like teleportation, but it wasn''t. His speed was simply on an entirely different level, one far beyond what Vic had ever witnessed.

    us knelt beside Zoey, his sharp eyes scanning her injuries with clinical precision.

    "Is she going to be okay?" Sebastian''s voice wavered, his face pale as cold sweat dripped down his temple.

    us didn''t immediately respond, his focus entirely on Zoey. After a few moments, he muttered, "Well, as long as she''s alive, she can be treated."

    Sebastian swallowed hard and asked hesitantly, "Is sheˇ­ alive?"

    us''s silence stretched ufortably before he finally nodded. "Yes, but barely."

    Sliding his hand into his pocket, us retrieved a tiny blue pill. With care, he opened Zoey''s mouth slightly and slipped the pill inside.

    "This pill will stop the bleeding and eliminate any potential infection from the Gobtant''s dagger," he exined, his voice calm but firm. Sebastian exhaled a heavy sigh of relief, his shoulders rxing ever so slightly.

    us then gently slid his right hand beneath Zoey''s legs and his left under her head, lifting her effortlessly off the ground. "She still needs to see a healer immediately. Let''s head back. The test is over, and the other students are already waiting by the portal. I came back because I heard a few of you were still missing," us said, his voice brisk as he started walking.

    "Our friends, Angelica and Ss, are still out here. Should I go find them and tell them the test is over?" Vic offered, stepping forward.

    "Don''t bother. Go join the rest of the students. I''ll find them myself," us replied firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument.

    Vic hesitated but nodded, following us and the others as they exited the area. Momentster, five staff members arrived, swiftly carrying Billy and his unconscious minions away.

    As they approached the portal site, the deserted streets gave way to a gathering of students, all waiting impatiently. The atmosphere was thick with chatter and anticipation.

    us handed Zoey over to a healer, who immediately began her work, a soft glow emanating from her hands as she worked her magic.

    "Can we leave now? I''m dying to get back and see my scores!" a student from the crowd eximed impatiently.

    "Not yet," us replied without looking back. "There are still two students who haven''t returnedˇŞAngelica and Ss."

    Before he could take another step, a voice called out from the crowd. "Wait! Someone else is missing!"

    us turned, his sharp gaze settling on the speaker. "Who?"

    "Osborne," the girl said audibly. us nodded in acknowledgment.

    "I''ll find them all and bring them back," us dered, his voice steady as he walked away, leaving the crowd to murmur among themselves.

    ---

    Your next chapter awaits on empire

    Meanwhile, in a crumbling corner of the realm, Ss sat on a small rock, his fingers resting on his chin as he stared at the glowing notifications in front of him.

    After ying the golem, he had decided to take a brief rest and review his progress. His aplishments had been significantˇŞhe was now a Tier 3 Soul Devourer, the final and most powerful tier of his kind.

    The rewards were remarkable. Ss had unlocked the ability to absorb the skills of those whose souls he consumed. Each soul granted him a skill card, which he could activate for five minutes, allowing him to wield multiple abilities without worrying about his soul points.

    Smirking, Ss rose to his feet and stretched. With the realm copsing around him, he knew he needed to move quickly. He started toward the area where he hadst seen Angelica, his pace brisk and determined.

    However, as he rounded a corner, Ss froze, his eyes widening in shock.

    A few meters away, Osborne stood, gripping Angelica by her long blue hair. She was on her knees, barely conscious, her face swollen and bruised.

    Ss''s blood boiled, rage surging through his veins as his fists clenched tightly.

    "Osborne! What the hell do you think you''re doing?!" Ss roared, his voice echoing across the crumblingndscape.

    Osborne turned, a dark smirk spreading across his face. "Well, look who finally decided to join us," he sneered, his grip on Angelica''s hair tightening as he dragged her closer.

    ---

    A N: Vote with your Golden Tickets.

 Chapter 123 Clones

    However, as Ss rounded a corner, he froze in his tracks, his eyes widening in shock and disbelief.

    Just a few meters ahead, Osborne stood with a twisted grin stered across his face, gripping Angelica by her long blue hair. She was on her knees, barely conscious, her face marred with swelling and bruises. The sight was enough to send a surge of fury coursing through Ss''s veins.

    Ss''s blood boiled, and his entire body trembled with rage. His fists clenched so tightly that his nails dug into his palms, threatening to draw blood.

    "Osborne! What the hell do you think you''re doing?!" Ss roared, his voice reverberating through the crumblingndscape like an earthquake.

    Osborne turned his headzily toward him, the smug grin on his face widening. "Well, well, look who finally decided to show up," he sneered, his grip on Angelica''s hair tightening cruelly as he yanked her closer. Her weak groan only fueled Ss''s fury. "I was starting to get bored of torturing her," Osborne continued, his voice dripping with malice. Then, with a sadisticugh, he hurled her to the ground with brutal force, her bodynding with a sickening thud.

    "What the hell do you want?" Ss demanded, his voice cold and sharp, his teeth gritted in barely contained anger.

    Osborne tilted his head, his eyes widening mockingly as he let out a sarcasticugh. "What do I want? Did you seriously just ask me that question?" he mocked, his tone exaggeratedly incredulous. "I told you before, SsˇŞyou don''t just walk away from my business. No one leaves without my permission. You thought you could quit and face no consequences? Think again."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    Ss''s re didn''t waver, his voice growing colder. "So because I stopped running your dirty errands, you decided to attack me and my friends?"

    Osborne''s expression darkened, his smirk twisting into an angry sneer. "Stopped running my errands? You don''t get it, do you? The day you didn''t show up was the day you screwed me over. You were supposed to deliver a shipment to Boneless Kimber at the Arc 2 Mutant Academy. Because of you, Kimber didn''t get his goods, and do you know who ended up paying the price? Me!"

    Osborne jabbed his thumb at his chest, his voice rising with fury. "Everyone thinks I transferred to another mutant academy, but the truth is, I was hospitalized. Kimber''s punishment was so brutal that even a Grade 4 healer had trouble piecing me back together. I spent weeks in excruciating pain, Ss. All because of you, you selfish bastard!"

    Ss stood motionless for a long moment, his piercing gaze locked onto Osborne. Then, with deliberate slowness, he began advancing forward. Every step he took was measured, yet radiated deadly intent. His fists were clenched tightly, and a faint glowing blue aura began to swirl around him, intensifying with each step. His eyes gleamed ominously, burning with rage and menace.

    "Still," Ss growled, his voice low, yet as sharp as a de, "you should''vee to me. This is between us. Why the hell did you drag Angelica into this?"

    Osborne let out a chuckle, though his smirk faltered slightly as Ss''s glowing aura continued to intensify, filling the air with an oppressive energy. "I had to keep myself entertained while I waited for you to crawl out of whatever hole you''ve been hiding in. Think of it as a warm-up," Osborne replied, though his voice carried an edge of nervousness.

    "Warm-up?" Ss repeated, his voice unnervingly calm despite the raw fury in his expression. "Then I guess I''ll warm myself up by beating the hell out of you."

    Osborne forced augh, though unease flickered across his face. "What''s gotten into you, Griswold? Since when did trash like you grow a backbone?" he mocked, attempting to mask his uncertainty with bravado. "I heard the rumors about you while I was recoveringˇŞstories about you downing energy pills to act tough. But let me make one thing clear, Ss. No matter how many pills you pop, you''ll always be a uselessˇŞ"

    BAM!

    Before Osborne could finish his sentence, Ss closed the distance between them in the blink of an eye. Osborne didn''t even have time to process the movement before Ss''s glowing fist connected squarely with his face.

    A loud, sickening crack echoed across the area as Ss''s fist mmed into Osborne''s cheekbone with unrelenting force. Osborne''s body flew backward, sliding across the ground like a ragdoll.

    ''So fast... I didn''t even see himing,'' Osborne thought, gritting his teeth as pain exploded across his face.

    Ss didn''t give him a chance to recover, his glowing aura ring like a raging inferno.

    "Impressive," Osborne spat, blood dripping from his nose as he wiped it with the back of his sleeve. "That was good... maybe a little too good for someone like you. You''re not high on energy pills, so what''s your secret, Griswold?"

    Ss didn''t answer. His eyes narrowed as he charged forward again, moving like a bolt of lightning.

    Osborne scowled and brought his hands together, activating his mutant ability. "The same trick won''t work on me twice!" he shouted. A secondter, a dozen identical clones materialized beside him, their features identical to Osborne''s down to the smallest detail.

    Ss came to a halt, his sharp gaze locking onto the clones.

    ''A clone ability user,'' Ss mused, his expression darkening.

    Osborne sneered, his confidence returning. "One thing about a Grade 4 clone ability user like me is that I can create more than twenty clones without breaking a sweat!" To emphasize his point, another wave of clones appeared behind him.

    "Here''s the kicker," Osborne added with augh. "Each of these clones is as strong as I am, and they can also create clones of their own! They''re exact copiesˇŞsame strength, same weapons, same skills."

    """

    AN: 50 Power Stones= 1 extra chapter

    20 Golden Tickets= 2 extra chapters.

    A Luxury Car = 3 extra chapters

    A Dragon (Gift) = 5 extra chapters.

    A Magic Castle/ Dragon (Gift)= 20 extra chapters

 Chapter 124 Clone ability user Vs Clone ability user

    The clones unsheathed their katanas in unison, their sharp des glinting ominously.

    "What''s the matter, Griswold? Where did all that confidence go?" Osborne taunted, his mocking voice carrying across the battlefield.

    Ss remained silent, his eyes calcting. ''If these clones are the exact copies of him and can create more clones, thenˇ­''

    Without wasting another moment, Ss summoned his Grade 5 Soul Reaper Scythe, its dark, ominous de crackling with energy.

    Osborne barked out amand, his clones springing into action. "Attack, soldiers! Bring me his head!"

    The clones charged forward in perfect synchronization, their katanas slicing through the air as they closed in on Ss.

    Just as the des were about to strike, Ss leaped to the side, weaving through the iing attacks with inhuman agility. The moment hended, he retaliated, swinging his scythe with deadly precision.

    SLASH!

    The scythe cleaved through the bodies of the clones, sending arcs of blood sttering through the air like crimson rain.

    [Host has gained 3 extra attribute points for absorbing the soul of Osborne.]n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    [Host has gained 3 extra attribute points for absorbing the soul of Osborne.]

    [Host has gained 3 extra attribute points for absorbing the soul of Osborne.]

    [Host has obtained a skill card (Grade 4 Clone).]

    [Host has obtained a skill card (Grade 4 Clone).]

    [Host has obtained a skill card (Grade 4 Clone).]

    [Total skill cards in your arsenal: 3.]

    [Would you like to use any of them?]

    [Yes]

    [No]

    "I can copy their skills by absorbing their souls with my scythe," Ss mused, a wicked grin spreading across his face. With a deft leap, he soared backward, gracefully evading a barrage of strikes from the remaining clones.

    Landing lightly a few meters away, Ss quickly clicked the [Yes] option without hesitation.

    [Skill card: Clone has been activated.]

    [Host can create up to 12 clones with this skill card. The clones will remain active for five minutes.]

    Ss''s gaze shifted to the notification screen floating before him, then to the 12 identical clones materializing by his side. Their presence was as eerie as it was exhrating. Each one carried his Grade 5 Soul Reaper Scythe, their expressions mirroring his grim determination. A smirk tugged at his lips.

    "Osborne mentioned something about clones being able to replicate themselves," Ss thought. "System,mand these clones to create more clones!"

    [The existing clones can each create one additional clone.]

    Momentster, 12 more clones appeared in perfect synchronization, stepping forward from thin air. Their resemnce to Ss was uncannyˇŞevery movement, every feature, and even the weapon they held mirrored his own.

    "Ah, yes," Ss murmured to himself. "He also said clones share the same strength as their creator. Which means... mine are as fast and powerful as I am. Perfect."

    He turned his attention back to Osborne and his remaining clones, who stood frozen in disbelief.

    "What... what is this?!" Osborne stammered internally, panic coursing through him. "How is he able to create clones just like mine? Does he have some kind of mutant ability that mimics others'' skills? No, that''s impossibleˇŞhe doesn''t even have an active skill slot!"

    Finally, Osborne snapped out of his shock and sneered. "I don''t know how you managed to copy me, Griswold, but let me remind you of something: no imitation can surpass the original!"

    At hismand, Osborne''s clones surged forward, their movements fluid yet aggressive.

    Ss extended his right hand, a silentmand passing to his own clones. Without uttering a single word, they rushed into battle, their scythes glinting ominously under the dim light.

    The two armies of clones shed in a chaotic storm of steel and fury. Sparks flew as des collided, the sickening crunch of weapons meeting flesh echoed through the air, and blood flowed freely across the battlefield.

    Osborne stood rigid, his expression darkening with every passing second. His clones were falling faster than he could process, their forms crumbling into nothingness under the unrelenting assault of Ss''s duplicates.

    Ss, meanwhile, remained still, his focus locked on the cascading notifications flooding his vision.

    [Host has gained 3 extra attribute points for absorbing the soul of Osborne.]

    [Host has gained 3 extra attribute points for absorbing the soul of Osborne.]

    [Host has gained 3 extra attribute points for absorbing the soul of Osborne.]

    [Host has gained 3 extra attribute points for absorbing the soul of Osborne.]

    [Host has obtained a skill card (Grade 4 Clone).]

    [Host has obtained a skill card (Grade 4 Clone).]

    [Host has obtained a skill card (Grade 4 Clone).]

    His clones continued their merciless onught, each swing of thir scythes severing heads and slicing through Osborne''s forces with brutal efficiency. Every kill fed Ss''s system, and every notification felt like fuel to his growing power.

    "My soldiers... they''re being wiped out," Osborne thought, sweat dripping from his brow. He clutched his weapon tightly, his knuckles white with tension. "What is going on here? Why can''t my clones keep up?"

    Before he could formte a n, a shadow loomed over him, pulling him from his frantic thoughts.

    Osborne''s head snapped upward, his breath hitching. Ss was descending from above, his scythe raised high and a menacing glint in his eyes. The weapon gleamed with a deadly promise as Ss closed the gap, ready to deliver the final blow.

    Ss descended like a hawk, and when he was only a few meters away, Osborne leaped backwards, dodging the scythe by a few inches. Ss finallynded gracefully on thee floor, dismissing the notifications he was receiving as his clones kept ying Orsborne''s clones and absorbing their soul.

    "Since the clones are having fun I thought maybe we should have our own fun over here." Ss stated coldly, his gaze fixed intently on Osborne.

    "Well, I thought you''d never as-"

    Swoosshh!

    Before Osborne could finish his words, Ss closed in on him at blinding speed and swung out his scythe towards him. In thest second, Osborne managed to lift up his de to block the iing scythe.

    CLANG!

    A loud nging sound echoed, and Osborne was pushed several steps backwards.

    ''What''s with his strength? Just what are you, Griswold?!'' Osborne screamed internally as he kept staggering backwards.

    """

    AN: 50 Power Stones= 1 extra chapter

    20 Golden Tickets= 2 extra chapters.

    A Luxury Car = 3 extra chapters

    A Dragon (Gift) = 5 extra chapters.

    A Magic Castle/ Dragon (Gift)= 20 extra chapters

 Chapter 125 Its over

    "Well, I thought you''d never asˇŞ"

    **Swoosshh!**

    Before Osborne could finish his words, Ss closed the gap between them with blinding speed. His scythe, sharp and menacing, sliced through the air toward Osborne in a deadly arc. At the veryst second, Osborne managed to raise his de, blocking the lethal strike.

    **CLANG!**

    The sh rang out like a thunderp, reverberating through the area. Osborne staggered backward, his boots scraping harshly against the ground as he struggled to regain bnce.

    ''What''s with his strength? Just what kind of monster are you, Griswold?!'' Osborne screamed internally, his mind racing toprehend the sheer force behind the attack.

    Gritting his teeth, Osborne steadied himself, determination ring in his eyes. He refused to falter. Without hesitation, he surged forward, his movements swift and calcted.

    Dust billowed underfoot as he charged, his de gripped tightly in his right hand. When he was only a few meters away, he swung the de with all his might, aiming to cleave through Ss.

    Ss met the strike with precision, raising his scythe to block the attack effortlessly. Sparks erupted as the weapons shed, their metallic cry echoing across the battlefield. With seamless fluidity, Ss countered, thrusting his right leg forward in a powerful kick.

    Osborne''s reflexes kicked in, and he leaped backward just in time, Ss''s boot slicing through empty air. Osbornended deftly several meters away, his movements deliberate. He barely had a moment to breathe before Ss closed in once more.

    Like a shadow, Ss was upon him again in the blink of an eye. The scythe shed in his grip as he swung it toward Osborne with lethal precision.

    ''Shit!'' Osborne cursed internally, his eyes widening in rm. He reacted on pure instinct, raising his de just in time to intercept the strike.

    CLANG!

    SHATTER!

    The deafening sh of metal was followed by a horrifying crack. Osborne watched in disbelief as his de fractured into pieces, shards of steel scattering across the ground. He was left holding nothing but the hilt of his once-prized weapon.

    ''I knew that scythe was a high-grade mutant weapon, but to destroy a Grade 5 de so easily?'' Osborne thought, his stomach churning. ''It''s not just the weaponˇŞit''s his brute strength. How is this possible?''

    Shock painted his features as he instinctively leaped backward, creating distance between himself and Ss. His gaze flickered toward the ongoing battle between their clones, and what he saw made his heart sink.

    Ss''s clones moved with almost supernatural agility, their scythes cutting through Osborne''s clones like a hot knife through butter. The ground was littered with the bodies of Osborne''s clones, lifeless and still, while Ss''s clones stood unharmed, their forms unyielding.

    ''His stats are unreal, far surpassing those of a standard Grade 4 mutant. Even his clones share that same overwhelming power.'' Osborne clenched his fists, frustration bubbling within him. Summoning more clones will only deplete my stamina faster. If I want any chance at survival, I need to take him out directly. Kill the creator, and the soldiers fall.''

    Osborne redirected his focus to Ss, who stood motionless a few meters away, his scythe glinting ominously in the dim light.

    "You seem to have lost your weapon," Ss said, his voice calm andposed. His gaze shifted briefly to the shattered de on the ground. "Let me make this fair for you."

    With those words, Ss dismissed his scythe in a sh of light and cracked his knuckles nonchntly.N?v(el)B\\jnn

    ''Is he mocking me?'' Osborne thought, his brow furrowing in anger. "I''ll make you regret underestimating me, Griswold."

    He clenched his fists so tightly that his knuckles turned white, adrenaline surging through his veins. With a furious roar, Osborneunched himself forward, his speed a blur.

    As he closed in, his right arm snapped back before hurling forward in a powerful punch. Ss, unshaken, raised his arm to block the strike, the force of the impact rippling through the air.

    Osborne immediately followed up with another punch from his left. Ss ducked, weaving under the attack with practiced ease. Before Osborne could react, Ss countered, delivering a crushing punch to his chest.

    **BAM!**

    The force of the blow stole Osborne''s breath, and he stumbled backward, struggling to remain upright.

    But Ss wasn''t finished. In one fluid motion, he closed the gap again, leaped into the air, and spun his body mid-flight. His leg shot out in a devastating kick aimed squarely at Osborne''s head.

    **BAM!**

    The impact sent Osborne skidding across the ground, pain erupting where the kick had connected. His head throbbed, and he clenched his teeth to suppress a groan.

    ''Damn it... How is he this strong?'' Osborne''s confidence wavered, fear creeping into the corners of his mind.

    As he stood dazed, Ss darted forward once more, his fist flying toward Osborne''s face with deadly precision. Osborne crossed his arms in a desperate attempt to block.

    **BAM!**

    Even with his arms raised, the impact was bone-shattering. The sheer force drove Osborne several steps back, agony searing through his body.

    [Active Skill: Lightning Dash has been activated.]

    Osborne froze in ce, his movements paralyzed as Ss''s speed surged. Taking full advantage of the opening, Ss dashed forward and unleashed a devastating punch aimed at Osborne''s head.

    **BAM!**

    The punch connected with sickening force, lifting Osborne into the air before sending him hurtling backward. His body crashed into a nearby wall with a thunderous boom before crumpling to the ground in a heap.

    [Alert!]

    [The five minutes is up.]

    [Your clones have been dismissed]

    [Would you like to use another card to summon a new set of clones?]

    [Yes / No]

    Ss nced at the glowing notification hovering before him and dismissed it with a flick of his hand. His clones had already annihted Osborne''s forces before their time expired, rendering further summons unnecessary.

    With calm, deliberate steps, Ss approached Osborne, whoy battered and broken on the ground. His shadow loomed over his opponent, a silent testament to his dominance.

    Osborne''s body screamed in protest as he tried to move. His shattered bones and searing pain made it impossible to rise. For the first time, a chilling realization washed over him.

    It was over.

 Chapter 126 An accident

    With calm, deliberate steps, Ss approached Osborne, whoy battered and broken on the ground. His shadow loomed over the defeated man, stretching ominously across the bloodied earthˇŞa silent testament to his dominance.

    Osborne''s body screamed in protest as he tried to move, every shattered bone and searing nerve conspiring against him. The pain was unbearable, his limbs trembling with the effort of even the slightest twitch. For the first time in his life, a chilling realization washed over him:

    It was over.

    As Ss gazed down at him, a crimson holographic screen materialized in front of his eyes, glowing faintly against the deste backdrop.

    > [An optional quest has arrived]

    >[Kill the enemy in front of you and consume his soul]

    >[Rewards: 10 extra attribute points, Choose a new skill of your choice]

    Ss studied the screen with an indifferent expression, his sharp eyes scanning the message. This quest wasn''t like the mandatory ones he was ustomed to, where refusal meant an immediate and fatal consequence. This one was differentˇŞit was optional, allowing him the rare privilege of choice.

    Unlike past quests, where the rewards were only revealed afterpletion, this one dangled its temptations in in view: a substantial boost in attribute points and the acquisition of a new skill. The system clearly intended to make the decision harder, ensuring he knew exactly what he stood to gainˇŞor lose.

    ''A new skill would definitely go a long way,'' Ss mused silently, his fingers absently brushing against his chin as if deep in thought. His mind wandered briefly, considering the possibilities.

    ''Offensive skills like Soul ws or Soul Jab could give me an edge in future battles.''

    But then, as if a switch flipped, his expression hardened. He shook his head slowly, dismissing the idea.

    ''No... I can''t. I''ve spilled enough blood already,'' he thought grimly.

    ''The staffs in the Grade 5 realm, Caleb and his friends, the Crafter, and Sensei Josh... I know none of them were innocent. They all tried to kill me first. But stillˇŞthey were human. And I can''t keep walking this path. I won''t let myself turn into something monstrous.''

    The weight of his fading humanity pressed heavily on his chest, suffocating in its intensity. He had noticed it creeping inˇŞthis strange numbness that made him feel detached from the violence he inflicted. At first, he thought it was justified. After all, those he killed had always been the aggressors.

    But when Ivy died and he felt nothingˇŞno grief, no sadness, not even angerˇŞhe realized the terrifying truth: he was losing his humanity.

    Even though the system had dered him a full-fledged Mutant, Ss clung to the remnants of his humanity with a desperation he couldn''t fully exin. It was the one thing he couldn''t afford to lose.

    >[Host has declined the optional quest]<

    The holographic screen blinked out of existence as Ss exhaled sharply, his decision final. Dropping to one knee, he grabbed a fistful of Osborne''s hair and yanked it upward, forcing the man to meet his cold, unyielding gaze.

    "Listen to me," Ss said, his voice low and menacing, each wordced with quiet fury. "I''m sparing your life. But let me make this perfectly clearˇŞif I ever see you near me or my friends again, or if you even think about reporting what happened here to the higher-ups, I won''t hesitate to kill you. You''ve seen what I can do. Not even the academy''s strongest can save you from me. Do you understand?"

    Osborne''s throat bobbed as he swallowed hard, fear etched into every line of his bruised and bloodied face. "Y-yes. I understand," he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper.

    Ss released his grip, letting Osborne''s head drop with a dull thud against the ground. Rising to his full height, he turned away without a second nce and strode toward Angelica, his expression softening slightly as he approached her.

    "Come on," he said gently, slipping her arm over his shoulder and wrapping his left arm around her waist to steady her. "You''re going to be fine. Let''s get out of here."

    Angelica leaned against him, her body weakened but her trust in Ss unshaken. Together, they began to move, each step slow and deliberate as they navigated the rubble-strewn battlefield.

    Behind them, Osborne''s voice broke through the silence, trembling with desperation. "Won''t you at least help me?" he cried out, his tone tinged with panic as he surveyed the crumbling ruins around him.

    "A staff is already on the way," Ss replied without looking back. He couldn''t see the staff yet, but he could feel the energyˇŞa powerful presence approaching from the distance.

    As they advanced, the figure of a tall, broad-shouldered man emerged from the dust, his sharp eyes narrowing as they fell on the injured pair.

    "You must be Ss and Angelica," the man said, his voice deep and authoritative. "What the hell happened to her?"

    "It was an ident. Don''t worry," Ss replied curtly, his tone neutral as he resumed walking past the man.

    The staff member, us, frowned, his gaze lingering on Ss''s retreating figure. "With everything copsing, are you sure you''ll be okay on your own? You should wait for me to find thest student so we can leave together."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    "We''re fine. Don''t worry, sir," Ss affirmed, his voice firm and unyielding.

    us hesitated but eventually nodded. "Alright, then," he muttered, turning away to continue his search.

    After a few moments, he stumbled upon Osborne, whoy motionless on the ground, his battered body barely able to move. Kneeling beside him, us studied the injuries with a critical eye.

    "What happened to you?" he asked, his voice calm but probing.

    Osborne hesitated, his breath hitching before he spoke. "I... I was careless. While carving out valuable body parts, I forgot I hadn''t killed all the goblins. One of them surprised me."

    us raised an eyebrow. "You''re a Grade 4. Gobtants shouldn''t even be a challenge for you."

    Osborne bristled. "I already told youˇŞthey took me by surprise. It happens."

    us''s eyes narrowed slightly. "Not to me. But I guess you''re one of those rich kids who awakened a low-grade mutant ability and bought your way into a Grade 4 skill slot."

    "That''s not true!" Osborne protested, his voice tinged with desperation. "I awakened a Grade 3 ability and trained rigorously to upgrade it. This was just bad luck."

    us didn''t seem convinced, but he said nothing more, pulling Osborne to his feet with little effort. As he steadied the young man, his thoughts drifted back to the scene he had witnessed.

    Angelica had been injured, Osborne was beaten to the point of near copse, but Ss had emergedpletely unscathed. us couldn''t ignore the possibility that Osborne had targeted Angelica, prompting Ss to retaliate. But how had SsˇŞa boy with no known mutant abilitiesˇŞoverpowered a Grade 4 like Osborne?

    The pieces didn''t fit, and us wasn''t ready to jump to conclusions especially when they both said it was an ident. For now, he decided to let the matter rest.

    "Brace yourself," us said, cing two fingers on Osborne''s forehead. In an instant, they vanished, leaving the deste battlefield behind.

 Chapter 127 Scores

    Ss headed back to the area where the students had gathered, with Angelica walking quietly beside him. Her shoulders were slumped, and she looked pale, but she kept pace. Once they arrived, Ss approached a healer, gently guiding Angelica forward. Without a word, he handed her over to the healer, his expression stoic but his gaze betraying concern. With Angelica in good hands, he turned and made his way to Vic, whose face was shadowed by a worried frown.

    "Hey, man. What happened to her?" Vic asked as his eyes shifted briefly to Angelica, now surrounded by the healers tending to her.

    "Some guy who had a grudge against me decided to target her first," Ss replied, his tone low to keep others from overhearing. "But don''t worry, he''s been dealt with." His voice carried a quiet, ominous edge as though he dared anyone else to try the same.

    Vic nodded grimly. "Something simr went down here. Just like I predicted, Billy attacked. I managed to take him out, but Zoey got caught in the crossfire and got hurt. The healers said she''ll be fine, though, so there''s no need to worry," he added, pping Ss lightly on the shoulder.

    Ss''s expression didn''t shift. Zoey''s condition was of no concern to him. He had known her for less than ten minutes, and in that brief time, he''d already formed an unttering opinion. She was someone who evaluated others solely based on their power levelˇŞa shallow opportunist. No, Zoey''s well-being didn''t matter to him. The only one he was truly worried about was Angelica, and hearing the healers confirm that she would recover had been a relief.

    Their conversation was interrupted by a familiar voice. "So," Sebastian called out as he approached, hands stuffed into his pockets. "After what happened today, do you still think of me as a spy or an enemy?"

    Vic exhaled a long sigh, casting a sidelong nce at Ss before answering. "He helped me a lot during the fight. Honestly, I think he''s cool."

    Ss turned his gaze to Sebastian, scrutinizing him for a long moment. Suspicion lingered in his eyes, but he finally relented. "Alright, then," he muttered. "I guess I''ll stop treating you like some kind of creep."

    Sebastian smirked faintly, though he didn''t press the matter further.

    Momentster, us arrived, apanied by Osborne. Hismanding presence immediately drew the attention of everyone around him. Without hesitation, us barked out an order to the staff. "Power up the portal!"

    The hum of machinery filled the air as the portal activated, its blue light flickering and swirling before stabilizing into a shimmering, circr gate.

    "Alright, move out!" us ordered, his voice ringing with authority. The students began stepping into the portal in groups, vanishing instantly as they passed through.

    Ss and his group moved closer, waiting for their turn. As thest of the other students disappeared, Vic was the first from their group to step through. He vanished in the blink of an eye, followed by David, then Sebastian.

    When Ss stepped forward to follow, he suddenly felt a firm hand grab his arm. The unexpected touch froze him in ce, and before he could turn to see who it was, the person leaned in and whispered into his ear.

    "What are you hiding, kiddo?"

    The voice was cold,ced with quiet menace. Before Ss could react, the person shoved him forward, propelling him into the portal. The blue light enveloped him, and he vanished.

    In less than a second, Ss emerged in a vast hall, his heart racing from the cryptic encounter.

    ''What the hell was that about?'' he thought, his mind swirling with confusion and unease. He hadn''t seen the person''s face, but the voice was unmistakable. It was us.

    The sound of the portal activating again drew Ss''s attention. He turned to see us stepping through. Their eyes met briefly, and us smirked before turning and strolling out of the hall, his hands casually tucked into his pockets.

    Ss clenched his jaw, his thoughts spiraling. ''He knows somethingˇ­ but how? I''ve been carefulˇŞhaven''t I?'' The cold sweat trickling down his face betrayed the fear gnawing at him.

    ''This is bad. If us finds outˇ­ it''s over.'' Ss swallowed hard. us''s reputation preceded him; he wasn''t the type to keep secrets, especially ones this dangerous. If us uncovered the truth, he''d go straight to the higher-ups. Ss''s mind raced, his fists clenching tightly at his sides.

    ''No. I can''t let panic take over.'' He took a shaky breath, forcing himself to think rationally. ''He only suspects somethingˇŞhe doesn''t know for sure. As long as I stay careful and keep getting stronger, I''ll be prepared if things go south. When the timees, I''ll be powerful enough to fight my way out if I have to.''

    A booming voice snapped Ss out of his thoughts.

    "Each group, step forward and submit the valuable body parts you''ve collected. We''ll record them, and scores will be announced!"

    The staff member''s authoritative tone echoed through the hall, and the students began lining up. Ss shook off his unease, knowing that for now, he had to focus on the immediate task at hand. Still, us''s smirk lingered in his mind, a silent reminder of the danger that loomed closer with every passing moment.

    "Well, this is all we managed to umte from those Gobtants," Vic muttered with a frown as he opened the pouch in his hand and peered inside.

    "Here. This is whatˇ­ I mean, what Angelica collected from the Gobtants she killed," Ss said, pulling out a brown pouch significantlyrger than the one Vic was holding.

    Vic''s frown flipped into a wide grin as he grabbed the pouch. When he nced inside, his eyes widened in disbelief.

    "Way to go, guys." He pped a hand on Ss''s shoulder and gave it a firm squeeze. "With this, we''ll definitely be on top."

    "I wouldn''t be so sure about that," Sebastian interjected. "Just looking at the stuff in those pouches, I can tell the Realm''s god body part isn''t there. As long as another group has it, they''ll stay ahead of us. Unless you''ve got, like, twenty of those fangs and eyes hidden in there," he added, crossing his arms.

    Vic sighed in defeat. "Fine. Let''s just submit it and see what score we get. Worst case, we finish at the bottom and retake the test." With a resigned shrug, he turned and began heading toward the staff in charge of collecting and recording submissions.

    "Please submit your items," one of the staff members said respectfully as Vic approached, leading the group.

    Without a word, Vic nodded and poured the collected Gobtant parts onto the counter.

    "You''ve got to be kidding me. That''s all you''ve got?" A mocking voice rang out from the line beside them.

    The speaker was a boy with spiky, pitch-ck hair resembling a hedgehog''s quills. He sported shiny nose rings and three on his lower lip. His skin was ghostly pale, almost corpse-like, and his hands were covered in ck tattoos. This was Niragi, a name well-known around the academy.

    "Maybe if you''d teamed up with us instead of hanging out with those losers, you might''ve done better. Honestly, I still don''t get why someone as strong as you hangs out with nobodies like them," Niragi sneered, his voice dripping with disdain.

    "Just shut up and focus on your team, mate," Vic replied, his tone calm yet firm. "I believe my group will score high and finish on top."

    "Haha! That''s the joke of the century!" Niragiughed, running a hand through his spiky hair. "My groupˇŞand a couple of othersˇŞhave at least one valuable body part from the Realm''s god. You''d need twenty more Gobtant parts just to get close to us."

    "Will this be enough?" Ss''s voice cut through the air, silencing Niragi. All eyes turned to him as he pulled out yet another pouch and handed it to Vic. Even Niragi''s arrogant smirk faltered.

    Vic took the pouch, his expression a mix of shock and awe. "Where did thise from?" he whispered.

    "Got it off the guy who attacked me and Angelicaˇ­ Osborne," Ss replied quietly.

    Vic''s lips curled into a sly smile as he passed the pouch to the staff without further dy.

    ---

    Hours passed before the results were announced. As expected, Niragi''s group took first ce. The second spot went to a team led by Kimberly, a Grade 4 student known for her exceptional skills. Ss''s group secured third ceˇŞthe cutoff for passing the test.

    The group exchanged relieved nces. The goal had been to make the top three, and they had seeded.

    "Well, I''m heading to the cafeteria," Vic announced, leaving with David and Sebastian in tow.

    Ss, however, opted to return to his dorm. His room, a chaotic mess, greeted him as he stepped inside. Ignoring the disorder, he sank onto his bed and summoned his system''s interface.

    ---

    **[Name: Ss Griswold]**

    - **[Race: Mutant]**

    - **[Evolution Tier: Tier 3 Soul Devourer]**

    - **[Level: 70]**

    - **[Health: 100/100]**

    - **[Soul Points: 200/200]**

    - **[Soul Reserve: 100/100]**

    ---

    **Attribute Panel:**

    - **Strength:** 50

    - **Speed:** 39

    - **Reflex:** 39

    - **Agility:** 44

    - **Intelligence:** 30

    - **Avable Attribute Points:** 65

    ---

    **Skill Panel:**n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    - **Lightning Dash (LVL 3):** Boosts speed for 4 seconds. Costs 10 soul points.

    - **Soul ws (LVL 3):** Extends ws from fingertips. Costs 1 soul point.

    - **Soul Control (LVL 2):** Maniptes beings with souls, akin to telekinesis but limited to living things.

    - **Soul Jab (LVL 1):** Channels soul energy into a punch, lethal to lower grades and capable of halving higher-grade opponents'' health.

    ---

    **Arsenal:**

    - **Grade 3 Chest and Leg Armor**

    - **Grade 4 Sycrax de**

    - **Grade 5 Soul Reaper Scythe**

    - **Grade 5 Dagger**

    - **Ghost Mask and Outfit**

    ---

    ---

    Meanwhileˇ­

    Inside the headquarters of the Aqua zing Guild, Roxy strolled down a dimly lit hallway. Her boots echoed with each step until she reached a room. Pushing the door open, she entered and nced around, her expression unreadable.

    Tapping a tiny round device in her ear, she spoke. "I take it you''re already on Earth."

    "Do not dy, Roxy," a deep voice boomed through the device. "Get the job done. Bring the host back home."

    "Yes, my Lord," Roxy replied, bowing her head before the connection cut off.

    "''"

    A/N: Golden Tickets and Gifts are my motivation...Give me more motivation (???????)

    A Castle equals 15 extra chapters.

 Chapter 128 Im the highest in the room

    The sound of footsteps echoed down the dimly lit hallway as a tall young man, dressed sharply in a navy-blue uniform, strode forward with his hands tucked casually into his pockets.

    His spiky golden hair fell across his eyes,pletely obscuring them, yet it only added to his enigmatic allure. His chiseled face and athletic build were the kind that could make heads turn and hearts flutterˇŞa visage that would undoubtedly draw the admiration of any woman.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    Each step he took exuded confidence and authority as he made his way down the corridor. Finally, he stopped in front of arge, imposing brown door. With a flick of his wrist, he pulled his left hand from his pocket and pushed the door slightly. It creaked open, revealing a vast room bathed in faint, amber light.

    The room was expansive, almost cavernous, with twelve meticulously arranged chairs positioned around a massive round table at its center. The dim lighting came from three smallmps hanging  from the walls, their faint glow casting long shadows across the room. Despite its size, the space felt oppressive, the dimness lending it an air of secrecy and unease.

    Six of the twelve chairs were upied. The figures seated around the table turned to look at the neer as his footsteps echoed in their direction.

    "You''re finally here. Took you long enough," one of them said, his tone sharp and impatient. The speaker was a painfully thin man whose skeletal frame seemed to exaggerate every angle of his face. His name was Jack Bailey, and he was one of the academy''s elite High Staff members.

    High Staff were a step above regr academy personnel but remained subordinate to the SirsˇŞthree individuals at the apex of authority. Among the academy''s hierarchy, there were only five High Staff members and three Sirs. Jack was one of these select few, as were the others seated in the room, except for one: Sir Dominic, the formidable Sir Three.

    "Apologies, everyone. I lost track of time while showering," the young man said nonchntly, his voice calm and steady as he continued to approach the table.

    "Are you even listening to yourself?" snapped another voice. This time it came from a plump, ruddy-faced man whose round cheeks quivered as he spoke. "You kept five High Staff members and Sir Dominic waiting for over thirty minutes because of a bath?! Unbelievable!"

    The man, Sam, was another High Staff member, and his annoyance was obvious. As he ranted, flecks of saliva escaped his lips, further fueling his anger.

    us, the golden-haired young man, smirked. "Take it easy, Sammy. You wouldn''t want to drench everyone here with your spit, would you?" he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

    Sam''s face turned crimson as anger overtook him. He mmed a clenched fist on the table. "You arrogant bastard! I''ll teach you a lessonˇŞ"

    "Enough!" Sir Dominic''s deep,manding voice cut through the room like a de. The air seemed to grow heavier as silence descended. Sam froze, his rage swallowed by the palpable authority of the man who had spoken.

    "Sit down, Sam," Sir Dominic ordered, and Sam obeyed without a word, his humiliation evident. Then, turning to us, Dominic gestured toward an empty seat. "Take a seat, us."

    us nodded and sauntered over to the vacant chair beside Kara, another High Staff member. As he sat, he leaned back leisurely, folding his arms and crossing his legs. His piercing gaze shifted to Kara, and he offered her a sly wink.

    Kara''s expression hardened. Her disgust was evident as her sharp eyes locked onto us. He seemed to enjoy pushing her buttons, but all it ignited in her was a smoldering rage.

    "So, us," Sir Dominic began, his voice regaining its steady tone, "I''ve reviewed the report you submitted on the Sycrax species and their activities. Can you provide more details for the group?"

    "Of course, Sir," us replied smoothly, clearing his throat. "As you all know, I recently visited the Agogjie for a hunt. While there, I spoke to the locals, who reported seeing strange, massive footprints in the desert and hearing eerie noises unlike anything from the known mutants on the."

    He paused for effect before continuing. "Being the kind, selfless soul I am," he added with a smirk, "I decided to investigate. The footprints were enormous, each one the size of five human headsbined. As I ventured farther into the desert, I stumbled upon a peculiar building. It was constructed from a mix of metal and mutant body partsˇŞa grotesque but unmistakable hallmark of the Sycrax species."

    The group leaned in as us continued his ount. "I entered the structure, which was eerily intact. Everything was thereputers, weapons, supplies, you name it. But the Sycrax themselves? Gone. It was as if they had abandoned the ce in a hurry, leaving behind everything they couldn''t carry."

    He shifted in his seat, his tone growing graver. "And then I found itˇŞa switch that activates a portal. Not just any portal, but one capable of traversing mutants and realms. From what I gathered, the Sycrax are attempting to create a pathway to Earth. Their n appears to involve using a mutant realm as a bridge to bypass Earth''s natural barriers."

    The room was silent for a moment, the weight of us''s words sinking in.

    "What could have scared them enough to abandon all their equipment and supplies?" Jack Bailey finally asked, breaking the silence.

    "And how could they have been hiding on Agogjie this whole time without the locals noticing?" added Miley Kaitlyn, another High Staff member. Her sharp voice matched her sharp appearanceˇŞa no-nonsense woman with short ck hair and a face heavily ented with makeup. Her demeanor exuded professionalism and an aversion to humor or frivolity.

    us leaned back in his chair, his arms folded as he locked eyes with Miley. "Well, the Sycrax are nomadic by nature. Their home base might be the of Doom, but ever since they perfected the portal technology, they''ve been moving from one mutant to another."

    "That still doesn''t exin why they chose Agogjie," Miley countered. "And why didn''t they attack the locals if they''ve been there all this time?"

    "I don''t have all the answers, Miley," us replied with a sardonic smirk. "But maybe the next time I run into the Sycrax, I''ll make sure to ask them about their real estate choices."

    Miley rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed by his sarcasm.

    Sir Dominic, who had been quietly observing the exchange, finally spoke. "We need answers. The Sycrax are no ordinary speciesˇŞthey''re intelligent, adaptive, and possibly more cunning than humans. If they''re nning to breach Earth''s defenses, we cannot afford to take their movements lightly."

    "Agreed," us said, his tone losing its earlier levity. "But the real question is: Why would they leave all their technology and supplies behind? It''s not like them to abandon valuable assets without a good reason."

    Dominic nodded. "Exactly. And if they were forced to flee, what was it that scared them enough to make such a decision? These are the questions we need to answer. You mentioned the supplies were untouched?"

    "Everyst bit of it," us confirmed. "Theputers, the weapons, the resourcesˇŞit was all intact. It''s like they didn''t have time to take anything with them."

    "Then we need to retrieve everything and investigate further," Dominic dered, his voice resolute. "There might be critical information left behind that could help us understand their motives. Kara," he said, turning to her, "the students finished their trials today, didn''t they?"

    "They did," Kara replied cautiously, her brow furrowing.

    "Good," Dominic said. "Take the top three groups with you for backup. They''ll be strong enough to handle themselves."

    "You want to send the students to a mutant?" Kara''s voice was incredulous, her usual calm demeanor breaking momentarily.

    "The top three groups should be the best we have," Dominic exined. "And Agogjie is safer than Earth when ites to mutant activity. It''s the perfect opportunity to test their abilities in a controlled environment."

    Kara shook her head, her unease evident. "Sir, with all due respect, it''s still a mutant. Anything could happen. It would be safer for only the staff to handle this mission. After all, it''s our responsibility, not the students''."

    "She''s right," us added, surprising Kara with his agreement. "As much as I hate to admit it, bringing the students along would be a liability. Even the safest mutant is still unpredictable, and we''d be risking their lives unnecessarily."

    Dominic leaned back in his chair, his expression contemtive. After a long moment of silence, he finally nodded. "Very well. This will be a mission for the five High Staff members only. No students."

    us stood, stretching leisurely as he slipped his hands back into his pockets. "Guess I''m off the hook, then. I''m not one of your precious High Staff, after all," he said, a mocking lilt in his voice.

    "Yeah, get out of here, weakling," Sam spat, his words punctuated by another spray of saliva. "You don''t belong in this room anyway."

    us''s smirk vanished in an instant, reced by a dark, menacing expression. His golden hair seemed to glint ominously in the dim light as he turned his gaze toward Sam.

    "Careful, Sammy," he said, his voice low and icy. "Just because I don''t hold your little title doesn''t mean I''m weaker than you. In fact, you all know I''m the strongest person in this room. And if I wanted to, I could snap my fingers and end you right here."

    The room fell into a tense silence. Sam, visibly shaken, shrank back into his chair, beads of sweat forming on his flushed face.

 Chapter 129 Uneventful

    "Yeah, get out of here, weakling. You don''t belong here," Sam choked out, saliva spraying from his mouth in frustration.

    us smirked. In the blink of an eye, however, the smirk vanished, reced by a cold, menacing expression. His gaze locked onto Sam with a chilling intensity.

    "I might not have that little title you all unt," us said in a voice as cold as ice, "but that doesn''t mean I''m weaker than you. You all know I am the strongest staff in this room, and I could easily rid myself of you with the mere snap of my fingers."

    The words dripped with a venomous threat. Sam, where he sat, felt a shiver crawl down his spine, and cold sweat began to trickle down his forehead. The air around us seemed to grow heavier, more suffocating.

    us red at him for a long moment, the tension thick enough to slice through. Finally, he turned away, his back retreating as he began to walk towards the door.

    "Wait!" Sir Dominic''s voice cut through the silence, causing us to halt, though he did not turn around. "Just because you aren''t among the high staff doesn''t mean you''re excluded from this mission. You''re strong enough to be a high staff, but you declined the offer when we extended it."

    "The mission is scheduled for three days from now, and I want you to be a part of it. After all, you were the one who first discovered it," Sir Dominic added, his tone clear and unwavering.

    The room fell into an eerie silence after his words, every eye now fixated on us''s back.

    After a few tense moments, us finally spoke, his voice betraying no emotion.

    "Very well, then. I''ll be there. Just let me know when it''s time," us replied curtly before stepping out of the room.

    Sam sat, seething with rage. ''Damn bastard... How dare he embarrass me? Made me look weak in front of Sir Dominic. I can''t let this slide,'' he brooded, his face flushed red with anger, his fists clenched tightly in hisp.

    ---

    The morning sun peeked over the horizon, casting its warm rays through the small window and illuminating the room. The soft flicker of sunlight reflected into Ss''s eyes, stirring him from his slumber.

    He sat up, rubbing his eyes, and nced at the floating system interface before him.

    ---

    **[Name: Ss Griswold]**

    - **[Race: Mutant]**

    - **[Evolution Tier: Tier 3 Soul Devourer]**

    - **[Level: 70]**

    - **[Health: 100/100]**

    - **[Soul Points: 200/200]**

    - **[Soul Reserve: 100/100]**

    ---

    **Attribute Panel:**

    - **Strength:** 50

    - **Speed:** 39

    - **Reflex:** 39

    - **Agility:** 44

    - **Intelligence:** 30

    - **Avable Attribute Points:** 85

    ---

    **Skill Panel:**

    - **Lightning Dash (LVL 3):** Boosts speed for 4 seconds. Costs 10 soul points.

    - **Soul ws (LVL 3):** Extends ws from fingertips. Costs 1 soul point.

    - **Soul Control (LVL 2):** Maniptes beings with souls, akin to telekinesis but limited to living things.

    - **Soul Jab (LVL 1):** Channels soul energy into a punch, lethal to lower-grade opponents and capable of halving the health of higher-grade ones.

    ---

    **Arsenal:**

    - **Grade 3 Chest and Leg Armor**

    - **Grade 4 Sycrax de**

    - **Grade 5 Soul Reaper Scythe**

    - **Grade 5 Dagger**n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    - **Ghost Mask and Outfit**

    ---

    The past few days had been uneventful for Ss. Since returning from the test, the system had been eerily quiet, offering no notifications or progress other than the asional congrattory messages when hepleted his daily quests.

    It had been some time since Ss had focused on these daily quests. With all that had transpired recently, he hadn''t found the time toplete them. However, now that things had calmed down post-test, he decided to tackle them and earn extra attribute points.

    So far, Ss hadn''t used any of the attribute points he umted during the test. There seemed to be no pressing need, especially with no new quests on the horizon. He figured it was best to stack them up for the future, especially in case he crossed paths with a certain mutant. He would know exactly which attributes to improve based on the situation.

    It reminded him of his previous encounter with a mutant who possessed a stealth ability. Had he not invested points into his Reflex stat, he likely would have lost that fightˇŞor at the very least, the victory would have been much closer. In hindsight, saving the points seemed like the best course of action for now.

    Ss also remembered obtaining the de of the Realm''s god that day. The weapon that had enhanced the strength of its wielder. He didn''t fully understand how he had acquired it; all he knew was that the system had listed it when he checked his inventory.

    The name of the de, "Sycrax," lingered in his mind. It was a name known by all students. The Sycrax were an entirely different speciesˇŞsimr to mutants but distinct in their own right. Even the weakest Sycrax was stronger than a Grade 5 mutant, which exined why a seemingly ordinary de could enhance the strength of a Grade 2 mutant and make them as formidable as a Grade 4.

    What puzzled Ss, however, was how such a weapon from the Sycrax species had ended up in the hands of the mutant in that realm. Yet, he couldn''t find an answer. Still, it seemed the system had given it to him for a reason, and he knew it might prove useful someday. For now, he decided to keep it in his arsenal.

    The de could fetch a handsome price, perhaps around 5 million tokens if he sold it at the shop. But Ss didn''t see the need for tokens at the moment, so he chose to hold onto it.

    After a few more moments of contemtion, Ss dismissed the system screen. He quicklypleted the required push-ups and finished the rest of the daily quests with ease.

    **[Ding: Host haspleted the daily quests ˇĚ]**

    **[+5 attribute points]**

    With the notification ringing in his mind, Ss dismissed the screen and headed to the bath. Momentster, he emerged, fully dressed in his uniform. He stood before the mirror, carefullybing his spiky hairˇŞnowpletely white.

    Ss had noticed his hair had turned fully white a day after the test. While it was surprising at first, he had expected it. The change wasn''t entirely negative. With his muscles bing slightly more defined, his appearance had shifted. He looked like a different personˇŞone who was now garnering the attention of the female students at the academy.

    Once satisfied with his appearance, Ss left his room. He knew his days of uneventful peace were over. It was time to get down to business.

 Chapter 130 Off to a new planet

    Ss stepped out of his dorm room and began making his way toward the cafeteria to meet the group. As he walked down the hallway, he noticed the students around him, especially the female students, ncing in his direction and whispering among themselves.

    Ss was already used to such attention; it had been happening ever since hepleted thest evolution quest. He simply ignored their stares and carried on walking without breaking his stride.

    A few momentster, he arrived at the cafeteria and scanned the room until he spotted Angelica and the rest of the group sitting at their usual spot, enjoying their breakfast. Without any dy, he walked toward them.

    "Good morning, guys," Ss greeted, settling into the seat beside Angelica.

    When they returned from the realm that day, Angelica had been taken care of by a high-grade healer, and it had only taken a few hours for her to recover fully.

    Zoey, on the other hand, was still in the clinic. Although she was stable and her injury had been properly attended to by the healer, she had been advised to remain there for at least a week to ensure a full recovery.

    "What''s up, man?" Vic greeted, exchanging a fist bump with Ss.

    "Did you guys hear the announcement this morning?" Angelica asked, her tone curious.

    "What announcement?" Sebastian, seated beside Vic, inquired, looking up from his te.

    "The staff members are going on an important mission to the Agogjie, so sses for today are canceled," Angelica informed them, her voice carrying a hint of excitement.

    "Well, I guess that''s good news. Now I can head to the Ranking Arena and earn some points to stay at the top of the rankings!" Vic punched the air in exhration after hearing Angelica''s words.

    "What about you guys? What are you nning to do with your free time?" Vic then shifted his gaze toward the group, his curiosity piqued.

    "Since I have nothing else nned, I''ll apany you and David to the Ranking Arena," Sebastian responded, taking a sip from his ss of juice.

    "I''ll head to the library to study. I heard there are some advanced lightning techniques I haven''t mastered yet. If I can learn them, they''ll definitely give me an edge inbat. Maybe I can find some useful books and guidelines there," Angelica dered, her eyes shining with determination.

    "Sounds boring," Vic remarked with a slight frown, then turned his attention to Ss. "What about you, Griswold?"

    Vic knew Ss couldn''t go to the Ranking Arena after the incident with the Ghost Ranger and Mark, which was why he didn''t bother inviting him in the first ce.

    "My three-day rest period is over, so I''ll spend the day assisting a party in a mutant realm," Ss replied with a sigh, though inwardly, he was grinning.

    "Right... your punishment for using energy pills continues. Tough break, man," Vic muttered, tapping Ss''s shoulder sympathetically.

    As they continued eating and chatting, a group of female staff members approached their table. Vic noticed the figures approaching, and when he nced up, his jaw dropped at the sight of the stunning women.

    The women stopped beside their table, and the leader of the group addressed Ss.

    "Good morning, Ss. I trust you had a restful night," Ava said. Standing beside her were Anita, Shirley, and RoseˇŞthe same Grade 1 team Ss had joined during the first raid.

    "Who... who are these angels, Griswold?" Vic muttered, his gaze fixed on the women in awe.

    "This is the group I''ll be joining for today''s raid. The same team I worked withst time," Ss exined nonchntly.

    "You lucky bastard. First Kara, and now a bunch of gorgeousdies? Life isn''t fair," Vic grumbled, frowning in mock jealousy.

    Ss chuckled, leaned toward Vic, and whispered, "If you want to be in my position, maybe you should consider consuming energy pills."

    "Get out of here!" Vic snapped, yfully shoving Ss.

    Ssughed as he stood up and walked toward the women.

    "Ready to go?" he asked, looking at Ava.

    "Yes. The portal has already been powered up," Ava replied respectfully, almost bowing her head.

    "Here, let me carry those," Ss offered, reaching for Shirley''s bags, but she declined with a gentle smile.

    "Don''t worry about it, Ss. Save your strength. You''re our only hope right now. Last time, we cleared a Grade 1 realm, but this time, the academy upgraded it to Grade 2. After seeing how strong you are, I haveplete faith in you. With you leading us, we''ll be fine," Ava said in a hushed tone, careful not to be overheard by other students.

    "Alright then. Shall we?" Ss replied, and the group walked away together.

    ---

    ### Elsewhere in the Academy...

    In a vast portal room, a unique portal glowed at the center. Unlike the regr portal devices students used for traveling to mutant realms, this one was diamond-shaped, and its swirling vortex was a mesmerizing mixture of orange and yellow.

    Mixed-color portals led to mutants, not realms. Realm portals were single-colored, usually blue or green.

    A group of staff members stood before the portal, d in gleaming blue Grade 5 armor with weapons strapped at their sides or backs, waiting patiently for thest person to arrive.

    "Where the hell is he?" Kara muttered, ncing repeatedly at the entrance, her frustration evident.

    Momentster, the doors flung open, and us strode in, hands tucked casually in his pockets. His presencemanded attention.

    As he approached, the staff members red at him, but no one dared to speak up.

    "Why are youte? And where is your armor or weapon?" Kara demanded, her voice dripping with disdain.

    "I don''t need mutant armor or weapons to be strong," us replied confidently, walking past her to stand before the portal. "Listen up. We''re here for one purpose: to travel to Agogjie and retrieve every item belonging to the Sycrax species. You might think this is a simple mission because Agogjie is a safe, but there''s a chance the Sycrax are still there. Stay sharp."

    Before anyone could respond, us stepped into the portal and vanished.

    """

    A/N: Slowly losing the zeal to continue cause I''m not getting any promotion and subscriptions. Golden Tickets and Gifts will be appreciated.

    A Castle will definitely cheer me up (?+?_?+?)n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

 Chapter 131 Agogjie planet

    "I don''t need mutant armor or weapons to be strong," us replied confidently, walking past her to stand before the portal. "Listen up. We''re here for one purpose: to travel to Agogjie and retrieve every item belonging to the Sycrax species. You might think this is a simple mission because Agogjie is a safe, but there''s a chance the Sycrax are still there. Stay sharp."

    Before anyone could respond, us stepped into the portal and vanished.

    **ZWIN!**

    The staff members appeared on the mere seconds after stepping through the portal. Upon arrival, they nced around, carefully examining their surroundings.

    The entirendscape was covered in sinking green sand, reminiscent of a vast desert. Several meters away stood a cluster of small houses, their silhouettes stark against the chilly atmosphere. Above, a crescent-shaped sun hung low in the sky, casting an eerie light over the deste terrain.

    "Ah, I''ve missed this ce," Sam remarked, inhaling deeply with a grin spreading across his face.

    The residents of the small houses, alerted by the sudden movement, cautiously stepped outside, weapons clutched tightly in their hands. They prepared for a fight, assuming it was another mutant attack. However, relief washed over their faces when they recognized the staff from the academy.

    Those who chose to live on this, known as Agogjie, were typically individuals who couldn''t afford an apartment on Earth. Life here was entirely freeˇŞno rent, no bills to worry about. But this freedom came at a steep price.

    The was gued by nightly mutant attacks.

    Most of these attacks came from low-grade mutants, rtively easy to fend off. However, there were grim cases where mutants struck while families were asleep, devouring them before they could defend themselves.

    Hunters on the sold mutant body parts for tokens, which they used to hire guilds or solo rangers for protection. Only those with enough resources to hire protection could sleep peacefully. The rest had to stay awake all night or sleep with one eye open.

    The residents stood still, eyes fixed on the staff members approaching.

    "Good afternoon," Miley greeted loudly, breaking the tense silence. "We are staff from the mutant academy," she introduced herself with a polite nod.

    "We know who you are," replied a man with a bald patch at the center of his head, his bushy ck beard framing a face lined with worry. His voice was cracked but firm. "What is it that you want?" he asked, narrowing his eyes.

    "We just came to look around and grab a few things," Sam responded nonchntly.

    "And what exactly do you n to grab, if I may ask?" the bald man inquired, his tone polite but wary.

    Sam''s demeanor shifted instantly. Grabbing the man''s cor, he lifted him off the ground with rming strength.

    "Who are you to question us? We are High Staff, you bloody lowlife!" Sam spat, his voiceced with anger and disdain.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    "Let him go, Sam. We''re here to retrieve the Sycrax species equipment, not to bully these poor civilians," us intervened, stepping forward with a calm butmanding presence.

    Sam released the man abruptly, and us could have sworn he saw him fixing the man''s cor and straightening his shirt afterward.

    "Did you just say... Sycrax species?" a woman from the crowd asked timidly, her gaze locked on us, who stood with his hands tucked casually in his pockets.

    "Yes, sweetheart," us replied, a smirk ying at the corners of his lips. "A word of adviceˇŞstay indoors with your loved ones while we''re here. Shut your doors and close your curtains. You don''t want them getting in, do you?"

    The residents swallowed hard, fear evident in their eyes. Without a word, they turned and hurried back to their homes, following us''s instructions to the letter.

    "Don''t scare them like that," Barry Banner, one of the five High Staff, spoke up. He had sleek ck hair, youthful features, and an innocent expression.

    "I''m not scaring anyone, Barry. I''m warning themˇŞthere''s a difference," us replied as he began walking forward. "Come on, let''s find this building. We don''t have all day."

    The group stood in ce for a moment, then reluctantly followed him.

    ---

    The group trudged through the deserted terrain, each step sinking into the green sand. Sweat now drenched their faces, despite the chilly air.

    "What if this is a trap?" Sam whispered to Kara, who was walking beside him. His voice was low but urgent.

    "I''m sorry, what?" Kara asked, a puzzled expression crossing her face.

    "I mean, us just showed up out of nowhere, spouting nonsense about the Sycrax species and their supposed ns. Can we really trust him? What if he lured us here to kill us?" Sam hissed, his eyes darting nervously.

    Sam had always harbored resentment towards us. us was stronger, more skilled, and never missed an opportunity to unt it. During a recent meeting, us had humiliated Sam in front of Sir Dominic and the other High Staff, leaving a deep scar on Sam''s pride.

    He knew he was no match for us one-on-one. If they fought, us would defeat him in under a minute. His only hope was to turn the group against him, to sow doubt and mistrust.

    "You think us is a traitor?" Kara asked, disbelief etched across her face.

    "Exactly! He could be working for enemies like the Demon Paradise Empire or the Desert Eagle Guild. Can''t you see? There''s something different about him," Sam insisted, his voice tinged with desperation.

    Kara remained silent, her gaze fixed on us, who walked ahead. Sam''s words nted seeds of doubt, but she wasn''t convinced yet.

    "There is no Sycrax species building, Kara. No weapons. It''s all a lie," Sam pressed on. "We have to warn the others."

    Kara continued walking, deep in thought. Just as she opened her mouth to respond, us''s voice cut through the silence.

    "We''re here," he announced, stopping in front of a towering structure that loomed ominously before them.

    """

    A/N: Vote with your Golden Tickets and Power Stones.

 Chapter 132 Sycrax species in the planet

    The entire group came to a halt upon hearing us''s words, their gazes fixed on the imposing building just a few feet ahead. It stood six stories high, an imposing structure constructed entirely from dark, metallic material that glistened faintly under the pale light.

    The exterior was featureless and stark, a monolithic block of ck metal without a single window or marking to distinguish it. Its presence felt both foreboding and mysterious, as if it concealed more than it revealed.

    "This is it?" Miley asked, skepticism evident in her voice as she eyed the intimidating structure, arms crossed tightly across her chest.

    "Yup. This is the first building," us replied, his voice calm but firm. His words echoed eerily across the desertedndscape, carried by the chill wind.

    "''First building''? You never mentioned anything about a second one during the meeting," Barry interjected, his tone edged with suspicion and frustration.

    us turned slowly to face him, his posture rxed, hands still casually tucked into the pockets of his dark coat. His calm demeanor seemed to irritate Barry even more.

    "Well, it must have slipped my mind," us responded, his tone nonchnt, almost dismissive, which only served to heighten the tension.

    "How could you forget something that important, us?" Miley questioned, her brow furrowed, eyes narrowing in disbelief.

    "I told you this guy can''t be trusted! He''s leading us straight into a death trap!" Sam''s voice was loud and strained, his fear barely masked by his anger. His eyes darted nervously around the area, as if expecting an ambush.

    "What are you talking about?" Kinsey, another female staff member, asked, her confusion evident as she nced between Sam and us.

    "What Sam means," us interjected, his tone cold and cutting, "is that I''m working for the enemy and supposedly leading you all to your deaths." He began to walk slowly toward Sam, his eyes locked onto him with a predatory intensity.

    Sam''s heart pounded in his chest, his breathing shallow as us closed the distance between them. Every step us took felt like a silent threat, and the air grew thick with tension. Finally, us stopped directly in front of him, towering over him.

    "If I wanted to kill you all," us said, his voice low but filled with menace, "I would have done it the moment you set foot on this. I don''t need to lure you anywhere. So stop whining like a little coward and do us all a favorˇŞshut up." His words sliced through the air like a de, and for a moment, Sam could only stand there, heart hammering in his chest.

    "Let''s stop wasting time and get this over with," Kara, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke up. Her voice was calm, but there was a sense of urgency in her tone. "Since there are two buildings, we should split into groups of three. Each group will collect the items and return to the shelter," she suggested, her eyes scanning the others for agreement.

    "Sounds good to me," Kinsey agreed quickly. "Let''s the three of us go together. What do you say?" She nced at us and Kara, her expression determined.

    "Fine. You three handle the second building. Just keep walking straightˇŞyou''ll find it. It''s not far," us instructed, his tone matter-of-fact.

    Miley and the others nodded, exchanging a brief nce before heading off in the indicated direction to begin their search.

    "Come on,dies," us smirked, turning back toward the building''s entrance. With a firm push, he opened the heavy metal door, and they stepped inside cautiously, the air inside cooler and tinged with an unfamiliar scent.

    The vast room they entered was filled with rows ofputers and chairs. Strange, indecipherable codes and sentences flickered across the screens, glowing faintly in the dim light. The atmosphere was tense, each screen seemingly hiding secrets they couldn''t yet understand.

    After scanning the room, they moved to the second floor. Here, they discovered a cache of advanced weapons, unlike anything they had ever seen. These weren''t regr mutant weaponsˇŞthey were far more sophisticated, radiating a quiet, deadly power. The alien designs were intricate, almost artistic, but undeniably lethal.

    Without hesitation, they began loading the weapons into special bags. Each item shrank upon entering, a feature designed to maximize storage space. They worked quickly and efficiently, the tension in the air thick as they emptied the room. Once thest weapon was packed away, they moved on to the third floor.

    Meanwhile, Miley''s group had located the second building. The interior mirrored the firstˇŞrows ofputers disying the same cryptic codes and symbols.

    "What does any of this mean? Were they programming something?" Miley wondered aloud, her voice filled with confusion and unease.

    Barry approached one of theputers, his fingers flying over the keyboard with practiced ease.

    "I know programming code when I see it," he muttered, his eyes narrowing in concentration. "This isn''t code. These are messagesmunications with someone. I''m trying to trante them."

    A few tense moments passed, and then the symbols transformed into English. One message stood out, stark and chilling.

    "The humans took the bait. They''re here," Barry read aloud, his voice barely above a whisper. His eyes widened in horror as he turned toward the entrance.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    A shadowy figure loomed outside.

    "Everyone, get down!" Barry shouted, his voice filled with urgency.

    VWOOOOM!

    BOOOOM!

    A pulse of energy tore through the building, obliterating it in an instant. Metal shards exploded in all directions, and the staff members were thrown violently into the air.

    They hit the ground hard,nding several meters away, bruised and battered, bones fractured. The force of the st had left them stunned and gasping for breath.

    ''What... what was that?'' Miley thought, gritting her teeth as she struggled to rise. ''How did it destroy the entire building with one attack?''

    As she fought to stand, the ground beneath her trembled. Thunderous footsteps echoed closer, each step reverberating through the ground.

    Driven by a mix of curiosity and dread, she turned her head slowly toward the noise. Her heart froze.

    A towering figure loomed over her, its presence radiating a terrifying aura of power.

    It was a Sycrax.

 Chapter 133 The Syrcax

    ROOAARRR!!

    A deafening roar echoed through the realm as six Grade 3 Chimptants charged toward Ss, who stood his ground, his scythe gripped tightly in his right hand. His expression remained cold and resolute, his gaze unwavering as the monstrous creatures approached.

    A few meters away, Ava and the rest of their group watched in silence, their eyes wide with awe and disbelief. Ever since they entered the realm, their sole role had been to observe while Ss single-handedly dispatched the mutants. Each battle they witnessed only reinforced the conclusion they had reachedˇŞSs was undoubtedly the strongest individual they had ever encountered.

    The ground trembled slightly under the relentless pounding of the Chimptants'' feet. Drool dripped from their gaping mouths, their eyes gleaming with a feral intensity. As they closed the distance, their razor-sharp ws extended, ready to tear Ss apart.

    Ss remained calm, his gaze fixed on the iing attack. The instant the ws were inches away, he leaped backward with practiced precision, evading the strike effortlessly. The mutants'' ws sliced through the empty air, missing their target entirely. Without hesitation, Ss counterattacked, swinging his scythe in a wide arc toward their outstretched arms.

    SLASH!

    The scythe struck true, connecting with the mutants'' ws and shattering them instantly. Agonized roars erupted from the Chimptants, their pain-filled cries echoing through the realm. Ss''s expression remained impassive; he was far from finished.

    Now that the mutants were defenseless, their primary weapons destroyed, Ss advanced with ruthless efficiency. Gripping his scythe tightly, he closed the gap and swung it again, targeting three of the creatures in one swift motion.

    SLASH!

    The de sliced through their bodies, severing them cleanly in half. Dark purple blood sttered across the ground, the lifeless halves of their bodies copsing in a grotesque heap.

    [Congrattions, you have in a Crazy Chimptant]

    [Congrattions, you have in a Crazy Chimptant]

    [Congrattions, you have in a Crazy Chimptant]

    Notifications shed before Ss''s eyes, but he dismissed them with a flicker of his gaze. His attention shifted to the remaining three Chimptants, who continued their relentless charge. Despite their obvious disadvantage, they showed no signs of retreat. Their massive arms swung toward Ss, aiming to crush him with brute strength.

    Tsk. Ss clicked his tongue in mild irritation, leaping into the air to avoid their attacks. As he ascended, he tightened his grip on the scythe and brought it down with deadly precision.

    CHUK!

    The de embedded itself deep into the skull of one of the mutants, the sickening sound of bone cracking filling the air. Dark purple blood gushed forth as the lifeless body crumpled to the ground. Ss didn''t bother retrieving the weapon, sensing danger approaching from the side.

    He shifted his focus just in time to see the remaining two mutants'' massive arms swinging toward him. Without missing a beat, Ss swerved to the side, their attacks narrowly missing him. Seizing the opportunity, he clenched his right fist and drove it into one of the mutants'' heads with bone-shattering force.

    BAM!

    The impact was brutal. The mutant''s head twisted violently, a sickening crack reverberating through the air as the head separated from the neck. It didn''t even have time to roar in painˇŞthe punch had killed it instantly. The lifeless body copsed with a heavy thud.

    [Congrattions, you have in a Crazy Chimptant]

    [Congrattions, you have in a Crazy Chimptant]

    Ss''s gaze shifted to the final mutant. It stood frozen, uncertainty flickering in its eyes as it contemted its next move. A sinister grin spread across Ss''s face, his eyes glinting with menace. Sliding his hands into his pockets, he began to walk slowly toward the creature.

    Despite its frantic attempts to move, the mutant found itself immobilized. An invisible force held it in ce, rendering it helpless.

    [Active Skill: Soul Control has been activated]

    Ss continued his slow, deliberate advance, the sinister grin never leaving his face. The mutant''s agonized roars grew louder as the invisible force began pulling its body in different directions, stretching it to the brink of tearing apart.

    The cries of pain intensified, echoing through the realm as the creature''s body contorted unnaturally. The torment was unbearable, and the mutant''s roars turned into desperate pleas for a swift death. Its limbs stretched further, the tension building untilˇŞ

    SPLASH!

    Blood rained down as the mutant''s body was ripped apart. Its armsnded in opposite directions, its head and legs hit the ground with sickening thuds, and its torso was reduced to unrecognizable chunks of flesh and organs. The battlefield was now a grotesque mess, soaked in dark purple blood.

    [Congrattions, you have in a Crazy Chimptant]

    A red notification screen appeared before Ss. This time, he took a moment to examine it carefully, his eyes scanning the information disyed.

    [Rewards]

    [Extra 10 attribute points have been granted to you]

    [Your scythe has leveled up]

    [Your intelligence stat has increased]

    He summoned his system''s interface, his expression cold and detached.

    ---

    Name: Ss Griswold

    Race: Mutant

    Evolution Tier: Tier 3 Soul Devourer

    Level: 70

    Health: 100/100

    Soul Points: 200/200

    Soul Reserve: 100/100

    ---

    Attribute Panel:

    Strength: 50

    Speed: 39

    Reflex: 39

    Agility: 44

    Intelligence: 50

    Avable Attribute Points: 120

    ---

    Skill Panel:

    Lightning Dash (LVL 3): Boosts speed for 4 seconds. Costs 10 soul points.

    Soul ws (LVL 3): Extends ws from fingertips. Costs 1 soul point.

    Soul Control (LVL 2): Maniptes beings with souls, akin to telekinesis but limited to living things.

    Soul Jab (LVL 1): Channels soul energy into a punch, lethal to lower grades and capable of halving higher-grade opponents'' health.

    ---

    Arsenal:

    Grade 3 Chest and Leg Armor

    Grade 4 Sycrax de

    Grade 5 Soul Reaper Scythe

    Grade 5 Dagger

    Ghost Mask and OutfitN?v(el)B\\jnn

    ---

    Ss dismissed the interface and turned toward Ava and the others, who stood several meters away, still stunned by what they had witnessed.

    "That was thest of them. All that''s left is the Realm''s god," Ss announced, halting in front of them.

    Ava swallowed hard, ncing at her wristwatch. Less than an hour had passed since they entered the realm, yet Ss had nearly cleared it by himselfˇŞa task that should take an entire party at least five hours.

    "Uhm, Ssˇ­ sir, I thinkˇŞ"

    "Sir?" Ss interrupted, raising an eyebrow. "Remember, I''m just a student."

    Ava bowed her head respectfully. "I apologize. But I think you should slow down. If we clear this realm too quickly, the academy will suspect something. We''re low grades; there''s no way we could do this in under an hour."

    Ss hadn''t considered that.

    He was blinded by the rewards he would be gettingˇŞthat was the driving force behind his relentless onught. He kept ying mutant after mutant, his movements swift and precise, without any sign of slowing down.

    His eyes burned with an insatiable hunger for power and progress, each kill fueling his drive. And now, the final challenge stood before him: the Realm''s god.

    She wasn''t exaggerating in the slightest. If he cleared the realm faster than the expected average time, it would undoubtedly raise suspicion. The academy''s watchful eyes were always scanning for anomalies, and Ss was already under their radar.

    He had endured more interrogations than he cared to count, each one leaving him closer to the edge of exposure. Sir Dominic had him on a short list of suspects, and another unexined feat would only tighten the noose. He couldn''t afford to add another reason for scrutiny.

    "You''re right," Ss finally admitted after a prolonged silence, his voice low but resolute. He nced at Ava, his eyes softer than before, acknowledging her insight. "Don''t worry. I''ll take it easy on the Realm''s god." His lips curled into a faint smirk. "When the time is right, I''ll finish it off."

    He turned around, his scythe glinting ominously in the light as he began walking towards the realm''s god chamber. Each step felt heavier than thest, not from fatigue but from the weight of the choices ahead. He knew the battle wouldn''t just be physical; it was a test of his restraint, his ability to y the long game.

    ---

    Back on the Agogjieˇ­

    BOOOOM!

    A cataclysmic pulse of energy erupted, ripping through the building like a tidal wave of destruction. The structure crumbled instantly, reduced to splintered fragments of metal and stone. Shards exploded outward, cutting through the air like deadly projectiles.

    Staff members were hurled like rag dolls, their bodies flung violently across the courtyard,nding several meters away. They hit the ground hard, the impact fracturing bones and leaving them bruised, battered, and breathless.

    Mileyy sprawled on the ground, her vision blurred and her body screaming in pain. She gritted her teeth, trying to force herself upright. Every movement was agony, but survival demanded it.

    ''What... what was that?'' she thought, her mind racing, panic rising like a storm. Her breath came in ragged gasps. ''How did it destroy the entire building with just one attack?''

    The ground beneath her shuddered, each tremor more intense than thest. Thunderous footsteps echoed through the air, each step sending a ripple of fear through her spine. The vibrations grew stronger, closer, until they seemed to reverberate through her very bones.

    Driven by a blend of morbid curiosity and sheer terror, Miley forced herself to look towards the source of the sound. Her head turned slowly, her neck stiff with fear. What she saw made her blood run cold.

    A towering figure loomed over her, its shadow casting a pall of darkness. The air around it seemed to thrum with an overwhelming, oppressive energy. Its mere presence exuded an aura of raw, terrifying power.

    It was a Sycrax.

    Miley''s heart hammered in her chest, each beat a drum of impending doom. Her body felt paralyzed, rooted to the spot by an all-consuming fear. Her face, pale and drenched in sweat, reflected the terror that gripped her soul as the Sycrax advanced.

    The creature was an imposing monstrosity, standing over eight feet tall.

    Its massive, muscr arms swung with a deadly grace, ending in ws that gleamed like freshly sharpened battle axes. Its body was sheathed in scaly, metallic armor that seemed imprable, each scale glinting ominously.

    Two enormous, jagged horns jutted from its head, curving like the des of a war scythe. Its eyesˇŞbright and piercingˇŞglowed with a menacing light, cutting through the daylight like twin beacons of death.

    "You humans were foolish enough to take the bait! Now meet your end!" The Sycrax''s voice was deep and guttural, its foreignnguage echoing with an ancient, malevolent power. The words were iprehensible, but the intent was clear.

    Without warning, it raised one of its massive ws, the axe-like ws gleaming as it descended in a brutal arc toward Miley.

    SLASH!

    """

    A/N: Send in gifts for a mass release for the weekend! Thanks for reading...

 Chapter 134 Fighting the Sycrax

    Without warning, the Sycrax raised one of its massive ws, each talon resembling a gleaming, axe-like de. The deadly appendage descended in a brutal arc toward Miley, a whistling sound cutting through the tensionden air like a herald of doom.

    SLASH!

    Just as the ws were about to cleave through Miley, a sphere of raw ck energy erupted from nowhere, intercepting the blow with a thunderous impact. The resulting shockwave rippled outward, kicking up dust and debris.

    The sound snapped Miley out of her daze. She turned her head, eyes wide with disbelief, and saw Barry standing a few feet away. His body was battered, bruises and cuts marring his skin from the earlier explosion. Blood trickled down his temple, yet he stood firm, defiance burning in his eyes.

    "Get your shit together, Miley. This is no joke," Barry growled, his voice rough but resolute. His gaze never left the Sycrax, who now red at him with a disdainful snarl, its eyes glimmering like moltenva.

    The creature''s re intensified for a moment before it lunged forward with predatory speed. Barry''s throat went dry as the Sycrax closed the distance, its monstrous form loomingrger with every step. He swallowed hard, steeling himself, and shifted into a defensive stance, muscles coiled like springs.

    In a heartbeat, the Sycrax was upon him, its ws shing out in a blur of motion. Barry''s eyes widened as the razor-sharp talons raced toward him. At thest possible moment, he summoned an energy barrierˇŞa translucent shield shimmering with dark, swirling patterns.

    The ws struck the barrier with explosive force. CRACK! The shield shattered like ss, shards of energy dissipating into the ether. Barry barely managed to leap backward, the ws missing him by mere inches. Hended heavily a few meters away, gasping for breath, his heart pounding in his chest.

    "It destroyed my Grade 4 barrier... with a single strike? Damn it, this thing''s strong," Barry thought, gritting his teeth as he steadied himself.

    "Die!" A new voice cut through the chaos. Sam emerged from the shadows, his de gripped tightly in both hands. He sprinted forward, muscles straining, and swung at the Sycrax''s leg with all his strength.

    CLANG!

    The de struck the creature''s armor, producing a deafening metallic ring. The Sycrax barely flinched. It spun around, eyes narrowing as it spotted SamˇŞa mere human, daring to challenge it.

    "You humans just don''t learn!" it roared, the guttural sounds vibrating through the ground. Without warning, itshed out with one of its massive legs. Sam raised his Grade 5 de to block the attack, but the force behind the kick was overwhelming.

    CRASH!

    The de shattered like porcin. The impact lifted Sam off his feet, sending him hurtling through the air. He tumbled end over end, his body a ragdoll in a violent wind. Mid-air, he suddenly stoppedˇŞsuspended by an invisible force.

    "Telekinesis," Barry realized, dread twisting in his gut. He watched, helpless, as Sam was dragged back toward the Sycrax, his limbs iling.

    The moment Sam was within reach, the Sycrax''s ws shed. SLASH! Blood sprayed through the air, painting the ground in crimson arcs. Sam''s body fell in two pieces, his upper half copsing in a lifeless heap, organs spilling out in grotesque detail.

    The Sycrax wiped the blood from its ws with a deliberate, almost disdainful gesture, its gaze locking onto Barry. Any remnants of confidence Barry had evaporated. His breath came in shallow gasps, panic wing at the edges of his mind.

    ''It killed Sam... a Grade 4, effortlessly. I knew the Sycrax species were strong, but thisˇ­ this is beyond anything I imagined,'' he thought, every muscle in his body screaming for actionˇŞor flight.

    The Sycrax''s eyes flicked to the side. It grabbed a discarded metallic rod, dragging its ws along the surface. Sparks flew as it sharpened the tip, transforming it into a deadly spear. With a sudden, fluid motion, it hurled the makeshift weapon.

    The spear sliced through the air with terrifying speed. Barry threw up his hands, summoning a thick wall of ck energy in front of him. The spear collided with the barrier and tore through it like paper. His eyes widened as he hastily summoned another wallˇŞthen another.

    The spear slowed, its momentum sapped. Finally, it lodged into the second barrier, quivering before falling inert. Barry exhaled, sweat beading on his forehead. Without hesitation, he lowered his hands and shot a beam of ck energy from his palms.

    The beam struck the Sycrax dead-on, but the creature didn''t even flinch. It charged forward, moving faster than Barry could react. Its ws descended again, a blur of death aimed at his head. Barry dove backward, the talons missing him by a hair''s breadth, gouging deep furrows into the ground. The impact sent a shockwave rippling outward, knocking Barry off his feet.

    "Our n was simple," the Sycrax growled, its voice dripping with malice. "We made you believe in an illusionˇŞSycrax''s buildings, false clues. All to lure you here. Now, when you''re all dead, we''ll return to Earth. Your portal will be our gateway."

    Barry struggled to rise, his limbs trembling.

    Then, from the corner of his eye, he saw movement. Miley. She had stood frozen, a statue of shock and fear. But now, she drew her de, determination hardening her features.

    Her grip tightened on the hilt, knuckles white. She charged forward, a battle cry tearing from her throat.

    The fight was far from over.

    "Barry! We can''t defeat it on our own! We need us on our team! Find a way to bring him back here while I distract this bastard!" Miley''s voice carried a mix of urgency and determination as sheunched herself forward, a blur of motion against the backdrop of the war-torn battlefield.

    Her eyes, fierce and resolute, locked onto the Sycrax as it stalked toward Barry with an ominous, measured gait, its monstrous frame casting long, terrifying shadows.

    Before the creature could close the distance, Miley leaped high into the air, her movements graceful yet desperate. With both hands gripping the hilt of her de, she swung down hard, aiming for the creature''s neck.

    CLANG!

    The impact resonated through the battlefield like a bell tolling for the dead. Sparks exploded where the de met the Sycrax''s neck armor, but the imprable carapace held firm.

    The creature, unfazed, turned its  head, its eyes gleaming with a cold, predatory light. With a guttural snarl, itshed out with its ws, the axe-like ws slicing through the air with deadly precision.

    Miley, quick to react, activated her Grade 4 wind ability. A powerful gust erupted beneath her, propelling her higher into the sky, just inches beyond the reach of those deadly ws. The wind roared around her, whipping her hair into a frenzy as she steadied herself mid-air, her eyes never leaving the beast below.N?v(el)B\\jnn

    She tightened her grip on the de, muscles tensed, and descended like a vengefulet, aiming for the creature''s exposed head. The de struck true, colliding with the Sycrax''s skull. But instead of slicing through, it rebounded with a dull thud, as if she had struck solid stone. The shock rattled up her arms, leaving her momentarily stunned.

    "What theˇŞ?" she began, but before the realization could fully dawn, the Sycrax''s two enormous horns began to glow, eerie green light pooling at their tips. A low hum filled the air, building to a crescendo before a searing beam of energy shot forth.

    Theser struck Miley square in the chest. The force of the st sent her hurtling backward, her body spinning through the air like a ragdoll before she crashed face-first into the sand, skidding several feet beforeing to a stop. A small cloud of dust and debris settled around her motionless form.

    Meanwhile, Barry was crawling away, desperation etched into every movement. His body ached, wounds from the earlier explosion slowing him down, but his mind raced with a singr goal: contacting us. He rummaged through the debris, eyes scanning frantically for themunication device he''d lost in the chaos. Every second felt like an eternity.

    "Damn it," he muttered through gritted teeth. If he couldn''t find the device, he''d have to resort to a risky, untested alternative. There was no time to doubt; failure wasn''t an option.

    The Sycrax''s gaze shifted, its predatory senses zeroing in on Barry. With a casual flick of its massive hand, it extended its telekic power. Barry''s body stiffened, paralyzed by an invisible force. Panic surged through him as he fought to move, muscles straining against an unyielding grip. Slowly, he was lifted off the ground, drawn toward the towering monstrosity.

    "Now, where do you think you''re going?" The Sycrax''s voice was a chilling rumble, each word dripping with dark amusement. Barry''s feet dangled helplessly as the creature lifted him higher, its eyes gleaming with a savage hunger.

    "It''s been too long since I tasted human flesh and blood. Perhaps now is the time for a feast," it continued, its mouth opening wide. Rows of razor-sharp fangs, jagged and deadly, lined its maw like the des of a merciless machine.

    Barry''s heart pounded as he was released, gravity pulling him toward the gaping maw. Desperation and resolve collided within him. In a final, defiant act, he raised his right hand and unleashed a surge of energy into the sky.

    The dark projectile shot upward, a streak of light against the oppressive gloom. High above, it exploded in a brilliant burst, illuminating the battlefield like an otherworldly firework.

    In the distance, us and Kara stood inside the second building, their faces illuminated by the distant re. They were quick to understand what it meant.

    Without a word, they exchanged a determined nceˇŞtrouble hade, and they had to act fast.

 Chapter 135 A different one

    A bone-cracking sound echoed throughout the deserted area as the Sycrax devoured Barry''s body, blood trickling down its grotesque mouth in thick, crimson streams. After gnawing on him for a few agonizing moments, it finally swallowed, a low, satisfied rumble emanating from its chest.

    "Delicious," the Sycrax growled in a deep, guttural tone. It spoke in anguage foreign to Miley, who stood several meters away, her body trembling and her heart pounding. Cold sweat dripped down her face, her wide eyes reflecting the brutal scene she had just witnessed.

    The Sycrax had torn through herrades with terrifying ease, reducing them to lifeless heaps of flesh and bone. The high staff members were called that for a reasonˇŞtheir strength far exceeded that of ordinary staff. Yet, this creature had decimated them effortlessly, as though they were nothing more than fragile toys. The sight of their brutal defeat made their formidable abilities seemughably insignificant.

    "This has to be the end," Miley thought, gripping the hilt of her de so tightly her knuckles turned white. "There''s no way I can defeat that monster. But if I''m going to die, I''ll die fighting." Determination surged through her veins, pushing back the paralyzing fear that threatened to overwhelm her.

    With a deep breath, Miley summoned her wind ability, propelling herself forward like a rocket. The air around her vibrated with the force of her eleration, her speed increasing exponentially. She became a blur against the deste backdrop, each stride a testament to her resolve.

    In mere moments, Miley was within striking distance. But before she couldunch her attack, the Sycrax raised its colossal leg and brought it down with bone-crushing force, aiming to squash her like an insect. The sheer power of the move caused the ground to tremble violently.

    Miley''s reflexes kicked in just in time. She summoned a powerful gust of wind that thrust her sideways, narrowly evading the devastating stomp. The impact sent shockwaves through the ground, and the force of it shuddered through her bones.

    Without hesitation, Miley shot into the air, rising to the creature''s level. Her eyes zed with determination as she swung her de at its chest, aiming for what she hoped would be a vulnerable spot.

    CLANG!

    A deafening metallic sh echoed through the area as her de struck the Sycrax''s armor. The vibration reverberated up her arm, and when she looked, she saw that the armor remained pristineˇŞnot even a scratch marred its surface.

    "What is this armor made of?!" Miley shouted, frustration and desperationcing her voice. Before she could process her next move, the creature''s enormous horns began to glow, crackling with energy. A blindingser beam shot out, mming into her with devastating force.

    The impact hurled Miley backward like a ragdoll. She crashed to the ground, skidding and rolling until she collided with a wall. Pain radiated through every fiber of her being as she gasped for breath, the wind knocked out of her lungs.

    "Ugh..." she groaned, her voice barely more than a whisper. Every muscle screamed in protest, but she gritted her teeth, refusing to stay down. "I can''t... give up." The words were shaky but resolute, a mantra she repeated in her mind.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    She nced to the side, spotting her de half-buried in the sand. With gritted teeth, she reached out, her fingers wrapping around the hilt. Using it for support, she pushed herself back onto her feet, each movement an agony.

    "You''re a strong one, aren''t you?" The Sycrax''s deep voice carried a hint of surprise as it approached, each step causing the ground to quake. Its eyes glowed with a malevolent light.

    "Why don''t you start speaking anguage I understand?" Miley spat blood onto the ground, defiance zing in her eyes. Without waiting for a response, she charged forward again, each step fueled by sheer willpower.

    The Sycrax lowered its head, horns glowing ominously before firing anotherser beam. The searing energy streaked toward her, a deadlynce of light. At thest second, Miley sidestepped, feeling the heat graze her skin as the beam shot past her, sizzling in the air.

    She pressed on, her body a symphony of pain. But just as she closed the gap, a burning sensation exploded in her backˇŞthe same searing agony theser had inflicted before.

    She dropped to her knees, gasping, her breath ragged. "Damn it... the beam I dodged... it circled back." The realization hit hard. Her knees sank into the sand, her once-beautiful face now smeared with blood, sweat, and dirt.

    She looked up, heart hammering, as the Sycrax loomed over her. Its heavy footsteps echoed like drumbeats, each step a harbinger of doom.

    "It seems you''re finished," it sneered, its voice dripping with contempt. "A shame. I was beginning to like you." Raising its massive arm, it prepared to strike, the axe-like ws gleaming.

    As the ws descended, a sudden blur intercepted the attack. A fist collided with the Sycrax''s face, sending it staggering backward.

    BAM!

    Miley, eyes shut, braced for the end. When the blow never came, she cracked her eyes open to see a tall, striking figure standing before her.

    Spiky golden hair veiled his eyes, and at six feet tall, he exuded a quiet, powerful confidence.

    "us..." Miley whispered, relief washing over her battered features.

    "You''ve done enough, Miley," us said, a smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. "Rest with Kara. I''ll handle the rest." His gaze never left the Sycrax, his expression unyielding.

    "What do you mean, rest?" Kara''s voice cut in, firm and unrelenting. She unsheathed her de, stepping forward. "I''m fighting too."

    us chuckled, his smirk widening. "Fine. Just stay out of my way." Without another word, he advanced, his focus locked on the towering beast.

    The Sycrax narrowed its eyes. "You... you are different from the others. But you''re still human. You will be crushed!"

    us tilted his head, nonchnt. "No idea what you just said, buddy," he retorted. "But you crossed the line when you killed a high staff. This ends here. Good thing there''s enough sand to bury your oversized body."

    Before the Sycrax could respond, us blurred into motion. In an instant, he closed the distance, leaping high into the air. Twisting mid-flight, he delivered a spinning tornado kick that smashed into the creature''s head.

    """

    A/N: Gift! Gift! Gift! Thanks for reading.

 Chapter 136 One of the ten Eternal families

    Before the Sycrax could respond, us blurred into motion. In an instant, he closed the distance, leaping high into the air. Twisting mid-flight, he delivered a spinning tornado kick that smashed into the creature''s head.

    BAM!

    The kick connected cleanly with the Sycrax''s head, the force behind it sending the monstrous creature staggering several meters backward. The ground trembled beneath its weight as it fought to regain bnce, a low growl rumbling from its throat.

    In a heartbeat, the Sycrax steadied itself. Its eyes, filled with simmering rage, locked onto us. Without warning, it charged forward, its massive ws swinging down toward him with blinding speed. The sharp, axe-like talons sliced through the air, aiming directly for us''s head.

    Just inches before impact, us raised his right hand and caught the ws mid-air, his fingers wrapping around the razor-sharp edges with a vice-like grip. The force of the impact caused a shockwave, dust swirling around them. His grip tightened, ensuring the ws didn''t pierce his skin. With a sudden, powerful yank, he pulled the creature closer, using its own momentum to toss the Sycrax aside like a ragdoll.

    The monstrous being skidded across the desert, carving deep furrows in the sand. Before it could regain its footing, us was already upon it, descending from above like a vengeful shadow. His fist crashed into the creature''s skull with devastating force, the impact sending it soaring through the air. It tumbled end over end, finally colliding with a massive rock that splintered on impact.

    From a distance, Kara and Miley watched the scene unfold, their faces etched with disbelief. Miley''s eyes were wide with shock, her breath shallow. The creature that had effortlessly ughtered herrades, that had nearly killed her, was now being tossed around like a mere puppet.

    "Kara... what''s his ability again?" Miley''s voice trembled with awe and disbelief.

    Kara, standing beside her, kept her gaze fixed on us. "us is from one of the Eternal Families," she began, her voice steady but filled with reverence. "Their unique ability allows them to learn and store multiple abilities. The mutant cells in their bodies can hold an immense variety of powers simultaneously. us has lived for a long timeˇŞlong enough to learn and master countless abilities. But right now..." She paused, her eyes narrowing. "He hasn''t even started using them. What you''re seeing is just raw strength and speed."

    Miley''s eyes widened even further. "How... how does he learn someone''s ability?"

    "Eye contact," Kara exined. "Once he makes eye contact with someone, he awakens their ability within himself. But it takes time and rigorous training to master each skill. That''s why he keeps his eyes hidden under his hairˇŞto avoid absorbing unwanted abilities." She added, a hint of admiration in her voice.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    Miley nodded slowly, turning her gaze back to the ongoing battle.

    The Sycrax groaned, picking itself up from the sand. Its massive hand reached back to grab the shattered remains of the rock it had crashed into. With a roar of frustration, it hurled the rock toward us, using the debris as a distraction while it charged forward once more.

    us''s eyes narrowed. He clenched his right fist, muscles coiling like steel cables. As the rock hurtled toward him, he pulled his arm back and swung forward in a fluid, powerful motion.

    BAM!

    The rock shattered instantly, pieces flying in all directions. Through the cloud of debris, us spotted the Sycrax''s ws streaking toward him. A smirk yed at the corner of his lips.

    "Predictable," he muttered. At thest second, he sidestepped, the ws slicing through empty air. In a sh, he appeared beside the creature, his fist connecting with its right leg.

    He frowned. "Tough armor. Much tougher than the head." He stepped back, eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "There''s something about the Sycrax species... something I''m forgetting," he mused aloud, dodging another furious swipe.

    Kara, who had initially volunteered to join the fight, now stood back with Miley. She tapped hermunicator, informing the academy of the situation, all while keeping a watchful eye on the battle.

    The Sycrax seethed, frustration evident in its movements. "Why... why can''t Ind a single hit?!" it roared, charging forward and leaping high into the air. Its ws gleamed menacingly as it descended toward us.

    us remained still, watching the creature''s descent with an almost bored expression. At thest possible moment, he movedˇŞso fast he seemed to vanish. The Sycrax crashed into the ground with a thunderous impact, sending shockwaves rippling through the sand.

    Before it could recover, us was already beside it. His fist struck the creature''s head once more, sending it skidding backward until it collided with another rock.

    Suddenly, us''s eyes lit up. "Ah, yes. I remember now." He smirked, his gaze flicking to the creature''s horns. "The only way to defeat a Sycrax... is to separate its life core from its body."

    He pushed the golden strands of hair from his eyes, revealing them for the first time in a long time. They were the same brilliant gold as his hair, glowing like molten metal.

    "Time to get serious," he said, his voice cold and final.

    He cracked his knuckles, each step deliberate as he approached the struggling Sycrax. The creature roared, lowering its head. A beam of searing energy shot from its horns, streaking toward us.

    us didn''t flinch. As the beam approached, it froze mid-airˇŞsuspended in time. The Sycrax, Kara, Miley, even the swirling dustˇŞthey all froze, locked in a moment of perfect stillness.

    us moved calmly through the frozen battlefield, stopping in front of the immobilized creature. He leapt onto its shoulders, gripping its horns.

    "Sorry, but I need these," he whispered, voiceced with quiet menace. With a powerful pull, he wrenched the horns from the creature''s head. A sickening crack echoed, blood gushing from the wounds.

    Time resumed. The Sycrax screamed, agony etched into its every movement. Secondster, it copsed, lifeless.

    usnded silently beside it, tossing the horns to the ground. The battle was over.

 Chapter 137 Nature manipulation

    us pulled his hair back down to cover his beautiful, glowing eyes before turning to face Kara and Miley, who stood a few meters away. He picked up both of the Sycrax''s horns and began walking toward them.

    Miley''s face was a canvas of disbelief, her eyes wide as she struggled to process what she had just witnessed. us had effortlessly defeated the creature that had wiped out an entire team without so much as breaking a sweat. Kara, too, was astonished by his strength, though she ensured her expression remainedposed, betraying none of her amazement.

    "All done," us stated as he stopped in front of the two women. "I was able to defeat it so quickly because this is the weakest Sycrax species," he added nonchntly.

    "How can you tell if it''s the weakest?" Kara inquired, taking one of the horns from him to examine it more closely.

    "The weakest Sycrax has only two horns, while the strongest has seven. The number of horns determines their strength," us exined, his tone matter-of-fact.

    "So... you mean the Sycrax that... killed them all... the one they couldn''t evennd a single hit on... was the weakest?" Miley muttered, her voice tinged with embarrassment and disappointment.

    "Yes," us replied sharply. "If the weakest one is this powerful, imagine the strength of those with five to seven horns. Even though I''m the strongest staff member at the academy, I''m not sure I could take down a five-horned Sycrax, let alone one with seven. Let''s just hope we don''t cross paths with those," he remarked, his voice filled with an ominous warning.

    us''s words sent Kara into deep thought. She couldn''t help but wonder if Ss would ever be able to defeat a seven-horned Sycrax when he reached the peak of his power. She had witnessed his rapid growth firsthand, and if he continued at this rate, there was a real possibility he could stand toe-to-toe with even the most formidable Sycrax.

    Noticing the embarrassed look on Miley''s face, us ced his right hand gently on her shoulder.

    "Don''t be too hard on yourself, Miley. Just because it was the weakest Sycrax doesn''t mean it was actually weak. Its power level is equivalent to that of a Grade 5 mutant, or maybe even an advanced grade. You did your best, all right?" he assured her. Miley offered a slow, reluctant nod, absorbing his words.

    "Alright, let''s get out of here. It seems this mission turned out to be a waste of time," us added, turning on his heel and beginning to walk away.

    "What about their bodies? We can''t just leave them here," Kara spoke up, her voice firm, causing us to stop and turn around.

    "I only see one body, which means Barry''s has already been devoured by the Sycrax. Just leave Sam''s body here and let a mutant feast on him tonight," us replied coldly, his voice devoid of emotion.

    "How can you be so heartless, us? They were your teammates!" Kara spat, her frown deepening, disgust etched into her features.

    "What? You want me to feel pity for a man who wanted me dead? Hell no, Kara," us said, his voice like ice. "If you care so much, carry his body yourself. As for me, I''m walking out of here with my hands in my pockets," he added, turning away and resuming his stride.

    Once more, he paused and turned back to face them.

    "I saved your lives... I hope you remember that. Also, you''re wee... even though I don''t recall either of you saying thank you," us remarked, his tone dripping with sarcasm before walking away for good.

    Kara let out a heavy sigh, her gaze shifting to Sam''s lifeless body. With a determined look, she walked over, hoisted him onto her shoulder with all her strength, and turned to Miley.

    "Let''s get out of here," she muttered. Together, they began their somber trek away from the battlefield.

    """"

    Back in the Mutant Realm...

    A few hours after Ss left the spot where the female staff members were, he arrived at the Realm''s god chamber. He had deliberately taken his time, stopping asionally to dy his arrival, just as he had promised the staff. But now, he was finally here.

    The chamber wasn''t the grand, castle-like structure he had encountered in other realms. Instead, it resembled an ancient, overgrown forest. Towering trees stretched towards the sky, their dense canopy blocking out most of the light. Thick, twisted roots snaked across the ground, and the air was heavy with the scent of damp earth and moss.

    "Strange," Ss mused, his eyes narrowing as he took in his surroundings. A slight crease of confusion marked his brow.

    Suddenly, the soft rustle of leaves broke the silence, and without warning, a sharp branch shot out like a spear, hurtling towards him with blinding speed. Ss''s keen eyes caught the movement just in time. With a fluid motion, he twisted his body, narrowly dodging the attack. The branch struck the ground behind him, embedding itself deep into the earth.

    "A nature-type mutant," Ss muttered, his gaze scanning the dense forest. "Judging by this environment, I''d bet my life on it."

    Another branch shot out, followed by two more in rapid session. Ss''s reflexes kicked in, and he danced between the attacks, each movement calcted and precise. The branches whizzed past him, slicing through the air with deadly intent.

    As he caught his breath, Ss sensed a sudden, sinister presence behind him. Instinctively, he ducked, feeling the rush of air as three more branches missed him by mere inches. His patience was wearing thin.

    "Where the hell are you?!" he roared, his voice echoing through the forest. "Are you going to hide behind these trees like a coward? I thought you were the god of this damn realm!"

    A branchshed out, coiling around his right arm like a snake. Ss''s scythe materialized in his hand, a cold shimmer of steel. With a swift slice, he severed the branch, its wooden tendrils falling lifeless to the ground.

    "Fine," he growled, his eyes zing with determination. "If you won''te to me, I''ll find you!"

    In a blur of motion, Ss charged forward. His scythe cleaved through the first tree with ease, the ancient wood splintering and crashing to the ground. He didn''t pause, moving from one tree to the next, each swing of his scythe precise and devastating. Leaves and debris filled the air, the forest floor soon littered with fallen giants.

    Finally, only one tree remained, standing tall and defiant. Ss tensed, ready to strike, but he froze as the tree began to shift. Bark cracked and twisted, branches retracting. Slowly, it morphed into a towering, six-foot-tall figure. Its body wasposed of interlocking wooden segments, leaves sprouting from its joints. Its eyes glowed with an ancient, malevolent light.

    A notification appeared in front of Ss:

    [Name: Treebane (Realm''s God)]

    [Grade: 3]

    [HP: 300/300]

    "There you are," Ss muttered, a predatory smirk curling his lips.

    Treebane stood motionless, its leafy eyes fixed on him. The tension between them was palpable, the air thick with the promise of violence.

    Ss dismissed his scythe, cracking his knuckles. "I''m d you finally decided to show yourself. Let''s dance."

    Without warning, heunched forward. His speed was blinding, a mere blur of motion. Before Treebane could react, Ss was upon it. His fist clenched, a shimmering blue aura enveloping it.

    [Soul Jab activated]

    Ss''s punch connected with Treebane''s chest. The impact was explosiveˇŞa thunderous crack echoed through the forest. The force of the blow lifted Treebane off its feet, sending it crashing several meters away. It hit the ground with a heavy thud, motionless.

    Ss approached, his eyes scanning the floating notification above the fallen god.

    [Name: Treebane (Realm''s God)]

    [Grade: 3]

    [HP: 150/300]

    He grinned. "Soul Jab... definitely worth it."

    Treebaney on the ground, struggling to regenerate, its limbs twitching. Ss summoned his Grade 5 scythe, its cold metal gleaming in the dim light. With both hands, he raised it high and swung it down with lethal precision.

    SLASH!

    The scythe cleaved through Treebane''s neck. Dark, purple-tinted sap gushed from the wound, staining the forest floor as the head rolled to the side. The once-mighty god was no more.

    A series of notifications popped up in rapid session:

    [Host has gained 3 extra attribute points.]

    [Skill Card: Nature Maniption obtained.]

    [Congrattions! You have in the Realm''s god.]

    [You have leveled up.]

    [You have leveled up.]

    [You have leveled up.]

    [5 extra attribute points gained.]

    [Active skill: Lightning Dash has leveled up.]

    Ss''s system interface appeared before him:

    ---

    [Name: Ss Griswold]

    Race: Mutant

    Evolution Tier: Tier 3 Soul Devourer

    Level: 73

    Health: 100/100

    Soul Points: 200/200

    Soul Reserve: 100/100

    Attribute Panel:

    Strength: 50

    Speed: 39

    Reflex: 39

    Agility: 44

    Intelligence: 50

    Avable Attribute Points: 128

    Skill Panel:

    Lightning Dash (LVL 4): Boosts speed for 5 seconds. Costs 10 soul points.

    Soul ws (LVL 3): Extends ws from fingertips. Costs 1 soul point.

    Soul Control (LVL 2): Maniptes beings with souls.

    Soul Jab (LVL 1): Channels soul energy into a punch, halving higher-grade opponents'' health.

    Arsenal:

    Grade 3 Chest and Leg Armor

    Grade 4 Sycrax de

    Grade 5 Soul Reaper ScytheN?v(el)B\\jnn

    Grade 5 Dagger

    Ghost Mask and Outfit

    Clone skill card (22)

    Nature maniption skill card

    --------------------------

    """

    A/N: Vote with your tickets and power stones.

 Chapter 138 A day outside

    [Name: Ss Griswold]

    Race: Mutant

    Evolution Tier: Tier 3 Soul Devourer

    Level: 73

    Health: 100/100

    Soul Points: 200/200

    Soul Reserve: 100/100

    Attribute Panel:

    Strength: 50

    Speed: 39

    Reflex: 39

    Agility: 44

    Intelligence: 50

    Avable Attribute Points: 128

    Skill Panel:

    Lightning Dash (LVL 4): Boosts speed for 5 seconds. Costs 10 soul points.

    Soul ws (LVL 3): Extends ws from fingertips. Costs 1 soul point.

    Soul Control (LVL 2): Maniptes beings with souls.

    Soul Jab (LVL 1): Channels soul energy into a punch, halving higher-grade opponents'' health.

    Arsenal:

    Grade 3 Chest and Leg Armor

    Grade 4 Sycrax de

    Grade 5 Soul Reaper Scythe

    Grade 5 Dagger

    Ghost Mask and Outfit

    ---

    Ss examined the glowing screen intently, fingers stroking his chin thoughtfully. The total of 128 unallocated attribute points loomed in his mind, tempting him with limitless potential. Yet, he chose to hoard them for a critical moment, one where survival might hinge on a single point.

    "Or," he mused aloud, eyes narrowing on the lower stats, "maybe I should bring the rest of my attributes up to par with Strength." His gaze lingered on Speed, Reflex, and Agility, each one slightlygging.

    "It makes sense to bnce them all at 50. Then I''ll decide what to do with the remainderter." His decision made, Ss navigated the interface with swift, practiced motions, distributing the points meticulously.

    [Speed + 11]

    [Speed is now 50]

    [Reflex + 11]

    [Reflex is now 50]

    [Agility + 6]

    [Agility is now 50]

    [Attribute points left to distribute: 100]

    A surge of raw, electric energy coursed through his veins as the final points settled. For a fleeting moment, power vibrated in his core, his muscles taut with anticipation. Then, as quickly as it came, the sensation dissipated. He clenched and unclenched his fists, flexing his fingers experimentally, tilting his head to assess any subtle changes.

    "I feel... the same." His brow furrowed slightly in disappointment, dismissing the screen just as a distant rumble echoed. Dust particles trembled; the structure was copsing.

    "Time to leave." He moved to the colossal corpse of the Realm''s god, hacking off its massive wooden hands and head with precise strikes, before turning away. The severed limbs and head thudded heavily into his bag, grotesque trophies of victory.

    He traversed the destendscape, the silence broken only by his footsteps crunching on scattered debris. After several minutes, he reached the sheltered area where Ava and the other female staff members anxiously waited.

    The moment they spotted him approaching, relief and joy washed over their faces. Ava, radiant with gratitude, hurried to meet him, her sapphire-blue eyes glistening.

    "You''re back!" she beamed, her smile warm, eyes fixed on Ss with an almost reverent adoration.

    "Here." Ss handed the monstrous body parts to Shirley and Rose without ceremony. His voice remained even. "We need to leave. The whole ce ising down." He turned, ready to depart, but Ava''s slender hand shot out, gripping his arm. Her touch was firm, earnest.

    "Ss." Her voice was soft yet resolute, her eyes piercing. "You''ve done so much for usˇŞmore than we could ever repay. Because of you, we have jobs. We can support our families. Isn''t there... any way we can repay you?" Her words were solemn, her gaze unwavering.

    A flicker of guilt twisted in Ss''s chest. He knew the truth: his aid wasn''t born of altruism. It was the system''s rewards that motivated him, not some benevolent desire to ease their struggles. Without those incentives, he might have stood idly by, watching them fend for themselves. Yet, here they were, seeing him as a savior.

    Ss remained silent, wrestling with the truth they didn''t know. Finally, he spoke, his tone carefully neutral.

    "You don''t owe me anything. It''s fine. Besides, you''ve already helped me by keeping my secrets."

    Ava''s grip didn''t loosen. "Are you sure? I''ll share my tokens with you. I''ll give you my share of mutant body parts. Even..." She hesitated, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "Even my body."

    Ss''s eyes widened. "Your... body?" His voice wavered, the word almost a whisper.

    "Yes. If that''s what you want." Her gaze didn''t falter, her sincerity striking. The other women nodded in quiet agreement, their expressions earnest.

    Ss''s heart pounded, a rare flutter of nervousness coursing through him. His wide eyes flicked from Ava to the others, uncertainty clouding his usually sharp focus. He hadn''t felt this unsettled in a long time.

    "I already told you, I don''t need you to repay me. Let''s just go," Ss finally replied, pulling his arm away from Ava''s grip. His voice was firm but carried an edge of frustration. "And please, don''t ever offer your body to anyone. You are not a whore. Or are you?" His cold gaze fixed on Ava, and they all shook their heads solemnly, their eyes downcast.

    With that said, Ss turned around and began to walk away, his footsteps echoing in the silence. The women followed closely behind, their earlier expressions of gratitude reced by quiet introspection.

    After a few moments, they arrived back at the area they had departed from. A blue portal shimmered to life, its ethereal glow casting long shadows across the ground. Without hesitation, they stepped inside, vanishing from the copsing realm and reappearing at the construction site.

    The construction site was a hive of activity. Staff members bustled around, preparing for their next raid. Several portal devices glowed intermittently, stationed at various points across the site. The air was thick with the scent of metal and dust, the clinking of tools punctuating the low murmur of voices.

    "Is it just me, or did they clear that realm a little too fast?" a staff member with a mohawk remarked, narrowing his eyes as he watched Ava and her group emerge from the portal.

    "Now that you mention it... I think you''re right. They''re all Grade 1sˇŞhow did they clear the raid so quickly?" another staffer bellowed, disbelief evident in his tone.

    "I was expecting them to call for help after failing to clear it within the eight-hour duration. But here they are," a female staff member muttered, her eyes fixed on the group.

    "Not only that," the man with the mohawk added, his voice lowering, "take a closer look at them. They don''t have a single scratch on them. Not even a bead of sweat. It''s almost like they did nothing at all and still somehow cleared the realm." His eyes narrowed, suspicion creeping into his voice. "Something strange is definitely happening. Something we don''t know about."

    Ss ignored the whispers, walking away from the construction site with an air of detached indifference. He headed straight for his dorm room, his mind upied by thoughts he couldn''t shake. The sun hung high in the sky, its light filtering through the windows as he stepped into his room.

    Without wasting time, he headed straight for the shower. The hot water washed away the dust and tension from the recent battles. Minutester, he emerged, toweling off quickly before slipping back into his uniform.

    Knock! Knock! Knock!

    The sudden sound at the door drew his attention. He walked over and opened it, finding Vic standing there with a grin.

    "Sup, man. d you''re back from your punishment. How was it?" Vic''s voice was casual, but his eyes held a spark of curiosity.

    "Uh... it was fine. What are you doing here?" Ss asked, a hint of surprise flickering across his face.

    "We''re done with the fights at the ranking arena, so we thought we''d go for a stroll outside the academy walls. You know, do some shopping, y some games," Vic replied with a smirk.

    "I don''t think we''re allowed to leave the academy," Ss said, frowning slightly.

    "Rx. Have you forgotten who I am? I''m a Hardcastle. Besides, we''re not the only ones leavingˇŞalmost all the students are out. The academy gave us the day off to do whatever we want," Vic exined, his tone convincing.

    After a moment of contemtion, Ss nodded. "Alright then. Let''s go." He stepped out of the room, shutting the door behind him.

    "Wait, won''t you change? You don''t have to wear the uniform," Vic asked, raising an eyebrow.

    Vic was dressed in a sleek ck long-sleeve shirt and a pair of blue jeans. His long, snow-white hair was braided into two neat its, and a single crimson earring dangled from his left ear.

    "I... don''t really have any other clothes besides this uniform," Ss admitted, a touch of embarrassment in his voice. "Let''s just go."

    "You poor thing," Vic teased, squeezing Ss''s shoulder. "Don''t worry, I''ll get you some new clothes once we get there."

    Together, they walked toward the academy''s main gate. Angelica, David, and Sebastian stood waiting, their expressions rxed but expectant. When the duo arrived, they exited the academy together.

    Outside the gate, a bustling marketce unfolded before them. The air was filled with the scent of exotic foods and the chatter of vendors hawking their wares. Colorful stalls lined the streets, disying everything from trinkets to weapons and rare mutant artifacts. Students roamed the area, theirughter mingling with the hum of activity.

    "Come on, let''s head forward," Vic urged, leading the group deeper into the marketce. After several minutes, they arrived in front of a massive shopping mall, its ss facade reflecting the vibrant energy of the streets.

    "Now this is what I''m talking about," Vic smirked, his eyes gleaming as they entered the mall.

    ---

    Meanwhile, near a secluded corner of the marketce, a green portal flickered ominously. Suppliesy scattered around its base, abandoned by the team that had entered hours ago. The portal shimmered, its light intensifying until a loud crack echoed through the alley.

    Suddenly, the left side of the portal device fractured, sending out a pulse of energy. The portal''s hue shifted from green to a sickly, pulsating glow. From its depths, a guttural growl rumbled, vibrating through the air.

    A shadow emerged, its form monstrous and alien, eyes gleaming with predatory malice. The marketce remained unawareˇŞfor now.

    """N?v(el)B\\jnn

    A/N: Your support will be very much appreciated.

 Chapter 139 A Shifter

    Ss and the group walked into the opulent shopping mall, their eyes widening as they scanned the grand interior. Awe was etched on their faces; for most of them, this was their first time entering such avish ce. Vic, however, merely nced around, his expression calm and collected, seemingly unimpressed.

    Vic belonged to the prestigious Hardcastle family, so he had been in ces far grander than this before.

    The mall was a marvel of modern architecture, with gleaming marble floors, towering ss ceilings, and intricate golden embellishments adorning every corner. There were several sections, each dedicated to different goods: designer clothes, polished shoes, luxury wristwatches, handbags, high-end backpacks, and even specialized sections for mutant weapons, armors, and rare mutant items. The ce bustled with students, all eagerly exploring the aisles, buying essential items for themselves.

    "So, what do you guys want to buy?" Vic asked, a warm smile spreading across his face as he nced at the group.

    "Uhm... I don''t think I''ll be getting anything. I''m kinda low on tokens right now, so there''s not much I can afford," Sebastian responded, scratching his long brown hair awkwardly.

    Continue your adventure at empire

    "Yeah, same here. The only token I have is the one I''m saving to buy a mutant spear," Angelica chimed in, her tone resigned.

    "Don''t worry about that. Just pick whatever you want, and I''ll cover the bill, alright?" Vic dered confidently, his voice booming with assurance.

    "Seriously?" Sebastian blurted out, his eyes widening in disbelief.

    "Of course. Besides being ridiculously handsome, one of the thingsdies love about me is that I''m loaded. So go pick what you want," Vic said with a yful wink, tapping Sebastian''s shoulder.

    "Thanks, man." Sebastian nodded appreciatively before walking away with David and Angelica. The trio headed straight for the section where mutant weapons and armors were disyed.

    "What about you, Ss? What are you going to buy?" Vic asked, shifting his gaze toward Ss.

    Ever since they had arrived at the mall, Ss had been unusually quiet. There was a distant, almost troubled look in his eyes, and his silence hadn''t gone unnoticed.

    "What''s the matter?" Vic pressed, his voice tinged with concern.

    "I can sense something... something powerful," Ss replied in a firm, measured tone.

    "What are you talking about?" Vic''s brows furrowed in confusion.

    "I don''t know. I just feel like there''s something strong in this area. Perhaps a mutant," Ss said, his eyes narrowing.

    "A... mutant?!" Vic''s voice rose slightly. "If there''s a mutant here, it means a realm has copsed, and the mutants have escaped!" he added, rmed.

    "That''s exactly what I''m thinking. Should we check it out?" Ss inquired, his tone serious.

    "I''m not so sure. If a realm has copsed, maybe we should inform the staff instead of dealing with it on our own," Vic suggested hesitantly.

    "Didn''t you hear the announcement earlier? All staff are unavable. The senior staff went on a mission to the Agogjie, while the rest are handling another operation off-world. That''s why we got the day off," Ss exined, his eyes fixed on something unseen.

    "You can stay here if you want, but I''m going to check it out," Ss added with finality, his voice unwavering.

    Vic stared at him for a few moments, realizing Ss had already made up his mind. With a heavy sigh, his shoulders slumped.

    "Alright, then. Let''s check it out real quick. But if it''s something we can''t handle, we leave immediately," Vic bellowed, but Ss was already in motion, dashing towards the exit.

    They both exited the shopping mall, sprinting through the crowded streets. As they advanced, they saw people several meters ahead, running for their lives, panic etched on their faces.

    "What the hell is going on?" Vic muttered, his eyes scanning the chaos. He reached out and grabbed a man frantically running past, halting him in his tracks.

    "What''s happening?" Vic demanded.

    "A... a mutant escaped from its realm! It''s a massacre!" the man stammered, terror evident in his voice. He shoved Vic aside and continued running.

    "I guess you were right. There is a mutant here," Vic acknowledged grimly. "Let''s move."

    They continued forward, the sounds of terrified screams growing louder.

    "Run! Run for your lives!"

    "There''s a mutant! Someone call a guild!"

    "Help! Please, someone help!"

    Their hearts pounded as they took a sharp turn into a quieter street. The moment they saw the mutant, they stopped abruptly, frozen in ce.

    The street was eerily deserted, but the creature stood a few meters away. Its body was pitch ck, resembling a twisted humanoid figure with a grotesque hunchback. Its head was unnaturally low to the ground, almost scraping it. ws like curved des extended from its elongated fingers, and its fangs glistened with blood. Its eyesˇŞpitch ck voidsˇŞradiated a terrifying emptiness.

    The mutant was feasting on an innocent woman, her lifeless body crumpled at its feet. Around it, the street was littered with bodies, each one mangled beyond recognition.

    Ss''s eyes flickered as a red notification screen materialized before him.

    [Name: Shifter]

    [Grade: ????]

    ''A Shifter... damn it,'' Ss cursed internally.

    The system didn''t disy its gradeˇŞShifters belonged to a rare ss of mutants without fixed rankings. However, based on guild reports, their power rivaled Grade 5 mutants.

    But that wasn''t what concerned Ss most.

    The real dangery in the Shifter''s ability to transform humans. A single scratch or bite could turn a person into another Shifter within three minutes. And there were at least fifteen bodies strewn across the ground.

    "Vic, I thinkˇŞ"

    "This is a Shifter," Vic interrupted, his voice grave. "I''ve read about them in my father''s books. One scratch, and we''re done for. We have to get out of here. Now!"

    Ss didn''t reply. His eyes remained locked on the creature, calcting their next move.

    Before the duo could react, the air thickened with an ominous crackle.

    A guttural growl erupted, reverberating through the narrow street. Ss''s heart hammered in his chest as the bodies strewn across the ground twitched violently. With grotesque, bone-snapping sounds, their limbs contorted, joints dislocating and resetting in unnatural positions. Skin stretched and tore as their forms warped, ckened ws bursting from fingertips, and eyes turning an abyssal void.

    The transformation was swift but brutalˇŞeach newly-awakened Shifter rising like a marite with strings pulled taut, their hunched forms oozing menace.

    "Dammit!" Ss muttered, eyes darting between the creatures as they encircled the street. Each shambolic step they took exuded raw, predatory hunger.

    Vic''s face was pale, his usual bravado drained. "We need to moveˇŞnow!" His voice cracked, betraying the fear he fought to suppress.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    ---

    Back in the Academy...

    The portal room buzzed with tension, the hum of energy from the active portal underscoring the grim atmosphere. As Kara emerged, her every step heavy with fatigue and rage, she dropped Sam''s limp body onto the cold metal floor. Blood stained her uniform, a stark contrast to her pale, resolute face.

    Miley stumbled through next, her eyes hollow, followed by us, who staggered slightly but steadied himself. The room fell silent. The assembled staff, witnessing the corpse, wore expressions ranging from horror to disbelief. Some averted their eyes, while others whispered prayers under their breath.

    The doors burst open. Sir Dominic strode in, beads of sweat glistening on his brow. His usuallyposed demeanor was reced by frantic urgency.

    "What the hell happened?" His eyes darted from the body to Kara''s bloodied hands. "Where''s the rest of the team?"

    "They''re dead." us''s voice was t, devoid of emotion.

    Dominic''s face paled. "What? How?" His voice quivered. "WhoˇŞor whatˇŞkilled them?"

    us stepped forward, reaching into his pack. With a grim expression, he withdrew two jagged, onyx-ck horns, each one pulsating with a faint, otherworldly light. He extended them toward Dominic, who recoiled slightly before snatching them, eyes wide with recognition.

    "SycrˇŞSycrax?" Dominic''s voice cracked. "You encountered a Sycrax on Agogjie?"

    "Yes." us''s tone wasced with bitter exhaustion. "They were waiting for us. It wasn''t abandonedˇŞit was a trap. They nned to kill us and use the portal to invade Earth."

    Dominic''s hands trembled as he clutched the horns. "But...we had intelligence. We checked the reportsˇŞ"

    "False intelligence." Kara''s voice cut through, ice-cold. She fixed him with a re that could freeze magma. "We trusted your information, and now our people are dead because of it."

    Dominic stammered, "How was I supposed to know? IˇŞ"

    "You didn''t verify!" Kara''s voice rose, eyes zing. "Because of your negligence, we walked into an ambush. Do you even understand the scale of what you''ve done?"

    us interjected, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Well, I saved both of you, didn''t I? Maybe a little gratitude is in order."

    "Gratitude?" Kara''s eyes narrowed, sparks of her lightning ability crackling at her fingertips. "You think I needed saving? I could''ve taken six of those things alone."

    "Enough!" Dominic''s voice boomed, silencing the room. His eyes were hard now, no trace of the earlier panic. "We don''t have time for me. We''ve got a bigger problem." His gaze swept over the room, pausing to meet each pair of eyes. "Barry didn''t return. And if he doesn''t... it means one of the Eternal Families has lost a member."

    A ripple of fear passed through the room. The Eternal FamiliesˇŞancient, powerful, and ruthless. Their vengeance was legendary, and Barry''s absence spelled trouble far beyond any Sycrax ambush.

 Chapter 140 Increasing the strength attribute

    In the blink of an eye, the bodies that had oncein motionless in pools of blood began to rise. Bones twisted in unimaginable ways, the sound of cracking and popping filling the air with a grotesque symphony. They grew to towering heights, their backs arching as if pulled by an invisible force, and their spines jutted out grotesquely. Eyes turned pitch ck, void of humanity, while long, razor-sharp ws extended from fingertips that twitched with newfound malevolence. Within moments, they had fully transformed into the monstrous Shifters that had consumed them earlier.

    Vic swallowed hard, his breath caught in his throat. Fear etched every line of his face, his eyes wide and locked on the advancing creatures.

    "Oh, shit, Ss! We need to get out of here right now!" Vic''s voice quivered, panic bubbling in every word.

    "There''s no point in running," Ss responded, his tone grim and steady, his gaze fixed unflinchingly on the Shifters. "They''ll catch us if we try."

    "We''ll see about that." Vic spun around, desperation propelling him forward. But before he could take even one step, a Shifter leaped through the air, covering the distance in an instant,nding directly in front of him with a bone-jarring thud.

    Vic stumbled back, heart hammering in his chest. "Okay, maybe you''re right." He swallowed again, his voice barely more than a whisper.

    "Our only option is to fight until help arrives. Someone must''ve called the guildˇŞthey''re probably already on their way. We just need to hold out and avoid getting injured until they get here." Ss''s voice was firm, resolute. With a flick of his wrist, his Grade 5 scythe materialized in his hand, its dark de gleaming menacingly.

    The Shifter in front of Vic lunged, its poisonous ws shing through the air with deadly intent. Just as the ws were mere inches from Vic''s chest, Ss tightened his grip on the scythe and swung it with all his strength.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    CLANG!

    Metal shed against bone, the sound ringing through the space as the scythe deflected the attack. The force of the impact pushed the Shifter''s arm backward, and it staggered, only to regain bnce almost instantly. Itunched forward again, ws shing wildly.

    Ss dodged, his movements fluid, the ws missing him by inches. "This thing is fast," he muttered under his breath, eyes narrowing. He countered immediately, swinging his scythe toward the Shifter''s outstretched arm.

    When the de struck, his eyes widened. It felt like striking solid metal, the attack leaving only a shallow gash.

    "Another one with tough skin!" Ss cursed internally, anger ring in his eyes.

    Stay tuned with empire

    "Oh, shit!" Vic''s voice rose in rm as the rest of the Shifters surged forward, their movements a blur of speed and malice.

    With a stomp of his foot, Vic summoned three jagged earth spikes. He thrust his hand forward, sending them hurtling toward the advancing creatures. The spikes flew through the air, but shattered on impact, turning to dust. The Shifters kepting.

    "Damn it!" Vic gritted his teeth, stomping again to summon another barrage. This time, the Shifters met the spikes head-on, their ws slicing effortlessly through the projectiles.

    The Shifters surged forward, a blur of sinewy muscle and razor-sharp ws. They tore through the spears as if they were fragile twigs, splinters scattering in their wake. Their predatory eyes locked onto Vic, and with a sudden, terrifying lunge, they shed out, ws slicing through the air like deadly des. At thest possible second, Vic leapt backward, his breath catching as the talons missed him by a hair''s breadth, the force of the strike ruffling his clothes.

    "Ss!" Vic''s voice was raw with urgency, his movements a blur as he twisted and dodged, narrowly avoiding another deadly swipe. "These things aren''t just strongˇŞthey''re relentless! And we''re outnumbered! There''s no way we can win this on our own!" His eyes darted to Ss, desperation flickering across his face as he narrowly sidestepped another attack.

    Ss''s eyes narrowed, the gears in his mind turning rapidly. He knew they couldn''t sustain this fight much longer. Then, a thought sparked, sharp and clear. Without hesitation, he barked themand.

    "Activate Clone Skill Card!"

    [Skill Card: Clones has been activated.]

    The air shimmered, a ripple of energy cascading outward. In an instant, a dozen identical clones materialized beside him, each a perfect replica, eyes cold and determined. Then, like a synchronized wave, each clone created another. The battlefield filled with their presence, a formidable army of doppelgangers ready to fight.

    Vic''s jaw dropped, his eyes widening with disbelief. "You''ve got to be kidding me! Just how many tricks do you have up your sleeve, you bastard?" he blurted, the shock evident in his voice. His gaze flickered between Ss and the advancing clones, awe and disbelief battling for dominance.

    Ss didn''t waste time with a reply. With a fierce roar, he charged the nearest Shifter, scythe gleaming like a crescent moon. His clones mirrored his movements, spreading out to confront the rest of the feral beasts. The sh was instantaneous and brutal.

    Ss closed the distance with his target, muscles coiling like springs. He swung his scythe in a powerful arc, the de slicing through the air with lethal precision. But the Shifter reacted with astonishing speed, its ws deflecting the strike. Metal nged against bone, a deafening sound that reverberated through the battlefield.

    Undeterred, Ss pressed the attack, sidestepping the creature''s counterstrike. Its ws sliced past his face, so close he could feel the wind of its passage. Gritting his teeth, he swung again, aiming for the creature''s nk.

    CLAK!

    The scythe struck home, but the resistance was immense. It felt like hitting solid rock, and the de left only a shallow scratch. Frustration red in Ss''s eyes. "Damn it! This skin is like armor! My scythe''s grade is no better than theirsˇŞI need more power!" he thought, muscles tensed with urgency.

    The Shifter''s next strike came with terrifying speed. Its ws sliced through the air, a blur of lethal intent. Ss raised his scythe to block, the impact sending a jolt through his body, forcing him back several steps. He barely had time to catch his breath before the creature was on him again, shing out.

    He leapt backward, heart pounding. The tip of one w grazed his chest, a thin line of blood welling up. His mind raced. He knew the Shifters'' bite or scratch could turn a human into one of them.

    "Oh, shit," he muttered, eyes wide with a mix of fear and determination. But before panic could take hold, a notification shed before his eyes.

    [A poisonous infection has been detected.]

    [Poison has been nullified.]

    Relief flooded through him, the scratch sealing itself in an instant. Ss grinned, the tension easing slightly. The Shifter roared, charging again, its eyes burning with fury.

    "If brute force isn''t enough, then I''ll just have to amplify it," Ss decided, tightening his grip on the scythe.

    [50 points have been added to your strength.]

    Raw power surged through him, a torrent of energy that made his muscles feel like they could crush steel. The Shifter lunged, ws poised to strike. Ss didn''t hesitate. He swung his scythe with all his might.

    The creature''s ws met the de, but this time, the impact was shattering. Bone splintered, shards flying. Dark purple blood spurted from the mangled hand, and the Shifter howled in agony.

    Ss didn''t let up. He closed the distance, scythe shing. The de tore into the creature''s arm, a deep, gaping wound opening up. Blood gushed, staining the ground. The Shifter staggered, but before it could recover, Ss leapt into the air, raising his scythe high.

    CHUK!

    The de buried itself in the creature''s skull with a sickening crunch. Blood poured like a dark river, and the Shifter crumpled, lifeless.

    [Congrattions, you have in a Shifter.]

    Ss, panting, yanked the scythe free. He scanned the battlefield. His clones were faltering; only five of the original twenty-four remained. Each blow they took drained his soul points. But now, with his enhanced strength, they began turning the tide,nding hits, and taking down Shifters. Each kill restored his energy bit by bit.

    Vic was still locked in battle, sweat streaming down his face. He fought valiantly, summoning earthen barriers, deflecting blows, striking back. He was outmatched, but he refused to yield.

    Ss activated another Clone Skill Card. A dozen fresh clones appeared. He gave the order, and they charged.

    SLASH!

    SLASH!

    SLASH!

    Heads rolled. Dark blood pooled. The battlefield grew silent.

    [Congrattions, you have in all Shifters.]

    [No rewards granted: Host failed toplete the hidden quest.]

    [Hidden quest: Ensure no one is infected by the Shifters.]

    Ss frowned, puzzled. "Hidden quest? I wasn''t aware of any quest," he thought. His eyes narrowed. "I killed them allˇ­ didn''t I?"

    He turned, suspicion ring, eyes locking onto Vic.

    """

    A/N: New Month begins by 5pm..I hope I get a new month magic Castle like the rest of them, haha.

    Also, we will be returning back to two to three Chapters daily in this new month, so don''t forget to vote and support. Thanks for reading.

 Chapter 141 Are you infected?

    The hidden quest required Ss to eliminate all the Shifters and prevent them from infecting anyone else, turning them into more of those creatures. Ss had killed everyst Shifter on his own, including the one that had been attacking Vic. Yet, for some inexplicable reason, he had failed the quest.

    If all the Shifters were dead, the only usible exnation was that someone had already been infected. The only people present were Ss and Vic. Ss knew without a doubt that he wasn''t infectedˇŞthe system had cured him. That left only one possibility: Vic.

    Ss shifted his gaze toward Vic, who stood a few meters away, panting heavily and wiping beads of sweat from his forehead with his sleeve. His expression was one of exhaustion and relief,pletely unaware of the scrutiny he was under.

    Ss scrutinized him for several minutes, his eyes scanning Vic''s face and posture, searching for any sign that something was amiss. However, after careful observation, he couldn''t detect anything unusual. Vic looked... normal. Too normal.

    ''It takes at least ten minutes for someone scratched to turn into a Shifter. It''s only been three minutes since the fight ended. I''ll need to keep a close watch on him,'' Ss thought, ncing briefly at his wristwatch before fixing his eyes back on Vic, every second ticking by with heavy significance.

    "Hey, Ss, good job," Vic called out, walking towards him, his smile weary but genuine.

    Without warning, Ss summoned his Grade 5 sword, the de shimmering with a cold, deadly light. He pointed it directly at Vic, the tip hovering just inches from his neck.

    Vic froze mid-step, his eyes widening in shock and confusion. "What''s gotten into you, man? It''s me... Vic," he stammered, his voice tinged with disbelief. He raised his hands slowly, making sure not to make any sudden movements that might provoke Ss.

    "How are you feeling, Vic? Are you okay? Do you feel... different?" Ss''s voice was calm but icy, the de unwavering.

    Vic''s brow furrowed deeply. "What''s with the questions all of a sudden?" he asked, his voice cautious and wary.

    "Just answer the goddamn question, Vic!" Ss snapped, his eyes narrowing, his voice a low growl.

    Vic flinched slightly but responded, "Aside from feeling drained after using my ability continuously, I''m fine. Why are you asking?" His eyes searched Ss''s face for an answer, his confusion growing.

    "Were you injured by the Shifters? Did they scratch or bite you?" Ss pressed, his tone colder now, his grip tightening on the hilt of his sword.

    Vic let out an exasperated breath. "I just told you, I''m fine! And no, I wasn''t bitten or scratched."

    "How sure are you?" Ss''s eyes bore into Vic''s, his gaze unrelenting.

    Vic''s frustration red, his voice rising with anger. "What the hell do you mean? You think I wouldn''t know if I was bitten? What''s with this interrogation?" he snapped, his fists clenching.

    Ss nced at his wristwatch again. Two minutes remained before the critical ten-minute mark. Each second felt like a countdown to an unknown verdict.

    "Just... stand over there for now," Ss ordered, his voice firm, his knuckles white from gripping the sword hilt.

    Vicplied, his movements stiff with tension, his eyes filled with a mix of anger and confusion. The seconds dragged on, each one stretching into an eternity. Ss watched Vic like a hawk, every muscle in his body coiled like a spring. He silently prayed that Vic wouldn''t turn. If Vic transformed, Ss knew he would have no choice but to kill him. It wouldn''t be his friend he''d be fighting anymoreˇŞit would be a monster.

    The clock continued its relentless countdown. Ss''s eyes darted between his wristwatch and Vic, searching for any sign of transformation. Finally, the ten minutes passed. Ss exhaled a deep, shuddering sigh of relief and lowered his de.

    Vic mirrored him, letting out a long breath and wiping the sweat from his forehead. "I''m sorry, man," Ss said, his voice softer now. "I was just... really worried about you. I couldn''t bear the thought of you turning into one of those things."

    Vic ced a reassuring hand on Ss''s shoulder. "It''s fine. I understand. If I ever do turn into one of those... end me before I draw my first breath," he said, his voice heavy with resolve. Enjoy new chapters from empireN?v(el)B\\jnn

    "Don''t talk like that. None of us will end up like that," Ss replied, forcing a faint, reassuring smile.

    Suddenly, the sound of footsteps echoed behind them. Both men spun around, tensing instinctively. A group was approaching from the distance.

    The neers consisted of three men and a young girl, all d in scaly green armor. Swords were strapped at their waists, their expressions serious and watchful.

    "Who are they?" Ss whispered, his eyes narrowing as he took in the approaching figures.

    Vic studied them for a moment, recognition flickering in his eyes. "I know that armorˇŞthey''re from the Aqua zing Guild. Just act normal. If they ask about the Shifters, tell them a Solo Ranger arrived and took care of everything," he murmured.

    The group halted in front of them. Ss''s eyes widened slightly, sensing an immense, powerful aura emanating from the girl. ''What is this power? It''s alling from her,'' he thought, his gaze fixed on her with newfound wariness.

    Meanwhile, the girl, Roxy, felt a simrly powerful presence but couldn''t pinpoint its source. ''This aura isn''t like anything I''ve felt from humans. It''s almost like the energy my father radiates when he''s angry,'' she mused, her eyes narrowing as they settled on Vic. ''It''sing from him,'' she concluded.

    One of the men, Baldwin, cleared his throat. His voice was deep and authoritative. "Afternoon, boys. We received a call about a copsing realm and mutants spilling through the portal."

    Vic nodded, gesturing to the lifeless Shifters nearby. "Yes, sir. As you can see, they''re all dead."

    """"

    A/N: It''s a new month, don''t forget to vote with your Golden Tickets and support with gifts also.

 Chapter 142 Reunion

    Baldwin''s eyes followed Vic''s pointed finger, and when his gazended on the lifeless corpses of the Shifters, a slight frown deepened the lines on his face. The air around the bodies was thick with the metallic scent of blood, mingling with the acrid stench of burnt flesh.

    "Seems they''re all dead, just like you said," Baldwin muttered, striding purposefully toward the bodies. He crouched down, his sharp eyes narrowing as they swept over the gruesome remains. The blood-soaked ground told a tale of violence and precision. "You lot did this?" he asked, disbelief coloring his tone as his gaze flicked back to Vic, his brows raised in suspicion.

    "You really think we''re strong enough to take down all these monsters?" Vic shot back, his voice firm but carrying an edge of nervous tension. He made an effort to keep his tone steady, swallowing down the urge to stammer and betray any sign of weakness. "No, we didn''t kill them. A Solo Ranger arrived before they could attack us and took care of them all."

    "A Solo Ranger, you say?" Baldwin''s eyes narrowed further, his expression unreadable. "Who was this ranger, if I may ask?" His hands ran over the deep gashes on one of the Shifters, fingers tracing the lethal wounds.

    "I don''t know," Vic admitted, shaking his head. "Never seen him before, and he didn''t bother introducing himself. He was too busy fighting. All I know is, the guy was incredibly skilled," he added, his voice gaining confidence.

    "I can see that," Baldwin murmured, his eyes scanning the scene with a critical eye. "Judging by the precision of these injuries, he dispatched them with a single strike each. Not many have that kind of skill." He straightened, his towering figure casting a long shadow over the corpses. "What grade was this Solo Ranger, again?" he pressed, his curiosity sharpening.

    "Uh... I couldn''t see his skill slot because of his coat, but from what I saw of his strength and speed, I''d guess he''s a Grade 4 or maybe even higher," Vic affirmed, his voice steady but his eyes flicking nervously.

    "I see." Baldwin''s gaze returned to the corpses, his brow furrowing in thought. "And why didn''t he collect the valuable parts after killing them?" His voice held a hint of suspicion, as if probing for inconsistencies in Vic''s story.

    "I honestly have no idea," Vic replied, shrugging. "If I had to guess, it''s because they''re Shifters. We both know parts from these kinds of mutants don''t fetch a good price on the market," he reasoned, trying to sound nonchnt.

    "You''re right," Baldwin conceded, his tone softening. "No one wants to buy parts from a mutant that was once human. It''s practically like selling human body parts." He straightened fully, turning back to face the group. "That''s one reason most guilds and Solo Rangers avoid realms dominated by Shifters. Too much hassle for too little reward."

    His eyes swept over the group, settling on each of them in turn. "You''re lucky that Solo Ranger showed up when he did. One scratch from those things, and it''s game over," he warned, his voice dropping to a low growl. "Head back to the academy. My team and I will handle the rest here."

    "Thank you, sir," Vic nodded, his voice respectful but tense. He turned to Ss, who had been silent the entire time, his expression unreadable. "Come on, mate," Vic said, tapping Ss on the shoulder. Without another word, they turned and began walking away.

    As Ss passed by Roxy, he felt a surge of energy radiating from her. It was strong, almost palpable. She felt it too, but her eyes flicked to Vic, assuming the power came from him. After all, he seemed to be the strongest.

    ''Could he be the Host?'' Roxy pondered internally as she stole a nce at Vic.

    "I didn''t catch your name!" Baldwin''s voice rang out just as they reached the edge of the clearing. They turned around to face him, the tension thick in the air.

    "I''m Victor. Victor Hardcastle," Vic announced, his voice ringing with confidence. "And this is Ss Griswold."

    "Hardcastle... I knew your face looked familiar," Baldwin mused, a flicker of recognition in his eyes. "I used to work for your family, back in the day. That was before I got fired and ended up in the Aqua zing Guild."

    "Oh, I see," Vic responded, an awkward note in his voice. "Sorry about that." With a quick nod, he turned and walked away, Ss trailing behind him.

    Once they were out of earshot, Baldwin''s expression darkened. He turned to his team, a cunning smirk curling his lips. "Gather the valuable parts from these mutants," he ordered, his voice low and conspiratorial. "We''ll sell them at the Blood Market or the ck Market. Once we make the sale, we''ll split the tokens evenly." His eyes gleamed with greed.

    ---

    Ss and Vic walked in silence down the deserted street, the echoes of their footsteps the only sound in the eerie stillness. The once-bustling thoroughfare was now empty, the vibrant life of the city reced by an oppressive silence. The air was thick with the scent of fear and blood; crimson stains marked the spots where panicked citizens had fallen in their desperate flight.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

    This was the first time a realm had copsed here, and the chaos had left the entiremunity on edge. Doors and windows were shut tight, curtains drawn against the horrors outside.

    They walked on for several minutes, their pace unhurried but purposeful. Finally, they arrived at the shopping mall. Vic pushed the door open, and they stepped inside, the familiar scent of stale air greeting them. A few meters away, their friends stood waiting.

    Angelica''s face lit up the moment she saw them. Without hesitation, she dashed forward, her long hair flowing behind her. Vic grinned, opening his arms wide, ready for the warm embrace.

    But she bypassed him, throwing her arms around Ss instead. The embrace was tight, almost desperate, and Ss could feel her soft, ample chest pressed against him. The warmth of the hug took him by surprise, and he stood there, stiff and unresponsive, like a statue.

    Vic''s face flushed, a mix of surprise and frustration ying across his features. His arms dropped awkwardly to his sides.

    After what felt like an eternity, Angelica pulled away, her eyes soft with concern. "I heard what happened. I''m so d you''re okay," she whispered, her voice trembling.

    "Uh... hello?" Vic''s voice broke the moment, his tone edged with irritation. "I was there too, you know! Aren''t you worried about me?"

    Angelicaughed softly, turning to him. She hugged him too, her arms tight around his shoulders. The gesture caught him off guard, and he stood frozen for a moment before returning the hug, a slow smile spreading across his face.

    "I''m d you''re okay too, Vic," she murmured.

    Vic pulled back, his confidence returning. "There''s no way I''d go down that easily. No need to worry."

    Sebastian approached, throwing an arm around their shoulders. "So, what happened out there? I heard there were Shifters everywhere. Give us the details."

    Vic cleared his throat, a dramatic ir in his voice. "Alright, here''s how it all went down..."

    As Vic  kept speaking, Ss couldn''t help but feel there was definitely something off about him.

 Chapter 143 Cobrafang family

    The staff members were still gathered in the portal room, their faces etched with tension and worry after hearing Sir Dominic''s shocking revtion. The atmosphere was thick, an almost palpable sense of dread hanging heavily in the air, pressing down on everyone present.

    "What do you mean Barry was a member of the Eternal Families?" Kara''s voice trembled slightly, her wide eyes fixed on Sir Dominic, disbelief radiating from her every word.

    "Yes, he was. Barry was the youngest son of the Cobrafang family," Sir Dominic replied gravely, his tone heavy with the weight of the revtion. Gasps echoed through the room, jaws dropping in stunned silence. "The head of the family ced him here as a staff member so we could hone his abilities and give him exposure to how the outside world operates. They were grooming him for the future. And now... he''s dead. What do you think will happen when they find out?" His voice grew sharper, a mixture of anger and worry punctuating every syble.

    Everyone in the room knew exactly who the ten Eternal Families wereˇŞand they understood the significance of the Cobrafang family. Ruthless, powerful, and feared, the Cobrafangs were not a family anyone would dare cross. Those who had made that mistake in the past had never lived to tell the tale.

    Whispers and rumors surrounded the Cobrafangs, tales shared in hushed conversations. Some said their leader had once been a full serpentine mutant, a creature of legend, who had evolved to gain human features. Fact or myth, the fear they instilled was very real.

    Most members of the Eternal Families descended from mutant lineage but retained human appearances, seamlessly blending into society. Their presence was a silent shadow over the world, their power hidden beneath a fa?ade of normalcy. It was nearly impossible to differentiate them from ordinary humans, adding to their mystique and danger.

    Their history traced back to the warˇŞa time of chaos and upheaval. During those dark years, certain mutants with human-like features chose to stand with humanity, fighting against their more destructive kin. They allied with scientists, contributing to the development of skill slots and the first bestowing and awakening processes that changed the course of history.

    When the war finally ended, humanity had no choice but to acknowledge the contributions of these powerful beings. The first human awakeners and the mutants who had fought beside them were elevated as leaders. Thus, the ten Eternal Families were bornˇŞpowerful, revered, and untouchable.

    Their abilities were on an entirely different level. They far surpassed ordinary mutants, their powers transcending the limits of conventional skill slots. Unlike regr ability users, they didn''t need these slots to harness or control their powers. Their abilities couldn''t be recorded or restricted, making them formidable and unpredictable.

    "What do we do, Sir? If the Cobrafang family attacks us, it''s game over. We won''t survive," Mikey spoke up, his voice shaking, fear shing in his eyes.

    "You''re right, Mikey. The head of the Cobrafang family could wipe out this entire city in seconds," Sir Dominic acknowledged, his voice tight with anxiety. "But we have no choice. We must inform him. We''ll be honest and hope for the best," he added, his jaw set with grim determination.

    "I can already predict his reaction... and what will be left of this ce once he''s done with us. Ashes to ashes," us remarked, his voice soft, almost indifferent. His expression was unreadable, hands casually tucked into his pockets as if discussing the weather.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

    "You''re not helping, us," Kara snapped, ring at him, her voice sharp with anger and disdain.

    Sir Dominic raised a hand, quieting the room. "We have to inform them about Barry''s death. Hiding it will only worsen the situation. If they discover the truthter, it will be catastrophic for all of us." His eyes locked onto a female staff member standing across the room. "Send a message to the Cobrafang family. Tell them... Barry Cobrafang is dead."

    The woman nodded, her face pale, before hurrying out of the room, her footsteps echoing in the heavy silence.

    "So, what now?" Kara''s voice was quieter, her eyes searching Sir Dominic''s face for answers.

    "Now, we wait. Once he receives the message, he wille. I know that much for certain. The only question is whether he''lle to destroy us... or to settle things peacefully," Sir Dominic said, his voice heavy with uncertainty. Without another word, he turned and walked out of the room.

    The staff stood there, motionless, absorbing the gravity of the situation before slowly exiting the portal room, each lost in their thoughts.

    ---

    Somewhere beyond Earth...

    On a distant known as hadiri, a towering structure dominated the heart of thendscape. It pierced the green-hued sky, its exterior aplex tapestry of gleaming scales. The building''s countless windows reflected the surreal surroundings, their surfaces catching shes of light and shadow.

    At the center of the structure, a golden emblem loomedrge. It bore the image of a cobra''s head, its red tongue striking out menacingly, framed by two crossed katana desˇŞa chilling symbol of the Cobrafang family''s dominion.

    Inside the colossal building, life bustled with a fierce intensity. Warriors d in scaly red armor moved with purpose, some training rigorously, their grunts and shouts echoing through vast halls. Others sat at terminals, their fingers flying over keyboards, analyzing data, and coordinating operations. In other sections, teams prepared for raids, their armor glinting under harsh lights, while others simply lingered, observing, waiting.

    The entrance to the centralputer room slid open with a whisper of steel, and a middle-aged man entered, exuding an aura of quiet menace. His presence was maic yet terrifying; the room fell silent as he stepped inside.

    Short ck hair streaked with grey framed a face etched with deep lines, his eyes dark and piercing. His expression was unreadable, yet there was a palpable sense of danger about him. d in a perfectly tailored crimson suit, his posture was upright, his hands sped behind his back.

    The air grew thick as he approached, the silent tension suffocating. Caspian Cobrafang, the patriarch of the Cobrafang family, made his way toward a woman engrossed in her work at one of theputer terminals.

    "I believe you have information for me," Caspian''s voice was a deep, resonant growl that filled the room, every word carrying an unspoken threat.

    "Yes, sir. A message has arrived from the mutant academy," the woman responded, her voice steady despite the visible tension in her shoulders.

    """

    A/N: 20 Golden Tickets= 3 extra chapters.

    A Magic Castle= 20 extra chapters.

 Chapter 144 Pay a visit

    "I believe you have information for me," Caspian''s voice was a deep, resonant growl that filled the room, every word carrying an unspoken threat that seemed to seep into the air, thickening the tension around him. His presence alone was enough to send ripples of unease through the room, his eyes cold and calcting as he stared at the woman standing before him.

    "Yes, sir. A message has arrived from the mutant academy," the woman responded, her voice steady, betraying none of the nerves tightening her chest, though the tension in her shoulders was evident. She hesitated for just a fraction of a moment before she continued, as though bracing herself for the storm that was sure toe.

    Caspian''s eyes narrowed, his impatience growing palpable. "And may I ask what the content of the message is?" His tone was a sharpmand, the pressure of his authority pressing down on her, forcing her to act quickly.

    The woman nodded, her fingers trembling slightly as she turned back to the screen. She clicked on the message and waited for it to load, her breath shallow as she scanned the words that appeared.

    The message was brief, almost chilling in its simplicity.

    "Your son is dead."

    The words felt like a blow to the chest. For a moment, Caspian stood still, his mind racing, his thoughts a blur. Then, the fire of rage ignited in his blood. His fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white, the muscles in his arms trembling with the force of his anger. His jaw clenched as he fought to restrain himself.

    "That''s it?" He ground out, his voice thick with barely contained fury. His eyes flicked to the woman, daring her to speak any further.

    "Yes, sir. That''s all it says. It appears yourst son, the one you sent to the mutant academy, is dead." The woman''s voice quivered ever so slightly, but she maintained herposure, despite the fact that everyone in the room could feel the storm building.

    Caspian''s eyes burned with fury, the anger that had been simmering inside him now threatening to boil over.

    "My son is dead, and this is all they had to say?" His voice rose, sharp and dangerous, as the words tore through the room like a whip. "They sent me a text, as though he were nothing more than some stray animal that died in the street! No exnation, no remorseˇŞnothing!"

    The people in the room flinched, instinctively stepping back, their eyes darting nervously between Caspian and each other. The silence stretched for a few unbearable moments before Caspian spoke again, his voice now low but filled with a dark, menacing undertone.

    "It''s been a while since we''ve involved ourselves with the affairs on Earth," he muttered, more to himself than anyone else. His gaze flicked toward the window, his mind clearly working over the situation, piecing together the fragments of his fury. "And now, because of that, they''re looking down on us. Treating us like we''re nothing."

    He turned slowly, his eyes sweeping over the room, his gaze cold and calcting. "I guess I''ll have to pay the academy a visit," he said, his voice heavy with the promise of retribution. The finality in his tone left no room for argument.

    The others in the room nodded quickly, a nervous energy rippling through them as they realized the gravity of the situation. They all knew what Caspian was capable of, and none of them wanted to be caught in his wrath.

    "I want you to inform them of my arrival," Caspian continued, his voice smooth yet ominous. "And make sure they understand that I won''t being with a smile on my face." His words hung in the air, a warning that left no room for misunderstanding. He turned on his heel, his ck cloak swirling around him, and strode out of the room without another word.

    ---

    Back at the mutant academy...

    The atmosphere in the cafeteria was tense. News about the Shifters had spread like wildfire, and students were once again being called back to the academy to focus on more pressing matters. Ss and the others made their way through the crowded cafeteria, finding a table in the far corner to settle down.

    As they ate, their conversation drifted to topics that felt inconsequential in the face of everything that was happening. They spoke of mundane things, like recent incidents around the academy and how the tension in the air had grown thicker over the past few days.

    Hourster, the cafeteria emptied, the noise gradually dying down as the students made their way to their respective rooms. Ss was no exception. He made his way down the quiet hallway, pushing the door of his room open. With a weary sigh, he tossed himself onto the bed, the coolness of the sheets offering him a brief moment offort.

    He spoke up, summoning the interface of his system. The familiar glow of the screen illuminated his room, casting soft light across the walls.

    ---

    [Name: Ss Griswold]

    Race: Mutant

    Evolution Tier: Tier 3 Soul Devourer

    Level: 73

    Health: 100/100

    Soul Points: 200/200

    Soul Reserve: 100/100

    Attribute Panel:

    Strength: 100

    Speed: 50

    Reflex: 50

    Agility: 50N?v(el)B\\jnn

    Intelligence: 50

    Avable Attribute Points: 50

    Skill Panel:

    Lightning Dash (LVL 5): Boosts speed for 5 seconds. Costs 10 soul points.

    Soul ws (LVL 3): Extends ws from fingertips. Costs 1 soul point.

    Soul Control (LVL 2): Maniptes beings with souls.

    Soul Jab (LVL 1): Channels soul energy into a punch, halving higher-grade opponents'' health.

    Arsenal:

    Grade 3 Chest and Leg Armor

    Grade 4 Sycrax de

    Grade 5 Soul Reaper Scythe

    Grade 5 Dagger

    Ghost Mask and Outfit

    Clone skill card (22)

    Nature maniption skill card

    ---

    Ss frowned as his eyes scanned the screen, frustration building in his chest. The rewards he had been eagerly anticipating after tracking down and ying the Shifters had not materialized. He had volunteered for the mission, expecting something to show for his efforts, but instead, he had received nothing. Nothing but the sting of a failure he didn''t even understand. A quest he was sure he hadpleted... yet the system had failed to deliver.

    "If you don''t want to give me rewards, just say it," he muttered bitterly. "There''s no need to act all cryptic and wise about it. I know Ipleted the damn quest!" His words were harsh, but there was no one in the room to hear his frustration. His voice softened slightly as he let the anger subside, turning his attention back to the screen.

    "It''s been a while since thest evolution quest... maybe the system is preparing something bigger. After all, I''m about to evolve into a whole new ss. It wouldn''t make sense for it to be easy," Ss mused. He clicked on the [shop] tab, hoping to find something that would ease his frustration or at least improve his situation.

    The screen morphed as he entered the shop, and without hesitation, he put his Grade 5 katana de up for sale. Within seconds, the de vanished from his arsenal, and a notification popped up indicating the transaction wasplete. The amount of tokens in his ount increased by 3 million.

    Ss stared at the number for a moment, the disappointment creeping in. He had bought the de for 5 million tokens, yet he had only sold it for 3 million. "Have I been scammed, or is it because I''ve already used it?" he wondered aloud. He didn''t dwell on it for long and instead continued scrolling through the avable items, looking for something that might prove more worthwhile.

    His eyes settled on a couple of potions: one that restored health over a 24-hour period, and another that did the same for soul points. Each cost 1,000 tokens, and Ss bought four of each, adding them to his arsenal. He also purchased an upgrade chip, a device that could enhance mutant weapons or armor.

    Ss swiftly used the chip to upgrade his armor to Grade 4. It was an expensive process, and by the time he finished, his 3 million tokens had dwindled down to just 1 million. Still, the progress was satisfactory, and for the moment, that was enough.

    With the screen dismissed, Ss closed his eyes, his body rxing as he slept off.

    ---

    Meanwhile, in the VIP section of the academy, Vic stood before his bathroom mirror, his reflection a far cry from the neat andposed figure he usually presented. His once neat snow-white hair was now disheveled and matted with sweat, his face flushed and slick with the exertion of his struggle. His body trembled as he panted heavily, the physical effort of maintaining hisposure taking its toll on him.

    He had been trying so hard to act normal around the group, to keep his facade intact, but something was wrong. He could feel it in every muscle, every breath he took.

    His body was betraying him, and no matter how much he tried to hide it, the signs of strain were unmistakable. Vic''s hands gripped the sink, his knuckles turning white as his gaze remained locked on his reflection.

    "Argh!" Vic grunted, his breathing out in short, ragged bursts as a sudden, sharp pain sliced through his ribs. His hand instinctively shot to his side, clutching at the aching area.

    The pain was like a fire, spreading from the center of his body outward, making his skin tingle with the heat. Desperate, he ripped his shirt off, revealing the raw, angry skin beneath.

    The sight made his blood run cold. A long, jagged scratch mark marred the flesh just beneath his ribs, and what looked like dark, almost tar-like liquid was spreading from the wound, seeping into his skin.

    "Shit." Vic''s voice cracked as he stood there, frozen in horror. His eyes widened in terror as he took in the sight. The dark liquid, which appeared almost unnatural, had no ce in his body.

    "That... that bastard scratched me!" he muttered, his voice a low growl of anger and disbelief. The realization hit him like a freight train

 Chapter 145 You are changing

    Vic''s heart pounded in his chest as he nced down at the injury on his ribs. Just one look, and he could tellˇŞthe wound was from the shifter''s ws. The more he stared, the clearer the memory became, each moment reying in vivid, excruciating detail.

    It had happened so quickly. The shifter had lunged at him, its ws slicing through the air with terrifying speed. Vic had managed to swerve to the side at the veryst second, barely dodging the full force of the attack. But in that chaotic moment, he hadn''t realized one of its ws had grazed him.

    He hadn''t noticed the scratch at first. Even when Ss had been interrogating him, Vic had been clueless. He hadn''t known that Ss was rightˇŞthat the shifter''s ws had, in fact, marked him.

    "Damn it. This is not good." Vic swallowed hard, his entire body slick with sweat. His pulse raced, thundering in his ears, each beat a deafening reminder of his growing dread.

    He knew the truth about shifter scratches. Anyone infected turned within ten minutesˇŞtransformed into a creature of relentless violence and hunger. But it had been far longer than ten minutes. In fact, more than three hours had passed. As much as he wanted to convince himself otherwise, he couldn''t ignore the signs. The infection had taken root; he could feel it changing him.

    His body ached, every muscle screaming in agony. His senses had sharpened to an almost unbearable degree. He could hear everything: the faintest whispers of students in their rooms, the steady rhythm of their heartbeats. Each sound was amplified, each noise clear and distinct, as if every person in the building were standing right next to him.

    "What''s happening to me? What... what''s going to happen?" Vic muttered, his voice trembling with fear. Cold sweat dripped from his face, pooling on the floor beneath him, soaking through his shoes.

    The academy''s rules were clear. Anyone infected by a shifter was to be eliminatedˇŞno exceptions. The staff or guild members would show no mercy. Status didn''t matter. Family name didn''t matter. An infected person was a threat, and threats were neutralized.

    Panic tightened its grip on Vic''s chest. Even being part of the prestigious Hardcastle family wouldn''t save him. He knew that if the staff found out, his name wouldn''t protect him. His father wouldn''t hesitate to drive a de through his heart the moment he learned the truth.

    Vic didn''t want to die. He was too young, and there was so much he hadn''t aplished. Dreams unfinished. Goals unfulfilled.

    "What do I do? What do I do?" he muttered, voice shaking. "It feels like my organs are tearing each other apart... like they''re trying to rip free." His face was flushed, bright red, drenched in sweat.

    Gripping his head, he clenched his teeth, trying to will the pain away. HopingˇŞprayingˇŞthat this was just a nightmare. But it wasn''t. The agony was real. The transformation was real. He could feel his body changing, every second pulling him further away from the person he had been.

    "Ss... he''s different. He''s not like the rest of us. He might have answers." The thought clung to him like a lifeline. Without wasting another second, Vic turned and bolted out of the bathroom, heading straight for the exit.

    He burst through the door, sprinting toward Ss''s dorm.

    Elsewhere in the academy, Ssy asleep in his bed, exhausted from the day''s events. His peaceful rest was shattered by a loud, frantic pounding on his door.

    His eyes snapped open. Ss rolled out of bed, ncing at his wristwatch. 2 a.m. Who could be knocking at this hour?

    He froze, a chill creeping over him. Had the academy discovered his secret? The possibility gnawed at his mind, but he couldn''t think of any reason they would know. He had been exceptionally careful these past few days.

    Ss stood by his bed, motionless, lost in thought. The pounding came again, louder, more desperate. It snapped him back to reality. He tiptoed toward the door, each step measured and cautious.

    He stopped just short of the door. "Who is it?" he called, his voice low but steady.

    "Just open the goddamn door, Ss!"

    The voice was unmistakable. Ss opened the door without hesitation.

    "Vic? What are you doing here at this hour?" Relief flooded Ss, but it was short-lived. Vic looked disheveled, wild-eyed. Something was wrong. "What''s wrong?" Ss asked, concern etched on his face.

    "This is all your fault, Griswold!" Vic roared. He lunged forward, grabbing Ss by the cor. Before Ss could react, Vic lifted him off the ground and hurled him across the room.

    Ss crashed into the wall and slumped to the floor. Before he could recover, Vic was on him again, grabbing his cor and tossing him aside like a ragdoll.

    Ss hit the wall butnded gracefully on his feet. His eyes narrowed. "I''m not going to fight you. Just tell me what the hell is going on!" His voice was calm but edged with tension, his gaze locked on Vic.

    "You want to know?" Vic''s voice dripped with venom. "If you hadn''t insisted on checking out why everyone was running, this wouldn''t have happened! If you hadn''t tried to y heroˇŞsomething you clearly aren''tˇŞnone of this would''ve happened! If we''d just stayed at the shopping mall, I wouldn''t be like this!"

    "What are you talking about?" Ss started to ask, but the words caught in his throat. His eyes widened as he saw itˇŞthe ck w mark on Vic''s ribs.

    He hadn''t noticed it before, too focused on defending himself from Vic''s sudden attack. But now, with the mark in in view, everything clicked. The truth was clear, and it was far worse than he had imagined.

    "That''s... a shifter''s scratch, isn''t it? Earlier, when I asked if you were infected, you said no. You didn''t turn. So what the hell is going on now?"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

    "I had no idea I was injured until a couple of minutes ago. Then... my whole body started feeling different." His breaths came in ragged, uneven gasps, muscles visibly tense beneath his sweat-soaked shirt.

    "Different? What do you mean, different?" Ss pressed, his voice strained. Each word was deliberate, cautious.

    Vic''s fists clenched, his nails digging into his palms. "I don''t know... Everything''s sharper. My sensesˇŞevery sound, every scentˇŞI can feel it crawling under my skin. Pain''s ripping through me, like my body''s at war with itself." His voice dropped to a low, dangerous growl. "And I''m hungry, Ss. Terribly hungry."

    Ss''s brows knitted in concern. "Hungry? We can go to the 24-hour convenience store. Grab something quick if you need toˇŞ"

    Vic''s head snapped up, eyes zing with a predatory light. His voice, low and guttural.

    "No. It''s not that kind of hunger. What I crave is... different." He leaned closer, his breath hot and ragged. "I can hear them, Ss. The heartbeats. Everyone in this dorm. Thumping, pumping... I can hear your heart. I can feel the blood rushing through your veins." His eyes darkened, gaze fixed on Ss with an almost primal intensity. "All I can think about is ripping it out and eating it."

    Ss staggered back, his heart pounding. "Vic, you''re changing. This is bad, man. Really bad. I''ve got to report this to the academy."

    Vic''s face contorted with rage and fear. His voice cracked. "Are you even hearing yourself right now? Report it? Do you know what they''ll do to me?" His eyes glistened, desperation breaking through the feral mask. "They''ll kill me, Ss. No hesitation. No mercy."

    "It''s the right thing to do," Ss argued, his voice firm but tinged with sorrow. "If you turn, you''ll hurt peopleˇŞturn them. The staff can stop this before it''s toote."

    "They''ll kill me, Ss. I don''t want to die. Please... help me." His vulnerability cut through the tension, a desperate plea from a man on the edge of losing himself.

    Ss''s expression hardened, his voice heavy with regret. "There''s nothing I can do to help you, Vic. I''m sorry."

    "Yes, there is!" Vic shouted, his voice raw with desperation. "You''re not human, Ss. You know thingsˇŞthings the rest of us don''t. You have to know how to fix this."

    Ss shook his head, eyes filled with sorrow. "There''s no cure. No way back. Anyone scratched by a shifter turns. You have to ept your fate."

    Vic''s face twisted with a mix of despair and fury. "So that''s it? You''re just going to let me die?" His voice cracked. "I thought we were friends, Griswold!"

    Ss met his gaze, eyes filled with an almost unbearable sadness. "We are friends. That''s why I''m begging you to turn yourself in. I don''t want you to die with the blood of innocent people on your hands."

    Vic''s expression darkened, tears streaming down his face. "Screw you, Griswold!" He spat, his voice shaking with rage and fear. "It''s because of you I got infected! Now you want me to die alone?" He stepped closer, voice dropping to a menacing whisper. "Either you help me... or I''ll tell the academy everything. Your secrets, Griswold. If I''m going down, you''reing with me."

    """

    A/N: Support by voting with your Golden Tickets and Gifts.

 Chapter 146 Missing

    Vic''s expression darkened, tears streaming down his face. "Screw you, Griswold!" he spat, his voice quivering with a vtile mix of rage and fear. "It''s because of you I got infected! And now you want me to die alone?" He stepped closer, his voice dropping to a menacing whisper that sent a chill through the air. "Either you help me... or I''ll tell the academy everything. Your secrets, Griswold. If I''m going down, you''reing with me."

    The room fell silent, the atmosphere thick with tension, almost suffocating. Ss stared into Vic''s eyes, seeing not just the friend he once knew but the monstrous force wing its way to the surface, distorting every familiar feature.

    "Vic, you need to rx and listen to me," Ss urged after a heavy pause, his tone steady but edged with concern. "There''s no way I can help you. I have no idea what''s happening to you. All I know is that you''ve been scratched, and you need immediate care before things get worse."

    "Liar!" Vic spat, his eyes zing with fury. "You''re a bloody liar, Ss! Not just a liar, but selfish! I know there''s a way you could help meˇŞyou just don''t want to! You want me dead, Griswold!" His voice dripped with venom, the bitterness cutting through the air.

    "Why would I want you dead, Vic?" Ss countered, his voice calm but strained. "You''re my friend."

    "I don''t think soˇ­ because friends help each other," Vic shot back, his wordsced with bitterness. Before he could say anything more, his face contorted in agony, and he copsed to his knees, clutching his stomach.

    "What''s happening?" Ss asked, his eyes narrowing in concern as he watched Vic, now panting heavily, cold sweat trickling down his pale face.

    "I AM FREAKING HUNGRY!" Vic roared, his voice deep and menacing, almost inhuman. He raised his head, and Ss''s breath caught in his throatˇŞthe eyes staring back at him werepletely ck, devoid of the man he once knew.

    Suddenly, a red notification appeared above Vic''s head:

    [Name: Victor Hardcastle]

    [Race: In Transition]

    [HP: ????]

    Ss''s brow furrowed, his eyes scanning the alert. A flicker of confusion crossed his face. The system had never revealed information about a human beforeˇŞonly mutants. Unless... Vic wasn''t human anymore.

    He examined the notification again. The word "Transition" stood out, and a grim understanding dawned on him. Transition was the stage where someone infected by a shifter or mutant would gradually be one themselvesˇŞa transformation from human to something entirely different. And right now, Vic was in that dangerous in-between state.

    "Vic, you need to stay calm," Ss urged, his gaze locked onto Vic''s trembling form. But his words fell on deaf ears. The person in front of him was no longer the friend he knewˇŞthis was something else, something feral.

    A guttural roar shattered the silence, reverberating through the room like a shockwave. Without warning, Vic lunged forward on all fours, his movements eerily fluid, primal. He closed the distance in seconds, leaping towards Ss with predatory intent.

    Ss''s eyes widened, muscles tensing. Time seemed to slow as Vic hurtled towards him. In a heartbeat, Ss spun his body around, executing a perfectly timed tornado kick.

    BAM!

    The kicknded squarely on Vic''s neck with a sickening thud, sending him crashing backward. He hit the floor hard andy still, unconscious.

    Ss remained frozen for a moment, his breathing heavy, eyes fixed on Vic''s motionless form. After several tense minutes, seeing no sign of movement, he cautiously approached.

    Crouching down beside Vic, Ss examined him closely. The dark, aggressive expression had vanished, reced by the calm serenity of sleep. The feral creature was gone, leaving behind only the friend he once knew, albeit transformed.

    Ss sank to the floor beside him, running a hand through his spiky, snow-white hair. His eyes were distant, shadowed with worry.

    "What am I going to do?" he whispered to himself, the weight of uncertainty pressing down on him like a vice.

    ---

    The next morning dawned with a warm, golden light filtering through the academy''s windows. Students began pouring out of their dorm rooms, their footsteps echoing in the wide corridors as they made their way toward the cafeteria. The scent of freshly prepared meals wafted through the air, mingling with the hum of morning chatter.

    Angelica, David, and Sebastian walked together, their expressions rxed but slightly drowsy from the early start. When they entered the bustling cafeteria, their eyes instinctively darted to their usual table, only to freeze in shock.

    "Where the hell are Vic and Ss?" Sebastian muttered, his gaze sweeping the room, scanning each corner as if expecting them to appear any second.

    Angelica''s brows furrowed, concern etching lines on her face. "I don''t know. Vic is neverte for breakfast. Ever." Her voice carried an edge of unease as she stared at the empty spot they always upied. It felt wrong, out of ce.

    "They probably overslept," Sebastian shrugged, trying to mask his own worry with nonchnce. "They''ll show up soon. You know Vic can''t stay away from food for long." He forced a grin, but his eyes betrayed the doubt gnawing at him.

    The trio made their way to the food vendor, loading their trays with steaming tes of eggs, toast, and fruit. The clinking of utensils and murmured conversations filled the space around them as they settled into their usual spot, the absence of their friends casting a shadow over the table.

    They ate in silence for a few moments, the atmosphere heavy. Finally, Sebastian broke the stillness, his voice tentative.

    "I''ve been meaning to ask, Angelicaˇ­" He hesitated, looking at her with curiosity. "Youe from an affluent family, right? So why don''t you have those fancy gears and weapons like the others? And why work so hard to pass the tests when your family could easily buy you a good score?"

    Angelica''s fork paused mid-air, her eyes darkening as she set it down. David shot Sebastian a re, his expression hardening. "What? I''m just asking," Sebastian muttered, shifting ufortably under David''s stare.

    A heavy silence stretched between them before Angelica spoke, her voice quiet but firm. "Just because I have theirst name doesn''t mean I''m part of the family."

    Sebastian blinked, confusion clouding his features. "What do you mean?"

    Angelica sighed, her eyes distant. "Haven''t you been at this academy long enough to hear the rumors?" she asked, her voice almost bitter.

    "No. I used to attend the Arc 1 mutant academy. I got transferred here just a few weeks ago," Sebastian exined, curiosity piqued.

    "And you haven''t heard anything about me?" she pressed, a hint of surprise in her tone.

    Sebastian shook his head. "No. What rumors?"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    A faint, humorless smile tugged at Angelica''s lips.

    "I guess they finally stopped talking about it." She took a deep breath, her gaze fixed on a spot in the distance. "I was disowned by my family after awakening a lightning ability instead of an ice ability. Every member of my family has an ice abilityˇŞit''s what they''re known for. When I turned out different, I was deemed a disgrace. A failure. They banished me." She picked up a small piece of bread, chewing slowly as if to mask the raw emotion in her voice.

    Sebastian''s eyes widened. "So you''re the one everyone wouldn''t stop talking aboutˇ­" he blurted out, then immediately regretted it as Angelica''s cheeks flushed.

    "Rx, I''m just teasing," he added quickly, offering a small, apologetic smile. "I get it. My family treats me like an outcast too. My younger siblings are stronger than me, so they don''t even see me as their son anymore. Their focus is on them, not me. That''s why I train so hardˇŞto prove I''m not the trash they think I am."

    Angelica''s eyes softened. "It must be hard, living under the same roof with people who don''t love you," she said quietly.

    Sebastian nodded, a shadow passing over his face. "Yeah. It''s worse than you think. But I''ve learned to stop caring and focus on getting stronger. That''s all that matters now."

    Angelica smiled faintly, nodding in understanding. The table fell into silence again, each lost in their own thoughts. Angelica kept ncing toward the cafeteria entrance, her worry growing with each passing minute.

    Several minutes dragged by, and still, there was no sign of Vic or Ss. The pit in her stomach deepened. Something was wrong. She could feel it.

    "They should be here by now," she said, pushing her tray aside and standing abruptly. "Something''s wrong."

    "Where are you going?" Sebastian asked, rising to his feet.

    "I''m checking their rooms. Are youing?" she called over her shoulder, already moving. David and Sebastian exchanged a nce before hurrying after her, their footsteps echoing through the cafeteria.

    Before they reached the door, it swung open with a metallic ng. Two academy staff members stepped in, d in shiny silver armor that caught the light. Their presencemanded immediate attention, and the room fell silent.

    One of them cleared his throat, his voice booming across the cafeteria. "Attention, students! In less than an hour, you will all hear a signal. Once it sounds, you are to gather in the main assembly hall. Every single student must be present. Sir Dominic will be making a major announcement." His gaze swept over the room, lingering for a moment before he turned and exited.

    The tension in the room was palpable as murmurs erupted. Angelica exchanged a worried nce with David and Sebastian. The timing was too suspicious. Ss and Vic were missing, and now this sudden, urgent announcement. Something was definitely wrong.

 Chapter 147 Black blood

    The tension in the room was evident, spreading like a cold fog that clung to every corner. Conversations resumed in hushed, urgent tones as students exchanged anxious nces. Angelica''s eyes darted to David and Sebastian, her unease mirrored in their expressions. The timing of this announcement was too suspicious to ignore. Ss and Vic were both missing, and now, this sudden, urgent assembly. Something was definitely wrongˇŞmore than wrong; it felt like a storm was brewing.

    "Okay, this just got a little weird," Sebastianmented, his voice barely above a whisper. His eyes followed the staff members as they disappeared from sight, their departure leaving an unsettling void.

    "I can''t shake the feeling that something''s happened to Ss and Vic," Angelica muttered, her voice tight with worry. Her brows knitted together, and she bit her lip anxiously.

    "What should we do now?" Sebastian asked, his tone edged with both concern and urgency, his fingers drumming nervously on the table.

    "I don''t know. But we need to check their rooms. We can''t just sit here," Angelica responded decisively, the weight of responsibility settling on her shoulders. "Sebastian, you''ve got the pass to the VIP section. You should check Vic''s room. See if he''s there."

    "And what about you?" Sebastian inquired, his brow furrowing, concern etching deeper lines into his face.

    "I''ll go check Ss''s room," she replied, her voice resolute. Determination glimmered in her eyes, masking the gnawing fear she felt inside.

    "Alright. Be careful. If you find anything and need my help, just call me," Sebastian said, his voice low but firm. Without another word, he turned and sprinted out of the cafeteria, his movements purposeful and driven by an unspoken urgency.

    With Sebastian gone, Angelica turned to David. "Stay here, alright? I''ll be back soon," she instructed, her voice softening slightly. Without waiting for a response, she hurried out, her footsteps echoing in the now-quiet corridor.

    ---

    Sebastian tore through the dimly lit hallways, his heart pounding in sync with the rapid rhythm of his footsteps. The VIP section was far from the regr students'' dormitories, a symbol of prestige and exclusivity.

    He knew it would take him at least ten minutes to get there, but every moment felt like an eternity.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    Finally, he reached the entrance to the VIP section. Two burly staff members stood guard, their muscr forms blocking the doorway. Their expressions were carved from stone, their eyes sharp and unyielding. As Sebastian approached, their gazes flicked to him but softened slightly in recognition. Without a word, they pulled the doors open, allowing him to step inside with the ease of familiarity.

    Sebastian strode in, his demeanorposed but his mind racing. The guards knew him wellˇŞhe belonged here. Coming from an affluent family had its privileges.

    Any stuedent from a less privileged background attempting to enter would face immediate expulsionˇŞor worse.

    That''s why Angelica had sent him. She was no longer part of this world, and any attempt to breach the VIP section would have been met with swift and severe consequences.

    He dashed down the ornate hallway, the soft thud of his footsteps muffled by the plush carpeting. His eyes flicked to the numbers engraved above each door, each one bringing him closer to Vic''s room. The corridor felt longer than usual, each door identical, each second heavier. Finally, he stopped in front of Room 25, his pulse quickening.

    "Vic? You in there, man?" Sebastian called out, knocking firmly on the door. Silence. He frowned and knocked again, harder this time. "Vic! It''s morning already! You''re going to bete for ss!" His voice carried a hint of urgency, but still, there was no response.

    As his knuckles struck the door a third time, it creaked open slightly, the sound sending a chill down his spine. Puzzled, he pushed it wider, his heart racing faster.

    "It''s open," he murmured, stepping inside cautiously. "Vic?" His voice echoed, swallowed by the eerie silence.

    The room was pristine, every item meticulously in ce. Yet something felt offˇŞan emptiness that didn''t belong. The lights were on, a sign that someone had been here recently, but the stillness was unsettling. A cold knot of anxiety twisted in his stomach.

    "Vic? Are you in here?" His voice grew louder, tinged with desperation. His eyes scanned the room, finallynding on the slightly ajar bathroom door. Drawing a steadying breath, he approached and pushed it open.

    The bathroom was empty, but something on the floor caught his eye. ck droplets marred the pristine tiles, a stark contrast against the white. His breath caught in his throat.

    "Is thatˇ­" He crouched down, his eyes widening as he examined the substance. He reached out, dipping his fingers into the thick, congealed liquid. "This is blood. ck blood," he whispered, the words heavy with dread. "Where did thise from?" His mind raced, a whirlwind of unanswered questions and growing fear.

    ---

    Meanwhile, in another part of the academy, Angelica hurried down the hallway, her heart pounding as fast as her footsteps. Her face was etched with worry, her eyes darting nervously from side to side. She moved with a sense of urgency that bordered on panic, each step fueled by an unshakable fear.

    Finally, she arrived in front of Ss''s dorm room. She paused, taking a deep breath to steady herself before knocking firmly.

    Inside, Ss jolted awake, his eyes snapping open. His first instinct was to check the spot where Vicy. Seeing him still there, a wave of relief washed over him. "I can''t believe I fell asleep," he muttered, frustrated with himself. He had spent the entire night watching over Vic, trying to piece together a n to fix everything. Exhaustion had finally imed him.

    "9:10," he whispered, ncing at his wristwatch. His eyes widened. "I slept that long?"

    Knock! Knock!

    The sharp, rhythmic knocking startled Ss out of his racing thoughts. His eyes darted toward the door, a flicker of unease evident on his face.

    Casting onest, worried nce at Vic, he tightened his grip on the door handle, hesitating for a brief moment before pulling it open just enough to see who was outside.

    "Angelica?" Ss''s eyes widened in surprise.

    "Ss!" Angelica''s face lit up with genuine joy, the tension in her shoulders visibly easing. "You''re okay. Thank goodness." Her voice was soft but filled with palpable relief.

    Ss forced a nervous smile, quickly positioning himself to block the doorway, ensuring she couldn''t see inside. "What... what are you doing here?" His voice wavered, betraying his anxiety.

    "I was worried," Angelica admitted, "You and Vic didn''t show up for breakfast, and with everything going on... I thought something might''ve happened to you." Her gaze softened, but a shadow of suspicion lingered in her expression.

    Ss rubbed the back of his neck, his fingers tense. "Oh, yeah. I''m fine. Just... overslept, I guess. Didn''t realize how wiped out I was after dealing with those mutants yesterday." Heughed nervously, the sound hollow.

    Angelica''s eyes narrowed slightly. "I see." Her tone was calm, but her prating gaze didn''t waver. She could sense something was off. The Ss she knew wasn''t this jittery. "What''s the matter?"

    "What do you mean?" Ss deflected, trying to keep his tone light.

    "You''re acting... strange. Something''s wrong, I can tell." She stepped closer, her eyes boring into his. "So, what aren''t you telling me, Ss Griswold?" Her voice dropped.

    "I don''t know what you''re talking about," Ss insisted, forcing a chuckle, though it came out more like a strangled breath.

    Angelica didn''t budge. "Alright then," she said, her tone hardening. "Step aside. I want to take a look inside."

    Ss''s eyes widened. "What do you mean, Angelica? There''s nothing to see. Seriously, I''m not hiding anything," he protested, his voice rising slightly, betraying his nervousness.

    Her eyes shed with determination. "Thest time I was here, you wouldn''t let me in either. I know you''re hiding something. And I''m going to find out what it is." She stepped forward, her voice firm, her stance unyielding.

    Ss''s heart pounded in his chest. Vic was still unconscious inside, and Ss had no idea what would happen when he woke up. Thest thing he wanted was to drag Angelica into this mess. He had to keep her outˇŞat least until he could figure out what was going on.

    "Seriously, Angelica. There''s nothingˇŞ"

    "Enough." Her patience snapped. "Step. Aside." She grabbed his shirt, attempting to pull him out of the way.

    Before she could, the door behind Ss swung open abruptly. Vic stepped out, yawning and rubbing his eyes, his shirtless form silhouetted in the doorway.

    Angelica''s eyes widened, a deep blush spreading across her cheeks. She quickly averted her gaze, her face turning a shade of crimson. "V-Vic? What... what are you doing here?" she stammered, trying to keep her eyes fixed on the floor.

    Vic blinked, stretching his armszily. "Couldn''t sleep," he muttered, his voice thick with drowsiness. "Came here to chat with Ss. Guess I crashed." He nced at Ss, a sly grin tugging at his lips. "Isn''t that right, Ss?"

    Ss didn''t respond. His eyes were locked on Vic, his expression unreadable, but his knuckles were white as his fists clenched. His gaze fixated on Vic''s ribs, where the deep gashes from the night before had been. They were gone. Completely healed. And Vic... Vic was acting normal. Too normal.

    ''The wounds are gone... and he''s acting like nothing happened. What the hell is going on?'' Ss pondered Internally, confusion and suspicion evident on his face.

    "I see," Angelica said, her voice tentative. "I... I honestly thought you two were... you know..." Her eyes darted between them, her expression turning disgusted as the blush deepened.

    Vic''s eyes widened in mock horror. "Eww! Gross! Angelica, seriously? You think I''d ditch women like Miss Kara and that smoking-hot healer for this guy?" He gestured dramatically at Ss. "Hell no!"

    Angelica rolled her eyes, a small, relieved smile ying at the corners of her lips. "Well, I''m d you''re both okay. Just... freshen up. There''s going to be an important announcement soon." She turned on her heel, her footsteps echoing down the corridor.

    Vic watched her go, a smirk still on his face. But the moment she disappeared from view, the atmosphere shifted. He turned to Ss, his expression growing serious.

    Ss''s eyes were cold, his scythe already drawn, its gleaming de hovering inches from Vic''s neck.

    Vic''s breath hitched, his eyes widening in shock. "Ss... what theˇŞ"

    Ss''s voice was a low, dangerous growl. "What are you?"

    """

    A/N: Please vote with your Golden Tickets. It''s a new month and I only have a few. Thanks for reading.

 Chapter 148 Hes gone!

    Ss''s voice was a low, dangerous growl. "What are you?"

    Vic''s brow furrowed slightly, a puzzled expression flickering across his face as he processed Ss''s words.

    "What do you mean?" Vic asked, raising both hands above his head in a gesture of confusion and innocence.

    "You were acting like a lunaticst night. Then, suddenly, you wake up, and everything''s fine? I know you''re pretending. So tell me, VicˇŞwhat are you?" Ss demanded. His scythe hovered mere inches from Vic''s neck, a threat as sharp as the weapon itself.

    "Look, man, I''m fine. I don''t know what you did to me while I was out, but whatever it was, it worked. I feel normal... like my old self again," Vic replied, his voice steady butced with uncertainty.

    "What are you talking about?" Ss blurted, the tension in his voice evident.

    "I''m saying I told you to help mest night, and you did, Ss. Now I''m better. The injury is gone, the infection too. I don''t have to worry about the staff finding out or my parents. I owe you one, Ss." Vic''s tone turned lighter as he stepped back and turned away, brushing off the confrontation.

    He nced over his shoulder. "You heard Angelica earlier. We''re going to be called in for a big announcement soon, so you might want to get ready."

    Vic strode off, leaving Ss standing frozen, his face shadowed by a mix of confusion and unease.

    Ss''s thoughts churned. He hadn''t done anything to help Vic the previous night. He''d only knocked him out with a tornado kick to keep him from causing more trouble. Yet somehow, Vic seemedpletely fine. Normal, even.

    "Could it mean the scratch didn''t affect him?" Ss muttered under his breath.

    The idea didn''t sit right. The system had clearly indicated Vic was in transition. And yetˇ­

    Ss had tried scanning Vic earlier with the system, but nothing worked. The notification fromst nightˇŞthe one that had been so clearˇŞwas gone. The system had gone silent, leaving Ss in an agonizing state of uncertainty.

    "What the hell is going on?" he mused, finally dismissing his scythe. With a heavy sigh, he turned and trudged back to his room.

    Once there, Ss freshened up, pulling on the academy''s standard uniform before heading to the cafeteria. His thoughts swirled with unanswered questions.

    When he arrived, the cafeteria was eerily quiet. Most students had finished their breakfast and left. Only a small group remained, seated a few meters away, deep in conversation. The faint tter of cutlery against tes filled the air.

    Ss approached the group, forcing a neutral expression onto his face.

    "What''s up, guys?" he greeted casually, giving David''s shoulder a soft tap before sliding into a seat across from Vic.

    Vic was hunched over his tray, shoveling food into his mouth with both hands like he hadn''t eaten in days. His jaw worked furiously, and he paid no attention to the others around him.

    "Hey, slow down," Angelica chided, her brows knitting together in a frown. Her gaze remained fixed on Vic, who was too absorbed in devouring his meal to respond. "You''re going to choke if you keep that up."

    Sebastian cleared his throat, drawing the group''s attention. "I''ve got something to say," he announced, his tone grave.

    Angelica tilted her head slightly. "What''s the matter?"

    "When I went to Vic''s room earlier, looking for him... I saw something." Sebastian hesitated, his eyes darting toward Vic. "There was blood on the bathroom floor. ck blood."

    The words hung in the air, heavy and chilling. Everyone turned to Vic, who had frozen mid-bite. Slowly, almost theatrically, he lowered his fork and turned to meet Sebastian''s gaze.

    "What are you trying to say?" Vic asked, his tone calm but with an edge of defensiveness.

    Sebastian crossed his arms. "I''m asking if you''d care to exin. What was it?"

    Vic remained silent for a moment, chewing slowly, his expression unreadable. Then, with a nonchnt shrug, he replied, "It wasn''t blood. It wasn''t even anything serious. Some idiot spilled ck paint on me during practice. I went to the bathroom to clean it up. That''s all."

    "ck paint, huh?" Sebastian''s eyes narrowed slightly, but he nodded. "Alright, then. No problem."

    Vic smirked and returned to his food, resuming his rapid, almost animalistic consumption.

    The group exchanged uneasy nces, but before anyone could speak further, a loud chime echoed through the cafeteria. The sound reverberated across the walls, signaling an official announcement.

    "That''s our cue," Angelica said, standing up.

    One by one, the group followed her lead and exited the cafeteria. They made their way to the announcement hall, joining a crowd of students that had already gathered. The air was thick with anticipation, the hum of hushed conversations filling the expansive space.

    Ss positioned himself near the back of the group, his eyes never leaving Vic. Something about him feltˇ­ off. His calm demeanor, his casual responsesˇŞit all seemed too convenient.

    "I know you''re staring at me, Ss," Vic said suddenly, his voice cutting through the background noise. He didn''t bother turning to look.

    "What aren''t you telling me?" Ss hissed in a low tone, careful not to draw attention.

    Vic finally turned his head, his expression unreadable. "Can we not do this right now? I already told youˇŞI''m fine. If I felt different, don''t you think I''d know? Last night, I came to you because I could tell something was wrong. And now? Nothing. I feel perfectly normal."

    Ss''s eyes narrowed. "Or maybe you''re just saying that to keep me from reporting you to the higher-ups."

    Vic smirked. "If you wanted to report me, you''d have done it while I was unconscious. But here I am." He ced a hand on Ss''s shoulder, his grip firm but not aggressive. "Rx, man. I''m okay. Trust me."

    Before Ss could respond, Angelica leaned in, her voice curious. "What are you two whispering about?"

    "Nothing important," Ss replied quickly, his tone t.

    The group fell silent as the crowd shifted, making way for Sir Dominic. He strode into the hall, d in an expensive silver suit that gleamed under the artificial lights. His presencemanded attention, and the room fell into an almost reverent hush. Two staff members nked him, their stern expressions mirroring his own.

    Sir Dominic strode forward with deliberate steps, halting at the center of the grand hall where the students had gathered. His imposing presence demanded attention, and the buzz of idle chatter dissipated as if swallowed by the silence itself. The air grew tense, and the weight of his expression sent unease rippling through the crowd.

    For a moment, he stood still, his sharp gaze scanning the faces before him. Then, clearing his throat, he finally broke the oppressive silence.

    "There has been a tragedy," Sir Dominic announced, his voice cutting through the air like a de. "We lost one of our own during a mission on the Agogjie."

    The revtion sent murmurs cascading through the assembly. Whispers filled the hall, and the students exchanged bewildered nces. The disbelief was palpable, etched into their expressions as shock mingled with confusion.

    "What do you mean someone died on Agogjie?" a bold voice piped up from the crowd, the student''s toneced with incredulity. "Isn''t that supposed to be one of the safest out there?"

    Sir Dominic''s steely eyes locked onto the student who had spoken. His voice rose,manding respect. "Indeed, it is considered one of the safest. But let me remind you allˇŞ''safe'' does not mean invulnerable. While the Agogjie is inhabited by low-grade mutants andcks significant dangers, that does not mean other creatures cannot infiltrate it."

    The students listened intently, their earlier murmurs dying down.

    "The Sycrax species," Sir Dominic continued, his tone deep and grave, "possess a unique portal device that allows them to travel across mutants as they please. They care not whether the is a haven or a death trap. They go where they will. And this time, one of them chose Agogjie."

    The tension in the room thickened like a storm cloud. A student named Moses gasped audibly, his voice breaking the stillness. "Waitˇ­ are you saying a Sycrax was on Agogjie?"

    "That is correct," Sir Dominic affirmed, his gaze unwavering. "A Sycrax infiltrated the Agogjie andˇŞ" he paused, his voice growing heavier, "ˇŞit is responsible for the death of our staff member."

    A collective gasp rippled through the hall. Though most of the students had never encountered a Sycrax, they were no strangers to the creature''s reputation. Descriptions in guild reports and sketches in ancient texts had painted a chilling picture of the Sycrax''s monstrous form and ferocity. To them, these creatures were nightmarese to life, their existence a distant terror confined to stories.

    "It''s said Sycraxes only dwell on the of Doom!" a student whispered to a peer. "How could one end up on Agogjie?"

    But Sir Dominic wasn''t done. He raised a hand to silence the murmurs and continued, "I didn''t call you here just to inform you of the tragedy. There is a matter of utmost importance that demands your attention. The staff member who fell during the mission was Barry Cobrafang."

    His words dropped like a thunderp. The mention of the Cobrafang name sent a fresh wave of unease through the room.

    "Cobrafang?" a female student asked hesitantly, her voice trembling. "As inˇ­ the Cobrafang family?"

    Sir Dominic nodded solemnly. "That is correct. Barry was a direct member of the Cobrafang family, a name you all know well. I have informed their leader of his son''s death, and as you can imagine, this news has not been received lightly."

    The hall descended into chaos. Fear gripped the students as they broke into panicked whispers. The Cobrafang family was a name synonymous with power, vengeance, and ruthlessness. None doubted the gravity of the situation.

    "If the Cobrafangs decide to retaliate, none of us will be spared," one student muttered anxiously to another.

    Sir Dominic raised his voice to cut through the din. "The leader of the Cobrafang family is arriving at the academy today. To ensure your safety, I am issuing a strict directive: all students are to return to their rooms immediately and remain there until the following day. Do not, under any circumstances, leave your quarters. Meals will be delivered by staff. Anyone caught outside their room will face severe punishment. Is that understood?"

    A resounding chorus of "Yes, sir!" echoed through the hall, though the fear in their voices betrayed their unease.

    As the students began to disperse, Ss lingered near the entrance of the hall. He stood apart from the others, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd. A frown crept onto his face, and his gaze darted around with growing urgency.N?v(el)B\\jnn

    "What''s the matter?" Angelica, standing beside him, noticed his unease.

    Ss didn''t respond immediately. His jaw tightened as his eyes continued their frantic search. Finally, he spoke, his tone edged with tension. "Have you seen Vic? He was right here a moment agoˇ­ and now he''s gone."

 Chapter 149 Mysterious student

    Ss scanned the entire hall with a serious expression, his eyes sharp as he tried to locate Vic. He was nowhere to be found. Vic had been standing right beside him just a few minutes ago, but now he had disappeared. There wasn''t a single trace of him left behind.

    "He probably just went to the restroom or something. You don''t have to worry," Angelica remarked, noticing Ss''s restless nces.

    But Ss wasn''t convinced. Letting Vic wander off alone didn''t sit right with him, especially considering the circumstances. He still had no real idea what was happening to Vic, or if he was truly okay like he had imed. Ss was certain that keeping a close eye on Vic was the only smart option.

    Yet now, Vic was gone without a trace.

    "I''ll see you guyster," Ss stated, his voice firm as he started walking toward the hall''s exit door.

    "Is everything okay, Ss?" Angelica asked, concern softening her features.

    "Yeah. All good, don''t worry," he replied without turning around, his pace steady as he exited the cafeteria.

    "He''s definitely hiding something from us. Do you want me to go check it out?" Sebastian whispered as he approached Angelica.

    "No, that would be inappropriate. Besides, you heard Sir DominicˇŞwe''re all supposed to return to our dorm rooms and stay there until we''re told otherwise," Angelica responded, her tone resolute.

    "What about those two? I can tell they''re definitely not heading to their rooms. What if they get caught?" Sebastian inquired, his brow furrowed with worry.

    "Vic''s a Hardcastle. I doubt he''d face any punishment. And Ss... well, let''s just say he''ll find a way to slip through the cracks," Angelica replied with a sigh. "Come on, let''s go; everyone else is leaving," she added, motioning for him to follow.

    The hall, once packed with bustling students, was now steadily emptying. Faces were drawn with frustration as students trudged toward the exits. They had meticulously nned their day, only for everything to unravel. Their schedules were scrapped, their ns ruined. Now, they had no choice but to sit in their rooms and wait.

    ---

    While most students were making their way back to their dorm rooms, three individuals slipped away unnoticed, heading toward the backyard.

    The group consisted of one boy and two girls, all of them radiating an air of defiance. Each of them looked rough and unkempt.

    The boy''s ck hair was a tangled mess, falling in unruly strands across his forehead. ck cross tattoos marked both his cheeks, stark against his pale skin. His uniform was filthy, stained with streaks of dried blood and patches of dust. Around his waist, a Grade 3 skill slot was strapped securely, gleaming faintly.

    The two girls walking beside him were just as striking. Both had sharp, angr features, framed by short ck hair cropped close to their heads. Tattoos curled around their necks in intricate, serpentine designs. Silver nose rings glinted under the fading light, and their ears bore five earrings each, the metal catching the dim glow. Their skirts were deliberately shorter than regtion length, unting their legsˇŞlegs that bore more inked designs, a canvas of rebellion.

    They walked with confidence, their presence crackling with raw defiance, ready to break rules and challenge anyone who dared to stop them.

    "Alright, bring it out, Cat," Jerry ordered, his voice low andmanding. His dark eyes glinted with a mix of excitement and rebellion, a wicked grin curling at the edges of his mouth.

    Cat smirked in return, a glint of mischief in her eyes. With a slow, deliberate motion, she slid her right hand into her bra. Her fingers fished around for a moment before pulling out three tightly rolled brown cigarettes. The paper was rough, slightly crinkled, and the smell of the contraband herb was strong even from a few feet away.

    "Now this is what I like," Jerry chuckled, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. He plucked one from her fingers and rolled it across his knuckles before cing it between his lips, savoring the gritty texture against his mouth.

    "You know we shouldn''t be out here," Josie muttered, her voice tense and wary. Her eyes darted nervously to the building''s shadowed windows. "We were ordered to stay indoors. If we get caught, we''re screwed."

    Jerry snorted, a puff of disdain escaping his nose. He cocked his head, his expression a mixture of defiance and mockery. "Do you see any staff around here, Josie? Because I sure as hell don''t." He leaned closer, his breath hot with impatience. "If you don''t wanna be here, you know where the door is. Cat and I''ll dly smoke yours." He turned to Cat, his lips twisting into a smirk. "Ain''t that right, Cat?"

    Cat''s eyes sparkled as she nodded, her grin stretching wider. She loved the thrill, the danger, the feeling of being untouchable.

    With a flourish, Jerry yanked a lighter from his pocket. He flicked the wheel repeatedly, the sparks stubborn until finally a tiny me danced to life.

    He leaned in, igniting his cigarette. The tip glowed orange-red, the paper curling into ash as smoke drifted upward. He passed the lighter to Cat and Josie, each girl lighting their own sticks, their faces momentarily illuminated by the tiny me.

    The air thickened with the  musky scent of the jelly weed. They inhaled deeply, smoke snaking into their lungs and swirling out in slow,zy plumes. The three of them stood there, basking in the rebelliousness of it all, eyes scanning the perimeter for any sign of authority.

    But their little bubble of indulgence was punctured when Cat''s eyes caught a movement a few meters away.

    "Who the hell is that?" she hissed, her voice tight with suspicion. Her hand shot out, pointing toward a figure emerging from the darkness.

    Jerry squinted, his brow creasing. The figure moved slowly, the gait unsteady yet deliberate. A faint crunch of gravel apanied each step. The student''s head was bowed, long strands of snow-white hair falling like a curtain over his face. The pale locks glowed faintly under the dim light, ghostly and unsettling.

    Jerry''s lip curled. "No need to panic. He''s not staffˇŞjust some freak." He exhaled a plume of smoke through his nostrils, his confidence returning. He took a step forward, the cigarette smoldering between his fingers.

    "Stay here," he muttered, more to himself than to the girls. He took a long drag and blew the smoke out in a thin stream before striding toward the figure. His shoes scraped against the gravel, the sound oddly loud in the tense silence.

    "You want something, freak?" Jerry spat, his voice dripping with contempt. The figure didn''t react. His head remained down, his white hair hanging like a shroud.

    Jerry''s jaw tightened. "I asked you a question!" His steps grew more aggressive, his body leaning forward as if challenging the other to respond. "What the hell''s your business here?" Smoke curled from his mouth, swirling around his face like a coiled serpent. "Look at me when I''m talking to you. Raise your damn head!"

    Suddenly, without warning, the figure''s hand shot out. Cold fingers mped around Jerry''s neck with inhuman speed and force. A strangled gasp escaped Jerry''s throat, the cigarette falling from his fingers and hissing as itnded on the ground. His feet left the earth as the figure lifted him effortlessly, Jerry''s legs kicking, his shoes scuffing the air.

    His eyes bulged with panic, and his hands wed at the iron grip around his neck. His breath came in frantic, ragged gasps, each one shallower than thest.

    Cat and Josie stood frozen, their eyes wide with disbelief and terror. Their cigarettes dropped, forgotten, as they watched Jerry il helplessly.

    The figure finally tilted his head up. ck eyes stared out, empty and cold as voids. Shadows curled like dark veins beneath his pale skin. ck fur and jagged scales crept across his cheeks, glistening like wet obsidian. His lips peeled back, revealing rows of sharp, glistening fangs.

    Jerry''s body went rigid, his mouth opening in a silent scream. The cold dread that filled his chest made his limbs heavy.

    "W-what... what are you?" he choked out, his voice barely a whisper.

    The figureˇŞVicˇŞdidn''t answer. His grip tightened. wed fingers sank deeper into Jerry''s flesh. Blood welled up in thick, crimson streams. With a final, brutal squeeze, there was a sickening crack. Jerry''s head tore free from his body in a spray of blood.

    The severed head hit the ground with a dull thud, rolling to a stop as lifeless eyes stared into the void. His body slumped a momentter, crumpling like a broken marite.

    A scream shattered the silence, raw and desperate. Cat and Josie''s faces were masks of horror, their eyes wet and wild. The smell of blood and smoke mingled in the air.

    They turned and bolted, their feet pounding frantically toward the academy building, screams still tearing from their throats.

    ---

    Ss''s boots thudded against the hallway floor, his jaw set, eyes sharp with determination. He was searching, scanning every shadow. Then a scream ripped through the air, high-pitched and terrified.

    He stopped dead, heart pounding. The sound came from the backyard.

    Without hesitation, he sprinted toward the source, his body a blur of motion. The hallway seemed to stretch endlessly, shadows swallowing him whole.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    As he neared the door to the backyard, two girls burst through it, their faces pale, streaked with tears, their bodies trembling.

    "Hey, hey! What''s going on?" Ss demanded, his voice firm but edged with concern.

    Josie''s eyes met his, hollow with terror. "There''s a mutantˇ­ It killed Jerry. Don''t go there!" she choked out, her voice raw with panic. She grabbed her sister''s hand, and they disappeared down the hallway, their sobs fading into the distance.

    Ss clenched his fists, knuckles cracking under the pressure. His eyes narrowed, dark with fury.

    "Vic. Dammit."

    He spat the words like a curse and charged forward.

 Chapter 150 Silas VS Vic

    Ss dashed out of the academy''s building and swiftly made his way to the backyard. The cold air pped against his face, but his focus remained razor-sharp. The moment he arrived, his feet screeched to a halt. His breath caught in his throat, eyes widening in sheer horror, and his jaw dropped as a wave of dread washed over him.

    Just a few meters away, Vic knelt beside a lifeless male student. The student''s torso had been savagely torn open, a gory cavity exposing mangled organs.

    Vic''s hands, soaked in crimson, plunged deep into the corpse as he ripped out glistening innards with terrifying focus. Blood coated his mouth and dripped from his chin, evidence of the grisly feast he had been consuming. The grotesque scene seemed like it had been torn straight from the pages of a horror novel.

    The ground beneath Vic was a slick pool of scarlet, reflecting the faint light like a nightmare mirror. The metallic tang of fresh blood was suffocating, filling Ss''s lungs and clinging to his senses. His mind recoiled, struggling to process the horrific reality unfolding before him.

    [Name: Victor Hardcastle]

    [Race: Malcavore]

    [HP: ?????]

    As Ss''s gaze remained locked on Vic, a notification screen materialized in front of him. His eyes darted toward the screen, his mind barelyprehending what he was reading.

    "What the hell?" he muttered, the words tasting like ash in his mouth. His gaze flicked back to Vic, his thoughts spiraling into confusion and disbelief.

    He hadn''t expected this. When Vic had been infected, Ss had braced himself for a full transformation into a Shifter. After all, a Shifter had scratched him. The expectation was clear: ws, fangs, and a monstrous hunger. But Vic''s transformation hadn''t followed the pattern. The creature before himˇŞthis MalcavoreˇŞwas an abomination Ss had never seen or even heard of.

    "What the hell is a Malcavore? And why would Vic turn into that instead of a Shifter?" he wondered aloud, his voice trembling with frustration and fear. None of it made sense, and the unknown only made his chest tighten further.

    Yet questions would have to wait. The evidence of Vic''s monstrous naturey sprawled out in a pool of its own blood. Ss''s best friend had killedˇŞno, butcheredˇŞa fellow student. The realization burned like acid, and the weight of it pressed down on Ss''s shoulders. The hope he had held, fragile as ss, shattered into a million pieces.

    He clenched his fists, his knuckles whitening under the strain. The choice was no longer his to make. If Vic remained alive, he would continue to ughter anyone in his path. It was a painful truth, but one Ss couldn''t ignore.

    "I should be able to end this without using any of my abilities," he told himself, his voice t and resolute.

    The notification flickered out of sight as Ss dismissed it. His fists tightened further, and a surge of glowing blue energy red to life around his hands. The power radiated with an intensity that vibrated through the air, making the ground beneath him tremble. Vic paused, his ck eyes narrowing as he turned his attention toward Ss. The predator''s gaze held no warmthˇŞonly the cold calction of a hunter tracking its prey.

    Ss adjusted his stance, his muscles coiling in anticipation of the fight toe.

    WHOOSH!

    Before he couldunch his attack, Vic blurred into motion. In the blink of an eye, he was in front of Ss, his wed fist arcing forward like a bullet.

    "Too fast!" Ss''s mind screamed as his eyes widened in shock. He barely managed to cross his arms in front of him before impact.

    BAM!

    Vic''s punch collided with Ss''s forearms, the force detonating like a bomb. His bones shattered instantly, pain erupting in white-hot shes. The blow hurled Ss backward, his boots scraping deep grooves into the blood-soaked ground.

    [Host has undergone a critical injury.]

    [Passive Skill: Superfast Healing will now activate.]

    [-10 Soul Points]

    Warmth surged through his limbs, the broken bones knitting back together almost immediately. The pain ebbed away, leaving only a dull ache as his arms returned to normal. Ss clenched his fists, flexing his fingers as he straightened up, his jaw tight.

    "He''s not just fast; he''s strong too," Ss realized, dread curling in his stomach. "His strength and speed match mine. What kind of monster did he be?"

    Vic gave no time for reflection. He charged again, ws glinting in the dim light. Ss dodged to the side just as Vic''s talons shed through the air, missing his chest by a hair''s breadth. Before Ss could react, another set of ws came from the opposite direction.

    Ss''s instincts screamed. He sidestepped just in time, the ws whooshing past his face, missing by inches. Drawing on pure reflex, he swung his fist in a sharp counterattack.

    BAM!

    His punch connected squarely with Vic''s face, the satisfying crunch of bone echoing around them. Vic''s nose twisted grotesquely, fangs scattering from his mouth like broken ss. Blood spurted, sttering the ground, but Vic didn''t react. He simply stood there, bleeding and silent, like the pain didn''t register at all.

    Ss''s stomach clenched. "What theˇŞ?"

    Before he could finish the thought, Vic''s shattered nose snapped back into ce with sickening speed. The bleeding stopped, the damage erased as if it had never happened.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    "He heals as fast as I do," Ss muttered bitterly. "Fantastic."

    Vic''s eyes narrowed again, and without a word, he lunged. Ss leapt into the air, performing a wless frontflip. Hended behind Vic and whipped out a kick aimed at his spine.

    The blow connected, driving Vic a few steps forward. But it wasn''t enough. Vic steadied himself almost instantly and whirled around, ws shing.

    Ss ducked low, avoiding the deadly swipe, andunched an uppercut. Vic danced back, evading the strike effortlessly. Before Ss could retract his arm, Vic''s ws shot forward.

    SLASH!

    "Argh!" Ss grunted as Vic''s talons ripped through his forearm, hot blood spilling from the wound. The pain seared through him, but he gritted his teeth, his eyes zing with determination.

    """"

    A/N: Vote with your tickets and power stones! The book hasn''t received a promotion in months And I really need those for the promotion. Without promotion I won''t be able to continue, so help me. Thank you!

 Chapter 151 Cobrafangs arrival

    [A poisonous infection has been detected]

    [Infection has been nullified]

    [Passive skill: Super Fast Healing will now kick in]

    [-10 Soul Points]

    Ss''s breath came in sharp bursts as he leaped several meters back, the soles of his boots grinding against the dusty terrain. He needed spaceˇŞjust a moment to recover fully.

    His muscles tightened, the fiery sting of poison fading, reced by the familiar, soothing burn of rapid healing. His fingers twitched around his empty palms, waiting, calcting.

    But Vic gave him no room to breathe. The creature''s predatory instincts were razor-sharp, honed by countless battles. His jagged ws glinted under the afternoon sun, shooting forward like venom-tipped daggers. The wind carried the faint scent of decay.

    Ss pushed off the ground, his body arching into a graceful backflip just in time. Vic''s ws hissed through the air, slicing nothing but dust. Ss''s bootsnded solidly, but he didn''t stop moving. He spun into another backflip, then anotherˇŞeach one creating precious distance, a lifeline wrapped in desperate grace.

    Finally, he skidded to a halt, panting, sweat dripping down his brow. The gap between them yawned wide. Ss''s eyes, a stormy mix of calction and defiance, locked onto Vic.

    "He''s going all out," Ss thought, the thrum of his heartbeat syncing with his determination. "I don''t see a reason why I shouldn''t."

    A surge of power crackled around his right hand, the air alive with bright blue energy. The energy condensed, solidified, and dissipated in a sh, revealing his Grade 5 scythe. Its obsidian de gleamed under the sun''s re, edges sharp enough to carve through reality itself. Ss clenched the weapon, its familiar weight grounding him, tethering his resolve.

    Vic''s eyes narrowed, the crimson glow intensifying. He stood poised, shoulders hunched, a predator waiting for his prey to falter.

    Ss raised his scythe, its de reflecting the gleaming fury in his eyes. His voice was a whisper of steel.

    "Time to end this."

    [Active Skill: Lightning Dash has been activated]

    The world bled into a standstill. Dust motes hung motionless in the sunbeam''s path. The whispering breeze ceased, frozen mid-gust. Ss''s muscles coiled like springs, and heunched forward, a streak of electric brilliance.

    But something was wrong.

    Vic movedˇŞhis figure blurred but unrelenting. His speed remained untouched, a defiance of physics and reason. His ws extended, each tip a promise of death.

    "What the hell?" Ss''s mind screamed, his momentum faltering as confusion took root. This wasn''t how it was supposed to work. Against high-grade mutants, opponents slowed, dragged through msses while he danced ahead of them. But Vicˇ­

    Vic defied it all.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    [Active Skill: Lightning Dash has been deactivated]

    The burst of speed ended abruptly, reality snapping back into ce. Ss barely had time to register the change before Vic was upon him, a blur of flesh, ws, and menace.

    A wed hand streaked toward Ss, aiming for his throat.

    Time slowed in Ss''s perceptionˇŞnot because of any skill, but through sheer adrenaline. He could see the individual ridges of Vic''s ws, the glistening of toxic residue along their jagged edges. He could smell the rot, the decay, the overwhelming aura of death.

    Ss''s scythe rose instinctively.

    CLANG!

    The impact jarred his arms, vibrations rattling his bones. Sparks red where metal met w. Ss gritted his teeth, every muscle straining to hold the block. He shoved off, leaping back, his boots scraping across the dirt.

    Before Vic could retract his arm, Ss''s scythe swung down in a wide, ruthless arc. The de carved the air, an extension of his fury.

    SLASH!

    The scythe met flesh and sliced cleanly through. Vic''s arm severed at the elbow, the limb spiraling to the ground in a grotesque dance. ck blood gushed in a sluggish stream, pooling around the fallen appendage.

    For a heartbeat, Ss felt a pang of guilt, a flicker of empathy. But he crushed it, steeled his resolve. This was a fight for survival.

    His brief satisfaction turned to dread as he watched Vic''s severed arm dissolve. The ck blood dried to dust, the breeze scattering it like ashes. Within seconds, nothing remained.

    A sickening crackle filled the air, like bones knitting themselves from pure agony. Vic''s stump shimmered, bubbled, andˇŞimpossiblyˇŞhis arm regrew. Flesh, sinew, and w reformed in a grotesque ballet, perfect as before.

    Ss''s jaw clenched, his knuckles white around his scythe.

    "You have got to be kidding me."

    Vic smiled, his teeth jagged and cruel. The glint in his eyes was victorious, confident.

    "He can regenerate in a second? This just got tough. Tougher than I expected." Ss''s thoughts spiraled, but he locked them down, buried them beneath a cold determination. He tightened his grip, every fiber of his being primed for the next move.

    ---

    In the academy''s portal room, a suffocating tension filled the air. The staff stood in a rigid line, eyes flicking nervously between the center of the room and the grand entrance.

    The double doors swung open with a resounding THUD. Sir Dominic entered, his face pale, his shoulders set in grim resignation. Beside him, Kara''s gaze burned with wary intensity.

    "Still no sign of him?" Dominic''s voice trembled beneath the surface. The staff shook their heads, a collective wave of dread.

    A heartbeat passed. Then two.

    A spark of crimson ignited at the center of the roomˇŞa pinprick of malevolent energy. It expanded, swirling into a vortex of red light. The air crackled with oppressive heat as the portal solidified into a perfect, shimmering circle.

    Sir Dominic''s pulse thundered.

    "He''s here."

    The words dripped like poison, spreading fear through the room. The staff shuffled back, their eyes wide, breaths shallow.

    Two figures emerged firstˇŞhulking men d in crimson-scaled armor, shoulders bristling with golden spikes. Their muscles strained beneath the armor, veins like steel cables. Each gripped a massive battle-axe, the des etched with ancient, cruel symbols.

    They scanned the room, eyes cold and predatory.

    Then came the man himself.

    Caspian Cobrafang.

    He stepped through the portal with the slow, deliberate grace of a predator who knew he was at the top of the food chain. His crimson suit was immacte, tailored to perfection. Small, round sses perched on his nose, the lenses gleaming. Strands of silver threaded through his slicked-back hair.

    His presence sucked the warmth from the room.

    His bodyguards bowed, heads lowered in deference.

    Caspian''s eyes found Sir Dominic. A smile curled his lipsˇŞa smile devoid of joy, filled only with sharp edges.

    "Dominic, Dominic," Caspian purred, his voice a velvet-wrapped dagger. He closed the distance, cing a deceptively gentle hand on Dominic''s shoulder. The smile lingered, false and glinting.

    "Good to see you too, Mr. Cobrafang," Dominic managed, bowing his head slightly.

    The grip on his shoulder tightened. Pain ignitedˇŞa burning, twisting agony that wed into his bones. Dominic''s teeth ground together, sweat beading on his brow.

    "You know why I''m here, don''t you?" Caspian''s voice darkened, the shadows gathering.

    "Yes," Dominic gasped, voice strained. "Your sonˇŞ"

    Caspian''s eyes zed.

    "You delivered the news like he was an animal." His words were acid, his fingers a vice.

    "I came here angry, Dominic," Caspian whispered. "And you know what happens when I''m angry."

 Chapter 152 Meeting with Cobrafang

    "I apologize for that, Mr. Cobrafang, but that wasn''t our intention. We sent the message that way because we thought it would be best if we gave you all the details in person," Sir Dominic exined, his heart pounding heavily in his chest as he instinctively took a step backward. The air felt oppressive, the weight of the confrontation pressing down on him.

    "Is that right, Dominic?" Caspian''s voice dripped with icy sarcasm, his eyes cold and unyielding. "And here I was, thinking you sent such a brief message because my son''s death meant nothing to you ˇŞ that you couldn''t be bothered to spend the time writing a long, thorough exnation." The bitterness in his words was palpable, slicing through the air like a dagger.

    "Ah, no, that''s not the case, sir," Sir Dominic quickly responded, his voice strained and his hands sping each other tightly. He could feel the judgment emanating from Caspian''s re. Caspian nodded slowly, his expression a mask of contemptuous disbelief.N?v(el)B\\jnn

    "So, tell me, Dominic. What exactly happened to my son?" Caspian Cobrafang''s voice was low, each word pronounced with deliberate menace, echoing through the room.

    "Can we talk about this in my office instead? I''d prefer if we were alone," Sir Dominic suggested cautiously, his voice barely masking his nervousness. His eyes flicked to Caspian''s men, their presence adding an extrayer of tension to the already charged atmosphere.

    "Very well," Caspian replied, his tone devoid of emotion. He waved his right hand dismissively, signaling his men to apany him. They stepped into formation, a silent show of force, their expressions hard and unreadable.

    They exited the portal room, their footsteps synchronized in a chilling rhythm as they made their way toward the office. The silence during the walk was suffocating, each second stretching into an eternity. The corridor seemed longer than usual, the weight of unspoken words and suppressed rage hanging heavily in the air. In a matter of minutes, they arrived at the door to the office.

    Sir Dominic reached out and pushed the door open, his hand trembling slightly. The hinges creaked softly as they entered the room.

    Inside, Miss Kara was already present, diligently arranging the chairs and ensuring everything was in perfect order for the impending discussion. Her movements were precise, almost mechanical, as if she were bracing for the storm she knew wasing.

    "Who is this angel?" Caspian asked, his gaze sweeping over Kara with open admiration. His eyes lingered on her, a hint of curiosity flickering beneath his stoic exterior.

    "This is Kara, my assistant. She was also there when it all happened, which is why I asked her to be present during the meeting," Sir Dominic introduced, his voice more confident now that he was back in familiar surroundings. He walked briskly toward his seat, needing the security of his desk between him and the storm that was Caspian Cobrafang.

    "Well, if she doesn''t mind, I''d like to take her back to my zone and make her my personal assistant," Caspian remarked, his gaze still fixed on Kara. His voice held a mixture of jest and seriousness, a dangerous ambiguity that hinted at his power.

    Kara remained unfazed, her eyes focused on the task before her, refusing to acknowledge thement. Her indifference was a silent, subtle defiance.

    "I don''t think that would be possible, Mr. Cobrafang," Sir Dominic replied, his tone firm yet respectful. He settled into his chair, his fingers gripping the armrests as if anchoring himself.

    "Why not?" Caspian challenged, his arms folding across his chest, his eyes narrowing dangerously. The room''s temperature seemed to drop, his wordsced with a subtle threat.

    "Let''s skip this topic and focus on what we came here for ˇŞ the matter of your son''s death," Sir Dominic said carefully, his voice steady despite the pressure building in the room. He paused, drawing in a shaky breath. "As you already know, he died during a mission."

    Caspian''s jaw clenched at the mention of his son, the pain barely concealed beneath his hardened expression.

    "One of our staff members reported a few days ago that they discovered a strange building on the Agogjie," Sir Dominic began, his voice adopting a more formal tone as he recounted the facts. "The structure belonged to the Sycrax species, and it was filled with weapons and advanced equipment. The discovery was unexpected and troubling."

    "A Sycrax base on the Agogjie?" Caspian''s voice rose slightly, disbelief etched across his face. His eyes glinted with suspicion as he leaned forward. "That sounds absurd. Do you expect me to believe that?" His tone was sharp, almost usatory.

    Sir Dominic swallowed hard, feeling the weight of the truth pressing down on him.

    "That''s what we thought at first," Sir Dominic said, his voice steady but edged with tension. "We decided to investigate because our staff also discovered a switch ˇŞ one that powers a portal capable of transporting creatures from another into a mutant realm... or moving them from one realm to another."

    He paused briefly, his eyes flicking to Caspian, who listened with an intense, unwavering gaze. The weight of the revtion hung thick in the air.

    "The Sycrax species has been seeking a way to gain ess to Earth for centuries. So far, they''ve failed to create a portal that leads directly to our. Instead, they shifted their focus to mutant realms. If they could breach a mutant realm, they could then infiltrate Earth when an expedition party attempts to clear the realm." Sir Dominic''s tone was grave, every word deliberate. Caspian''s eyes narrowed as he processed the information, his jaw tightening.

    "I see," Caspian mused, his voice low and contemtive, a storm brewing beneath the surface.

    "That''s why we sent our top staff to the Agogjie to investigate and gather supplies. However, when they arrived, they realized it was a trap. The Sycrax nted those supplies to lure us in. Their goal was to defeat our team and use our portal to return to Earth. Your son, Barry, was among those who encountered the Sycrax. Unfortunately, he wasn''t strong enough and... he was overwhelmed."

 Chapter 153 Threat

    Sir Dominic''s voice faltered for a second, his eyes dropping to the polished wood of his desk. The silence that followed was suffocating.

    "Your son wasn''t the only one who perished," he continued, his voice regaining some steadiness. "We lost other top staff members as well. It was a devastating loss."

    The office descended into a heavy silence. Caspian sat rigidly, arms folded across his chest, his face a cold mask of grief and fury. The air felt oppressive, each second stretching endlessly.

    "To be honest," Caspian said after a long pause, his voice brittle, "I''m shocked that a Sycrax presence was discovered on the Agogjie. I always believed that was one of the safest ces, especially with civilians living there." His words dripped with bitter disbelief.

    "That''s what we thought too," Sir Dominic admitted, the exhaustion evident in his voice. "But it seems nowhere is safe anymore, not even a like Agogjie. We warned the inhabitants, advised them to leave for their own safety. But they refused. They can''t afford the tokens necessary to live on Earth, so they chose to stay, even if it means risking their lives."

    "Well, that''s on them," Caspian replied coldly. He leaned forward, his piercing eyes locking onto Sir Dominic''s. He ced his forearms on the desk, his presence radiating menace. "You know I didn''te all this way for nothing, right?" he said, his voice low and dangerous. "Your touching exnation doesn''t change the fact that my son died on your watch. That is not eptable."

    His words were like a whip crack, and a shiver ran down Sir Dominic''s spine. He swallowed hard, the lump in his throat almost choking him.

    "Why shouldn''t I burn this entire ce to the ground?" Caspian continued, his voice dripping with venom. "I could start here and now ˇŞ and when I''m done, I''ll move on to the other arcs of the mutant academy and reduce them to ashes."

    The room felt like it was closing in. Sir Dominic''s palms grew mmy, his heartbeat thudding in his ears. He knew Caspian was capable of following through on his threat. Desperation wed at him.

    "What if..." Sir Dominic began, his voice barely above a whisper. He took a steadying breath, summoning all the courage he could muster. "What if I offer you something in exchange? Something that could be far more valuable. Spare us, and you''ll have what you''ve been searching for."

    Caspian''s eyes narrowed. He leaned back, folding his arms across his chest. "Offer me something?" he repeated, his toneced with skepticism. "Speak. What could you possibly offer me that I don''t already possess?"

    Sir Dominic''s eyes met his, resolute. "The artifact of the Apex Mutant."

    The room seemed to freeze. Caspian''s eyes widened in shock, his rigid posture softening as disbelief flickered across his face. Even Kara, who had been silent until now, gasped quietly, her eyes betraying her astonishment.

    "What did you say?" Caspian blurted out, his voice low but urgent. "You found the artifact?"

    "Several weeks ago, we detected the artifact in a Grade 5 realm," Sir Dominic exined, his voice steady despite the tension in the room. "We dispatched a team to retrieve it, but they were ughtered. The artifact vanished after that. However, I believe someone in this academy obtained its power ˇŞ someone who was in that realm on that day. I''m not certain yet, but I''m asking for time to investigate. I need to confirm my suspicions."

    Caspian''s gaze hardened. "And what made you suspect this person?"

    "He''s been involved in too many dangerous incidentstely. He''s walked away from situations that no one else could have survived. There have also been reports ˇŞints, even. A certain staff member voiced his suspicions, but at the time, we dismissed his ims as absurd."

    "And where is this staff member now?" Caspian demanded.

    "He left the academy to form a guild of his own. At least, that''s what his resignation letter imed," Sir Dominic said, his eyes flickering to Kara for a moment. The truth was far more sinister. The staff member he was referring to was Sensei Josh, and the letter was a cover story Kara had crafted to conceal the truth. After Ss killed Sensei Josh, Kara had helped him erase all evidence of his involvement.

    "I know this may sound hard to believe, Mr. Cobrafang," Sir Dominic pleaded, his voice low and sincere. "But you''ve been searching for this artifact for years. Now, it''s finally within reach. Even you can sense it, can''t you? All I ask is a little time to confirm it. Trust me, and I won''t let you down."

    Caspian''s face was a storm of conflicting emotions. He sat in silence, the seconds dragging on like hours.

    Finally, he spoke, his voice an icy whisper. "You have one month, Dominic. One month to bring me the artifact of the Apex Mutant ˇŞ or the person who wields its power. If you fail..." His eyes burned with cold fury. "You''ll be the first to die."

    The threat hung in the air like a death sentence, the room suffocating under its weight.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    "I''ll see you in a month, Dominic. Do take care of yourself." Caspian said as he rose to his feet. "Also, my offer still stands." He added.

    "What offer?" Sir Dominic asked with a slight look of puzzle evident on his face.

    "Taking her with me and making her my personal assistant. She will be paid handsomely, trust me." Caspian replied.

    "It''s not my decision to make, Mr. Cobrafang. You should ask her yourself. She''s right here." Sir Dominic replied.

    Caspian shifted his his gaze towards Kara who was standing beside Sir Dominic.

    "What do you say, Angel?" Caspian asked.

    "I''ll have to think about it first." Kara muttered.

    "Very well. I''ll be back in a month." Caspian nodded as he turned around and walked away with his men.

    With Caspian gone, Sir Dominic leaned backwards and let out a heavy sigh while wiping the beads of sweat off his forehead.

    "What are you going to do now, Sir? You promised him the artifact when you knew we lost it already." Kara spoke up after a few moments of silence.

    "We didn''t lose it. It has always been here. Someone obtained the power that day, and right now I only have one student in mind." Sir Dominic replied confidently.

    """

    50 Golden Tickets= 3 extra chapters.

 Chapter 154 A monster

    Back in the Backyard of the Main Academy''s Building

    Ss stood resolutely, his eyes fixed on Vic, who remained eerily unscathed. Though Ss hadnded numerous punishing blows, each one meant to damage and incapacitate, Vic''s injuries disappeared almost immediately, his body regenerating with supernatural efficiency.

    "His regeneration ability is insane. His healing speed surpasses mine by far," Ss thought grimly. His gaze didn''t waver as he observed Vic''s unrelenting charge, the creature''s ws gleaming in the dim light.

    Vic''s dash forward was a blur of movement, his speed unnaturally swift. In the blink of an eye, he closed the gap between them, his vicious ws streaking through the air in a lethal arc.

    The ws hissed as they sliced through empty space. At thest possible moment, Ss tilted his head aside, narrowly avoiding the deadly strike. The ws missed by mere inches, the sharp wind of their passage grazing his cheek.

    In a seamless motion, Ss seized the opportunity. His hand shot out, gripping Vic''s extended arm like a steel vice. With a surge of strength, he twisted sharply, putting his full power into the motion.

    A sickening crack echoed through the yard, the sound of bone snapping under immense force. Vic''s right arm hung limp, twisted unnaturally, like a rope frayed beyond repair. Yet Vic''s expression remained chillingly nk. There was no cry of pain, no flinch of difort. It was as if his body didn''t register injury.

    Ss''s eyes narrowed. He wasn''t surprised; Vic''s stoic disregard for damage had persisted since the fight began.

    Without hesitation, Vic countered with his left arm, ws swiping in a brutal, sweeping motion. Ss danced to the side with practiced grace, narrowly evading the attack. His heart pounded, but his movements remained fluid, controlled.

    Just as Ss steadied himself, Vic''s broken armshed out again. Ss''s eyes widened briefly. The once-shattered limb was whole, regenerated with disturbing speed. The ws tore through the air, aiming for Ss''s chest.

    "Hmmˇ­" Ss noted, sidestepping once more. His mind processed the pattern as he countered with a sharp jab to Vic''s ribs. The blow connected, sending Vic staggering backward.

    Vic barely paused before charging again, his movements a blur. His ws whistled through the air, a flurry of strikes aimed to overwhelm.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    "His speedˇ­ it''s slowing down," Ss muttered, his voice tinged with realization. He leapt back, creating a gap between them. Vic''s ws met only empty air, the sound of their passage fading like a ghost''s whisper.

    Landing gracefully, Ss summoned his scythe. The weapon materialized with a whisper of dark energy, the de gleaming with deadly promise. He tightened his grip, the cold metal grounding him as he prepared for Vic''s relentless advance.

    Vic charged once more, his eyes wild, his face a mask of savage determination. Ss waited, his muscles coiled like a spring. At the precise moment Vic entered his range, Ss swung his scythe with a decisive, full-force arc.

    SLASH!

    The de cleaved through flesh and bone with surgical precision, severing Vic''s right arm at the shoulder. Blood sprayed in a crimson torrent, the severed limb hitting the ground with a wet thud.

    Without hesitation, Ss leapt back again, his eyes never leaving Vic. He waited, calcting, watching for Vic''s next move.

    Moments passed. The dismembered arm on the ground shuddered, then disintegrated into fine dust, the particles vanishing into the night air. From the stump of Vic''s shoulder, a new arm began to grow, sinew and bone knitting together at a slower pace than before.

    "His regeneration is faltering," Ss noted, his eyes narrowing. "The more he heals, the more his strength drains. That''s why his movements slow each time he recovers."

    Vic''s renewed advance was clumsy now, his once-lethal speed reduced to a stumbling gait. His limbs moved with the awkwardness of a newborn foal, his power waning visibly.

    Ss dismissed his scythe, the weapon vanishing into the ether. He cracked his knuckles, his expression cold and resolute. Vic lunged forward, his punch sloppy and desperate. Ss blocked it effortlessly with his left arm and delivered a brutal counterpunch.

    BAM!

    His fist smashed into Vic''s face, a bone-crunching impact that echoed through the yard. The force of the blow fractured Vic''s skull and sent him soaring through the air like a discarded doll.

    Vic''s body collided with a trash can, the metallic crash reverberating in the night. He crumpled to the ground, motionless for several moments before staggering to his feet. His nose was mangled, blood gushing down his face in thick rivulets. Even as his broken skull began to knit itself back together, he dropped to his knees, his limbs trembling with exhaustion.

    Ss watched, his face impassive, as Vic struggled to rise. Every movement was an effort, his stamina spent, his body betraying him.

    Vic summoned thest dregs of his strength to stand, his breath ragged. His eyes zed with impotent fury, but his legs refused to carry him forward. He remained rooted, panting and growling softly.

    "You did your best, Vic," Ss said coldly. "You were a good fighter. But I''m better." His voice dropped, tinged with regret. "I''m sorry it has to end like this. You''ve be a monster, a danger to everyone. Keeping you alive will only bring harm to others. I know who you were. You wouldn''t want innocent blood on your hands."

    He clenched his fist, resolve hardening in his eyes.

    [Active Skill: Soul Jab Activated]

    A glowing blue energy red around his fist, the luminescence spreading like wildfire. The yard was bathed in an eerie glow, the light growing more intense with each passing second.

    TWOOOMMM!

    Ss shot forward like a missile, the ground cracking beneath his feet. In an instant, he closed the distance, his right arm drawn back for the final, decisive blow.

    "Ss?"

    The soft, trembling voice froze him mid-strike. He didn''t need to turn to know who it was. He knew that voice the instant he heard it.

    Angelica.

    Lowering his fist, Ss turned slowly. Angelica stood a few meters away, tears glistening in her eyes. Her face was a mask of fear and sadness, her expression pleading.

    "What are you doing here, Angelica? You should be inside. Stay in your room like the staff told you," Ss said, his voice calm but firm.

    "What''s going on, Ss? What''s happening here?" Angelica stammered, her voice trembling. Her eyes found Vic, and she gasped. "Isˇ­ is thatˇ­ Vic?"

    Vic''s face, a grotesque amalgamation of fur and scales, was barely recognizable. Yet Angelica, through sheer force of familiarity and hope, still saw the friend she once knew.

 Chapter 155 Bloody

    Angelica''s feet felt like lead, but she forced herself to move forward, her eyes locked on Vic''s copsed form. The afternoon was silent except for the faint rustling of leaves in the breeze and the distant hum of the academy''s lights.

    "Stay back, Angelica!" Ss''s voice sliced through the stillness like a knife, urgent andmanding.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    "Why?" Angelica''s voice wavered, her confusion and fear tightening around her throat like a noose.

    "It''s too dangerous! Just go back inside and stay in your room!" Ss''s tone was sharp, his eyes shing with a desperation she hadn''t seen before.

    Her eyes darted to the mangled corpse on the ground, the grotesque sight making bile rise in her throat. She swallowed hard, fighting the nausea and the terror bubbling inside her.

    "Tell me what''s going on! What happened to that student? Who did this? Where are his organs? And what is happening to Vic?!" Her voice broke as she spat out the questions, each word a dagger of fear.

    Ss''s face darkened, his jaw clenching tightly. He closed the distance between them with swift, determined strides, his eyes cold and unyielding.

    "You really want to know what''s happening?" he hissed, his voice low and deadly. "I''m trying to kill Vic. I would have done it already if you hadn''t shown up. And you want to know why?" His eyes burned into hers, a storm of anguish and anger swirling within them. "Because he was scratched and infected by a shifer! He''s a monster now, Angelica! He''s the one who killed that student. He tore him open and ate his organs!"

    Angelica''s breath caught in her throat, her vision blurring as the weight of his words crashed down on her. Her knees wobbled, and she swayed, the world tilting precariously. The blood-slick ground seemed to shift beneath her feet.

    "W-w-what are you saying, Ss? Thisˇ­ this can''t be true," she stammered, her voice barely a whisper, hollow with disbelief.

    "It''s the truth," Ss said, his voice hard and unrelenting. "I didn''t tell you because I didn''t think you could handle it. But that thing lying there isn''t Vic anymore. It''s a monster in his skin, and if I don''t kill him, more people will die." He turned abruptly, his face a mask of cold resolve as he began to walk away.

    "Wait!" Angelica''s trembling hand shot out, grabbing his arm. Her fingers felt tiny and fragile against his tense, muscled forearm.

    He turned to her, his expression a mixture of frustration and something elseˇŞsomething softer. Tears shimmered in her eyes, carving wet paths down her pale cheeks. Her lower lip quivered, her entire body shaking like a leaf in a storm.

    "Please, don''t do this, Ss," she pleaded, her voice cracking with raw desperation. Her chest heaved with the effort to breathe. "We''ve already lost Ivy. I can''t lose Vic too. He''s our friend! I know he''s dangerous, but pleaseˇ­ please spare him. We can figure something out. We have to." Her tears dripped from her chin, sshing onto the bloodstained ground.

    Ss''s jaw tightened, his heart twisting painfully. The memory of Ivy''s death shed through his mindˇŞthe helplessness, the rage, the hollow grief etched into Angelica''s face for weeks afterward. He had watched her shatter, piece by piece, and only recently had she begun to rebuild herself. Vic''s death would destroy herpletely, and Ss knew it. She couldn''t lose anyone else.

    He closed his eyes for a moment, his mind a chaotic whirl of conflict. Finally, he exhaled slowly, his shoulders sagging under the weight of his decision.

    "Fine," he said, his voice low and strained. "I''ll spare him." He locked eyes with her, his gaze hardening. "But listen to me carefully. If he kills anyone else, it''s on you. And I won''t hesitate to end him next time."

    "Ss, look out!" Angelica''s scream tore through the air, shrill with terror.

    Time slowed. Ss''s instincts red, warning him even before her shout registered. Vic''s feral form lunged forward, his eyes wild and vacant, his ws shing under the dim light, arcing toward Ss''s neck.

    With a surge of adrenaline, Ss twisted his body, muscles coiling like a spring. His leg shot out in a lightning-fast roundhouse kick.

    BAM!

    The impact was sickening, the crack of bone echoing in the night as his foot connected with Vic''s temple. Vic''s body went limp, copsing to the ground in a heap. Hey still, the monstrous ck fur and scales that marred his face slowly dissolving. The twisted ws receded, his hands returning to their human form. Finally, his faceˇŞonce handsome and kindˇŞwas revealed, ck and peaceful in unconsciousness.

    Ss let out a shaky breath, his pulse pounding in his ears. He turned to Angelica, his face etched with exhaustion and grim determination.

    "Go back inside," he said quietly. "It''s done. I''ll take him to his room and deal with the body."

    Angelica wiped her tears with trembling hands, her eyes wide with a mixture of relief and dread. "Thank you, Ss," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

    "Just remember what I said," Ss warned, his eyes cold steel. "If he kills again, I''ll have no choice."

    She nodded, unable to speak, and turned away. As she walked back toward the building, she cast onest nce at Vic''s unconscious form, her heart aching with fear and hope.

    When she was gone, Ss crouched beside Vic, staring down at his friend''s pale face.

    "This is my fault," he thought bitterly, his stomach churning with guilt. "I shouldn''t have gone after that mutant. I should''ve let the guilds handle it. I was so damn greedy for the rewards that I dragged Vic into this mess. And now look where it got us."

    He clenched his jaw, his eyes burning with regret. Vic hadn''t volunteered; he''d followed out of loyalty, out of friendship. And now, he was paying the price for Ss''s ambition.

    Ss slipped his hands under Vic''s head and legs, lifting him with ease. The weight of his friend felt insignificantpared to the burden in his chest. He carried Vic through the shadowy hallways, the silence pressing down on him like a suffocating fog.

    After what felt like an eternity, he reached the VIP section. The two guards stepped forward, their eyes narrowing with suspicion.

    "Where do you think you''re going?" one of them growled, his voice a low rumble.

    Ss met their res head-on. "I''m taking my friend to his room," he said evenly.

    The guards nced at Vic, their eyes widening at the sight of blood smeared across his clothes and face.

    "What the hell happened to him? And is that blood?" they demanded, their voices tight with disbelief and rm.

    Ss''s grip on Vic tightened. He took a deep breath, steadying himself for what came next.

 Chapter 156 Bad timing

    Ss lowered his gaze after hearing the guards'' words. He nced at Vic in his arms before shifting his eyes back to the guards.

    "Uhm... he, uhm, got into a fight. Yeah, he got into a fight with other high-graded students. Unfortunately, he was outnumbered, and they ended up beating him up. That''s why he''s like this," Ss exined, his voice steady despite the knots twisting in his stomach. He hoped desperately that they would buy it.

    Luck seemed to be on his side, as the guards nodded their heads in understanding.

    This wasn''t the first time Vic had returned to the VIP section covered in blood. They were well aware of Vic''s tendency to get into fights with other students. He also participated frequently in the ranking arena, where brutal, no-holds-barred battles often left him injured or even unconscious. The guards had grown ustomed to this routine, though their duty required them to ask about it every time just to be sure.

    They stepped aside and pushed the entrance door to the VIP section open, allowing Ss to walk inside. The hallway stretched ahead, dimly lit and lined with ornate fixtures. Ss walked forward, his footsteps echoing softly, still uncertain of where exactly he was supposed to go.

    Then he remembered Vic''s wristwatch. ncing at it, he saw the room number engraved on the underside. Relief washed over him. He swiftly navigated the corridor, finally arriving at the door. He pushed it open and slipped inside.

    The room wasvish, with walls draped in rich fabrics and furniture designed for maximumfort. Ss shut the door behind him with a soft click and headed toward Vic''s enormous, plush bed. The mattress seemed to swallow Vic as Ss gentlyid him down, ensuring his body sank into the soft embrace. He grabbed a nearby nket and carefully covered Vic, tucking it around his shoulders to keep him warm.

    Satisfied that everything was in ce, Ss turned around and began to leave.

    But just as his hand brushed the door handle, a faint voice reached his ears.

    "T... thank you..." Vic muttered weakly, his voice barely audible.

    Ss paused. For a brief moment, his eyes softened, and he nced over his shoulder at Vic. The moment passed, and without a word, he slipped out of the room, closing the door behind him. He needed to get back to the backyard and deal with the body before anyone else discovered it.

    The air in the backyard was crisp and cold as Ss retraced his steps to the spot where the student''s body had fallen. His heart pounded in his chest, but as he arrived, his blood ran cold.

    The body was gone.

    "What the..." Ss murmured, his eyes widening in shock. He spun around, scanning the area. Panic set in as he searched the entire backyard, his movements bing frantic. Minutes ticked by, but there was no trace of the corpse.

    Even the dark pool of blood that had stained the ground had vanished, as if it had never been there. The ce looked pristine, untouched ˇŞ no evidence of a fight, no hint of violence.

    "It has to be Miss Kara," Ss whispered to himself, realization dawning on him. "Yeah, it''s definitely her. She''s the one who''s been helping me clean up my messes, getting rid of the bodies, and covering my tracks."

    He paused, his brow furrowing. "But how did she know about what happened back here?"

    He rubbed his chin, pacing back and forth as he pieced it together. "Right. It must have been those two female students I saw earlier. They must have run straight to her office to report it. When she came here, she probably put the pieces together and figured I was involved."

    Ss let out a shaky breath, his mind racing. "Why is she helping me, though?"

    Miss Kara had once given him an exnation. She wanted to train him, to push him to the absolute peak of his powers. Her goal was to forge him into the strongest mutant imaginable, a living weapon that would prove her worth to the n that had shunned her. But so far, there had been no training, no lessons ˇŞ only her silent intervention whenever he slipped up. The inconsistency gnawed at him, suspicion bubbling beneath the surface.

    Shaking his head, Ss decided to shelve those thoughts for now. He needed to get back to his dorm room before any staff members spotted him. He was already on thin ice after being ordered to remain in his room until further notice.

    A few momentster, Ss arrived at his dormitory. He pushed the door open, stepping into the familiar confines of his room. The door closed behind him with a soft thud. He trudged over to his bed and sank down onto the mattress.

    A heavy sigh escaped his lips as the weight of the day''s events pressed down on him. The memories yed back like a chaotic film reel ˇŞ the fights, the lies, the bodies.

    It had been a harrowing day, and though the sun still hung in the sky, Ss felt utterly drained. All he wanted was to close his eyes and drift into oblivion.

    Just as heid back, a sharp DING! jolted him upright.

    A crimson notification red into existence before his eyes.

    [Your next evolution quest has arrived.]

    Ss blinked, his stomach twisting with dread. He had known this wasing, had feared it, even. But why now? Why when things with Vic were spiraling out of control?

    Leaving Vic alone while he ventured into a realm for the evolution quest felt like asking for disaster.

    "This damn system knows exactly what it''s doing. Damn bastard!" Ss hissed through clenched teeth.

    The notification shifted into a new screen.

    ---

    [This evolution quest will be different from the previous ones because Host will evolve into a whole new Tier.]

    [Tier Name: Emperor (The Emperor of Souls)]

    [Tier Information: Once Hostpletes the three tasks of this evolution quest and ascends to the Emperor Tier, he will gain the ability to extract the souls of mutants near death. Extracted souls can be forged into unique creatures that will serve the Host indefinitely.]

    [More Information: Host must collect three items from three different realms toplete the quest.]

    [The first item is the Energy Core of the Realm''s God in the first Grade 5 realm.]

    [The remaining items will be revealed after the first item is obtained. Further details about the Emperor Tier will also be disclosedter.]

    [Time to ept the quest: 24 hours]n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    ---

    Ss sat frozen, his eyes scanning the notifications over and over. Each line filled him with a growing sense of dread and anticipation.

    "I knew it. This next evolution quest is going to be far more intense than any of the previous ones," he thought, swallowing the lump in his throat.

 Chapter 157 Kill myself

    The evolution quest Ss had beenpleting so far was vastly different from what he was facing now. This particr quest was divided into three distinct stages.

    The system had instructed him to obtain three unique items from three separate realms in order toplete the quest and evolve.

    Ss understood why this quest was different ˇŞ once he evolved, he would gain the ability to turn mutant souls into his servants. It was like hitting the ultimate jackpot; having powerful mutants fighting for him meant they could handle his enemies on his behalf. In some battles, he wouldn''t even need to lift a finger. His servants would take care of everything, making victory practically guaranteed.

    However, this reward came with considerable danger. He would have to raid a Grade 5 realm alone. A Grade 5 realm wasrgely popted with Grade 4 and Grade 5 mutants. Spotting a Grade 3 mutant in such realms was rare, and even if he did encounter one, defeating it would be difficult. Grade 3 mutants tended to travel in tightly organized groups for protection.

    He remembered the Cave Bats his group had encountered several weeks ago in a Grade 5 realm. Defeating a single Cave Bat was simple enough, but their sheer numbers turned the situation into a nightmare.N?v(el)B\\jnn

    Fighting multiple Grade 3 mutants simultaneously was like battling a high-grade mutant. Both scenarios drained stamina and energy at a terrifying rate.

    At this moment, Ss hoped he wouldn''t run into troublesome mutants like the relentless Cave Bats or the unpredictable Crazy Chimptants.

    "There''s still the issue with Vic. He''s incredibly unstable right now. Leaving him alone in this academy will only lead to more chaos," Ss muttered, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

    He had already witnessed the havoc Vic caused when left unsupervised.

    Vic had killed a student and eaten his organs. If Ss hadn''t intervened in time, Vic could have caused even more devastation ˇŞ possibly attacking more students or even academy staff members.

    At this point, Vic was a ticking time bomb, and Ss knew it would be reckless to leave him alone.

    "I should''ve killed him when I had the chance," Ss whispered, clenching his fists tightly in frustration.

    He had been fully prepared to end Vic''s life earlier, but Angelica had intervened. If she had arrived just a few secondster, Vic would be dead ˇŞ the Soul Jab Ss prepared would have finished him off.

    Sparing Vic had onlyplicated matters further. Now, Ss needed to find a way to resolve the situation.

    "What if I don''t ept the quest?" he pondered, ncing at the system interface.

    Interestingly, the system didn''t disy any punishment for refusing the quest. This suggested the quest was optional, giving him the freedom to decide if he was ready to evolve or not.

    "I guess I''ll wait and see how tomorrow goes. If things spiral out of control, I''ll skip the quest. But if everything seems stable, I''ll go ahead and start it," Ss decided, dismissing the system screen and lying down on his bed.

    He had just 24 hours to make his choice.

    ---

    The morning sun rose, its golden rays filtering through the small window and casting a warm glow across Ss''s face. The light pierced his eyelids, gently pulling him from his slumber.

    Yawning and stretching, Ss climbed out of bed and made his way to the bathroom. After a brisk shower, he dressed swiftly in his uniform, grabbed his belongings, and left his room, heading for the cafeteria.

    Momentster, he arrived and saw his group seated in their usual spot. The table was surrounded by boys, but Angelica was noticeably absent.

    Vic was among them, sitting silently with his head bowed and his arms crossed.

    Ss approached the table. When Sebastian noticed him, he spoke up.

    "Good, you''re finally here, Ss. I don''t know what''s up with him, but he''s beenpletely mute since we got here," Sebastian said, his brows furrowed with concern.

    At Sebastian''s words, Vic slowly lifted his head. His eyes met Ss''s, and without a word, he stood up and walked toward him.

    Ss''s body tensed. He clenched his fists tightly, preparing for a confrontation. But when Vic spoke, his tone caught Ss off guard.

    "Hey, man. Can we talk in private?" Vic asked, his voice unusually calm.

    Ss studied him for a long moment before nodding. "Sure."

    Without another word, they headed for the cafeteria''s exit.

    "What the hell is going on?" Sebastian muttered, his confusion clear. He turned to David, who was eating his meal with an unreadable expression.

    "Do you know what''s happening?" Sebastian asked. David shrugged and continued eating, offering no exnation.

    Meanwhile, Ss and Vic walked in silence through the academy''s hallways, their footsteps echoing softly. The air grew colder as they climbed the stairs to the rooftop. Finally, they stepped out into the open air.

    The rooftop was eerily quiet. The wind blew gently, carrying a crisp chill. From this vantage point, the entire academy sprawled below them, with the city skyline visible beyond its walls. Vic walked forward, stopping at the edge of the rooftop. He tucked his hands into his pockets, his eyes scanning the horizon.

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    Several minutes passed in silence before Vic finally spoke.

    "I remember, Ss. I remember everything," he said, his voice thick with regret. "I remember the conversation we had in your room. I... I remember attacking that student. I remember killing him andˇ­ and eating his organs."

    His voice cracked with emotion. He took a deep, shaky breath before continuing.

    "I don''t know what''s wrong with me. It''s like I''m trapped inside my own body. I''m aware of what''s happening, but I can''t control it. Those threats I made to you ˇŞ that wasn''t me. It felt like I was conscious but powerless."

    He turned to face Ss, his eyes filled with desperation and fear.

    "I can''t keep living like this. I''m terrified I''ll hurt the people I care about."

    Ss listened, his face impassive but his mind racing.

    "That''s why I brought you here," Vic continued, his voice barely a whisper. "I''m going to end it. I''m going to jump."

    He took a step closer to the edge.

 Chapter 158 Suicide is the only way

    Vic swallowed hard, his throat dry and tight. Each breath felt like dragging air through sandpaper. His shoes scraped against the rooftop gravel as he took a step closer to the edge.

    Ss stood a few paces behind him, his eyes narrowing with intensity. His voice was low but firm, each word edged with steel.

    "If you really remember what happened yesterday, then you know I was ready to end you right there. You know I was this close to killing you." He held up his thumb and forefinger, barely a sliver of space between them. "But do you know why you''re still standing here, breathing, with a choice to make? It''s because of Angelica."

    Vic''s shoulders tensed, his eyes fixed on the swirling ckness below. The weight of Ss''s words was heavy, but the burden of his own guilt was crushing him.

    "She saw what you became yesterday, Vic," Ss continued, his voice straining with emotion. "She saw the chaos, the violence, the loss of control. But even after all of that, she still believed in you. She didn''t give up. She begged me to let you live, to give you another chance. She believes there''s still something worth saving in you."

    Ss''s eyes glimmered with frustration, his hands clenching into fists. "And now, what? You''re just going to throw that all away?"

    Vic''s breath came in ragged gasps. His eyes stung, but no tears came. The cold airshed against his face, but all he could feel was the suffocating pressure inside his chest. His voice was brittle when he spoke.

    "You don''t understand, Ss. I can''t trust myself. I lost control of my own body. I killed someone." He shuddered, the memory a dark storm clouding his mind. "What if it happens again? What if I hurt the people I love next time? What if it''s Angelica?"

    He tightened his grip on the edge of the rooftop, his knuckles white. "I can''t let that happen. It''s better if I end it now. At least then, you all can move on. At least then, I can''t hurt anyone else."

    Ss took a slow, deep breath, his gaze unwavering. "You''re scared. I get it. But you think running from it is the answer?" He shook his head, frustration bleeding into his voice. "If you want to jump, fine. I won''t stop you. But know thisˇŞyou''ll die knowing you didn''t even try to fight it. You didn''t even try to fix it."

    Ss''s eyes bored into Vic''s, fierce and unrelenting. "Angelica believes in you. She''s willing to fight for you. How can you just give up on yourself so easily? You''re not a full shifter, Vic. You''re something else. Something we still don''t understand. That means there might be a wayˇŞa way to control this, a way to make it right."

    He stepped back, his voice dropping to an icy calm. "But if you''re set on dying, go ahead. I''ll watch you jump. And when the staff ask what happened, I''ll tell them youmitted suicide. Angelica will be shattered, yeah, but eventually, she''ll heal. She''ll move on. And you? You''ll be nothing but a memory."

    The words hit Vic like a punch to the gut. His knees wobbled, his vision blurring as he stared down at the abyss below. The height was dizzying, the ground a distant, merciless smear of concrete and inevitability. He sucked in a shaky breath, his voice barely audible.

    "I''m sorry, man. Thisˇ­ this is the right thing to do."

    With that, he stepped back off the ledge.

    Time froze.

    [Active Skill: Lightning Dash Activated.]n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

    In a burst of crackling energy, Ss blurred forward, his muscles coiling like steel springs. The wind screamed past his ears as his hand shot out, fingers locking onto Vic''s cor just as gravity seized him. The force wrenched through Ss''s arm, pain ring in his joints, but he held tight. He gritted his teeth, heart hammering as he dragged Vic back onto solid ground.

    "You idiot!" Ss snarled, his voice hoarse with strain and anger. He yanked Vic away from the edge, the momentum sending them both stumbling onto the rooftop.

    [Lightning Dash Deactivated.]

    Vic copsed onto his hands and knees, gasping for air. His chest heaved, his body trembling as if the weight of his decision had finallynded on him. His eyes flicked up to Ss, confusion and despair warring in their depths. "You saidˇ­ you wouldn''t stop me. Why did you?"

    Ss''s jaw tightened, his eyes zing with a fierce, unspoken loyalty. "Because you''re my friend, you idiot." His voice cracked, the admission raw and unfiltered. "I''m not going to let you throw your life away when there''s still hope. I''m not going to let you give up."

    He straightened, his expression hardening into something colder, more controlled. "I''m heading back to the others. You cane with me, and we''ll figure this out together. Or you can stay here and finish what you started. I won''t stop you again."

    Without waiting for an answer, Ss turned and walked toward the stairwell, his footsteps echoing like a metronome counting down the moments.

    He shoved his hands into his pockets, his jaw clenched tight. The hallway lights flickered, casting jagged shadows along the walls. A digital countdown hovered in his visionˇŞa grim reminder that his time to decide on the evolution quest was slipping away.

    ''It must''ve been those organs Vic ate,'' he thought, his mind racing through possibilities. ''He was starving. Once he fed, he came back to his senses. Just like me when I run out of soul points and lose control until I consume a soul.''

    As he walked, lost in thought, someone stepped into his path. The scent of expensive perfume hit him firstˇŞsharp, floral, and cloying.

    He stopped short, his eyes narrowing. The girl in front of him had long pink hair cascading in silky waves down to her waist. Her makeup was meticulously applied, her eyes lined with dark precision, and her lips painted a rich crimson. Her body curved in perfect, deliberate proportions, and she bit her lower lip in a practiced gesture of allure.

    "You''re Ss, right?" she asked, her voice a purr edged with curiosity and something deeper.

    Ss''s gaze hardened. "Yeah. Who are you?"

    She smiled, a slow, knowing curve of her lips. "I''m Mia. Angelica''s roommate. She wants you to meet her in the library."

    Ss nodded as he walked past Mia, the faint scent of her perfume lingering like a sticky sweetness he couldn''t shake off.

    "I wonder why Angelica always makes friends with all the hot guys in this academy," Mia drawled, her voice dripping with a mix of teasing and something sharper.

    "First Vic, now you. You knowˇ­" She leaned against the doorframe, her fingers tracing a loose strand of her pink hair. "I''m much better than Angelica. I''m good at everythingˇŞexcept for the things I can''t do." Her lips curled into a smirk. "You''re wee toe to my dorm room anytimeˇ­ I''ll show you what I can do."

    Ss didn''t even flinch. His gaze remained forward, his footsteps measured, deliberate. Without a word, he continued down the corridor, the echo of his boots drowning out her sultry offer.

    By the time he pushed open the library door, the musty scent of old paper and polished wood enveloped him.

    He spotted Angelica near the back, her figure framed by shelves crammed with dusty tomes. She stood in front of a tall bookcase, her fingers gently skimming the spines of thick volumes. Her hair, a cascade of silver-blonde, caught the light in a way that made it seem almost ethereal.

    "Hey," Ss called softly as he approached. "What are you doing here?"

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    Angelica nodded, her brow creased with worry. "These books cover everythingˇŞsses, tiers, grades, and all the different types of mutants and species. If there''s a way to help Vic, it has to be here. Somewhere."

    He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Vic was scratched by a shifter. But any human scratched by a shifter turns within ten minutes. They lose their sanity and be a full mutant."

    Angelica''s fingers curled into a fist at her side. "But that didn''t happen to Vic. He did lose his mind but he didn''t shiftpletely."

    "Yeah." Ss''s voice dropped lower, his eyes darkening with thought. "It changed him, but not in the way it should have. He turned into something different. Something I''ve never heard of before."

    Her eyes searched his face, a flicker of hope igniting in their depths. "Do you know what it''s called? If we know the name, maybe we can find the right book."

    He hesitated, the word tasting bitter on his tongue. "Malcavore."

    "Malcavoreˇ­" she repeated, as if testing its weight in her mouth. She tilted her head slightly, curiosity and apprehension dancing in her eyes.

    "Don''t ask me how I know," he muttered. "I just do."

    She shook her head gently. "I won''t. I know it has to do with whatever you are. Like when you knew we were in a Grade 5 realm before anyone else."

    Angelica took a steadying breath, determination hardening her features. "All right. Let''s see if this library has anything on Malcavores."

 Chapter 159 Malcavore

    The duo was still in the library, methodically scanning the books on the shelves one by one, searching for any title that bore the name "Malcavore" on the cover. So far, their search had been fruitless.

    The books they hade across so far covered topics such as basic techniques for high-graded Mutants, including the Advanced and Special Grades. There were also volumes detailing the fundamental characteristics of different sses of mutants and other species like the Sycrax. Yet, despite the exhaustive search, none mentioned anything about Malcavore.

    After several hours of relentless searching, Angelica finally spotted a book on a different shelf. The book was sizable, with the word "Malcavore" boldly embossed on the hardcover in thick, ck lettering.

    "This is it. Finally." Angelica exhaled a heavy sigh of relief as she carefully pulled the book from the shelf and walked over to the table where Ss was waiting.

    They sat down together, cing the weighty book on the table. Without hesitation, they opened it and began reading.

    The first section of the book provided a detailed exnation of what a Malcavore truly was.

    A Malcavore wasn''t like any other mutant. In fact, it didn''t fall under any known ssification. It upied a category of its own.

    A Malcavore could only be created when a particr mutant infected another mutant orpleted the mating process with them. While most mutants were immune to infections from their kind, there were rare exceptions who weren''t.

    Once a mutant was infected, they no longer fit into their previous ssification, nor did they belong to the ssification of the mutant who infected them. Instead, they existed in a liminal space between the twoˇŞa unique state known as a Malcavore.

    As Angelica and Ss read on, puzzled expressions crept onto their faces.

    "I don''t understand. What the hell is this supposed to mean?" Ss muttered, his eyes glued to the page as he read the passage over and over.

    "It says here that a Malcavore can be born if a mutant gets infected or impregnated by another mutant. What does that mean? Vic isn''t a mutant." Angelica blurted, confusion evident in her voice.

    "How sure are you?" Ss asked, his voice low and serious. "He''s from the Hardcastle familyˇŞa powerful lineage. Why do you think everyone is afraid of them?" He paused, his gaze intense. "There has to be a reason."

    "So you''re saying the leader of the family, Vic''s father, is a full mutant?" Angelica asked, her tone tinged with disbelief.

    "That''s the only reasonable exnation right now," Ss replied. "The Hardcastles are intensely private. Maybe no one knows this secret, and they''ve chosen to live as if they''re human." His voice carried a hint of frustration.

    "But why keep it a secret? And why didn''t Vic tell us anything?" Angelica murmured, her brow furrowed in thought.

    "I have no idea," Ss admitted. "Maybe he swore an oath to his father or something. We can''t me him for that." He sighed. "Let''s keep reading and see if we can learn more."

    Angelica nodded, and they resumed their study.

    The book delved deeper into the nature of Malcavores, exining in vivid detail how they were born. It went on to describe their growth and evolution.

    The text revealed that during the transition stage, a Malcavore required human organs to survive. If they didn''t consume these organs, they would ultimately perish.

    This, the book exined, was one of the reasons Malcavores were so rare. If a Malcavore was born in a mutant realm that hadn''t yet been discovered by humans, there would be no avable human prey. Surrounded solely by other mutants, the Malcavore would starve and die.

    The book continued to borate on the hunger that gued Malcavores. During the transition stage, each use of their abilities drained their energy reserves, triggering an insatiable need for human organs.

    However, once the Malcavore evolved, they would no longer rely solely on humans. After this evolution, they would be able to consume mutant organs as well.

    Frustratingly, the text did not specify how long this evolution process took. It only hinted that the transition period variedˇŞit could take months or even years.

    The evolution brought more than just a change in diet. After evolving, the Malcavore''s strength increased exponentially. Where a transitioning Malcavore''s power wasparable to that of a Grade 5 mutant, an evolved Malcavore rivaled even Advanced or Special Grades.

    The duo flipped through the pages, absorbing every word until they reached the final chapter. Silence fell over them as they processed the weighty information.

    After a few moments, Ss finally spoke.

    "So, he has to keep feeding until he evolves. And since we don''t know when that''ll happen, it could take months, even years. Just great."

    "Isn''t there a way for him to feed without killing people?" Angelica asked, her expression thoughtful.

    "You read the same thing I did, Angelica. He needs human organs to survive," Ss replied with resignation.

    "I know, but does that mean he has to kill people to get the organs?" she countered. "The Blood Market sells all kinds of things. I''m sure they sell human body parts and organs, too."

    "You might be onto something." Ss''s eyes lit up with hope as he turned on his smartwatch and began tapping the screen.

    He navigated to the Blood Market''s website and started scrolling through the items for sale. His eyes skimmed over various bizarre offerings, each apanied by their corresponding token prices.

    Ss scrolled through the site for several minutes, frustration mounting as he sifted through endless irrelevant listings. Finally, fed up, he clicked on the search bar and typed in what he was looking for.

    "Human heart."

    A few seconds after entering the search, several listings for human hearts appeared on the screen, each apanied by a price.

    "Well, what do you know?" Ss grinned, his eyes glinting with satisfaction as he examined the hearts on disy. "I think we just found a solution to our problem."

    "But look at the price, Ss. A single heart is worth 500,000 tokens. That''s a lot." Angelica''s cheeks flushed with concern as she caught sight of the exorbitant cost.

    "Don''t worry about the price. I''ll handle the first purchase. After this, Vic can take care of the rest. He is from an affluent family, after all," Ss replied with a smirk, his fingers flying over the interface as he initiated the transaction.

    He transferred 500,000 tokens to the Blood Market''s ount. The payment screen shed green, confirming the transaction, and prompted Ss to fill in some personal information.

    The form required his full name, age, and a detailed location for the delivery. Ss didn''t hesitate. He knew the Blood Market was a ce where anonymity and discretion were guaranteed. In this shadowy corner ofmerce, anyone ˇŞ even a five-year-old ˇŞ could order illegal items without fear of judgment or inquiry.

    Once he submitted the details, a final message appeared on his wristwatch:

    [Transactionplete. Your package has been delivered to your dorm room.]

    "It''s done," Ss announced, his voice carrying a note of resolve. "Vic ran out of energy yesterday after all that regeneration. He must be starving. To prevent him from losing control, we need to feed him the heart."

    "Where is he now, though? I haven''t seen him since yesterday," Angelica asked, her brow furrowed with worry.

    Ss paused, his jaw tightening. He remembered the rooftop, that bleak conversation with Vic, the haunted look in his eyes. He had left Vic there, uncertain whether his friend would choose to jump or fight through the darkness.

    "He''s probably hanging out with the boys," Ss replied, his voice deliberately casual, concealing the grim possibility he feared. There was no need to burden Angelica with that thought.

    "I see. Alright then," Angelica said with a small nod, though her eyes lingered on Ss''s face, sensing there was more he wasn''t saying.

    The duo lingered in the library for several minutes, the weight of unspoken fears hanging between them. Finally, they exited the building and began their search for Vic. Ss instructed Angelica to wait on the rooftop while he retrieved the heart and continued looking for their friend.

    When Ss entered his dorm room, his eyes immediatelynded on a small box resting on his bed. He crossed the room quickly, heart pounding, and lifted the lid just enough to peer inside. The heart was there ˇŞ dark, cold, and lifeless. It wasn''t soaked in blood; instead, it had been carefully preserved, the icy chill hinting at deep-freeze storage to keep it fresh.

    With a steadying breath, Ss closed the lid, picked up the box, and headed to the rooftop.

    As he stepped onto the rooftop, he froze for a moment. Angelica was there, her arms wrapped tightly around Vic. The relief and worry on her face were mirrored by Vic''s weary expression, his body trembling slightly from exhaustion.

    "I''ll leave you two alone," Ss said quietly, setting the box down a few inches away from them. Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked away, his footsteps soft against the rooftop''s concrete.

    Ss descended the stairs swiftly, his mind buzzing with thoughts. When he reached his room, he closed the door behind him and leaned against it, exhaling a long, shaky breath. The moment of respite was brief. His eyes narrowed with determination as he summoned the system interface.

    The holographic screen appeared before him, its familiar blue glow tinged with a foreboding intensity.

    [Are you sure you want to begin the evolution quest?]

    Two options blinked back at him:

    [Yes]

    [No]

    He hesitated for just a second, the weight of his critically low soul points gnawing at the edge of his resolve. But now that a solution for Vic''s problem was within reach, there was no point in dying his own path any longer.

    Ss clenched his jaw, his voice low and resolute.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    "Yes."

    The word slipped out like amand, final and unwavering. The screen shed brightly in response, the interface processing his choice.

    [Evolution quest epted.]

    A pulse of energy rippled through his body, and Ss braced himself for what was toe. Continue your adventure with empire

    """"

    A/N: Golden Tickets and Power Stones will be very much appreciated.

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!