《I Can Extract Game Items》 Chapter 1 The Fatal Adventure A dark haired man in histe twenties stood on the precipice of the cliff with numerous protrusions as his heart pounded with the familiar thrill that only danger could bring. The wind whipped around him, carrying the scent of salt from the sea below. He looked down at the waves crashing violently against the rocks and grinned. This was what he lived for¡ªthe edge of life and death. Behind him, his two closest associates, Marcus, a gruff man with sharp blue eyes, and Elena, a young blonde-haireddy with a petite figure, watched in admiration and concern. Marcus, his trusted bodyguard, always had a stoic expression but was silently ready to jump in if things went awry. However, Elena who was his personal assistant, was more vocal about her worries.N?v(el)B\\jnn "Are you sure about this, Reacher?" Elena called out in a barely audible voice due to the roaring wind. "This cliff is known for its unpredictable gusts. One wrong move and¡ª" "That''s the point, Elena," Reacher interrupted while shing a confident smile. "Where''s the fun if there''s no risk?" Elena shook her head in defeat. Her eyes were filled with exasperation and worry while Marcus simply nodded, ready to support whatever decision Reacher made. Reacher tightened the straps of his backpack, feeling the reassuring weight of his climbing gear and emergency supplies. He had made a fortune in business, amassed wealth beyond imagination, and enjoyed thepany of countless women, but none of itpared to the rush of his high-risk adventures. Each one was more dangerous than thest, leaving him wanting more. Taking a deep breath, Reacher savored the moment. The adrenaline surged through his veins, heightening his senses. He nced back at Marcus and Elena, giving them a reassuring nod before stepping closer to the edge. He peered over the cliff, briefly staring at the jagged rocks below that looked like the teeth of some monstrous creature. "You know, sir," Marcus finally spoke up with a deep but steady voice; "one day, your luck might run out." Reacherughed as the wind carried the sound away. "Maybe, but until then, I''ll keep pushing the limits." Without another word, Reacher leaped off the cliff. The air rushed past him as he fell. His body sliced through the wind, giving him a thrilling feeling of weightlessness. Upon reaching a particr point, he pulled the ripcord of his parachute, feeling the sudden jolt as it deployed, slowing his descent. Below, the narrownding zone¡ªa small, rocky outcrop barely visible amidst the swirling sea mist¡ªdrew closer. Hended with a roll, expertly absorbing the impact. Standing up, he quickly gathered his parachute and looked around. The isted cliffside was treacherous, but it was the perfect ce for histest endeavor: a hidden cave rumored to hold ancient proof of a past civilization. "Stay alert," he instructed Marcus and Elena as they descended after him. "This isn''t going to be a walk in the park." Climbing down the rock face was grueling. Each handhold and foothold had to be carefully chosen. They moved with the confidence of seasoned adventurers, but as they neared the cave entrance, a loose rock gave way under Reacher''s foot. He slipped as his grip faltered. For a heart-stopping moment, he dangled precariously. "Hold on!" Marcus reached out to grab him, but it was toote. Reacher lost his holdpletely and plummeted towards the rocks below. Time seemed to slow as the pointy rocks rushed up to meet him. Thest thing he saw was the panic in Elena''s eyes as she screamed his name... "Reeeaachherrrr!" her voice was a haunting echo in the rushing wind. --- Reacher gasped as he suddenly jolted awake with his body drenched in sweat. The pain he expected to feel from the fall was absent. Instead, he found himself lying on a rough, wooden floor in a dimly lit room. Disoriented, he struggled to sit up while his head pounded with a strange pressure. He looked around, trying to make sense of his surroundings. The room was small and sparsely furnished¡ªa single bed, a wooden chair, and a desk cluttered with papers and books. In the corner, a high-tech pod of sorts that one would only see in science fiction movies, stood out. It lookedpletely out of ce in the otherwise shabby room. It was covered in a thinyer of dust, indicating it hadn''t been used recently. "Where am I?" he muttered with a voice that sounded unfamiliar to his own ears. Reacher forced himself to his feet, swaying slightly as he adjusted to the new sensations. His limbs felt different, lighter somehow. He stumbled to the desk, catching a glimpse of his reflection in a cracked mirror on the wall. The face staring back at him was not his own. It was younger, softer, with long green hair streaked with white patches, and eyes filled with confusion. The face was undeniably handsome, borderline beautiful, with delicate features that could easily belong to a model. His new body seemed to exude a natural allure that was hard to ignore. "What the hell...?" he whispered, touching his face as if to confirm the reality of what he was seeing. This was not his body. The door creaked open, and a young girl peeked in. She had the same striking green hair andrge eyes full of worry. Her beauty was angelic, with an ethereal quality that made her look almost otherworldly. "August? Are you awake?" she asked softly. Reacher¡ªno, August Clementine¡ªblinked, trying to reconcile the two identities swirling in his mind. "Sophia?" he said the nameing to him from memories that weren''t his own. Sophia stepped into the room, her eyes filled with relief. She was about fourteen but looked seventeen, with a delicate frame and a gentle demeanor. Her hair was tied back in a messy ponytail, and she wore an oversized hoodie that made her look even smaller. "You had me worried. You''ve not been out for a while." Memories not his own began flooding his mind¡ªsnapshots of a life filled with hardship and sorrow. Dropping out of college, caring for his sister, and the crushing weight of debt. He saw Sophia''s face, smiling up at him with innocent eyes. "Sophia," he repeated, this time with more certainty. "I''m...I''m okay. Just a bit disoriented." Sophia sat down beside him, taking his hand. Her small and cold hand trembled slightly. "You''ve been under a lot of stress. Maybe you should rest a bit more." August squeezed her hand, feeling a strange mixture of protectiveness and fondness. "No, I''m fine. Really." He looked at her, absorbing the reality of his new life. "I just need to get my bearings." Over the next few hours, August pieced together his situation. He was Reacher a few minutes ago, but he was now August Clementine, a young man burdened with responsibilities and debts. He learned about the factory job that barely paid enough to keep them afloat and the relentless debt collectors. The VR pod in the room had cost a fortune, adding to the debt, but it was also his only escape from the grim reality. "Sophia, what day is it?" he asked, trying to piece together the timeline. "It''s Tuesday," she replied with a puzzled look. "You don''t remember?" August shook his head, trying to clear the fog. "I just had a weird dream, that''s all." Sophia nodded, though it was clear she was still concerned. "Do you want me to make you something to eat?" "That would be great," he said while giving her a reassuring smile. As she left the room, he took a deep breath, trying to calm the turmoil inside him. He noticed how frail she looked, the shadows under her eyes betraying sleepless nights and worries far beyond her years. The reality of his new life was beginning to settle in. He was no longer Reacher, the thrill-seeking businessman. He was August Clementine, a young man with a sister to care for and a mountain of debt to ovee. But despite the challenges, he felt a strange sense of excitement. This was a new adventure, a chance to start over. ''What better thrill is there than this?'' Despite looking like August, he was still Reacher deep down. "Alright, August," he said to himself. "Let''s see what this new life has in store." Just then, Sophia returned with a bowl of soup; "Here, I made your favorite," she said while handing him the bowl. August took the bowl, feeling a lump form in his throat. "Thanks, Sophia," he said softly. ''I''ve never had a sister... Is this what truepanionship feels like?'' As he ate the soup, he nced at the VR pod in the corner. The memories in his head couldn''t be a lie, right? Was there truly the existence of a VRMMORPG that granted yers the chance to gain wealth, fame, and most shocking of all... Real-life supernatural abilities? ############### Author''s Note: I think it goes without a saying that I want you guys support so please, make sure you support this novel. I put a lot of effort into it''s creation. Chapter 2 Enders Light This parallel world bore many simrities to the world Reacher once knew, but it had its own unique differences. The most notable of these was the sudden appearance of a VRMMORPG called Enders Light. This game had taken the world by storm just a few months ago, seemingly out of nowhere, with no information about its creators. It was unlike any game ever seen before. Enders Light offered yers the chance to gain fame and wealth, but more importantly, it allowed them to acquire real-life abilities and strength from their in-game avatars. yers could bring specific game items into reality, a phenomenon that had never been possible before. This blending of virtual and real worlds created a frenzy, with people from all walks of life diving into the game, hoping to change their destinies. For August, the game was more than just an escape; it was a lifeline. He had dropped out of college to take care of his younger sister, Sophia, after their parents passed away. Struggling to make ends meet, he had taken on various jobs, but the money was never enough. Debts began to pile up¡ªmedical bills, rent, and a hefty loan he took out to buy a high-end gaming pod, hisst-ditch effort to turn their fortunes around through Enders Light. The gaming pod sat in the corner of his small room. It was a reminder of his gamble. It had cost him half a million dors, the majority of which he still owed. The loan shark who provided the money was relentless, and the looming threat of debt collectors added to his daily stress. Despite his dire financial situation, August was determined to protect Sophia and provide her with a better life. She was still in high school, and he wanted to ensure she had every opportunity he missed out on. The bond between them was strong, and her unwavering support was one of the few bright spots in his life. The backstory of August''s debts was a painful one. The purchase of the gaming pod was a desperate move, one that he believed could finally turn the tide in their favor. Enders Light offered a glimmer of hope. August knew that if he could advance far enough, he might be able to bring valuable items into the real world and sell them for a significant profit. But his progress in the game was slow due to a challenging aspect he hadn''t managed to ovee in months. August approached the high-tech VR pod that stood in the corner of the room. The polished surface gleamed under the dim light. "What in the world of Terminator is this shii?" He took a deep breath as recalled Sci-Fi movies from his previous world. This was August''s lifeline but also one of the major causes of his death. It carried the highest debt but Reacher still saw it as the gateway to a world where he could potentially change their fate. "I must say... I have never tasted poverty. Doesn''t taste good but this could be an adventure like none other," August smirked as he opened the pod''s hatch and carefullyy down inside. The contoured surface felt cool to the touch of his body. He reached for the helmet as his fingers trembled slightly in excitement. This was Reacher''s first time in Enders Light, but for August, it was a familiar escape from his harsh reality. As he ced the helmet over his head, a soft, mechanical voice greeted him. [ Wee, August Clementine. Initializing system... ] A series of lights flickered inside the helmet, and he felt a gentle vibration as the pod powered up. The world around him began to fade, reced by a swirling vortex of colors and lights. His heart raced with both excitement and nervousness. [ Neural synchronizationplete ] the voice announced. [ Preparing to transport to Enders Light. Please remain calm and enjoy your journey. ] The swirling lights intensified, enveloping him in a variety of colors. He felt a brief moment of weightlessness as if he were floating in a void. Then, with a sudden jolt, he was pulled into the virtual world. The vibrantndscape of Enders Light materialized before his eyes. He found himself standing on a hill, overlooking a sprawling medieval vige... The Vige of Unhidden Mist. The air was crisp and clear. The sky was a brilliant blue that seemed to differ from the usual color and rity. The vige below bustled with activity¡ªmostly NPCs, going about their business, trading, and chatting. A familiar notification popped up in his field of vision: [Wee to Enders Light, yer Aleman] Aleman. That was the name of his avatar, a strikingly handsome young man with long green hair streaked with white patches. His in-game appearance mirrored his real-life looks but with a touch of fantasy that made him even more captivating. He was dressed in a ck cloak and leather pants, making his face a little obscured. <[ Wee back, Aleman ]> a soothing female voice chimed in his ear. It was the system AI, designed to assist yers. <[ You have three new messages and two pending quests ]> <[ Would you like to review them now? ]> August, now Aleman, took a moment to orient himself. He opened his menu with a thought and the interface seamlessly appeared before him. He quickly scanned his stats and inventory: ¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û Name: Aleman Level: 12 Title(s): Nil ss: Assassin EXP: 7890/25000 HP: 1600/1600 Gold: 150 Skills: Shadow Dance, Hidden strike, sh, Dash, Dual wielding Inventory: Basic Dagger, Leather Armor, Healing Potion x3 ¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û The familiar surroundings and interface wereforting, grounding him in this new reality. He navigated to his messages and quests, eager to see what awaited him. Message 1 From System: [ Wee back, Aleman. Your next main quest is to reach the Tree of Life. Good luck! ] Message 2 From: Vige Chief [ Thank you for helping us with the recent tasks. We have a special request for you. ] Aleman closed the messages and thought about his pending quests. The Tree of Life quest was crucial; he had been stuck on it for months. However, without the proper armor to withstand the tree''s magical aura, he had died repeatedly, unable to progress further. So he decided to handle the other quest instead. "Alright," he muttered to himself. "Time to get to work." He walked down the hill with smooth and fluid movements thanks to the VR pod''s advanced haptic feedback system. Reacher couldn''t believe just how real everything felt. The wind on his skin, the scent in the air, the visuals, and every impact he felt while moving his feet. The vige came to life around him with NPCs greeting him warmly. Their faces were full of character and detail. They almost didn''t feel like NPCs due to their interactions with him. They conversed like they were very real and never repeated certain phrases like how he remembered games to be back on his earth. These vigers were half-beast, half-human, their bodies a blend of fur, scales, and human features. The system tranted theirnguage, Acheron, into something he could understand. "Hello, Aleman," greeted a viger with the head of a fox and the body of a man. "Good to see you again." Aleman nodded, smiling at the familiar face. "Good to see you too, Fenrik." A system notification appeared: [Quest Updated: Help the Vige Chief] (( Assist the vige chief with his special request to receive a unique reward. )) August made his way to the vige chief''s house, a modest wooden structure adorned with various herbs and talismans. The chief was an elderly man with the head of a stag and the body of a human. He greeted August at the door. "Ah, Aleman," the chief said with a warm and weing tone. "Thank you foring. We have a pressing matter that needs your attention." "What do you need, Chief?" Aleman asked, his curiosity piqued. "We have been troubled by a surge of low-level beasts in the nearby forest. They''ve been attacking our vigers and damaging our supplies. We need someone skilled to deal with them." A new quest notification appeared: [ New Quest: Beast Control ] < Objective: Defeat the beasts in the Forest of Shadows and protect the vige > [ Reward: Unique Armor Piece. ] August''s heart raced. This could be the breakthrough he needed. "I''ll take care of it," he said confidently. The chief smiled, his eyes twinkling with gratitude. "Thank you, Aleman. The vige is in your debt." ''But why does this seem... familiar? Like I''ve taken care of such a quest before?'' August wondered internally.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om He decided to throw that to the back of his mind in the meantime and set off towards the Forest of Shadows. The system notifications continued to guide him, marking the location on his map and providing real-time updates. As he ventured deeper into the forest, the lush greenery and dappled sunlight gave way to a darker, more foreboding atmosphere. The sounds of nature were reced by the eerie silence, broken only by the asional rustle of leaves and distant animal calls. He activated his stealth abilities causing his form to blend seamlessly with the shadows. The forest became his yground as he moved with intricate calctions. As he approached the area where the beasts were known to roam, he paused, assessing the situation. There were several low-level beasts known as Skrawlings¡ªsmall, ferocious creatures with sharp ws and teeth. Their bodies were a mix of reptilian scales and mammalian fur with their eyes glowing a menacing red. Anothermon beast in the area was the Thornback, a spiny creature with a hard shell and venomous bite. Aleman drew his dagger as the familiar weight and design feltforting in his hand. < yer Has Activated Hidden Strike > < ¡Á3 Damage Amplified for every sessful hidden attack > He moved silently, taking out the first Skrawling with a swift, lethal strike. [Level 4 Skrawling Defeated: +15 EXP] The remaining beasts turned, their eyes wide with rm. August had used the element of surprise to his advantage but hidden strike could no longer work since they all had their eyes on him now. Fortunately for him, they were low-level creatures. < yer Has Activated Dash > Chapter 3 Unable To Reach The Tree Of Life Taking one step forward, August appeared ten paces away with his dagger raised. He stabbed the eye of one of the creatures and proceeded to use sh to dispatch them one by one. Each kill brought a new wave of notifications as the thrill of the fight coursed through him. ''This is amazing! Hahaha!'' [Level 2 Skrawling Defeated: +8 EXP] [Level 3 Thornback Defeated: +13 EXP] [Level 3 Skrawling Defeated: +12 EXP] After a few minutes, the corpses of the beastsy before him, slowly dematerializing. Despite the satisfaction of defeating the beasts, August noticed that the experience points were meager. It would take countless kills to make any significant progress. Thinking about it now he understood that this was due to the fact that he had outgrown this vige and the level of beasts here. He proceeded to loot the area, finding some basic supplies and a small chest containing a piece of armor. [ Quest Complete: Beast Control ] [ Reward: Unique Armor Piece (Shadow Cloak)] He equipped the Shadow Cloak, feeling its protective magic envelop him. He hoped this would give him the edge he needed to finally reach the Tree of Life. As he made his way back to the vige, the sun began to set, casting long shadows across thendscape. The vigers greeted him with cheers and gratitude as their faces beamed with hope. August felt a sense of aplishment. "Maybe dying isn''t such a bad thing after all," He chuckled. With the new armor, he was one step closer to oveing the challenges thaty ahead. He opened his menu and checked his progress: ... Level: 12 EXP: 7990/25000 Gold: 175 ... "Time to head for the tree of life," he murmured with a tone of determination. August made his way forward down a long winding path that led towards the outskirts of unhidden mist. Since it was really a small vige with shortmercial pathways, it didn''t take him long to reach a particr exaltedndscaped area. Just right ahead, was the tree of life... The key to unlocking other regions beyond this vige. From August memories, once a yer was ten paces from the tree, the system would carry out an analysis check. < Conducting yer Analysis... > < Calcting Strength Of yer''s Resistance... > < yer''s Resistance Is 0% > < Calcting Strength Of yer''s Basic Armor Resistance... > ''This is it...'' From what August could recall, this is what would determine whether or not he could get close and finally touch the tree. < yer''s Resistance Has Been Increased To 2% > "Shit!" August cursed. < Calcting Strength Of yer''s Unique D Tier Shadow Cloak Armor Resistance... > August''s eyes lit up with hope again. < yer''s Resistance Has Been Increased To 15% > < It Has Been Determined That yer Will Be Unable To Reach The Tree Of Life > "Fuck!" August spat before letting out a sigh. He had thought that this would be enough. A couple of memories suddenly shed in his mind at this moment. "Oh?" He touched the cloak draped around his frame. "Ohhh," he immediately understood why the quest felt familiar earlier. He had been repeating the same type of quests endlessly and had gotten this unique cloak multiple times. August always sold it in frustration, trying to scrap up enough coins to buy an armor that could actually be of use in this situation. Unfortunately, such armors cost an arm and a leg. They were incredibly expensive and August was incapable of incurring another debt. Being confined in this vige meant he couldn''t visit other regions: Cities, Kingdoms, Magical Caves, and the like, where he could grind to make progress. yers had left this ce a long time ago while he was still stuck there. This was a huge problem. "There must be a way to leave..." August recalled his past as Reacher. He was never one to back down. Finding solutions to a problem was a major specialty of his. But could he truly find a solution to a problem that the real August had battled with for months? --- August stood at the edge of the vige as his eyes scanned the horizon for any hint of the path he needed to take. Despite his best efforts over the past two days, he hadn''t been able to find a way out of the Vige of Unhidden Mist. The Tree of Life quest continued to elude him, and the magical barrier around the tree remained impassable. He sighed, feeling both frustrated and exhausted. His not-so-new armor, the Shadow Cloak, had given him hope, but it hadn''t been enough to solve his problem. A system notification suddenly appeared: [Reminder: You have been logged in for an extended period. It is rmended to take breaks for your health and well-being.] August knew he couldn''t ignore the real world any longer. It had been a full day in the outside world since he had logged into Enders Light, and responsibilities awaited him outside the game. With a heavy heart, he opened the system menu and selected the log-off option. "See you soon, Enders Light," he muttered, watching as the vibrant world around him dissolved into darkness. He felt a gentle jolt as he was pulled back into reality. The pod''s hatch opened with a soft hiss, and he removed the helmet, blinking as his eyes adjusted to the dim light of his apartment. The familiar sounds of the real world¡ªtraffic outside, the buzz of the refrigerator¡ªwere proof that he had returned to reality. He nced at the clock on the wall. It was early morning, and he had just enough time to get ready for work. He stood up, feeling the stiffness in his muscles from lying in the pod for so long, and stretched. As he made his way to the kitchen, he saw Sophia still asleep on the couch, curled up under a thin nket. Her angelic face looked peaceful in sleep causing August to smile faintly. "Time to face reality," August whispered to himself. He quickly prepared a simple breakfast and left a note for Sophia, reminding her to take care of herself. Dressed in his worn work clothes, August left the apartment and headed to the factory. The walk was familiar... It was the same route he had taken countless times before or rather urately, August had. He boarded a bus and dropped at a particr station. The factory loomed ahead. It was arge, grimy building that seemed to swallow the morning light. August proceeded to head in. Inside, the air was thick with the smell of oil and metal. The constant vibrations of machinery and the tter of tools created a disturbing noise that filled the space but such was the space of hard honest day-to-day work. August made his way to his workstation, where his friend Derrick was already hard at work. "Morning, Derrick," August greeted, trying to muster some enthusiasm. Derrick looked up with a weary smile on his face. He was a burly man with calloused hands and kind eyes. "Morning, August. You look like you haven''t slept in days." August chuckled even though there was little humor in it. "Feels like it. Been trying to make some progress in Enders Light. It''s been a rough few days." "I thought you quit?" Derrick questioned with a slightly surprised tone. "Well, I got back into it. It''s pretty fun," August replied while clearing his throat. Derrick nodded with a look of understanding; "Let''s get through this day first and you can tell me all about itter." The workday began in earnest. August and Derrick were part of the assembly line crew, responsible for lifting heavy crates of raw materials and feeding them into the machines that processed and shaped them into variousponents. It was grueling work that required both strength and endurance. Despite August''s slim and delicate appearance, he was pretty fit. August gritted his teeth as he lifted a particrly heavy crate with strain evident in his muscles. He carried it to the conveyor belt, nearly buckling from the weight pressing down on him. Derrick beside him was effortlessly handling his own load. August might be a little fit but Derrick was a whole different beast. "Here, let me help," Derrick said upon noticing August''s struggle. Together, they managed to ce the crate on the belt, the machinery whirring to life as it processed the contents. "Thanks, man," August panted while wiping sweat from his brow. "These things seem to get heavier every day." Derrick chuckled. "Or maybe we''re just getting weaker." The factory was a harsh environment. The noise was deafening, and the air was filled with the acrid smell of molten metal and lubricants. Workers moved in a constant rhythm with groggy faces set as they toiled away. Breaks were few and far between, and the supervisors were always watching, ensuring that everyone kept up the pace. By mid-morning, August''s muscles were aching, and his hands were raw from handling the rough crates. He nced at the clock, counting down the hours until their lunch break. Each minute felt like an eternity. When the lunch bell finally rang, August and Derrick headed to the small break room, where they sat down with their packed lunches. The room was filled with the low murmur of exhausted workers, all trying to recover some energy before the afternoon shift. Derrick sat beside August with a look of seriousness. "How is Sophia?"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om Chapter 4 Welcome Back, Player Aleman "She''s trying her best in school," August replied. "But the debt and everything else... It''s starting to bother her. She knows I''mte with her school fees payment." Derrick ced his hand on August''s shoulder. "You know, if there''s anything I can do to help, just say the word." August felt a surge of gratitude. "Thanks, man. It means a lot but you have your own troubles. I''m going to figure out how to bnce everything. Although the factory job isn''t enough, I will definitely find a way," August thought about the game at this moment. "I''m sure you will but still, don''t hesitate to ask if you need any help." ---- The factory whistle blew, signaling the end of another grueling workday. August wiped the sweat from his brow as he felt his muscles ache. ''I can''t recall thest time I felt physically fatigued,'' A creepy smile appeared on August''s face at this moment. He seemed to have enjoyed this. He and Derrick soon made their way to the office to collect their paychecks. The small, cramped room was filled with tired workers waiting their turn. When August received his envelope, he opened it and nodded. ''So this is what poverty looks like,'' The amount was meager, barely enough to cover the basics. He knew that once he paid for food, and Sophia''s high school fees, and scraped a little off the mountain of debt, there would be almost nothing left. As they walked out of the office, Derrick nced at August''s paycheck and frowned. "That''s not enough to live on, man," he said with a concerned voice. "I know," August replied, stuffing the envelope into his pocket. "But it''s all we''ve got right now. It''ll be fine." They headed to a nearby park, a small patch of green amidst the urban sprawl, to catch their breath before heading home. Derrick sat down on a bench and pulled out his own paycheck. He looked at it for a moment, then handed August a portion of the cash. "Here, take this," Derrick said. "It''s not much, but it should help a bit." August shook his head while pushing the money back towards Derrick. "I can''t take your money, man. You have your pregnant wife, Tara, to take care of. You need it more than I do." Derrick''s eyes softened as he thought of Tara, his love, and the reason he had left everything behind. "I know, but I can''t just stand by and watch you struggle like this. I know what it''s like to lose a support system." August looked at Derrick, recognizing the genuine concern in his eyes. ''Looks like August has people who genuinely care for him...'' Except for Elena and Marcus, he didn''t think anyone truly cared about him in his past life. All people wanted was to get close to him for his money, not necessarily to build any genuine connections with him and this was why he never considered marriage. He didn''t even let Elena and Marcus get too close to him because he also felt they were just doing their job and there was nothing else to it. However, now that he was broke and back to square one, it was easier to tell who the genuine ones were. After all, a poor person had nothing to offer. He felt a surge of gratitude but also a deep sense of responsibility. "I appreciate it, really, but I can''t take your money. We''ll find a way, I promise." Derrick sighed and nodded, respecting August''s decision. "Alright, but if you ever need anything, don''t hesitate to ask." As they sat in the park, the sun began to set behind the buildings. Derrick opened up about his past. "You know, I didn''t always have to worry about money," his voice tinged with nostalgia. "Ie from a pretty wealthy family. My parents are big in the business world. They wanted me to follow in their footsteps, but I had other ns." August listened intently, curious to learn more about his friend''s background. Derrick rarely spoke about his past. "When I met Tara, everything changed," Derrick continued, a soft smile ying on his lips. "My parents didn''t approve of her. They thought she wasn''t ''good enough'' for me, whatever that means. But I loved her. I couldn''t imagine my life without her. So, we ran off together." "That''s rough buddy," August muttered in sympathy although he couldn''t rte. "It was," Derrick admitted. "We had to start from scratch, just like you and Sophia. But we''ve made it work. And now with the baby on the way... it''s scary, but it''s also the best thing that''s ever happened to me." The two friends sat in silence for a moment before August broke the silence. "You''ve got a good heart, Derrick," August stated. "Thanks for being there for me." He was thanking Derrick on behalf of the old August. Derrick was definitely one of the people that kept him going for so long. Derrick smiled and pped August on the back. "Same to you, buddy. We''ll get through this, one way or another."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om As the night began to fall, they both stood up, ready to head home. - When August arrived back at the apartment, Sophia greeted him with a tired but warm smile and a hug. "How was work?" she asked. "Exhausting, as always," August replied, returning the hug as a smile appeared on his face. "But things are gonna be fine... I have your school fees payment ready," He added. "Really?" Her face beamed up in joy. "Yes," August nodded. She jumped into his embrace once again before hopping like a joyful bunny. "Thanks for all you do, big brother," She voiced with a face full of smiles. August patted her head in acknowledgment. ''She''s a good kid. I don''t think I''ve ever been this excited about school,'' August chuckled internally. -- After a simple dinner with Sophia, August made sure she had everything she needed for the night. He hugged her goodnight. "I''m going to log into the game for a while," he informed her with a gentle tone. "Get some rest, okay?" Sophia nodded, her eyes filled with trust. "You too, August. Don''t stay up toote." He smiled at her in appreciation. "I''ll try." As she settled in for the night, August went to his room and turned to the corner where the VR pod stood. He opened the hatch andy down inside as the cool surface molded to his body. cing the helmet over his head, he felt a familiar rush of anticipation. [ Wee back, August Clementine. Initializing system... ] The soft, mechanical voice greeted him as the pod powered up. Lights flickered, and the room around him began to fade. A swirling vortex of colors enveloped him, pulling him into the immersive world of Enders Light. [ Neural synchronizationplete ] [ Preparing to transport to Enders Light. Please remain calm and enjoy your journey. ] The sensation of weightlessness washed over him, followed by a sudden jolt. The virtual world soon materialized around him, vibrant and alive. He stood once again on the hill overlooking the Vige of Unhidden Mist with crisp and clear air under the night sky. [ Wee to Enders Light, yer Aleman ] The notification that floated in front of him was a familiar sight that brought a sense offort. He took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the real-world worries momentarily lift. Here, in this virtual world, he could find the strength to face his challenges... He literally had strength. August took a moment to orient himself. His long green hair, streaked with white patches, fluttered in the breeze. He opened his menu, checking his stats and inventory: ¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û Name: Aleman Level: 12 Title(s): Nil ss: Assassin EXP: 7890/25000 HP: 1600/1600 Gold: 170 Skills: Shadow Dance, Hidden strike, sh, Dash, Dual wielding Inventory: Basic Dagger, Leather Armor, Healing Potion x3 ¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û "Time to get to work," he muttered to himself. He made his way down the hill and into the vige. The half-beast, half-human vigers greeted him warmly, and as usual, the system tranted theirnguage, Acheron, making their words clear to him. "Good evening, Aleman," said Fenrik, the fox-headed viger he had met earlier. "Back for more adventure?" "Always," August replied with a smile. As he walked through the vige, he headed towards the Forest of Shadows, where he had spent countless hours hunting low-level beasts. The forest was his training ground, the ce where he honed his skills and gathered resources. Tonight, he needed to focus on leveling up and finding a way to ovee the barrier around the Tree of Life. The familiar sounds of the forest greeted him as he stepped into the shadowy woods. The rustling of leaves, the distant calls of nocturnal creatures, and the soft crunch of his footsteps on the forest floor all created an immersive experience. As August moved deeper into the Forest of Shadows, he took a moment to reflect on the world of Enders Light and its intricate mechanics. The game was a marvel of virtual reality, designed to immerse yers fully into its fantasy setting. Every detail, from the rustling of leaves to the distant calls of nocturnal creatures, was crafted to create a seamless and engaging experience. Enders Light was set in a vast, magical world four times the size of Earth and divided into various regions. Each of these regions had its own unique environment and challenges. The world was popted by diverse species and inhabited by both NPCs and yers. There were many popr regions ranging from: Elven Forests: Lush, mystical woonds where elves lived in harmony with nature. The trees were ancient and towering, with hidden paths leading to secret groves and enchanted clearings. Dwarven Mountains: Rugged, mineral-rich mountains where dwarves mined precious metals and crafted legendary weapons. The mountains were full of caves, tunnels, and hidden treasures. Human Kingdoms: These were divided into several types: Tech Cities: Advanced urban areas where technology reigned supreme. These cities were filled with skyscrapers, neon lights, and cutting-edge machinery. yers in these cities were often tech sses like Hunter, Forger, and Cyborg. Magical Kingdoms: Enchanting realms where magic was the cornerstone of society. Grand castles, arcane libraries, and mystical academies weremon sights. yers that frequented here were typically those of magic sses such as Mage, Cleric, Summoner, and the like. Hybrid Cities: Fusion of both magic and technology. These cities offered the best of both worlds. They were hubs of innovation, with steam-powered machinery running alongside magical artifacts. yers could choose from a wide range of sses, reflecting the city''s diverse culture. All of these were information that was widely known in the real world since a lot of yers had explored far beyond the reaches of their initial spawn point, unlike August. Chapter 5 Damon And Goons yers could choose from a variety of sses, each with its own unique abilities and skills. The sses were broadly divided into two categories: Magic and Tech. Magic sses: - Swordsman: Skilled in meleebat, using swords and shields to protect themselves and their allies. - Berserker: Fierce warriors who excel in close-rangebat, dealing massive damage with their brute strength. - Mage: Masters of elemental magic, casting powerful spells to attack enemies from a distance. - Cleric: Healers who use divine magic to mend wounds and protect theirpanions. - Assassin: Stealthy fighters who excel in ambushes and critical strikes, using daggers and light weapons. - Ranger: Long range archers who mostly possess very good eyesight and can take precise arrows arrow shots. - Summoner: Magic users who can call forth creatures to fight on their behalf. Tech sses: - Hunter: Equipped with powerful high-tech weaponry, capable of taking down enemies from afar with precision. - Forger: Engineers who create both magical and technological weapons and tools. - Cyborg: Enhanced with cybeic imnts,bining physical prowess with advanced technology. The game''s mechanics were designed to be both challenging and rewarding. yers earned experience points (EXP) bypleting quests, defeating enemies, and exploring new areas. Leveling up increased their stats and unlocked new abilities. The virtual world was dynamic, with events and challenges that changed over time. August was very much knowledgeable on the aspect of video games and had even once dived into a business rting to it in his original world but this was unlike anything he had ever seen before. He couldn''t imagine the buzz such a game would have created if it had been on his earth. August decided to stop thinking about this in the meantime and focus.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om Activating his stealth abilities, August blended into the shadows and moved silently through the underbrush. He encountered the first group of Skrawling with reptilian bodies that glistened in the moonlight. Drawing his dagger, he dispatched them swiftly with lethal strikes. The system notifications popped up, confirming his progress: [ Level 2 Skrawling Defeated: +10 EXP ] [ Level 2 Skrawling Defeated: +10 EXP ] [ Level 2 Skrawling Defeated: +10 EXP ] Despite the small increments of experience points, he knew that every bit counted. As he moved deeper into the forest, he came across a Thornback. << Level 4 Thornback Engaged >> Its spiny shell glinted ominously as the creature hissed, revealing its venomous fangs. August circled it cautiously, waiting for the right moment. When the Thornback lunged, he dodged to the side and struck with his dagger. The de instantly found a weak spot in its armor. The creature copsed, and another notification appeared: [Level 4 Thornback Defeated: +15 EXP ] He continued his hunt, taking down more Skrawlings and Thornbacks. The repetitive nature of the task soon turned exhausting. Each kill brought him closer to his goal, though the progress felt painfully slow. As the hours passed, he decided to take a break and review his strategy. He sat down on a fallen log, opening his menu to check his current status: _________ Level: 12 EXP: 8215/25000 Gold: 185 August sighed; ''Manualbor sure is difficult.'' However, he very much weed the challenge. Since the game seemed to be the best chance at changing their fate, he wouldn''t give up. "Alright, let''s keep going," he said while standing up and stretching. "There''s got to be a way." --- Every day, August ventured into the Forest of Shadows, fighting the same low-level beasts: Skrawlings and Thornbacks. The repetitive nature of the tasks weighed on him. He felt like he was going in circles, unable to break free from the confines of the vige. The Tree of Life quest, which required him to reach the mystical tree protected by a magical barrier, seemed unattainable. He had tried countless times to approach the tree, but each attempt ended in failure. As August prepared to set off into the forest once more, a sudden notification appeared before him, apanied by a trumpet fanfare: [World Announcement: Congrattions to the party of five for being the first toplete the C rank Sweryvn Lord Quest!] [yers: Ice Queen, Lustful Fairy, Demon de, Soaring Eagle] August paused and stared at the notification with a look of awe. World announcements like this happened whenever a party or a yer was the first to achieve something significant. [System Notification: Ice Queen, Lustful Fairy, Demon de, and Soaring Eagle have been awarded unique items and titles for their achievement.] ''Some of the top yers in the game uh?'' August wasn''t surprised by the announcement, but it did serve as a reminder of the vast world beyond the vige. While he was stuck here, other yers were making groundbreaking progress, achieving feats that seemed out of reach. The names of the yers echoed in his mind, especially Ice Queen. Her reputation as one of the top yers in Enders Light was well known. "Challenge on..." August smiled before proceeding further. He would turn his envy for their achievements into fuel to push forward and attain unprecedented heights... Or so he thought. - Hourster, August stood at the edge of the forest, staring at the Tree of Life in frustration. He had tried again after getting some armor and yet he failed to gain enough resistance to reach the tree. A system notification suddenly appeared: [Reminder: You have been logged in for an extended period. It is rmended to take breaks for your health and well-being.] August let out a sigh, knowing it was time to log off. He couldn''t afford to neglect the real-world responsibilities waiting for him. He opened the system menu and selected the log-off option. "See you soon, Enders Light," he muttered while watching the vibrant world around him dissolve into darkness. He felt a gentle jolt as he was pulled back into reality. The pod''s hatch opened with a soft hiss, and he removed the helmet. It took a while for his blinking eyes to adjust to the dim light of his room. The moment he stepped out of the pod, he heard amotioning from the living room. "Stop it!!!" Sophia''s loud scream drifted into his ears. His heart raced as he rushed out to see what was happening. The living room was in disarray. Sophia stood by the doorway with a frightened look. Two burly men were overturning furniture and shouting threats. A man in an expensive-looking blue suit and a spider tattoo on his neck stood in the center of the room. His expression was cold and calcting. The man who was known as Damon turned to face August with narrowed eyes upon his entry. "August Clementine. You owe a significant amount of money, and it''s time to pay up." August felt a surge of anger upon witnessing this sight. He stepped forward, trying to shield Sophia from Damon. "I''m working on it. I just need a little more time." Damon''s eyes glinted with malice. "Time is a luxury you no longer possess. You''ve been given plenty of chances, and now it''s time for consequences." Sophia clung to August''s arm with terror filled eyes. "Please, we just need a bit more time," she pleaded. Damon smirked as his gaze shifted to Sophia. "You see, your lovely sister here could make for some valuablepensation if you can''t pay. Being a ve to one of my wealthy associates who prefer girls of certain ages would certainly help take care of the debt." August''s blood ran cold. The thought of Sophia being taken away was unbearable. He didn''t know if these were his emotions or that of the real August but he was not going to sit back and let this happen. He clenched his fists while trying to keep a steady voice. "You can''t do that. I''ll get the money, I promise. Just give me a little more time." Damon''s expression hardened. "You have one month. If you don''t have the money by then, I''lle back. And believe me, you won''t like what happens next." With that, Damon punched August hard in the gut, causing his knees to buckle over in pain. "August!" Sophia screamed while kneeling to hold her big brother. August looked up with a defiant and icy expression; ''I''m going to make you regret that.'' Damon''s goons continued their rampage, trashing the living room before finally leaving. As the door mmed shut behind them, August clutched his stomach. The pain from the punch was sharp, but the fear for Sophia''s safety was even more overwhelming. Tears were streaming down her face as she kept holding onto him. "August, are you okay?" she asked with a trembling voice. Although the pain made it hard to speak, August nodded. "I''ll be fine," he reassured her. "I''ll figure this out." Chapter 6 You Have Consumed The Fruit Of Life August sat at the small kitchen table as his mind raced with thoughts. The threats from Damon and his goons had lit a fire under him, pushing him to think strategically. Reacher''s business acumen began to surface as he considered various ways to tackle the mounting debts. He needed to generate ie quickly and efficiently, leveraging any resources he could find. He pulled out a notepad and started jotting down ideas. His thoughts ranged from leveraging his skills in Enders Light to finding additional sources of ie in the real world. The key was to diversify his efforts, ensuring he had multiple streams of revenue to pay off the particr debt he owed Damon within the month. First, he decided to explore the possibilities within Enders Light. The game offered numerous opportunities for profit, frompleting high-reward quests to trading valuable items. The major problem remained getting past the vige. An issue he had yet to tackle. Next, he turned his attention to the real world. August decided that he would search online for other jobs he could take on that would not affect his current one and the time he put into the game. He considered frence work, odd jobs, and even selling some of their belongings, but nothing seemed appealing or lucrative enough to make a significant dent in their debt. Frustration mounted as he realized how limited his options were. The factory job was barely enough to cover their basic needs, and there were few opportunities for advancement or higher pay. He knew he needed a breakthrough, something that could provide a steady and substantial ie. ''If I could acquire something that was highly desired by society... Half of my problems will be solved.'' As he pondered his next steps, August''s thoughts drifted to the broader context of this parallel Earth. The world bore many simrities to the one Reacher had known, but there were notable differences that shaped the daily lives of its inhabitants. August lived in a poor neighborhood which was quite different from the affluent areas he had once frequented. The streets were narrow and crowded, lined with dpidated buildings and small shops struggling to stay afloat. Trash littered the sidewalks, and the air was filled with stench as well as activities. Despite the hardships, there was a sense ofmunity among the residents. Graffiti-covered walls told stories of rebellion and hope, while children yed in makeshift ygrounds. Theirughter was a rare but wee sound. The local market was also simr to his previous earth with vendors calling out their wares and haggling with customers over prices. It was a ce where every penny counted, and people worked hard to make ends meet. But a lot of locations were vastly different as well as notable people in this world. In stark contrast, the wealthy districts were a world apart. High-rise buildings gleamed in the sunlight with their polished ss facades reflecting the city''s skyline. Luxury cars glided smoothly down wide, clean streets and well-dressed individuals moved with an air of confidence and purpose. These areas were marked by manicured parks, high-end boutiques, and gourmet restaurants. Public transportation was amon mode of travel for many in the poorer neighborhoods. The skyway system which was more efficient, was often overcrowded and in need of maintenance. Technology yed a significant role in this parallel Earth, much like in Reacher''s original world. Smartphones, tablets, andputers were ubiquitous, connecting people across vast distances and providing ess to information and entertainment. However, the quality and essibility of these devices varied greatly between the rich and the poor, further exacerbating the divide. August at this moment was navigating through his neighborhood, taking note of the blend of old and new. Although the memories of the original August served him well and he could vividly recall all of these, he wanted to see it with his own business lenses. He needed proper insights. Traditional markets operated alongside modern convenience stores, and street vendors sold everything from handmade crafts to thetest gadgets. It was a ce where tradition met innovation, and people adapted to the changing times in creative ways. Returning to his small apartment, August sat back down at the kitchen table and reviewed his notes. He would need to push harder in Enders Light, exploring every possible avenue for profit. In the real world, he would continue searching for any opportunities that could help them. --- { Hours Later Within Enders Light } August walked through the dense forest with quiet and deliberate steps. The familiar path to the Tree of Life was etched into his memory as well as the failures of the past but there was a flicker of hope that urged him to try again. The moonlight filtered through the canopy of trees casting a soft glow on the path ahead. As he approached the clearing where the Tree of Life stood, he felt a strange sense of calm.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om The Tree of Life''s colossal trunk was covered in intricate, glowing runes that pulsed with a gentle light. Its bark was a shimmering silver that radiated brightly with a divine aura. Its branches stretched high into the sky,den with leaves that glowed in varying shades of emerald and gold. At its base, roots twisted and intertwined, forming natural arches and pathways. The air around the tree was filled with a subtle, melodic buzz, and the faint scent of blooming flowers and fresh earth permeated the atmosphere. It gave off a sense of profound peace and ancient magic. August couldn''t help but remember all the times he had tried to approach the tree in the past. Each attempt had ended in frustration. His armor was never resistant enough despite everything he tried. However, for the first time, he didn''t care. He wanted to try going close regardless of what might happen. ''Maybe I can analyze better by feeling it''s repulsion myself.'' As he took another step closer, August braced himself for the expected resistance. But instead of being pushed back, he felt...nothing. The barrier didn''t hinder him. He continued to move forward as each step brought him closer to the tree. His eyes widened in disbelief. "Why am I not being repelled?" August muttered to himself. "What has changed?" He reached out cautiously with his hand slightly trembling as he touched the bark of the tree. The moment his fingers made contact, a wave of warmth spread through him. The tree seemed to pulse with energy, responding to his touch. He took another step, cing both hands on the trunk and feeling the vibrant life force within. The bark of the tree was smooth and warm, almost as if it were alive. August felt a connection to it... a sense of harmony that he had never experienced before. ''Is this still a game?'' Suddenly, a small, golden fruit appeared on one of the lower branches. It glowed softly in the moonlight as if beckoning to August. August stared at it in awe, realizing that this was it... His ess to other regions beyond the vige was staring at him. With a smooth leap, he plucked the fruit. The fruit was about the size of an apple but more rounder. Based on what August knew, the moment he consumed the fruit, the barrier around the vige would dissipate for him and he would finally have ess to go wherever he wanted. "Thank you," he whispered with a tone of gratitude to no one in particr. Without hesitation, he took a bite of the fruit. The taste was unlike anything he had ever experienced¡ªsweet, tangy, and imbued with a sense of vitality. It really felt like he was truly eating. Like this wasn''t a game. As he swallowed, he felt a rush of warmth spread through his body. A series of system notifications appeared before him: [Congrattions! You have consumed the Fruit of Life!] [Congrattions! You have gained a level!] [Level: 13] [EXP: 0/30000] [Congrattions! yer now has ess to other regions!] [ Agor Kingdom Unlocked! ] [ Disco City Unlocked! ] [ Tagharuim Kingdom Unlocked! ] [ Ether Breath Town Unlocked! ] [ Midday Star City Unlocked! ] More and more notifications of multiple cities unlocking continuously appeared. August felt a surge of aplishment and relief. The fruit had not only given him a level but also a renewed sense of purpose. The problem that was a major hindrance was now gone. He sat down at the base of the tree, taking a moment to reflect on what had just happened. The realization that he had never truly tried to approach the tree since bing August dawned on him. Perhaps the change had something to do with it. The evaluation always told him he didn''t have enough resistance and this time was no difference and yet when he drew close, he wasn''t repelled. He couldn''t understand why this happened. "Oh well, it doesn''t matter. This is good," August muttered while getting to his feet. Chapter 7 Hidden Special Quest Unlocked Today was the day August would leave the Vige of Unhidden Mist and venture into the wider world of Enders Light. The Tree of Life had granted him ess to new regions, and with it, a chance to find the strength and resources he needed to change his and Sophia''s fate. "Time to say goodbye," August voiced with a smile. He didn''t care that the vigers were NPC. They felt like real people to him and this was just another way of enjoying the adventure. As he walked through the vige, the morning sun cast a warm glow over the familiar surroundings. The vigers, with their unique blend of beast and human features, went about their daily routines. August felt a pang of nostalgia, knowing that this ce had be like a second home to him. His first stop was the market, where he had spent countless hours gathering supplies and talking to vendors. Fenrik, the fox-headed merchant, greeted him with a wide smile. "Aleman! Good to see you. Heard you finally got past the Tree of Life. That''s quite the aplishment!" Fenrik said as his eyes twinkled with adoration. "Thanks, Fenrik. I couldn''t have done it without the support of everyone here," August replied while shaking Fenrik''s hand. "I''ll be heading out soon, but I wanted to say goodbye and thank you for everything." Fenrik''s smile faltered slightly. "We''ll miss you around here, Aleman. But I know you''ll do great things out there. Just remember to visit us when you can." "I will," August promised. He purchased somest-minute supplies, knowing that every bit would help in the challenges ahead. August then proceeded to make his way to the vige cksmith, a burly man with the head of a bull. The forge was hot and noisy, filled with the sound of hammering and the scent of molten metal. The cksmith, known as Thorek, looked up from his work as August approached. "Aleman, what brings you here today?" Thorek asked while wiping sweat from his brow. "I''m leaving the vige," August exined. "I wanted to thank you for all the help and equipment you''ve provided. Your weapons have saved my life more times than I can count." Thorek nodded as a proud smile appeared on his face. "I''m d to hear that. You''ve been one of my best customers, Aleman. Take this as a parting gift." He handed August a finely crafted dagger, its de gleaming in the light. "May it serve you well in your travels." << yer Has Received An Umon Toxic Dagger >> August epted the dagger with gratitude. "Thank you, Thorek. I''ll make sure it does." August made his way to the vige healer''s hut after leaving the forge. The healer was a gentle-looking woman with the head of an owl. She had provided him with potions and patched him up more times than he could remember. She greeted him with a warm smile as he entered. "Aleman, it''s good to see you. How are you feeling today?" she asked with a soothing and melodic voice. "I''m feeling great, thanks to you," August replied. "I''m leaving the vige, and I wanted to thank you for all the care you''ve given me." The healer''s eyes softened. "You''ve always been a brave and determined soul, Aleman. The world out there can be harsh, but I know you''ll face it with courage. Take this potion with you." She handed him a small vial filled with a glowing liquid. "It will heal you in times of need." << yer Has Received A Tier 2 Healing Potion >> August epted the vial with a deep sense of gratitude. "Thank you. I''ll make sure to use it wisely." Finally, August made his way to the vige chief''s house. The chief, with his regal stag-like appearance, stood at the doorway as if anticipating Aleman''s visit. "Aleman," the chief said, his voice filled with warmth. "I heard you were leaving us. You''ve done well here, and the vige will miss you." "I couldn''t have achieved what I did without your guidance, Chief," August replied while bowing respectfully. "Thank you for everything." The chief nodded with a proud smile on his face. "You have the heart of an adventurer, Aleman. The world out there is vast and full of challenges. Take this amulet with you," He handed Aleman a small, intricately carved pendant. "It will protect you on your journey." << yer Has Received Danting Pendant >> << Offers +5 Physical Damage Resistance, +10 Magical Resistance, upon Equipping >> Aleman epted the amulet; "Thank you, Chief. I''ll carry it with me always." ''I didn''t even know this could happen... It was never mentioned that one could get gifts this way. It''s good that I decided to say goodbye to them all before leaving.'' As August was about to leave, the chief called out to him. "Aleman," his voice warm but serious. "Before you leave, I have one final request for you. It is something only a capable adventurer like you can handle." August felt a surge of curiosity while turning around; ''This is new...'' "Of course, Chief. What do you need?" The chief led August inside and sat down, motioning for August to do the same. "There is a corrupted stem that has taken root near our vige crops. It poses a significant threat to our harvest and must be uprooted. This task requires strength and caution, as the stem is protected by dark magic." August listened intently with even more assurance that this had never happened to other yers because he had never seen any news or online information about such an urrence. "I''ll take care of it, Chief. Where can I find this corrupted stem?" The chief nodded appreciatively. "It is located in the northern fields, near the edge of the forest. Be cautious, Aleman. The dark magic can be unpredictable." A system notification appeared before August: [ New Quest: Uproot the Corrupted Stem ] Objective: Uproot the corrupted stem near the vige crops and secure the area. Reward: Dark Loots and special hidden quest unlock. August epted the quest immediately. "I''ll be careful chief. You have my word." The chief smiled with a look of relief on his face. "Thank you, Aleman. May the spirits guide you." August left the chief''s house and made his way towards the northern fields. The path was lined with healthy crops, but as he approached the edge, he could see the corrupted stem. It was a twisted, gnarled thing, pulsating with dark energy. The air around it felt heavy and oppressive.N?v(el)B\\jnn Drawing his newly gifted dagger, August moved cautiously toward the stem. He could feel the dark magic radiating from it, spreading a certain corrosive aura. <[ Alert: yer Will Lose 10 HP For Every Second Spent Within The Corrosive Range Of The Corrupted Stem ]> [ -10 HP ] "Damn, I betterplete this quickly then," He immediately drifted into the shadows and reappeared right behind the stem. With a deep breath, he plunged his dagger into the ground around the stem, cutting through the roots that anchored it. "Kiioorrrrhhhh!" A loud dark magic-filled screech reverberated from the stem immediately, sending August staggering backwards while holding his head. [ - 50 HP ] <[ Alert: yer Has Received Corrosive re And Will Lose Extra 10 HP Every Second ]> [ - 20 HP ] [ - 20 HP ] "You little shit!" August cursed upon noticing how quickly his HP was draining. However, now wasn''t the time to worry about that. He stabbed his de at the root once more. The stem resisted as its dark magic red up in an attempt to protect itself. August was no longer taken by surprise since the fist attack so he gritted his teeth and continued to work. He bore the pain and stinging vibrations in his head while using his strength and determination to ovee the dark energy. After a fierce struggle, he managed to uproot the stem, severing its connection to the dark magic. [Task Complete: Uproot the Corrupted Stem] As the stem withered and died, Aleman noticed a few items left behind: Dark talisman (+5 Resistance To Dark Magic), Cursed finger (Contains dark properties that can be added to weapons), Dark seeds (Sows Corruption). He collected them, knowing they could be useful in his journey ahead. Returning to the vige, August handed the withered stem to the chief. The chief''s eyes widened in surprise and gratitude. "You have done well, Aleman," the chief said with a voice full of admiration. "As promised, you have earned your reward and unlocked a hidden quest." A new system notification appeared: [Hidden Special Quest Unlocked: The Purification Ritual (Rank D)] Objective: Retrieve the purification stone from the river in the next town, filled with magical aqua beasts. Use the stone to purify the ancient altar located in a hidden location within Unhidden Mist. Rewards: Fruit of Corruption, 10000 EXP, Unique Weapon. August read the details of the hidden quest with widened eyes. "The fruit of corruption? Is this real?" He muttered in disbelief. Chapter 8 The Fruit Of Corruption The Fruit of Corruption was a legendary item, known for its power to grant a random incredible ability. However, it wasn''t just legendary for granting a random supernatural ability... It was legendary because it was an item that could be retrieved to reality. This was an opportunity August couldn''t afford to miss. ''I''m guessing none of the yers that spawned here at the starting ever got this because they didn''t wait to say goodbye after reaching the tree of life,'' August was d he considered this. Special hidden quests were usually a one-time quest. Once it waspleted, that was it. No one would ever be able to engage in the quest again unlike many other quests that could be continuously repeated by different yers. The chief exined the significance of the quest. "The purification stone is a sacred artifact, and it is guarded by magical aqua beasts in the river of the next town. Once you retrieve the stone, you must return here and use it to purify the ancient altar, which is hidden within our vige." August nodded, ready for the challenge. "Understood, Chief. I willplete this quest and return with the purified stone." The chief ced a hand on August''s shoulder with a solemn expression; "May the spirits protect you, Aleman. This is a dangerous task, but I have faith in your abilities." With this, August prepared to venture to the next town. August stood in the center of the vige, checking his inventory and making sure he had everything he needed for the journey ahead. He had gathered all the supplies he could find: healing potions, rations, and the dark loots he had earned from uprooting the corrupted stem. His newly gifted dagger was securely fastened to his belt, and the pendant from the vige chief hung around his neck. August proceeded to set out from the Vige of Unhidden Mist. As he walked, the familiar sounds of the vige faded behind him, reced by the rustling of leaves and the distant calls of wildlife. He checked his map, noting the route to the transportation point. It wasn''t too far. Once he got there he would just need to spend a few bronze coins to travel with a cart to the next town. After some minutes of walking, a system notification appeared: [Reminder: You have been logged in for an extended period. It is rmended to take breaks for your health and well-being.] August realized that he had already spent two days within the game, which was equal to one day in the outside world. He checked the time and sighed. It was time for work in the real world, and he had no choice but to log out. "Guess it''s time to face reality," he muttered to himself. He opened the system menu and selected the log-off option. The world around him dissolved into darkness, and he felt a gentle jolt as he was pulled back into reality. The morning light filtered through the thin curtains of the apartment as August prepared for another day at the factory. It was around 6:00 A.M. He moved quietly, not wanting to wake Sophia, who was still asleep on the couch. Her usual wake time was 6:30 A.M. After a quick breakfast, he grabbed his worn work clothes and headed out the door. - Upon arriving at the factory, he spotted his closest buddy, Derrick, waiting for him near the entrance. Derrick''s face lit up when he saw August, and he gave him a hearty p on the back. "Morning, August! Ready for another fun-filled day?" Derrick joked with a voice full of sarcasm. August chuckled, feeling a bit of his tension ease. "As ready as I''ll ever be. How''s Tara doing?" "She''s doing well," Derrick replied with a smile. "We''re both excited for the baby. It''s tough, but we''re managing." The two friends made their way inside the factory. The familiar sounds of machinery and the smell of oil and metal greeted them. They clocked in and headed to their stations, ready to start their shift. As they worked, lifting heavy crates and feeding materials into the machines, their conversation flowed naturally. They talked about various topics, finding humor and camaraderie in their shared experiences. "So, how''s the game going?" Derrick asked with a barely audible voice due to the buzzing pieces of machinery in the surroundings. August paused for a moment while wiping sweat from his brow. "It''s going well. I finally got past the Tree of Life quest and unlocked a hidden quest. It''s tough, but I''m making progress." Derrick''s eyes widened in surprise. "That''s awesome! You must be getting pretty good." August smiled, feeling a sense of pride. "I don''t know about that haha. I''m still behind. It''s been a lot of work, but it looks like things are going to start paying off soon. Although the hidden quest is going to be a real challenge. I need to retrieve a purification stone from a river guarded by magical aqua beasts." Derrick let out a low whistle. "Sounds intense. I''ve never heard of that one before." As they continued to work, their conversation shifted to popr gamers and the impact of virtual reality games on the real world. "Have you heard the news about the supernatural yers recently?" Derrick asked while lifting a heavy crate onto the conveyor belt. "Yeah, I have," August replied with a serious tone. "There''s been a rise in crime linked to those abilities." Derrick nodded with a thoughtful expression; "It''s crazy how much things have changed. People with powers from a game using them in real life... Of course, a lot will have ulterior motives after achieving such. It''s like those sci-fi movies haven''t taught us anything. How do the authorities intend to keep up?" They bothughed, finding humor in the absurdity of their reality. Their conversation took a lighter turn as they talked about superstars and celebrities. "Did you see thetest movie with Jenna Star?" Derrick asked as a grin spread across his face. "She''s amazing. I heard she''s also a top yer in Enders Light." August shook his head with a light chuckle; "Now now Mr Derrick, don''t forget that you are a married man?" "She''s Tara''s favorite too... I''m just admiring her talents," Derrick raised his hands innocently. "She is pretty impressive no doubt. She''s got skills both on and off the screen," August admitted. They joked about bing famous themselves, dreaming of a life far removed from the grueling work of the factory. The camaraderie and humor they shared made the long hours more bearable. As the day wore on, the work remained physically demanding, but their banter kept their spirits high. They teased each other, shared stories, and found moments ofughter amidst the noise and toil. By the time their shift ended, both men were exhausted but in good spirits. August bid Derrick farewell and headed home, ready to log back into Enders Light and continue his quest. --- By nightfall, August had returned home, fatigued but in high spirits. As he stepped inside, the familiar warmth of the apartment greeted him. Sophia was at the small kitchen table, surrounded by books and papers. She looked up with a bright smile as he entered. "Hey, August! How was work?" she asked, her voice filled with genuine curiosity.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om "It was okay," August replied, trying to sound upbeat. "Same old stuff. How about you? How was school?" "It was good," Sophia said with a smile that faltered slightly. "But I have this assignment, and I''m kind of stuck. Can you help me?" August felt a sudden big brother affection and pride at this moment. Despite everything, she always tried her best and looked up to him. "Of course, I''d love to help. What''s the assignment about?" Sophia pushed a book towards him as her eyes beamed up with hope. "It''s about business strategies. I need to write a report on different approachespanies use to staypetitive." August pulled up a chair and sat beside her, looking over the assignment details. "Alright, let''s see what we can do." For the next hour, they worked together on her assignment. August exined various business strategies, drawing from Reacher''s extensive knowledge as a former businessman. He discussed concepts like market analysis,petitive advantage, and innovative business models. Sophia listened intently, her eyes widening with surprise at his insights. "Wow, August," she said with a voice full of admiration. "You know so much about this. I had no idea." August smiled, feeling a sense of pride. "Well, I did study a bit of business in my spare time. Plus, I''ve always been interested in howpanies operate." Sophia took notes diligently as her face lit up in understanding. "This makes so much more sense now. Thank you, August. I couldn''t have done this without you." August ruffled her hair affectionately. "You''re wee, Soph. You''re really smart, you know that? You just needed a little help." Sophia blushed and giggled before leaning over to kiss him on the cheek. "You''re the best brother ever. Goodnight, August." "Goodnight, Sophia," he replied, feeling a warm glow in his chest. "Sleep well." As Sophia headed to her room, August watched her go with a sense of pride and affection. ''Hmm, now I have a family of my own. I thought I''d hate it but... I don''t dislike this feeling at all,'' August recalled how the concept of family had always eluded him. Being orphaned from childhood back in his previous world and swearing to himself that he would never build a family out of fear... He had never experienced what it was like to truly feel the desire to protect someone. He stood up and stretched, feeling the day''s fatigue, but he knew he had to continue his quest in Enders Light. He walked to his room and closed the door behind him. The VR pod awaited... A gateway to adventures and thrill he had always been fond of. "Time toplete the hidden quest." Chapter 9 Reaching Swerling Town August climbed inside and ced the helmet on his head, feeling the familiar rush of anticipation. [ Wee back, August Clementine. Initializing system... ] The soft, mechanical voice greeted him as the pod powered up. Lights flickered, and the room around him began to fade. A swirling vortex of colors enveloped him, pulling him into the immersive world of Enders Light. [ Neural synchronizationplete. Preparing to transport to Enders Light. Please remain calm and enjoy your journey. ] The sensation of weightlessness gave him a rush of dopamine as the virtual world materialized around him. He spawned at the point where he logged out previously. [ Wee back, yer Aleman ] The notification floated in front of him as he took in a deep breath of fresh air. It was time to continue the hidden quest to retrieve the purification stone. He made his way to the transportation hub, a bustling area filled with various modes of travel. He approached arge, covered cart, which was pushed by an impressive beast resembling a cross between an ox and a rhino. It was known as a Raxor. The creature had thick, armored skin and massive horns, and it snorted impatiently as it waited for passengers. August handed a few copper coins to the cart driver, a grizzled man with the head of a ram and a friendly smile. "One ticket to the Swerling town, please." The driver nodded and gestured for August to climb aboard. "Hop in. We''ll be leaving shortly." August settled into the cart, which was already upied by a few other travelers. He observed his fellow passengers¡ªa mix of humans, elves, and other half-beast, half-human hybrids. The diversity of the game''s inhabitants never ceased to amaze him. The cart soon began to move and for the very first time... August took a trip outside of the Vige of Unhidden Mist. - The journey was long and arduous, but the scenery was breathtaking. They traveled through dense forests with leaves and colors that August didn''t even know existed and across rolling hills dotted with wildflowers. asionally, they passed by streams and rivers with waters that sparkled like diamonds under the sunlight. August struck up conversations with the other passengers, learning about their own quests and adventures. An elven archer named Lira shared stories of her travels through enchanted forests, while a dwarf named Thrain recounted his time mining in the Dwarven Mountains. August realized that certain NPCs could go on quests. He wondered if this was a challenge to yers. After about two hours of travel, the cart approached the outskirts of the next town. August leaned forward, eager to take in the sights. The town known as Swerling, was built along the banks of a wide river that shimmered with an almost magical glow. The buildings were a mix of sturdy stone structures and elegant wooden houses, their architecture reflecting a blend of human, elven, and aquatic influences. As they entered the town, Aleman marveled at the bustling marketce. Stalls lined the streets, selling everything from fresh produce and exotic spices to finely crafted weapons and magical artifacts. The air was filled with the aroma of cooking food, the chatter of merchants, and theughter of children.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om The town was popted by a diverse mix of species. There were humans and elves, of course, but also merfolk with shimmering scales and webbed hands, and amphibian-like creatures known as Nereids, who moved gracefully betweennd and water. The town''s inhabitants wore a variety of clothing styles, from simple tunics to borate robes adorned with shells and pearls. This town was almost three timesrger than Unhidden Mist. August stepped off the cart and stretched, feeling the stiffness in his muscles from the long journey. It was still insane that the game considered this aspect as well. Things were as realistic as they could ever be. August thanked the driver and took a moment to take in his surroundings. The river flowed through the center of the town with clear waters, teeming with fish. Bridges arched gracefully over the river, connecting different parts of the town. His first stop was the local inn, where he rented a room and dropped off his belongings. The innkeeper, a cheerful woman with the head of a fish, weed him warmly and provided him with a map of the town. "Wee to Swerling Town," she said with a smile. "If you need anything, just let me know." August thanked her and took a seat in the inn''smon room, where he reviewed the details of his quest. He needed to retrieve the purification stone from the river, but with the number of magical aqua beasts within, he knew it was going to be tough. After being fully prepared, August stood up and made his way to one of the riverbanks. --- August stood at the edge of a riverbank, taking in the sight of the shimmering waters. The purification stone was somewhere beneath the surface. Originally, he would have a very long range to cover but the chief had handed him something that made it easier to locate the stone. So long as he was close, he would be able to tell where its exact position was. The river was clear, allowing him to see the creatures swimming below. He could make out various forms moving gracefully through the water. Some were small and agile, while others wererge and imposing. Taking a deep breath, August dove into the water causing the coolness of the river to send a shiver up his spine. As he moved deeper, he kept his eyes peeled for any signs of the stone. Despite being able to tell that he was drawing close he knew it wouldn''t be easy to find, especially with the creatures patrolling their territory. The first creature he encountered was a Serpentine Eel. Its long, sinuous body was covered in colorful scales, and it moved with extra fluidity. The eel''s eyes glowed with an eerie light, and it hissed as it approached, its sharp teeth bared. << Level 6 Serpentine Eel Approaching >> August drew his dagger and prepared to defend himself. The eel lunged at him, immediately coiling around his leg. He shed at it with his dagger, cutting through its scales. The eel screeched in pain and released him, but not before biting his leg. [ - 10 HP ] [Serpentine Eel: A fast and agile predator, known for its ability to constrict and bite its prey with venomous fangs.] << Venomous Effect Initiated >> <[ yer Resistance Is Too High ]> << Venomous Effect Cancelled >> Despite not leaving Unhidden Mist town for months, August was still way higher than the level of this aqua creature so it was no surprise that the effect was canceled. < yer Has Activated sh > August shed repeatedly at the eel, leaving deep gashes across its body and cleaving down its HP. - 200 HP - 170 HP - 210 HP The eel tried to retreat after its HP was reduced to around ten percent of its original state. However, August wasn''t going to let it. He lunged forward with speed and grabbed the creature before stabbing his dagger into both its eyes. - 250 HP - 250 HP [ Level 6 Serpentine Eel Defeated ] [ +400 EXP ] August sighed in relief. For the first time in a long time, he finally got an amount of EXP higher than twenty. He swam up to catch his breath since he was incapable of breathing underwater. After a few seconds, he dove back in and pressed on. August''s eyes scanned the riverbed for any signs of the stone. Suddenly, a second creature appeared¡ªa Luminescent Piranha. Its body was small but packed with muscle, and its scales glowed with a bright, bioluminescent light. The piranha darted towards him with incredible speed. Its razor-sharp teeth were ready to tear into his flesh. << Level 7 Luminescent Piranha engaged >> August barely had time to react before the piranha bit into his arm causing pain to sear through him. [ - 40 HP ] He struck back with his dagger, managing to wound the creature enough to drive it away. - 150 HP [Luminescent Piranha: Small but deadly, these fish are known for their rapid attacks and sharp teeth, which can cause severe damage in a matter of seconds.] The creature spun back around and came for August again. He repeatedly swung out his dagger but missed due to the speed of the Luminescent Piranha. [ - 45 HP ] [ - 50 HP ] [ - 40 HP ] Each bite from the fish would take around forty to fifty HP from August, causing him to seethe in frustration. < yer Has Activated Shadow Dance > ''I hope this still works underwater,'' August prayed internally as he moved towards the side. Almost immediately, lots of shadows that looked like afterimages appeared beside him. This caused a disorientation in the fish, causing it to miss August after another lunge. August rejoiced internally as he began to swim from side to side and in circles around the Luminescent Piranha. The shadow dance amplified his speed and also made it seem as though August was an illusion of shadows. Every movement left after images of shadows dancing around and this really helped with confusing the creature. The piranha was still faster than August but since it couldn''t tell which one was him exactly, it continuously missed. Every missed lunge gave August the opportunity tond a strike on it. - 200 HP - 170 HP August constantlynded hits, leaving injuries on the creature until hepletely depleted its HP. [ Level 7 Luminescent Piranha Defeated ] [ + 600 EXP ] August surfaced for air once more, not waiting to go for the little loot the creature dropped. After gathering his breath, he dove back into the water, determined to find the stone. Chapter 10 Purification Complete August activated his Shadow Cloak ability, creating a double of himself that materialized in the water. The double began to thrash about, drawing the attention of the creatures. The water grew turbulent as the creatures focused on the shadow, giving August the opportunity to dive forward from a different position. As the shadow double continued to trouble the waters, August swam quietly and quickly towards the area where he had seen the glow earlier. He moved with caution, knowing that the distraction wouldn''tst forever. After several dives, Aleman finally spotted the stone. It was nestled beneath a rock formation. The purification stone was about the size of a fist, with a translucent, crystal-like appearance. Its glow was soft and radiant, casting an otherworldly light around it. August reached out carefully and grabbed the stone, feeling its cool surface in his hand. Just as he secured it, the creatures began to realize the deception. The shadow double dissipated, and the creatures turned their attention back to a particr direction in the water... August''s location. With the stone in hand, August swam upwards, using all his strength to evade the creatures. The turtle lunged at him again, but he managed to dodge it, barely escaping its powerful jaws. Breaching the water, August gasped for air with the purification stone clutched tightly in his hand. He scrambled to the riverbank, pulling himself onto drynd. The creatures did not follow. They retreated into the depths of the river. Panting heavily, August looked at the stone in his hand. It was beautiful and its surface glowed with a soft, radiant light. He had seeded in retrieving it, but the battle had left him exhausted with half of his HP gone. ¡ú¡ú¡ú¡ú¡ú¡ú HP: 840/1600 ¡ú¡ú¡ú¡ú¡ú¡ú [Quest Update: Retrieve the Purification Stone] Objective Complete: Return to the vige and use the stone to purify the ancient altar.* August knew the next step was to return to Unhidden Mist andplete the purification ritual. He grabbed a healing potion and immediately consumed it just in case. < yer Has Consumed Healing Potion > [ +200 HP ] [ +200 HP ] [ +100 HP ] He immediately gained 500 HP back. He consumed another bottle and his HP rose back to its peak state. - With the purification stone safely in his possession, August set off back towards the Vige of Unhidden Mist. The journey back felt quicker as he boarded another cart His mind was filled with thoughts of the next steps the moment he arrived at the outskirts of the vige. As he entered the vige, he headed straight for the chief''s house. The vigers greeted him warmly as usual as he made his way through. The vige chief, with his regal stag-like appearance, was waiting for him at the entrance. "Aleman, you have returned. Did you find the purification stone?" August nodded and held up the glowing stone. "Yes, Chief. I have it here." The chief''s eyes widened with relief and excitement. "You have done well, Aleman. Now, we must hurry to the ancient altar. It is in a hidden location undiscoverable to all. Follow me." The chief led August through the vige, taking a path that wound through the densest part of the forest. They moved quickly but carefully, avoiding areas that were overgrown and difficult to navigate. After a few minutes, they reached a secluded clearing. The chief held up a ring and the surroundings immediately transformed. It was like a veil suddenly fell off, revealing arge stone structure in the center, partially covered by vines and moss. "This is the ancient altar," the chief exined. "It has been hidden for centuries, protected by the magic of the forest. But now, it has be corrupted, and if we do not purify it, the corruption will spread throughout the vige." August could indeed see the signs of corruption on the altar. Dark, twisted roots had begun to encircle it, and the air around it felt heavy and oppressive. He could feel the dark magic emanating from it. This was simr to the corrupted stem and it made his skin crawl. "How do we purify it?" August asked while gripping the purification stone tightly.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om The chief pointed to a small indentation in the center of the altar. "ce the stone there. It will activate the purification process. But be careful¡ªthe corruption will resist, and you may have to fend off its influence." August nodded while stepping forward. If it was anything like what happened with the corrupted stem then he knew what to expect. Surprisingly, the oppressiveness and corrosive atmosphere seemed to part as he drew closer to the altar. He stared at the purification stone and immediately understood why. August proceeded to ce the purification stone into the indentation, and immediately, the stone began to glow brighter. The air around the altar shimmered with energy as the purification process started. [Quest Update: Purifying Ancient Altar] As the purification stone activated, the dark roots around the altar began to writhe andsh out, as if trying to protect their territory. August drew his dagger, ready to defend himself against whatever came next. The ground shook as the corruption fought back. Dark tendrils reached out to strike at August but he shed at them with his dagger, cutting through the twisted roots. Each strike seemed to weaken the corruption, but it was a relentless foe. - 5 HP - 7 HP His dagger was barely causing damage but fortunately, the purification stone was working. The purification stone continued to glow with its light growing stronger with each passing moment. The dark magic around the altar began to wane, but the fight was not over. More tendrils appeared, thicker and more aggressive. August continued to attack them and stopped the roots from swiping the stone off the altar. The purification stone''s light grew blindingly bright, and the air was filled with the sound of cracking and snapping roots. Finally, with onest surge of energy, the purification stone emitted a powerful burst of light. The dark roots around the altar recoiled and then disintegrated into dust. The oppressive atmosphere instantly lifted, and the air became clear and fresh. [ Quest Complete: Purify the Ancient Altar ] August stepped back with a look of relief. Now that the altar was free of corruption, its surface began glowing with a serene light. The chief approached him, a look of profound gratitude on his face. "You have done it, Aleman. The altar is purified, and the vige is safe from the spread of corruption." A system notification appeared before Aleman: [Congrattions! Hidden Quest Complete: The Purification Ritual (Rank D)] Rewards: Fruit of Corruption, 5000 EXP, Unique Weapon. August felt a surge of joy as he received the rewards. The chief smiled warmly. "You have proven yourself to be a true hero, Aleman. The vige is in your debt. May your future adventures be filled with sess and honor." "Thank you chief," August said with a hearty smile. The chief patted his back twice before walking away. August looked at the rewards he had received. << yer Has Received Unique Runic Sword >> The beautifully crafted sword with runes etched into the de was a unique weapon, but as an assassin, he couldn''t equip it. Just staring at it, August already had ns to sell it for a good profit. His attention then turned to the Fruit of Corruption. The legendary item was priced at tens of millions of dors. It was quite rounded at the bottom but t at the top and it emitted a translucent glow that almost seemed evil. At first nce, one would think it was ss due to its crystal-like surface. The temptation to sell it for a substantial amount of cash was strong, but he also knew the potential it held if consumed¡ªgranting a random ability in the real world. The question was, what decision would August take? As he contemted his next move, a system notification appeared before him: <[ Do you wish to retrieve the Fruit Of Corruption to reality? ]> Aleman hesitated for a moment. The fruit could change everything, either by providing the financial stability he desperately needed or by giving him a powerful ability. However, he couldn''t decide right now. He would make his decision after retrieving it. "Yes," he said firmly. The fruit began to glow, and a soft vibration filled the air as it started to vanish. The process took only a few moments, and then the fruit was gone. <[ The Fruit Of Corruption Has Been Retrieved To Reality ]> August decided to log out of the game to confirm this. As he removed the VR helmet and climbed out of the pod, he looked around the room. There it was... Sitting on the edge of the game pod, was the Fruit of Corruption. It looked exactly as it had in the game¡ªtranslucent, crystal-like, and glowing with a soft, radiant light. August stared at the fruit as his mind raced with possibilities. The excitement of having such a valuable and powerful item in reality was overwhelming. He picked it up, feeling its cool surface in his hand. The potential it held was immense, and he couldn''t help but feel a surge of adrenaline. But now came the hard part. What should he do next? The fruit could be sold for tens of millions of dors, providing financial security for him and Sophia. It would solve their immediate problems and give them afortable future. On the other hand, consuming the fruit would grant him a random ability in the real world, something that could potentially be even more valuable in the long run. He sat down on his bed with the fruit still in his hand and weighed his options. Selling it would be a safe and practical choice, but the allure of gaining a supernatural ability was hard to resist. The decision was not just about him; it was about their future and what would be best for both of them. August was a risk taker but right now he had to think because whatever decision he made wouldn''t affect just him... It''d affect Sophia as well. "As a businessman... I need to go with the best decision to maximize profit." Chapter 11 Robbery In The Neighborhood After retrieving the Fruit of Corruption from the game, August carefully ced it in a small, sturdy box. He slid the box under his bed and locked it securely, making sure it was well hidden. The fruit''s glow faded as it disappeared beneath the bed, but August still hadn''t made his decision yet. It was nighttime, and August had another shift at the factory. This time, he was on a different schedule from Derrick, which meant he would be working alone. After checking on Sophia, he finally headed out for the night. -- The factory was as loud and bustling as ever, even at night. August focused on his tasks, trying to keep his mind off the fruit hidden back at home. He moved quickly and efficiently, lifting heavy crates and operating machinery. Yet, his thoughts kept drifting back to the Fruit of Corruption and the life-changing decision he needed to make. During a particrly strenuous task, one of his colleagues bumped into him roughly. "Watch it, pretty boy," he sneered with disdain-filled eyes. This colleague was a burly man named Greg with a bald head and visible vein lines on his forehead. August, already on edge, felt his temper re. "Maybe you should watch where you''re going, Greg," he shot back in a tone dripping with sarcasm. "Or are your muscles too big for your brain to handle?" Greg''s face turned red with anger. "What did you say?" "You heard me," August retorted while meeting Greg''s re. "Just because you look like a gori doesn''t mean you have to act like one." The other workers around them began to murmur, sensing the rising tension. Greg took a step forward, fists clenched, but before he could do anything, several other workers intervened. "Hey, calm down, you two," one of them said, pushing Greg back. "We''re here to work, not fight." "Yeah, save it for after the shift," another chimed in. Greg red at August onest time before backing off, muttering under his breath. August returned to his work while calming himself. He wasn''t intimidated in the slightest about Greg''s size. He believed strength wasn''t all that mattered in a fight. - As the night wore on, August overheard a conversation among some of his colleagues during a break. They were talking about a former factory worker who had recently gained a supernatural ability in real life from Enders Light and had now moved on to a much better job. "Did you hear about Tom?" one of them said. "He got some kind of power from the game. Now he''s working for that high-tech firm downtown, making serious money." "Yeah, I heard he''s got telekinesis or something," another added. "Can you imagine? From working here to making six figures, just like that." "Apparently, there are a couple of high-paying jobs now that specifically look for people with these abilities," a third worker said. "If only we could all be so lucky." August listened intently as multiple thoughts ran through his mind. The idea of gaining a supernatural ability and using it to secure a high-paying job was incredibly appealing. It could solve all his problems and give him and Sophia the life they deserved. But the risk of consuming the fruit and the uncertainty of the ability he might gain kept him in a state of indecision. By daybreak, the shift finally ended. August was exhausted but his mind was still buzzing with what he''d heard. He clocked out and stepped into the fresh morning air with a fatigued expression. As he walked home, he reyed the night events in his mind again. Selling the fruit would bring immediate financial relief, but gaining a supernatural ability could open doors he never imagined possible. With the morning sun rising behind him, August continued his walk home, his mind set on finding the best course of action for their future. --- As August neared his neighborhood, the sound of sirens pierced the early morning air. Police vehicles were everywhere with their lights shing ominously. The usual quiet of the street was reced by the urgent chatter of officers and the murmur of concerned residents. The tension in the air was high, and a knot of dread tightened in his stomach. "What happened?" August asked a nearby neighbor, who was watching themotion with wide eyes. "A group of yers with supernatural abilities robbed a house," the neighbor replied while shaking his head. "They made off with something someone brought into reality from Enders Light." Fear gripped August''s heart. His thoughts immediately flew to Sophia and the Fruit of Corruption hidden under his bed. Without another word, he broke into a run, pushing through the growing crowd of onlookers. The sight of an ambnce speeding past and sirens ring, only heightened his anxiety. As he ran, he overheard snippets of conversations that fueled his panic. -"Someone got seriously hurt in the robbery..." -"They say it was a high-grade item from the game..." -"Why would anyone announce something like that?"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om August''s breath came in ragged gasps as he finally reached his street. The knot of dread in his stomach tightened into a fist as he saw the increased police presence near his home. He pushed harder as his legs burnt with effort. He had to get to Sophia. Fumbling with his keys, he burst through the front door. His voice echoed in the small apartment. "Sophia! Sophia, where are you?" The living room was empty, and his heart pounded in his chest as he rushed toward the kitchen. He found her there, standing by the table with a look of confusion and concern on her face. Relief flooded through him, and he pulled her into a tight hug. "Thank God you''re okay," he breathed heavily while holding her close. Sophia hugged him back with her voice muffled against his chest. "August, what''s wrong? What happened?" "There was a robbery nearby," he exined with a shaky voice. "yers with supernatural abilities from the game. They stole something valuable." Sophia pulled back with a look of understanding; "Oh yeah that." "Did theye here?" August inquired. "No," she shook her head. "It was a couple of houses away." August sighed in relief after hearing that. Although it was someone else''s misfortune, he was d that he wasn''t the victim. "I need to check something." He rushed to his room and pulled out the box from under his bed, unlocking it with trembling hands. Within the box was the Fruit of Corruption, glowing faintly. He let out a sigh of relief as his tensionpletely eased. He secured the box and returned to the living room. "Good thing it was a different house," he said while trying to calm his racing heart. August proceeded to analyze the situation. "The victim must had a simr experience to mine¡ªbringing something valuable from the game into reality. But instead of keeping it quiet, he told everyone he was going to be a millionaire and ended up getting robbed and seriously hurt." Sophia''s face paled as she realized that August brought something from the game into reality. " I''m so d you didn''t do the same." "Me too," August admitted, feeling a shiver of fear at how close he hade to a simr fate. "Well, it''s not like there''s really anyone I can tell anyways." August was d that he happened to be a very cautious person. "Make sure to keep this a secret Sophia," August warned her. Sophia nodded with a serious expression. "I understand. We need to be cautious." August sat down with the box still in his grasp. The sound of police sirens still echoed in the distance and the choice of what to do with the Fruit of Corruption weighed even heavier now. Selling it could bring immediate relief, but it could also make them a target. Who knows if he might get robbed the instant he put the word out there that such an item was for sale? There was no telling what could happen when he currently didn''t have the strength to protect them both. Consuming it could give him the power to protect them and potentially change their lives for the better. But it still bore risks. He needed more information. He stood up and walked over to the window, looking out at the chaotic scene unfolding outside. ''People are gaining abilities and it''s making things dangerous. I can''t afford topare this world to the one I came from. Whatever action I take, I need to give it at least ten thousand thoughts first.'' Sophia joined him at the window as her small hand slipped into his. August squeezed her hand, feeling a rush of warmth and resolve. "I promise I''ll keep us safe," he said while turning to look at her. Sophia smiled at him with a look ofplete trust; "I know." Chapter 12 Losing Consciousness August had the rare luxury of an entire day off today. The factory wouldn''t need him until the following day, giving him ample time to rest, think, and make ns. The events of this morning still lingered in his mind, and the decision he had been postponing now demanded his full attention. After a quiet breakfast with Sophia, who left for school with a promise to be careful, August found himself alone in the apartment. He had hidden the Fruit of Corruption beneath his bed again. He decided to head out to a nearby cyber cafe to do more research. The cafe, "Digital Haven," was a small but popr spot frequented by gamers and tech enthusiasts in the area. The sound of clicking keyboards and the soft vibrations ofputers filled the air as he entered. He could smell the faint aroma of coffee lingering in the background. He approached the counter, where Remi, the cafe''s owner, was busy serving another customer. Remi was a young woman with bright blue hair and an infectious smile. She had always been friendly with August, and he sometimes noticed her lingering looks. "Hey, August! Long time no see," Remi greeted him warmly as she handed the customer their change. "Hey, Remi. Yeah, been a bit busy," August replied with a smile. "I need to use one of the terminals for some research." "Sure thing! Your usual spot is free," she said, pointing to a corner terminal. "Anything special you''re looking into?" "Just trying to figure out some things about a game item I came across," August said, trying to keep it vague. Remi''s eyes sparkled with curiosity. "A game item, huh? Sounds interesting. Let me know if you need any help." August nodded and made his way to the terminal. He logged in and began searching for information on the Fruit of Corruption. Numerous articles and forums discussed its incredible value. ording to the most reliable sources, a single fruit cost around twelve million dors. However, in an auction, the price could skyrocket due to the demand from wealthy individuals eager to gain real-life abilities. August scrolled through testimonials and news articles about people who had sold or consumed the fruit. Those who sold it often became instant millionaires but were also targets for theft and kidnapping. There were countless stories of individuals who had to go into hiding or hire extensive security just to stay safe. The other option, consuming the fruit, was equally transformative but carried different risks. The abilities gained were random, but they often provided significant advantages. One would also gain 25% strength from their in-game avatar. Although there was the possibility of it being lower. Some people gained enhanced strength, others telekinesis, and a few even developed the ability to manipte elements. These abilities allowed them to secure high-paying jobs or protect themselves from threats. August leaned back in his chair, weighing his options. Selling the fruit would provide immediate financial relief, enough to pay off all his debts and secure afortable future for him and Sophia. But the danger of bing a target was too great. If he put the fruit up for auction, its existence would no longer be a secret, and he wouldn''t be able to hide it effectively. On the other hand, consuming the fruit would grant him a random ability that could significantly increase his options, especially outside the game. He would be able to protect himself and Sophia better, and if he ever acquired another fruit, he would have the strength to guard it should he choose to put it up for sale. The decision became clearer as he thought about the future. As he was engrossed in his research, Remi approached him with a cup of coffee. "Thought you might need a little boost," she said while cing the cup on the table next to him. "Oh I don''t have any money for that," August said with a wry smile. "It''s on the house," Remi replied with a gentle gaze. "Thanks, Remi. This is perfect," August responded while receiving it and taking a sip. The coffee was rich and vorful, exactly what he needed to stay focused. A customer from the side made a low "Tch!" While internally screaming about how much of a lucky bastard August was since he happened to be so good-looking. Remi pulled up a chair and sat down next to August not paying any heed to the surroundings. "So, what''s this game item you''re looking into?" August hesitated for a moment, then decided to share a bit more. "It''s called the Fruit of Corruption." Remi''s eyes widened. "That game item that grants real-world abilities?" "Yes, that..." August replied. "I have heard it is incredible. Are you thinking about selling it?" Remi stared at the screen that disyed price points. "Oh no no, I heard a person came into possession of it in the game and wanted to see just how much money they could make," August immediately denied. "How lucky. I would immediately buy the spa downtown if I gained such a sum," Remi held her cheeks in delusional delight.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om August chuckled slightly as they kept discussing until a new customer came in and she had to go attend to them. Augustter left the cafe to head back home. The instant he returned, he headed to his room and retrieved the box from under his bed. He unlocked it and took out the Fruit of Corruption. The fruit glow seemed to pulse in response to his touch. He sat on the edge of his bed with the fruit cradled in his hands. This small object held the potential to change everything. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for what he was about to do. "I hope this is the right choice," he murmured to himself. With a decisive motion, August bit into the fruit. The taste was unlike anything he had ever experienced¡ªsweet and tangy, with a burst of energy that spread through his entire body. He continued to eat, finishing the fruit in a matter of moments. As he swallowed thest bite, a warm sensation filled him, followed by a rush of sharpness. Almost immediately, a wave of dizziness overwhelmed him. The room began to spin, and he struggled to keep his bnce. The sensation grew stronger, and he felt his consciousness slipping away. He managed to stumble to his bed before everything went ck. --- August awoke hourster, feeling groggy and disoriented. He sat up slowly with his mind still foggy from the intense experience. He looked around the room, trying to piece together what had happened. The memory of consuming the Fruit of Corruption came rushing back, and he felt a thrill of anticipation. "I ate it... What ability did I gain?" August wondered out loud while the image of a man in a red cape and blue tights appeared in his mind. "I guess that would be too much?" He jumped out of bed and began to test himself, hoping to discover his new ability. He tried lifting objects with his mind, focusing on manipting elements and even attempted to move at superhuman speed. But no matter what he tried, nothing happened. He felt normal, just as he always had. "What is going on?" Frustration began to set in. Had the fruit not worked? Was there something he had done wrong? He paced around the room, growing more agitated with each failed attempt. The anticipation he had felt earlier was quickly turning into disappointment. He stared at the clock and noticed it was already morning. He really slept for a long time and missed logging into Enders Light. He had work this morning so he wouldn''t be able to y till he got back from workter in the evening. August sighed and headed to the kitchen to fix himself breakfast. He took a few items out of the refrigerator and In a moment of anger closed the door hard. "Why didn''t it work?" he shouted as his voice echoed in the small apartment. He stormed out of the kitchen afterward not noticing the faint purple glow that began to envelop the fridge. Momentster, a loud crash echoed through the apartment. August turned back to see the refrigerator in pieces, its parts scattered across the floor as if it had been taken apart by an invisible force. His heart raced as he took in the scene. "What... what just happened?" he muttered to himself while walking back into the kitchen. Chapter 13 Would You Like To Extract Item? The sight of the disassembled fridge left August stunned. Despite his initial frustration, a slow realization began to dawn on him. Did his new ability have something to do with the fridgeing apart? As much as he wanted to think so, he didn''t have the time to figure it out. Work awaited... August went on to prepare to head to the factory for his morning shift. -- As August arrived at the factory, he noticed Derrick waiting for him near the entrance with a familiar grin on his face. "Morning, August. Ready for another day of fun?" August chuckled, feeling a sense of normalcy. "Always, Derrick. Always." They made their way inside, clocked in, and began their shift. The usual vibrations of machinery and the ng of metal filled the air. August couldn''t help but notice the way one particr colleague, Greg, seemed to be avoiding him. Sure they had a scuffle days earlier but hadn''t he told August he''d deal with him? August leaned over to Derrick with a tone of curiosity; "What''s up with Greg? He looks like he''s seen a ghost." Derrick''s grin widened. "Oh, that. I had a little chat with him. Told him to stay away from you after what happenedst time." August raised an eyebrow. "You know about that? That wasn''t necessary, Derrick." Derrick shrugged. "Maybe not, but I wasn''t about to let him mess with my buddy. Besides, he needed to learn a lesson about being nice and polite." August felt a warm sense of gratitude. "Thanks, Derrick. I appreciate it." The morning passed in a blur of activity. August found himself filled with an unusual amount of energy. Tasks that normally left him exhausted seemed effortless. He lifted heavy crates, operated machinery, andpleted his duties without breaking a sweat. His movements were precise and efficient, and he didn''t need any help from Derrick with a single task. Whispers and murmurs followed him as he moved through the factory. "What''s with pretty boy today?" one worker muttered. "He hasn''t even taken a break," another pointed out. Even Derrick seemed amazed. "Man, you''re on fire today," he said during lunch. They sat together in the break room, surrounded by the noise of other workers chatting and eating. "What''s your secret? New workout routine?" Augustughed, shrugging it off. "Just feeling good, I guess. Maybe I finally got a good night''s sleep." But deep down, August knew it had to be something more. The Fruit of Corruption had to be responsible for this newfound energy, even if he hadn''t discovered the exact nature of his ability yet. As the afternoon wore on, the hours flew by. August moved from one task to the next with ease. He hefted heavy barrels onto shelves, maneuvered machinery with precision, and tackled assignments that usually required teamwork all by himself. Sweat glistened on the brows of his coworkers, but August remained remarkablyposed. At one point, Derrick watched in amazement as August single-handedly lifted a massive crate that usually required two people. "You''re a beast today," Derrick said, shaking his head in disbelief. "I don''t know what you''re doing, but keep it up." August smiled, feeling a swell of pride. "Thanks, Derrick. I''ll do my best." -- After the shift ended, August and the other workers, including Derrick, headed to the factory bathrooms to take their baths. The small, utilitarian bathroom cubicles were a familiar part of their routine, providing a brief respite after a long day of hardbor. As August stepped into one of the cubicles, his mind was still racing with thoughts of the recent ordeals. The Fruit of Corruption, his strange energy levels at work, and the mysterious ability he seemed to possess all swirled in his head. Lost in thought, he turned on the shower and absentmindedly reached out to touch the faucet. His fingers emitted a purplish glow as they made contact with the metal. The glow spread rapidly across the faucet and then to the entire shower system. It wasn''t until the shower began toe apart, piece by piece, that August realized something was happening. The tiles on the wall cracked open, the showerhead detached, and the pipes disassembled themselves in a seemingly orchestrated manner. August stared in disbelief as the shower dislodged before his eyes. His heart pounded in his chest, and he took a step back, trying to process what he was seeing. The tiles fell to the floor, the showerhead and faucetponents ttered down, and water spurted from the exposed pipes before stopping altogether. The small cubicle was now a chaotic mess of parts and debris. "What''s happening?" August muttered with a voice barely above a whisper. He reached out to touch the disassembled parts, hoping to reverse the process, but nothing happened. The pieces remained scattered, defying any attempt to reassemble them with his hands.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om Then, something even more shocking happened. A game-like system interface appeared before him, hovering in mid-air just like it did in Enders Light. ¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û Name: Aleman Level: 13 Title(s): Nil ss: Assassin EXP: 11,000/30,000 HP: 2000/2000 Gold: 200 Skills: Shadow Dance, Hidden Strike, sh, Dash, Dual Wielding Inventory: Basic Dagger, Leather Armor, Healing Potion x4, Umon Toxic Dagger, Danting Pendant, Runic Sword ¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û The familiar sight of his game stats was now present in reality. The panel disyed various sections, but most of them were greyed out, including his EXP and other attributes. However, his inventory was fully visible, showcasing an array of weapons and potions. August''s eyes widened in astonishment. "How is this possible?" he thought. He reached out to touch the panel, and his fingers passed through it as if it were made of light. He could see detailed descriptions of the items in his inventory, including their stats and uses. This was exactly like the interface in the game, but how was it possible here, in the real world? The noise from the disassembling shower had caught Derrick''s attention. "Hey, August! You okay in there?" he called from outside the cubicle. August quickly tried topose himself, but his heart was still racing. "Uh, yeah! Just a little... plumbing issue," he replied, his voice shaky. He nced around the cubicle. The disassembled parts of the shower were still scattered around him. Panic set in as he realized he couldn''t reverse what he had done. The parts remained stubbornly disassembled, and the mess was unmistakable. "I need to get out of here," he thought. "I can''t exin this." With his mind racing, August stepped out of the cubicle, careful to avoid the scattered debris. He quickly dressed and made his way out of the bathroom, avoiding eye contact with Derrick and the other workers. He felt their curious nces but kept his head down, determined to leave without raising any more suspicion. Derrick called out again with concern evident in his voice. "August, what''s going on? You look pale." August forced a weak smile, trying to mask his anxiety. "I''m fine, Derrick. Just feeling a bit off. I''ll catch up with youter." Without waiting for a response, August hurried out of the factory. The cool evening air hit him as he stepped outside. He walked quickly, almost jogging, desperate to get home and away from the prying eyes and questions. As he made his way through the familiar streets, the events reyed in his mind. The purple glow, the disassembly, the game interface¡ªnone of it made sense. What exactly was his new ability? When he finally reached his apartment, he let out a sigh of relief. He unlocked the door and stepped inside, feeling the rtive safety of his home. Sophia was already back from school, sitting at the kitchen table with her homework spread out before her. She looked up and smiled as he entered. "Hey, August. How was work?" she asked, her voice filled with genuine curiosity. "It was... interesting," August replied, trying to keep his tone light. He ruffled her hair as he walked by, but his mind was still preupied with the day''s events. Her eyes blinked with even more curiosity upon taking note of August''s expression but before she could ask, he headed to his room. August needed some time alone to process everything. As he sat on the edge of his bed, the weight of his new reality began to settle in. He had gained a supernatural ability, but it seemedplicated. August closed his eyes while taking a deep breath. "I need to figure this out," he thought out loud. Taking a deep breath, he focused on thinking about the interface that had appeared earlier. To his astonishment, it materialized once more before his eyes, exactly as it had in the bathroom. ¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û Name: Aleman Level: 13 Title(s): Nil ss: Assassin EXP: 11,000/30,000 HP: 2000/2000 Gold: 200 Skills: Shadow Dance, Hidden Strike, sh, Dash, Dual Wielding Inventory:Basic Dagger, Leather Armor, Healing Potion x4, Umon Toxic Dagger, Danting Pendant, Runic Sword ¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û August stared at the interface as his heart pounded in thrill. Everything except the inventory was greyed out, rendering his stats and skills inessible. The only interactive part was his inventory. He hesitantly reached out and touched a particr item in his inventory¡ªhis Basic Dagger. As his finger made contact, a system notification appeared before him: <[Would You Like To Extract Item: Basic Dagger ]> <[ YES ]> <[ NO ]> Chapter 14 Dual Class Unlocked August pulled back as his eyes widened in disbelief. The notification was vibrantly stationed before him waiting for him to make a decision. His heart couldn''t help but race in excitement. The ability to bring items from the game into the real world was unprecedented. It opened up possibilities he hadn''t even considered. He sat on his bed, contemting the choice before him. With a mix of excitement and trepidation, he finally made up his mind. "Yes," he whispered, his voice barely audible. The system disyed a progress barbeled... <[ Extraction Process ]> <[ ====== ]> August watched in fascination as the bar slowly filled. After about a minute, the process waspleted, and to his astonishment, the Basic Dagger materialized before him, solid and real. The dagger was a simple but elegant weapon. The de was about eight inches long, made of polished steel, with a sharp, tapered edge that gleamed in the light. The hilt was wrapped in ck leather, providing a firm andfortable grip. Despite its simplicity, the dagger exuded a sense of lethal efficiency. He picked up the dagger, feeling its weight in his hand. It was exactly as it appeared in the game, from the design to the texture of the handle. To test its sharpness, he reached for a piece of paper on his desk. With a swift motion, he sliced through the paper. The de had cut through cleanly and effortlessly. August''s eyes widened in amazement. He moved to the yard and picked up a small twig from a housent to try again. The dagger sliced through it as if it were nothing. Even a thick piece of cardboard posed no resistance; the de cut through with a smooth, precise motion.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om Thoughts raced through August''s mind as he realized the full extent of his new ability. He could extract game items into reality without the necessary specifications and requirements typically needed in the game. August''s mind buzzed with possibilities. He could extract powerful weapons, healing potions, and various items that could give him an edge both in and out of the game. The potential applications were endless, but so were the risks. He needed to be cautious and deliberate about how he used this newfound power. As he ced the dagger on his bed, he couldn''t help but think about the future. This ability could change everything for him and Sophia. It could provide the means to protect themselves and improve their lives. However, it also meant that he needed to be more vignt than ever. The world was bing increasingly dangerous, and there were others who would go to great lengths to obtain such power. For now, he decided to keep this discovery to himself. He needed time to explore the limits of his ability and understand how to control it effectively. As the sun set outside, casting a warm glow through the window, August sat on his bed, deep in thought. The Basic Daggery beside him, a tangible proof of his newfound ability to extract items from the game into reality. He began to make ns, considering the possibilities. The potential business opportunities were endless. He could sell rare items, provide services based on game mechanics, or even start a new venture entirely based on the extraction ability. However, he knew that he still didn''t understand the limitations and properties of this power well enough. He needed to perform experiments to properly grasp its full potential. Determined to uncover more, he decided that the first step was to log back into the game. He needed to understand this ability better, and the best way to do that was to continue his journey in Enders Light. It was time to finally move beyond the Vige of Unhidden Mist. He walked over to the VR pod and climbed inside. cing the helmet on his head, he took a deep breath and initiated the login sequence. << "Wee back, August Clementine. Initializing system..." >> The soft, mechanical voice greeted him as the pod powered up. Lights flickered, and the space around him began to fade. A swirling vortex of colors enveloped him, pulling him into the immersive world of Enders Light. << "Neural synchronizationplete. Preparing to transport to Enders Light. Please remain calm and enjoy your journey." >> The sensation of weightlessness washed over him, followed by a sudden jolt. However, Instead of finding himself back in the Vige of Unhidden Mist, he found himself floating in an all-white space with his game characterpletely und. A sense of disorientation gripped him as he looked around, trying to understand what was happening. <[New yer Characterization Required]> <[Dual ss Unlocked]> A notification appeared before him, adding to his confusion. Before he could fullyprehend it, a voice emanated from a glowing orb that materialized in front of him. < "Wee, yer Aleman," > the voice said, calm and authoritative. < "You have achieved a heightened level of synchronization with Enders Light. As a result, you have unlocked the Dual ss system, a rare feature avable only to certain yers." > "This is..." August couldn''t believe his ears. ''Could this be due to my newly attained extraction ability?'' The orb''s light pulsed gently as it continued, < "Dual sses allow yers tobine the strengths of two different sses, enhancing their abilities and providing new strategic options. You are now required to choose an additional ss toplement your existing Assassin ss. This choice will influence the modification of your stats and skills." > As the voice finished speaking, a series of options appeared before August in the familiar system notification style, each apanied by a brief exnation: <[Choose Your Additional ss]> 1. Mage: Enhance yourbat abilities with powerful spells and elemental magic. Gain ess to a wide range of offensive and defensive spells. 2. Cleric: Support your allies with healing and protective spells. Gain abilities to purify and bolster your own defenses. 3. Berserker: Unleash raw physical power andbat prowess. Gain enhanced strength and resilience in battle. 4. Summoner: Call forth creatures and spirits to aid you inbat. Gain the ability to summon and control powerful allies. 5. Hunter: Utilize advanced ranged weaponry and traps. Gain abilities to track, ambush, and deal critical damage from a distance. August studied the options carefully, considering how each wouldplement his Assassin skills. The potentialbinations were intriguing, and he knew this choice would significantly impact his journey in Enders Light. As he pondered the decision, the orb spoke again, < "Take your time to consider each option. Your choice will shape your path forward and unlock new potentials within you." > August took a deep breath as he pondered. Each ss offered unique advantages, and he needed to choose the one that would best enhance his abilities and strategy. Finally, he made his decision. "I choose..." Finally, he made his decision. "I choose Mage." The orb glowed brighter for a moment, then dimmed as the system acknowledged his choice. <[Mage ss Selected]> <[Dual ss Unlocked: Assassin/Mage]> The orb spoke again, < "Your choice has been registered. You now possess thebined strengths of the Assassin and Mage sses. Your stats and skills have been updated ordingly. Prepare to re-enter the game world." > The all-white space began to dissolve, and August felt a familiar sensation as he was transported back to the world of Enders Light. Momentster, he found himself standing in the Vige of Unhidden Mist once more. The bustling activity of the vigers continued around him as if nothing had changed. Eager to see the results of his decision, August opened his yer database to review his updated stats. ¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û Name: Aleman Level: 13 Title(s): Nil ss: Assassin/Mage EXP: 11,000/30,000 HP: 2000/2000 MP: 1500/1500 Gold: 200 Skills: Shadow Dance, Hidden Strike, sh, Dash, Dual Wielding, Fireball, Arcane Shield Inventory: Leather Armor, Healing Potion x4, Umon Toxic Dagger, Danting Pendant, Runic Sword ¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û He noticed several new additions. His HP remained the same, but a new stat, MP (Mana Points), had been added, indicating his ability to cast spells. Additionally, two new magic skills, Fireball and Arcane Shield, appeared alongside his existing Assassin skills. Excitement bubbled within him as he read the descriptions of his new skills: Fireball: Cast a ball of fire at your enemies, dealing significant damage. Arcane Shield: Create a magical barrier that absorbs iing damage for a short period. August couldn''t wait to test his new abilities. Thebination of his stealth andbat skills with powerful magic made him feel more formidable than ever. As he closed his yer database, he felt a rush of energy. The dual ss of Assassin and Mage opened up new strategies and possibilities for him. Deciding that the vige forest would be the perfect ce for some experimentation, he set off toward the dense woods on the outskirts of Unhidden Mist. The path to the forest was familiar, but it felt different this time. He was no longer just an Assassin; he was also a Mage. Thebination of stealth and magic filled him with a sense of untapped potential. Chapter 15 Arriving At Tagharuim Kingdom As August entered the forest, the canopy of trees overhead filtered the sunlight, casting dappled shadows on the ground. The air was fresh, filled with the scent of pine and earth. Birds chirped in the distance, and the rustling of leaves added a sense of tranquility to the surroundings. August found a secluded clearing and decided it was a good spot to start his tests. He took a deep breath and opened his yer database once more to review his new skills. Fireball: Cast a ball of fire at your enemies, dealing significant damage. Arcane Shield: Create a magical barrier that absorbs iing damage for a short period. Eager to see the Fireball spell in action, August focused on a nearby tree. He raised his hand, channeling his Mana into the spell. <[ yer Has Activated Fireball ]> [ - 50MP ] A ball of fire formed in his palm, growing brighter and hotter with each passing second. With a flick of his wrist, he hurled the Fireball at the tree. The spell shot forward, leaving a trail of heat in its wake. It collided with the tree trunk, exploding on impact and sending shards of bark flying. mes licked at the wood, charring it and leaving a ckened scorch mark. August couldn''t help but smile in satisfaction. The Fireball was powerful and precise, just as he had hoped. Next, he decided to test the Arcane Shield. He imagined the magical barrier forming around him, visualizing its protective energy. <[ yer Has Activated Arcane Shield ]> [ -70 MP ] Countdown > 00:30:00 As he focused, a shimmering, translucent shield materialized, standing in a curve format before him. He felt a sense of security as the shield absorbed the ambient energy around him, reinforcing its strength. He couldn''t properly test its durability without being in a battle but he decided to unsheath his dagger and struck the shield. The impact was absorbed effortlessly as the barrier held firm. August nodded, pleased with the results.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om The Arcane Shield would provide excellent defense in battle, allowing him to withstand attacks while he nned his next move. With both spells sessfully tested, August turned his attention tobining his magical abilities with his Assassin skills. He moved stealthily through the forest, practicing his Shadow Dance to blend into the surroundings while preparing Fireball spells. Thebination of stealth and surprise attacks made him feel incredibly powerful. He imagined scenarios where he could use his dual ss to outmaneuver and overpower his enemies. The possibilities were endless, and each new strategy filled him with excitement. After an hour of rigorous testing, August felt confident in his new abilities. The forest had proven to be the perfect training ground, allowing him to explore the limits of his power without interruption. He took a moment to sit on a fallen log so as to reflect on the journey ahead. With his new dual-ss abilities fresh in his mind, August decided to further explore his yer database. He wanted to ensure he was fully prepared for the challenges ahead. Opening the yer interface, he navigated to the sub-stats section, which disyed detailed information about his various attributes and skills. A familiar system panel appeared before him: ¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û Sub Stats: Strength: 50 Speed: 45 Agility: 48 Endurance: 40 Intelligence: 60 Mana Regeneration: 30 Skill Levels: - Shadow Dance: Level 3 - Hidden Strike: Level 2 - sh: Level 4 - Dash: Level 3 - Dual Wielding: Level 2 - Fireball: Level 1 - Arcane Shield: Level 1 Weapon Proficiency: - Basic Dagger: Level 5 - Umon Toxic Dagger: Level 3 umted Points Avable: 150 ¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û August reviewed his current sub-stats and skill levels, noting areas that could use improvement. He had umted 150 points, which he could allocate to enhance his attributes. Given his recent experiences and the need for a bnced approach, he decided to focus on increasing his speed, agility, and strength. [Would you like to allocate points?] <[YES]> <[NO]> August selected yes and a new panel appeared, allowing him to distribute the points. [Allocate Points: Strength] Current Value: 50 Points to Add: 30 New Value: 80 [Allocate Points: Speed] Current Value: 45 Points to Add: 40 New Value: 85 [Allocate Points: Agility] Current Value: 48 Points to Add: 40 New Value: 88 [Remaining Points: 40] Usually yers wouldn''t have so much points but August has umted plenty from numerous repeated missions and grindings where he remained at the same level. Not to mention his recent sessful quests. Satisfied with his choices, August confirmed the allocation: [Confirm Point Allocation?] <[YES]> <[NO]> After selecting yes, he watched as his sub-stats updated in real-time: ¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û Updated Sub Stats: Strength: 80 Speed: 85 Agility: 88 Endurance: 40 Intelligence: 60 Mana Regeneration: 30 Skill Levels: - Shadow Dance: Level 3 - Hidden Strike: Level 2 - sh: Level 4 - Dash: Level 3 - Dual Wielding: Level 2 - Fireball: Level 1 - Arcane Shield: Level 1 Weapon Proficiency: - Basic Dagger: Level 5 - Umon Toxic Dagger: Level 3 umted Points Avable: 40 ¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û August felt a surge of energy as the points took effect, enhancing his physical attributes significantly. He flexed his muscles, feeling the newfound strength coursing through him. His movements felt lighter and more precise. "Time to put these upgrades to the test," he thought while his excitement built up. With his new dual-ss abilities fresh in his mind and his sub-stats enhanced, August felt more prepared than ever for the challenges ahead. It was finally time to leave the Vige of Unhidden Mist and join other yers in more popted areas where he could grind and progress better. He made his way to the teleportation hub just outside the vige. The teleportation hub was a quiet, almost serene area. The circr tform was adorned with glowing runes and arcane symbols, pulsing with magical energy. In the center stood a tall obelisk, covered in intricate carvings and radiating a soft, blue light. Only a few yers were present, each standing silently as they prepared for their own journeys. August approached the obelisk in anticipation. This was his gateway to the broader world of Enders Light. He examined the list of avable coordinates disyed on a floating screen next to the obelisk, searching for his destination. After a moment of consideration, he selected one of the most popr ces frequented by yers: Tagharuim Kingdom. Known for its vast resources, challenging quests, and vibrant yermunity, Tagharuim was the perfect ce for August to continue his journey and further hone his skills. He reached out and touched the coordinate on the screen, and a system notification appeared before him: [Confirm Teleportation to Tagharuim Kingdom?] <[YES]> <[NO]> August selected [YES], and the obelisk began to chime with energy. The runes and symbols on the tform glowed brighter, and a swirling vortex of light enveloped him. The sensation of weightlessness washed over him as the teleportation process began. The world around him blurred and twisted, the familiar surroundings of the Vige of Unhidden Mist fading away. Momentster, the light dimmed, and he found himself standing in a bustling za at the heart of Tagharuim Kingdom. Tagharuim Kingdom was a sight to behold. The city was a sprawling metropolis, filled with towering buildings, majestic castles, and bustling marketces. The streets were alive with activity, yers and NPCs moving about with purpose. The air was filled with the sounds of merchants hawking their wares, cksmiths hammering at their forges, and adventurers discussing theirtest quests. As soon as August materialized in the za, a system notification appeared before him: [Congrattions! You have entered Tagharuim Kingdom for the first time.] [Rewards: 1000 EXP +50 Gold +Map of Tagharuim Kingdom] He felt the weight in his coin pouch increase, and a detailed map of the kingdom appeared in his inventory. With a look of satisfaction, he began to walk around the kingdom, eager to take in the sights he had only read about in articles online. The za was surrounded by grandiose architecture, with intricate details and vibrant colors. Banners fluttered in the breeze, bearing the emblem of Tagharuim¡ªan elegant dragon intertwined with a crescent moon. Cobblestone streets wound their way through the city, leading to various districts andndmarks. As August wandered through the streets, he observed his surroundings. yers loitered about, their levels disyed above their heads, ranging from 20 to 32. Some yers had hidden their levels, adding an air of mystery. He couldn''t help but notice a few yers snickering and pointing in his direction. "Look at that noob, only level 13," one yer said with a tone of mockery. "How did he even make it here?" another added,ughing. August ignored theirments and focused on exploring the city. He walked past the grand marketce, where vendors sold a variety of goods, from exotic weapons and enchanted armor to rare potions and magical trinkets. The air was filled with the scent of spices and the sound of lively haggling. He continued on to the Questing District, where adventurers gathered to take on missions and challenges. Bulletin boards were stered with quest notices, each promising rewards for various tasks. The Combat Arena loomed in the distance, a ce where yers tested their skills against one another in friendly duels or organized tournaments which brought about mouth watering rewards. The city was wonderful and filled with so many options. He knew that grinding monsters in this region would provide much better EXP than the low-level creatures near Unhidden Mist. His next goal was clear: to increase his levels and be stronger. Chapter 16 The Western Woods With his n in mind, August opened his map and located a nearby information hub. He knew that a careful and strategic approach was necessary to maximize his progress without risking unnecessary deaths, which would cost him valuable experience points and potentially a level. August headed towards the Adventurer''s Guild, arge building near the Questing District that served as a hub for yers seeking information, quests, andpanionship. The guild hall was a lively ce, filled with adventurers of all levels discussing theirtest exploits, forming parties, and exchanging tips. He approached the information desk, where a helpful NPC named ra greeted him with a warm smile. "Wee to the TG Adventurer''s Guild. How can I assist you today?" "I''m looking for information on grinding areas suitable for my level," August replied, trying to keep his voice steady amidst the excited chatter around him.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om "For non-members of the Guild, a payment of five silver coins is required," ra immediately charged him. "Erm... And what about members?" August inquired. "Information is free for members," ra stated. "Then how do I be a member?" August wasn''t really interested in joining Guilds, much less an NPC-owned type but information was very much a currency so it piqued his interest. "yer must be level 20 first," ra revealed. August sighed and handed her five silver coins. ra received it and pulled out a more detailed map of the surrounding areas than the one August had. "Let''s see... You''re currently level 13, correct? There are several areas within the kingdom that would be ideal for you. The monsters here start at level 10 and go up to level 15. You''ll find a variety of creatures, each with unique abilities and strengths." She pointed to several spots on the map. "The Western Woods are a good starting point. You''ll find level 10 minions there, along with a few level 12 - 17 arch lords who lead monster packs. The drop rates and loot in these areas are quite high, so it''s a great ce to farm both experience and items." "Thank you, ra," August said, memorizing the locations and details she provided. "Be careful out there," she advised. "And remember, it''s always wise to avoid monsters that are significantly higher in level. The penalty for dying can set you back quite a bit." With this valuable information, August left the guild and made his way to the Western Woods. ==== The Western Woods were home to a wide variety of monsters, vastly different in physical appearance and strengthpared to those near Unhidden Mist. August moved cautiously, scanning the area for potential threats. His first encounter was with a group of level 10 goblin minions, small but vicious creatures with sharp ws and teeth. The goblins'' green skin glistened in the dim light filtering through the canopy as their yellow eyes gleamed with malice. They moved quickly, darting between the trees with surprising agility and crude weapons in their grasp. As they spotted August, they let out guttural growls and charged at him. August engaged the goblins, using his Shadow Dance skill to distort their senses and strike from unexpected angles. [ - 150HP ] He moved fluidly as his newly acquired dagger shed through the skin of the closest goblin, leaving a fiery gash on its back. The goblins were quick and aggressive, but August''s agility allowed him to dodge their attacks and counter with lethal precision. [ - 200 HP ] [ - 220 HP ] He targeted the goblins'' vital points, aiming for their throats and hearts. With multiple sessful strikes, satisfying system notifications appeared: [You have defeated Goblin Minion. +1200 EXP] [You have defeated Goblin Minion. +1200 EXP] [Item Drop: Goblin Tooth, Minor Health Potion] The goblins dropped various items, including goblin teeth, minor health potions, and scraps of armor. The higher drop rate and valuable loot made each encounter rewarding, and August felt his confidence growing with every victory. Moving deeper into the forest, he encountered more challenging foes. Packs of thunder wolves, led by level 12 arch lords, roamed the area. These creatures wererger and more coordinated, requiring a more tactical approach. The wolves had smooth silver fur and glowing red eyes. Their howls echoed through the forest. As the pack approached, August quickly assessed the situation. One of them spread its dangerous mouth open and spat an electric bolt at August. <[ You Have Activated Arcane Shield ]> [ - 70 MP ] He immediately activated his Arcane Shield, creating a shimmering barrier to protect himself. The wolves circled him, snarling and snapping their jaws. The arch lord, a particrlyrge and menacing wolf, led the charge. <[ You Have Activated Fireball ]> [ - 50MP ] August cast a Fireball spell,unching a zing orb of fire at the arch lord. The spell hit its mark, scorching the wolf''s fur and causing it to yelp in pain. However, the arch lord quickly recovered and tried to continue its attack but the mes had created a sort of demarcation on the ground. August made use of this opportunity to deal with the others since he had to be careful... these wolves were not as easily defeated as the goblins. He swung his dagger at the one closest to him, taking a huge chunk from its health points. Another one leapt at him from his blind spot but thanks to his heightened speed and agility, August was able to swerve sideways quick enough. He raised the dagger and stabbed it at the left eye of the creature, causing a fountain of blood to spill out. [ -300HP ] [ Wounding Effect Has Taken Root ] Due to the toxic nature of the dagger, the wolf acquired the wounding Effect which caused it to lose 50HP per second. [ You Have Defeated Thunder Wolf Minion. +1500 EXP ] August turned to face the others and dealt with them while the arch Lord Thunder wolf found a way around the mes. [ You Have Defeated Thunder Wolf Minion +1500 EXP ] It lunged at August while he was dealing with one of its minions. August dodged to the side, using his Dash skill to create distance. He followed up with a series of quick shes, aiming for the wolf''s legs to hamper its mobility. The arch lord retaliated with a powerful swipe of its ws, breaking through the Arcane Shield and sending August sprawling. -200 HP August felt a sharp pain as his health dropped, but he quickly regained his footing. He couldn''t afford to let his guard down. He cast another Fireball, this time targeting the other smaller wolves to reduce their numbers. The spell exploded on impact, sending two of the minions flying. [You have defeated Thunder Wolf Minion. +1500 EXP] [You have defeated Thunder Wolf Minion. +1500 EXP] With fewer wolves to deal with, August focused his efforts on the arch lord. He activated Shadow Dance again, slipping into the shadows and striking from unexpected angles. The arch lord''s movements became more sluggish as its health dwindled, but it remained a formidable opponent. Finally, with a well-timed Hidden Strike, August drove his dagger into the arch lord''s heart. The wolf let out a final, pained howl before copsing to the ground. [You have defeated Thunder Wolf Arch Lord. +7500 EXP] [Item Drop: Wolf Pelt, Iron w, Mid-tier Mana Potion] [ You Have Leveled Up ] August surveyed the battlefield after clearing the surroundings. The loot from these higher-level monsters was even more impressive. Chapter 17 Testing Extraction Within Enders Light August surveyed the battlefield after clearing the surroundings. The loot from these higher-level monsters was even more impressive. Wolf pelts, iron ws, and mid-tier mana potions were just some of the valuable items he collected. The experience points gained from these battles quickly added up, pushing him to the next level. ¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û Name: Aleman Level: 14 Title(s): Nil ss: Assassin/Mage EXP: 200/50,000 HP: 2500/2500 MP: 1700/1700 Gold: 210 Skills: Shadow Dance, Hidden Strike, sh, Dash, Dual Wielding, Fireball, Arcane Shield Inventory: Leather Armor, Healing Potion x4, Umon Toxic Dagger, Danting Pendant, Runic Sword, Goblin Tooth, Minor Health Potion, Wolf Pelt, Iron w, Mid-tier Mana Potion ¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û August was sure that if he kept up the pace, he could increase his level by a whole lot more to prepare himself for future quests since quests in this location of the game were most likely going to be more difficult. --- Hours went by and August kept grinding nonstop. Despite the victories, not all battles were easy. August encountered a level 16 forest troll, a massive creature with thick, stone-like skin and a club the size of a tree trunk. The troll''s bellow echoed through the forest as it swung its club at August, who barely managed to dodge the blow. -100 HP The impact sent shockwaves through the ground, and August knew he had to be strategic. He used his agility to stay out of the troll''s reach, casting Fireballs to chip away at its health. The troll roared in frustration due to its slow movements and how it was unable to evade... nheless, it was still powerful. Each swing of its club was a potential death sentence. [ - 250 HP ] August took advantage of the troll''s slow recovery time, darting in to deliver a bunch of quick strikes before retreating. [ -200 HP ] [ - 180 HP ] [ - 220 HP ] The battle was grueling, and he had to use several health potions to keep his HP from dropping dangerously low. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he managed to bring the troll down with a series of well-ced strikes to its head. [You have defeated Forest Troll. +3500 EXP] [Item Drop: Troll Club, Thick Hide, High-tier Health Potion] The loot from the troll was substantial, but the effort it took to defeat the creature showed him how much different the beasts were in strengthpared to the ones back in Unhidden Mist. After a grueling session of monster hunting in the Western Woods, August decided to take a break. He had gone up by three levels already so it had been apletely fruitful time for him. He made his way back to Tagharuim Kingdom and headed towards one of the popr taverns where yers often hung out. The tavern, named "The Drunken Dragon," was a lively ce filled with the sounds ofughter, chatter, and clinking mugs. It was decorated with wooden beams, cozy fireces, and tables bustling with adventurers. August found a quiet corner and sat down, pulling up his yer inventory to review the loot he had collected. The items varied in rarity and usefulness, and he knew he would have to sell some of them, especially those he couldn''t use due to his ss. ¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û Inventory: - Leather Armor - Healing Potion x4 - Umon Toxic Dagger - Danting Pendant - Runic Sword - Goblin Tooth x10 - Minor Health Potion x5 - Wolf Pelt x3 - Iron w x2 - Mid-tier Mana Potion x3 - Troll Club - Thick Hide - High-tier Health Potion ¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û Examining the items, August realized that some of them could fetch a good price at the auction house. He decided to sell the Wolf Pelts, Iron ws, and Goblin Teeth, as they were valuable crafting materials but not particrly useful for his Assassin/Mage build. He was still on tenterhooks as to whether or not to sell the runic sword because even if he couldn''t use it due to his ss, the option of extraction was still on the table. So he decided not to add it until he was ready to make his final decision on what to do with it. He made his way to one of the auction houses which was a grand building filled with yers and NPCs looking to buy and sell items. The structure was impressive, with tall pirs and intricate carvings depicting various heroic feats. Inside, the atmosphere was one of focused energy, with yers huddled around terminals, checking bids and listing items. The process of listing items was straightforward, and August quickly adapted to the auction house''s user-friendly interface. He listed his items for sale, setting reasonable starting bids and buyout prices based on the current market trends. [Items Listed for Auction: Wolf Pelt x3, Iron w x2, Goblin Tooth x10] Satisfied with his listings, August returned to the tavern and ordered a drink. As he sipped his ale which boosted his energy, he thought about his next steps. The break was a good opportunity to test out his extraction ability within the game. He needed to know if it was only limited to activation in real life or if it would work in the game as well. With his curiosity piqued, August headed to a cksmith''s forge shop. The surroundings were filled with the sounds of hammering and the heat of molten metal. The shop was spacious, with weapons and armor disyed on wooden racks. The cksmith, an obese man with a thick beard and soot-covered apron, was hard at work crafting a new sword. August approached the shop, eyeing a particrly well-crafted sword disyed on the wall. It was an embellished Sword with a beautifully etched de and a hilt encrusted with gems. Without saying a word, he reached out for the sword and tried to extract it. [Would you like to extract item: Ornate Sword?] [YES] ¡Á [NO] His eyes lit up the moment it disyed this even within the game. August immediately selected [YES], but nothing happened. The system remained unresponsive, and the sword stayed firmly in ce. ''Is it just a fluke then?'' August frowned, realizing that there were limitations to his extraction ability. He was about to leave after witnessing the failure but a thought suddenly crossed his mind. ''Would it even disy any notifications at all if it wouldn''t work in the game world?'' Determined to test this further, he decided to buy the sword. He approached the cksmith, who paused his work and turned to greet him. "Good day, traveler. Interested in that fine sword, are you?" the cksmith asked with a deep rumbling but warm tone. "Yes, how much for the Sword?" August inquired, trying to gauge the price. The cksmith rubbed his beard thoughtfully. "That''ll be 20 gold pieces. It''s a fair price for a de of this quality." ''Damn it... That''s quite pricey. Let me get something else,'' August immediately withdrew and moved to a much less impressive-looking de. Although he currently possessed over 200 gold coins, he knew the conversion rate of a gold coin was twenty dors to one. He couldn''t be spending anyhow for an experiment. "How about this one?" He pointed at a curved de that was only a little over two feet in length.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om "That''s 55 silver coins," The cksmith answered. ''Much better,'' August nodded and handed over the silver coins. The cksmith took the de off the disy and handed it to him. <[ You Have Acquired A Bronze Shortsword ]> With the Short sword now in his inventory, August tried the extraction process again. [Would you like to extract item: Bronze Short Sword?] [YES] ¡Á [NO] "Yes," August stated. This time, the progress bar appeared, and after a minute, the sword vanished from his inventory. August immediately felt a surge of exhration. He had sessfully extracted the item, proving that he needed to own the item before he could extract it. He couldn''t extract items that were not in his possession. He thanked the cksmith and left the shop, eager to see if the items he had extracted had materialized in the real world. His discovery of the extraction ability''s limitations was valuable information, and he knew it would help him make more strategic decisions in the future. ___ Returning to his reality, August couldn''t wait to see the results of his extractions. To his delight, the Bronze Short sword was sitting there beside him in the pod. He picked it up immediately and it felt wickedly sharp de, with a faint green tint. The basic dagger he had extracted that could easily slice through anything didn''t feel anywhere as sharp as this. He tested its sharpness on a piece of cloth, and it sliced through effortlessly, even before the de made direct contact. This was to say that the higher the grade of a de, the more powerful they''d be in the real world. If he started bringing items like this into the real world from the game, even if they were the lowest of the lowest grades, they''d still be immensely valuable. He could really sell any of these items for a substantial profit or use them to gain an advantage in the real world. Chapter 18 Business Acumen With a renewed sense of clear understanding of his abilities, August returned to the Western Woods to continue grinding. He methodically hunted down groups of goblin minions, wolf packs, and the asional forest troll, using his enhanced Assassin/Mage skills to dispatch them efficiently. Hours passed as he repeated the process, each encounter bringing him closer to his goal. His systematic approach paid off as he carefully chose his battles, avoiding monsters that were too high-level and focusing on those he could handle. The goblins were relentless but predictable, their green skin and yellow eyes making them easy to spot amidst the foliage. August utilized his Shadow Dance skill to blend into the shadows, striking with lethal precision. The goblins'' guttural growls were silenced one by one, and each defeat brought a satisfying system notification: [You have defeated Goblin Minion. +1200 EXP] [You have defeated Goblin Minion. +1200 EXP] [You have defeated Goblin Minion. +1200 EXP] [You have defeated Goblin Minion. +1200 EXP] As he moved deeper into the forest, he encountered more packs of thunder wolves, their silver fur glinting in the sunlight. These creatures were led by formidable arch lords since they were of higher levels. Nheless, August was relentless in the face of confrontation. August cast Fireball spells to weaken the pack, the explosions of me scattering the wolves and singeing their fur. The arch lords retaliated with fierce swipes of their ws, but August''s agility allowed him to evade their attacks. He used Arcane Shield to block iing blows and followed up with precise dagger strikes. The battles were intense, and the notifications kepting: [You have defeated Thunder Wolf Minion. 1500 EXP] [You have defeated Thunder Wolf Arch Lord. +3500 EXP] [You have defeated Thunder Wolf Minion. 1500 EXP] [You have defeated Thunder Wolf Minion. 1500 EXP] [You have defeated Thunder Wolf Minion. 1500 EXP] [You have defeated Thunder Wolf Arch Lord. +3500 EXP] Each encounter tested his skills and pushed his limits. The forest trolls were especially daunting, their massive stone-like bodies resistant to most attacks. August had to rely on his agility and magic, casting repeated Fireball spells to chip away at their health. The trolls'' heavy clubs sent shockwaves through the ground, but August danced around them,nding critical strikes whenever an opening presented itself. [You have defeated Forest Troll. +5500 EXP] [You have defeated Forest Troll. +5500 EXP] Finally, after hours of relentlessbat, a system notification appeared: [Congrattions! You have reached Level 17!] [Rewards: 3000 EXP, 10 Gold, Skill Point +1 added to all skills +Fireball level up ] August sighed with relief, knowing he had made substantial progress. He was now level 17, and it was time to log out. He had already been in the game for too long, and his body needed rest. He opened his yer database and checked his new stats and skills:n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om ¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û Name: Aleman Level: 17 ss: Assassin/Mage EXP: 3000/100000 HP: 3500/3500 MP: 2200/2200 Gold: 250 Skills: Shadow Dance, Hidden Strike, sh, Dash, Dual Wielding, Fireball, Arcane Shield ¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û Satisfied with his progress, August logged out and removed the VR helmet. The real world came into focus, and he stretched, feeling a surprising amount of energy coursing through his body. He felt physically stronger and more invigorated, but he couldn''t quite understand why. August stood up and looked around his room, spotting the items he had extracted from the game. The Basic Dagger and the Bronze Short Sword were both there, neatly arranged. He picked them up and carefully ced them in a secure hiding spot, knowing he needed toe up with a n to sell them in the real world. As he pondered his next steps, August made a mental note to reach level 20 by the end of the week. He created a schedule to ensure he had enough time for both grinding in the game and managing his responsibilities in the real world. He took a moment to assess how he felt. Despite the long hours spent in the game, he felt surprisingly energized. His muscles were not sore, and his mind was sharp. It was as if the physical exertion in the game had tranted to real-world benefits. This newfound energy would be a tremendous advantage, especially given his demanding schedule. August made his way to the small desk in his room, opening a notebook where he jotted down his n. He detailed the time he would spend in the game, the areas he would focus on for grinding, and the specific monsters he would target. The goal was clear: reach level 20 by the end of the week. He also outlined his strategy for dealing with the extracted items. Selling them could bring in significant money, but he needed to do it discreetly to avoid attracting too much attention. Perhaps he could find a reputable pawn shop or an online marketce that dealt in rare and unique items. Once he had his nid out, August nced at the clock. It was time to go to work. He quickly changed into his work clothes, grabbed a quick breakfast, and headed out the door. August arrived at the factory, greeted by the familiar sights and sounds of his workce. The nging of machinery, the groaning of conveyor belts, and the chatter of his colleagues filled the air. He met up with Derrick, who was already hard at work, and they exchanged nods of acknowledgment. "Morning, August. You look surprisingly energized today," Derrick remarked, noticing the spring in August''s step. "Yeah, I guess I had a good night''s sleep," August replied with a smile. As they got to work, August''s mind wandered back to his ns for the extracted items. He needed to find a way to sell them without attracting too much attention. The potential for profit was immense, but so were the risks. He would need to be cautious and strategic in his approach. Throughout the day, August worked diligently, but his thoughts kept drifting back to the game and his goals. The adventure in Enders Light had be a significant part of his life, and he was determined to make the most of it. The factory work was physically demanding, but August found that he had more stamina than usual. Tasks that once left him exhausted now felt manageable, even easy. He moved with a confidence that caught the attention of his coworkers. "Hey, August, you''re on fire today," one of his colleagues remarked during a break. "What''s your secret?" "Just trying to stay focused and keep moving," August replied, keeping his answer vague. Derrick noticed the change too. "You''ve really stepped up your game, man. Keep it up," he voiced while patting Derrick''s back. "Thanks, man. Just trying to do my best," August said, appreciating the support. As the shift ended, August felt a sense of aplishment. He had bnced his responsibilities well and was ready to dive back into the game when the time came. For now, he would focus on his immediate tasks and prepare for the challenges ahead, both in the real world and in Enders Light. Returning home, he retrieved the extracted items from their hiding ce to confirm that they were still where he left them. He carefully examined each one, marveling at the quality and potential value. The Basic Dagger was razor-sharp than any de that existed in this world and the Bronze Shortsword was a masterpiece of craftsmanship. August ced the items back in their hiding spot, resolving to find a safe and profitable way to sell them. He sat down to update his schedule, making sure to allocate time for both work and gaming. Reaching level 20 by the end of the week was ambitious, but he was determined to achieve it. He entered Enders Light once more and moved to the western woods to grind. The adventure in Enders Light had be more than just a game. It was a path to a better future, both in the virtual world and in reality. ... The next morning, August decided to visit the cyber cafe not too distant from his house. The cafe, "Digital Haven," was a small but popr spot frequented by gamers and tech enthusiasts. The sound of clicking keyboards and the soft vibrations ofputers filled the air as he entered. The faint aroma of coffee also lingered in the background. He found an empty terminal, logged in, and began his search for work opportunities that could assist with his debt. Selling the items he had recently extracted would no doubt help but it wasn''t something he could go about recklessly. Getting a better job was much safer while he worked on trying to deal with the sales. His first query was about high-paying jobs, especially those rted to supernatural abilities. As he scrolled through various listings, he noticed several job postings for yers with supernatural skills, but none seemed suitable for his current status. Switching gears, he started looking for ways to sell the items he had extracted from the game. He came across various online marketces and forums dedicated to the sale of game-rted items. However, as he delved deeper, he discovered numerous warnings about the dangers involved. Stories of yers getting robbed or scammed were rmingly frequent. The high value of these items made them prime targets for criminals. Despite the risks, August saw a business opportunity. He began to formte a n in his mind: creating apany that specialized in the safe sale of extracted items from games. Thispany would offer secure transactions and protection for sellers, significantly reducing the risk of theft and fraud. It was an ambitious idea, but one that could potentially revolutionize the market. ''August Coven would be a good name, right?'' Chapter 19 C - Tier Mage Card Realizing the enormity of such a venture, August knew it wasn''t something he could achieve overnight. It would require careful nning and orchestration, not to mention significant resources. For now, he needed to focus on more immediate concerns¡ªlike paying off his debt to Damon. He had a little over two weeks left toe up with over half a million dors. The clock was ticking, and he needed to act fast. He bookmarked several job listings and forums for future reference and decided to check backter when he had more to offer. Before leaving the cafe, August joined a popr social media tform for yers called "yer Haven." It was a hub for gamers to connect, share tips, and trade items. He ced an ad for one of the items he had extracted, specifically the Basic Dagger, hoping to attract potential buyers. **Ad Posted:** "Basic Dagger for Sale - Extracted from Enders Light. Extremely sharp with slight magical properties. Serious inquiries only. Contact for details." Satisfied with his efforts, August logged out and left the cyber cafe, feeling a rush of anticipation. He knew the dangers of selling these items, but he also saw the immense potential for profit. His mind buzzed with possibilities as he made his way back home. Back at his ce, August reviewed his notes and started to map out a more detailed n. He listed the steps he would need to take to establish a secure tradingpany, including potential partnerships, security measures, and marketing strategies. He also made a list of immediate tasks, such as finding trustworthy buyers for his extracted items and exploring more job opportunities. He checked his yer Haven ount and saw that his ad had already received a few views and one inquiry. Excited, he quickly responded to the potential buyer, providing more details about the Basic Dagger. With that settled, August decided to log into Enders Light once more. He still had a goal to reach level 20 by the end of the week, and he couldn''t afford to waste any time. As he donned the VR helmet and the familiar world of Enders Light materialized around him, August re-entered the game with renewed vigor, determined to make significant progress. He continued his systematic approach to grinding, focusing on the same types of monsters that had brought him sess before. Each battle honed his skills further, and the experience points piled up. The familiar system notifications became aforting rhythm: [You have defeated Goblin Minion. 800 EXP] [You have defeated Wolf Minion. 800 EXP]** [You have defeated Wolf Arch Lord. 1800 EXP] [You have defeated Forest Troll. 2500 EXP] His strategy remained the same: target monsters he could handle efficiently, avoid unnecessary risks, and maximize his experience gains. With each battle, he grew closer to his goal. Hours passed, and the experience bar steadily filled. Finally, another system notification appeared: [Congrattions! You have reached Level 18!] August allowed himself a moment of satisfaction before diving back into the fray. He knew he needed to keep pushing if he wanted to reach level 20 by the end of the week. After logging out, August once again felt the physical benefits of his time in the game. He was energized and clear-headed, ready to tackle the next set of challenges. He checked his yer Haven ount and saw several more inquiries about the Basic Dagger. One offer seemed particrly promising, and he arranged a meeting in a very open location with the buyer for the next day. With the Basic Dagger potentially sold, August turned his attention to the other item. He carefully examined the Bronze Shortsword considering how best to market them. It was unknown if these weapons were even legal to have so there was no doubt that most buyers would just want them as some sort of props. Which was why he would have to market them in a way that would be appealing to the rich. As the day drew to a close, August reviewed his schedule and made adjustments based on his progress. He set specific goals for each day, bncing his time between grinding in the game, managing real-world tasks, and nning for his future business venture.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om August re-entered the game with renewed vigor, determined to make significant progress. He continued his systematic approach to grinding, focusing on the same types of monsters that had brought him sess before. Each battle honed his skills further, and the experience points piled up. The familiar system notifications became aforting rhythm: [You have defeated Goblin Minion. +500 EXP] [You have defeated Wolf Minion. +700 EXP] [You have defeated Wolf Arch Lord. +1000 EXP] [You have defeated Forest Troll. +1500 EXP] His strategy remained the same: He grinded for over a day and the experience bar steadily filled. It was the same rinse and repeat actions but he couldn''t care less since they brought results. During one of his battles with a group of goblins, a system notification appeared: [Congrattions! You have obtained a Tier C Mage Card!] August picked up the card, examining it closely. The card shimmered with magical energy, and as he activated it, another notification appeared: [You have learned a new spell: Lightning Bolt] The spell immediately added to his magical arsenal, giving him another powerful tool forbat. August smiled in excitement at the new discovery. He decided to test the Lightning Bolt spell on the next group of enemies. <[ Lightning Bolt Is Being Casted ]> - 500 MP ''Wow... It takes up so much Magical Power...'' August watched as bolts of electricity arced through the air, striking multiple targets with precision. [ -3000 HP ] [ -3200 HP ] [ -4000 HP ] [ - 3600 HP ] The damage done by a single lightning bolt was so immense that it had August''s jaw agape. The spell was incredibly powerful. [You have defeated Goblin Minion. +500 EXP] [You have defeated Goblin Minion. +500 EXP] [You have defeated Goblin Minion. +500 EXP] [You have defeated Goblin Minion. +500 EXP] Taking out over five enemies with a single attack was quite substantial. As he continued grinding, August noticed that his experience gains were starting to slow down. Despite his efforts, the experience points from killing the same monsters were diminishing. Finally, after another few hours of intense grinding, a system notification appeared: [Congrattions! You have reached Level 19!] August allowed himself a moment of satisfaction before seeking out another group of beasts However, he quickly noticed a problem. The experience points he was gaining from the monsters in this area had dropped significantly. While this amount of EXP would still be substantial for other yers at his level, it wasn''t enough for him due to his overall higher power from the dual-ss avatar. [You have defeated Goblin Minion. +100 EXP] [You have defeated Wolf Minion. +150 EXP] The drastic reduction in experience points was a clear sign that it was time to move on to more challenging grinding areas. Staying here any longer would be a waste of time and effort. August opened his yer database and reviewed his current stats and skills: ¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û Name: Aleman Level: 19 ss: Assassin/Mage EXP: 0/350,000 HP: 4500/4500 MP: 3200/3200 Gold: 215 Skills: Shadow Dance, Hidden Strike, sh, Dash, Dual Wielding, Fireball, Arcane Shield, Lightning Bolt ¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û Satisfied with his progress, he decided it was time to seek out more challenging areas that would offer better experience gains. One of the reasons August needed to reach level 20 as soon as possible was that, yers couldn''t take on quests in the Tagharuim Kingdom until they became a level 20 yer. ''If I head back to that TG Adventurer''s Guild, I''ll have to pay money again... I''ll just check for one myself,'' August decided. He opened his map and studied the surrounding regions, looking for ces known for their high-level monsters and lucrative rewards. One area that caught his eye was the Cave of shadows, a notorious region filled with powerful creatures and dangerous terrain. It was well-known among yers as a high-risk, high-reward area, perfect for those seeking to level up quickly. The monsters there were rumored to be at least level 20 and above, making it an ideal ce for August to continue his journey. Before heading out, August made a mental note to prepare thoroughly. He checked his inventory to ensure he had enough potions and supplies for the journey: ¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û Inventory: - Leather Armor - Healing Potion x4 - Umon Toxic Dagger - Danting Pendant - Runic Sword - Goblin Tooth x10 - Minor Health Potion x5 - Wolf Pelt x3 - Iron w x2 - Mid-tier Mana Potion x3 - Troll Club - Thick Hide - High-tier Health Potion ¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û ''This should be enough.'' With that, August set out towards the Cave of shadows. As he made his way through the trees and shadowy underbrush, he felt a rush of anticipation. Based on the timing of Ender''s light, he had been grinding in the western woods for nearly two weeks alone. He had gotten used to it already and now that he was headed for a different area, he didn''t know what to expect. Chapter 20 The Cave Of Shadows August arrived at the infamous Cave of Shadows, an area well-known among yers for its high-level monsters, lucrative loot, and dangerous terrain. As he approached, he noticed the bustling activity around the entrance. Groups of yers were scattered about, some examining their equipment, others chattering amongst themselves, and a few standing by the cave entrance, recruiting yers for their grinding parties. Most of the yers were high-level, ranging from level 23 to level 30. Their equipment gleamed with enchantments and upgradespared to that of August''s. August still at level 19, stuck out like a sore thumb. He observed the yers, noticing that many of them had formed cliques, only looking for others at level 22 or above. He approached a group standing near the entrance, overhearing their conversation. "Looking for level 24 and above! We need a tank and a mage for crowd control!" shouted a knight, his shield radiating with a faint blue glow. "I''m a mage," August interjected, trying his luck. "But I''m only level 19." The knight gave him a quick once-over, then snorted dismissively. "Level 19? Don''t waste our time, kid." A few other yers nearby started tough. "What''s a lowbie like him doing here anyway? Thinks he can survive in the Cave of Shadows?" "Maybe he''s looking for someone to carry him," another yer jeered, his friends joining in with mocking chuckles. August ignored the taunts and moved further along the entrance, evaluating his next move. His eyes scanned the various groups, all bustling with activity, and thennded on a towering figure approaching him¡ªa giant of a man, d in heavy armor with a massive, glowing club slung over his shoulder. His avatar looked as if it had been carved from rock, each muscle exaggerated to an almost cartoonish degree. His username floated above his head: **Grudgmar**. Grudgmar''s eyes narrowed as he spotted August. "Well, well, what do we have here?" he boomed, his deep voice echoing. "A little level 19 all alone, trying to sneak into the big leagues?" "Just here to test my luck," August replied calmly, meeting his gaze without flinching. Grudgmar grinned, revealing a row of pointed teeth. "How about you test your luck with me? Be my ve for the night, and I might let you tag along. You can carry my loot," he said, leaning in menacingly. August looked up at the towering berserker, his massive club glowing ominously with an enchantment. "Sorry, I don''t usually work with cavemen," August retorted with a smirk. "But I hear there''s a museum looking for missing links. Maybe they''ll be interested." The crowd around them erupted intoughter. Grudgmar''s face flushed red with anger. "You little¡ª" Before he could finish his sentence, Grudgmar swung his massive club down towards August''s head.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om But August was quicker. <[ Dash Skill Activated ]> Using his dash skill, he swiftly evaded the strike as a burst of speed propelled him past the hulking yer. He slipped through the crowd, weaving between the other yers as Grudgmar''s club smashed into the ground, cracking the stone floor beneath. "Hey! Get back here!" Grudgmar roared as his eyes zed with fury. August, now past the crowd and at the mouth of the cave, nced back over his shoulder with a grin. "I''d love to, but I''m allergic to stupid. See ya!" He turned and dashed into the darkness of the Cave of Shadows, leaving behind the echoes of his mockingughter. As he vanished into the cave''s depths, he could hear Grudgmar''s frustrated shout reverberate behind him. "I hate assassins!" "Oh well, he''ll die in there and lose a level anyway." ##### Once inside, the atmosphere shifted immediately. The Cave of Shadows was immense, with towering ceilings and winding tunnels that twisted deeper into the ground. The walls were lined with bioluminescent crystals that gave off an eerie glow, casting long shadows that seemed to move of their own ord. Theyout was unlike any regr cave; it felt almost otherworldly, with metallic structures fused with natural rock formations and ancient carvings etched into the walls. <[ Shadow Stealth Skill Activated ]> August activated Shadow Stealth, blending into the darkness and moving silently through the vast corridors. He was going at it solo, relying on his assassin skills and stealth to navigate the cave''s dangers. Knowing that he wouldn''t stand a chance against the powerful beasts here in a direct confrontation, he concocted a n. He tailed a group of four yers from a distance, keeping to the shadows. They were well-equipped¡ªa warrior, a mage, a ranger, and a cleric¡ªall of them at least level 25. They moved cautiously through the cave as their eyes scanned for threats. Ahead of them, a rumbling growl resonated through the cave. A hulking beast emerged from the shadows¡ª << Engaging Level 22 Umbra Stalker >> It was a quadrupedal creature with jet-ck fur that blended well with the surroundings. Its eyes were a piercing yellow, and its elongated limbs ended in razor-sharp ws that could rip through armor. The Umbra Stalker had the ability to meld into the shadows, bing nearly invisible, and it could strike from any direction with its **Shadow Leap** ability. It was typically an assassin on steroids. August watched carefully as the group engaged the beast. The warrior charged forward, drawing its aggro with a series of heavy strikes, while the mageunched fireballs to chip away at its health. The ranger kept his distance, firing glowing arrows at its weak points, while the cleric provided healing and buffs to the party. << Umbra Stalker Has Used Shadow Leap >> The Umbra Stalker roared and unleashed its Shadow Leap, disappearing into the darkness before reappearing behind the mage, shing with its ws. -1300HP The mage''s health dropped dangerously low, but the cleric quickly cast a healing spell to keep him in the fight. The battle dragged on, and the group''s teamwork slowly wore down the beast. Its health bar dropped to a sliver, barely hanging on. August saw his chance. With the beast distracted and weakened, he drew his toxic dagger and activated Hidden Strike. <[ Hidden Strike Skill Activated ]> August appeared from its blind spot and pierced the Umbra Stalker''s side. [ -3500HP ] [You have dealt the finishing blow to Level 22 Umbra Stalker. +2400 EXP] The beast let out a final, agonized roar before copsing to the ground. Its body slowly dissipated into ck mist. The group turned toward the source of the attack with furious expressions. "Who the hell¡ª?" the warrior yelled while scanning the shadows. "He stole the kill!" the mage shouted, enraged. But August was already gone. He had slipped deeper into the cave using Dash and Shadow Stealth to avoid getting caught. The shared EXP was divided among the group members, but August, as the one whonded the finishing blow, received thergest portion. ''Since they can''t be considerate enough to let a level 19 join their ranks... I won''t be showing any consideration as well.'' This wasn''t going to be thest time August employed this strategy. Over the next hour, he continued to tail different groups, staying just out of sight and waiting for the right moment to strike. Each time a group battled a high-level beast, he waited for the creature''s health to drop to a critical level before delivering the final blow from a distance. Another group was battling a Cave Mauler which happened to be a massive, six-legged beast covered in rocky armor tes. Its primary attack, << Earthquake m >>, could send shockwaves through the ground, destabilizing yers and causing area-wide damage. The beast was relentless as its thick tail smashed through anyone in range, while it used its << Stone Hide >>ability to deflect most physical attacks. The group fought valiantly, chipping away at the beast''s health as the cleric worked overtime to heal the party. August, hidden in the shadows above on a rocky ledge, watched closely. The Cave Mauler''s health was down to a few thousand HP. He carefully took aim andunched a Lightning Bolt spell. <[ Lightning Bolt Spell Activated ]> The bolt of electricity arced down, striking the beast directly in the head, and it copsed with a thunderous crash. [ - 4700 HP ] [You have dealt the finishing blow to Cave Mauler. +3500 EXP] "Are you kidding me?!" the ranger from the group shouted as his eyes scanned the darkness. "Where is that damn thief?!" another yer yelled in anguish. Chapter 21 Kill Stealing Ghost August made his escape by darting through the twisting tunnels of the cave. He could hear the curses and shouts of frustrated yers behind him. He was quickly earning a reputation as a kill-stealing ghost, a shadow that appeared out of nowhere to im the final hit and vanish before anyone could catch him. But the yers were growing wise to his tactics. They began to form hunting parties, setting traps, and patrolling the areas where August hadst been seen. August had to stay on his toes, constantly moving, and changing his strategy to stay ahead of the hunt. He tailed a group fighting a level 27 Shadowfang Drake. It was a serpentine creature with dark scales that shimmered like oil. It had a pair of leathery wings and a mouth filled with venomous fangs. Its attacks included <>, which coated the ground with toxic acid, and << Tail Whip >>, a sweeping attack that could knock multiple yers off their feet. August was biding his time, waiting for the perfect moment, but he noticed the other group members ncing around more frequently. They were on edge, aware that something was off. Just as the level 27 Shadowfang Drake''s health was about to reach the threshold, one of the yers shouted, "There he is! I see him!" A sh of bright light was cast on the surroundings which immediately exposed August''s position.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om <[ Dash Skill Activated ]> August cursed under his breath and activated Dash, moving swiftly through the cave as arrows and spells whizzed past him. He sprinted deeper into the cave, dodging traps that had beenid out, and used his Shadow Dance to create myriads of shadow clones so as to confuse the yers. As he reached a quieter area of the cave, August took a moment to catch his breath. His strategy had worked so far, but he knew he couldn''t keep this up forever. The deeper he went into the cave, the stronger the beasts would be, and the more vignt the groups would be. But for now, the EXP gains were worth it. August smirked to himself, knowing that the deeper he went, the greater the rewards. He''d just have to be more careful. With his eyes set on the next group of yers, August continued his descent into the Cave of Shadows, ready to push the boundaries of what a solo yer could aplish. ... ... While August continued his daring solo exploits in the Cave of Shadows, the real world was far from quiet. In the dimly lit streets of his neighborhood, a lone figure stood atop a rooftop. Her alluring silhouette was framed eloquently by the moonlight. She wore a ck outfit that clung to her athletic frame, and her face was concealed behind a fox mask with intricate red and gold markings. The mask''s expression was almost mocking, the eyes narrowed and a sly grin spread across its lips. She scanned the quiet streets below, her posture tense and alert. A soft buzzing broke the silence¡ªa calling through her earpiece. She tapped a finger to her ear, answering it. "Report," a raunchy voice came from the other end. The woman''s gaze remained focused on the rows of houses below, her eyes lingering on August''s neighborhood. "I''m at the location," she replied with a smooth voice that happened to be edged with frustration. "I definitely picked up on the readings of another legendary item thest time we were here. It was brief, but there''s no doubt about it." A scoff came from the other end. "I told you it was a wild goose chase. You''re wasting time on a false lead." The woman''s lips tightened beneath her mask. "No," she insisted. "I know what I saw. The energy signature spiked for just a moment. It was here. I''m certain of what I detected." The voice on the other end sighed in irritation and skepticism. "Fox, you''re clearly confused. Maybe you''re picking up residual signals from thest item you stole." She nced over the edge of the roof, eyeing the spot where the first robbery had urred over a week ago. The house was still cordoned off by police tape, and a patrol car was parked nearby with its lights shing in the distance. "We barely had time to get away with the first item," she voiced with a tinge of regret. "If we weren''t fleeing because of the iing police after the heist, we could''ve gone after the second one. But it was real. I''m sure of it." The person on the other end didn''t seem convinced. "Listen, we''ve got bigger priorities. Stop wasting your time there and return. There''s no point in sticking around for a phantom signal." Fox remained silent for a moment, her gaze still fixed on the neighborhood. She didn''t like being doubted, especially when she was so certain. "Fine," she replied finally, a hint of annoyance in her tone. "I''ll pull out. But I''m keeping an eye out. If that signal reappears, I''ll be ready." "Do what you want," the voice muttered. "Just don''t get caught. The Oni can''t afford any more mistakes." The line went dead, and she tapped her earpiece off. She took onest look at the neighborhood, her eyes narrowing behind her mask. "I''m not wrong," she murmured to herself. "I know I''m not." In the next instant, she leaped off the rooftop,nding silently in the alleyway below. She pressed her hand against the wall, and a faint blue glow emanated from her fingertips. In an instant, she vanished from sight, using a supernatural ability to meld into the walls. The only sign of her presence was the faint rustle of the wind as she disappeared into the night. Fox may have been ordered to leave, but she wasn''t the type to let a lead slip away. She would keep watching, waiting for the signal to reappear. She was certain another legendary item had been in this area, and if it resurfaced, she intended to im it¡ªno matter what it took. ... ... Deep within the winding corridors of the Cave of Shadows, August continued his journey alone, relying on stealth and cunning to navigate thebyrinthine tunnels and evade the hunting parties still seeking revenge for his kill-stealing tactics. The cave was filled with dangers, and without a team, he knew he had to be careful. His shadowed footsteps echoed faintly in the dimly lit tunnel as he made his way deeper into the cave, where stronger beasts were said to roam. As he turned a corner, he heard the sounds of battle¡ªa fierce sh of metal against bone, followed by desperate shouts. -"It''s too strong!" -"I don''t think our HP can hold out!" -"Damn it! We should have gone for a weaker beast!" August crept closer, keeping to the shadows, and peered around a spiky rock formation. In the open cavern ahead, three yers were locked in a desperate struggle against a massive beast. The creature was unlike anything August had seen before¡ªa level 28 Shadowmaw Brute. It was a monstrous hulking beast with obsidian-like scales covering its body. It stood on two legs like a gori but had the elongated snout of a dragon, dripping with venom. Its eyes glowed a deep crimson, and its ws which were as sharp as daggers, tore through the cavern floor with every swipe. The beast''s maw was lined with razor-sharp teeth, capable of crushing armor with ease. Its abilities included Venomous Breath, which released a toxic cloud that constantly drained HP over time, and Sonic Boom which could knock back and stun multiple yers making their movements sluggish. The three yers were clearly struggling. Their avatars were battered, their armor dented and cracked. Their HP bars hovered dangerously low, and August could see the worry etched on their faces. They had run out of healing potions, and the level 28 Shadowmaw Brute still had a substantial amount of HP left¡ªenough to kill all of them and cause them to drop a level. "Hold on, just a bit longer!" one of them, a tall female ranger with short green hair, shouted as she fired a volley of arrows at the beast. Her username, Lilo, hovered above her head in a soft pink hue. Chapter 22 Getting Acquainted "We''re not going to make it," a stocky knight stated while raising his shield to block a powerful swipe from the beast''s ws. His username read Boris, and his voice was strained with exhaustion. The third yer, a slim mage with blue robes, frantically cast spells to try and keep the beast at bay. His username was Ezran. "I''m out of mana!" he gasped while his hands trembled as he tried to summon even the weakest of spells. Seeing their dire situation, August decided not to just stand by. These yers were about to be wiped out, and while he had no reason to interfere, somethingpelled him to act. "Hey! Need a hand?" August called out as he dashed forward from the shadows with his daggers drawn and glowing with dark energy. Lilo''s eyes widened in surprise. "Who¡ª?" "No time for that! Keep hitting it with everything you''ve got!" August interrupted while moving swiftly to the beast''s nk. <[ Lightning Bolt Spell Activated ]> He activated Lightning Bolt, sending a crackling arc of electricity into the beast. The spell stunned the Shadowmaw Brute momentarily, giving the group a brief respite. [ -1900 HP ] ''A mage?'' Lilo fired more arrows into the beast''s hide while Boris charged forward with his shield, bashing it against the beast''s side to keep its attention away from the others. Ezran managed to muster the strength for onest fireball spell, aiming for the creature''s head. The beast roared in fury and retaliated with its Venomous Breath, releasing a cloud of toxic fumes that began to drain the group''s HP. August rolled out of the way just in time, then used Dash to close the distance and deliver a swift Hidden Strike to the beast''s exposed side. <[ Hidden Strike Skill Activated ]> [ -1000 HP ] Seeing its health bar drop, the group went all in. "Raining Stars!" Lilo fired more empowered shots, causing glowing arrows to rain down on the beast. [ -400HP ] [ -350HP ] [ - 420 HP ] [ - 380 HP ] Boris used a powerful << shield bash >> skill as well, cornering the beast. [ - 1200 HP ] Although their health bars were dangerously low and the beast''s next attack would have wiped them out, August''s appearance had changed everything. August used Shadow Stealth to appear behind the beast and delivered another deadly << Hidden Strike >> to its neck. [ - 1600 HP ] ''Tch... Just 1600 damage points?'' Hidden Strike multiplied the force of his attack four times so if this had been another creature, the damage would have been way worse. However, August was unaware that the damage his attacks were dealing shocked the others who were level 23 - 25 yers. The HP bar disyed above the beast''s head showed that it still had over four thousand HP left. If it wasn''t defeated now, this would be the end for the other yers. The Lightning Spell had gone into one-minute cooldown mode and around thirty seconds were left before he would be able to use it again. The level 28 Shadowmaw Brute began to push back against Boris''s shield in order to free itself. August wasn''t about to let this happen, he continuously shed at the Beast with his toxic dagger to chip as much as possible from its HP before he could use the Lightning Spell again. [ - 200 HP ] [ - 150 HP ] [ - 170 HP ] [ - 210 HP ] He realized that his regr attacks were barely causing any damage. Lilo had run out of energy points, the mage had run out of mana and Boris was being pushed back already. There were still twenty seconds left on the clock and August had barely taken out a thousand out of the beast''s HP. With a mighty shove, Boris got sent flying with his shield while the Shadowmaw Brute''s draconic like mouth opened wide. It took in arge amount of breath, causing the surroundings to start quaking. August immediately knew that this was a bad sign. He kept shing and shing at the beast but at this moment not even a single HP was being deducted from its health. << Shadowmaw Brute Is Activating Sonic Boom >> << Immune To All Damage Until Attack Is Completed >> The notifications appeared in each yer''s line of sight. "We''re dead," the mage voiced with a look of defeat. "Get behind me!" August appeared between them and the beast in a sh. <[ Arcane Shield Activated ]> A translucent shield suddenly appeared before them. Its edges curved to amodate them as they nestled behind August. In the next instant, a guttural screech shot forward in circr droves, causing the walls of the cave of shadows to tremble vibrantly. The Sonic boom of the Shadowmaw Brute struck the surroundings fiercely, causing many rocks to burst into pieces. Cracks appeared in the surroundings as it carried on for a good fifteen seconds. -100MP -100MP -100MP -140MP August watched his MP go drain by the second due to the amount of damage reflected from the attack. The arcane Shield would most likely disintegrate if he ran out of mana. Fortunately, the Sonic Boom attack came to a finish before that. August immediately deactivated the shield and noticed that the cooldown mode of his lightning spell had ended. <[ Lightning Spell Activated ]> [ - 500 MP ] Aiming the lightning at the beast''s head to achieve maximum damage, August fired with reckless abandon. The bolt collided with the beast who was currently in a weakened state, chipping away a substantial amount of health points. [ - 2700 HP ] The beast still had around 700HP left so August activated Dash and with a single step appeared behind it before it could even attack. <[ Hidden Strike Has Been Activated ]> With a stab to the back, the beast instantly lost all of its HP. [ - 1200 HP ] [You have defeated Level 28 Shadowmaw Brute. +5000 EXP] [Item Drop: Brute Fang, Venom nd, Shadow Hide, Shadow Crystal Shard] The beast copsed with a heavy thud as its massive body dissipated into the darkness. The four yers breathed a collective sigh of relief, their avatars visibly rxing as the tension melted away. "Thanks for the help, man!" Lilo eximed, her face breaking into a bright grin. "We would have been toast if you hadn''t jumped in!" Ezran nodded, still catching his breath. "Yeah, seriously. I thought we were done for." Boris grunted but managed a nod. "Not bad for a solo yer." August sheathed his daggers and shrugged. "You were doing most of the work. I just gave it a push." They decided to share the loot equally, each taking something valuable. August took the Shadow Crystal Shard, while the others divided the remaining items. The atmosphere was much different than his previous encounters¡ªthere was no resentment or anger, only camaraderie born from a shared struggle. As they rested for a moment to recover from the battle, Lilo, who seemed to be the most talkative of the group, started chatting excitedly. "So, are you in a guild?" she asked August as her eyes sparkled with curiosity. "No, I''m more of a solo yer," August replied while scanning his surroundings. "But I''m notpletely averse to joining one." Lilo''s excitement visibly grew. "You should totally check out the Phoenix Celestial Guild! They''re one of the most influential guilds in Enders Light. I''m trying to join them too!" "Phoenix Celestial?" August repeated with a look of intrigue. "What makes them so special?"N?v(el)B\\jnn Lilo beamed with pride, eager to share. "They''re one of the top guilds in the game, known for their coordinated raids and powerful yers. And their leader, the Ice Queen, is a legend. She''s said to rival the top five strongest yers in the entire game!" August raised an eyebrow. "Ice Queen, huh? Sounds impressive." ''Wasn''t that one of the yers from the Global announcement the other time?'' "Oh, she is! She''s got this crazy powerful frost magic, and she''s unbeatable in both PvP and PvE," Lilo continued. "She''s like a celebrity among the yers. Everyone wants to be in her guild." Ezran chimed in, a bit more reserved. "Phoenix Celestial Guild isn''t the only powerhouse, though. There''s also Dragon''s Fang, a guild known for its brutal tactics and elite fighters. I personally prefer them. They don''t mess around." Boris nodded. "And let''s not forget about Stormbringers. They''ve got some of the best strategists in the game. Their leader, Tempest Lord, is rumored to be the best tactician in Enders Light." August took in the information, mentally noting these key guilds. "Sounds good..." "Definitely!" Lilo agreed. "There are also strong solo yers like The Shadow Reaper, who is feared for his stealth kills, and de Dancer, who is famous for her unmatched swordy." "What level are they at?" Chapter 23 Was He An Assassin Or A Mage? "The Ice Queen is rumored to be around level 48 although we really wouldn''t know. Some say she is beyond level 50 already and is just hiding it to take her enemies by surprise," Lilo voiced like an excited fan girl. "It''s suspected that The Shadow Reaper is already a tier 2 yer but it''s impossible to confirm really. Big yers always have many enchantments to hide their levels," Boris pointed out as well. "Tier 2?" August voiced in confoundment. "Evolved yers who have reached a higher realm of their ss. You need have achieved a specific set of goals before you can reach Tier 2 but usually you can''t be less than level 45," The talkative Lilo swiftly exined to August. ''Oh, I see... I guess we''re all still Tier 1 until we meet the necessary requirements,'' August noted internally. Ezran added, "There are also powerful teams, like The Iron Vanguard, known for their tanking skills, and The Arcane Order, a group of high-level mages who can decimate entire armies with their spells." August nodded, processing everything he''d learned. "Seems like there''s a lot to explore here." August decided to ask a question that had been on his mind since he first spotted them. "Hey, if you don''t mind me asking, why''d you guyse into the Cave of Shadows without a fourth party member? A cleric would have made things a lot easier against that brute," August said, ncing between Lilo, Boris, and Ezran. Lilo sighed as her cheerful demeanor momentarily dimmed. "Yeah, we usually have a cleric, but our friend had some real-life stuffe up and couldn''t get into the game today. We didn''t want to waste the day, so we decided to grind on our own. Figured we could handle it... but that didn''t go as nned." Ezran chuckled weakly. "Clearly, we overestimated ourselves. We were in way over our heads." Boris grunted while leaning back against the cave wall. "We thought we could manage, but without our healer, we were just getting hammered. I hate relying on potions." August nodded, understanding their predicament. Real-life issues often interfered with game ns, and grinding without aplete team could be dangerous, especially in a ce like the Cave of Shadows. "Well, you guys did well considering the circumstances," he said. "I''m d I stumbled upon you when I did." Lilo grinned. "Yeah, no kidding! We owe you one for sure." With the tension from the battle easing, they decided it was time to part ways for now. The three of them had clearly been in the game for a long time already, and it showed in their weary expressions and the way they stretched their in-game avatars as if their real bodies were aching. "Hey, we''re logging out for now," Lilo said as she opened her yer menu. "We''ve been in here for too long, and we need a break. But we should definitely team up again sometime." Ezran nodded, adding, "Yeah, it''d be great to have you on our team. You''re pretty handy with those daggers and spells." Boris, always the more reserved one, nodded as well. "You held your own. Not bad." August opened his menu, epting the friend requests from the three yers. He wasn''t against the idea of teaming up with them again. It could be beneficial to have allies, especially in tougher areas where solo y wasn''t always viable. "Sure, hit me up anytime," he said with a small smile. With that, Lilo, Ezran, and Boris left the cave of shadows while selecting their logout options. As they logged out of the game, their consciousnesses returned to the real world, but the conversation about their mysterious new ally continued in their group chat. Lilo was the first to speak up. "Hey, what do you guys think about Aleman? Was he an assassin or a mage? I saw him use both types of abilities." Ezran, now back in his room and stretching his real limbs, replied, "Yeah, that was weird, right? At first, I thought he was an assassin with those quick moves and that stealthy attack, but then he started casting spells like a mage. Can you even do that?" Boris, sitting in his gaming chair, chimed in, "I did hear about dual sses one time but they''re supposed to be impossible to unlock. At least, that''s what everyone says. But he definitely used both a Shadow skill which is privy to assassin ss alone and a Lightning Bolt spell in that fight. It doesn''t add up." Lilo nodded in curiosity. "And did you see his level? He''s only level 19, but the amount of damage he was dealing to that Level 28 Shadowmaw Brute... that wasn''t normal. He hit harder than some of the level 25 yers I''ve seen." Ezran agreed. "It makes no sense. Either he''s got some insane gear we don''t know about, or there''s more to him than meets the eye." Boris scratched his chin thoughtfully. "If he''s really dual-ssed, that could exin the power discrepancy. He might have ess to a wider range of skills that enhance hisbat abilities." Lilo leaned back, a grin spreading across her face. "Well, whatever it is, I''m d we ran into him. Having someone like that on our side could be a game-changer." Ezran chuckled. "Yeah, but we should keep an eye on him. If he''s got some secret trick or strategy, we might be able to learn a thing or two." Boris nodded in agreement. "Agreed. Next time we team up, let''s see if we can get more information out of him." Lilo added with a wink, "Maybe I''ll do a little digging of my own. He seems like a nice guy, but a little mystery doesn''t hurt." The three friends decided to rest for now, but the intrigue surrounding their new ally, Aleman, lingered in their minds. In a game filled with secrets and hidden mechanics, anything was possible. And it seemed that Aleman was a yer worth watching closely. ~~ Back in the game, August took a moment to consider the events of the day. Teaming up with other yers wasn''t usually his style, but today had proven that there could be benefits. They hadn''t gotten mad at him fornding the final blow; instead, they were grateful for his help. It was a refreshing change from the usual hostility he faced.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om He nced at his yer menu, seeing their usernames now listed under his friends'' tab. It felt strange, seeing that list no longer empty. "Not bad," he murmured to himself. He decided he''d be open to grinding with them again. After all, they seemedpetent, and he could use more allies in this unpredictable world. After parting ways with Lilo, Ezran, and Boris, August delved deeper into the Cave of Shadows. The dimly lit tunnels twisted and turned like abyrinth, illuminated only by the eerie glow of bioluminescent crystals embedded in the walls. August moved with stealth, sipping from shadow to shadow with his << Shadow Stealth >> ability. The Cave of Shadows was notorious for being unforgiving to solo yers, but August still had no intention of joining any groups¡ªnot when he could use his unique skills to gain experience at others'' expense. He continued his assault on the creatures within the cave, targeting groups of yers who were already engaged in fierce battles with the beasts. His strategy was the same: wait for the monsters'' health to drop to critical levels and then deliver the final blow from a distance. By dealing the killing strike, he would reap thergest portion of the EXP, while the other yers were left with only a fraction of the EXP and loot as a reward for all their hard work. Ahead of him, he spotted a group of six yers¡ªtwo separate teams had banded together to grind in an area densely popted with a pack of Cave Fangfiends. These monstrous, canine-like creatures had dark, sinewy fur and glowing blue eyes. Their fangs dripped with venom, and their ws could tear through even the sturdiest armor. Chapter 24 Reaching Level 20 The Cave Fangfiends were known for their << Venomous Howl >> which reduced yer defenses, and their << Lunging Bite >> which was a high-damage attack that could knock yers to the ground. Thebined group fought furiously, trying to keep the beasts at bay. The tanks in the front lines took the brunt of the attacks while the mages and rangers rained spells and arrows from the back. It was a well-coordinated effort, but the Fangfiends were relentless. One of the creatures, a Fangfiend Alpha, towered over the others with twisted horns protruding from its head. Its HP was dropping steadily, but it still had enough to wreak havoc. August watched carefully from the shadows, calcting his next move. He was well aware that he was bing infamous within the cave. The nickname "Kill-Stealing Ghost" was starting to spread among the yers in these parts. Some had assumed he was a high-level yer, given his ability to move in and out of sight and his high-damage strikes. They would have been furious to learn he was still only level 19, inching his way up by taking calcted risks. The Fangfiend Alpha''s HP dropped to a sliver. Now was his chance. He readied his Lightning Bolt spell, aiming it directly at the alpha. <[ Lightning Bolt Spell Activated ]> [ - 500 MP ] The bolt shot through the air, crackling with electric energy, and struck the Fangfiend Alpha right between the eyes. [You have dealt the finishing blow to Fangfiend Alpha. +4500 EXP] [ Congrattion! You Have Leveled Up ] [Item Drop: Alpha Fang, Venom Sac, Shadowsteel w] The alpha let out a deafening howl before copsing into a heap of fur and muscle. The yers in the area turned their heads in shock, realizing what had just happened.N?v(el)B\\jnn "Are you kidding me?!" a mage shouted, her eyes wide with disbelief. "Not again! It''s that damn Kill-Stealing Ghost!" another yer yelled, his voice echoing through the cave. The group that had just lost the kill began shouting at each other, trying to coordinate a search. August smirked to himself, but he knew better than to stick around. He dashed back into the shadows, using << Dash >> to gain some distance from the angry yers. He weaved through the twisting tunnels of the cave with light and quick steps. But this time, his pursuers were hot on his trail. "Spread out! Don''t let him escape!" a warrior ordered while leading the charge. More than a dozen yers were now on the hunt, determined to catch the notorious "Kill-Stealing Ghost." August could hear their footsteps and shouts closing in from multiple directions. They were casting light spells to keep him from using the shadows as cover. He could usually log off and disappear, but he wasn''t in a safe zone, and logging out here would leave him vulnerable for several seconds¡ªa death sentence with this many yers on his tail. He had to think fast. He darted around a corner, only to find himself in a narrow tunnel with pointy rocks lining the walls. The pathway was tight, but it would force his pursuers to funnel in a single file. He could hear them approaching, their armor nking and weapons drawn. "Come out, you coward!" a ranger shouted, his bowstring pulled back. August took a deep breath and prepared himself. He activated << Arcane Shield >> to give himself a buffer and readied his daggers. As the first yer¡ªa rogue¡ªrounded the corner, August sprang into action. With a swift movement, he struck with << Hidden Strike >> catching the rogue off guard and sending him sprawling back. [ - 1100 HP ] <[ You Have Attacked A yer In The Red Zone ]> <[ No Penalties Meted ]> August immediately followed up with a << Lightning Bolt >> causing the spell to arc down the tunnel and forcing the others to halt their advance. Multiple more notifications like the ones prior appeared once more but August didn''t pay them any heed. "Get him! Don''t let him get away!" A tank barked while pushing forward with his shield raised. August retreated further down the tunnel, using the narrow space to his advantage. He knew he couldn''t take on this many yers head-on, but he could slow them down and buy himself some time. He activated << Shadow Dance >> creating multiple dark afterimages that spread out, making it difficult to locate the real one. "Where is he?!" another yer shouted, panic starting to creep into their voices. The group began to spread out, inching forward cautiously. August silently moved along the edge of the tunnel, careful not to make a sound after activating Shadow Stealth once more. The group cautiously advanced, weapons ready for any sudden attack. August could see their nervousness¡ªthey were on high alert, but they were also bing impatient. He spotted an opening and decided to exploit it. Heunched another << Lightning Bolt >> from his concealed position, striking a mage in the back. The mage stumbled forward, his HP dropping significantly, and the group erupted into chaos. "He''s over there!" a yer screamed, pointing in August''s direction. But August was already moving. He used << Dash >>to burst out of the tunnel and into arger cavern, where the ceiling stretched high above and massive stctites hung like sharp teeth. He kept running, weaving between rock formations and leaping over crevices. The group was still in hot pursuit, but the cavern''s size gave him more room to maneuver. He could see a faint light ahead, indicating an exit to another section of the cave. If he could reach it, he might be able to lose his pursuers or find a ce to hide and log off. He pushed forward, his stamina draining quickly, but he knew he couldn''t afford to slow down. Behind him, arrows and spells flew, narrowly missing him and exploding against the cavern walls. The sound of footsteps grew louder. "Don''t let him escape!" Another yer shouted while rallying the group. August gritted his teeth, focusing on the path ahead. He activated << Dash >>one more time and just by taking two steps, he appeared twenty paces away. The exit was just within reach at this moment. If he could make it through, he''d have a chance. He sprinted toward the exit, his heart pounding in his chest. The light grew brighter, and he could feel the cool air of a new section of the cave. He was almost there. Suddenly, a massive explosion of fire erupted behind him, sending shockwaves through the cavern. August was thrown forward, skidding across the ground as the exit loomed just ahead. -800HP He rolled to his feet, ignoring the pain, and dashed through the narrow opening. August arrived in another chamber of the cave. He didn''t stop to catch his breath; he immediately found a spot behind atop with a strange nted protrusion. He proceeded to run up the wall and leap from it before grabbing a piece of a protrusion. The shadows here were much darker. The instant he arrived there, he activated << Shadow Stealth >> again to blend into the shadows. The pursuing yers stopped briefly at the entrance, scanning the chamber for any sign of him. They were hesitant to enter, wary of traps or ambushes. "Let''s spread out and search the area," one of the yers suggested but there was uncertainty in his voice. August watched them from his hiding spot as they stepped in cautiously and began to scan the surroundings. He would wait them out, let them tire themselves searching. For now, he was safe, hidden in the shadows like a ghost. The legend of the "Kill-Stealing Ghost" would only grow after today, and August was just getting started. --- August felt a rush of relief as he finally logged out of Enders Light. He opened his eyes and removed the VR helmet, his body feeling stiff after the long session in the game. A tired smile crept onto his face. Reaching level 20 was a significant milestone. His hard work¡ªgrinding, stealing kills, and evading enraged yers¡ªhad paid off. The next time he logged in, he could focus on taking on quests to gain even more experience and loot. He stretched his limbs, feeling the familiar ache in his muscles from spending too much time in the game pod. "Finally," he muttered to himself. "Level 20." But he couldn''t dwell on it for long. Time was slipping away, and he needed to get ready for work. August nced at the clock¡ªhe had just enough time to change and grab a quick breakfast. As he changed into his worn-out factory uniform, he thought about his sister, Sophie. She was already up, sitting at the small kitchen table with her books spread out in front of her. She looked up as he walked in, her green hair catching the morning light. "Morning, Auggie," she greeted him with a soft smile, her angelic face radiating warmth. "Morning, Soph," he replied, tousling her hair as he passed by. "You''ve got a lot of studying to do, huh?" "Yeah, big testing up," she said, a hint of nervousness in her voice. "You think I''ll do okay?" August grabbed a piece of toast from the counter and gave her a reassuring smile. "You''ll do great. Just keep at it. You''re way smarter than I ever was." Sophie chuckled. "Well, that''s not saying much." Heughed. "Hey, I''m the one keeping a roof over our heads, remember?" She rolled her eyes yfully. "Yeah, yeah. Just don''t overwork yourself, okay?" "I won''t," August said, but they both knew it was a promise he couldn''t keep. "I gotta head to the factory now. Don''t forget to eat something other than just cereal." Chapter 25 Looks Like Weve Got Company "I will. Take care, Auggie," Sophia said as her smile faded slightly with concern. She always worried about him, especially with the long hours he worked. August grabbed his bag and rushed out the door after rubbing her hair affectionately in a final farewell. ... ... The factory was loud and chaotic as usual. August joined the line of workers, his friend Derrick giving him a nod as he arrived. They fell into their usual routine, moving crates and operating machines, each task a mind-numbing repetition of thest. But today, August''s mind was elsewhere. His thoughts kept drifting back to the potential sale he had set up after his shift. The Bronze Shortsword he had extracted from the game had garnered some interest. After posting an ad online, he''d received a message from a prospective buyer who seemed willing to pay the price he''d set¡ªone hundred thousand dors. If he could sell it, he''d have 20% of the money he needed to pay off Damon. It wasn''t enough to get rid of the debt collectorpletely, but it was a start. Derrick noticed his friend''s distraction. "You alright, man? You''ve been kinda quiet today," he said, wiping sweat from his brow. August nodded. "Yeah, just... thinking about something. I might have a way to make some decent money soon." Derrick raised an eyebrow. "Oh yeah? Not some shady deal, I hope." August chuckled. "No, nothing shady. Just a business opportunity. If it goes well, it''ll help with the debt." Derrick gave him a knowing look. "Well, I hope it works out, man. You deserve a break." The hours dragged on as they continued their grueling work, but August''s mind stayed focused on the meeting after his shift. He had arranged to meet the potential buyer at a neutral location¡ªa small caf¨¦ on the other side of town. He chose the ce carefully, somewhere public enough to avoid trouble but quiet enough to discuss business. The minutes seemed to crawl by as the day went on. August''s hands moved mechanically, lifting heavy crates and operating machinery, but his thoughts were miles away. He couldn''t shake the sense of unease that came with dealing with strangers forrge sums of money. He had been in the business world for decades so there usually was no nervousness attached to it, being a seasoned businessman. However, this world was more dangerous than his previous. There were always risks when it came to game items brought into reality. Some buyers were genuine, but others could be dangerous¡ªyers with supernatural abilities looking to rob him or worse. Still, he couldn''t afford to be paranoid. This was a chance he had to take. He needed the money, not just for himself but for Sophie. She deserved a better life than this¡ªbetter than scraping by and constantly looking over their shoulders for debt collectors like Damon. August nced at the clock on the factory wall. Just a little longer. He had spent hours nning every detail of the meeting, going over possible scenarios in his head. If the buyer was legit, this could be a game-changer. If not... well, he''d have to be ready for that too. Derrick nudged him as their shift neared its end. "You''re looking pretty intense, man. Got a hot date or something?" August smirked. "Something like that. Just gotta be on my toes." Derrick chuckled. "Alright, just don''t forget to breathe." As the final whistle blew, signaling the end of their shift, August felt a rush of anxiety but calmed himself quickly. He grabbed his bag and gave Derrick a nod. "Catch youter, man." "Yeah, take care, and good luck with that ''business opportunity'' of yours," Derrick replied, giving him a thumbs-up. August left the factory, his heart beating a little faster with each step. The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the streets. The meeting time was drawing closer, and he knew he had to be prepared for anything. He took a deep breath and started making his way toward the caf¨¦. ...n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om ... The caf¨¦ was quiet, with only a few customers scattered around, sipping coffee or absorbed in their own business. It was a small ce, the kind where one could have a discreet conversation without drawing too much attention¡ªor at least that was what August had hoped for. He had chosen this location carefully, but the unease in his stomach didn''t go away. He''d never dealt with selling a game item in reality before, and he knew there were risks. His contact had arrived earlier and sat in the corner with his hood pulled up slightly over his face. The man looked unremarkable¡ªmid-30s, with an average build and nothing particrly intimidating about him. His gaze darted around the room, his bodynguage radiating nervous energy. August, with part of his face obscured by a scarf, approached the table slowly, eyeing the man critically. ''Is this the guy?'' August thought to himself as he took the seat across from him. ''Doesn''t look like much... but who knows?'' The man''s eyes shifted to August, giving him a quick once-over before he sat up straighter, attempting to hide his own nervousness. In his mind, doubts swirled¡ª ''Is this a hoax? No one actually sells real items retrieved from Enders Light for a hundred thousand dors. They go for millions.'' "Are you the one selling the Bronze Shortsword?" the man finally asked with a low and cautious tone. August nodded slightly, not wanting to reveal too much. "You''re here to see it, right?" The man hesitated but nodded. "Yeah, but... honestly, I wasn''t sure if this was real. A bronze-grade weapon from Enders Light... well, you know it usually sells for way more than what you''ve listed." "That''s because it''s bronze," August replied, his voice calm but firm. "It''s rare, sure, but it''s not one of the high-tiered items like silver, gold, or anything higher. A hundred thousand dors is fair for something like this." The man''s eyes narrowed slightly, still unsure. "I''m just scouting for my boss. He''s the real buyer, but he needs to know if this is legitimate before we move forward." August reached into his bag slowly, his senses on high alert as he pulled out the bronze Shortsword. The moment the de caught the dim light of the caf¨¦, the other man''s eyes widened in shock. He leaned forward, clearly taken aback by the sight of the real game item. The bronze sword was incredibly smooth. Its metallic sheen glinted with the faintest trace of magical runes etched into the de¡ªa typical feature of even the lower-tiered items from Enders Light. The weight of it, the way it subtly radiated power, made it unmistakably authentic. August kept his grip firm on the sword as he allowed the man to inspect it from a distance. He knew the game too well to let anyone else handle the item¡ªthings could go sideways in an instant. "It''s real..." the man muttered, astonishment creeping into his voice. "I can''t believe it..." August nodded. "Now that you''ve confirmed, I expect payment. A hundred thousand dors¡ªclean and quick." The man pulled his gaze away from the sword, his mind still reeling. "Like I said... I''m just the scout. My boss is the one with the cash. Once I tell him this is real, he''ll definitely want to buy it." August''s expression remained neutral, but inside, a wave of suspicion washed over him. ''Just a scout? Why isn''t the buyer here himself?'' He pulled the sword back, stowing it carefully in his bag. "I can''t guarantee I''ll still have the sword by the time your boss is ready to buy. There''s a lot of interest, and I''m not holding onto it for anyone." The man''s eyes widened in panic. "Wait, please! Give me a little more time. I swear, once I tell him, he''ll be here with the money. He''s serious about this¡ªhe''ll pay." August stood up calmly but decisive. "I''ll be around. But I''m not making any promises. If I get another buyer, the deal''s off." The man scrambled to his feet in desperation and anxiety. "Please, just a little time! I''m telling you, my boss will definitely buy it!" August simply nodded once, giving a curt farewell before heading toward the door. He could feel several eyes on him as he walked through the caf¨¦. The glint of the sword had attracted more attention than he had wanted. He didn''t need to look around to know that people were already specting about the weapon. ''This isn''t good,'' he thought to himself. ''Too much attention.'' As August exited the caf¨¦, the cool night air hit him, but it did little to ease the tension building in his chest. He kept his head low and made his way toward the train station, quickening his pace as the uneasy feeling from earlier returned. Something felt off¡ªmore than just the suspicious behavior of the buyer''s "scout." He casually nced over his shoulder as he walked, his eyes scanning the darkened streets. That''s when he noticed them¡ªtwo shadowy figures lingering in the distance, their pace mirroring his own. They weren''t obvious, but they weren''t exactly subtle either. ''Great,'' August muttered under his breath. ''Looks like we''ve gotpany.'' Chapter 26 Cornered At The Subway The figures followed him at a steady distance, neither speeding up nor slowing down, just keeping a consistent pace. They were clearly tailing him, waiting for the right moment to act. August''s mind raced as he considered his options. He could easily lose them if he ducked into an alleyway and used his wits, but he also knew that whoever was after him wouldn''t stop once they lost sight of him. His hand instinctively went to the bag slung over his shoulder where the Bronze Shortsword was safely stored. He needed to be smart about this. He couldn''t afford to get into a confrontation right now¡ªespecially with a game item worth over a hundred thousand dors on him. August''s heart pounded in his chest as he darted through the narrow alley and sprinted toward the train station. His pursuers weren''t far behind, and every second counted. The distant rumble of a train arriving on the tform filled the air, and August quickened his pace, barely sparing a nce over his shoulder. The shadowy figures were still on his tail, closing in fast. He leaped up the stairs two at a time, slipping past the turnstile just as the train doors opened. Without hesitation, he jumped into the train, hoping the doors would close before the others could follow. But they were fast. Too fast. The two figures dashed through the station and jumped onto the train while the doors were still wide open. August''s pulse quickened as they cornered him from both sides. There was no turning back now¡ªconfrontation was inescapable. "Hand over the item," one of them demanded with a threatening tone as he stepped forward. "Yeah, we know you''ve got a game item," the other chimed in, positioning himself behind August, blocking any escape route. August''s eyes narrowed as he weighed his options. Giving up the sword was not on the table, and now that he was more physically adept than before, thanks to his newfound abilities, he wasn''t about to let himself be cornered so easily. "Not gonna happen," he replied with a calm but cautious expression. The first figure lunged at him, trying to grab August by the cor, but August was ready. He moved smoothly and dodged the attack, pivoting to the side before charging at the man. They soon exchanged fists in a flurry of punches. August''s reflexes were sharp, and he expertly dodged the man''s wild swings. For some reason, he could see every swinging. He saw his opening andnded a clean uppercut directly under the man''s chin. The force of the hit sent the man flying backward, crashing into the row of seats with a loud thud. The passengers screamed in shock and the train car erupted into chaos as people scrambled to get away from the fight. August didn''t have time to breathe. The second assant was already closing in on him from behind. Before August could react, he felt the cold, unmistakable sensation of a gun pressed against his back. "Last chance," the second man growled. "Hand over the sword, or I''ll pull the trigger." August clenched his teeth in annoyance. He could feel the tension in the air, and the growing panic of the passengers as they realized how dire the situation had be. But he wasn''t about to give in. His fingers twitched, and a thought crossed his mind. ''Maybe I can try that...'' With a calm voice, he replied, "Alright. I''ll give it to you." Slowly, he turned around to face his attacker with his hands raised as though he was surrendering. The man kept the gun aimed at him. Just when it seemed like August was about toply, he suddenly executed a different action. The assant eyes widened as August reached out and grabbed the gun by the barrel. [Extraction Has Been Activated] A purple gleam emitted from August''s fingers as soon as they made contact with the gun. The man''s expression disyed a visibly shocked look as the weapon immediately began to disassemble in his hands. He tried to pull the trigger but the gun was alreadying apart. Piece by piece, it ttered uselessly onto the train floor before the assant. "What the hell?!" the man shouted while backing away in disbelief. The passengers gasped in horror. Their whispers quickly turned to frantic yells as they realized that August was a supernatural yer. The tension in the train car skyrocketed, but August took full advantage of the chaos. Without missing a beat, he swung his fist andnded a solid punch right across the man''s face, sending him sprawling to the floor. The man groaned in pain, dazed from the unexpected hit. In that instant, the train doors began to close as it prepared to leave the station. The opportunity to escape was now or never. With quick thinking, August darted toward the nearest door and leaped off the train just as it started to move. The doors slid shut behind him, locking the assants inside. Hended on the tform and spun around to see the train pulling away with his two attackers trapped inside and ring furiously at him through the ss windows. They pounded on the doors, but it was toote¡ªthe train had left the station, and they were being carried further and further away. August took a deep breath, steadying his pulse. The tension from the chase and the fight still clung to him, but he couldn''t help the small smirk that tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Nice try," he muttered under his breath as he straightened up and adjusted the bag containing the bronze Shortsword. He quickly disappeared into the shadows of the station, blending in with the crowd as he made his way toward the exit.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om Though he''d narrowly escaped this time, he knew this wouldn''t be thest time he experienced such a situation. Word was spreading fast about supernatural yers and the rare game items being brought into reality. And now, more than ever, the stakes were higher than ever before. Chapter 27 The Boss August finally arrived home after the intense events of the day. He was exhausted, both mentally and physically, but as he sat down on his worn-out couch, his mind raced with everything that had happened. The meeting at the caf¨¦, the confrontation on the train, and the strange figures following him¡ªhe couldn''t shake the feeling that he had just narrowly escaped something far more dangerous than he''d initially thought. He leaned back, closing his eyes for a moment, reying the events in his mind. "This whole endeavor is more dangerous than I anticipated," he thought out loud. The reality of selling game items brought into the real world was no longer just an exciting venture for quick cash; it was a perilous game, where trust was a raremodity and danger lurked in every transaction. "This is something I won''t be able to keep up alone," he already knew this which was why his thoughts drifted to the idea of creating a business once more¡ªa legitimatepany that could handle situations like these, with protocols in ce for protection, trust, and verified transactions. But the capital wasn''t there yet. He was starting from scratch, and he needed more than just ideas. He needed people¡ªreliable people¡ªbut being new in this world meant he had no connections to build such a team. He sighed while running a hand through his long green hair, streaked with the familiar white patches. "I need a n... but first, I need to figure out who I can trust." With that thought in mind, August turned to the one ce he knew could offer some insight: the forums. Logging onto the site where he had posted the Bronze Shortsword for sale, he quickly noticed something that made his eyes widen¡ªhis post had exploded. The number of potential buyers had surged to over a hundred, all eager to purchase the rare game item. "This is good... but it''s also a problem." He scrolled through the flood of messages. His brows furrowed as he read some of the offers. There were legitimate-sounding buyers, offering to pay the full amount up front, but just as many shady-sounding inquiries filled his inbox, filled with vague promises and strange demands. "I don''t know which ones are real and which are just waiting to rob me," he thought while rubbing the back of his neck in frustration. One idea kept appearing at the back of his mind¡ª"I''ll have to be very careful... maybe even hire some bodyguards." But even that came with risks. What if the bodyguards turned out to be the ones to double-cross him? The more he thought about it, the more he realized how dangerous every move could be. One wrong step and he could get himself in trouble. As he scrolled further down the forum, he noticed a message from the same man he had met earlier that night. August sent a message saying the deal after mentioning everything that went down.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om The man then sent him a long apology, swearing that he had nothing to do with the ambush on the train. He insisted that his boss was still very much interested in purchasing the item and begged August to reconsider. "Not interested," August thought while shaking his head as he typed a curt response. He wasn''t about to put himself at risk again, especially after what had happened tonight. "Sorry, after getting jumped I''m not interested in selling anymore," he typed. The man''s response came almost immediately, pleading again that they had no involvement in the attack, but August was already done with the conversation. He closed the chat window and leaned back as his thoughts spun. What made it worse was that the fight on the train had been captured by bystanders. Within hours, videos of the battle had surfaced online, with people debating what had happened. Some discussions focused on how supernatural yers, like the ones in the video, were bing more dangerous. Others used the video to im that yers with supernatural abilities needed to be curbed before things got out of control. Thankfully, August''s face had been obscured, and no one knew it was him. But this was a warning. The world was watching, and people were paying attention to those who wielded abilities from Enders Light. "I need to be smarter about this," August told himself, knowing he couldn''t afford to get reckless. ~ Three Days Later Three days had passed, and August found himself once again preparing to meet another buyer. This time, he had chosen a more secure location, and he had done his research on the buyer beforehand. The person seemed more reliable, with a legitimate online presence and a history of purchasing game items without any trouble. Still, August couldn''t shake the lingering doubt in the back of his mind. He knew he had to stay on guard. As he checked over the details of the meeting onest time, a notification popped up on his phone¡ªa message from the same man he had met earlier that week. "Hey, please reconsider. My boss is really interested in the item. He doesn''t want someone else getting it." August sighed while reading the message. He didn''t reply this time, but a feeling of unease settled over him. Something about this situation still didn''t sit right. Why was this boss so desperate to get his hands on a bronze-grade weapon? ... ... Far away, in a luxurious mansion surrounded by high walls and heavily armed guards, the man who had met August paced nervously in front of a massive desk. Seated behind the desk was a figure¡ªa man in histe forties, with slicked-back ck hair and a sharply tailored suit. His eyes were dark and calcting, and his presence dominated the room. His name was Floozk, but in the underworld, he was known simply as "The Boss." Floozk was a man of considerable wealth and influence, with ties to both legitimate and less-than-legal enterprises. He had built an empire on power and fear, and he was always looking for ways to gain an edge¡ªespecially in the emerging market of game items brought into reality. The man standing in front of him¡ªFloozk''s subordinate¡ªspoke nervously. "Boss, it looks like August is about to sell the Bronze Shortsword to someone else. He''s meeting with another buyer soon." Floozk''s sharp eyes narrowed as he listened while his fingers tapped rhythmically on the desk. He was a tall man with broad shoulders, and even though he wasn''t standing, there was an aura of menace around him. His jaw was square, and a scar ran from his left cheekbone down to the corner of his lip, giving his otherwiseposed face a hint of violence. He leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled as he considered the situation. "He''s selling it to someone else, is he?" "Yes, Boss. He said he''s no longer interested in our offer, but I know he''s meeting with a new buyer soon. I¡ªI think we can still get it if we move fast." Floozk''s expression darkened. He wasn''t a man who liked being refused. The Bronze Shortsword might have been a bronze-grade item, but Floozk knew its true valuey beyond its ssification. It was a rare artifact from Enders Light, and possessing such items meant power¡ªpower that could be used in the real world. "You''re telling me someone else is going to get their hands on that sword?" Floozk''s voice was low, but there was a dangerous edge to it. The man swallowed nervously. "Yes, Boss, but we can intercept¡ª" Floozk raised a hand, silencing him. He stood up from his desk causing his tall frame to cast a long shadow across the room. "Find out where the purchase is going to take ce. I want that sword. We''ll make sure the buyer never gets their hands on it." "Yes, Boss," the man stammered and bowed slightly before hurrying out of the room. Floozk turned toward therge windows of his office, focusing his gaze on the city beyond. His mind was already working out the next steps. He had dealt with plenty of sellers like August before¡ªpeople who thought they could control the terms of a deal. But in the end, Floozk always got what he wanted. And he wasn''t about to let some kid with a game item sell what he wanted to someone else. "Let''s see if this August is as clever as he thinks he is," Floozk muttered under his breath as a sinister smile spread across his face. Chapter 28 Menial Quests As night settled in, August finalized his ns for the next day''s meeting with a potential buyer. Tomorrow was his day off from the factory, and he''d use every minute to ensure the deal went smoothly. But for now, his focus shifted to something he was equally passionate about¡ªgrinding in Enders Light. He proceeded to log into the game, feeling the immersive pull of the virtual world wash over him as his avatar, Aleman, materialized in Tagharuim Kingdom. He quickly essed his yer stats causing a soft glowing interface to appear before him. ¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û Name: Aleman Level: 20 ss: Assassin/Mage EXP: 7300/520,000 HP: 6000/6000 MP: 4300/4300 Gold: 250 Skills: Shadow Dance, Hidden Strike, sh, Dash, Dual Wielding, Fireball, Arcane Shield, Lightning Bolt ¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û August smirked in satisfaction. His dual ss and increased level had made a visible impact on his stats, and now he was ready to explore the quests avable in Tagharuim Kingdom. August moved swiftly through the streets of Tagharuim, searching for any indication of avable quests. The kingdom was alive even at night, with NPCs going about their routines and fellow yers haggling at merchant stalls or preparing for raids. Eventually, he arrived at the Tagharuim Adventurers Guild. Inside, the wooden hall was buzzing with activity; adventurers crowded around bulletin boards, checking the posted quests or bragging about their recent victories. August approached one of the boards and his gaze swept over the list of avable quests. Unfortunately, nothing particrly challenging caught his eye. Most of the quests were either way above his level or seemed too basic to provide worthwhile rewards. "No tough quests for level 20 yers? Guess I''ll have to settle for menial work tonight," August thought with a sigh. Now that he could finally ept quests here, there didn''t seem to be much that caught his interest. He finally settled on a series of delivery quests, transporting valuable items from one city to another within Tagharuim Kingdom. [ Deliver A Darklin Root From The Magic Bureau to Old Man Tim ] [ Deliver The Magic Stopwatch To Sir Fergus ] ... The quests werebeled "menial" but offered modest rewards in gold and EXP, enough to keep him progressing until something better came along. The first two delivery quests proved simple. August traveled across the kingdom''s winding roads, moving from city to city with ease. His skills allowed him to evade minor threats on the path, and he quickly dispatched any low-level beasts that wandered into his way. Each sessful delivery earned him small, incremental rewards¡ªgold coins in his inventory, along with a minor boost in EXP. But as he epted his third quest of the night, the stakes shifted. The third delivery was slightly different, involving the transport of a rare artifact from one of the kingdom''s cities to another. August carefully loaded the item onto a horse-drawn cart and began his journey along the winding dirt roads that connected the cities. As he rode along, the ambient sounds of Enders Light filled his ears¡ªnature mixed with the rhythmic tter of the cart''s wheels on the path. He was halfway through his journey when a system notification popped up, its message catching his attention. <[Warning: Hostile NPCs Detected Ahead]> Ahead, a group of NPCs materialized on the road, blocking his path. They were armed and armored. Their stances radiated menace as they eyed the cart. August narrowed his eyes as he took in their details. Each of the NPCs had visible ss markers hovering above their heads¡ªtwo rogues, a swordsman, and a mage. Their levels weren''t disyed, but their appearances indicated they were no pushovers. One of the rogues sneered in arrogance. "Hand over the goods, and we won''t have to hurt you. Make it easy on yourself." August wasn''t about to back down. He cracked his knuckles as his lips curled into a smirk. "I don''t think so. If you want it,e and take it." The NPCs exchanged nces, clearly amused by his defiance. They drew their weapons and closed in, their intent clear. <[Quest Updated: Protect the Delivery from Hostile NPCs]> The first rogue lunged forward with his dagger gleaming under the moonlight as he aimed for August''s chest. August sidestepped while activating Dash. [ Dash Has Been Activated ] A single step made him appear more than fifteen paces away from his initial position. His movements turned into a blur as he countered with sh, letting his dagger carve through the air. The attacknded, slicing through the rogue''s armor. [ -800 HP ] The rogue staggered while gritting his teeth in pain, but quickly recovered. Hispanion, the swordsman, charged in from the side, raising his massive broadsword with a roar. August reacted instantly, activating Arcane Shield to absorb the blow. A transparent barrier red around him, absorbing the impact of the sword''s heavy swing. [Arcane Shield Activated. MP -300] The swordsman''s attack rebounded off the shield, and August seized the opportunity. He leaped forward, delivering a powerful Hidden Strike to the swordsman''s exposed side. The blownded hard, and the swordsman stumbled back, clutching his side. [Critical Hit! -1400 HP] The mage, stationed a few feet back, began chanting. His hands glowed with fiery energy depicting an iing spell. August quickly countered with Fireball,unching a zing sphere of me directly at the mage. [Casting Fireball. MP -350] The two spells collided in midair, creating a burst of mes that lit up the dark road. The force of the explosion sent the mage sprawling to the ground, temporarily stunned while August slid ten feet backwards. [Mage -700 HP] Just as August turned to focus on the second rogue, he felt a sharp pain as the rogue''s dagger sliced across his shoulder, a sneak attack thatnded cleanly. -400 HP Gritting his teeth, August retaliated with a swift Lightning Bolt, sending a crackling arc of electricity toward the rogue. The bolt struck him squarely, electrocuting him with a surge of energy. "Aahhhhhhhhh!" [Lightning Bolt Activated. MP -500] [ -900 HP ] The rogue let out a strangled cry as he fell to the ground. His HP drained to almost nothing. August didn''t waste time and proceeded to finish him off with a quick dagger thrust. [Enemy Defeated: Rogue. +2000 EXP]n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om The swordsman and the mage were still standing, both looking visibly weakened but unrelenting. The swordsman roared while charging forward once more. On the other hand, the mage began chanting another spell. A sinister red glow surrounded his hands. August kept his cool and activated Shadow Dance. [ Shadow Dance Activated ] His form turned into a myriad of shadows that seemed to blend with the night as they moved like phantoms. The swordsman looked around wildly, while swinging his sword but it constantly through intangible shadow afterimages. He was unable to pinpoint the real August location. August appeared behind him in an instant, delivering a deadly Dual Wielding attack. Both his daggers cut into the swordsman''s back. [ Dual Wielding Attack! -1500 HP ] The swordsman copsed in defeat as his form flickered briefly while disappearing. [ Enemy Defeated: Swordsman. +3000 EXP ] Now only the mage remained. His eyes widened with fear as he realized he was outmatched. He attempted to cast another spell, but August was faster. He unleashed Dash, closing the distance in a heartbeat, and finished the mage off with a well-aimed sh. [ Enemy Defeated: Mage. +2700 EXP ] The road fell silent as the dust settled. August let out a sigh of relief, wiping the sweat from his brow. His HP and MP had taken a hit, but the encounter had gone better than expected. As the final NPC copsed, a system notification popped up, confirming his sess. [Side Quest Completed: Protect the Delivery from Hostile NPCs] [ Reward: +15000 EXP, +20 Gold, Item Drop: Mana Potion x2] August smiled, feeling the satisfaction of a job well done. He nced back at the road now that the fallen enemies were nothing more than flickering shadows in the distance. With the cart secured once more, August continued along the road. Chapter 29 The Old Forger Afterpleting a series of menial delivery quests, August felt the rewards were starting to look meagerpared to the effort he was putting in. He knew that higher-paying quests with worthy rewards existed, but most of them required a team to tackle. Unfortunately, none of his newfound friends were online, and he was left to search solo. Forming a temporary team wasn''t convenient either, as yers usually avoided teaming up with a level 20 unless they were in the same range. Determined to find something more substantial, August scoured the streets of Tagharuim Kingdom, looking for any hint or rumor about solo quests. After almost an hour of fruitless searching, he overheard a group of yers chatting excitedly nearby. "...yeah, a new hidden passageway was found in the mining tunnels," one of them voice brimmed with excitement. "An NPC forger is there," another yer added. "People say he might give out some kind of unique quest, but no one''s been able to make him talk yet." August''s ears perked up. ''A hidden passageway? An NPC with potentially high rewards? This could be it.'' The yers continued, "Apparently, there''s a specific action that triggers dialogue with the NPC, but no one''s figured it out yet. He just sits there, ignoring everyone who tries to talk to him." With his curiosity piqued, August decided to head to the mining tunnels and try his luck. If it meant a chance at a quest with decent rewards, he was willing to experiment with any action that might prompt the NPC to respond. ... ... The mining tunnels which were usually not so crowded happened to be bustling today. yers gathered at the entrance to a hidden passage that led to a dimly lit forge where the elusive NPC was said to dwell. It was an old man with a long white beard and a muscr build. He sat hammering away at a piece of metal. His face was covered in soot, and his clothes were worn but sturdy, typical of a seasoned cksmith. Above his head hovered the name, Sir Dumblore, indicating he was no ordinary NPC.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om yers stood around, trying different actions in a desperate attempt to get him to respond. One yer waved his arms animatedly, trying to catch the NPC''s attention. Another yer dropped valuable items on the ground in front of him as an offering, hoping it might trigger a response. A third yer tried something more aggressive, swinging his sword as if to provoke him. Sir Dumblore didn''t flinch. His steely gaze was fixed on the task at hand, hammering and crafting as though the yers didn''t exist. But when one yer got too close and attempted to strike him, the NPC turned and gave a withering re that sent the yer stumbling back, intimidated by the NPC''s sheer presence. August observed the chaos for a moment, amused by the variety of tactics yers were trying. But he quickly realized that no one was making progress, and even after testing a few actions himself, he was left as clueless as the rest. For over an hour, August tried everything he could think of. He waved, he called out, and he even attempted to mimic some of the forging movements he had seen other yers do. Nothing worked. Gradually, yers began to give up, grumbling as they left the passageway one by one. In time, only a few yers remained, each equally frustrated. August sighed, feeling a wave of disappointment settle over him. "What am I missing?" he wondered while ncing at Sir Dumblore, who continued his work in silence. Frustrated and feeling a little defeated, August decided to rx for a bit. He walked over and sat down beside Sir Dumblore with a sigh but soon his gaze was drawn to the old forger''s hands as they skillfully hammered the metal. August didn''t say a word; he simply watched. As time passed, he noticed small details in the way Sir Dumblore worked. The man''s movements were deliberate, especially with how he carved magic symbols into certain tools. August realized that Dumblore wasn''t just hammering away at random¡ªthere was a rhythm, a deep focus that bordered on meditation. The NPC was entirely absorbed in his craft, almost as if it were a ritual. With nothing else to try, August continued to watch the cksmith''s work. Over the next hour, he found himself strangely fascinated. The repetitive ng of metal became almost hypnotic, drawing him deeper into a quiet understanding of the forging process. Slowly, he started to feel as if he was learning, simply by watching. He noticed the way Sir Dumblore would examine the metal, pausing asionally as if considering each step with care. It was as if Dumblore respected the material he was working with, treating each piece as something precious. After a few more minutes, a notification popped up in his line of sight, making his eyes widen. <[ Congrattions! You Have Paid Heed To Sir Dumblore''s Work ]> <[You May Now Interact With Sir Dumblore]> August blinked while feeling a rush of excitement. "So that was it... just sitting and watching?" He suppressed a grin, realizing that sometimes, it was about more than shy actions or aggressive gestures. It was about respect and understanding¡ªa nuance not every yer would notice in a game like Enders Light. He took a deep breath and clicked on the dialogue option, feeling a thrill as Sir Dumblore finally looked up from his work, his eyes sharp and piercing. "Well,d," Dumblore spoke with a gruff but warm voice. "Took ya long enough. Not many have the patience to simply watch and learn these days." August nodded, still taken aback by the NPC''s sudden acknowledgment. "I¡­ didn''t know this would happen. I just thought¡ªwell, maybe I could learn something by watching." The old forger chuckled. "Aye, that''s the spirit. Craftin'' is more than hammerin'' and heatin''. It''s understandin'' the material, respectin'' it." He paused, assessing August with a keen eye. "Yer not like most of the ones whoe here, wantin'' quick riches and glory. I can tell ye have potential." August remained silent, allowing Dumblore to continue. "I''ve got a task, if ye be up for it," Dumblore''s tone grew more serious. "Something that requires a careful hand and a quick wit." [ Quest Avable: Sir Dumblore''s Request ] [ Quest Difficulty: C-Rank] [Quest Description: Assist Sir Dumblore in retrieving rare materials from a dangerous location to craft a unique weapon. Reward: Gold, EXP, and a custom weapon tailored to your ss.] August''s heart raced as he read the details. A C-Rank quest, one that would likely yield far better rewards than anything he''d taken on before¡ªand a custom weapon suited to his ss? This was exactly the kind of opportunity he had been hoping for. "I''m in," he replied without hesitation. Dumblore gave a slight nod of approval as his eyes gleamed with a hint of satisfaction. "Goodd. Here''s what ye need to do¡­" Chapter 30 Corrosive Climbers August listened closely as Sir Dumblore outlined the details of his unique C-ranked quest. The location was an ancient, floating city known as Tavirah, a ce shrouded in mystery and danger. Situated over two hundred feet above the ground, Tavirah was abandoned and deste, overrun by ghostly creatures that had made it inhospitable to any who dared venture there. Fortunately, no one could venture there because the great wizards of the kingdom had sealed it off years ago to prevent any of the darkness in there from spreading further. <[You Have Been Granted A Pass Stone By Sir Dumblore ]> << Pass Stone Will Grant ess To Tavirah >> <[ You Have Been Granted A Map ]> << Map Will Direct You To The Locations Of The Materials In Tavirah >> The old forger''s instructions were clear: retrieve three rare minerals hidden within Tavirah, essential for the unique weapon he was forging. August knew this would be no simple task, but the allure of a custom weapon and the rare rewards drove him forward. Soon, he found himself boarding a cart that would take him to the eastern outskirts of Tagharuim Kingdom. The journey was quiet, with only the sounds of the wooden wheels creaking over rough terrain and the distant hum of wildlife. As they approached, August spotted the floating city of Tavirah in the distance¡ª It was a massive mythical structure shrouded in a ghostly mist, hovering over the ground like a mysterious sentinel. August''s eyes narrowed as he gazed up at the floating city in excitement. "This is going to be one hell of a climb," he thought out loud while getting off the cart. As the cart rolled away to transport the rest of the passengers elsewhere, August gripped his gear tightly as he approached the vines and roots extending from Tavirah down to the ground. He took a deep breath and began his ascent. He grasped the thick vines and pulled himself up, one hand after another. The vines were tough and sturdy. Their gnarled texture offered a firm hold as he climbed higher. Despite the height, August''s focus remained sharp with his gaze fixed on the floating city above. ''Don''t look down... Don''t look down...'' he told himself. Even though this was a game, everything remained extremely realistic. It was as though he was truly climbing. The wind bit at this skin and he felt strange sensations. As he climbed, a system notification appeared, breaking his concentration momentarily: [Warning: You are entering a hostile area. Proceed with caution.] He continued as each pull brought him closer to the abandoned city. But before he could gain much altitude, another notification shed: [Hostile Creatures Detected] August nced around, immediately alert. From the corner of his eye, he saw movement¡ªa cluster of strange, six-limbed creatures clinging to the vines and roots. Their bodies were silky smooth and covered in dark, scaly armor with each limb ending in wed appendages perfect for climbing. Their eyes glowed a sickly green, and a faint, acidic hiss emanated from their bodies. [Corrosive Climber - Level 18] [HP: 6500/6500] The creatures emitted an unsettling, acidic aura, and their limbs dripped with a corrosive slime that hissed on contact with the vines. One of the Climbers lunged at August with ws extended, aiming to knock him from his precarious perch. August gritted his teeth while gripping the vine with one hand and using his other to draw his dagger. He swung at the creature, managing tond a solid hit on its side. [ -500 HP ] The creature screeched, retreating momentarily, but three more Climbers were already closing in. Their limbs wed at him from all angles. [ -100 HP: Contact with Corrosive Substance] One creaturetched onto his leg, and the corrosive touch ate through his armor, searing his skin and reducing his HP. August quickly kicked it off, struggling to maintain his grip on the vine. In the next moment, he activated Shadow Dance. [ Shadow Dance Activated ] Surprisingly, it still worked even though he was in mid-air. Multiple shadowy afterimages of him appeared all over. August began leaping from vines to vines to further confuse the creatures. The creatures hesitated. Their beady eyes darted around as they searched for their target. Taking advantage of his temporary stealth, August climbed higher, only to find two more Climbers waiting for him above. He had no choice but to fight. He struck at the nearest one with Hidden Strike, aiming for a critical hit. [Critical Hit! -1800 HP] The creature reeled back, screeching in pain, but quickly retaliated with a swipe of its corrosive ws, catching him across the arm. [ -250 HP: Contact with Corrosive Substance] August winced as the acid burned through his armor. Gritting his teeth, he activated Lightning Bolt, sending a crackling arc of electricity directly at the creature. The bolt struck, causing it to convulse and release its hold on the vine before plummeting downwards. [Lightning Bolt Activated. MP -250] [ -2600 HP ] Two more creatures lunged at him while shing their ws. August quickly activated Dash and with a single pull up, he arrived fifteen feet above them. He made use of this opportunity to attack them from above while doing his possible best to maintain his grip. But with every dodge and every strike, he could feel his stamina draining. [ -220 HP: Contact with Corrosive Substance] Another creature managed totch onto his shoulder, hissing as its acidic body burned through his armor. In a desperate move, August twisted and drove his dagger into its eye, forcing it to release him. [ -1200 HP ] The creature hissed in pain as purple blood jetted out of its eye like a fountain. August raised his left leg and thrust it downwards. Itnded square on the face of the creature, sending it spiraling towards the ground. Thest two Climbers clung to the vine below, blocking his path up. August took a deep breath and delivered a powerful sh to one of the creatures, then quickly followed up with Fireball, sending a zing sphere of me directly at the second one. [sh Activated. -1600 HP] [Fireball Activated. MP -200] [ -2400 HP ] The Fireball exploded on contact, consuming the creature in mes and sending it tumbling down the vines. Finally, thest creature released its grip, defeated. Breathing heavily, August clung to the vine as his body ached from the intense battle. Keeping his grip on the vines while battling the creatures was no easy feat. Since the game made things realistic, it was normal for him to feel fatigued. [Enemy Defeated: Corrosive Climber x5. +22250 EXP] [Current EXP: 72,550/520,000] He checked his HP, noticing it had dropped significantly from the corrosive attacks. [HP: 2900/6000] Gritting his teeth, he opened his inventory and selected a health potion. <[Would you like to use Health Potion?]> [YES/NO] "Yes." August proceeded to drink the potion. He felt a warm sensation as his HP gradually began to restore. [ +2000 HP] [HP: 4900/6000] He took another HP potion and consumed it. [ +2000 HP] [HP: 6000/6000] With his health replenished, he took a moment to gather his bearings. The climb to Tavirah was proving to be far more treacherous than he''d anticipated.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om "If just getting there is this hard, I can''t imagine what the city itself holds." But despite the dangers, a thrill surged through him. This was what he hade here for¡ªthe challenge, the adventure. August proceeded to resume his climb to Tavirah, the lost city floating in the mists above. Chapter 31 Boss Creature Approaching August reached the top of the vineden climb, pulling himself onto a vast stone tform. His breath caught as he took in the sight before him¡ªTavirah the lost, floating city, shrouded in an atmosphere of eerie darkness. Heavy, dark clouds hung over the city, blocking any hint of sunlight and casting everything in an oppressive gloom. The air was thick with an unnatural chill, and the faint sound of echoing whispers drifted through the wind, carried like ghostly murmurs. Ahead, phantom-like beings drifted aimlessly. Their bodies were translucent and shadowy, swirling in and out of form as if caught between existence and oblivion. Abandoned buildings lined the streets¡ªhouses with shattered windows, crumbling statues of forgotten heroes, and towers that leaned precariously under the weight of time. In certain areas, swirling mists of ash formed ominous clouds that obscured the path forward. Their slow, swirling movements added to the city''s haunted feel. [Warning: You are in a highly hostile area. Proceed with caution.] August ducked behind a broken stone wall, eyeing the ghostly figures that roamed nearby. Taking a deep breath, he reached into his inventory and pulled out the map of Tavirah that Sir Dumblore had provided. He unfurled it carefully, ncing over thendmarks and markings that indicated the locations of the three rare minerals he needed to retrieve. The first location was marked as the Treasury¡ªformerly the household of the city''s lord. August memorized the route, tucked the map away, and began moving cautiously through the deste streets, avoiding the wandering phantoms as he crept toward the treasury. The treasury was a grand building, albeit in ruins, with towering columns that had partially copsed, and a once-magnificent doorway now barely hanging by its hinges. It seemed to be the least popted with these phantoms, making it his safest initial target. August slipped inside with light footsteps as he moved through the sparsely lit hall. Inside, he found rows of treasure chests stacked neatly against the walls, covered in dust and cobwebs. Their contents seemed to be untouched for centuries. Ancient gold coins, artifacts, and jewelry glinted faintly in the darkness. The lost city was no doubt one of past wealth. [Quest Update: Retrieve Material 0/3] August proceeded quietly, searching through the treasury. His eyesnded on a shimmering, dark crystal nestled within a chest¡ªit was the first mineral on his list. [Item Acquired: Dark Shard (Quest Item)] [Current Objective: 1/3 materials retrieved]n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om Satisfied, he carefully closed the chest. But as he nced around, his gaze caught sight of other valuable items¡ªa sapphire pendant, a finely wrought silver dagger, and a golden idol encrusted with gems... These were just a tiny lot in the pool of treasures stored here. His fingers twitched in temptation. The urge to take something extra was almost overwhelming. He considered his options, reasoning that no other yers had ever been able to enter Tavirah due to the protective barrier surrounding it. Without the enchanted stone Sir Dumblore had given him, he wouldn''t have been able to bypass the barrier either. This was definitely a rare opportunity. Just as he reached for a small jeweled box, an intense chill swept over him, and he froze. The faint sound of footsteps¡ªslow, deliberate, and heavy¡ªechoed through the hall. He quickly ducked behind a pile of broken stone, holding his breath as a towering figure entered the room. The creature was massive and its form was darker than the phantoms he had seen outside. Its head was crowned with sharp pointy horns, and tendrils of shadow flickered around its hulking frame. Above its head, glowing red letters floated ominously: [Dark Vulkan Beast - Level 45] August''s heart pounded. There was no way he could fight a creature of that level and survive so confrontation was out of the picture. He gripped his dagger tightly, willing himself to stay perfectly still. The Dark Beast prowled the room with its piercing red eyes scanning the area, but it eventually turned and lumbered away, disappearing into the shadows. Letting out a quiet breath of relief, August remained hidden for a few moments longer before carefully making his way back out of the treasury. Once outside, he took onest look at the building before hurrying toward his next target. The second location, ording to the map, was a pond nestled within an overgrown garden, choked with twisted trees and thick brambles. The water was dark and murky, almost ck, and ripples moved across its surface, though no wind disturbed it. August crouched by the pond, scanning the area for the second mineral. His eyesnded on a faint glow emanating from beneath the water¡ªa deep red crystal lodged in the pond''s bed. He took a deep breath and reached into the water with his fingers closing around the crystal. [Item Acquired: Bloodstone (Quest Item)] [Current Objective: 2/3 materials retrieved] Just as he pulled the crystal from the water, a strange, ghostly creature floated out from behind a tree. It was smaller than the Dark Beast but had a menacing aura. Its shadowy form was vaguely humanoid, with long, sharp ws and hollow, glowing eyes that locked onto August. [Dark Phantom - Level 22] The creature hissed while lunging at August. He quickly drew his dagger, ready for a fight. August activated Shadow Dance to blend with the surroundings and confuse the creature. As it iled, looking for him, he darted to its side and struck with Hidden Strike. [Critical Hit! -1750 HP] The Dark Phantom shrieked as its HP bar dropped, but it retaliated swiftly, swiping at him with its ws. [ -200 HP ] August winced as the ws grazed him, but he steadied himself and activated Lightning Bolt, sending a crackling arc of electricity through the phantom. [Lightning Bolt Activated. MP -250] [ -2600 HP ] The phantom let out a final shriek and dissolved into a wisp of smoke. [Enemy Defeated: Dark Phantom +2500 EXP] August straightened up after winning the fight fairly easily, but then, unexpectedly, a system notification appeared in front of him. [1/100] It seemed to be a progress bar of sorts since it appeared in the corner of his screen. "One of a hundred? Is it counting my kills?" August wondered, not fully understanding what this was about since there was no further information. Soft hissing sounds drew his attention. More Dark Phantoms materialized from the shadows as their eyes fixed on him with murderous intent. [Dark Phantoms - Levels 20-23] ''One, two... Seven... Thirteen, twenty... Thirty-nine...'' August counted with a look of disbelief. Realizing he couldn''t take them all on at once, August turned and fled, sprinting through the overgrown garden as the creatures pursued him. asionally, he nced over his shoulder, and whenever one got too close, he''d strike with a quick sh or Fireball. [ -2600 HP ] [4/100] [ -1750 HP ] [7/100] He continued battling and evading, watching as the progress bar slowly climbed. At this point, he was sure the system was counting his kills but he had no idea why. He didn''t intend to stick around and battle a hundred of them to find out. Eventually, after a grueling escape, he managed to lose the phantoms by slipping through a narrow passageway between tworge boulders. The hissing faded as he put distance between himself and his pursuers, finally allowing him to catch his breath. [10/100] Satisfied for now, he checked his map once more. Only one location remained¡ªthest mineral was hidden in an underground mining tunnel. August cautiously made his way toward the final marked spot on the map. The tunnel entrancey on the outskirts of Tavirah, concealed by dense growth of bush and fallen stone. As he pushed through the vegetation and stepped inside, he felt the temperature drop even further. The scent of damp earth and decay drifted into his nostrils. The walls of the tunnel were lined with ancient mining equipment, most of which were rusted and broken. Faint glimmers of silver and iron veins sparkled in the walls, hinting at the city''s former wealth. [Quest Update: Locate the Third Material] August scanned the area, searching for the telltale glow that would indicate the final mineral. He ventured deeper into the tunnel, careful not to make a sound, knowing that any noise could draw unwanted attention. After several minutes, he spotted it¡ªtucked away in a small alcove, surrounded by broken pickaxes and scattered stones, was the third mineral, a crystal that shone with a dark green hue. [Item Acquired: Jade Shard (Quest Item)] [Current Objective: 3/3 materials retrieved] August let out a sigh of relief. He''d sessfully retrieved all three items. But just as he turned to leave, the ground shook, and a deep, guttural growl echoed from the darkness further down the tunnel. He froze in disbelief as another notification appeared: [Warning: Boss Creature Approaching] [Dark Golem - Level 34] Chapter 32 A Thousand Now? August''s eyes widened as he saw the monstrous form lumbering toward him. Its massive, rocky body scraped against the tunnel walls, causing a metallic shriek to reverberate across the surroundings. Its rocky skin glowed with fiery cracks, and its hulking form seemed to radiate malice and power. August knew he didn''t stand a chance in a direct fight. This was a level 34 creature while he was still level 20. [Warning: Boss Creature - Dark Golem] August''s instincts screamed at him to run, but before he could act, the golem''s massive arm swung forward, nearly catching him as he threw himself to the side. Dust and debris exploded into the air as the golem''s fist smashed into the wall, leaving a crater in its wake. Knowing he couldn''t escape the fight since he was literally trapped between a rock and a hard ce, August unsheathed his dagger and activated Lightning Bolt, sending a crackling arc of electricity toward the golem''s exposed core. [Lightning Bolt Activated. MP -250] [ -900 HP ] The golem barely flinched as the lightning struck. Its HP bar barely budged and the attack clearly did less damagepared to normal. August gritted his teeth¡ªthis was going to be a brutal fight. He activated Shadow Dance to weave in and out of the shadows. His form turned into shadowy afterimages to confuse the golem as he struck with sh and Hidden Strike. He tried to aim at the vulnerable cracks in its rocky surface. [Critical Hit! -950 HP] The golem roared, mming its massive arm down. August barely dodged, but the force of the impact sent a shockwave through the ground, nearly knocking him off bnce. [ -500 HP from Shockwave] August attacked again, mixing different attacks and doing his best to evade the strikes of the Dark Golem but no matter how best he evaded, certain strikes still arge AOE. [ -300 HP ] [ -450 HP ] [ -350 HP ] The Golem smashed its massive fist downward once more, causing a dark ripple to sweep across the surroundings. August was sent flying once more but he twisted in mid-air when he was close to colliding with the rough walls and then kicked his feet off the walls to propel himself forward. With his des unsheathed, he shed the neck of the massive Dark Golem. [ -1200 HP ] He thennded on its shoulder and proceeded to deliver continuous attacks until the creature grabbed him and rammed him into the ground. August felt like he was hit by the whole force of a moving train as blood spluttered out of his mouth. [ Critical Hit! -3000HP ] His vision blurred momentarily but he managed to spot the Dark Golem''s foot descending from above with intensity. At thest moment, he rolled over to the side while the leg crashed onto the ground with a resounding boom. August proceeded to activate Dash and moved twice to keep a substantial distance between himself and the Golem. [ Dash Activated ] He quickly downed a health potion to recover, feeling the familiar warmth as his HP ticked back up. But the fight dragged on, and with each minute, August found himself running low on both health and mana potions. Despite his relentless attacks, the golem''s HP still showed over 8,000, while August''s resources were nearly depleted. "I can''t keep this up¡­ not like this," he thought while breathing heavily. He took onest look at the golem before making a decision. "I have to get out of here." Turning on his heel, August sprinted through the tunnel, hoping to outrun the monstrous golem. Behind him, he could hear its heavy footsteps pounding against the stone floor as it gave chase. Each thud sent tremors through the tunnel. In his frantic dash, he found himself attracting the attention of several dark phantoms hovering nearby. Their eerie, hollow eyes turned toward him, and they drifted closer with their ghostly ws reaching out to snatch at him. With no choice but to fight while fleeing, August took quick shes at the creatures whenever they got too close, dispatching them with his dagger.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om [ Enemy Defeated: Dark Phantom +2500 EXP] [15/100] "What does that mean¡­ 100?" August wondered but his thoughts were interrupted as another phantom lunged at him. He quickly parried and countered, slicing through it before moving on. The more he fought, the higher the count rose. [18/100] [24/100] The phantoms came in waves, and as he defeated them, the count continued to climb. August''s body moved on instinct. Every step was abination of attack and evasion as he bnced fighting the phantoms with escaping the relentless Dark Golem. His HP dwindled with each hit he took, but he kept pushing forward, using every ounce of skill he had to survive. Eventually, as he defeated his hundredth phantom, a system notification shed before him. [Side Quest Completed: Defeat One Hundred Dark Phantoms] [Reward: Health Potion x5, Mana Potion x5, Enhanced Dagger, Gold +100] Without hesitation, August grabbed the potions from his inventory and downed them, feeling the relief of his health and mana refilling as he prepared himself for the golem once more. With renewed energy, he turned back to face the hulking creature, determined to end the fight once and for all. With his health and mana replenished August lunged at the golem, striking with Dual Wielding as he shed across the golem''s cracked surface, focusing his attacks on the weak points he had identified. [Dual Wielding Activated. -850 HP] The golem retaliated, swinging its massive arm. August activated Arcane Shield, absorbing the impact, though the shield shattered under the force. [Arcane Shield Activated. MP -300] He jumped back, creating distance before casting Fireball,unching the zing sphere toward the golem''s core. The explosion rocked the creature, and its HP dropped further. [Fireball Activated. MP -200] [ -1200 HP ] After a grueling series of attacks, dodges, and potions, August finally struck the Dark Golem''s core with a powerful sh. The golem''s HP dropped to zero, and with a final roar, it crumbled into pieces as its body disintegrated into dust. [Boss Defeated: Dark Golem +60,000 EXP] Breathing heavily, August took in the victory as another series of notifications shed. [Loot Obtained: Golem Core Shard, Gold x200, Health Potion x2, Mana Potion x2] Exhausted yet triumphant, he knew it was time to leave Tavirah. But as he made his way out, more phantoms began drifting toward him, drawn by the recent battle. As he defeated the first few phantoms, August noticed the system notification tracking his kills had reset. [1/1000] "A thousand now?" Chapter 33 Receiving A Custom Weapon "A thousand now?" he voiced in realization. Unlike before, he felt prepared. He knew what he was up against and possessed a new stack of health and mana potions so he decided to give it a try. One by one, he dispatched the phantoms with each defeat adding to the count. Stronger phantoms began appearing, each requiring a more strategic approach. August encountered one particrlyrge phantom. Its name floated above in blood-red letters. [ Dark Phantom Magus - Level 28 ] The Magus cast spells that exploded with shadowy energy, forcing August to dodge and weave as he countered with his own magical abilities. He cast Lightning Bolt stunning the Magus momentarily before closing in with Shadow Dance to strike unseen. [Lightning Bolt Activated. MP -250] [ -1000 HP ]n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om The Dark Phantom Magus retaliated, sending a volley of dark orbs his way. August ducked and rolled, dodging two, but a third grazed his arm. [ -300 HP ] With a quick step forward, he delivered a critical Hidden Strike, piercing the Magus''s back and watching as it dissipated into wisps of darkness. [Critical Hit! -1500 HP] [Enemy Defeated: Dark Phantom Magus +7000 EXP] [Progress: 250/1000] His kills steadily increased, and as the final count approached, he felt his strength and skills sharpening with every battle. After over an hour of relentless fighting and consuming potions, a new system notification appeared. [Side Quest 2 Completed: Defeat One Thousand Dark Phantoms] [Side Quest 3 Completed: Defeat A Dark Phantom Lord] [ Rewards: Health Potion x10, Mana Potion x10, Dark Orb, Gold +200 + Rank Up Card] ''Whoa... dark orb and rank-up card?'' August felt the dark orb was probably going to be a mage-based item or at least something he could auction. As for the rank-up card, he wasn''t so sure. But before he could check their information, another notification shed before him. [Congrattions! You Have Been Granted A Title: Sovereign Of Anti Darkness] The title, shimmering in a regal gold hue, added a boost to his stats against all dark-type creatures. <[ New Title Acquired: Sovereign Of Anti Darkness - Grants +20% Damage Against Dark-Type Enemies +40% Resistance against dark type enemies + Intimidation ]> "Well damn... this was unexpected," August smirked upon noticing this. When he thought more about it, he felt this made sense. It wasn''t the first time he was going against Dark Typed creatures or enemies. Even back at Unhidden Mist vige, he had to purify an ancient altar that had been corrupted by darkness. With the reward notifications and new title secured, August finally turned to make his way out of Tavirah. More Dark Phantoms were approaching and he decided he had enough already. "Now¡­ let''s get back to Dumblore," he murmured, ready to return and im the rewards for his harrowing quest. ... ... August made his way back to Sir Dumblore''s forge after the grueling battle in Tavirah. He clutched the three rare materials tightly, knowing the rewards awaiting him would make it all worthwhile. As he approached, Sir Dumblore''s keen eyes met his, and a glint of approval crossed the old man''s face. "Well done,d," Dumblore said while nodding as he epted the materials from August''s outstretched hands. "You''ve done a service not many would dare attempt." [Quest Completed: Sir Dumblore''s Request] [Reward: +200,000 EXP, Mage Staff (Custom) to be forged, Gold x500, Mana Potion x5, Health Potion x5] August''s experience bar shot up as he absorbed the substantial EXP reward. [Current EXP: 298,300/520,000] He watched as Sir Dumblore set to work with the materials. The old forger''s movements were precise and methodical as he heated, hammered, and shaped the metals. Sparks flew from the forge, and the ringing of metal filled the air as the legendary cksmith brought his creation to life. Piece by piece, a majestic weapon began to take shape. It was a gleaming sword, adorned with intricate runes and a faint, ethereal glow. The weapon radiated power, and August could feel its aura even from where he stood. Dumblore looked up with reflective eyes as he admired his work. "This here," he voiced with reverence, "is a weapon meant for a great hero. Its destiny isn''t yet clear, but one day it''ll find its true wielder." August nodded, trying to understand the magnitude of what he was witnessing. But soon, Dumblore turned his attention back to him, setting aside the legendary sword and gathering fresh materials for a new piece¡ªthis one specifically crafted for August. Dumblore took a dark metal rod, embedding it with pieces of the rare minerals August had collected. With smooth movements, he fused each material into the rod, muttering incantations that made the weapon pulse with arcane energy. Sparks of blue and green shed as he infused it with spells and boons, carefully etching runes along the staff''s length. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Dumblore held out thepleted weapon to August¡ªa Mage''s staff, uniquely tailored to his dual-ss abilities. [New Item Acquired: Arcane Infusion Staff (Custom)] As August took the staff, a flood of information filled his screen, detailing its properties: --- Arcane Infusion Staff ss Restriction: Mage/Assassin (User-bound: Aleman) Attributes: - MP Increase: +50% - Spell Potency: x2 - Special Effect: Grants unique effect to spells (e.g., poisonous fireball, gravitational lightning) - Custom Spell: (Unlocked) - Ethereal Storm: Unleash a storm of energy that deals massive damage to all enemies within a radius. - Unique Bond: Cannot be equipped by any other Mage or yer. --- August''s eyes widened as he read through the stats. The staff was beyond anything he''d imagined, amplifying his powers in ways that would make him a force to be reckoned with. "Thank you," his voice was filled with genuine gratitude. Dumblore simply nodded as a slight smile crossed his face. "A weapon is only as great as the one who wields it. Use it wisely." With the questplete, Dumblore handed August a bundle of rewards, which included additional gold, health, and mana potions. August epted them, feeling a sense of aplishment wash over him. [Additional Rewards: Gold x500, High Tier Health Potion x5, High Tier Mana Potion x5] Just as August was about to leave, Dumblore reached into his satchel, pulling out a small, folded letter. He held it out to August with a solemn expression. "This here is for you," he said. "It''s nk now, but when the timees, it''ll guide you. There''s a storm brewing,d, something big. And I reckon this kingdom will need someone like you in the days ahead." August epted the letter, ncing at its nk surface before tucking it away carefully. [Quest Reward: nk Letter (Unique Item)] He looked up at Dumblore, nodding respectfully. "I''ll keep it safe." The old forger gave him ast, approving look as he began to pack up his forge. "Good. Then I''ll take my leave now. But don''t forget, Aleman¡ªthe paths we walk may seem uncertain, but they''re meant to lead us somewhere. Be ready for what''s toe." With that, Dumblore shouldered his bag and walked off into the misty woods, leaving August alone with his new powers and the knowledge of a looming fate. After an intense and rewarding journey in Enders Light, August realized that a lot of time had passed His adventure in Tavirah and the battles he''d faced had kept him in-game for over a day. In the real world, an entire night had already passed. Knowing he had a meeting with a second potential buyerter in the day, he decided it was time to log out and return to reality. With a final look around the quiet streets of Tagharuim Kingdom, he summoned the logout screen and selected his option. The familiar sensation of detachment enveloped him as his consciousness left the game. Moments after August logged out, arge party entered the abandoned tunnel on the outskirts of Tavirah. The group consisted of skilled yers from Phoenix Celestial, one of the most famous guilds in Enders Light. The leader of this particr party was a tall striking figure with short silver hair and an aura of authority. He was known across the yermunity as Vandross, the Stormbringer. A level 35 yer. However, the group with him was not as high in levels. They seemed to be around levels 25 to 27. As Vandross and his party descended deeper into the tunnel, whispers erupted among the few yers nearby. "Hey, isn''t that Vandross?" one yer murmured, eyeing the party leader with awe. "Yeah, it''s him¡ªthe Stormbringer. I heard he''s ranked among the top one thousand yers in the game!" Vandross didn''t pay attention to the chatter, his intense gaze focused on the path ahead. He moved with purpose, as if tracking something elusive, until he reached the spot where Sir Dumblore''s forge had once been. He looked around with brows furrowing when he saw nothing but an empty space. Turning to a yer nearby, he asked, "The old forger called Sir Dumblore. Was he here?" The yer nodded, ncing nervously at the famous party leader. "Yeah, he was here¡­ but he left just a while ago." Vandross''s eyes narrowed. "Did anyone get him to respond?" The yer hesitated, then answered, "A guy named Aleman finished his quest before he left. Apparently, he got the rewards and everything." For a brief moment, Vandross looked taken aback, clearly not expecting someone else to have beaten them to it. He repeated the name under his breath, "Aleman¡­" His eyes took on a contemtive look. The wheels turned in his mind as he processed the information. After a long pause, he nodded slightly, as if making a silent decision. "Aleman, huh? I won''t forget that name." Chapter 34 Ten Thousand Messages The morning sunlight filtered through the bathroom window, casting soft shadows on the tiled walls as August stood under the warm spray of the shower. He let the water wash away the fatigue from his night in Enders Light. Using a low-grade pod was usually more tasking on the body and mind when one lingered for longer than six hours in the game. August savored the rare moment of peace. He had pushed himself hard in the game, from battles with shadowy creatures to tense encounters in Tavirah. As the steam filled the small bathroom, he closed his eyes and mentally sorted through the ns he''d need to tackle for the day. A sudden voice pulled him from his thoughts. "Auggie, I''m heading out!" Sophia''s cheerful tone drifted through the door, cutting through the sound of running water. August smirked, calling back with a warm edge of teasing, "Don''t cause any trouble, you little genius!" Sophiaughed with youthful confidence. "No promises! And maybe get a haircut while you''re at it. You''re starting to look like a cave troll!" August rolled his eyes and chuckled to himself, "A king, you mean." He could practically hear her roll her eyes through the door. "Sure, whatever helps you sleep at night, Your Majesty," she called back. He could imagine her yful smirk and raised eyebrow. "Don''t get yourself kicked out for speaking to royalty like that," he added while chuckling. Herugh faded as she made her way toward the front door. "See youter!" As the door closed behind her, August stood there for a moment, smiling to himself. Having a sibling was pretty heartwarming. Especially little moments like these. With onest rinse, he turned off the shower, dried off, and headed to the kitchen. The small kitchen bore signs of use but was cozy, a ce they often found themselves gathering in the mornings, sharing quick breakfasts,ughs, and the asional sibling bickering. He grabbed a piece of toast, spread some peanut butter on it, and took a few bites, already feeling his mind clear and sharpen as he prepared for the day. Today was important; he''d arranged to meet with the second buyer interested in the Bronze Shortsword he''d extracted from the game. While the meeting wasn''t untilter in the afternoon, he wanted to get an early start and make sure everything was in order. After grabbing his jacket and a quick look around the apartment, he stepped outside, feeling the chill of the morning air against his face as he made his way to Digital Haven, the neighborhood inte cafe he''d grown fond of. It was only a short walk from his apartment, and as he walked, he noticed familiar faces¡ªneighbors, shopkeepers, and the early-morning crowd bustling about their routines. "Hello August." "Hi, Mrs Bet." "Hey August." "Sharon, what''s up?" Greetings were exchanged at certain intervals on his way to his destination. The bell above the door chimed as he entered Digital Haven, and immediately the familiar clicking ofputers, the soft rustle of papers, and the warm aroma of coffee greeted him. The cafe was a simple setup, with rows ofputers and a few cozy seating areas. Its atmosphere was friendly and weing. August''s entrance didn''t go unnoticed; a few heads turned his way. His appearance, with striking features and a presence that somehow stood out, seemed to attract attention effortlessly. He was used to it by now, but today he noticed the curiosity in people''s eyes was a little more pronounced. From behind the counter, Remi spotted him and lit up with a bright, almost mischievous smile. She sauntered over, wiping her hands on a towel with her eyes twinkling as she took in his arrival. "Well, well, look who''s back so soon," her voice carried a yful note as she leaned over the counter. "Couldn''t get enough of mypany, huh?" August chuckled, matching her teasing tone. "What can I say? Good coffee and even betterpany. How could I stay away?" Remi raised an eyebrow. Her smirk widened as she leaned a bit closer. "Careful, with words like that, I might start charging you extra just for the pleasure of being here. You keep driving my regrs away with those looks." Heughed, brushing off thepliment with a mock expression of modesty. "You mean it''s not just my sparkling personality?" Sheughed, giving him a gentle push toward theputers. "Go on, your fan club awaits. Just don''t break too many hearts while you''re at it." With a smirk, August settled down at one of theputers and logged in. He appreciated the banter; it added a touch of normalcy to his life in this strange world. He had always been smooth with his words since he was a businessman in his previous life but he subconsciously toned it down since he arrived here. After a few clicks, August navigated to his inbox to check on the arrangements he''d made with the potential buyer. The buyer had already confirmed their meeting time forter in the afternoon, and August''s satisfaction grew. He was looking forward to the sale, knowing it would help chip away at his debts. But as he turned to his inbox, he was immediately greeted by a massive notification count¡ªover ten thousand messages. He clicked it open, scrolling through the endless stream of messages that flooded his screen. Many were from people eager to buy the Bronze Shortsword, each with their own offers. Some messages asked how he had managed to extract such a mid-level item which wasn''t eligible for extraction and others were tantly intrusive, demanding to know if he had more items up for sale. He found himself smirking at some of the more ridiculous offers. Among them, he noticed a familiar name¡ªthe buyer from thest time, the one whose boss had shown intense interest in the sword. This buyer had sent him multiple messages, each one more insistent than thest, exining that his boss was willing to pay even more than the listed price.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om August felt a moment''s hesitation but ultimately decided to ignore it. He didn''t want a repeat of the chaos he had encountered during his first attempt to sell the item. Better safe than sorry. After sorting through a few more messages, responding to some genuine inquiries, and ignoring others, he closed his inbox, feeling a mixture of amusement and relief. The attention his item was receiving showed just how much value extracted items held in this world¡ªbut it also highlighted the risk and dangers that came with it. Satisfied that he had made the necessary arrangements, he logged off and left the cafe. Chapter 35 The Unexpected Arrival With the whole morning still free, August decided to explore the city. Since his arrival in this world, his life had been consumed by the immediate demands of survival, his debts, and the game. Rarely had he found the time to actually take in the city around him. He strolled down the bustling streets, passing shops filled with goods ranging from trinkets and hand-crafted artifacts to thetest in affordable tech. Vendors lined the sidewalks, calling out to passersby to check out their wares, and the scent of street food wafted through the air, mingling with the fresh morning breeze. The city itself was an intriguing blend of old and new. Its older, worn-down buildings stood side by side with more modern, renovated structures. Tarred streets twisted and turned in certain areas, leading to small alleyways and hidden courtyards where life seemed to thrive in its own quiet way. There was a charm here that, despite the poverty of his own neighborhood, reminded him of what he hade to appreciate about this world. August found himself pausing by a small square where children were ying. Theirughter filled the air as they ran around in circles, chased by a friendly dog. The sight brought a rare, genuine smile to his face. "Not bad but I''m still never having a kid. Those little miscreants will make my life a living hell... Anyways... I have much more important things to focus on," As he moved on, passing stalls and shops, he couldn''t help but think about the potential his extraction ability held. Perhaps, one day, he could bring more to this world¡ªitems that might help others beyond himself. For now, though, he focused on his immediate ns, ncing at the time and mentally preparing for his uing meeting. Today held the potential to bring him one step closer to his goals. ... ... Thete afternoon sun cast a warm glow over the bustling open-air restaurant, where people sat at tables chatting over steaming tes of food. It was a ce that felt familiar yet lively. The noise and movement provided a sort offort. The restaurant was strategically chosen¡ªbusy enough to deter any mischief and close to a police station, just in case anything went sideways. August sat at a small table with a cup of coffee cooling in front of him. His scarf was wrapped loosely around his face, obscuring his identity just enough to avoid drawing unnecessary attention. He leaned back with a casual yet alert posture while scanning the crowd for his buyer. Soon, a man in his early forties, dressed in a well-tailored dark suit, approached the table. His features were sharp but friendly, with an air of professionalism that suggested he wasn''t new to such transactions. As he reached the table, he extended a hand with a warm smile. "Mr. Aleman, I presume?" he greeted with a respectful tone that exuded a hint of enthusiasm. August rose slightly, reaching out to shake the man''s hand. "That''s me. And you must be the buyer."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om The man chuckled, nodding as he adjusted his sses. "Indeed. I am Henry Whitford. I work as an independent appraiser and buyer for certain¡­ clients with specific tastes." He gave August a knowing look as his eyes gleamed with interest. "And when I heard about the Bronze Shortsword, well, let''s just say I couldn''t resist." August smirked under his scarf, nodding. "Well, Mr. Whitford, let''s take a look and make sure it''s everything you hoped it would be." He carefully reached into his bag, pulling out the Bronze Shortsword. Its de caught the sunlight, shimmering as he withdrew it partway from its sheath. The bronze alloy glowed with a faint magical aura. Henry''s eyes widened as he took in the sword''s details, clearly impressed. His hand extended toward it almost reverently. "May I?" he inquired while ncing at August for permission. August nodded, releasing the sword into Henry''s hands. Henry grasped the hilt, feeling the weight and bnce of the weapon. He held it up, admiring the craftsmanship while his eyes traced the subtle runes etched into the de''s edge. "This is¡­ remarkable," he murmured, almost to himself. "The artistry, the bnce¡­ I''ve seen my share of fine weaponry, but this is beyond expectations. Definitely not of this world." He gave the sword a light swing, testing its grip, then swung it a bit more boldly. To his and August''s surprise, the de sliced cleanly through the wooden table beside them, severing it with such precision that the two halves split apart as if they''d been cut by a master craftsman. Gasps erupted from the nearby diners, and heads turned as people stared at the shattered table. "What the...?" Many looked in shock, and a couple of restaurant staff hurried over, rmed. Henry looked horrified, quickly holding up his hands in apology. "My deepest apologies, everyone! I''ll cover the damages," he called out, flustered but reaching into his coat pocket and pulling out a ck credit card. He handed it to one of the staff members, who looked at him warily but nodded, evidently satisfied with the assurance ofpensation. The staff gathered the broken pieces of the table and left the two men to their business, though the lingering attention from other diners was hard to ignore. Once the small scene settled, Henry cleared his throat, giving August a sheepish smile. "I may have underestimated its sharpness." August chuckled. "That happens more often than you''d think with items from Enders Light." Henryposed himself, returning to the matter at hand. "Right, well, we agreed on one hundred thousand dors, yes?" He retrieved his phone, ncing at August for confirmation. August nodded, keeping his tone steady but watchful. "That''s right." After a few quick taps, Henry confirmed the transfer, and August''s phone buzzed with a notification. He nced at the screen, verifying that the funds had sessfullynded in the ount he''d designated. The deal was going smoothly, almost too smoothly, and just as he was about to hand the sword over to Henry, the faint sound of engines filled the air. The sound grew louder, apanied by murmurs from nearby diners as people looked toward the street. A convoy of ck SUVs pulled up to the restaurant with tinted windows and polished exteriors. There were four vehicles in total, each one exuding an aura of power and authority. At the center of the convoy was a final SUV, slightlyrger than the others. It radiated with wealth. The restaurant became noisy with hushed conversations as people watched in curiosity and confoundment. It was a dramatic arrival, one that signaled the presence of someone important¡ªor dangerous. One by one, the SUV doors opened, and men in dark suits emerged. Their expressions were stern and vignt as they scanned the area. They formed a protective line around thergest SUV, which remained closed for a few tense moments. Finally, the door opened, and a figure stepped out¡ªa man in his thirties, with sharp, angr features, slicked-back hair, and a suit that looked like it cost as much as a car. His presence wasmanding, exuding an air of cold authority and self-assured power. This was Floozk, a name whispered in the underground circles, the man known as The Boss in certain parts of the city. Henry''s face nched as he recognized Floozk. His hands tensed slightly as he clutched the sword''s hilt. He leaned closer to August as his voice dropped to a whisper. "Is that¡­ Floozk?" Henry''s voice was filled with disbelief as his eyes darted nervously toward the approaching entourage. August kept his expression calm. This was not the kind of interference he needed and he hoped to God that whatever this was, had nothing to do with him. However, that hope was soon dashed as Floozk strolled toward them. His bodyguards nked him, disying intimidating auras that kept people away. Among them was the same man who had met with August during his previous attempt to sell the sword. His gaze lingered on August with a mixture of recognition and satisfaction, as though he had been anticipating this moment. Floozk''s gazended on August, assessing him with a look that was both calcting and amused. It was a look that suggested he knew exactly who he was dealing with, and that this was more than just a chance encounter. "So, you''re the infamous Aleman," Floozk''s smooth voice carried a subtle edge. "I understand you''re in possession of something¡­ rather special." "And I guess you must be the infamous boss," August responded calmly as his eyes darted between the former buyer and Floozk himself. Chapter 36 Ill Double The Amount August''s hand tightened on the sword''s hilt as he met Floozk''s gaze. "It was agreed upon by this gentleman here," he replied, nodding slightly toward Henry. "I don''t think we need toplicate things." Floozk chuckled as his gaze flicked to Henry with a faint look of disdain. "Oh, I specialize inplications, Aleman. And when I want something, I don''t care who stands in the way." He looked back at August while speaking with a tone that carried a warning. "I''vee to acquire that sword, one way or another." The color drained from Henry''s face as Floozk''s words resounded in his ears. It was clear he didn''t want any part of a confrontation with someone like Floozk, and he nced anxiously at August, as though silently asking him to reconsider. But August''s gaze remained steady. "We already had a deal. I''m not interested in renegotiating." Floozk raised an eyebrow. "Bold. I respect that, Aleman. But respect only goes so far." He gave a slight nod to one of his bodyguards, a signal that made August''s hand instinctively tighten on the sword''s hilt.N?v(el)B\\jnn Floozk''s men began to step forward, surrounding the table in a loose circle. The tension in the air grew thick, and nearby diners began to whisper. Some even rose from their tables to move away from the impending confrontation. August remained seated with a calm posture. There was no fear in his gaze, just a steady, unyielding resolve that seemed to unsettle even the hardened men around him. Henry, on the other hand, was anything but calm. He stood beside August as beads of sweat formed on his forehead. His hands trembled slightly as he nced between Floozk, his bodyguards, and August. Henry had heard the stories of Floozk, stories that painted him as ruthless and unforgiving, a man whose power in the underground world rivaled that of any influential figure. Recalling those stories made his voice waver as he nced uneasily at Floozk. "Perhaps¡­ maybe we should reconsider¡­" Henry whispered with an almost pleading tone. August, however, remained unfazed. "No. It is a done deal." He kept his eyes on Floozk while exuding a quiet confidence that spoke of experience. In his previous world, he had dealt with men like Floozk¡ªpowerful figures who thrived on intimidation, using fear as their weapon of choice. He knew their tactics all too well, and he knew one golden rule: never let them see you hesitate. Floozk''s gaze, sharp and piercing, bore into August''s as if trying to read the man before him, to understand why this young yer would dare to defy him. After a moment, Floozk''s lips curved into a faint, calcting smile. "Very well, Aleman," Floozk voiced with a smooth yet deceptively friendly tone. "Let''s talk numbers, then. I''ll double the amount. Two hundred thousand." Henry''s eyes widened in relief as he looked at August, practically willing him to ept. The deal seemed more than fair, especially with the added danger of defying Floozk hanging over them. But August barely reacted. His calm gaze never left Floozk. "Not interested," his tone was calm and casual. A flicker of irritation crossed Floozk''s face. His friendly facade slipped ever so slightly. He took a step forward as his voice grew colder and unmistakably threatening. "Think carefully, Aleman. I don''t usually extend a second offer, let alone double it. ept, and you''ll be in my good graces. Refuse¡­ and I can''t guarantee this won''t end badly for you." Beside Floozk, theckey who had first met with August during his initial attempt to sell the sword took a step forward, offering a forced smile as he tried to interject. "Mr. Aleman, please. This is a rare chance. Mr. Floozk isn''t a man to turn down lightly," theckey said carefully, hoping to reason with August. But August''s expression didn''t waver. He met Floozk''s gaze with unwavering confidence, as though he werepletely immune to the threat being levied against him. "If you really want to stay in *my* good books," he said calmly, "you''ll let meplete my deal here with Mr. Whitford. There''ll be other opportunities for us to work together, Mr Floozk. The Bronze Shortsword is just the beginning. You''ll miss out on much more if you ruin this for me now." Henry gaped at August. His eyes widened in shock. He had never seen anyone speak to Floozk this way, let alone stand up to him without the slightest trace of fear. The other diners watched in silent fascination, their eyes darting between August and Floozk, caught in the tension of the moment. One of Floozk''s bodyguards, clearly aggravated by August''s unyielding stance, clenched his fists and took a menacing step forward. But Floozk raised a hand, signaling him to stand down while his gaze was still centered on August. For a long, heavy moment, Floozk studied him. Then, slowly, a smirk began to form on his lips, one that spoke of both amusement and a grudging respect. "You''re a rare one, Aleman. Very few people talk to me like that, and even fewer walk away intact." August''s lips curved into a faint smile. "Good to know I''m making an impression." Floozk''s eyes glinted with something that might have been admiration, or perhaps just intrigue. After a moment''s pause, he reached into the pocket of his tailored suit and withdrew a ck business card before extending it to August. "Here," Floozk voiced. "When you have something else to sell, contact me first. Let''s make sure I''m your top client." August took the card, ncing down at it briefly before meeting Floozk''s gaze once more. "Of course. No problem, Mr. Floozk." Floozk gave a slight nod, as though granting August a small measure of respect. Without another word, he turned on his heel. His bodyguards fell in step around him, forming a protective barrier as they made their way back to the waiting convoy. The tension that had held the restaurant in a stranglehold slowly began to dissipate, and the diners resumed their conversations, albeit in hushed tones, casting curious nces toward August. Once Floozk and his entourage were out of sight, Henry let out a shaky breath. He looked at August in shock, awe, and relief. He shook his head as a faint smile formed while he tried to process what had just happened. "How¡­ how did you manage to pull that off?" Henry questioned in disbelief and admiration. "That was Floozk, Aleman. People like him¡­ they don''t just back down." August gave a nonchnt shrug with a calm and confident tone. "Experience, Henry. Men like Floozk? They feed off fear. Don''t give it to them, and you''re already one step ahead." Henry let out a low chuckle, still in awe about how August had handled the encounter. "You''re either incredibly brave or incredibly reckless. Either way, you''ve got my respect. Thank you¡­ for finishing the deal." August gave a nod, ncing down at Floozk''s business card before tucking it away in his pocket. "d we could wrap this up. Enjoy the sword, Henry. I don''t think I''ll be taking refunds." They shared a briefugh, thest traces of tension finally dissipating as Henry grinned. "I''ll take good care of it, don''t worry. And¡­ if you ever need anything, you know where to find me." With a final handshake, Henry took his leave. ... ... As the convoy made its way down the city streets, the atmosphere inside Floozk''s luxurious SUV was thick with unspoken tension. Floozk sat in the back seat with a distant gaze as he reyed the encounter with August in his mind. The defiance, theck of fear¡ªit was rare for someone to stand up to him so openly, and rarer still for that person to walk away unscathed. Beside him, theckey who had first tried to negotiate with August shifted ufortably, casting nervous nces at Floozk as though trying to gauge his mood. Finally, unable to contain his confusion, theckey spoke up, his tone hesitant. "Sir, if I may¡­ why did we let him get away with it?" Theckey''s voice wavered slightly as he nced at Floozk. "We could have taken the sword by force. No one would have dared to stop us." Floozk''s gaze remained fixed out the window. After a long pause, a faint smile appeared at the corner of his lips alongside a glimmer of amusement in his eyes. "Aleman¡­ he''s an interesting one," he responded with a contemtive tone. "It''s rare to meet someone who doesn''t flinch in my presence." Theckey frowned, clearly not understanding. "But¡­ he refused your offer, sir. He showed you no respect." Floozk''s smirk widened slightly. "Respect isn''t always earned by fear alone. Aleman''s confidence¡ªhis audacity¡ªthat''s something I don''t encounter often. It''s refreshing. Besides, people usually don''t act that way unless they have something up their sleeves. He might prove useful¡­ more valuable as an ally than as an enemy." Theckey shifted ufortably as he struggled toprehend his boss''s perspective. "But, sir, what if he¡ª" Without warning, Floozk''s handshed out, delivering a sharp p across theckey''s face. "Know your ce..." Chapter 37 Five Star Rating The sound of the p echoed through the car, and theckey flinched, clutching his cheek as he bit back a gasp of pain. "Know your ce," Floozk said coldly with a icy gaze as he fixed theckey with a withering stare. "Aleman might have earned a sliver of my fondness, but you are not in a position to question my decisions. Remember that." Theckey nodded quickly with reddened face as he muttered with a strained tone, "Yes, sir." As the SUV continued its journey, Floozk leaned back in his seat. For the first time in a long while, he had met someone who didn''t buckle under his presence, someone who saw value in integrity even when facing someone as powerful as himself. It was a rare quality, one that intrigued him. "Aleman," he murmured to himself. ... ... As thete afternoon melted into a soft, golden evening, August found himself back at Digital Haven, the neighborhood inte cafe he hade to think of as his unofficial office. The cafe buzzed with its usual eclectic crowd: gamers hunched over keyboards, students with textbooks open, and a few frencers quietly focused on their screens. The background murmur and the faint aroma of coffee mixed with a sense ofmunity, giving the ce an ambiance of familiarity and calm that feltforting to him. August stepped inside, ncing around as he adjusted his scarf, and made his way to the counter. Now that he was back in his neighborhood, he didn''t need to hide his face anymore. Remi, the cafe''s owner, looked up from her spot behind the counter and immediately lit up with a warm, yful smile. "Back again?" she teased with a twinkle in her eye. "At this rate, I''ll have to start charging you rent." August chuckled with a rxed expression as he approached the counter. "Wouldn''t be the worst thing in the world. At least it''de with free coffee, right?" Remi leaned forward, resting her elbows on the counter. "Depends on how many deals you''re closing in my cafe," she joked. "Seems like business is booming for you these days, Mr. Mysterious." "Something like that," August replied with a smirk. "Today was¡­ interesting." He kept his words vague, but the memory of his earlier encounter with Floozk still lingered, giving his statement an edge of excitement. Remi gave him a curious look as her smile widened. "Interesting, huh? Well, d you seem alright, whatever ''interesting'' means." They shared augh, and August found himself grateful for her easygoing presence. With a nod, he headed toward one of theputers in the back corner, settling down in the chair and logging into his ount on the game-rted social tform. As his profile loaded, he was greeted with a new notification: his profile had received a five-star rating from Mr. Whitford, the buyer of the Bronze Shortsword. August''s lips quirked into a satisfied smile, feeling a sense of aplishment. It was his first sessful sale in this world¡ªa significant milestone and a reminder that he was finding his footing here. Just then, a steady stream of messages began flooding his inbox. Prospective buyers, gamers, and collectors all sent inquiries, some asking if the Bronze Shortsword was still avable, others simply wanting to know if he had more items to sell. With a quick flick of his mouse, August updated the sword''s status to "Sold," smirking as he watched the messages continue to pour in despite the change. A hundred thousand dors. The thought rolled around in his mind with a sense of satisfaction. In his previous life, it would have been a trivial amount, but here, it felt like a step in the right direction. August had always known how to handle money and it felt invigorating to build something from scratch again. But he couldn''t bask in the sess for long. The looming deadline with Damon hung over him like a shadow. He needed four hundred thousand more in less than two weeks. As he pondered his next move, August''s gaze drifted over to the message board. Damon had told him to pay five thousand dors for now even though August owed way more so he obviously needed to make more money. But August didn''t n to stop there. Enders Light had be more than just a game for him; it was a means to build an empire. Determined to capitalize on his recent sess, August decided to list more items for sale. Unlike other yers, who could only extract Legendary-grade items to reality, August''s unique ability allowed him to materialize anything from his inventory, regardless of grade. This gave him an edge few others could match. In Enders Light, item grades were strictly organized by rarity and power: - Common - Iron - Umon - Bronze - Unique - Diamond - Rare - Legendary - Mythical These grades represented a spectrum from basic, everyday items to the god-like power and scarcity of Mythic items. For most yers, even obtaining a Legendary item was a feat worth boasting about. Only a handful number of yers had ever achieved this and these were the same yers who had acquired real-life abilities. Its rarity wasn''t just in-game but also allowed it to be extracted into reality. The higher the grade, the greater the demand and value, and the more impactful it was when used in real life. But August''s extraction ability broke the rules, granting him the power to bring out anything¡ªregardless of grade¡ªinto the real world, a privilege that gave him both versatility and control. With this advantage in mind, August leaned back in his chair, focusing his thoughts as he summoned the familiar system interface. A transparent screen materialized before him, showing his in-game inventory in vivid detail. Each item was listed in neat rows as though he were still inside the game. --- [Inventory] - Golem Core Shard - 1500 Gold - Health Potion x12 - Mana Potion x10 - Enhanced Dagger (Bronze) - High Tier Health Potion x5 - High Tier Mana Potion x1 - Dark Orb - Rank Up Card - Leather Armor - Umon Toxic Dagger - Danting Pendant - Runic Sword (Unique) ... --- August''s eyes skimmed over the items thoughtfully, assessing each one''s potential. Some were too valuable or useful to part with, but others held a value that was more financial than practical to him. He quickly zeroed in on a few items that he knew would appeal to collectors and power-seekers alike. He first recalled the Basic Dagger, a simple Common-grade weapon he''d extracted in an earlier experiment.N?v(el)B\\jnn While unremarkable by in-game standards, it was still a fully functional de with a sharp edge and sturdy construction. Even at the lowest grade, he knew it would be worth something in the real world, especially to those who wanted a taste of in-game weaponry. He decided to list it for twenty thousand dors¡ªan essible price point that would still bring him a tidy profit. Then, his gaze fell on the Runic Sword, a weapon of the Unique grade that he had earned from the vige chief afterpleting a rare quest. This wasn''t just any weapon; it was one that grew in power alongside its wielder. The sword''s true allurey in its ability to send out a powerful reddish arc of magic with each swing¡ªa feature that, while impressive in the game, would no doubt be just as striking in reality. After some deliberation, he set the price at five hundred thousand dors. He knew the price was high, but he was confident it would catch the attention of the serious collectors and high rollers out there. He could almost envision the way this weapon would look when wielded in the real world. Its magical glow casting a mythical light and the red arc slicing through the air. The thought sent a thrill through him. He then moved on to the Umon Toxic Daggers. These dual daggers had a mild poison effect¡ªa unique trait that slowed and weakened opponents without causing lethal harm. They also reduced HP consecutively. They''d served him well in the early stages of his gamey but had been reced by his new Enhanced Dagger, which was of Bronze grade. He listed the Umon daggers for eighty thousand dors, knowing that their poison effect would make them attractive to potential buyers interested in their strategic advantage. Satisfied with his selections, he began drafting detailed descriptions for each item: - Basic Dagger (Common): A reliable, sharp dagger suitable for defense or practical use. Durable and easy to handle. - Umon Toxic Daggers: Dual daggersced with poison. These daggers weaken and slow enemies with each strike. - Runic Sword (Unique): A legendary de capable of leveling up alongside its user. Emits a powerful red magical arc with each swing. In the game, it requires one to be of the warrior or knight ss but in real life, you have nothing to worry about. With each description, August could practically envision the appeal of these items, especially the Runic Sword, which he knew would be the centerpiece of his sales. As he hit "Submit," he watched with satisfaction as the items went live, immediately attracting the attention of curious gamers. As he leaned back, a sense of aplishment filled him. Not only was he leveraging his extraction ability to build wealth, but he was tapping into an unexplored market, a ce where virtual value tranted into real currency. After onest check of his messages, August logged out, closing down theputer and standing up. He cast a nce around the cafe, his gazending on Remi, who was busy serving a customer but caught his eye, giving him a cheerful smile and a wave. "You leaving so soon?" she called out with a yful tone. "Yeah, but don''t worry, I''ll be back to raise the rent soon," he replied, shing a grin. Remiughed, shaking her head as she returned to her customer. Her eyes lingered on him with an unspoken warmth while he waved goodbye. It was alreadyte in the night. Due to his rush, August didn''t notice that he''d left something on the desk where theputer he just used was positioned. Chapter 38 Possessive Ex ... ... As August made his way home, he checked his watch and noticed it was around 9:30 pm. The streets were sparely lit and a quiet settled over the city as most people headed home for the night. Suddenly, he stopped in his tracks, patting his pockets with a growing realization¡ªhe''d left his house keys back at Digital Haven. "Damn," he muttered under his breath, briefly considering if he could just get them in the morning. Sophia was definitely home so he wouldn''t have to worry about getting into the apartment. But with his early shift tomorrow, he decided it was better to go back and get them now rather than risk a chaotic morning. Turning on his heel, he retraced his steps, heading back toward the cafe. When he arrived, he found the front door locked. The "Closed" sign hung on disy. He sighed, ready to head home without the keys, when he spotted a familiar figure at the edge of his vision. It was Remi, walking down a narrow alleyway near the cafe. Her silhouette was outlined by the faint glow of a streemp, and August squinted, about to call out when he noticed two men nking her¡ªone on each side, moving in unison with her steps. A feeling of unease crept into him. He watched as the men leaned in close to Remi. Their shadows shifted as they cornered her in the narrow path. August''s instinct kicked in. His eyes narrowed as he decided to follow, careful to stay out of sight as he approached. The closer he got, the clearer their voices became. "Look, sweetheart," sneered one of the men with a menacing tone, "you know how it is. De Grande isn''t happy about the way you left things." Remi''s voice trembled with irritation. "Tell De Grande to get over himself. I''m done with him and his games." The man to her left chuckled darkly, pressing something¡ªlikely a knife¡ªto her side. "I''d keep that pretty mouth shut if I were you. Just behave, and this''ll go smoothly." His tone turned lewd as he added, "Besides, I''m sure the boss won''t mind if we¡­ have a little fun first." August clenched his fists, disgust welling up inside him as he listened. He couldn''t stand by any longer. He stepped out from the shadows. "Hey! Why don''t you leave her alone?" The two men turned in surprise. Their expressions quickly twisted into sneers as they took in August''s unassuming appearance. "And who the hell are you?" one of them spat. August took a step forward with a cold gaze. "Just someone who doesn''t appreciate scumbags like you harassing women." The thug closest to Remi smirked, gripping his knife tighter as he gestured at August. "Looks like we''ve got ourselves a hero, huh? Too bad for you, hero. We don''t take kindly to people sticking their noses where they don''t belong." Before August could respond, the man lunged at him with a snarl while his de was pressed forward. August sidestepped, grabbing the thug''s wrist and twisting it sharply. The man yelped in pain, dropping his knife with a tter. Without missing a beat, August threw a punch, connecting his fist squarely with the thug''s jaw and sending him sprawling to the ground. Remi gasped with widened eyes as she backed away, but the second thug moved in fast, slipping his own knife from his pocket. He swung at August, aiming to sh at his side, but August was quicker. He dodged repeatedly as he realized he needed a weapon¡ªsomething to give him an edge. In that moment, he remembered his extraction ability. "Remi, stand back," he warned while calling on his inventory. A screen invisible to all except himself appeared before him and he instantly reached out to touch one of the weapons. With a thought, he activated the extraction. [ Will You Like To Extract Basic Dagger ] [ Yes ] ¡Á [ No ] "Yes," August muttered. Almost instantaneously, a faint glow materialized in his hand, solidifying into the Basic Dagger. The man''s eyes widened in confusion as they saw the de appear seemingly out of thin air. The second thug sneered, assuming the dagger was just another street de. He lunged forward, swinging his knife in a broad arc, but August met his attack head-on, raising his Basic Dagger. The two des collided, and to the thug''s shock, August''s dagger cleaved cleanly through his own, slicing it in half with a smooth, almost effortless motion.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om The thug staggered back in utter disbelief. "What¡­ what the hell kind of knife is that?!" August smirked, gripping the dagger tightly. "A special one." Without giving the thug a chance to recover, August swung his fist, catching him across the face with a powerful right hook that sent him stumbling back into the alley wall. The thug crumpled to the ground, clutching his face as a dark bruise began to form. Remi rushed over with a look of both concern and astonishment. "August, are you okay? That was¡­ insane!" He nodded while giving her a reassuring smile. "I''m fine. Just wanted to make sure you''re safe." The thugsy groaning on the ground. One of them nursed a busted lip while the other stared at August''s de in fear. August pocketed the dagger, deciding he''d dealt enough damage for the night. He took Remi by the arm, leading her away from the alley and putting distance between them and the fallen men. As they reached the end of the street, Remi''s hand clung to his arm. "Thank you, August. I don''t know what would have happened if you hadn''t been there." August offered a slight smile. "No one deserves to be treated like that. Especially not by some scumbags sent by an even bigger scumbag." They walked toward the nearest police station so she could file a report, and on the way, Remi filled him in on the details about her ex. "De Grande was charming at first but turns out he''s just a jealous, possessive bastard. When I found out he''d been cheating, I ended it, and he didn''t take it well." August shook his head, casting a sidelong nce at her. "You sure know how to pick ''em, don''t you?" Remiughed, nudging him yfully. "Well, maybe you can help change that. Ever considered being a knight in shining armor full-time?" August raised an eyebrow, smirking as he replied, "Business before pleasure, Remi. I''ve got some debts to handle first." Remi chuckled, nodding. "Fair enough, Mr. Responsible. Guess I''ll have to wait until you''re debt-free." She winked at him, and they both shared augh. Once they reached the station, Remi filed her report, recounting the harassment and the confrontation with August by her side. After finishing up, they left together, and August retrieved his keys from Digital Haven. As they walked toward the bus stop, Remi kept ncing at him with a yful smile. Who knew the pretty boy wasn''t just a pretty face? When they reached her bus stop, she paused, looking at him with a mixture of gratitude and warmth. "Thanks again, August. You really saved me back there. I owe you one." August shrugged with a smirk. "All in a day''s work." Before he could say goodbye, Remi leaned in, pressing a soft peck to his cheek. "Consider that a down payment on the favor I owe you," she whispered before giving him a yful wink. He chuckled while watching as she boarded the bus. He waved as it pulled away. ... ... In an unknown location, a room was cloaked in shadows, except for the moonlight filtering in through the tall, narrow windows. From this tower''s vantage point, the city below sprawled out like a sea of lights, distant and flickering in the midnight haze. The walls of the room were lined with rows of ss cases, each containing an artifact of a peculiar, otherworldly nature. Weapons, trinkets, shimmering stones, and relics rested on disy, sealed behind tempered ss. Some items glowed faintly, casting eerie reflections that danced across the room''s dark walls. Near the farthest window stood a tall figure in a dark robe. His gaze was fixed intently on the cityscape. His face was hidden. Only his sharp jaw and the faint outline of a scar happened to be visible beneath the hood that shadowed his features. This was The Collector, a man whose infamy was as potent as the leader of a faction of the Onis, a group of superpowered yers who robbed other yers. Behind him, the faint buzz of a concealed security system vibrated. Suddenly, the door to the chamber creaked open, and a group of figures entered. Leading them was a woman wearing a fox mask. Her silhouette was slender and agile. Behind her were three others, dressed in traditional, kimono-like robes, but unlike her, their faces were bare. "Another sessful heist!" one of them announced with pride as he stepped forward. In his arms was a small case, which he gently ced on a pedestal in the center of the room. Chapter 39 Who is Aleman? Inside the small case, a glimmering amulet rested. Its blue and silver hues caught the moonlight. The Collector''s face remained obscured in shadow as he turned. His eyes glinted in approval. "Well done," he murmured. He looked at the amulet with mild interest before his gaze shifted to Fox. "Fox," he called with a soft yetmanding tone.N?v(el)B\\jnn She approached him silently with measured steps. Even with the mask on, her focus and readiness were clear. She stopped a few steps before him, bowing slightly as a show of respect. "Yes, sir?" she replied with a respectful tone. The Collector gestured to the glistening city below. "Have you heard the recent news?" he voiced in curiosity. Fox tilted her head. "I''ve heard snippets. The police chatter has been louder than usual, but that''s not unusual given our activities." The Collector shook his head slightly. "No, not about our recent exploits. There''s a name surfacing in certain¡­ circles. The name Aleman." The other members of her group shifted, listening closely as the conversation turned to something unexpected. Fox''s eyes sharpened behind the mask. "Aleman?" The Collector nodded, returning his gaze to the cityscape as he spoke with a tone of intrigue. "Reports say this individual managed to sell an in-game item that wasn''t of Legendary grade. A Bronze-grade item." Fox''s eyes narrowed. "Impossible. Only Legendary items can be extracted out of Enders Light." "That''s the rule," the Collector agreed with a thoughtful tone. "But somehow, he did it. The sale went through, and the item was verified as authentic. Bronze grade." One of the other men in the group scoffed quietly, crossing his arms. "There must be a catch. Perhaps he found some loophole, some glitch?" The Collector shook his head slowly with a resolute tone. "No. This isn''t amon glitch. It''s either a unique property of the item itself¡­ or something about this Aleman." Fox crossed her arms, considering his words carefully. "What if it''s thetter? If he''s capable of extracting items at any grade¡­" The Collector''s voice dropped to a whisper,den with anticipation. "Then we may have stumbled upon someone with a power far beyond our current understanding. It is too much toprehend. And if that''s true, then he could be the key to acquiring things we''ve only dreamed of." The idea seemed to catch like wildfire among the others in the room. Their faces shifted from skepticism to interest. They all turned their eyes to Fox as she spoke up. "What would you have me do, sir?" she questioned, awaiting orders. The Collector''s gaze hardened. "Find him. Find this Aleman. Gather any information you can on him. I want to know who he is, how he does it, and how we can use him to our advantage." Fox nodded in understanding. "Consider it done." The Collector took a step closer, lowering his voice to almost a hiss. "And, Fox¡­ be cautious. If this Aleman really can extract any item, he may be more powerful than we think." A faint, humorless smile tugged at the corner of Fox''s lips beneath the mask. Her confidence remained unwavering. "If he proves dangerous, I''ll handle it." The Collector let out a low chuckle of approval. "I trust you will." With a slight bow, Fox turned and gestured to her team, motioning for them to exit the chamber. As they moved toward the door, she could hear the whispers of her colleagues behind her, murmuring about this new yer on their radar. As they left, Fox''s mind was already working through her next steps, calcting her approach. This Aleman had piqued her curiosity, and while her orders were clear, she couldn''t deny a thrill of excitement at the prospect of tracking him down. After all, anything rarely ever escaped her watchful eyes once they had her attention. ... ... It had been four days since August had posted his items for sale, and the response had been nothing short of overwhelming. His inbox overflowed with messages, each one a new inquiry from people all over the inte. Some were eager to buy, willing to pay top dor without hesitation, while others were more skeptical, questioning the authenticity of his items and how he had managed to extract weapons and tools below Legendary grade out of Enders Light. In gamingmunities, forums buzzed with debates, theories, and spections about Aleman. Some imed he was a genius hacker who had somehow bypassed the game''s rigid extractionws; others theorized he had found a rare item with special properties that allowed him to break the usual rules. A few bold voices even suggested Aleman might have connections within the game''s mysterious development team, giving him insider ess to abilities unavable to the general yer base. For August, however, all this talk was nothing but background noise. His focus was straightforward: clear his debts and maintain a low profile in real life. He didn''t need fame or attention from the onlinemunity¡ªjust the right buyers and enough sales to reach his target so he could finally move on to the next phase... Starting a business. In the meantime, he had been steadily progressing in Enders Light, grinding his way up to level 23. Hisbat skills were sharper, his magical abilities more refined, and he''d even made a handful of connections with yers in real life, one of whom had recently purchased the Basic Dagger. The buyer, ecstatic to get his hands on a genuine weapon from the game, had even exchanged in-game names with August, promising to stay in touch and possibly grind together sometime. August smirked as he thought back on it. "The more connections, the better," he mused to himself. Even though he had no intention of bing a social figure in the gaming world, building awork in Enders Light couldn''t hurt. It would definitely help his business. His next appointments were lined up over theing days: tomorrow, he would be meeting a buyer for the Toxic Daggers, a sale he''d carefully vetted. The demand for the daggers was intense, and sifting through the thousands of interested buyers had taken time, but he felt confident he had found the right person. As for the Runic Sword, he had secured an appointment with a wealthy client who had expressed serious interest. The agreement was clear¡ªany deviation, and he''d sell it to someone else. Satisfied with his progress, August settled into his daily routine at the factory. However, as he went about his tasks, he couldn''t help but notice the absence of Derrick. This was the second day his friend hadn''t shown up for his shift. A sense of worry tugged at him. Derrick was reliable, and for him to miss two days in a row without notice was out of character. "Where the hell are you, Derrick?" August muttered under his breath as he hoisted a heavy crate onto a conveyor belt. August resolved to call Derrick after work. Chapter 40 The Forgotten Ruins After his shift, August joined the line of workers collecting their weekly pay. The usual chatter of tired workers filled the room. As he waited, August couldn''t shake his growing concern for Derrick. His friend''s unexined absence for two consecutive days was unlike him, and a nagging feeling told August that something was off. Just then, he overheard one of the supervisors grumbling near the front of the room. "Where the hell is that Derrick guy? Missing two days without a single word¡ªdo people just think they cane and go as they please?" Another supervisor chimed in, clearly annoyed. "This is a factory, not a free-for-all. Might as well let him go if he''s going to start cking off." August felt a spark of anger rise within him. Before he knew it, he stepped forward, addressing the supervisor directly. "With all due respect, sir, Derrick has never done this before. He''s been one of the most reliable workers here. Something''s probablye up, and I''m sure he''ll exin as soon as he can." The supervisor, a stocky man with a permanent scowl, gave August a hard look. "Well, he''d better have a damn good reason. We''re not running a charity here. You''d do well to get your friend in line." August forced a polite nod, though irritation simmered beneath the surface. "I''ll check in on him, sir. Thank you for understanding." The supervisor gave a dismissive grunt, waving him off. "Fine, fine. Just make sure he shows up tomorrow¡ªor he might not have a job to return to." August bit back a retort as he collected his pay. He left the factory, grateful to finally be out of the supervisor''s presence. Pulling out his phone as soon as he stepped outside, he immediately dialed Derrick''s number. The phone rang several times and he waited patiently for an answer. When it eventually went to voicemail, he sighed and tried again. And again. No answer. After his tenth attempt, he let out a frustrated breath, shoving his phone back into his pocket. ... The walk home felt longer than usual as he thought about possible reasons for Derrick''s absence. ''He can''t be in trouble, right?'' August could only hope. He never really kept friends in his previous world but Derrick was actually a very likeable dude. He stood up for August a number of times in the past and even offered part of his pay whenever August was having difficulties taking care of Sophia''s school fees. He really was a stand-up guy. As soon as he reached his apartment, August took out his phone and tried again. Once more, there was nothing but the automated voicemail. He set his phone on the table, pacing the small space as thoughts tumbled through his mind. Derrick had always been the responsible one, someone who took his job seriously, especially given his situation with Tara and their uing baby. Missing work for two days without a word waspletely out of character. Late in the evening, he picked up his phone again, dialing Derrick''s number with the hope that this time, there''d be an answer. But once more, only the steady tone of unanswered rings filled his ear, ending with the voicemail message he''d heard far too many times that day. ~ "Hey it''s Derrick, I can''te to the phone right now. Do leave a message." ~ August set the phone down with a frustrated sigh, muttering to himself, "Looks like I''ll have to visit to find out what''s going on." Determined, he decided he''d visit Derrick in person if he didn''t show up at the factory tomorrow. ncing at his phone again, he reminded himself of his uing meeting with the buyer for the Toxic Daggers scheduled for tomorrow evening. His schedule was tight, but he''d make time. Derrick was his only friend in this world, and he had to make sure he was alright. As the night settled outside his window, August prepared himself for a full night of gaming, eager to put his real-world worries aside. With a deep breath, he logged into Enders Light, feeling the familiar rush as the world around him transformed into the digital realm he''de to know so well. His avatar, Aleman, materialized in front of the bustling TG Adventurers Guild, where he saw his in-game friends¡ªLilo, Boris, and Ezran¡ªwaiting for him. Lilo spotted him first, waving excitedly as he approached. "Aleman! d you could make it," she grinned while giving him a friendly salute. "Wouldn''t miss it for the world," August replied with a faint smile. He was genuinely d to see them; they had only grinded together twice and he wanted to increase that number to get a feeling of what it was like to be in a party. "Man, what a day," Boris groaned, stretching as though he could shake off the fatigue that still clung to him even here in the game. "Work is no joke. My arms are sore just thinking about it." Lilo nodded with a look of sympathy in her eyes. "Tell me about it. Worked a double shift, and all I could think about was getting back here to blow off some steam." Ezran smirked, folding his arms as he looked at the two of them. "Guess I can''t rte. College might be rough, but at least I''m not breaking my back all day." August chuckled, giving Ezran a yful nudge. "I remember college. It''s no walk in the park either." Lilo snorted, nudging Ezran. "College boy thinks he''s got it rough. Just wait until you have to pay your own rent." Ezranughed, throwing up his hands in mock defense. "Hey, I''m just here for the free grind therapy session. You can lecture me about life skillster." They shared a round ofughter, easing away the stress they carried from their daily lives. August took a deep breath, feeling the troubles of his real-world concerns lift, even if just for a moment. The game offered them an escape, a ce to focus on the thrill of battle and the reward of leveling up without the burdens of real-world responsibilities. "Alright," Boris said, rolling his shoulders and gripping his sword with renewed energy. "Let''s put the daily grind behind us and dive into some monster hunting." Lilo nodded eagerly. "I''m ready. Let''s hit something hard." August grinned. "So, what''s the n? Where are we grinding tonight?" Boris pulled up the map, his finger tracing over a region on the outskirts of Tagharuim Kingdom. "I was thinking we''d head over to the Forgotten Ruins. The monsters there scale with group size, so it''s perfect for a team like us. Plus, I heard the loot is pretty good if we make it through a full clear." Ezran raised an eyebrow. "Forgotten Ruins, huh? I''ve heard that ce can get intense at night. Monsters hit harder, but the loot doubles." Lilo pped her hands together, clearly excited. "Sounds perfect. Let''s get some of that loot and maybe level up while we''re at it!" August nodded at the thought of a challenging grind. "Alright, let''s go tear up some monsters." They all agreed, sharing a quick round of encouragement before they set off. The group''s journey led them away from the usual forests and open fields, taking them to a ce called the Forgotten Ruins. It was a ce of crumbling stone pirs, ancient statues, and eerie, glowing glyphs etched into the walls. A faint whisper echoed throughout the ruins that sent a chill through the bones of yers. August gripped his custom Mage staff in one hand and his Enhanced Dagger in the other, ready to wield both magic and physical force with his dual-ss setup. As they stepped further inside, a system notification popped up: --- [System Notification] - Wee to the Forgotten Ruins - Level Range: 25-35 - Monsters Scale by Group Size - Bonus Loot Drops: Increased 50% --- Ezran looked around, taking in the eerie beauty of their surroundings. "This ce is... hauntingly beautiful. And a bit unnerving." Boris, the group''s Knight, adjusted his grip on his shield and sword as his armor gleamed faintly in the ruins'' spectral light. "Let''s not get distracted. These monsters are no joke, but if we focus, we can make it through." Lilo, the group''s Ranger, notched an arrow into her magical bow while her eyes scanned the shadows. "Let''s get some EXP!" Dark shapes began to emerge from the shadows. Hulking figures of stone and glowing eyes locked onto the group. --- [System Notification] - You have encountered: Stonebound Sentinels (Level 26)n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om - Group Scaling Activated: Monsters are 50% Stronger --- Ezran gazed upon the figures and whistled. "Stonebound Sentinels. These guys are known for high defense." August grinned while raising his staff as magical power crackled around it. "Then let''s make them regret stepping in our path." The Sentinels charged, swinging their massive arms with deadly force. Boris stepped forward, raising his shield to absorb the impact. [ System Notification: Boris uses Shield Wall - Damage Reduced by 40% for 10 seconds ] Chapter 41 Warlord Sentinel [ System Notification: Boris uses Shield Wall - Damage Reduced by 40% for 10 seconds ] The Sentinel''s blow struck Boris''s shield with a resounding ng, but he held firm. "Lilo, Ezran¡ªaim for their weak points!" Lilo nodded as she pulled back the glowing bowstring and released an arrow imbued with magical energy. It struck the nearest Sentinel, sending a pulse of energy through its stone form. [System Notification: Lilo uses Arcane Arrow - Stonebound Sentinel HP -300] Ezran unleashed a flurry of energy bolts, each one hitting the Sentinels with precise uracy. [System Notification: Ezran uses Fire Bolt - Stonebound Sentinel ] [ HP -150] [ HP -150] [ HP -150] [ HP -120] August stayed back, assessing the battlefield. With his dual-ss abilities, he had the versatility to both cast spells and join closebat. Raising his Mage staff, he activated its custom ability, unleashing the unique spell attached to it. --- [System Notification: You have activated Ethereal Storm.] - Effect: Unleash a storm of energy that deals massive damage to all enemies within a 20-meter radius, dealing damage over time to enemies in range. - Additional Effect: Elemental Affinity (randomized effect for each cast) --- August mmed the staff into the ground and greenish magical circles began to appear in the sky above the enemies. As the magical energy in the surroundings surged, one could already tell that this attack would have a wide area of concentration. "Get back!" August yelled to the others so they wouldn''t get caught in it. [ -1200 MP ] August used to think Lightning was a Magic Power sucker until he gained this spell. In the next instant, A purplish storm of energy descended upon the surroundings like a pir of destruction. [ Stonebound Sentinels: HP -4000 ] [ System Notification: Toxic Effect Activated ] As the storm of energy began to whittle, scorch marks settled upon the surroundings and the enemies. - Toxic Damage: -500 HP per second for 10 seconds [ - 500 HP ] [ - 500 HP ] [ - 500 HP ] [ - 500 HP ] The Sentinels roared as their stone bodies glowed red-hot while they lost HP consecutively for the next ten seconds. Lilo and Boris took advantage, moving in for powerful strikes. Boris bashed his shield against the nearest Sentinel, using his strength to weaken its defense. [System Notification: Boris uses Shield Bash - Stonebound Sentinel HP -800] Lilo fired another Arcane Arrow causing magical energy to explode upon impact and sending cracks through the Sentinel''s stone form. "Nice one, Aleman!" Lilo called with a grin, notching another arrow. Ezranughed, casting another series of energy bolts. "We''re unstoppable with Aleman''s magic backing us up!" The group worked together seamlessly, coordinating their attacks to maximize their effectiveness. August switched between his Enhanced Dagger and his staff, delivering shes up close when the opportunity arose. After they cleared the initial wave, another wave of Sentinels emerged, stronger and more aggressive. August activated his staff''s Ethereal Storm again. This time he watched as bolts of lightning rained down on their enemies. Ethereal Storm surprisingly had a variety of natural destructive attacks and effects. The custom staff was nothing short of a magnificent weapon. --- [ System Notification: Elemental Effect Activated - Lightning ] - Stonebound Sentinel HP -4500 - Shock Effect: Reduced Movement Speed for 5 seconds --- The Sentinels staggered with sluggish movements as lightning coursed through their stone forms. Boris took the opportunity to bash one with his shield, sending it crashing to the ground. "Bet you didn''t see thating!" Boris taunted, swinging his sword down. [System Notification: Boris uses Heavy sh - Stonebound Sentinel HP -1500] The Sentinel shattered, leaving behind a shimmering pile of loot. Ezran darted over, gathering a glowing mana crystal. "Loot jackpot!" he cheered. "These crystals will fetch a great price." They fought on, taking down each wave as they ventured deeper into the ruins. August continued to use his staff''s abilities, alternating between fire, lightning, and ice effects that amplified the group''s attacks. At one point, after a grueling series of fights, they stopped to catch their breath. Lilo leaned on her bow with a grin on her face. "Aleman, you''re making us all look like amateurs tonight." August shrugged, clearly pleased. "Guess having two weapons has its perks." Borisughed, adjusting his shield. "I''d hate to be on the receiving end of that staff." "But seriously, how is this possible? You''re an assassin and a mage at the same time?" Lilo voiced in utter curiosity. Just as August was about to give a response, a new notification popped up: --- [System Notification: Boss Encounter - Sentinel Warlord (Level 35)] - Warning: High-Level Enemy Detected --- The ground trembled as a massive figure stepped forward, a Sentinel Warlord with stone armor etched in glowing runes. Its eyes zed red as it raised its stone fists, ready to crush anyone who dared challenge it. Boris raised his shield, bracing himself. "Here we go. This one''s going to be tough!" Lilo and Ezran nodded, focusing on their target. August readied his staff once more, determined to bring everything he had to the fight. "Let''s end this!" August called out, activating Ethereal Storm once more. This time, an icy blizzard swept over the battlefield, freezing the Warlord in its tracks. --- [System Notification: Elemental Effect Activated - Ice] - Sentinel Warlord HP -2000 - Freeze Effect: Slowed Movement for 10 seconds --- The Warlord roared, struggling against the freezing effects. Lilo unleashed a volley of enchanted arrows with pinpoint precision. "Take that!" she shouted. The magical arrows pierced through the Warlord''s head and neck, dealing a higher damage count than normal. Boris, shield raised, charged forward andnded a powerful Shield Bash against the Warlord''s leg, cracking the ice. Despite all of their attacks, the Sentinel Warlord''s HP was still very high. The slowing effect from the freezing came to an end The ground beneath them trembled as the massive Level 35 Sentinel Warlord stepped forward. The Warlord let out a thunderous roar, raising one of its colossal stone arms and swinging it down in a devastating arc. Boris quickly stepped forward while raising his shield as he braced for impact. [System Notification: Boris uses Shield Wall - Reduces Iing Damage by 40% for 15 seconds] The Warlord''s arm crashed down, colliding with Boris''s shield with a force that echoed through the ruins. The impact shook the ground beneath them, but Boris held firm as his feet dug into the stone floor. Lilo''s fingers moved swiftly as she took advantage of the distraction. She notched two glowing arrows andbined them, creating a zing, multi-colored arrow. Her keen Ranger eyesight locked onto a weak point near the Warlord''s shoulder. [System Notification: Lilo uses Focused Burst Arrow - Stonebound Warlord HP -1700] The arrow struck true, hitting a joint in the Warlord''s stone armor and exploding into a radiant burst of energy. The Warlord staggered slightly, letting out an enraged growl as it turned its gaze toward Lilo. "Nice shot!" August called while raising his staff. "My turn!" He activated Ethereal Storm, his custom staff''s unique spell.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om The sky above them darkened within the ruins as a vortex of swirling energy formed, extending over a wide radius around the Warlord. Suddenly, a bolt of searing energy descended from the vortex, striking the Warlord directly in the chest. --- [System Notification: Aleman casts Ethereal Storm - Stonebound Warlord HP -3700] - Effect: Gravity Shift - Enemy Movement Reduced by 50% for 10 seconds --- The Warlord''s movements slowed as its massive body tried fighting against the intensified gravity that now weighed it down. Ezran took advantage, casting a barrage of instant spells in quick session. [System Notification: Ezran uses me Burst - Stonebound Warlord HP -700] [System Notification: Ezran uses Ice Shard - Stonebound Warlord HP -850] [System Notification: Ezran uses Arcane Barrage - Stonebound Warlord HP -750] Ezran''s spells struck the Warlord one after another causing ice to form on its limbs and mes to scorch its armor. "Keep hitting it! While the gravity effect''s active!" The Warlord roared, mming a fist into the ground and creating a shockwave that sent tremors through the area. Lilo nimbly dodged, using her enhanced vision to zoom in on the Warlord''s knee joint, her fingers moving quickly as shebined three arrows for a powerful shot. [System Notification: Lilo uses Piercing Triple Arrow - Stonebound Warlord HP -2100] The arrows struck the Warlord''s knee, creating deep cracks along the stone. The beast''s bnce wavered, but its fury was undeterred. It swung its arm toward Lilo, but Boris rushed forward, blocking the attack with his shield. "Stay down!" Boris shouted, mming his shield forward to push the Warlord back. August decided it was time to unleash his Lightning Bolt spell. He pointed his staff, and a crackling bolt of lightning shot out, striking the Warlord''s chest. --- [System Notification: Aleman casts Lightning Bolt - Stonebound Warlord HP -2500] - Special Effect: Gravity Field - Enemy Movement Reduced by 50% for 5 seconds --- The Warlord staggered again as its movements turned slow andbored under the enhanced gravitational force. Ezran quickly followed up with a powerful AoE spell, summoning a wave of icy energy. [System Notification: Ezran uses Frost Nova - Stonebound Warlord HP -600] - Special Effect: Freeze - Slows Enemy Movement by 70% for 10 seconds The Warlord shuddered as ice formed over its limbs, locking it in ce for a moment. "Good," August voiced with an energetic tone as he raised his staff, casting Ethereal Storm once more. This time, a destructive whirlwind descended from the vortex, mming into the Warlord with a powerful gust of hurricane-like winds. --- [System Notification: Aleman casts Ethereal Storm - Stonebound Warlord HP -3500] - Special Effect: Bleed - Warlord HP Decreases by 100 HP per second for 20 seconds --- Chapter 42 Exploring The Lower Section The Warlord roared, weakened as it fought against the winds. Blood-red cracks began to form along its stone armor, each one leaking a dark, ethereal mist. Lilo took advantage of the moment, firing an explosive arrow aimed at the cracked armor. [System Notification: Lilo uses Explosive Arrow - Stonebound Warlord HP -1200] The explosion rocked the Warlord, sending chunks of stone flying as it stumbled backward. With a desperate roar, the Warlord charged forward, swinging wildly. Ezran narrowly dodged a crushing blow, retaliating with a Shadow Bolt. [System Notification: Ezran casts Shadow Bolt - Stonebound Warlord HP -600] - Special Effect: Blinds Enemy Vision by 50% for 5 seconds The Warlord''s vision clouded, and it hesitated with a look of disorientation. August saw his chance, summoning every ounce of energy into his staff and casting Ethereal Storm one final time. A colossal bolt of energy descended from the sky, striking the Warlord dead-center. --- [System Notification: Aleman casts Ethereal Storm - Stonebound Warlord HP -3900] - Special Effect: Copse - Enemy Armor Reduced by 40% --- The Sentinel Warlord''s armor shattered, crumbling to pieces and falling to the ground. With a unified shout, Boris, Lilo, and Ezranunched their final attacks, each strikending on the exposed core of the Warlord''s body. [System Notification: Boris uses Heavy sh - Stonebound Warlord HP -1200] [System Notification: Lilo uses Double Arrow - Stonebound Warlord HP -900] [System Notification: Ezran uses Energy Bolt Barrage - Stonebound Warlord HP -400 -400 - 350 - 420] The Warlord let out onest, thunderous roar before copsing. Its massive form disintegrated into dust that faded into the dark atmosphere of the ruins. --- [System Notification: Boss Defeated - Sentinel Warlord] [System Notification: Upper Section of the Forgotten Ruins Cleared] --- As the dust settled, a pile of shimmering loot appeared in the center, casting a soft glow over the group. They shared a collective sigh of relief before breaking into grins. "We did it!" Lilo cheered while raising her bow triumphantly. Ezranughed, gathering the loot. "With that much EXP and loot, we''re all leveling up tonight if we do this a couple more times." August checked his own stats as the system chimed. --- [System Notification: Aleman - EXP: +100,000 ] --- ¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û Name: Aleman Level: 21 Title(s): Sovereign Of Anti Darkness ss: Assassin/Mage EXP: 370,000/600,000 HP: 2000/2000 MP: 1500/1500 Gold: 1620 Skills/Spells: Shadow Dance, Hidden Strike, sh, Dash, Dual Wielding, Fireball, Arcane Shield, Ethereal Storm Inventory: - Golem Core Shard - Health Potion x12 - Mana Potion x10 - Enhanced Dagger (Bronze) - High Tier Health Potion x5 - High Tier Mana Potion x2n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om - Dark Orb - Rank Up Card - Leather Armor - Umon Toxic Dagger - Danting Pendant - Runic Sword (Unique) ¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û August was satisfied with his current progress. Grinding in groups, especially ces with double EXP and loots really had its benefits. They divided the loot equally amongst themselves. Gold coins, magical gems, weapon fragments, and a rare artifact gleamed in their hands. Boris pped August on the shoulder, a wide grin on his face. "That staff of yours is a real game-changer. You practically took down half the Warlord on your own!" August smiled. "Nah, couldn''t have done it without everyone''s teamwork." Lilo nodded with a smile. "You bet! Let''s keep grinding together and see just how far we can go." "Why don''t we head down to the lower section?" August asked while gripping his Mage staff with a grin. "We''ve still got time, and I''m guessing there''s plenty of loot down there." Lilo''s eyes sparkled with excitement. "Yes! I''ve heard there''s a lot more treasure and enemies down there, though it''s full of traps." Boris nodded, resting his hand on his shield. "I''m in. As long as we''re careful and stick together, we should be fine." Ezran let out augh. "More traps just means more treasure, right? Lead the way, Aleman." With the decision made, they walked toward the massive stone staircase leading to the lower section of the Forgotten Ruins. The atmosphere shifted as they descended. A damp chill filled the air and faint eerie echoes. Flickering torches illuminated narrow hallways, and broken statues lined their path, each marking a piece of the ruins'' lost history. When they reached the bottom, a system notification appeared. --- [System Notification: You have entered the Lower Section of the Forgotten Ruins] - Rmended Level: 24-30 - Enemies Scale by Group Size - Increased Loot Drop Rate --- The lower section was massive, almost like a maze with interconnected chambers, narrow passages, and an eerie quietness. Their steps echoed in the hollow corridors as they moved cautiously. Shadows flickered around them, and faint growls echoed from the depths. It didn''t take long for the first group of enemies to appear. Emerging from a hidden alcove, a pack of skeletal creatures with glowing eyes and rusted weapons in hand began to advance toward them. --- [System Notification: You have encountered Skeleton Marauders (Level 25) - Group Scaling Applied] --- Lilo immediately notched an arrow as her sharp eyes zoomed in on a skeleton holding a rusty spear at the back of the pack. [System Notification: Lilo uses Snipe - Skeleton Marauder HP -2200] The arrow struck the skeleton''s skull with deadly uracy, shattering it instantly. With a satisfied grin, Lilo dashed forward, preparing another arrow. The Skeleton Marauders let out unearthly screeches and charged forward. Boris stepped in front, raising his shield to brace against their attack. [System Notification: Boris uses Shield Wall - Reduces Damage by 40% for 10 seconds] The first marauder mmed into Boris''s shield, only to be met by his sword. [System Notification: Boris uses Heavy sh - Skeleton Marauder HP -2600] Ezran chanted quickly, summoning a ring of fire that burst from his fingertips, surrounding the Marauders and scorching their brittle bones. [System Notification: Ezran uses me Ring - Skeleton Marauders HP -2400 each] Seeing the opening created by his friends, August raised his staff and cast Fireball, unleashing a zing orb the size of a car. It traveled in an arc across the air before ramming into a bunch of these skeletal figures. --- [System Notification: Aleman casts Fireball - Skeleton Marauders HP -3000 each] -Effect: Confusion - Enemies have a 30% chance to miss attacks for 10 seconds --- About seven Skeleton Marauders were obliterated by the fireball which consumed their bones till there was nothing left. As for the other Skeleton Marauders in the surroundings, the effect took hold. The Skeleton Marauders staggered under the onught, disoriented as their skeletal forms struggled to stay intact. Lilo took advantage,bining three arrows into one massive, glowing projectile. [System Notification: Lilo uses Triple Arcane Arrow - Skeleton Marauders HP -2400] Thebined arrow tore through multiple enemies, reducing them to dust in one swift motion. As thest of the marauders crumbled, a glint of light caught their eyes¡ªa pile of loot scattered on the ground, left behind by the defeated foes. They each gathered items, finding gold coins, potions, and a few weapon fragments that glimmered under the torchlight. Lilo let out augh as she examined one of the gems. "Worth the fight, wouldn''t you say?" Ezran pocketed a mana crystal. "If we keep this up, we''re going to walk out of here loaded." With the marauders defeated, they pressed on, exploring hidden alcoves and corners in search of more treasure. They ransacked an old grave, finding enchanted jewelry and rare relics tucked away in the dustden coffins. It wasn''t long before they stumbled upon an ancient chest, sealed with a magical lock. Boris leaned down, examining it. "Any ideas?" Chapter 43 Extracting A Gold Coin August tapped his staff against the chest, and a system notification appeared. --- [System Notification: Lockpicking Required - Sessfully Unlock Chest using Extraction? (Yes/No) --- "Looks like I''ve got this one," August voiced with a smirk. He selected "Yes," and after a brief loading bar, the chest unlocked with a faint click. They opened it to reveal a trove of high-tier loot¡ªarmor upgrades, rare potions, and a unique trinket that glowed with an ethereal light. Ezran whistled. "Talk about a jackpot."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om August had really been in need of new armor so this was perfect. As they distributed the loot, they could feel their progress as a team. The lower section continued to challenge them with more enemies and various traps¡ªswinging pendulums, hidden pressure tes, and narrow corridors filled with spikes. They fought their way through a gauntlet of undead soldiers and cursed beasts, each encounters rewarding them with rare loot. Eventually, they found themselves at the heart of the ruins, where a massive chamber loomed ahead. A dark aura filled the room, and a towering figure d in tattered robes and wielding a dark, enchanted scythe stood in the center. --- [System Notification: You have encountered the Final Boss - Shadow Reaper (Level 35)] - Warning: High-Level Enemy Detected --- The Shadow Reaper let out an eerie wail, lifting its scythe and summoning a whirlwind of dark energy around it. Shadows swirled in the air, and spectral figures flickered around the chamber. Boris stepped forward, shielding the group as usual. "Stay on your guard." The Shadow Reaper shed its scythe, sending a wave of darkness toward them. August cast Arcane Shield the moment he noticed that the attack covered a wide area. [System Notification: Aleman casts Arcane Shield - Reduces Iing Damage by 100% for 10 seconds] A protective barrier surrounded his friends instantly as the wave hit. Lilo quickly took her position, zooming in with her enhanced vision as she notched two glowing arrows andunched them at the boss''s torso. [System Notification: Lilo uses Double Arrow Burst - Shadow Reaper HP -600] The Shadow Reaper staggered, but recovered quickly, raising its scythe as it prepared a devastating spell. Ezran chanted, unleashing a lightning bolt that crackled through the air, striking the boss directly. [System Notification: Ezran uses Lightning Strike - Shadow Reaper HP -1700] August activated Ethereal Storm once more to increase damage. A furious wind whipped through the chamber, creating a small-scale hurricane around the Shadow Reaper. After the stormnded, a new effect activated. --- [System Notification: Ethereal Storm Activated - Shadow Reaper HP -2500] - Effect: Drain - Reduces Boss Mana by 20% --- The Shadow Reaper''s dark aura faded slightly. Its magic weakened as August''s spell took hold. Boris saw his chance, charging forward and mming his shield into the boss''s side. [System Notification: Boris uses Shield Bash - Shadow Reaper HP -1200] The Shadow Reaper let out another wail, swinging its scythe in a sweeping arc. Boris blocked the attack with his shield, absorbing the impact as Lilo fired a concentrated Arcane Arrow at its head. The boss weakened, raising its scythe frantically when August quickly cast Ethereal Storm once more. This time, a bolt of fire rained down, engulfing the boss in mes. --- [System Notification: Aleman casts Ethereal Storm - Shadow Reaper HP -2700] - Effect: Burn - Boss loses 500 HP per second for 20 seconds --- The Shadow Reaper wreathed in mes as thest of its HP continuously drained due to the effect. [ -500 HP ] [ -500 HP ] [ -500 HP ] [ -500 HP ] [ -500 HP ] ... It soon lost it all and copsed into a pile of ashes. The chamber was silent for a moment before the system notification chimed. --- [System Notification: Lower Section of the Forgotten Ruins Cleared] --- As the dust settled, a pile of golden loot appeared in the center of the chamber. The team exchanged relieved smiles and cheers. "Now that," Lilo said, pocketing a mana crystal, "was worth it." August checked his stats, his XP bar was nearly full. --- [System Notification: Aleman - EXP: 550,000/827,000] --- They gathered up the spoils of their victory¡ªrare weapons, enchanted armor, and a few unique relics. The Forgotten Ruins had rewarded them handsomely. As they left the ruins, they visited two other locations and sessfully cleared them. August got to level 24 this night but it was finally time for them to leave the game world. August nced at his friends. "Thanks for the great night, everyone." Ezran gave him a fist bump. "I''m already looking forward to next time." They exchanged social contacts so they could keep in touch outside the game as well, promising to return to grind together in the near future. ... As August prepared to log out, an idea struck him. He nced at his inventory and thought aloud, "If I can extract anything that belongs to my avatar¡­ then what about these?" He opened his inventory, scrolling past weapons and potions until his eyesnded on the icon for his gold coins. His heart raced. If this worked, he could potentially extract endless amounts of gold. He selected one of the gold coins and held his breath as a system notification appeared. --- [System Notification: Would you like to extract 1 Gold Coin to Reality?] -[YES] ¡Á [NO] --- Without hesitation, he selected "YES." [===== ] A small extraction progress bar began filling up, and within seconds, the coin vanished from his inventory. August logged out of Enders Light and eagerly checked his game pod. There, gleaming in the low light of his pod,y a single gold coin. He picked it up, feeling its weight and smooth texture. The coin shimmered in his hand, and he was stunned by the craftsmanship¡ªit felt more real than he could''ve imagined. "This... could change everything," he muttered to himself, still in disbelief. "If these coins are actual gold¡­" The realization of what this could mean raced through his mind, but there was no time to linger. With a sigh, he ced the coin securely in a small box on his desk. There would be plenty of time to consider the possibilitiester. "Another day, another dor," he chuckled, moving to get ready for work. As he entered the kitchen, Sophia was finishing her breakfast, dressed in her school uniform. She looked up and smiled, "Morning, Auggie!" "Morning, Soph. Ready for another thrilling day of education?" he teased while pouring himself some coffee. She rolled her eyes yfully. "Oh yeah, can''t wait. What about you? Any exciting ns?" "Just the usual factory shift. Maybe a little business meeting afterward. Nothing too fancy," he replied, giving her a quick smile. He took a sip of coffee and added, "Hey, don''t get into trouble today, alright?" Sophiaughed. "Me? Trouble? Never." He grinned before ruffling her hair. "Good. I''ll see you tonight then. Be safe." "Always am," she replied, giving him a little wave as she left. With Sophia off to school, August grabbed his work bag, and soon, he was on his way to the factory. --- Arriving at the factory, he couldn''t help but notice that Derrick was still absent. August felt more worried at this point. Derrick had never missed so many shifts. Pushing it to the back of his mind for now, he focused on work, tackling the heavy lifting and machinery as usual. During the lunch break, he decided to try calling Derrick''s number again. After several rings, the call went to voicemail. He muttered to himself, "C''mon, Derrick¡­ where are you?" Chapter 44 Unexpected Call He muttered to himself, "C''mon, Derrick¡­ where are you?" Hanging up, he clenched his phone with a made-up mind. Since Derrick didn''t show up today, he''d definitely go check on him after work and his scheduled meeting. A coworker nearby, noticing his frustration, raised an eyebrow. "Something wrong, August?" August sighed, shrugging it off. "Just worried about a friend. He''s been out for a couple of days without a word." The coworker nodded. "That''s tough. Hopefully, he''s alright. You know how things can get in this city."N?v(el)B\\jnn August gave a small nod. "Yeah¡­ thanks. I''ll check in on himter." With that, he put his phone away, preparing to tackle the second half of the shift. As they returned to work, his thoughts drifted back to the gold coin he had extracted. It looked like he might take care of his pitiful financial situation faster than he anticipated. "One step at a time," he reminded himself, focusing back on his tasks. --- The workday finally ended, and August changed out of his work gear. His mind was set on the next order of business: meeting the buyer for the Toxic Dagger. As he left the factory, one of his supervisors called out to him. "Hey, August!" August turned. "Yeah?" "About your friend Derrick¡­ tell him if he doesn''t show up soon, we might have to rece him. We can''t keep covering for him." August nodded, keeping his tone respectful. "I understand, sir. I''ll let him know if I see him." The supervisor grunted. "See that you do." "Thanks for understanding," August replied before heading out. He checked his phone one more time for any messages or missed calls from Derrick, but there was nothing. Shoving the phone into his pocket, he headed out toward the meeting point for his sale. ... ... As August walked towards the meeting location for the buyer of the Toxic Daggers, his phone buzzed unexpectedly. A sh of hope crossed his face as he saw the call, thinking it might finally be Derrick. But when he answered, a familiar voice came through instead. "Well, Aleman, I''m surprised you''d forgotten about me so soon." It was Mr. Floozk. August''s expression shifted, caught off guard. "Mr. Floozk¡­ how did you get my number?" Floozk''s smooth chuckle echoed through the line. "Let''s just say, I have my ways. What matters is that we had an agreement¡ªyou were to contact me the next time you had something to sell, yes?" August cleared his throat, attempting to regain hisposure. "Right. I¡­ well, I wasn''t sure you''d be interested in the items I currently have, to be honest." "Not interested? Why don''t you let me be the judge of that?" Floozk''s voice held a subtle hint of amusement as if he knew exactly what August had been up to. "Well," August replied, choosing his words carefully, "I have an umon Toxic Dagger, which is pretty much sold already. But I do still have the Runic Sword, if that''s something you''d be interested in." There was a brief pause on the line, and then Floozk responded, sounding almost delighted. "The Runic Sword, you say? Consider it sold, Aleman." August blinked in surprise, taken aback by how quickly Floozk had agreed. "Uh¡­ alright then. I already had a buyer lined up for that one, but if you''re sure, I can finalize it with you instead." "Of course," Floozk replied smoothly. "Let''s meet on the original date you had arranged for your other buyer. And remember, Aleman, next time¡­ no forgetting to call me first." "Understood," August replied, holding back a slight grin at Floozk''s insistence. "Good. Until then," Floozk said, ending the call as abruptly as he''d started it. As August pocketed his phone and let out a low chuckle while shaking his head. He couldn''t believe he''d almost forgotten about Floozk entirely. The man was resourceful¡ªand clearly, not someone who liked to be overlooked. Still, he was d he''d secured such a quick sale for the Runic Sword. He hadn''t met the other buyer it was scheduled for before but at least he had met Mr Floozk already so this carried more certainty. With that settled, August continued toward the designated meeting point for the buyer of the Toxic Daggers, mentally reviewing his ns for the transactions. This was turning out to be a profitable evening indeed. August stood near the entrance of the upscale parking lot with his face obscured by a dark scarf as he waited. Momentster, a ck luxury car pulled up. It looked extremely polished and luxurious. A young man stepped out, looking every bit like the poster child of privilege and wealth. He wore a designer jacket over a crisp shirt, stylish leather shoes, and a gold watch that caught the light with every move. He couldn''t be older than twenty. The young man approached with a friendly grin. "Hey, you must be Aleman. I''m Victor Galloway¡ªreally appreciate you meeting me." "Good to meet you, Victor," August replied, shaking his hand firmly. "It''s always nice to put a face to the name." Victor gestured toward a nearby cafe with outdoor seating tucked into a corner of the lot. "Hey, why don''t we grab a seat over there? I don''t want to rush through this." "Sure, let''s go," August replied, following him over to the quieter side of the cafe. They chose a secluded table under a canopy of lights, providing both privacy and a touch of ambiance. Once they were seated, Victor leaned back in his chair, taking in the atmosphere. "I don''t know how much you know about me, but I''m a student at Lynefield College. Honestly, it''s mostly because my dad insisted. If I had it my way, I''d be gaming full-time," heughed without a hint of awkwardness. August raised an eyebrow with a faint smile. "Lynefield College, huh? Heard it''s got a pretty good reputation." Victor''s grin widened as he leaned forward, eager to share. "Oh yeah, it''s one of the best colleges in the city. But between you and me? The best thing about it is the girls. I''m telling you, Aleman, I''ve never seen a ce with so many gorgeous women. And being a guy with some extra cash really¡­ let''s just say, it has its perks," he added with a yful smirk and a touch of mischief in his tone. August chuckled, matching Victor''s yful tone. "Guess that''s one way to make the most of college life." Victor shrugged whileughing. "It''s all about bnce, right? A bit of education, a bit of fun¡ªand if you can be famous in Enders Light along the way, even better." His expression shifted to a more serious excitement as he looked across the table. "Speaking of which, this is the first time I''ve had a chance to actually buy an item extracted from the game. I''ve been dying to get my hands on something from the game in reality, you know?" "Well, you''re in for a treat," August voiced with a small grin, enjoying the enthusiasm. He called for his gaming inventory to appear and found the Toxic Daggers. "Alright, let''s do this." --- [System Notification: Would you like to extract Umon Toxic Daggers to Reality?] - [YES] ¡Á [NO] --- Chapter 45 Eighty Grand Acquired August tapped "YES," watching as a progress bar appeared briefly. In a matter of seconds, the daggers materialized before him. Their pointy edges gleamed with a faint green tint. He ced them on the table, where they emitted a slight, eerie glow under the lights. Read exclusive chapters at empire Victor''s eyes widened as his face lit up with awe. "Whoa¡­ these look even better in person." He reached forward to lift one, testing the weight and carefully running a finger along the serrated edge. "It''s¡­ it''s amazing. Feels just like a real dagger." "They''re no joke be careful about how you handle them," August replied, watching Victor''s amazement. "Not exactly your average decorative piece. These daggers are the real deal, straight from Enders Light." Victor let out a low whistle, rotating the dagger to catch the light. "Man, I''ve never been this excited about an item in my life. I''ve heard stories of yers extracting legendary-grade stuff, but something like this¡­ this is a game-changer." He set the dagger down and took out his phone. "Alright, I''ll transfer the eighty grand we agreed on." A momentter, August''s phone buzzed with a notification confirming the transfer. He nced at the screen and smiled. "Perfect. Nice doing business with you, Victor." Victor returned the smile as they exchanged contact information. "I''ll definitely keep in touch. I''ve got a feeling you''ll have more thingsing my way in the future." "I''ll make sure to reach out," August replied while pocketing his phone. He leaned back, studying Victor. "So, what got you into all this?" Victor chuckled, shrugging his shoulders. "Honestly? Just the thrill of it. I grew up ying games, and with my dad''s connections, I''ve always had ess to every exciting video game. Enders Light was just the next big thing for me. The idea of merging the game with real life is insane, you know? Who wouldn''t want to be part of that?" August nodded, understanding the allure. "Can''t argue with that. It''s a whole new kind of experience." Victor grinned before taking a nce at his watch. "I''ve got a game meet-up with some friends soon¡ªcan''t wait to show these off. You know, make them all a little jealous," heughed, giving the daggers onest admiring look before sheathing them. As they stood up, August gave a small nod. "Well, good luck. And hey, try not to get too carried away showing off." Victorughed, heading back to his car. "No promises. Thanks again, Aleman. I''ll be in touch!" August watched as Victor climbed into his luxury car. The engine purred to life before it smoothly glided out of the lot. Watching the car disappear down the road, August felt a wave of nostalgia, remembering his own fleet of expensive cars back in his former life. A spark of ambition appeared in his eyes as he smirked.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om "Just a matter of time," he muttered to himself, vowing that he''d reim that life of luxury. As August neared the bus station, he felt his phone buzz in his pocket. Half-expecting it to be Mr. Floozk with some new demand, he nced at the screen and saw Derrick''s name shing instead. Without hesitation, he answered, "Derrick! Man, where have you been? I was starting to worry." Derrick''s voice came through a little hoarse. "Hey, August. Sorry, I''ve just been a little under the weather. Didn''t even notice all the calls." August''s eyebrows knitted together with concern. "Are you sure you''re alright? I was just about to catch a bus over to check on you." There was a brief pause, then Derrick''s voice softened. "I appreciate that, man, but you don''t have toe all the way out here. I''ll be back to work tomorrow¡ªpromise." August hesitated, feeling a twinge of doubt. Derrick was usually the type to soldier through almost anything, and it didn''t sit right that he''d missed so many shifts. But, not wanting to push too hard, he sighed, "Alright, if you say so. But if you''re not one hundred percent, don''t force yourself, okay?" A soft chuckle escaped from the other end of the line. "I hear you. I''ll be good as new by tomorrow. Thanks for checking in, though. It means a lot." "Anytime, Derrick. Stay safe, and I''ll see you at work tomorrow, buddy." "See you then," Derrick replied, and the call ended. As the screen went dark, August let out a small sigh of relief, though a hint of suspicion lingered in his mind. Maybe there was more to Derrick''s absence than he was letting on, but for now, all August could do was trust his friend''s word. ... ... Over an hourter, August and Sophia sat across from each other at the small dinner table as they enjoyed a modest meal together. Sophia, however, seemed quieter than usual, poking at her food with a distant look. Noticing this, August leaned forward. "Alright, what''s on your mind, Soph?" She looked up, letting out a sigh. "Some girl at school¡ªsuper stuck-up, rich family, you know the type¡ªmade a big scene about the holes in my uniform today." She rolled her eyes in irritation. "She actually called me ''raggedy'' in front of everyone." August''s hands tightened around his fork. He could feel anger rising within but he kept his tone calm. "Oh, did she now?" Sophia gave a slight nod while responding with a crestfallen tone. "Yeah, you should''ve seen her, acting all superior. Just because her parents buy her designer stuff, she thinks she''s better than everyone." Trying to lighten her mood, August put on a yful smirk. "You know, people like her are only rich in cash. They''re poor in personality. Those kinds of riches run out fast." Sophia''s face broke into a smile, and she giggled, finally letting out some of her frustration. "True! And her clothes look like they came from some tacky catalog." "There you go," August chuckled. "Honestly, Soph, if she''s got nothing better to do than criticize you, then you must be doing something right." With an exaggerated, dramatic tone, Sophia raised her arms,ughing. "Yeah, well, screw her!" she voiced, letting the words tumble out in a yful rebellion. "I''d rather be poor and cool than rich and stuck-up!" Augustughed along, nudging her. "You don''t mean that but that''s the spirit. Haha Let it out¡ªcuss her all you want tonight, I won''t stop you." Sophia looked at him with a mischievous grin, tossing out a few more insults about her tormentor, growing more animated as she went on. August listened, adding his own quips here and there, d to see her spirits lifting. After a while, her energy began to fade, and she let out a yawn. Her eyelids grew heavy. She shifted on the sofa, stretching her arms as she nestled back, clearly ready to call it a night. "Getting sleepy?" he questioned with a gentle smile on his face. Sophia nodded while responding with a softer tone. "Yeah¡­ Thanks for listening, Auggie." "Anytime, kid," he replied while reaching over to pull a warm nket over her. As he tucked it around her, his smile faded just a bit. A slight frown crossed his face as he stared at the dinner table where the fork was. The fork had twisted andpletely bent out of shape. August couldn''t remember whenst he got mad on behalf of someone but it went to show how much he hade to value Sophia. Seeing her go through hardships, even small ones, struck a nerve. He knew she deserved better, and he''d do whatever he could to make sure she''d have a brighter future. He watched her for a moment as her breathing slowed, then stood and quietly made his way to his room. "Holes in uniform... Alright, time to get a new one." ########### Author''s Note: Gifting perks Luxury Car = Shout-out in Author''s Note Dragon = Shout out + 1 extra chapter Castle = Shout out + 2 Extra Chapters Spacecraft = Shout out + 4 Extra Chapters + 1 Request Golden Gachapon = Shout Out + 10 Chapters Mass Release + Character Inclusion (You can choose to be included as a character and design your character however you wish) Chapter 46 Live Video As August logged into Enders Light, he was immediately greeted by his friends, Lilo, Boris, and Ezran, who were already gathered near the entrance of the Cave of Shadows. They all exchanged quick greetings, each of them in high spirits. Lilo grinned while speaking. "You''re finally here! Ready to dive in?" "More than ready," August replied with a smirk. "Let''s make it count." Together, the group ventured deeper into the cave, battling clusters of Shadow Wolves and Dark Vipers. The creatures came in waves, their glowing eyes piercing through the dark caverns as they lunged at the team. --- [System Notification: You have encountered Shadow Wolves (Level 24)] --- Boris immediately raised his shield, stepping to the front to block the first wave of attacks. "Alright, everyone, stay close!" Lilo aimed her bow and fired a glowing arrow that struck one of the wolves squarely in the chest, causing it to stagger. [System Notification: Lilo uses Piercing Arrow - Shadow Wolf HP -700] Ezran stood a little behind them, chanting quickly as he cast a spell. Bolts of fire shot from his fingertips, igniting several wolves in his line of sight. [System Notification: Ezran casts Fire Bolt - Shadow Wolf HP -900] August, with his dual assassin-mage setup, activated his Dash ability, speeding behind one of the wolves andnding a swift strike with his dagger. [System Notification: Aleman uses Hidden Strike - Shadow Wolf HP -800] The wolves, weakened but relentless, counter-attacked. One lunged at Boris, only to be blocked by his shield, while Lilo shot another arrow thatnded right between the creature''s eyes, taking it down. The group moved in sync, taking down each wave of enemies methodically. They had fallen into afortable rhythm, taking turns defending and attacking, and with each fight, they grew stronger as a team. Suddenly, a global system notification echoed through the air, bringing them all to a halt. --- [World Notification: Congrattions to Phoenix Celestial Guild! They are the first guild to own an estate in Enders Light! All members of Phoenix Celestial have been awarded a 10% XP boost and exclusive in-game benefits.] --- "Wow!" Lilo eximed, lowering her bow momentarily. "That''s huge! An estate? And all those boosts? That''ll give them a major edge." August turned to her with a look of curiosity. "Why haven''t you joined them yet, Lilo? You''re always talking about Phoenix Celestial." Lilo sighed, shrugging. "I''d love to, but they have insane criteria. You need a certain level, specific skills, and real-life evaluations. They only take the best yers with the right personality types, physical fitness, and who knows what else." Ezranughed, ncing over at August. "So in other words, they''re super picky. Not everyone can be Phoenix material, eh, Lilo?" Lilo yfully rolled her eyes, giving him a light punch on the shoulder. "Hey, one day, I''ll make it in. You''ll see." Boris chuckled, motioning for them to focus back on the fight as another group of Shadow Wolves appeared. "Come on, let''s make sure we survive this cave before you start nning guild domination." The banter continued as they battled through the rest of the wolves. By the end, Ezran''s level had jumped to 26, and Boris finally hit level 25. Lilo was already level 25 initially so she had no issues. Only August remained at level 24. Ezran nced over at him, looking slightly concerned. "Hey, August, we were nning on hitting that new dungeon next¡ªthe one in the Ravaged ins. But, uh¡­ you need to be at least level 25 to get in." August looked down at his stats. The gap wasn''t something he could breach so quickly. It wasn''t just about skill or strategy¡ªothers could spend all day in the game, leveling up without a care, while he had to manage the real-world demands of his factory job. Not to mention that time in here was slower. The days he spent out in the real world, could amount to a week in here, giving others who had no jobs a significant edge. He took a deep breath and gave them a reassuring smile. "You guys go ahead. Don''t miss the chance for those first-clear rewards. I''ll catch up soon enough." Lilo frowned in dissatisfaction. "Are you sure? We can always wait until next time." August shook his head. "Nah, don''t worry about me. I''ll just keep grinding here and try to catch up. I''d hate for you all to miss out." Continue your adventure at empire After a moment of hesitation, Boris gave him a supportive pat on the shoulder. "Alright, but don''t push yourself too hard. We''ll meet up again soon." "Yeah!" Lilo added, grinning. "We''ll be back, and by then, you''d better be ready to take on even tougher bosses with us." They exchanged a few more words of encouragement, and with a wave, the trio departed, leaving August alone in the shadowy depths of the cave. --- As they left, August thought about his current progress. Logging in only at night, bncing work, and maintaining his life with Sophia were holding him back from advancing at the same pace as others. He was quick in advancing from level 11 to 24 but while he was advancing, others were not staying stagnant. It had already been confirmed at this point that the highest leveled yer was around 50 - 55. And he was many ces behind. "If I really want to keep up, I''ll need more time in the game. But that means leaving the factory work behind¡­ for good." The thought lingered as he resumed his grind alone.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om --- [System Notification: You have encountered Shadow Wraiths (Level 26)] --- Undeterred, August summoned his Ethereal Storm, watching as a fierce storm of energy formed above him. Bolts of energy and intense winds rained down upon the wraiths as they staggered under its assault. [System Notification: Aleman casts Ethereal Storm - Shadow Wraiths HP -2000 each] - Effect: Slow - Reduces movement speed by 40% With their speed reduced, the wraiths attempted to strike back, but August quickly countered with a swiftbination of his dagger and fire spells, darting between them swiftly. [System Notification: Aleman uses Hidden Strike - Shadow Wraith HP -700] ... ... In the real world, a college party was in full swing. Loud music thumped through therge, dimly lit house. Colorful LED lights flickered in sync with the beat, illuminating groups of students dancing,ughing, and chatting. Solo cups and bottles littered the tables, and the air buzzed with energy as the crowd flowed from room to room. Victor stood near the center of it all, surrounded by his friends, who were animatedly cheering andughing. His friend, Dean, a tall guy with a loudugh, was holding one of the Toxic Daggers, flipping it around with a sense of awe and caution. "Yo, Dean, easy with that thing!" Victor called over the music, grinning as he watched. "It''s the real deal, straight from Enders Light." Dean nced back at Victor, smirking. "You''re telling me this isn''t just some prop? Because it sure feels real." He spun the dagger around, showing off its green-tinged, serrated de under the party lights. A few onlookers gasped and leaned in, wide-eyed as Dean held it up. One of Victor''s friends, Zara, pulled out her phone and started recording. "This has to go live. No one''s gonna believe this without proof!" Victorughed, a bit proud, as Zara set up a livestream. Within moments, hundreds of viewers began flooding in, and thement section started going wild. "Check it out, everyone!" Victor said, pointing to the Toxic Daggers on camera. These aren''t your average knives. These beauties came straight from Enders Light!" The chat erupted,ments flying up in disbelief. --- [User123]: No way! That can''t be real! [GamerPro_5]: How''d you get that out of the game?? [ViralVentures]: Yo, we need more angles! Show us the glow! --- Victor''s friends leaned into the camera,ughing as they watched thements roll in. "Alright, alright, calm down!" Dean teased, pretending to identally slice his finger, then holding up his hand with mock horror. "Look at that glow, people! Straight toxic energy!" he shouted, emphasizing the faint, sickly green hue of the de. Victor took over, turning the camera back to himself. "Not gonna lie, folks, these are the real deal. No filters, no fakes. Enders Light in real life. Pretty insane, right?" The partygoers around them joined in, shouting and waving at the camera, adding to the chaotic atmosphere. Zaraughed, flipping the camera back to Dean, who was attempting a dramatic pose with the dagger. Morements poured in, and the view count skyrocketed. The chat was exploding with fans and skeptics alike. --- [EnderFan101]: This is history, people! [Shadowde87]: Dude, I''d pay anything to hold that dagger just once! I could even sell my kidney! [GameMastery_Zone]: Where did you get it? Who''s the seller?? --- Victor grinned, savoring his moment in the spotlight. "I know what you''re thinking¡ªhow''d I score one of these? Let''s just say, it''s all about knowing the right people," he said with a wink, hinting at his connection with Aleman, though he left the details vague. --- In an unknown dark location, a pair of eyes peered at a smartphone. The smartphone disyed the live stream of Victor''s party and the eyes could keenly view the toxic daggers on disy. "Looks like he sold yet another... Aleman..." Chapter 47 Derricks Return "Looks like he sold yet another... Aleman..." The pair of eyes watched thements go bonkers. --- [SystemFanatic]: This is epic. [GlitchHound]: Yo, Victor, drop that seller''s name! We need more gear! [Cassie_ys]: Okay, now I wanna see a weapon in action for real. Swing it around! ---n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om As the live stream continued, the video began circting, rapidly picking up shares andments, eventually trending across multiple tforms. Enders Light yers from all over were tuning in, watching in awe as Victor and his friends showed off the rare in-game item like it was the night''s party trick. After a few moreughs and poses, Victor ended the stream, feeling the thrill of their newfound inte fame. The party carried on with even more energy as everyone rode the high of their viral moment. Back in the unknown location, the person watched their screen go nk and put the phone away. "We''ll be meeting soon... Aleman..." ... ... Sophia stretched as the morning sunlight filled her small bedroom. It was Saturday, a day that usually meant an easy morning for her and August. But something on the table caught her eye¡ªa white envelope with her name scrawled on it, and a small note tucked underneath. She reached over with a look of curiosity and picked it up. Unfolding the note, she read, "New school uniform cash... You can use the change to get ice cream or something." A smile spread across her face as her eyes lit up. She quickly opened the envelope, expecting a bit of money for her new uniform. But her jaw dropped as she pulled out a small stack of crisp hundred-dor bills. "Oh my gosh," she whispered to herself, quickly counting the bills. Five hundred dors. Way more than enough to get her uniform, with a good chunk left over. A giddyugh escaped her, and she hugged the envelope to her chest. "Thank you, Auggie," she said softly, looking around as if hoping he''d magically appear so she could thank him in person. He''d already left for work, though, so she made a mental note to surprise him with something nice when he got back. She knew his favorite meal, and she''d make sure to cook it perfectly tonight. --- Find more to read at empire Across town, at the factory, August was already deep into his shift. The steady groan of machines filled therge, industrial space, apanied by the nking of metal and the low rumble of conveyor belts. The factory floor was bustling, workers moving from station to station, lifting heavy loads, and operating machinery. The familiar rhythm of the ce made August feel oddlyfortable, but something in the air shifted when Derrick walked in. A murmur ran through the other workers, and a few voices called out in friendly greeting. "Look who''s back!" one of their coworkers, a short slim man named Jake, pped Derrick on the shoulder. "Thought you''d run off and left us in the dust!" Derrick chuckled, shaking his head. "Nah, just needed to recover a bit. Can''t let you guys have all the fun," he joked, though there was a flicker of weariness in his eyes. Even the supervisors took notice. They exchanged a few nces before nodding in Derrick''s direction. One of them, arge older man named Mr. Collins, raised his voice just loud enough to reach him. "d you''re back, Derrick. Let''s not make a habit of these absences, yeah?" Derrick gave him a polite nod, managing a small smile. "Understood, sir. Won''t happen again." Finally, Derrick made his way over to August, who had been watching with a grin. "Well, well, look who decided to show up! I thought you went and found a hidden fortune somewhere." Derrickughed while rolling his eyes. "If only, man. Some of us don''t have those fancy game connections like you." August chuckled, getting back to his work as he spoke. "Not a fortune yet, but I hit level 25st night. Things are picking up. If I keep this up, I might not have to work this shift forever." Derrick''s smile widened, but there was a hint of something else in his expression. "That''s great, man. I know you''ve got big ns." August shot him a sidelong nce, sensing something was off. Derrick''s usually easygoing nature seemed a bit muted. Like something was bothering him. But rather than pressing, August kept it light, giving him a gentle nudge. "If you say so. Just know, that once I''m out, I''m dragging you with me. No way I''m leaving you here to deal with all this alone." Derrick let out a low chuckle. "Hey, if anyone can break out of this ce, it''s you, August. I don''t even know how to y games haha... Just don''t forget the rest of us when you hit it big." They bothughed and moved onto focusing on work. For a while, they worked infortable silence, asionally exchanging jokes or banter about the supervisors'' endless rules and each other''s missteps. --- As the shift wore on, the atmosphere in the factory became more routine. Workers moved in sync, lugging boxes, tightening bolts, and managing the heavy machinery. August and Derrick worked side-by-side and their camaraderie made the long hours bearable. They shared a few light-hearted jabs at each other''s expense. Just as the shift was winding down and the end was in sight, a sudden crash erupted from the other side of the factory floor. The sound of metal hitting metal reverberated through the air, followed by a scream that sent chills down everyone''s spine. "Arrrrghhhhhh!" August''s head snapped in the direction of the noise. One of their colleagues, a younger guy named Leo, was pinned beneath a massive piece of machinery that had somehow shifted out of ce. The weight was pressing down on his leg, and he was writhing in agony while trying to push it off himself. "Oh my God, help! Please, someone, help!" Leo''s voice was strained, bordering on hysteria as he tried to pull his leg free. Every tug made him scream louder. Chapter 48 Gold Coin Appraisal Before anyone else could react, August had already darted toward the machine. He bent down, gripping the edge of the massive piece of equipment. Without hesitation, he braced himself and lifted with all his might. For a machine weighing well over four hundred pounds, it came up with an ease that left everyone around him wide-eyed and stunned. "Holy¡­ August!" Derrick''s jaw nearly hit the floor. "How are you¡­?" "Just get Leo out," August grunted with a steady tone even as the weight pressed down on him. Derrick quickly snapped out of his shock and scrambled to help, reaching in to pull Leo out from under the machine. Leo, still wincing from the pain, looked up in disbelief. "Thank you¡­ thank you," he mumbled weakly but full of gratitude. As Derrick pulled Leo clear, August carefully set the machine down, drawing a collective breath of awe from the surrounding workers. Whispers spread as everyone stared, unsure of what they''d just witnessed. One of the supervisors stepped forward, still looking a bit shaken. "Alright, 911''s on the way," he announced, trying to regain control of the situation. "Everyone, back to work while we sort this out. Leo''s going to need medical attention¡ªhe''s in good hands now." As paramedics arrived and loaded Leo onto a stretcher, he gave August a weak thumbs-up. August returned the gesture with a nod, watching as they took Leo away for medical attention. The factory floor buzzed with hushed conversations, and it wasn''t long before the police arrived, questioning everyone about the incident. After the chaos settled, August and Derrick finally got the chance to clock out and leave for the day. They walked together toward the bus station with what had just happened today still fresh in their minds. "Man, I still can''t believe you lifted that thing on your own," Derrick voiced while shaking his head in awe. "Have you been working out because that was¡­ insane." Augustughed it off, though he knew even he was surprised by his own strength. "Just had an adrenaline rush, I guess," he replied, not wanting to delve too deeply into it. "Let''s just say Enders Light is keeping me in better shape than I thought." August didn''t mention consuming the fruit of corruption to anyone yet even Derrick. For every ten levels scaled, one receives a higher percentage of their in-game strength in real life so long as they have consumed the fruit in reality. "Yeah, no kidding." Derrick chuckled, but his face fell slightly as he looked off toward the road. August noticed the shift in his friend''s mood and shot him a curious nce. "Hey, Derrick, you good?" August asked, trying to read him. "Yeah, yeah, I''m good," Derrick replied quickly, forcing a smile. "Just¡­ got a few things on my mind." They reached the bus station, and as they waited, August nudged Derrick with his elbow. "So, you headed home, or¡­?" Derrick hesitated, then shook his head. "Nah, not tonight. Got some stuff to take care of first." "Stuff, huh?" August raised an eyebrow, clearly curious but not wanting to pry too much. Derrick grinned, waving as he took a step back. "Don''t worry about it, man. See you at work tomorrow. And thanks again¡­ for everything today." August gave him a look of mild suspicion but nodded, pping him on the shoulder. "Alright, see you then. Just¡­ stay safe, alright?" "Same to you, man. And thanks for having my back," Derrick voiced with a soft but genuine tone. With a quick wave, Derrick headed off, and just as August was about to board his own bus, he caught a glimpse of Derrick disappearing into the distance. The nagging feeling that something was off lingered, but he had his own mission ahead, and soon he was on his way across town. --- After a short ride, August arrived at his destination¡ªa jewelry appraisal shop across town. As he stepped in, the faint chime of the doorbell announced his presence. The shop was a small but ssy space, filled with glinting jewels and shining metal under ss disys. A few customers nced his way, some giving him appreciative stares as they noted his striking appearance, though others whisperedments about his worn clothes. Ignoring the stares, August walked up to the counter where a middle-aged woman with neatly styled hair and a sharp gaze looked up at him. "Good afternoon," she greeted him with a professional smile. "How can I help you today?" August reached into his pocket and pulled out the gold coin he had extracted from Enders Light. He ced it on the counter gently. "I''d like to know the worth of this," he stated casually. Your next read awaits at empire The woman''s eyes widened slightly as she picked up the coin, turning it over in her hands and inspecting it under the shop''s bright lights.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om The coin''s surface had a unique, almost mythical sheen that seemed to catch the light in an unusual way. "This is¡­ quite a piece," she murmured, pulling out a jeweler''s loupe to examine it more closely. As she scrutinized it, her expression shifted from intrigue to confusion as her brows furrowed. "Is everything alright?" August questioned while watching her reaction. "Just¡­ give me a moment," she voiced before disappearing into a back room with the coin. August waited, tapping his fingers on the counter as he observed the various pieces on disy. After several minutes, the woman returned, holding the coin with an almost reverent care. "Well¡­ I have to be honest with you. I''ve never seen anything like this," she admitted, both intrigued and perplexed. "It looks like gold, yes, but there''s something different about it." "What do you mean?" August questioned with a look of curiosity. "It''s made of minerals I''ve nevere across," she exined. "We have ways of identifying and valuing gold and precious metals, but this¡­ it''s something else entirely. I ran a few tests, and I can''t identify it. I''ve never seen any mineral like this in my entire lifetime." August''s mind raced. Of course¡ªit made sense that the coin, originating from Enders Light, would have different properties than Earth''s metals. The game world had its own unique rules and resources, after all. The woman shook her head in slight bewilderment. "It''s fascinating. If I had to guess, I''d say this could be more valuable than standard gold because of its purity and luster. But without a reference, we can''t ce a traditional value on it. Right now, society wouldn''t know what to make of this unless it gained some cultural significance or demand." She eyed the coin once more, clearly captivated by it. "Tell you what¡ªI''ll buy it from you for a hundred dors. It would make a lovely addition to the shop." August chuckled, reaching out to take the coin back. "I appreciate the offer, but I think I''ll hold onto it. It''s worth a bit more than that to me." The woman shrugged, looking a bit disappointed but understanding. "Fair enough. I have to admit, it''s truly a one-of-a-kind piece." Pocketing the coin, August thanked her and left the shop. He was now certain that Enders Light items held the potential for much more than he''d realized. He just had to figure out the best way to make use of them in this world. Chapter 49 Visiting The Auction House After a stop at the cafe on his way home, August felt the day''s events ease as he rxed. The cafe, filled with the familiar hum of chatter, offered a brief escape. He typed out a message on the online gaming social tform to the initial buyer, apologizing for the cancetion and promising they''d be the first to hear when he had a new item. The buyer seemed disappointed and was adamant about August selling to them but the deed was done. August kept apologizing and said it wasn''t possible. After a while, August leaned back, sipping a coffee Remi had brought him with her usual bright smile. "So, how is Mr. Handsome today? Is business going well?" Remi teased, leaning over the counter as she took a seat beside him. August smirked, meeting her yful gaze. "Don''t worry; when I make my first million, I''ll buy this ce for you," he joked, raising his coffee in a mock toast. Sheughed, flicking a strand of hair over her shoulder. "You''d better, or I''ll start charging you extra for all that attitude." "As you should," August chuckled while getting to his feet. "Leaving so soon?" Remi pouted. "Yeah gotta take care of some stuff," August gave her a nod before bidding her farewell. Once back home, he was greeted by the delicious aromaing from the kitchen. Sophia had gone all out, preparing his favorite meal¡ªsomething he hadn''t had in a long time. She was practically bouncing with excitement as she set the dishes on the table. "Surprise!" she eximed with bright eyes as she watched his expression change from surprise to appreciation. "Sophia, this is amazing! What''s the asion?" August questioned while picking up his fork with a grin. She shrugged, trying to y it cool, though her cheeks flushed slightly. "Well, you left me all that money for my uniform, and I wanted to do something nice. Besides, you''re always working so hard¡­ I thought you deserved a treat." They settled down to eat, chatting andughing between bites. Sophia animatedly shared stories from her day and how she went to the market to get some of the stuff she used in cooking. She recounted the drama with the "rich girl" at school who had mocked her for the holes in her uniform and now that she could get a new uniform, the rich girl wouldn''t be able to do that anymore. After dinner, he thanked her for the meal, yfully ruffling her hair. "I''ll say it again, you''re the best cook in the family," he joked as she beamed. With his stomach full and his heart light, August finally retired to his room, shutting the door as he settled onto his bed with his phone. He opened his group chat with Boris, Lilo, and Ezran, typing a quick message. ~Hey, anyone logging into the game tonight?~ Boris''s reply came through almost instantly: ~I''ve got a night shift, man, so no luck here.~ Lilo chimed in soon after: ~Ugh, stuck with a deadline for this project, so I''m out too. But next time, count me in for sure!~ It looked like only Ezran was avable. August noticed that Ezran was already marked as active in-game, so he couldn''t respond. August grinned, tossing his phone aside and getting ready to log in alone. It was a night meant for grinding, and he was determined to make good progress. --- Momentster, he was back in Enders Light. The familiar world flickered to life around him. The vibrant lights and bustling streets of Tagharuim Kingdom came into view as he materialized. The kingdom had a life of its own¡ªyers and NPCs mingled, vendors called out their wares from open stalls, and the sounds of chatter and asionalughter filled the air. The castle walls loomed in the distance, a majestic sight against the deepening twilight, with towering rooftops and banners fluttering in the breeze. Lamps flickered on along streets, casting a warm, golden glow that brought a sense of calm after the day''s rush. As August began strolling down the streets, he pondered his options for grinding locations. He was tempted to explore some of the outer regions but hesitated, remembering he''d put several items up for sale in the game''s auction house a few weeks back. Realizing he hadpletely forgotten about them, he quickly changed course, making his way toward the auction house to see if there were any updates on his items. The auction house stood on the eastern side of the kingdom. Its grand stone facade was lined with banners in vibrant blues and silvers. Wooden doors carved with scenes of past guild battles opened to reveal a sprawling interior, filled with marble columns and rows of disy cases. Magical crystals embedded in the walls cast a soft, shimmering glow over the polished floors. The sound of conversation filled the air as yers browsed disys or haggled over prices with NPC attendants. As August made his way through the bustling crowd, he overheard snippets of conversations from yers who chatted excitedly about thetest in-game achievements, recent guild conquests, and rare loot finds. "Did you hear about the Phoenix Celestial Guild? They just got their hands on a legendary artifact!" one yer whispered to hispanion. "Yeah, and the bonus stats from that are insane! They''re going to dominate the next event for sure," his friend replied. August smirked, amused by the excitement around him as he continued navigating through the crowds. The auction house was truly a central hub, drawing yers of all levels. As he approached the area where his items were listed, he was greeted by the sight ofrge crystal disys, each showcasing a variety of items from weapons to rare crafting materials. The system interface hovered over each item, disying current bids, starting prices, and time remaining. "Alright," he muttered, opening his inventory to cross-check the items he''d put up for sale. He had nearly forgotten the details of what he''d listed and was eager to see if any bids hade through. To his surprise, every single listing was marked as Sold with final prices far higher than he had anticipated: - Goblin Tooth x10¡ª Sold for 1,200 Gold - Troll Club (Umon)¡ª Sold for 4,500 Gold*l - Thick Hide ¡ª Sold for 1,800 Gold - Iron w x2 ¡ª Sold for 2,300 Gold - Wolf Pelt x3 ¡ª Sold for 1,500 Gold His eyes widened slightly at the totals. These basic items had generated a small fortune in Gold¡ªenough to seriously invest in new gear, better potions, and perhaps even some rare materials. He smirked, feeling like his little side business was really paying off. Not to mention that he could decide to convert the gold to actual money since a thousand gold coins were equal to a hundred dors. A helpful NPC attendant at the counter noticed him and approached with a smile. "Congrattions on your sales, yer Aleman. Your earnings total 11,300 Gold. Would you like to collect it now?" "Yes, please," August replied while nodding. The NPC held out a shimmering bag of Gold, and August felt the weight of his earnings as it materialized in his inventory. [You Have Received a Level 1 Membership Card] "Oh nice," August mumbled while staring at the card information. Your next read is at empire <[ Level 1 Auction House Membership Card: Receive Notifications Of Some Items Listed For Sale and Can Be Invited To Attend Some Minor Auctions]> ''Ah, I see... I guess this could somewhat improve in the future?'' With a satisfied look, August continued to browse through the other listings, marveling at some of the high-ticket items that others had up for auction. Rare-grade weapons, rare crafting materials, and magical artifacts that granted unique buffs and abilities were disyed, each with bids far beyond what he had anticipated. He paused by one of the disys, examining a beautifully designed dagger. The item''s interface hovered in the air beside it, listing it as a "Rare Lunar Dagger" with additional shadow damage and critical hit buffs. It was going for an eye-watering 1,600,000 Gold. "Maybe one day," he murmured to himself, shaking his head as he moved on. Just as he was about to turn and leave, he identally bumped into someone standing behind him. "Watch where you''re going!" a haughty voice snapped.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om August took a step back,ing face-to-face with a yer dressed in shiny, high-tier armor that gleamed with an ethereal glow. His chest te boasted intricate engravings, and a massive sword hung at his side, practically radiating power. The yer''s name floated above him in gold letters: Lord Xyron. A handful of followers, each equipped with decent mid-tier gear, stood behind him. Their gazes were haughty and smug as they looked August up and down. "My bad," August said, holding up his hands in a non-threatening manner. "Didn''t see you there." Lord Xyron scoffed while crossing his arms with a sneer. "Typical. Low-level yers have no respect for those of us who''ve actually aplished something. You think an apology is going to cut it?" Chapter 50 Fight Me Like A Man! One of Xyron''sckeys chimed in with a sneer. "Yeah, don''t you know who you''re talking to? This is Lord Xyron, one of the richest yers in Tagharuim!" August held back a sigh. His patience felt slightly tested but his face remained calm. "Look, I apologized. Didn''t mean to bump into you." Xyron''s eyes narrowed, sizing him up with obvious disdain. "Apology or not, maybe you should watch where you''re going. Not everyone is as... forgiving as I am." He smirked, as if relishing his own words. "Noted," August replied smoothly, refusing to let the man''s arrogance rile him up. He gave a slight nod, then turned to walk away. As he left, he could hear Xyron muttering behind him to hisckeys, "I swear, the game is filled with nothing but amateurs these days. Not everyone is cut out to make it to the top." August couldn''t be bothered, he had to go and grind at the moment. ... ... August moved with stealth and precision as he approached the Darkspire Caves. The area seemed eerier than the cave of shadows with pointy rocks, twisted formations and gnarled trees that seemed to whisper secrets in anguage only shadows could understand. The red-hued sky cast everything in a bloody glow, making the towering stone pirs and vine-choked trees appear even more sinister. The Darkspire Caves were notorious, not just for the high-level creatures lurking within but also for thewlessness that reigned here. Being a Red Zone, yers could¡ªand often did¡ªattack each other without penalty. It was a ce only the confident or the foolhardy would enter alone. In the distance, August spotted Xyron and his entourage striding confidently toward the entrance of the cave. He didn''t expect to meet them here again. This was aplete coincidence. Xyron was d in the same gleaming armor that seemed to radiate a powerful aura. borate engravings adorned them with a lustrous finish that set him apart from the rest of his followers. His new Greatsword, nearly as tall as he was, shimmered with an ominous, pulsing energy. It was clear that this weapon had cost him a small fortune, and he was eager to test its strength on the creatures within the caves. "Stay sharp, everyone. We''re here to grind, not to lose levels to amateurs," Xyron announced in a voice that echoed with arrogance. His followers nodded with eager and sharp eyes. "Clear out!" Xyron voice boomed. Several yers who had been cautiously grinding near the cave''s entrance turned toward him. Expressions of annoyance and anger formed as they realized who had arrived. They had likely already heard of Lord Xyron''s reputation and his powerful crew, but a few seemed hesitant to leave their grind spot. One yer, clearly reluctant to lose his territory, stood his ground, clutching a sword that glowed faintly. "We were here first," he muttered defiantly, although his voice betrayed a hint of fear. Xyron''s expression twisted with disdain as he casually approached, leveling his gaze on the yer. "I don''t care who was here first. Either get lost, or lose a level. Your choice." He grinned as his hand rested on the hilt of his Greatsword. One of Xyron''s followers chimed in, "Yeah, we don''t have time for weaklings trying to stand in our way. Move it." The defiant yer hesitated, ncing at hispanions who looked just as uncertain. He exchanged a brief, reluctant look with them before sheathing his sword and turning to leave. "Let''s go. It''s not worth it," he murmured to them. Most yers took the hint and began retreating, unwilling to risk the wrath of Xyron and his well-equippedckeys. A few muttered under their breath and lingered a bit longer before reluctantly leaving. A handful of yers, emboldened by sheer frustration, decided to fight back. They unsheathed their weapons, sending a wave of magic and strikes toward Xyron''s group. But Xyron and hisckeys had no intention of going easy. They engaged swiftly with overwhelming attacks. Within moments, the opposing yers were defeated and forcibly respawned with one level fewer than they had entered the cave. Xyron smirked with clearly bolstered ego. "That''s what happens when amateurs try to stand against the best." From a hidden vantage point nearby, August watched the entire disy unfold. He had witnessed the shameless disy of power and arrogance. "Perhaps it''s time to bring back the steal killing ghost," he thought out loud as a sly smile formed. Moving with stealth and agility, he kept his distance, ensuring he was concealed in the shadows as Xyron and his group ventured further into the depths of the Darkspire Caves. The deeper they went, the more treacherous the terrain became. Find your next read on empire The path twisted through caverns draped in thick, hanging moss that glowed faintly, casting an eerie greenish-blue light across the walls. Pools of stagnant water collected in depressions along the path, and the air was thick with the acrid stench of sulfur and decay. asional wisps of mist floated just above the ground, giving the entire cave an unsettling, haunted feel. Xyron grinned as he spotted a Level 26 Shadow Serpent slithering nearby. It''s scales reflected the faint bioluminescent glow of the moss. With a confident swing, he raised his Greatsword and struck the creature. Hisckeys nked him to provide support with ranged and melee attacks. The Shadow Serpent hissed, baring its fangs, but its health bar was dropping quickly under theirbined assault. Just as the serpent''s HP hit a critical sliver, August, hidden in the shadows, activated his Lightning Spell. With precise timing, a bolt of lightning shot forward, striking the creature and delivering the final blow. [ System Notification: You have dealt the final blow. EXP granted. ] Xyron froze, staring at the vanishing corpse of the Shadow Serpent in disbelief. His Greatsword had been mid-swing, ready to im the kill. He whirled around while scanning the shadows. "What the hell just happened?" he barked as his face darkened with frustration. One of hisckeys looked around nervously. "I¡ªI think someone stole the kill, Lord Xyron." Lord Xyron''s eyes narrowed in anger. "A kill stealer, huh? Let them show their face. No one does that to me." However, August had already slipped away. His form melded into the shadows as he repositioned to another spot. He watched with amusement as Xyron and his crew tried to find him but to no avail. They pressed on, encountering a group of Level 27 Warped Spiders. Their spindly legs twitched as they skittered toward the yers. Xyron and his crew attacked with renewed fervor. "Earth Splitting Swing!" Each swing of his Greatsword sent a powerful shockwave reeling forward. Just as they were about to finish thergest of the spiders, August once again unleashed a Lightning Bolt,nding the final blow. [ System Notification: You have dealt the final blow. EXP granted. ] Xyron''s frustration turned visible as he screamed into the darkened cave. "Show yourself, you coward!" In the distance, August couldn''t help but chuckle, though he kept it silent. "You bastard! When I catch you... I''ll skin you alive!" August ignored the threats and continued tailing. Each time Xyron''s group weakened a creature, he moved closer, positioning himself for the perfect moment to strike. With every kill he stole, Xyron''s frustration only grew, and hisckeys exchanged worried nces. "Maybe it''s... the Kill Stealing Ghost. I think I heard of a yer like that at the cave of shadows once..." one of them whispered. The nickname August had earned previously rang fearfully in his voice. "Don''t be ridiculous," Xyron snapped in anger. "It''s just some weakling who thinks they''re clever." August continued to bide his time, observing Xyron''s movements as he prepared his next kill steal. After a while, Xyron and his followers encountered a massive Level 27 Abyssal Lurker. Its sinewy, serpentine body coiled around the cavern floor while it''s red eyes red menacingly as it hissed. It''s ws raked against the stone upon spotting the weaklings that dared crossed it''s path. "Perfect," Xyron muttered while gripping his Greatsword as he lunged forward. Hisckeys supported him with magic and ranged attacks. The Abyssal Lurker''s HP bar dropped steadily, though it put up a fierce fight. It''s tailshed out asionally, knocking some of Xyron''s men off their feet. August crept closer with his custom staff in hand. With a quiet incantation, he activated Ethereal Storm, summoning a dark vortex above the Lurker.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om Suddenly, a bolt of energy shot down from the void, mming into the creature and obliterating thest of its health. [ System Notification: You have dealt the final blow. EXP granted. ] Xyron''s face contorted with rage as he whirled around, ring at the shadows. "Enough! Whoever''s doing this,e out and fight me like a man!" By now, Xyron was livid, practically seething as he stomped around the cave. Hisckeys trailed behind him in confusion and frustration. One of his followers, trying to calm him down, said nervously, "M-Maybe we should move to another spot, Lord Xyron. It seems we''re... being targeted." Xyron clenched his fists with barely restrained anger. "Fine. We''ll move deeper into the cave. But if I find this kill stealer, I swear, they''ll regret it." Chapter 51 Dungeon Sealed The sounds of battle echoed through a darkened forest, filling the area with the shing of steel and the crackling of spells. The night was illuminated by bursts of fiery explosions and sts of icy winds as two guilds shed in fiercebat. Dragon''s Fang¡ªknown for their ruthless, aggressive ystyle¡ªwere pitted against members of Phoenix Celestial, a guild that prided itself on discipline and happened to be the most influential in Enders''s light. The battlefield was chaotic. Dragon''s Fang warriors charged forward with dark and menacing armor. Each of them wielded heavy weapons and enchanted shields. Opposite them, Phoenix Celestial''s members held their line with formation and strategy. Archersunched glowing arrows that split the night sky and mages hurled spells that sparkled with deadly beauty. Amidst the roars and battle cries, two captains emerged on each side, leading the charge. A captain from Dragon''s Fang''s side¡ªa towering, muscr man wielding an enormous battle-axe¡ªbellowedmands as he swung, cleaving through a Phoenix Celestial defender brutally. "Keep pushing forward! We''ll im this dungeon if it''s thest thing we do!" his loud voice rumbled across the battlefield. Not far away, the captain from Phoenix Celestial''s side, a slender woman with sharp eyes, lifted her staff high. She cast a blinding light spell, forcing back the Dragon''s Fang yers who had pressed too close. "We''re not letting a pack of brutes like you steal this dungeon!" she retorted fiercely, sending bolts of lightning toward her opponents. Around them, yers shed, spells collided in midair, and swords shed under the night sky. Blood-red system notifications popped up over fallen yers'' bodies as they lost levels upon death. Each side incurred heavy losses as neither was willing to back down. The battle was in full swing, with over forty yers shing in brutalbat. Suddenly, a figure darted from the shadows at the edge of the battle, catching sight of the chaos. It was August, still under the cover of his stealth abilities as he fled from Xyron and hisckeys. He halted, momentarily stunned by the scene. The two guilds were so focused on each other that they hadn''t noticed him slip past the periphery of the battlefield. "What the hell¡­?" August voiced out loud while taking in the intensity of the battle. He had stumbled upon this location by ident while trying to escape, but couldn''t understand why there was so muchmotion. August overheard snatches of conversation from both sides. Apparently, both guilds had been peacefully grinding in the nearby area when some sort of hidden requirement had been met, triggering the appearance of the dungeon. Guilds in Enders Light were always on the hunt for first clears¡ªbeing the first toplete a dungeon not only awarded world announcements but also cemented a reputation as an elite team in the eyes of the game''s entire yer base. As the skirmish raged on, August knew it was an ideal distraction to slip away from Xyron. He began to move stealthily around the skirmish, hoping to avoid detection. But fate had other ns. Just as he crept past a group of Phoenix Celestial yers, one spotted him out of the corner of his eye. "Hey! Another Dragon''s Fang yer trying to sneak in!" he yelled while pointing directly at August.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om August held up his hands in protest, "Whoa, wait! I''m not with any guild!" But the yer, a sword-wielding knight, was already charging at him. "Nice try! Your excuses don''t fool me." Realizing there was no point in arguing, August sidestepped the knight''s attack, countering with a quick Hidden Strike that sent the yer reeling back. [ System Notification: -900 HP ] The knight staggered, looking both shocked and furious. "Who the hell are you?" "Just a guy trying to get out of here in one piece," August muttered while leaping back as another Phoenix Celestial yer aimed a fireball his way. The spell sizzled past him, leaving scorch marks on the ground. At the same moment, a berserker from Dragon''s Fang caught sight of him. "You! You''re from Phoenix Celestial, aren''t you?" He lunged at August while swinging his war hammer with deadly force. "Does no one listen around here?" August grumbled before narrowly dodging the hammer as it crashed down, sending shockwaves through the ground. In the chaos, he activated Shadow Dance, creating several shadowy afterimages that danced around the battlefield, confusing his attackers. A Dragon''s Fang mage noticed the shadows and fired off a chain lightning spell, attempting to hit August, but the bolts only struck the afterimages, dissipating them into smoke. "Damn it! Get him!" Amidst the shouting, he heard another voice¡ªfamiliar and infuriating. "There he is!" Xyron''s voice rang out as he and hisckeys appeared from the opposite end of the field. Their eyes instantly zeroed in on August. Xyron''s Greatsword glowed ominously as he raised it, clearly intent on finally capturing the elusive Kill Stealing Ghost. "Out of my way!" Xyron bellowed, shoving aside Phoenix Celestial and Dragon''s Fang yers alike as he advanced with his eyes directly fixed on August. Hisckeys trailed behind him with their weapons drawn, looking equally eager to end this chase. "Oh, for the love of¡­" August muttered under his breath, ncing around desperately. His only escapey in the newly opened dungeon entrance that both guilds were fighting over. He weighed his options quickly. ''It''s risky, but it''s better than getting torn apart here.'' Dodging another swing from the berserker, August broke into a sprint, dashing toward the dungeon entrance. Several yers from both sides noticed his movement. "He''s heading for the dungeon!" "Don''t let him in first!" But August was already there, slipping into the shadows. Just as a Dragon''s Fang yer lunged at him, he dove forward, crossing the dungeon''s threshold. The moment he entered, a system notification shed before him: [ System Notification: You have entered The Ogres'' Dwelling. Proceed with caution. ] A dark path with barely any illumination spread out before him. However, August couldn''t stop moving because Xyron and hisckeys had sprinted through the same entrance only a few moments after him. [ System Notification: yer Limit Reached - Six yers detected. The Ogres'' Dwelling dungeon has been sealed. ] Chapter 52 Working Together As August dashed into the dimly lit entrance of the dungeon, he could hear Xyron and hisckeys mbering close behind him. Their footsteps echoed loudly within the dungeon. He sprinted through the initial corridor, ignoring the damp, musty air and the eerie, flickering green glow from phosphorescent fungi that clung to the stone walls. Just as he reached an open chamber, a system notification shed before him: [ System Notification: yer Limit Reached - Six yers detected. The Ogres'' Dwelling dungeon has been sealed. ] August nced over his shoulder and saw Xyron and his group closing in with angry looks. He barely had a moment to catch his breath before another system notification appeared. [ System Notification: Dungeon Objective Activated - Clear the Ogres'' Dwelling. This dungeon will not reopen until either the dungeon is cleared or all yers are defeated. ] Behind Xyron and hisckeys, another figure stumbled in¡ªa lone yer from Phoenix Celestial who had managed to dash through just before the barrier sealed off the dungeon entrance. A brief look of surprise crossed her face as she realized she was now trapped with August and Xyron''s group. Xyron smirked as his gaze locked onto August. "Running from me again? Thought you were braver than that, Aleman." August rolled his eyes while evaluating his options. "Listen, Xyron, as much as I''d love to keep this little chase going, maybe you should focus on something else right now." He jerked his thumb over his shoulder. At that moment, a low, thunderous rumble resonated through the chamber, causing everyone to freeze. The ground trembled, dust fell from the stone ceiling, and the walls shifted, revealing hidden pathways and treacherous obstacles that stretched out before them. The entire dungeon began to reshape itself. Pits of bubblingva opened along the edges and small stone bridges extended over chasms. Columns rose from a greenish sea of corrosive liquid, and thick, toxic fumes hissed out from holes in the dungeon walls. The oppressive heat and smell of sulfur were almost unbearable. A new system notification appeared in their vision: [ System Notification: Environmental Hazard Activated. Navigate the dungeon''s treacherous terrain to survive. ] From the eastern side of the chamber, the sound of heavy footsteps reverberated, causing low tremors. A group of enormous, menacing ogres, each adorned in crude armor made of stone and metal shards, lumbered into view. There were at least thirty of them with bodies that towered over the yers as they snarled. Saliva dripped from their tusked mouths making them look even more menacing. Each ogre''s level floated ominously above its head, ranging from Level 27 to Level 30. August''s eyes darted to Xyron and hisckeys, who were still ring at him. The lone Phoenix Celestial yer who happened to be a mage named Aria, took a step back while gripping her staff tightly as her eyes widened in fear. "Are you really going to keep this up, Xyron?" August called out, exasperated. "Look at them!" He pointed toward the advancing ogres. Their guttural growls grew louder as they lumbered forward. Clubs made from petrified wood and massive iron spikes clenched in their hands. "You want to kill me, fine¡ªbut do you really think you can survive these guys alone?" Xyron sneered but hesitated as his gaze shifted from August to the ogres. "I don''t need your help, Aleman. I''ve got my crew here." One of Xyron''sckeys, a rogue named Kelvor, looked at the ogres with a glimmer of fear. "Uh, Xyron¡­maybe we should¡­consider working together. Those ogres¡­they''re no joke." Xyron shot him a look of irritation but didn''t respond. He was too busy evaluating the massive creatures who were closing in. August watched as the ogres spread out, forming a semi-circle that boxed the yers into the chamber. The path to safety was clear¡ªthe only way forward was to fight. He tightened his grip on his custom staff, feeling the pulse of magic course through it. He let out a sigh before casting a quick look at Xyron. "Well? What''s it going to be? Fight me¡ªor survive this together?" Xyron''s face twisted with indecision, but it was clear he couldn''t deny the threat. Finally, he spat on the ground as his sneer faded into a reluctant scowl. "Fine. But only until we clear these monsters." The lone Phoenix Celestial mage, Aria, breathed a sigh of relief. "For the record, I''m all for not dying in here. I don''t intend to lose a level and drop some of my precious items." August nodded, barely keeping a smirk from his face. "d we''re all on the same page." The ogres charged forward with a deafening roar. Their heavy footsteps shook the entire chamber as they approached. August quickly raised his custom staff and shouted to the group, "Stick together! We take them one at a time if we can!" The first ogre swung its massive club down with the force of a wrecking ball. August dodged to the side, feeling the air ripple from the impact as the club crashed into the ground, leaving a crater. He immediately retaliated, casting Lightning Bolt at the creature. [ System Notification: Lightning Bolt Cast. Gravitational Effect Applied. ] A crackling bolt of lightning shot from his staff, striking the ogre directly in the chest. A gravitational force rippled outward, anchoring the ogre''s movements, making it sluggish as it struggled against the oppressive pull. Xyron''s Greatsword cleaved through the air with a powerful arc, crashing into the weakened ogre''s side, splitting its flesh and causing it to stumble. One of Xyron''sckeys, a mage named Soren, raised his staff and sent a st of freezing ice toward another ogre, coating its legs in frost and slowing it down. "Focus on the ones slowed down!" August shouted while darting around the battlefield as he aimed a Fireball at an ogre that was lumbering toward Aria. [ - 900HP ] The explosion of me engulfed the ogre, but the impact sent Aria stumbling back. "Thanks," she voiced in appreciation while panting and casting a Healing Aura that began to slowly regenerate everyone''s health in the immediate vicinity. Kelvor darted in and out, striking with poisoned daggers and leaving greenish trails of venom that seeped into the ogres'' skin. "This is insane! There''s too many of them!"N?v(el)B\\jnn The ogres were relentless. For every one they managed to bring down, it felt as though two more took their ce. Their attacks were heavy and brutal¡ªone swing could knock a yer''s HP down by a third if not outright kill them. Seeing the oing surge, August took a step back, gripping his custom staff. It was time for the big guns. He raised his staff high, feeling the pulse of energy surge through him, and called out, "Ethereal Storm!" [ System Notification: Ethereal Storm Activated. Area of Effect - 20 Meter Radius. Special Effect: Random Elemental Strikes. ] A swirling vortex of energy erupted above the battlefield, crackling with raw, shifting elemental power. Suddenly, a bolt of raw energy shot down from the vortex, crashing into the ogres and sending several of them sprawling backward, charred from the attack. [ -1800HP ] [ -1700 HP ] [ -2000HP] The storm shifted, and violent hurricane-like winds tore through the chamber, hurling rocks and debris into the creatures. Several ogres stumbled, momentarily disoriented as they fought against the intense gusts. One ogre, hit directly by a bolt from the storm, copsed as its HP dropped to zero. "Nice one!" Aria shouted in amazement. Xyron, temporarily awed despite himself, muttered, "Who is this guy?" The ogres regrouped, roaring in defiance as they pushed forward. But the yers were beginning to find their rhythm. August activated a Shadow Dance maneuver, weaving between the creatures and creating shadowy afterimages that disoriented the ogres, who swung wildly, missing him by inches. Kelvor used the distraction to leap onto the back of one ogre, stabbing it repeatedly before dropping off and vanishing into the shadows. "These things are tough as nails!" he hissed while wiping sweat from his brow. MP and EP were reducing at an insane level but One by one, they managed to bring the ogres down, though not without taking their own hits. August panted profusely. He was already low on HP but before he could use a health potion, thest of the ogres fell to Xyron''s final swing. [ System Notification: Congrattions! You have cleared the first wave of Ogres'' Dwelling. ] [ System Notification: Pathways Unsealed ] The moment this notification appeared in their line of sight, a loud weeping sound rang out. This took them all by surprise as their heads snapped towards the west. The weeping sounded feminine, drawing their attention but the silhouette they spotted in the distance contrasted deeply with the sound. Chapter 53 Rescuing The Chief Ogre [ System Notification: Pathways Unsealed ] The moment the notification shed, a strange, mournful sound echoed through the dungeon''s cavernous walls¡ªa soft, weeping cry reverberated in the eerie silence after the brutal fight. All heads turned westward, where a dimly lit tunnel stretched into shadows. From its depths emerged a small, huddled figure, barely illuminated by the flickering greenish glow of the fungi-lined walls. "Is that...crying?" Aria whispered while fixing her gaze on the tunnel. "Odd ce for a sob story," muttered Xyron, already unsheathing his greatsword. His fingers itched to end what he assumed was another enemy. The figure slowly came into view, revealing a small, young ogre girl¡ªno more than three feet tall. Her head was lowered and her thick, brawny shoulders trembled as she wept, clutching a ragged piece of cloth. "Hold on," August voiced while stepping in front of Xyron with a hand raised. "She''s...different." "Different?" Xyron scoffed in annoyance. "We''re in a dungeon full of ogres, Aleman. They''re all fair game." "Just wait," August insisted while approaching the young ogre girl slowly with his staff lowered. He crouched down, making sure to keep his movements non-threatening. "Hey...are you okay?" The girl looked up. Herrge green eyes were filled with fear and sadness. She sniffled as her gaze darted between the yers before finally settling on August. "You...you not here to hurt...Zora?" "No," August said softly while shaking his head reassuringly. "We''re here for...well, a different reason. Can you tell us why you''re crying?" After a moment of hesitation, the girl spoke with a trembling voice. "Bad ogres...they hurt Papa. They take him...because he no want big scary magic. He say it dangerous. Now...they want to wake the Ogre Lord..." She pointed toward the shadows while her little hand kept shaking. "They keep him there...locked up." The group exchanged nces as a new system notification appeared: [ System Notification: Dungeon Quest Initiated - Rescue the Chief and Prevent the Unsealing of the Ogre Lord. Objective: Defeat the renegade ogres and save the Ogre Chief. ] Xyron groaned while rolling his eyes. "So what, we''re rescuing a chief now? And stopping some kind of ogre apocalypse?" "Sounds like it," Aria voiced with a look of resolve. "And if this Ogre Lord is as bad as she says, I think we''re better off stopping him." August nced down at the young ogre girl. "Will you show us the way?" Zora nodded vigorously as her small face lit up with a glimmer of hope. "Yes, yes! Follow Zora!" As the group followed Zora through winding, narrow passages, the temperature in the cavern grew hotter. Pools of bubblingva appeared on either side of their path, casting an eerie orange glow on their faces. The journey wasn''t easy; they encountered hostile ogre guards along the way, and every fight was a test of their stamina and teamwork. Continue reading at empire One guard lunged at them from a hidden corner, swinging a spiky club. August reacted swiftly, sidestepping the attack and countering with a Hidden Strike. His dagger shed as it struck deep into the ogre''s side. [ System Notification: -1100 HP ] As the ogre staggered, Xyron seized the opportunity, mming his greatsword into the creature''s back, knocking it into a bubbling pool ofva with a sickening hiss. "Another one down," he muttered while scanning for the next threat. "Look out!" Aria shouted, as two more ogres rushed toward them with rage-filled eyes. She cast Ice Wall, creating a temporary barrier to slow their advance. August switched to his staff, casting Lightning Bolt above the ogres. A bolt of lightning rained down, striking them with explosive force. [ System Notification: Lightning Bolt Cast. Special Effect: Gravitational Anchor. ] The ogres found themselves struggling under the heavy gravitational pull as their movements turned sluggish and disoriented. August dashed in, delivering a Strike from behind, while Kelvor lunged in from the side, stabbing with poisoned daggers. One by one, they managed to push through. Zora guided them through twists and turns as each corner revealed moreva pits and treacherous ledges. At one point, they crossed a perilous stone bridge, barely wide enough for one person at a time. The heat was unbearable and sweat dripped down their faces as they kept their eyes on the path. Finally, they reached a narrow, elevated tform where the Ogre Chief was bound with thick, enchanted chains. His hulking form looked slumped and bruised. Surrounding him were several renegade ogres, each more menacing than thest. They were led by a particrly massive ogre who wore a makeshift crown fashioned from bones and metal scraps. [ System Notification: Sub-Boss Encounter - Renegade Ogre Commander. Level 32. ] "Looks like we''ve found the ringleader," August voiced while gripping his staff. Themander snarled, raising a massive warhammer. "Intruders! You no belong here. We end you...and then we wake Lord." As the ogres advanced, Aria summoned a Healing Aura to keep everyone''s health steady. August cast Lightning Bolt, aiming for themander. The bolt struck true, slowing the ogre''s movements. Kelvor darted around, nking themander, but just as he moved in for an attack, themander swung his Warhammer, forcing him back. "This guy''s tough!" Kelvor shouted while narrowly dodging another swing. August activated Shadow Dance, creating shadowy afterimages that confused the ogremander. Using the distraction, he closed in and struck with Hidden Strike, reducing themander''s HP bit by bit. [ -500HP ] [ -800HP ] [ -650HP ] The fight intensified as the tform began to quake. Small rocks crumbled into theva below.N?v(el)B\\jnn Zora cried out as one of the ogres swung at her, but August quickly moved in, blocking the attack with his dagger, causing him to slide backward from the brute force. [ -150HP ] Despite blocking the attack, he lost quite a bit of HP. "Focus on themander!" August shouted. "Take him down, and the others will fall!" Xyron roared while charging forward and delivering a powerful overhead swing that collided with themander''s shoulder, slicing deep into it. Aria cast Fireball, and a burst of me engulfed themander, weakening him further. The other ogres retaliated. One of them managed tond a blow on Xyron that sent him staggering to the edge of the tform, nearly falling into theva below. August lunged forward, grabbing Xyron''s arm and pulling him back to safety. "Careful," August muttered, as Xyron grunted in response. With a final coordinated effort, theyunched an all-out assault on themander, overwhelming him with spells, strikes, and attacks. Atst, themander''s HP hit zero, and he copsed. His body turned into particles and disappeared. [ System Notification: Sub-Boss Defeated - Renegade Ogre Commander. ] With themander defeated, the remaining ogres faltered, allowing the group to finish them off. Once the battle was over, they hurried to free the Ogre Chief. The chains dissolved as Aria cast a spell, releasing him. The chief embraced his daughter, Zora, who had run to him with tears in her eyes. "Thank you," he rumbled with a gratitude-filled tone. "But we must hurry. The renegades... We must stop them from starting the ritual." August nodded with a grim look. "Lead the way." The Ogre Chief got on his feet and guided them through another set of winding tunnels. They could feel the air thickening with dark magic as pulsating energy radiated from the heart of the dungeon. After turning at thest corner, they arrived in a vast chamber where a group of ogres were chanting around a glowing rune on the floor. The chief''s face fell. "We are toote...the ritual has begun." A new notification appeared: [ System Notification: Final Objective - Stop the Awakening of the Ogre Lord. ] Chapter 54 World Announcement In a dimly lit room shrouded in shadows, two figures stood across from each other. Read exclusive adventures at empire The faint glow of a phone screen cast eerie shadows on their faces. One figure, tall and slender, wore a fox mask and tilted her head. The other, a broad-shouldered man cloaked in dark clothing, leaned against the wall. His face was obscured by the hood pulled low over his eyes. "He canceled the buy," he muttered in irritation. The fox-masked woman was silent for a moment. Then, with a faint sigh, she spoke with a low and calm voice. "Then we''ll have to find another way to get to him." The man''s fingers scrolled across the screen before stopping. He turned the device toward her, showing a profile page on an online gaming social media tform. It was Aleman''s profile. The familiar avatar picture apanied by a list of his past sales and sparse updates was on disy. "He''s not selling anything new at the moment," the man observed with a voice apanied by a slight edge of frustration. "How do you expect us to reach him without any bait?" The fox-masked woman''s lips curved under the mask, a hint of a smile that was neither reassuring nor warm. "There are other ways," her voice dripped with subtle menace. The man raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "And just how do you n on doing that?" Without answering, she turned toward the window. Her slender yet alluring silhouette was framed by the faint moonlight filtering through the blinds. She gazed out over the city skyline. "Aleman doesn''t realize it yet, but he''s caught in a web far beyond the reach of his games," she said quietly. "We''ll simply pull the right strings, one by one, until he''s exactly where we need him." ... ... Back in Enders''s light, the situation was getting tense. As the Ogre Chief rallied his loyal followers, a roar of approval echoed through the chamber, soon matched by fierce snarls from the ogres who were loyal to the renegades. The opposing forces squared off in a vast, tense line as both sides brandished weapons, ready for the chaotic battle about to unfold. At the center of the chamber, a glowing rune pulsed on the ground, and in between was a group of ogres chanting. Unfortunately, they were surrounded by an imprable barrier. [ System Notification: Objective Update - Defeat the Renegades and Stop the Awakening. ] August, Xyron, Aria, and the rest of their party stood side-by-side with the chief''s ogres, exchanging nces and nodding in unspoken agreement. With weapons drawn, they were ready to fight. "Listen, everyone!" August called over the din. "Our focus has to be that chanting circle! If we don''t stop them, they''ll finish the awakening." Xyron cracked his knuckles as his eyes narrowed on the group chanting around the rune. "Right. Let''s make this quick!" They charged forward, throwing everything they had at the shimmering barrier around the chanting circle. Xyron''s broadsword crashed against it causing a loud metallic ng to constantly ring out. Ariaunched a Fireball that exploded upon impact but merely fizzled out. Kelvor''s poison-tipped daggers and August''s Ethereal Storm both failed to make a scratch. [ System Notification: Barrier Unaffected - Mystical Item Detected. ] "Damn it!" Xyron spat. "This thing''s imprable!" August scanned the surroundings, his instincts telling him they were missing something vital, but the number of ogres shing around them made it hard to focus. Loyal and renegade ogres shed on all sides. The air was soon filled with the smell of sweat, blood, and dust. The bar on the awakening rune was inching closer topletion. A visual timer counted down their remaining time. "Wait! Let me try something!" Aria suddenly voiced out. Casting a spell, she muttered words under her breath, her fingers tracingplex patterns in the air. "Signature Link..." Her eyes glowed briefly as shepleted the spell. A faint shimmer encircled her as she stared up, spotting a triangr-shaped mystical item pinned to the ceiling which was more than twenty-five feet high. "There! The barrier''s connected to that artifact up there!" Before she could take aim to destroy it, a massive ogre with a spiked club rammed into her, knocking her back and taking a substantial chunk of her HP. [ System Notification: -1000 HP ] "Get that thing, Aleman!" she cried while pointing to the hidden artifact above. August barely dodged a club aimed his way, sidestepping two renegade ogres who nked him from either side. His hand twitched as he activated Shadow Dance. Shadows multiplied around him, creating afterimages that confused his attackers. Using the distraction, August sprinted toward the spot below the mystical item with his gaze fixed upward. He conjured Lightning Bolt as the air around him crackled. Just as he aimed, a sudden blow from a spiked club sent him reeling. His HP dropped dangerously. [ System Notification: -1200 HP ] Through the haze of pain, August steadied himself. His gaze was still locked on the artifact above. Channeling his focus, he fired the Lightning Bolt straight up striking the mystical item with precision. The artifact shattered in a brilliant burst of light. [ System Notification: Barrier Dispelled. ] With the barrier down, Xyron lunged forward with his greatsword and swung it with brute force, decapitating one of the chanters. The chanting faltered and the spell was disrupted just as the awakening bar reached 99%. The renegade ogres let out a collective roar of despair as they watched their ritual fail. The energy dissipated, leaving the would-be Ogre Lord bound within his prison. The remaining loyalists fought with renewed vigor, sensing victory. The group worked seamlessly, picking off the renegade ogres one by one, and soon, the room was filled only with thebored breathing of the victorious ogres and the yers. [ System Notification: Dungeon Cleared - Ogres'' Dwelling. Congrattions! An Independent Party Has Cleared the Dungeon. ] [ World Announcement: Congrattions to Aleman, Xyron, Aria, Kelvor, Hermes, and Thara forpleting the Ogres'' Dwelling Dungeon! ] "Whoa, we got the world announcement..." One of Xyron''sckeys was shocked. Even Aria bounced up and joy joyously, identally jumping into August''s arms. Heughed while catching her, before slowly putting her back down as a blush appeared on the face of her avatar. "Sorry," she muttered. "It''s fine... I''m just as excited," It was also August''s first time experiencing this. Everything that had happened in thest twenty hours waspletely unexpected. [ System Notification: Reward Distribution Initiated. ] [ +400,000 EXP to all yers ] The group stood in awe as piles of loot materialized around them. Glittering weapons, shimmering potions, and various rare items littered the chamber floor. August couldn''t believe the sight¡ªhe had never seen such abundant loot in-game before. Among the rewards was a particr item that caught his eye¡ªa tusk-like artifact, imbued with a dark, shifting glow. [ System Notification: Acquired Ogre''s Tusk - Grants Ability to Temporarily Take on Ogre Form and Conceal yer Name. ] August marveled at the new item as the Ogre Chief approached them. His eyes gleamed with gratitude despite his menacing looks. He bowed while voicing with a rumbling tone. "You have saved my people and prevented a terrible fate. For that, we owe you our thanks." The chief handed each of them additional rewards, nodding with respect as he addressed each yer. "Thank you," August replied, nodding back with a smile. But his moment of triumph was short-lived, as he noticed Xyron ring at him. "Do not think this changes anything," Xyron sneered. "Once we''re out of here, I''m taking every bit of loot you have on you."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om August held his gaze, calm and unphased. "Good luck with that, Xyron. But you''ll find that taking from me isn''t as easy as it looks." Chapter 55 Running Late The shockwaves from the recent dungeonpletion rippled far and wide. yers scattered across kingdoms, dungeons, and marketces were momentarily interrupted by the bold notification shing across their screens: [ World Notification: Congrattions to Aleman, Xyron, Aria, Kelvor, Hermes, and Thara forpleting the Ogres'' Dwelling Dungeon as an independent party! ] In the Tagharuim, a group of adventurers paused mid-conversation. Their eyes widened as they registered the message. A tall, armored warrior scratched his head in disbelief. "Did I read that right? An independent party took down the Ogres'' Dwelling?" "No way," his friend muttered, disbelief coloring his tone. "It''s always guilds that im the dungeons. Who are these guys?" In the crowded Adventurers'' Guild of Eldreon, a group of yers gathered at the bar, drinks momentarily forgotten. A rogue with a dark hood leaned back in his chair, chuckling. "Well, well. Looks like the guilds aren''t the only ones making a name for themselves anymore. Wonder if we could pull off something like that." Nearby, a group of younger yers looked at each other with newfound hope. "If they can do it, why can''t we?" In a quieter, shadowy part of the city, a duo of seasoned yers who often followed gaming forums squinted at the notification. "Aleman¡­that name sounds familiar," one of them said, scratching his chin. "Yeah," the other replied. "Wasn''t he the same guy selling items from the game? Like real-life items?" "Now that''s a guy to watch," the first expressed with a tone of curiosity. Back inside the dungeon, as the entrance barrier dissolved and the pathway reopened, August, Xyron, Aria, Kelvor, Hermes and Thara found themselves suddenly swarmed by guild members from Phoenix Celestial and Dragon''s Fang, the guilds who had originally staked a im on the Ogres'' Dwelling. One of the captains, stepped forward, sneering. "So, you lot thought you could waltz in and clear a dungeon we''ve been waiting to im?" "We just happened to be here first," Aria replied coolly, stepping forward. Her guild members quickly formed a protective semi-circle around her. Another yer from Dragon''s Fang crossed his arms, scowling at August. "Hand over the loot if you know what''s good for you. You had no right in that dungeon." August''s eyes darted around as a smirk slowly formed on his face. He''d had enough run-ins with yers like these to know how this would y out. "Sorry, but we earned this loot fair and square. Not interested in a trade." A rogue from Phoenix Celestial pointed to August as her eyes gleamed with recognition. "Wait a minute... Aleman? You''re the guy who''s been selling game items in real life, aren''t you?" "Who?" That caught a few more yers'' attention. Murmurs broke out as people tried to put the pieces together. "Enough!" the Dragon''s Fang warrior barked. "Drop the loot, or there will be trouble." August let out a soft chuckle, stepping back as if considering his options. Then, in the next moment, he activated Shadow Dance, bursting into a cascade of afterimages as he melted into the shadows. "That''s my cue to leave!" his voice faded as he sprinted toward the dungeon exit. "Get him!" The captain yelled. Aria watched with an amused smile, admiration clear in her eyes. "Smart move, Aleman," she murmured as she watched him disappear into the distance. --- Back in the real world, sunlight was streaming through August''s window as he opened his eyes, adjusting to the brightness of the new day. The fresh air filled his room, reminding him that today was an important day: he would finally sell the Runic Sword to Mr. Floozk. He stretched, took a quick shower, and then prepared breakfast, mentally calcting his next steps. The five hundred thousand dors Damon had demanded was due in two days, but this sale would finally put him in a good position. As he grabbed his coffee and finished breakfast, Sophia trotted out of her room with tousled hair. August shed her a smile. "Morning, Sophia! Make sure you save a little from that ''uniform fund'' I left you, alright? A girl needs her ice cream." Sophiaughed, rolling her eyes. "Yeah, yeah, big brother! And don''t you worry¡ªI''m getting the biggest ice cream scoop they sell." "Sounds like a solid n," August chuckled, patting her head affectionately. "See youter." With that, he was out the door and on his way to work. --- At the factory, Derrick greeted him with his usual grin and a friendly nudge. "Anotherte-night grinding session?" August shrugged, grinning. "You know it. Though today''s not just any day¡ªI''m finally taking a big step that will help Sophia and me. If it works out, the debt will be taken care of." Derrick raised his eyebrows with an impressed look. "Man, good for you. That guy Damon will have to find someone else to hassle." He paused, ncing around to make sure no one else was listening. "Think you''ll be able to cut down on these shifts soon?" "That''s the n. If this goes fine, I''ll finally get some breathing room." The shift passed without incident, and as they finished, Derrick patted him on the back. "Hey, about time, man. You''ve been grinding for as long as I can remember. Go enjoy some downtime once this is all settled, alright?" August grinned, pping Derrick on the shoulder. "Will do. And hey¡ªtell me when you''ve got some free time yourself. I owe you a drink or two." --- When the workday ended, Derrick waved goodbye, taking an unfamiliar bus route once again. August watched his friend go with a slight frown on his face, but he quickly shook it off. He had an appointment to keep, and he couldn''t afford to bete. He boarded a bus heading toward the upscale restaurant where he had previously met Mr. Floozk. He arrived at the bustling venue, where the warm lighting, smooth decor, and chatter of well-dressed patrons set the scene. August took a seat, ordered a coffee, and settled in to wait.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om Fifteen minutes passed. He sipped his coffee as his eyes drifted to the door whenever someone entered, but Mr. Floozk was nowhere in sight. Another twenty minutes went by, and August began tapping his fingers on the table. A faint sense of unease settled in. He ordered a second coffee, trying to stay patient, but after another half-hour with no sign of Mr. Floozk, his unease deepened. "Where is he?" he murmured, checking his phone for any missed calls or messages. Nothing. What made this more unsettling was the fact that he canceled his sale with the previous buyer for Mr Floozk. He wasn''t expecting any disappointments. He finished his second coffee and nced at the clock. Nearly an hour and a half had passed since he''d arrived. As the minutes ticked by, the feeling of unease grew stronger, twisting into a knot of anxiety. "Come on¡­" he muttered, ncing around the restaurant. People came and went, but none of them were Mr. Floozk. August clenched his fist, resisting the urge to get up and pace. Thest time they''d met, Mr. Floozk had been punctual even though it wasn''t his sale so why had he decided to do this when it was finally his turn? Had something happened? Chapter 56 The Unexpected Situation After another hour of waiting, August leaned back in his chair, letting out a sigh. The initial excitement he felt had soured, reced by an increasing sense of regret. He drummed his fingers on the table, ncing at his watch. ''Should have gone through with the sale to the other buyer,'' he thought. Finally, he pushed his chair back and stood up, ready to leave. Just as he turned toward the door, his phone buzzed in his pocket. An unknown number shed across the screen. Curious and a little wary, August answered, "Hello?" A warm, professional voice greeted him. "Hello, is this Aleman? I''m Mr. Floozk''s personal assistant. My name is Celia." August raised an eyebrow, taking a few cautious steps back to his table. "Yes, this is Aleman¡­ What''s going on?" Celia''s tone softened apologetically. "I''m terribly sorry, Mr. Aleman. Mr. Floozk had an unexpected emergency and was unable to meet you at the restaurant as nned. He asked me to reach out and extend his sincerest apologies." August sighed but kept his tone steady. "Well, that exins the wait. I would have appreciated some kind of notice sooner, though." "I understandpletely, and I''m truly sorry for the inconvenience," Celia replied. "This situation was unforeseen. Mr. Floozk specifically asked me to reschedule the meeting for tomorrow. He assures me he''ll be there personally, no dys." August considered this for a moment, weighing his options. He wanted this sale done, but if Mr. Floozk genuinely had an emergency¡­ Well, he didn''t want to lose his cool over something that wasn''t entirely in the man''s control. "Alright," he replied, letting a bit of the tension out of his voice. "I can make it tomorrow. Luckily, I''ve got the day off. But you can tell him he owes me a coffee," he added with a slight chuckle. Celiaughed politely. "Understood, Mr. Aleman. I''ll make sure he knows. And thank you for your understanding. You have his word that tomorrow, he''ll be there on time." August nodded to himself, a little relieved. "I appreciate the call, Celia. I''ll see him tomorrow then." "Thank you, and again, our sincerest apologies. Have a good evening, Mr. Aleman." "Good evening, Celia." August ended the call, pocketed his phone, and made his way out of the restaurant. At least tomorrow was his day off, and he still had just enough time toplete the transaction before Damon''s deadline.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om ... As August made his way home, he nced up at the towering billboards and advertisements that lit up the evening streets. Enders Light dominated nearly every screen, disying colorful images of different realms, yers wielding magnificent weapons, and guild banners fluttering in digital winds. People around him stopped to watch. Onerge screen caught August''s attention, disying a beautiful woman with smooth, buttery skin and piercing blue eyes. Her tinum hair cascaded over her shoulders in elegant waves, framing a face that was both fierce and graceful. She wore a smooth silver-blue bodysuit that shimmered in the light, hugging her curves and exuding both power and beauty. The screen shed her in-game title in bold: Ice Queen, Vice Leader of the Phoenix Celestial guild. Below, her real name was disyed¡ªElena Frost. She was addressing the viewers with a calm yetmanding tone, drawing everyone''s attention. "The Phoenix Celestial guild has aplished many feats. We''re at the forefront of Enders Light, leading with strength, unity, and vision. We''re always on the lookout for yers with talent, skill, and the dedication to rise with us." Her icy gaze swept over the camera as she paused, captivating everyone watching. "We''re recruiting more exceptional yers each day, and it''s not just about in-game rewards. Top recruits will receive real-life perks andpensation. If you''ve got what it takes, Phoenix Celestial is where you belong." A soft murmur of admiration rippled through the crowd around August, and he could hear peoplementing. "Look at her¡­ she''s stunning!" "She''s not just a top yer; she''s a celebrity now. I heard she has made millions from this." "And they say she''s a supernatural yer too... wonder if that''s true?" August rolled his eyes slightly, half-listening to the chatter around him. He couldn''t deny that she was striking. Her beauty was undeniable, and her confidencemanded attention. There was a certain pull he felt, an attraction that crept up on him, but he quickly shook himself out of it. ''Focus, August,'' he reminded himself while taking a deep breath. Getting hung up over someone he hadn''t even met was beneath him. He couldn''t deny that he was a womanizer and would have wanted nothing more than to strip her naked if this was his previous world but right now he had more important things to worry about. Womanizing would have toeter. --- By the time he reached home, the sun was dipping below the horizon. August and Sophia shared a warm dinner, and she animatedly recounted her day, filling the room withughter. Later that evening after Sophia went to bed, August also decided to turn in for the night. After a couple of weeks, he needed to sleep at least once without logging into the game. As hey in bed, he thought of the challenges he had faced and the ones still ahead. Tomorrow was a free day, and he''d log into the game once he got up. For tonight, he would allow himself a rare luxury¡ªa full, uninterrupted night''s sleep. ... August woke up the next morning, refreshed and ready to dive into Enders Light. He had the whole morning free, with his meeting with Mr. Floozk scheduled forte afternoon. If everything went smoothly, he would secure the funds he needed to handle Damon''s debt. But for now, he could spend a good chunk of time in-game, using Enders Light as a wee escape and a chance to gain some levels. He stretched, ncing at the pod with anticipation. Since time moved faster in Enders Light, he could get in a full day of grinding within just a couple of hours. With a grin, August got himself set, thinking of all the new skills and loot he''d been building up, preparing for the quests that would get him closer to the higher-ranking yers. Just as he was about to enter the game, however, he heard an abruptmotion from the living room. He froze as the sound of muffled voices reached his ears, followed by the unmistakable sound of Sophia''s raised voice. "Let me go!!" August jolted out of his room the moment he heard Sophia''s scream echo through the hallway. He dashed into the living room, taking in the sight before him. Damon stood there, arms crossed with a smug grin on his face. One of his muscr goons had Sophia in his grip, holding her while she struggled to break free. "What the hell is going on?" August demanded while clenching his fists tightly in annoyance. Damon smirked, tilting his head with a feigned look of surprise. "Oh, good morning, August. Thought we''d stop by to settle your debt." He nodded toward Sophia as a cruel glint appeared in his eye. "As agreed, if you don''t have my money, she''sing with me." August''s voice turned tense at this moment. "We agreed on one month, Damon. I still have until tomorrow." Damon chuckled while shaking his head. "See, that''s where you''re wrong." He took a step closer as his voice slowly dropped. "I told you one month. Now, depending on my mood, that month could mean 30 days¡­ or 31. Today''s the 30th day, so here we are." Chapter 57 Taken Sophia''s eyes widened. Her voice cracked as she pleaded, "Please¡­ let me go. I haven''t done anything wrong." August held his hand out, desperate to defuse the situation. "Come on, Damon. You promised. Just give me until tomorrow. I''ll have your money, I swear." Damon tilted his head, tapping his chin mockingly. "Promises, promises. How many people do you think make promises to me, August? And how many actually keep them?" He snapped his fingers, and his goon tightened his grip on Sophia, causing her to wince. "Please, Damon," August''s voice was raw with barely restrained fury. "You don''t need to do this. Tomorrow, you''ll have it just as promised." Damon sighed, pretending to think it over. "You know, August, I''d like to believe you. I really would. But I prefer having guarantees in my line of work." He gestured to his goon. "And taking your sister here is as good a guarantee as I''ll get." "Just one more day, Damon," August repeated with a pleading tone. "I''m begging you. Don''t do this to her." Damon raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying August''s desperation. "One more day, huh? You really think I care about your word? You think your promises mean anything to me?" He smirked again. "But tell you what¡­ beg a little harder, and maybe, just maybe, I''ll consider it." August''s eyes shed with anger, but he held back, forcing himself to keep calm for Sophia''s sake. "Fine," he swallowed his pride and got on his knees. "I''m begging you. Just give me one more day. I''ll have the money. Let her go." Damon seemed to revel in August''s defeat. After a moment, he responded. "No." August''s pleas fell on deaf ears as Damon''s hand tightened around Sophia''s arm, dragging her forcibly toward the door. Sophia struggled as her voice trembled. "Let go of me! August! Help!" she cried, desperation clear in her tone. August lunged forward in desperation. "Damon, stop! You can''t do this! Just give me one more day¡ªI''ll have your money!" Damon paused just long enough to turn back as a chilling smirk appeared on his face. "She''s mine now. And she''ll make me a lot more money than you ever could." He turned to Sophia with a look of cruelty. "Your beauty''s going to draw all kinds of attention at my club." Sophia''s eyes widened in horror as her voice shook. "No! I don''t belong to you!" She kicked at Damon, but he retaliated with a brutal p across her face, leaving her stunned and stumbling. August''s fury boiled over. "Get your hands off her, Damon!" he yelled, stepping forward to intervene. But one of Damon''s goons moved fast, intercepting him with a solid punch that sent him sprawling across the floor. Bam! His head throbbed as he hit the ground. August tried to push himself up while groaning but the pain from the impact slowed him down. He watched helplessly as Damon dragged Sophia out the door and toward a ck car waiting at the curb. Nearby, a row of parked motorcycles lined the street, belonging to Damon''s henchmen who hovered around, grinning smugly as their boss shoved Sophia roughly into the backseat of the car. From inside, August''s rage zed like a wildfire. ''No...'' he thought, ''I won''t let them take her.'' He didn''t know if it was the original August''s feelings running through him right now or his, but he knew for sure that he would never forgive himself if he let Sophia get taken. The goon inside the apartment reached for him again, but August was already on his feet. Without a word, he tackled the goon, mming him against the wall with a force that rattled the windows. The goon staggered, but August didn''t relent. He grabbed him by the cor and delivered a powerful knee to his stomach, doubling him over. Outside, Damon heard themotion but simply smirked, waving his hand dismissively as he climbed into the driver''s seat. "Deal with him," he ordered his men as he started the engine. "We''re leaving." One of Damon''s goons stood by,ughing as August faced off against hisrade. His voice dripped with mockery. "Think you''re a tough guy, huh? All alone against us? You don''t stand a chance, pretty boy." August''s eyes burned as he red back. "Try me." The goon lunged, swinging wildly, but August sidestepped and delivered a swift, calcted strike to his kneecap, causing a sickening crack. Continue reading at empire "Ahhh!" The man cried out, copsing to the ground as his leg twisted at an unnatural angle. Just then, a loud crash echoed from inside the apartment. August had thrown another goon through the door, sending him flying out onto the pavement. People in the neighborhood gasped and murmured, watching from a distance. Yet, no one dared to interfere. Everyone knew Damon and his crew, and few were willing to risk crossing him. Another goon moved in, charging at August. He threw a punch thatnded squarely on August''s cheek, sending him staggering back as blood trickled from the corner of his mouth. The taste of copper filled his senses, but it only fueled his anger. He spat, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand as his gaze locked onto his opponent. August rushed forward, ducking just in time to dodge a swing aimed at his head. Using the goon''s momentum, he drove his fist up in a powerful uppercut, connecting with the man''s jaw and sending him crashing backward. But as he fought, Damon''s car began to roll forward, slowly at first, then picking up speed. August''s heart lurched when he saw Sophia in the backseat. Her terrified face pressed against the ss, banging on the window with desperation. "No! Sophia!" August shouted with a hoarse tone but before he could take a step, one of the goons grabbed him from behind, wrapping a muscr arm around his neck in a chokehold. August struggled as his air supply was cut off. The arms were like a giant pair of pliers that held onto his throat tightly, unyielding and unmoving. His vision blurred as the goon''s grip tightened even more around his throat. ''No¡­ can''t¡­ let¡­ her go¡­'' Summoning every ounce of strength left in him, August drove his elbow back into the goon''s ribs, feeling the man''s grip weaken. With a burst of energy, he wrenched himself free, spinning around to m his knee into the goon''s face. The impact sent the man staggering as he clutched his bloodied nose. Ignoring the pain in his own body, August broke into a sprint, chasing after the car. He could still see Sophia through the back windshield. Her hands were pressed against the ss and her mouth formed his name in a silent scream as the distance between them grew.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om The car pulled onto the main road, elerating as it merged with the morning traffic. August pushed himself harder as his legs ached while he let out heavy breaths. He refused to give up. But despite his efforts, the car was moving too fast. It slipped further and further away until finally¡­ it vanished into the bustling city streets. August''s chest heaved heavily as he came to a stop. He could hear his heart pounding in his ears. He stood there, helpless, as reality set in. She was gone. Chapter 58 This Is Personal In the aftermath of the chaos, August paced around his wrecked living room with a pale but furious look. Two of Damon''s goonsy tied up on the floor, bruised and utterly immobilized. Their wrists were bound behind their backs with cords he had found around the house, while one of them groaned from a bloody nose, half-awake and dazed. August clutched his phone with trembling fingers as he dialed yet again. The line rang on the other end for the umpteenth time. He needed this call to go through. He needed the money now if he had any hope of getting Sophia back. Finally, the ringing stopped, and a familiar voice answered. "Aleman," Mr. Floozk''s voice drawled with its usual cool, calcted calm. "I wasn''t expecting you. Our meeting''s not until this afternoon, you know." "I know, I know," August responded quickly, his voice tight. "But I need to ask you a favor, and it can''t wait." "A favor?" Mr. Floozk''s voice sharpened with interest. "And here I thought our only business today was the Runic Sword. What seems to be the matter?" August hesitated as he searched for the right words. "I... there''s been an incident," he started with a voice that barely hid the strain. "Someone very important to me has been taken. I need the funds as soon as possible to try and negotiate their release." On the other end of the line, Mr. Floozk paused. When he spoke again, his voice had lost its usual nonchnce, reced by a serious edge. "How soon do you need this?" "Today, now, within the next thirty minutes if possible," the words tumbled out of August''s mouth as he swallowed his pride. "Please. I know we nned to meetter, but if you can¡ª" "I''ll be there in less than thirty," Mr. Floozk interrupted, sounding uncharacteristically decisive. "And Aleman," he added, "when I get there, you can tell me everything." "Thank you," August breathed in relief as he ended the call. He couldn''t lose Sophia. But before he could leave, he dialed another number. "911, what''s your emergency?" "This is August Revenant. I''ve just detained two individuals who attacked me in my home. There was a break-in, and... one of them has serious injuries. Could you send someone over?" The dispatcher confirmed help was on the way. With that, August left the house, sparing only a final look at the two battered goons lying helplessly on his floor. ... ... The atmosphere in the dimly lit restaurant felt tense as August sat across from Mr. Floozk. The man, an underground figure with a reputation as irond as his forthright stare, was leaning forward with his fingers steepled as he listened intently to August''s hurried exnation. Around them, ten menacing bodyguards stood at the ready, each one scanning the room for any sign of threat. Mr. Floozk had already transferred the five hundred thousand dors to August''s ount without a hint of hesitation, showing an unusual level of trust in someone he''d met only recently. Now, August took a deep breath, carefully choosing what to share. "...and I know I don''t have a choice," August said quietly, barely masking the fury simmering beneath his calm facade. "If I''m going to get her back, I need to give them the money. Damon... he''s not someone the local police will bother crossing. He has them in his pocket." Mr. Floozk''s expression turned from cool interest to something darker. He sat back and his facial expression twitched a little at the mention of Damon. He tilted his head slightly, studying August with a discerning eye. "So let me get this right," Floozk finally spoke. "This Damon has taken someone close to you, and your n... is to hand over the cash and hope he lets her go?"N?v(el)B\\jnn August felt a wave of frustration. "It''s not a matter of what I want. I don''t have another choice. If I''m going to get her back in one piece, this is the fastest way. I know it''s not ideal, but I can''t risk her life by trying to y coy." Mr. Floozk raised an eyebrow as his lips curved into a faint, sardonic smile. "And yet here you are, having dealt with his goons alone. You know, Aleman, I didn''t think you were a man so easily intimidated." August hesitated as his gaze dropped for a moment. "It''s not intimidation. I''ll do anything to keep her safe, and right now, that means giving them what they want." For a moment, the two men sat in silence as August''s words settled between them. Finally, August rose to his feet, inclining his head toward Mr. Floozk. "Thank you for this. Really. I owe you more than I can say." He turned to leave, but Floozk''s voice stopped him mid-step. "Hold up," Mr. Floozkmanded with a quiet but unyielding tone."My men and I... we''ll being with you." August blinked, taken aback. "Mr. Floozk, you don''t have to¡ª" "It wasn''t a question," Floozk cut him off with a smirk. "You may want to handle this delicately, but let''s just say a permanent solution is a better way to go." August hesitated. "Look, I need to make sure she''s safe first. I can''t risk it." Floozk gave a light chuckle as his expression hardened. "And you think this Damon cares about ying it safe? Trust me, Aleman, he seems like the type to take advantage of any show of weakness. You want her safe? Let''s go in with the right kind of strength. So, do you know where he''s keeping her?" "Not exactly," August admitted, swallowing back a wave of frustration. "But I got the location of his nightclub from one of the goons I... persuaded earlier. It''s likely he''s keeping her there, or close by." Without missing a beat, Mr. Floozk pulled out his phone, dialing with a calm authority that showed this was far from his first time orchestrating a situation like this. "Rosalind," he said into the phone. "I want every avable man headed to this location. Full force. Don''t leave any stone unturned. I''ll be there shortly." He ended the call and slipped his phone back into his coat pocket, ncing back at August. "Shall we?" The two made their way outside, where a ck car awaited, parked beside the curb. Mr. Floozk''s bodyguards nked them on all sides, deterring any approach. As Floozk opened the back door, he gestured for August to enter. "Trust me on this one, Aleman. It''s better to go in prepared. You''ll have your dear one back, and this Damon will understand he crossed the wrong people." August climbed into the car, trying to steady his racing heart. ... ... The tension was tangible in the air August sat beside Mr. Floozk in the car, surrounded by the low noise of engines from the convoy of vehicles tailing them. Your adventure continues at empire Shadows from passing streetlights flickered across Mr. Floozk''s face, casting him in an even more enigmatic light. August nced at him, sensing something simmering beneath the man''s calm demeanor. Floozk finally broke the silence, carrying an edge of restrained anger. "I didn''t just miss our meeting for a casual emergency, Aleman," he began while fixing his gaze on the road ahead. "In this line of work, there are always risks, but what happened... that was personal." August leaned forward with piqued interest. "What exactly happened?" Floozk paused, as if considering where to begin. "One of my primary business locations... my men found it in mes. Aplete inferno. The fire spread so fast that even with my men there, everything was gone by the time it was under control. And it wasn''t just property lost," he continued. "Three of my men were trapped, held hostage before it all went up. A few of my most trusted were killed. All that... and we didn''t even catch the ones responsible." August absorbed this with barely concealed shock. He knew Floozk was a powerful man, practically untouchable in the underworld. For someone to have attacked him so directly and without fear of consequence was bold¡ªand dangerous. "That... that sounds like a targeted attack. Whoever did it was trying to send a message," August ventured, keeping his tone low. Floozk nodded as his expression darkened. "Exactly. It was meant to cripple me. And while I''ve taken losses before, this was different. The men I lost, the location... that was more than just money. They wanted to hit where it hurt." August wondered just how far-reaching Damon''s influence was. "Did you find out who was behind it?" Floozk''s lips pressed into a thin line before he let out a mirthless chuckle, though his eyes were anything but amused. "That''s the kicker, isn''t it? My men on the scene reported hearing a single name being echoed repeatedly¡ªlike they wanted me to know. Just one name." Floozk turned to look at August as he finally spoke the name. "Damon." A look of shock rippled across August''s face as he struggled to process the information. "Damon?" he voiced with nearly a whisper. "Are... are you sure? What if it''s someone else?" Floozk chuckled darkly. "Trust me, Aleman. There aren''t many people with that name who match this... particr description. This is personal." Chapter 59 Situation Escalates "That scum has been trying to edge in on my territory for a while now, testing the limits. I know he answers to a higher authority so I have never paid him any mind but now he has crossed the limit." Floozk''s tone was calm, but the fury beneath was unmistakable. August stared out the window, rage swirling in his own chest as he recalled Damon''s brazen entry into his home. He truly did cross the line. "So," Floozk continued, breaking August''s thoughts, "when you said Damon, I knew it couldn''t be anyone else. If he''s got your dear one, then he''s made this personal for both of us." August''s gaze hardened as he looked back at Floozk. "Then let''s get this done." Floozk''s lips twisted into a grim satisfied smile. "Now you''re speaking mynguage, Aleman." ... ... The atmosphere in the dimly lit nightclub was subdued, the faint thrum of bass reverberating from speakers as a handful of early afternoon patrons lounged at tables or leaned against the bar. Neon lights flickered over worn leather booths and a dingy dance floor. August pushed through the door with unhurried steps as he scanned the surroundings. Part of his face was still obscured by the scarf wrapped around his neck, casting shadows across his features. He walked up to one of Damon''s men standing by the entrance. "I''m here to see Damon." The man looked August up and down as his mouth curled into a sneer. "Our boss doesn''t see just anyone, especially not someone who looks as rough around the edges as you," he responded while crossing his arms. August, unfazed, pulled a in white envelope from his jacket, holding it up between his fingers. "I''m here to return five hundred thousand dors. I''d assume that''s reason enough." The man''s expression shifted. The sneer immediately dropped from his face as he processed the words. He gestured to a second bouncer by the bar. "Keep an eye on him. I''ll get the boss." Momentster, Damon emerged with a twisting expression of amusement and irritation on his face. "So, you actually my nightclub," Damon voiced while folding his arms as he looked August over. "How exactly did you manage that?" his eyes narrowed in suspicion. August met Damon''s gaze evenly. "Doesn''t matter how. What matters is that I have the money, and I''m here to get Sophia back." Damon let out a mocking chuckle, stepping closer. "Sophia? You think I''ll just hand her over because you managed to scrape together some cash? That''s cute, August," he sneered. "The thing is, I don''t want your money anymore." He leaned in with a low tone. "I''ve decided she''s worth far more than that." August''s eyes shed with controlled fury as he clenched his fist. "You''ll take the money and release her, Damon. That was the deal." Damon smirked with an unfazed look. "The deal''s off, and there''s nothing you can do about it." At that moment, the front door swung open with a resounding creak, and in walked Mr. Floozk, wielding a ck bat that casually rested on his shoulder. The air in the room shifted as whispers and gasps broke out among the patrons. The bartender froze mid-pour as his eyes widened with recognition. Floozk''s mere presence demanded attention. His gaze swept over the room, sharp as steel. Damon''s face paled. He took a small step back as his bravado wilted. "Floozk... I wasn''t..." Floozk smirked as his eyes narrowed as he slowly lowered the bat to the floor. The tip scraped against the worn tile with a low, grating sound as he stepped forward. "You might want to take back what you just said." He gestured around as more men filtered in through the entrance, filling the room with a foreboding presence. Some leaned against the walls, others positioned by the exits. A few even lingered outside,pleting the encirclement of the club. Damon swallowed, visibly shaken. His eyes darted between Floozk and August, who now looked back at him with a steely determination. His voice faltered. "Look, there''s...there''s no need for this. We can work something out," he stammered, attempting to recover. "Funny how quickly you change your tune," August said coldly, taking a step closer. "Now that the tables have turned, maybe you''ll finally honor our agreement." Floozk tilted his head while his gaze was fixed on Damon. "Let''s talk about what happened to my business the other day." Damon''s bravado wavered. "Look, Floozk, I don''t know what you''re talking about¡­" Floozk''s eyes narrowed, as sharp as a knife edge. "One of my warehouses was set aze. Hostages were taken, and a few of my men... well, they''re noting back. I saw the security footage, Damon." He gave a chilling smirk. "That ck leather jacket, the scar just above your eye...You led the attack. Don''t insult me by pretending otherwise." Damon paled. "I¡­ I was only doing what I was told, okay? It wasn''t my call!" Floozk''s face twisted in fury, and his men moved closer, forming an imprable wall around Damon. Damon looked around and barked in desperation. "You may have me surrounded, but Sophia''s not here, so August still loses!" August''s fists clenched as he moved forward with a darkened expression. "Where is she?" Damon sneered, ignoring August''s fury. Before anyone could react further, a sudden click from the upper balcony echoed through the room. One of Damon''s goons, standing at the railing above, aimed a pistol at Mr. Floozk. "Watch out!" August shouted, leaping to shove Floozk out of the line of fire. A gunshot rang out, sending people diving for cover. Chaos erupted as Floozk''s men moved instantly, drawing their guns and firing back. August pulled Floozk to safety, but the sound of shing weapons and the yells of fighting men filled the club as Floozk''s bodyguards shed with Damon''s gang. Amidst themotion, Damon took his chance, pushing through the scattering crowd. He shoved anyone in his way, drawing his own gun and firing at anyone who dared block his path. Bodies fell, and patrons scrambled for cover while screams mingled with gunfire as Damon made a desperate break for the back exit. But August wasn''t about to let him get away. Je fought his way through the fray using his fists to outmaneuver Damon''s remainingckeys. A few well-ced punches sent one thug reeling into a table, and August dodged another''s wild swing before delivering a brutal uppercut, knocking the man out cold. Finally, as he broke through a clearing in the fight, August caught sight of Sophia, bound and frightened, hidden behind some crates. Damon had clearly tried to use her as ast shield, but as August closed in, Damon abandoned her set on not letting anything deter his escape. Relief flooded August''s face as he knelt beside Sophia, quickly untying her. "You''re safe now," he murmured. "Auggie..." She hugged him tightly with a look of gratitude. Floozk, however, was still on the hunt. His patience for Damon had run out. "Hand me the sword." "Here?" August seemed a bit skeptical. "Yes here!" Flookz yelled. August let out a low groan before summoning his game interface and swiftly scrolled to inventory. To everyone else, he was swiping his fingers in mid-air like a madman because only he could see the game interface. --- [System Notification: Would you like to extract Runic Sword to Reality?] - [YES] ¡Á [NO] Enjoy new adventures from empireN?v(el)B\\jnn --- "Yes," August muttered as his fingers glowed faintly with purplish streaks. Chapter 60 A Purchase Well Made The extraction began and a bar appeared, disying how much time was left. After about thirty seconds, the Runic Sword materialized in his grasp. The de gleamed with a fierce, red energy, causing the air in the surroundings to vibrate softly. With a slight tremor, he passed the weapon to Floozk, who held it, feeling the de vibrate in his grip. He gave an approving nod as a deadly grin spread across his face. He lifted the sword high, and with a single swing, unleashed a zing arc of crimson energy that tore through Damon''s men, cutting them down in an instant. Blood sprayed across the floor, painting the dark walls in ominous streaks of red. As the remaining thugs scattered, some ran for the back exit. Floozk advanced through the crowd with his bodyguards clearing his path. Reaching the rear exit, he spotted Damon scrambling into a ck car, revving the engine in ast attempt to escape. Floozk didn''t hesitate. He raised the Runic Sword and with a powerful, sweeping motion, he brought it down, sending another red arc racing toward the car. The energy struck the vehicle, splitting it cleanly in two. Metal crunched and twisted as the car halves slid apart causing sparks and smoke to billow from the ruined engine.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om One part immediately caught on fire and Damon staggered out of the wreckage in horror. Floozk stalked forward, gripping Damon by the hair, yanking him to his feet. "You don''t get to walk away from this," Floozk sneered with cold fury. He dragged Damon back inside, ignoring his screams of protest and pulling him through the carnage. August watched with a look of satisfaction as Floozk threw Damon to the ground in the center of the ruined nightclub. As the dust settled in the now-quiet nightclub, August turned to Mr. Floozk with his gaze lingering on the Runic Sword, which still pulsed faintly with residual energy. "I''d be careful with that sword if I were you." Floozk nced at the weapon, a small, satisfied smile appearing at the corners of his mouth. "This is a purchase well made, Aleman. I think I''ll manage," his voice wasced with dark amusement. Damon knelt on the floor in terror as he realized his empire had crumbled around him. Floozk''s men stood guard, ensuring no one left the building without his say. The few survivors, Damon''sst few loyal followers, had been forced to kneel as well or were barely clinging to consciousness, scattered across the floor. Floozk turned his cold gaze on Damon, stepping closer until he towered over him. "Now, let''s settle another matter, shall we?" His voice was deceptively calm. A quiet menace underlined each word. "Tell me who ordered you to torch my warehouse." Damon''s eyes darted around, refusing to meet Floozk''s. He pressed his lips together, remaining silent. Floozk tilted his head as his eyes narrowed. "Very well. But I promise you, by the time I''m done with you, you''ll be begging me for death, and even at that, I won''t be merciful enough to grant it to you." August clutched Sophia''s hand tightly and felt a shudder run through her. He looked down at her and noticed her face pale from all she''d just witnessed. He wasn''t new to brutality. In fact, in his previous world, he had been involved in his fair share of merciless takedowns but Sophia was different. She was pure. He knew she''d seen more than enough. He turned to Floozk, giving him a respectful nod. "Thank you¡­ for everything. I owe you one." Floozk raised a hand, waving it dismissively. "Think nothing of it, Aleman. Just remember to bring me something interesting next time." He gave a dark, knowing smirk, still focused on Damon, who was visibly trembling. "Count on it," August replied. With a final look at the defeated Damon and the chaos around him, August took Sophia''s hand, guiding her out of the club and away from the nightmare that had unfolded. As they stepped outside, the cool evening air hit them. It was a breath of freshnesspared to the suffocating intensity of the club''s interior. Sophia clung to his arm, leaning into him, clearly shaken. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, offering aforting squeeze. "You okay, Soph?" he asked softly as they walked down the empty street. Your next read is at empire She took a shaky breath, nodding. "I¡­ I am now. Just¡­ I hope something like this never happens again." "I promise... it won''t," He gave her a reassuring smile. "Today''s been one hell of a day, but it''s over." She let out a faintugh, resting her head against his shoulder. "I could sleep for a week after all that." "Let''s get home," he said, gently steering her down the street. ... ... Outside a gleaming skyscraper, towering amidst the city''s skyline, a long line of people¡ªgamers, enthusiasts, and potential recruits¡ªstretched down the block. Above them, a massive holographic sign shed the words "Phoenix Celestial" in striking crimson and gold. For those familiar with Enders Light, it was a ce synonymous with prestige. One of the most reputable guilds. Each person in the line clutched a small electronic ticket with their number printed on it. Many tags read in the triple and even quadruple digits. Evening was setting in, casting a warm glow over the crowd as anticipation bubbled through the line. But just as the hopes of those closest to the entrance seemed within reach, therge ss doors slid open and a Phoenix Celestial guild member in uniform stepped out. The man had strikingly neat hair, styled in a short, sharp cut, and wore a pristine, fitted ck uniform with a crimson Phoenix emblem stitched on his chest. He gave a somewhat sympathetic look to the hopefuls. "Attention, everyone!" his voice boomed over the din. "We''re closing for the day. Those of you still waiting in line will have to return tomorrow to continue your application process." Groans of disappointment rippled through the crowd as people inched forward to see if the news was genuine. But the guild member waved his hands, signaling it was final. Some peopleined, but others nodded and murmured in eptance, already turning to leave. Just as he was about to return inside, a figure stepped out from the shadows near the corner of the building. "Hold on a moment," the man called out with an unmistakably authoritative tone. The guild member rolled his eyes and muttered under his breath. "Great¡­ him again." The man stepped forward, revealing himself as a tall, lean individual with dark sunsses and a sharp suit that marked him as anything but an average yer. Because he wasn''t a yer... His government badge, partially visible, indicated he was with federalw enforcement. His gaze remained cool, with an air that suggested he wasn''t one to be denied. "Got a minute?" he asked, almost as if he were issuing an order instead of making a request. The guild member sighed but nodded, not wanting to make a scene. "Alright, Detective Wright. You''re here to see the Ice Queen again, aren''t you?" The detective gave a tight-lipped smile. "You catch on quick." The guild member shrugged, holding the door open for Wright, who stepped inside, surveying the building''s luxurious interior. They walked through a series of lounges filled with yers socializing, some enjoying drinks from the bar, while others were locked in deep discussions about the game''stest updates. As they walked, several other guild members greeted the guild rep, who seemed to have built quite a reputation within the guild. "Looking good, Dex!" one of the yers called out as they passed, giving him a thumbs-up. "Thanks, Trent," Dex replied with a grin, before looking back at Wright. "So, what''s the big deal this time? Your Ice Queen visits are starting to look like clockwork." "Let''s just say there''s been some¡­ chatter," Wright replied cryptically, looking around as they passed by a gym area where several yers were working out, some lifting weights, others sparring on mats. The walls here were adorned with Phoenix Celestial insignias, and the room echoed with the sounds of exertion and encouragement from fellow guild members. "Still obsessed with the game?" Dex teased. "You do realize there''s more to life than chasing after digital avatars, right?" Wright smirked, ncing sidelong at Dex. "You wouldn''t understand. Some of us have bigger fish to fry." Dex chuckled, clearly unfazed, and continued leading him down the hall, where they soon approached a room marked "Phoenix Celestial Gaming Suite." Inside, rows of high-end gaming pods were arranged, each more advanced than the next, with colorful LEDs illuminating the smooth metal cases. A few guild members were immersed in their pods and a holographic interface disyed outside each pod showed the yer''s in-game stats and recent achievements. They moved on, winding through another corridor, and eventually stopped in front of an imposing set of double doors that led to the guild''s boardroom. Dex turned to Wright, holding up a hand. "Wait here for a moment," he voiced while knocking on the door. A few secondster, a cool, feminine voice responded from within. It was soft yet held a sultry edge thatmanded attention. "Come in." Chapter 61 Superheroes Dont Exist Dex slipped inside, leaving Wright to wait. The interior of the room was spacious, lined with ck furniture and a massive table at the center. Sitting at its head was the Ice Queen herself. Her real name was Elena Frost. She was an incredibly stunning woman with smooth, buttery skin, piercing ice-blue eyes, and long tinum hair cascading over her shoulders. She wore a fitted, icy-blue suit jacket that seemed to shimmer faintly, paired with a high-necked blouse beneath that added to her air of refined elegance. Her skirt had a little parting line that disyed her thick thighs and her lustrous curves were a sight to behold. Anyone would drool if they set eyes on her. Elena Frost''s entire look was cool,manding, and borderline intimidating¡ªprecisely the image that suited the Ice Queen. "Another visit from Detective Wright?" she questioned with a detached gaze as she looked up at Dex. "Yes, ma''am," he nodded. "He says it''s urgent." She let out a sigh as though she had predicted this. "Fine, let him in." - The heavy double doors of the Phoenix Celestial boardroom swung open, and Detective Wright entered with an air of determination. His sharp suit was immacte, but the exhaustion in his eyes betrayed the mounting frustration he carried. At the far end of the room, Elena Frost sat at the head of a table. Her icy-blue eyes locked onto him the moment he entered. "Elena Frost," Wright began with an exasperated tone. "Thank you for seeing me on such short notice." Elena leaned back in her chair with her silver-blonde hair flowing over her shoulders like liquid light. Her slender fingers toyed with a pen on the table as she spoke. "Detective Wright," she gestured to the chair across from her. "You always know how to make an entrance. What brings you this time?" Wright didn''t sit. Instead, he ced his hands firmly on the edge of the table, leaning forward. "Elena as you may know... Enders Light is no longer just a game¡ªit''s spilling over into the real world, and it''s chaos." Elena arched a delicate brow while maintaining a calm expression. "Go on." Wright pulled out his smartphone, tapping it a few times before showing her a news clip. On the screen was a report of a recent incident: a neighborhood devastated by an attack that left multiple injured and two dead. The anchor''s voice described supernatural abilities being used in destructive ways. "This," Wright began, "is just one of the many crimesmitted by supernatural yers this month alone. People who gained abilities through Enders Light are running rampant¡ªrobberies, assaults, and even organized crime. It''s escting, Elena, andw enforcement can''t keep up." Elena tilted her head with an unbothered look. "And how does this concern me?" she asked. "You know exactly why I''m here," Wright''s voice rose slightly. "Thew enforcement system isn''t equipped to handle supernatural yers. We''re trying to fight fire with paper shields, and it''s not working. That''s why I need your help." Elena''s lips curled into a faint smile, but there was no warmth in it. "Let me guess: You''re here to ask me to join your little crusade, again?" Wright straightened, sensing her resistance but refusing to back down. "I''m assembling a team¡ªa covert unit of supernatural yers who will work withw enforcement to take down those abusing their abilities. We need people who understand the game, who have the skills and power to fight back. You''re one of the most powerful yers in the world, and your guild has resources no one else can match." Elena rose from her chair at this moment and took some steps around the table. "Detective, I believe I''ve made myself clear before. I have no interest in joiningw enforcement, let alone forming a militia to clean up your messes. We''re gamers. We signed up for this game to escape reality, not to be shackled to it." Wright took a deep breath with his fists clenching at his sides. "You have the power to make a difference, Elena. Do you think these criminals will stop at robbing banks or attacking neighborhoods? If this continues, it''s only a matter of time before theye for you, your guild, your people. Are you really willing to sit back and let that happen?" Elena circled the table causing her heels to click against the polished floor. She stopped in front of him. "And what would you have me do, Detective Wright? Sacrifice my yers? Put their lives at risk for a system that has already failed to protect them? Tell me, how many of your officers are trained to handle supernatural yers? How many wouldst a second against someone who can level a building with a flick of their wrist?" Wright hesitated, but his jaw tightened. "We''re not equipped. That''s why we need you. You could¡ª" "Enough," Elena''s voice cut through the air like a de as she snapped. "This isn''t my responsibility. Just because some of us have gained abilities doesn''t make us soldiers. It doesn''t make us heroes. And it certainly doesn''t make us your saviors." Wright exhaled deeply as his shoulders sagged. "If not you, then at least spare some of your yers. Surely, some of them would be willing¡ª" Discover hidden stories at empire Elena turned her back to him and rested her hands on the table. "No. I won''t put their lives in danger. You''re asking for something I can''t and won''t give."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om Wright''s frustration was visible but he knew he had lost this battle. He adjusted his tie and straightened his posture. "You''re making a mistake, Elena. When this spirals out of control, you''ll wish you''d done something." Elena didn''t respond. Her icy gaze remained fixed on the city skyline through the boardroom''s tall windows. Taking her silence as his cue to leave, Wright turned and walked out. The heavy doors closed behind him with a resonant thud. Elena''s lips tightened as she stared out into the distance. "Superheroes don''t exist," she muttered under her breath. ... ... Back in August''s apartment, the house was finally calm. After the chaos of the day, August had tucked Sophia into bed. She clung to him tightly before falling asleep. Her small hands gripped his shirt like she was afraid he''d disappear. It made his chest ache, but he gently pried her fingers loose, kissed her forehead, and pulled the nket up to her chin. He stood by the door for a moment, watching her peaceful sleeping face, and exhaled deeply. Everything that had transpired was still heavy on his mind. "Today was insane," he muttered to himself as he turned off the light and quietly closed the door. He headed to the small living room and flopped onto the sofa, staring up at the ceiling. Images of Damon, Mr. Floozk, and the chaos at the nightclub yed over and over in his mind. He didn''t know what had be of Damon, but he didn''t care. What mattered was that Sophia was safe, and Damon would think twice before evering near them again... That is if he was still alive. More importantly, August realized he had a surprising silver lining to the situation. He hadn''t handed over a cent of the money he''d earned. Pulling out his phone, he checked his bank ount. The bright numbers stared back at him: "$800,000." He blinked a few times, letting it sink in. He still had a hefty chunk of cash left, and for the first time in a long time, he felt like he could breathe. "Not bad," he whispered with a small smile. He began scrolling through his notes, mentally tabting the debts he still owed. Unlike Damon''s absurd amount, the remaining debts weren''t as pressing. A couple of banks and a few smaller loan sharks¡ªmanageablepared to what he''d just dealt with. "Looks like I''ll finally be cleaning up the rest of August Clementine''s mess tomorrow," he said with a dry chuckle. Once he had taken care of the other debts, he could finally get himself and Sophia out of this dump of a neighborhood to somewhere better... Safer. He also thought about his business. He could properly focus on it now and stop the factory work. With that thought settled, he leaned back on the couch, closing his eyes. The weight on his shoulders had lessened, but the thrill of sess was already pulling him back into the game. "Enders Light," he murmured. His heart quickened slightly at the thought of logging back in. He wasn''t just ying for fun anymore¡ªit was a lifeline, a goldmine, and a chance to make something of himself in this new world. He got up, stretched his limbs, and walked to his room. Sitting down in front of his pod, he ran his fingers across its surface thoughtfully. "Alright, Aleman," he said with a grin. "Let''s see what trouble we can stir up tonight." He slid into the pod, adjusted the helmet, and let out a steadying breath. Momentster, the world around him melted away as the familiar system voice greeted him. [ Wee back, yer Aleman. ] It was time to grind. Chapter 62 Learning About Other Fruits August wandered through TG Adventurer''s Guild, scanning the enormous quest board. The room was alive with the murmur of yers chatting, negotiating, and strategizing. Each corner of the hall seemed to have its own energy as adventurers gathered in groups. He couldn''t help but eavesdrop on a group of yers near the counter discussing rare quests. One of them, a tall yer with a fiery red cloak and a sword that emitted a faint orange glow, was gesturing animatedly. "I''m telling you, the fruits are crazy," the red-cloaked yer said confidently. His username, zefury, floated above his head. "I''ve read every thread on the forums. The Fruit of Corruption is rare, yeah, but the Fruit of Longevity? That''s the one everyone dreams of." A shorter yer in ck leather armor scoffed. His username read RogueKing. "Dreams, yeah. You think anyone who gets one of those is going to advertise it? Infinite HP? Immortality in the real world? People would kill for it¡ªliterally."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om zefury crossed his arms. "I heard one appeared in the Great Dark Wastes three months ago. Caused a bloodbath." "Rumors," RogueKing shot back. "No one knows if anyone even imed it." Another yer, a mage with glowing blue runes etched into their staff, chimed in. "What about the Fruit of Evil? I heard it gives yers an entirely separate cursed magic interface that works in both the game and real life." "Yeah, and whoever has that will probably turn into some viinous overlord," RogueKing smirked. "Imagine that¡ªcursed magic, no penalties. That''s next-level power." August leaned against a pir, absorbing every word. He hadn''t heard much about the other fruits before. The Fruit of Corruption he''d used was already life-changing, but the descriptions of these other fruits made him realize just how much potential the game held. He smirked inwardly. ''One thing''s for sure: this game isn''t just a game anymore.'' zefury continued, lowering his voice. "They say fruits like these only appear during special conditions¡ªmassive yer battles, world boss events, or unique questpletions. If you''re lucky, you might even get a whisper notification." "Yeah, ''if,''" RogueKing said, rolling his eyes. "Anyway, good luck finding one. You''re more likely to get hit by a lightning bolt in real life." --- August eventually turned back to the quest board as his eyes swept over the various postings. Many of the quests were menial or required lower levels, but then one caught his attention. [ Quest: The Stolen Relics ] Rank: C Level Requirement: 25+ Description: Relics of ancient power have been stolen from the Temple of Echoes. Recover them from the notorious group lurking in the Mountainous Bluffs. Reward: 8,000 Gold, Rare Item Drop, +30,000 EXP August''s lips curled into a grin. "This could be promising," he muttered to himself while selecting the quest. --- As he walked toward the exit, he heard zefury''s voice again. "Hey, you¡ªwhat level are you?" August stopped and nced over his shoulder. "Level 26." RogueKing snorted. "You''re taking a C-ranked quest solo? You''ve got guts." zefury grinned. "Or he''s insane. What''s your ss?" "Assassin," August replied coolly, then added internally, ''and Mage.'' The group visibly rolled their eyes. RogueKing frowned. "Your ss is the weakest unless you attack secretly." zefury raised an eyebrow. "Think you''ve got what it takes to handle a C-ranked quest on your own?" August smirked confidently. "Guess I''ll be finding out soon enough." With that, he turned and walked out of the guild, leaving the group behind. zefury chuckled. "Well, he''s got guts." RogueKing shook his head. "Or he''s going to end up in the respawn zone." --- Outside, August checked the quest details once more and opened his map. The Mountainous Bluffs weren''t too far, but the area was notorious for its high-level enemies. "Time to see how promising those rewards really are," he muttered as he began making his way toward the bluffs with his shadow cloak swirling behind him. The hunt for power and riches continued. ... ... The path to the Mountainous Bluffs twisted sharply upward Pointy rocks and loose gravel made every step a cautious calction. August adjusted the straps of his inventory pouch, ncing up at the steep incline ahead. The winds whistled around him, carrying faint voices. As he approached a clearing, he stopped in his tracks and crouched. Up ahead, a group of travelers was surrounded by a band of thieves. Their faces were masked and their weapons drawn. "Hand over everything, or we''ll make sure this is thest trip you ever take!" barked the apparent leader, a tall figure with a scar shing across his face. One of the travelers who happened to be a frightened merchant, clutched a small bag. "Please, this is all I have! My family depends on me!" --- [ System Notification: Side Objective Assist the travelers and drive off the thieves! ] [ Reward: Bonus Gold and Potential Loot. ] --- August''s lips curled into a smirk as he read the notification. "Looks like I''ll be earning some extra credit." He unsheathed his enhanced dagger and activated his stealth ability, moving quietly along the cliffside. His eyes scanned the group of thieves: five in total. One archer perched on a rock, two swordsmen nking the travelers, a bulky brawler with spiked knuckles, and their scarred leader wielding a curved de. --- [ Skill Activated: Stealth Mode ] --- "Time to make an entrance," August muttered, dashing forward in a blur. His high speed caught the archer off guard as he materialized behind him, delivering a swift Hidden Strike to the back. The archer crumpled, dropping his bow. --- [ System Notification: Critical Hit! Archer Defeated! ] [ -3000 HP ] +2500 EXP --- Continue your adventure with empire The noise alerted the others. "We''ve gotpany!" the scarred leader shouted while drawing his curved de. The brawler rushed forward, swinging his spiked knuckles at August. He sidestepped, narrowly avoiding the blow, and countered by activating Dash. His figure blurred as he appeared behind the brawler andnded a devastating sh across his back. --- [ System Notification: Dash Skill Leveled Up! ] [ Dash (Level 5): Increased speed and reduced cooldown.] --- The brawler stumbled but didn''t fall. He roared in anger and charged again, but August activated Shadow Dance, creating a series of shadowy afterimages that confused the brute. While the brawler swung wildly at illusions, August turned his focus to the two swordsmen. One lunged at him, but August parried causing the ng of steel to ring out. Using his mage abilities, he cast Lightning Bolt, sending a crackling bolt of energy directly into the second swordsman''s chest. --- [ System Notification: Lightning Bolt Activated! ] [ Effect: 2x Gravitational Force Applied. ] --- The swordsman hit the ground hard and struggled to lift himself under the spell''s increased weight. August didn''t waste time and finished him with a quick stab to the neck. The remaining swordsman hesitated after seeing hisrade fall. August dashed forward with his newly upgraded skill and disarmed him before knocking him out with a sharp elbow to the temple. --- [ System Notification: Swordsman Defeated! ] +3050 EXP [ Item Dropped: Health Potion x1 ] --- Now only the leader and the brawler remained. The leader growled while stepping forward. "You''ve got guts, but this ends now!" He shed wildly, forcing August to be on the defensive. The brawler charged again, nking August from the side. Seeing how things were getting a bit more tougher, August decided to use the big guns. Chapter 63 Treacherous Routes Seeing how things were getting a bit more tougher, August decided to use the big guns. --- [ System Notification: Ethereal Storm Activated! ] [ Effect: Decreased Vision Radius for Enemies in AoE. ] --- A bolt of purplish energy shot down from the sky, striking both the bawler and the leader. [ - 3500 HP ] [ - 3500 HP ] The brawler lost the rest of his HP instantly while the leader weaved his sword around as he staggered blindly. --- [ System Notification: Critical Hit! Brawler Defeated! ] +2500 EXP --- Now only the leader remained. August dodged the blind sh from the leader who couldn''t see properly due to the effect of the Ethereal storm. He countered with a quickbination of sh and Fireball. mes engulfed the leader, who roared in pain. With one final dash, August plunged his dagger into the leader''s chest. --- [ System Notification: Leader Defeated! ] +3500 EXP [ Item Dropped: Unlock Totem x1 ] --- The remaining travelers cheered as the thievesy defeated. One merchant approached him cautiously. "Thank you, adventurer. Without you, we would have been done for." "No problem," August responded while retrieving the dropped items. He held up the strange Unlock Totem item, examining it. "Hmm? I wonder what this does..." August tried to see if the system would give him any information on the item but it only showed a few vague words. [ Unlock Totem: An Item Dropped By The Leader Of The Robbers ] He decided not to think much of it and kept it away. --- [ System Notification: Side Objective Completed! [ Reward: +1,000 Gold, +10,000 EXP ] --- The merchant approached August with a smile after the battle. He held out two items. "You''ve done more for us than I can ever repay," the merchant said while bowing slightly. "Here, take these. They might be useful to you on your journey." --- [ System Notification: You Have Received the Following Items: ] - Enchanted Mirror (Hand-Sized): A magical mirror that can reveal hidden pathways or dangers when activated. It also helps to view other locations from a distance. - Merchant''s que: A token disying the merchant''s shop name. Grants ess to items at significant discounts. --- "Thanks," August showed his appreciation while examining the items briefly before stowing them in his inventory. "I''ll be sure to stop by your shop." The merchant pointed towards a golden symbol etched onto the que. "Whenever you''re nearby, just show this, and you''ll always be wee." After exchanging brief goodbyes, August resumed his trek up the Mountainous Bluffs. --- The path ahead was rugged and steep. The howl of the wind grew louder as August ascended higher. From this vantage point, he could see Tagharuim Kingdom below. Its towers glinted faintly in the distance under the sun. "This view would''ve been worth it if I weren''t on the clock," August muttered. The winding path eventually ended abruptly. A massive section of the path had crumbled away, leaving no clear way forward. August nced around. To the left, a jagged path led into a dark forested area. Its entrance was littered with bones and w marks¡ªclear signs of dangerous beasts. To the right was something even more peculiar: a swirling sea of purplish mist stretching across a narrow ledge. The mist was unnaturally dense, and its eerie glow obscured visibility. --- [ System Notification: Warning! Two Dangerous Paths Detected. Choose Your Route. ] [ Left Path: Known for aggressive beasts and high-level creatures. ] [ Right Path: A treacherous area full of traps and roaming ghosts. ] --- "I''d rather not wrestle with giant ws right now," August muttered while stepping towards the mist. The air was thick with an unnatural chill as August entered the misty path. His steps were cautious as his eyes darted to catch faint shapes moving within the swirling haze. --- [ System Notification: You Have Entered the Purplish Mist Zone. ] - Effects: Reduced Visibility. - Dangers: Traps, roaming Dark Ghosts (Level 27+). --- The sound of something snapping underfoot froze August in ce. A sharp creak echoed, and suddenly, the ground beneath him gave way. He was hoisted into the air by a hidden trap¡ªa woven from some kind of magical thread. --- [ System Notification: Trap Detected! ] [ Effect: Movement Restricted. ] --- "Of course... an assassin gets caught in a trap..." August groaned while struggling against the bindings. As he fought to free himself, a faint wailing sound emerged from the mist. His eyes snapped toward the noise, catching the faint silhouette of a Dark Ghost slowly floating toward him. Its form was translucent. Its face contorted in a grotesque scream, and long, wed fingers reached out for him. --- [ System Notification: Dark Ghost Detected! ]n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om Level: 28 Abilities: - Life Drain: Siphons HP from its target. - Phantom sh: A spectral attack that bypasses most physical defenses. --- August muttered, "Fucked by a ghost? I think not..." He reached into his inventory and grabbed his Enhanced Dagger before shing at the magical until it frayed. He dropped to the ground just as the ghost lunged. Rolling to the side, he activated Shadow Dance, creating shadowy afterimages to confuse the creature. However, to August''s surprise, the ghost lunged forward and immediately singled out the original. [ System Notification: Dark Ghost Has Used Spectral sh ] August raised his dagger just in time to block this attack but it phased right through his dagger and struck him directly. August got sent flying and immediately lost some HP. [ -450HP ] "Damn it... That''s cheating," August voiced in frustration as he jumped back to his feet. The ghost lunged forward once more but August wasn''t about to let it get close. He instantly cast Lightning Bolt with his custom staff. --- [ System Notification: Lightning Bolt Activated! Effect: Target is paralyzed temporarily --- The Dark Ghost''s form crackled with energy as it froze mid-air. "Yes!" August was initially worried the attack would phase through but fortunately, Magic bypassed that. He proceeded to dash forward with his newly leveled-up Dash, shing with precision at the ghost continuously. --- [ System Notification: Critical Hit! Dark Ghost Defeated! ] +4500 EXP Item Dropped: Dark Essence x1 --- Fortunately, the ghost HP wasn''t crazily high or he would have had a harder time defeating it. August leaned against the rocky wall and began consuming an HP potion. The mist continued swirling, making it hard to see more than a few feet ahead. "I better be careful so I don''t end up losing a dying and losing a level," he muttered while storing the dropped Dark Essence into his inventory. He pressed onward cautiously, gripping his dagger tightly and keeping his eyes peeled for more traps or roaming enemies. This path was proving to be far more treacherous than he anticipated. ... Hours into his journey, a new system notification appeared. [ System Notification: You Have Entered the Depths of the Purplish Mist Zone. ] [ Status: Increased density of traps and hostile entities detected. ] --- August wiped sweat from his brow while crouching behind a boulder to catch his breath. His body was aching from a near-miss earlier, where a phantom w grazed his shoulder, leaving behind a faint chill that had sapped a chunk of his HP. "This ce just doesn''t let up," he muttered while ncing at his inventory to assess his potion count. He had just enough Mana Potions and Health Potions to sustain him for a while longer. He held up the Enchanted Mirror gifted by the merchant and activated it. --- [ System Notification: Enchanted Mirror Activated ] [ Effect: Revealing hidden traps within a 15-meter radius.] --- The mist swirled in response, revealing the faint outlines of concealed pitfalls and tripwires ahead. August studied the glowing reflections in the mirror and carefully maneuvered past them. "Probably the best reward I''ve received so far," he muttered while keeping it back in his inventory before continuing down the path. --- August''s relief was short-lived as a spine-chilling wail echoed through the mist again. Two Dark Ghosts emerged with their forms flickering erratically as they floated toward him. --- Find your adventure at empire [ System Notification: Dark Ghosts Detected! ] - Level: 29 - Abilities: Life Drain, Phantom sh, Mist Veil (temporarily turns invisible). --- "Not again," August groaned while gripping his custom staff tightly. One of the ghosts lunged, activating Mist Veil to be nearly invisible. August stepped back, using Lightning Bolt to light up the area in an attempt to locate it. The bolt struck true, momentarily revealing its distorted form. The second ghost circled around, attempting to nk him. August activated Dash and reappeared thirty-five paces away, narrowly avoiding a swipe from its ws. He retaliated with Fireball, enhanced by his custom staff to unleash mesced with poison. The fireball exploded on impact, leaving the ghost shrieking in agony as poisonous mes consumed it. --- [ System Notification: Critical Hit! Dark Ghost Defeated!] +3800 EXP [ Item Dropped: Spectral Shard x1 ] --- The second ghost lunged again, but August was ready. He activated sidestepped, appearing a good distance away from the creature, and instantly cast Ethereal Storm. A concentrated vortex of destructive winds was immediately summoned, shredding the ghost to pieces. --- [ System Notification: Dark Ghost Defeated! ] +850 EXP [ Item Dropped: Ectosmic Core x1 ] --- August leaned against a rock to take a breather. His HP bar was dangerously low, but he quickly downed a Health Potion to stabilize himself. He realized that it had been nearly ten hours since he started this mission. A C-ranked quest was no joke. August proceeded to continue with his journey. Soon, the mist began to clear as the path widened. Ahead, the treacherous terrain gave way to a more open area, though it wasn''t any less ominous. Chapter 64 Infiltrating The Hideout A small body of water glimmered in the faint light. Its surface was eerily still. Beyond it, arge spiked wooden gate stood tall, enclosing what appeared to be the notorious group''s hideout. "Finally," August muttered as his eyes narrowed while he studied the structure. The enclosure was well-guarded, with tall watchtowers and faint silhouettes of guards patrolling. --- [ System Notification: Primary Objective Location Reached! ] [ Objective: Infiltrate the Enclosure and Retrieve the Stolen Relics. ] --- August crouched near the water''s edge, observing the area. "How do these guys even get through all this?" he wondered aloud, thinking back to the relentless traps, ghosts, and other obstacles he''d faced just to get here. He scanned the water, wary of potential dangers lurking beneath its surface. The still water stretched before August like a ssy, unbroken mirror. He crouched at its edge while gazing deep into it. Somewhere deep within the pond, faint ripples betrayed the movements of unseen creatures. He frowned, knowing the risks involved. ''No way I''m diving into that,'' he thought while assessing the distance. Activating his Dash skill, August took a deep breath and sprang forward. --- System Notification: [ Dash Activated: Distance Boost +50% | Cooldown: 60 seconds ] --- His feet barely grazed the edge of the pond before he was airborne, propelled by the force of his enhanced skill. Wind whipped past him as he soared over the water. Beneath him, dark shapes began to surface, but it was toote for them. Augustnded smoothly on the opposite ledge causing a loud stomping sound to echo through the silence as his boots made contact with solid ground. The creatures beneath the water let out guttural, frustrated cries before retreating into the depths. "Not today," August muttered, brushing off his armor and moving forward. --- As the path wound further up, the faint flicker of torchlight became visible through the mist. Therge wooden gate towered above him and was now much closer. Its spiked edges gave off an air of menace. Guards patrolled the enclosure walls¡ªrugged, muscr figures adorned in mismatched armor that seemed cobbled together from stolen pieces. From a distance, August''s eyes narrowed. He recognized the gleaming metallic wristbands on some of them¡ªsimr to the ones worn by the thieves he had defeated earlier. "So, this is where theye from," he murmured while staying low to avoid detection. He crept closer, hiding behind the rocks lining the path. From here, he could hear the banter of the guards above. "Bet they''ll make me a lieutenant soon," one of the guards voiced while leaningzily on his bow. He was a slim man with a thin scar running across his jaw. His partner, a shorter and stouter figure, snorted. "In your dreams, Fael. You can''t even hit a target if it''s more than ten feet away." Fael scowled, aiming his bow at a nearby tree to demonstrate his skill. The arrow struck its mark, though it wobbled slightly on impact. "Better than your throwing knives, old man," he retorted. Their voices faded as August slipped closer to the gate. He was so focused that he didn''t notice a shadow moving above him. "Halt!" a gruff voice barked. August froze as his eyes darted upward. A guard stood on the wall with his bow drawn and aimed directly at him. "Who are you, and what business do you have here? This is Iron Fang territory!" More guards appeared along the wall and immediately drew their weapons. August quickly raised his hands. "I''m one of you," he called out with a calm voice. "A new recruit. Came in from the south route." The guards exchanged skeptical nces. "We haven''t been told about any new recruits," one of them said. "Prove it. If you''re truly one of us, where is your unlock Totem?" August''s mind raced as he recalled the item that the leader of the thieves dropped after he killed him. ''So this is where ites in handy,'' August''s expression remained calm as he reached into his inventory. "I have it right here," he stated while pulling out the glowing Unlock Totem he had taken from the thieves earlier. --- System Notification: [ Unlock Totem Activated | Gate ess Granted ] --- The totem emitted a soft sound as the massive wooden gates creaked open. The sound reverberated through the mountains. "Well, I''ll be damned," Fael muttered while lowering his bow. "Guess he''s legit." "Get in, newbie," another guard said, stepping aside. "And don''t cause trouble, or you''ll regret it." August nodded while walking through the gates. His eyes quickly took in the scene. --- The Iron Fang enclosure was a chaotic ce filled with life. Roughly constructed wooden buildings stood scattered around a central courtyard, where severalrge fire pits zed. Groups of men and women lounged around the fires, sharpening weapons or counting stolen loot. Your journey continues at empire To one side, a crude smithy belched ck smoke into the air as a burly cksmith hammered away at a glowing piece of metal. Nearby, a fenced-off area housed several frightened captives. Their faces were pale and drawn. "Fresh meat, huh?" a gruff voice called out. August turned to see arge woman leaning against a stack of crates. She was broad-shouldered, with arms corded with muscle. Her leather armor was stained with blood, and a long axe rested casually at her side. "Hope youst longer than thest ''new recruit.'' Poor bastard couldn''t even dodge a swing," she said while smirking. "I''ll keep that in mind," August replied evenly, moving further into the enclosure. At the far end of the courtyard, arge wooden building drew closer. Its entrance was guarded by two heavily armed sentries. One of them, a tall man with a crooked nose, stopped August as he approached. "Boss''s second-inmand will want to see you," he said gruffly, jerking his thumb toward the door. August nodded while stepping inside.N?v(el)B\\jnn --- System Notification: [ Primary Objective Updated: Retrieve the Relics from the Iron Fang Hideout. ] System Notification: [ Secondary Objective Unlocked: Free the Captives Without Raising an rm. ] --- ''*sigh* It just had to give me more troubles,'' August nearly growled in frustration upon spotting the secondary objective. It almost felt like Ender''s Light was trying to make things more difficult for him on purpose. -- The interior of the building was dimly lit and the smell of stale ale and sweat wafted across the air. A man sat behind a crude wooden table with a deep set of cold eyes. His long, ck hair was tied back, revealing a curvy scar running from his temple to his jaw. The moment he set his eyes on August, his lips curled downward. "Who the hell are you?" Chapter 65 Retrieving The Relics "Who the hell are you?" the man''s gravelly voice reverberated through the confined space as he snapped. His name, Gorrath ckscar, floated above his head in bold red letters, marking him as Level 32. --- System Notification: [ Avoid Raising Suspicion: Bonus Rewards Avable. ] --- August adjusted his stance, forcing himself to look calm. "New recruit," he said smoothly. "Part of Kreg''s set." Gorrath''s scowl deepened. "Kreg? You mean thezy bastard running the South Path lot?" August nodded. "That''s right. I ran into trouble on the way up. The others are still bringing today''s loot. Figured I''d get here first and report." Gorrath''s lips twisted into a sneer. "Handled the trouble, did you? You don''t look like much, but I guess even a rat can fight when cornered." August held back a retort, simply inclining his head. "They should be along soon." "Should''ve taken the Wundan Portal," Gorrath muttered irritably, standing up and pacing the room. At the mention of a portal, August''s interest was piqued. He kept his face neutral butmitted the term to memory. "Fine," Gorrath said with a wave of his hand. "Get out of my sight and don''t waste any more of my time. If your lot screws up the delivery, it''s your head on the block. Understood?" "Understood," August replied, turning and leaving the room without hesitation. -- Outside, the Iron Fang enclosure buzzed with activity. August passed by groups of rebels sharpening weapons, counting coins, and trading stolen goods. Makeshift wooden structures lined the edges of the courtyard, many of them patched together with scavenged materials. The mention of the Wundan portal had piqued his curiosity. He needed to find out more about it before he proceeded with his mission. His eyes scanned for someone approachable but also knowledgeable. Among the milling crowd, he spotted Bera Irongrip, the broad-shouldered woman who had caught his attention earlier. Her imposing frame and massive axe leaned against a nearby barrel made her hard to miss. She was munching on a chunk of dried meat with her auburn hair tied in a loose braid over her shoulder. Her level indicator¡ªLevel 29 Berserker¡ªhovered above her head like a warning sign. August approached her carefully, ensuring his posture radiated confidence without arrogance. "Bera, right?" She squinted at him, then smirked. "Well, well, if it isn''t the fresh pup. What do you want, pretty boy?" August smiled faintly. "Gorrath mentioned something about a Wundan portal. I figured I should know more about it if I''m going to fit in here." Bera let out a boomingugh as her sharp white teeth shed. "You mean to tell me you''re running with us and you don''t know about the portal? What rock have you been living under?" "Apparently the wrong one," August replied smoothly. Bera shook her head, still chuckling. "Alright, listen up, pup. The Wundan portal is what makes us untouchable. It connects this ce to the base of the Mountainous Bluffs. While everyone else is busy dodging traps and monsters, we pop in and out like ghosts." "Sounds convenient," August voiced while feigning admiration. "Damn right it is," she said proudly, tapping the wristband on her arm. "Only those of us with these wristbands can use it, though. No wristband, no portal ess." "Where exactly is it?" August asked, keeping his tone casual. Bera gave him a long look, then shrugged. "You really are new, huh? It''s in the western corner, past the big storage tents. You''ll see the glowing runes. Can''t miss it." "Thanks," August said while inclining his head. "Don''t mention it," Bera said with a sly grin. "And if you survive long enough, maybe I''ll let you buy me a drink." "I''ll hold you to that," August replied before turning to leave. --- With Bera''s directions in mind, August made his way through the crowded enclosure. He passed by rows of storage tents with their interiors lit by flickering torches. The air was thick with the smell of sweat, leather, and smoke. Finally, he reached the western corner, and just as Bera had described, a glowing circr tform sat in the open space, surrounded by faintly shimmering runes etched into the ground. The runes pulsed rhythmically, casting an eerie light over the area. Guards armed with heavy axes and crossbows stood around it with stern expressions. --- System Notification:N?v(el)B\\jnn [ Observation Sess: Wundan Portal Located | Connected Location: Base of Mountainous Bluffs. ] --- August''s eyes narrowed as he took in the sight. Now he had a way to escape this ce after retrieving the relics. August adjusted his hood as he navigated through the Iron Fang enclosure. He kept his movements unsuspecting, careful not to attract undue attention. The relics he sought were paramount topleting his mission, but this ce was abyrinth of makeshift storage areas, tents, and armed guards. --- System Notification: [ Primary Objective: Locate the Three Sacred Relics ] [ Secondary Objective: Free the Captives Without Raising rm ] --- The system notification reminded him of the task at hand yet again. He decided to focus on the relics first. Wandering too aimlessly would arouse suspicion, so August adopted a methodical approach. Each storage tent was an opportunity and a risk. Inside the first tent, crates and sacks were piled high with the smell of dried herbs and old wood hanging in the air. August sifted through the contents quickly so he wouldn''t waste time. "No relics here," he muttered before moving on to the next tent. --- As he was exiting a particrly crowded storage area, a gruff voice called out behind him. "Hey, new blood!" a burly Iron Fang guard with a jagged scar over his eye barked. His level hovered above his head: Level 27 Barbarian. "What are you doing nosing around here?" August turned slowly, keeping his face calm. "The boss second-inmand sent me," he said evenly. "Said I needed to check for a specific item he''s looking for. Something about a priority shipment." The guard squinted. "What shipment?" "How should I know?" August shot back, feigning irritation. "He just told me to check all the storage. You want to question his orders?" The guard grumbled but stepped back. "Fine. Just don''t screw anything up, rookie." August nodded curtly and continued. ---- In one of therger storage tents near the back, August found his first sess. Among a pile of dusty objects, a faint glow caught his eye. Moving quickly, he uncovered an ancient chalice carved from what appeared to be molten rock. --- System Notification: [ Relic Located: Emberstone Chalice This chalice pulses with fiery energy, rumored to be a key to unlocking hidden volcanic treasures. ] --- August ced it carefully into his inventory. Its glow disappeared as it was stored away. "One down, two to go," he whispered, slipping out of the tent and heading to the next one. --- After several more tense encounters with guards and tedious searching, August finally found the second relic. Hidden beneath a pile of discarded leather armor in a smaller tent, the Starlight Pendant shimmered faintly. It was a delicate ne with a glowing star-shaped gem at its center. --- System Notification: [ Relic Located: Starlight Pendant ] [ A mystical pendant that enhances vision in darkness and is said to amplify light-based spells. ] --- He tucked it into his inventory with a sigh of relief. Now, only one relic remained: The Shadowfang Dagger. August''s patience was wearing thin as he searched through tent after tent, to no avail. It was starting to look like the dagger wasn''t in the storage areas. Finally, he decided to ask around. Approaching anky Iron Fang thief lounging by the fire pit, he put on an air of casual curiosity. "Hey," August said while nodding toward the thief''s wristband. "You were on thest raid, right?" "Yeah, what''s it to you?" the thief replied with a suspicious tone. His level hovered: Level 24 Rogue. "I''m looking for the Shadowfang Dagger," August voiced with a low tone. "Boss second-inmand wants me to check on its condition." The thief snorted. "Good luck with that. Veltar''s got it. Always keeps it on him, too. You''ll have to pry it out of his hands if you want it." --- System Notification: [ Key Information: Shadowfang Dagger Currently Held by Veltar (Level 30). ] --- Find exclusive stories on empire "Figures," August muttered. "Where can I find him?" The thief jerked his thumb toward arger tent near the center of the enclosure. "In there. Don''t get any ideas, though. Veltar doesn''t take kindly to people poking around his stuff. Since you''re not the boss second inmand himself, you might end up being coteral damage." "Noted," August began to formte a n as he walked away. August took a deep breath as his sharp eyes locked onto Veltar lounging near a campfire. The Shadowfang Dagger glinted ominously at his waist. This was going to be tricky. The notorious Level 30 Rogue was surrounded by several Iron Fang thieves, allughing and talking while sharpening their weapons. --- System Notification: [ Key Target Identified: Veltar (Level 30) ] [ Objective: Retrieve the Shadowfang Dagger. ] --- "Here goes nothing," August muttered under his breath. August approached, keeping his pace casual. As he neared Veltar, he pretended to stumble causing his shoulder to bump against the rogue''s side. "Watch it, idiot!" Veltar snarled while ring at August. "My bad," August said, raising his hands apologetically. At that moment, his quick hands went to work. With the speed of a seasoned assassin, he unsped the Shadowfang Dagger from Veltar''s belt and reced it with one of his Enhanced daggers, which was nearly identical in size. --- System Notification: [ Shadowfang Dagger Retrieved. ] [ Shadowfang Dagger: A dagger crafted from obsidian, it excels in stealth and critical damage. Special effect: Grants invisibility for 10 seconds upon a sessful critical hit. ] --- "Next time, watch where you''re going," Veltar grumbled, brushing past him. "Noted," August said with a smirk before slipping away from the area. Chapter 66 Wundan Portal Now that he had all three relics, August debated his next move. He could use the Wundan Portal and escape or attempt to save the captives first. "Screw it," he whispered with a straight look. "I''m not leaving them behind. Might as well get rewarded to the fullest." The cage where the captives were held was guarded by two Iron Fang thieves, one a Level 24 Warrior and the other a Level 22 Archer. August straightened his hood and approached confidently. "Hey, you," he called out, pointing at the archer. "Boss second-inmand wants you at the eastern post. Now." The archer frowned. "You sure?" "Yeah," August snapped impatiently. "What, you want me to tell him you didn''t listen?" The archer cursed under his breath and stalked off. August waited for the archer to getpletely out of sight before he turned to the warrior. "Your turn," August muttered. "What are you¡ª" Before the guard could react, August activated Hidden Strike multiple times causing his dagger to pierce ghrough the air in a rapid flurry of strikes. --- [ System Notification: Critical hit! Hidden Strike Sessful.] [ Guard Eliminated. 2000 EXP Gained. ] --- The guard crumpled to the ground, and August quickly looted his Wristband Totem before turning to the cage. "Stay quiet," August whispered to the captives as he unlocked the cage and gestured for them to follow. --- Leading the captives through the enclosure was no easy task. August had to navigate them through dark alleys and makeshift pathways, all while keeping a sharp eye on patrolling guards. "Keep moving," he whispered while ncing back to ensure the captives were following. One of the captives, a weary looking man with ragged clothes, hissed, "How do we know you''re not leading us to another trap?" "You''re free to stay here and find out," August shot back, silencing furtherints. --- As they approached the Wundan Portal, several guards spotted them. Their shouts immediately echoed through the enclosure. "There! Escapees!" August sighed. "Of course." The guards charged, and August activated Shadow Dance, creating afterimages that disoriented the attackers. --- [ System Notification: Shadow Dance Activated. Evasion Increased by 50% for 15 Seconds. ] --- He darted between them, shing and dodging with abination of sh and Dash. --- [ System Notifications: Critical Hit! +2300 EXP Gained. ] --- As thest of the guards in the surroundings fell, August turned to the captives. "Go through the portal. Now!" The captives hesitated but began stepping through one by one. However, as some approached the portal, it crackled with a harsh, electric buzz, repelling them with a force that sent them stumbling backward. --- [ System Notification: ess Denied: Portal Entry Requires Wundan Wristband. ] --- The weary man looked up at August in panic. "What now? We don''t have the bands!" August looked at the remaining captives. He had already handed out the wristbands he collected from the defeated guards, but it wasn''t enough. "Stay here," he said, darting back toward the fallen guards. He rifled through their belongings, pulling off the glowing wristbands and sprinting back to the group. --- [ System Notification: Wristbands Collected: +3 ] --- He distributed the new wristbands, but the number of captives still without one left his stomach churning. Among them, a little girl clung tightly to her brother, tears streaking her dirt-covered face. "Here," August said, pulling off his own wristband and crouching to her level. "This will get you through." The girl hesitated, looking at her brother, and then handed the wristband to him instead. "She needs it more," August said firmly, taking her tiny hand and cing the wristband back into her grasp. "Go. I''ll get one for him." The girl nodded and tearfully stepped into the portal while looking back at her brother As thest of the captives with wristbands entered the portal, August turned back to the battleground. A new wave of Iron Fang Thieves charged toward him with weapons drawn. "Here we go again," he muttered while gripping one of his Enhanced Dagger and activating Dual Wielding. --- [ System Notification: Dual Wielding Cannot Be Activated ] --- ''Shit! It''s because I only have a single dagger...'' August realized as he dashed forward. He attacked with sh, striking down two guards in quick session. Their bodies crumpled to the ground, and August quickly snatched up their wristbands. "Go!" he shouted while tossing the wristbands to the remaining captives. One by one, they stepped through the portal until only a handful were left. August could feel the pressure mounting as the Iron Fang Thieves regrouped. Realizing the thieves could still follow them even after they had all gone through the portal, August''s gazended on a storage tent nearby. He sprinted toward it, narrowly dodging a barrage of arrows. Inside, he found crates of dynamite. "Perfect," he muttered while gathering as much as he could carry. He ran back to the portal and began setting the explosives around its base. The remaining captives stared at him in confusion. "Go!" he barked. "I''ll take care of the rest!" As he worked, more thieves swarmed the area, and August fought them off while securing the dynamite. ---n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om System Notifications: [ Critical Hit! Hidden Strike Sessful. 2000 EXP Gained. ] [ Dash Activated: Evasion Increased by 20%. ] [ Wristbands Collected: +2 ] --- Thest of the captives took the wristbands and stepped through the portal, leaving August alone to face the iing horde. August barely had time to recover after setting the dynamite when Veltar''s thunderous voice echoed across the battlefield. "Aleman!" Veltar roared as his dagger glined ominously in the dim light of the Wundan Portal. His eyes burned with fury, and the scar running across his face twisted grotesquely with his snarl. "Stealing from me was yourst mistake!" Veltar lunged forward with astonishing speed. --- [ System Notification: Veltar Engaged. ] [ Level: 30. HP: 9000/9000. ] --- August barely managed to parry the initial attack as the sh of des sent parks flying. The sheer force of Veltar''s strike sent him skidding backward causing his boots to leave trails in the dirt. "Not bad for a thief," Veltar sneered while twirling his daggers. "But you''re out of your depth." Veltarunched into a flurry of strikes using Cyclone sh skill to create a whirlwind of deadly arcs around him. --- [ System Notification: Veltar Activated Cyclone sh. Damage Output Increased by 25% for 10 Seconds. ] --- August dodged and parried, but each block rattled his arms and drained his stamina. A misstep left his side exposed, and Veltar''s dagger grazed him, slicing away a chunk of HP. --- [ System Notification: - 420 HP ] --- August muttered proceeded to activate Arcane Shield to absorb the next barrage of attacks. --- [ System Notification: Arcane Shield Activated ] --- The shimmering shield absorbed the brunt of Veltar''s next strike, but the force still sent August sliding back. Before he could retaliate, Veltar activated Shadow Step, disappearing in a blur. August spun around, sensing danger, but Veltar reappeared behind him and shed downward. --- [ System Notification: Critical Damage Inflicted ] [ -850 HP ] --- "Not so quick on your feet now, are you?" Veltar taunted, pressing the advantage. Realizing he couldn''t match Veltar''s raw speed and strength in melee, August used dash to put a little distance between himself and Veltar before activating Lightning Bolt. The crackling energy struck Veltar squarely, staggering him and applying the Gravitational Effect, which slowed his movements. --- [ System Notification: Lightning Bolt Sessful. ] [ Damage Inflicted: 1200. Veltar''s Movement Speed Reduced by 50% for 10 Seconds. ] --- "Magic?!" Veltar growled in shock but then scoffed. "A true assassin doesn''t rely on tricks!" "Then it''s a good thing I''m not just an assassin," August retorted, switching to his Ethereal Storm spell. The air around them churned violently as a barrage of destructive winds and glowing projectiles descended on Veltar. Each hit knocked him off bnce, cutting into his HP. --- [ System Notification: Ethereal Storm Activated. ] [ Random Elemental Effects Applied: +200 Poison Damage per Second for 5 Seconds. ] [ Veltar''s HP: 1800/9000. ] --- August had nearly cleaved away all of Veltar''s HP with these few attacks but before he could press his advantage, a group of Iron Fang Thieves joined the fray, hurling throwing knives and charging with swords drawn. "Morepany? Great," August muttered before activating Dash to evade the iing attacks. --- [ System Notification: Dash Activated: Evasion Increased by 20% for 15 Seconds. ] --- Even with his speed, a thrown dagger nicked his shoulder, further reducing his HP. --- [ System Notification: HP: 1500/6000. ] --- August cast Fireball, aiming for the cluster of thieves. The explosion sent two of them flying, but Veltar used the distraction to close the distance. "You''re mine!" Veltar snarled, unleashing a devastatingbo of shes that shredded August''s Arcane Shield and forced him to roll away. --- [ System Notification: Arcane Shield Destroyed. Cooldown: 30 Seconds. ] --- August spotted Veltar''s approach and activated Shadow Dance. Multiple afterimages traveled across the surroundings, encircling Veltar who kept swinging and missing. The dagger continuously sliced through the shadowy afterimages. Spotting an opening, August used Hidden Strike. He vanished momentarily and reappeared behind Veltar,nding a critical hit. --- [ System Notification: Hidden Strike Sessful. ] [ Critical Damage Inflicted: -1500HP ] [ Veltar''s HP: 300/9000 ] Despite the damage, Veltar refused to back down. He activated his ultimate skill: Shadow Barrage. Dark tendrils erupted from his daggers,shing out in every direction. Stay updated with empire August barely managed to dodge, but the stray tendrils chipped away at his remaining HP. --- [ System Notification:HP: 800/6000. ] --- August gritted his teeth while evading to the best of his abiliies. He couldn''t let himself die here. Although, he still had a lot of health potions, he couldn''t stop in the middle of an onught to consume them. His opportunity arrived when the tendrils retracted momentarily, giving him a brief breathing space. He swiftly activated Lightning Bolt again,nding a perfectly timed attack on Veltar. "You''re done!" August roared while pointing his staff at Veltar. --- [ System Notification: Lightning Bolt Activated ] [Critical Hit! Veltar Defeated. 8500 EXP Gained. ] [ Loot Acquired: Obsidian Core, Wristband x1 ] --- As Veltar''s lifeless body crumpled to the ground, August snatched back his Enhanced Dagger from the corpse. "Thanks for keeping it warm," he muttered as blood dripped from his face. August turned back to the dynamite he was setting up. There was no time to waste. Just as August was about to finish setting the dynamite, the Iron Fang Second-in-Command and the towering axe-wielding woman appeared in the distance, leading reinforcements. "Time to go!" August shouted while lighting the fuse and sprinting toward the portal. He dove into the swirling energy just as the dynamite exploded, obliterating the portal and sending shockwaves through the enclosure. Chapter 67 Cloak Of Echoes --- [System Notification: Wundan Portal Destroyed. ] [ Mission Objectives Completed: Captives Freed. Relics Retrieved. ] --- Augustnded on the other side of the portal, battered but alive, as the captives looked on in awe. The rescued captives immediately surrounded August at the base of the Mountainous Bluffs with looks of relief and gratitude. The little girl from earlier ran up to him with tears streaming down her cheeks. "Thank you, mister!" she cried while throwing her arms around his waist. Her older brother stepped forward with a solemn expression and bowed. "We owe you our lives. Without you, we wouldn''t have made it out of there." August ruffled the girl''s hair gently. "It''s alright, kiddo. Just make sure you stay safe from now on, okay?" The boy straightened up with a firm look. "If there''s anything we can ever do for you, anything at all, just let us know." Another woman, an older merchant who had been among the captives, stepped forward and bowed slightly to August in appreciation. "Feel free to visit my shop anytime." --- [ Quest Update: Captives Freed. ] [Rewards:] - 15,000 EXP - 250 Gold - sh Level Up --- August nced at the notification with a look of satisfaction. The little girl tugged at his sleeve again. "Will we see you again?" August crouched down to her level, smiling. "Maybe. But only if you promise to be good and stay safe, alright?" She nodded fervently, wrapping her arms around him for another hug before pulling back. Her older brother called her over, and the captives began to scatter, each heading toward their own paths. As August watched them go, he let out a deep sigh. His body finally rxed after the harrowing ordeal. "Well, that''s one thing done," he muttered to himself. But before he could leave, a new notification appeared. --- [ System Notification: ] [ Attention: Aleman and the Iron Fang thieves are now Irond Enemies. Members of the Iron Fangs will attack Aleman on sight. ] --- August groaned. "Fantastic. Just what I needed," he muttered sarcastically. Adjusting his gear, he turned his gaze toward the horizon. The majestic spires of the Temple of Echoes glimmered faintly in the distance. It was time toplete the second half of his mission. --- The trek to the temple was peacefulpared to the chaos of the Mountainous Bluffs. Rolling fields of green surrounded him, dotted with crystalline flowers that shimmered in the sunlight. Birds with plumage of gold and silver flitted between the trees, letting out melodic calls that soothed his nerves. As he neared the temple, he couldn''t help but marvel at its grandeur. The ivory columns gleamed like polished bone, etched with glowing runes that pulsed with faint light. A serene pool reflected the temple''s spires. Its surface was disturbed only by the asional ripple of a gentle breeze. "Fancy ce," August muttered as he climbed the final set of marble steps. --- The interior of the Temple of Echoes was no less awe-inspiring. The polished floors gleamed like liquid silver, and intricate mosaics depicting mythical figures adorned the walls. White-robed attendants moved silently through the space. Their presence felt almost ethereal. At the far end of the hall sat the Priestess of Echoes. Draped in pristine white robes that shimmered faintly. She exuded an aura of calm authority. Half her face was obscured by a delicate white veil, but the visible part revealed an otherworldly beauty. Her skin was smooth like butter. Her eyes looked like they had been carved by a godly artist of creation... There was no doubt that underneath the white veil was a beauty like no other. Above her head floated a golden level indicator: Lv. 90 "Level 90?" August whispered as his eyes widened. "What is someone like her doing sitting in a temple instead of taking on the toughest bosses in the game?" One of the attendants approached, bowing slightly. "The Priestess of Echoes does not step foot into unholy ces. It is forbidden," she exined softly, as if sensing his thoughts. The Priestess''s locked onto August with a calm yet piercing gaze. "Step forward, Aleman," her voice carried both warmth andmand. It was smooth like milk and honey... Extremely soothing to the senses. August approached. "I''ve brought the relics as requested," he voiced before retrieving them from his inventory. The relics hovered before her as she raised a hand. Each one glowed with brilliant light before vanishing into golden motes. --- [ System Notification: ] [ Quest Completed: Retrieve the Sacred Relics. ] [ Rewards: ] - 35,000 EXP - 500 Gold - Unique Item: Cloak of Echoes (Bound) - Item: Minor Health Amulet --- "You have done well, Aleman," the Priestess said with a faint smile. "The temple is in your debt." August scratched the back of his head, feeling slightly awkward. "Honestly, I''m just d I made it out alive." Find your next adventure on empire Her smile deepened, though there was a touch of sadness in her eyes. "The path of righteousness is never easy, but it is always worth it." As August turned to leave, she called out again with a grave tone. "Wait." He paused, looking back. "I sense a talisman in your possession. A letter from Sir Dumblore," she said. August frowned, retrieving the nk letter from his inventory. "You mean this?" The Priestess nodded. "Yes. The time draws near. Guard it well, Aleman. Its purpose will soon be revealed." "What does that mean?" he questioned with curiosity creeping into his voice. She shook her head gently. "Some truths must unfold in their own time. Be vignt, for darkness stirs." With that cryptic warning, an attendant stepped forward, bowing deeply. "Please, this way," she voiced while ushering him toward the exit. As August stepped into the fading sunlight, he took a deep breath. The serene beauty of the temple now felt tinged with foreboding. "Darkness stirs, huh?" he muttered before tucking the letter back into his inventory. "Guess I''ll find out soon enough." ... ... August walked through the quiet path leading back to the bustling streets of Tagharuim. The golden hues of the setting sun painted the horizon as he decided to check his yer status. With a swipe of his hand, the familiar glowing interface appeared before him. --- << yer Status Panel >> Name: Aleman ss: Assassin/Mage Title: Sovereign Of Anti Darkness Level: 26 EXP: 740,500/920,000 HP: 8,400/8,400 MP: 6,300/6,300 Gold: 14,250 Skills: - Shadow Dance (Assassin) - Hidden Strike (Assassin) - Dash (Assassin) [Level 3] - Lightning Bolt (Mage) - Arcane Shield (Mage) - Ethereal Storm (Custom Mage) Inventory: - Leather Jacket - Basic Armor - Enhanced Dagger - Custom Staff - Cloak of Echoes (Bound) - Shadow Cloak - Minor Health Amulet - Mana Potion x7 - Health Potion x6 ... --- A new system notification shed across his interface. --- [ System Notification: New Items Acquired ] <[ Cloak of Echoes (Bound) ]> < Perks > - Amplifies speed by 30%. - Grants the ability "Hover" (slows descent for 2 seconds). - Note: This item can level up with continued use, unlocking additional perks. - Equipping this item will rece your current Shadow Cloak. <[ Minor Health Amulet ]> < Perks > - Boosts total HP by 20%. - Grants slow health regeneration when HP falls below 10%. - Equipped immediately upon selection. --- August frowned while scrolling through the details. "Damn... Hard decisions," he muttered. The Cloak of Echoes was undeniably powerful. The speed boost alone could be a game-changer, not to mention the leveling system that promised even more perks. But giving up the Shadow Cloak meant losing the Shadow Dance ability¡ªone of his most reliable skills. He tapped on the Cloak of Echoes interface, examining its enthralling design. The shimmering silver fabric looked ethereal, almost translucent, with glowing runes along the hem. In contrast, the Shadow Cloak remained dark and menacing. Its smoky aura almost seemed alive. "Do I want speed or stealth?" he asked himself. "Or maybe both?" After a long sigh, he closed the Cloak of Echoes interface and decided to shelve the decision for now. --- [ System Notification: You have chosen not to equip the Cloak of Echoes at this time. ] --- Instead, he tapped on the Minor Health Amulet causing the glowing trinket to appear in his hand within the game interface. It was a small golden amulet with a pulsating red gem at its center. "This one''s a no-brainer," August said before tapping Equip. --- [ System Notification: Minor Health Amulet Equipped. ] - Total HP increased by 20%. - Slow health regeneration activated when HP falls below 10%.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om --- Updated yer Status: HP: 10,080/10,080 --- August smiled. "That''s more like it." For a brief moment, he considered extracting the Minor Health Amulet to the real world. An item like this could potentially sell for millions¡ªif not more. But after a moment of thought, he shook his head. "Not this time," he murmured. "I''ll need every advantage I can get in here." With his decisions made for now, August dismissed the interface and continued on his journey. ... ... The streets of Tagharuim bustled with activity as yers roamed about. Merchants yelled out prices for wares disyed on colorful stalls, adventurers strolled by chatting about theirtest exploits, and recruiters from various guilds stood on raised tforms advertising their groups. August walked among the crowd, blending in as much as possible. He had been reflecting on his recent quest and contemting his next move. He had been in the game for over fourteen hours already which meant that seven hours had passed in the real world. ''It should be daytime already... But I''m quitting the factory work today, so I don''t need to go in early,'' August decided to remain in Enders Light for now. His n for today was to head to the factory, tell them he was quitting, and then talk to his friend Derrick briefly. Just as August turned a corner, a group of yers d in dark crimson armor with dragon emblems emzoned on their chests came into view. "Wait a minute¡­ isn''t that Aleman?" Chapter 68 No Mans Wasteland Just as August turned a corner, a group of yers d in dark crimson armor with dragon emblems emzoned on their chests came into view. They moved together,ughing loudly as their nking weapons drew attention. One of them stopped suddenly, squinting in August''s direction. His eyes lit up with recognition, and he pointed. "Wait a minute¡­ isn''t that Aleman?" The others turned to look. "Yeah, that''s him!" "Didn''t he steal loot from us in the Ogre''s Dungeon?" "Independent yer or not, that guy''s dead meat. Let''s get him!" Before August could even process what was happening, the group charged toward him with weapons drawn. --- [ System Notification: Warning! Hostile Dragon Fang Guild Members Approaching ] --- "Oh,e on," August muttered as he broke into a sprint. The narrow street erupted in chaos as people scrambled to get out of the way. August''s Dash skill activated, sending him surging forward with a burst of speed, leaving a streak of shadowy afterimages behind. --- [ System Notification: Dash Activated. Cooldown: 10 seconds. ] --- The Dragon Fang members yelled in frustration as some of them used movement skills to close the gap. One of them, a Level 30 Berserker, smashed through a fruit stall to cut across the street, roaring. August darted into an alley, ncing back over his shoulder. "Great. They''re faster than I thought." Just as he exited the alley into another bustling street, his bad luck struck again. A familiar, arrogant voice rang out above the noise. "There you are, Aleman!" August''s head snapped to the right, and sure enough, there was Xyron, striding forward with his group ofckeys. His golden armor gleamed in the sunlight, and his oversized broadsword rested on his shoulder. "Let''s settle this! You and me, one-on-one!" Xyron yelled while grinning viciously. August groaned. "Seriously?! I''ve got enough problems already!" With Dragon Fang behind him and Xyron ahead, August had no choice but to activate Stealth. --- [ System Notification:Stealth Activated. Cooldown: 30 seconds. ] --- His figure turned nearly invisible, making it look as though he had vanished from sight just as both groups began converging on his location. "He''s using stealth! Spread out!" one of the Dragon Fang yers barked. Xyron waved his sword dramatically. "You can run, but you can''t hide forever, Aleman!" August used the brief respite to slip into another side street. His Stealth wore off, and he broke into another sprint, activating Dash again to create more distance. --- [ System Notification: Dash Activated. Cooldown: 10 seconds. ] --- He began crossing more than forty paces with each stride. The chase continued for several minutes, weaving through streets, alleys, and even rooftops. August''s stamina was draining rapidly, and he was beginning to feel cornered. Suddenly, a voice called out to him from a side street. "Aleman! Over here!" He turned to see a figure in a purplish cloak waving him over. As the figure stepped into the light, he recognized her. "Aria?" The Phoenix Celestial mage from the Ogre Dungeon smiled mischievously as her fiery red hair peeked out from under her hood. "Get in here!" she urged. August hesitated. "You''re not here to settle a score with me too, are you?" Aria chuckled as a faint glow formed beneath her feet. "You''re cute when you''re paranoid. Now hurry up, or they''ll catch you!" Reluctantly, August darted toward her. Just as he reached her, she grabbed his arm and pulled him into her cloak. A glowing magic circle red to life around them, creating intricate runes that spun in a clockwise motion. "There he is!" Both Dragon Fang and Xyron''s groups spotted them at the same time, charging in from opposite ends of the street.N?v(el)B\\jnn "No time to chat," Aria said with a light tone as her focus turned razor-sharp. The magic circle pulsed, and in an instant, August and Aria vanished in a sh of light, leaving the two groups to collide with each other in confusion. ... August blinked upon finding himself in an entirely different location. "Safe for now," Aria said with a smirk. Find adventures at empire "Care to exin what just happened?" he asked while catching his breath. "Let''s just say you owe me one," her grin widened. The terrain that stretched endlessly before them, was a barren expanse of cracked earth and uneven rock formations. The sky overhead was a muted gray, and gusts of dry wind swept across the deste in, kicking up small clouds of dust. It was a ce most yers avoided¡ªdangerous, unrewarding, and eerily silent... No Man''s Wastnd. However, today was different. Scattered across the wastnd, pockets of yers huddled together, talking in hushed tones or preparing their gear. A variety of sses were present: heavily armored knights adjusting their shields, nimble rangers inspecting their arrows, and robed mages murmuring incantations. Each group eyed the others with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion, all aware of the potentialpetition. As August and Aria materialized in the wastnd, the destion was interrupted by the faint murmur of voices. --- [ System Notification: You have entered No Man''s Wastnd. EXP gain reduced by 30%. ] --- August scanned the surroundings once more as his brows furrowed. "Where are we?" "This," Aria began with a mischievous grin, "is No Man''s Wastnd. Wee to the middle of nowhere." August raised an eyebrow. "No offense, but this doesn''t look like prime grinding territory. What''s the deal?" Before Aria could answer, a group of four yers approached them. They looked every bit like seasoned veterans. Their gear was polished and bristling with magical enhancements. "Aria!" a tall warrior in gleaming silver armor called out with his massive sword slung over his back. "You''rete." "Rx, Gareth," Aria replied while waving a hand dismissively. One of the others, a ranger with a red bow strapped across his chest, narrowed his eyes at August. "And who''s this?" August stepped forward, but before he could speak, the ranger scoffed. "Wait, don''t tell me. You brought a newbie? He''s not even Level 30!" August''s expression tightened, but he said nothing. Aria smirked. "This ''newbie'' is Aleman. You might''ve heard of him?" The group exchanged nces. "Aleman? The one from the Ogre Dungeon?" the cleric, a petite woman with flowing white robes, asked with a skeptical tone. "Yeah, that one," Aria said confidently. "He''s with us." The ranger rolled his eyes. "Sure, let''s bring the under-leveled guy. Great idea, Aria." August crossed his arms. "Look, I don''t know what this is about, but if I''m such a problem, I''ll leave." Aria turned to him with a soft smile. "You''re staying. Trust me." --- [ System Notification: You have been invited to Aria''s party. Do you wish to ept? ] [Yes] ¡Á [No] --- August sighed and selected [Yes]. --- [ System Notification: Party Members ] - Aria (Level 33 Mage) - Gareth (Level 34 Warrior) - Viora (Level 31 Cleric) - Torin (Level 32 Ranger) - Drask (Level 34 Berserker) - Aleman (Level 26 Assassin) --- Gareth spoke up with a begrudging tone. "Fine. But if he screws this up, it''s on you, Aria." Aria rolled her eyes. "Noted. Now, let''s get to business." August frowned. "Business? Care to exin why I''m here?" Aria turned to him with a yful grin. "Oh, right. I guess I should fill you in." She gestured to the wastnd. "There''s a rumor about an unawakened dungeon here. It''s called the Ancient Swordking Dungeon. The catch? It only activates when forty yers are present on No Man''s Wastnd at the same time." "And we''re the forty?" August asked while ncing at the other yers scattered across the area. "Exactly," Aria said. "The dungeon''s supposed to have insane loot, and there''s a rumor¡­" Her voice trailed off dramatically. "A rumor about what?" "That the Fruit of Sin might be on the lowest floor." August''s eyes widened. "The Fruit of Sin?" Viora nodded. "It''s one of the most sought-after items in the game. It unlocks a dark interface for yers, allowing them to use cursed magic both in-game and in real life." Torin added with a cynical tone. "Assuming it''s not just a myth." August frowned. "And why''d you pick me for this? Don''t you have an extra teammate from Phoenix Celestial?" Aria shrugged. "I was supposed to bring someone else, but he had a quest to finish. Then I stumbled on you running for your life and figured you''d do." Gareth groaned. "So, we''re stuck with the assassin who moonlights as a runner." Before August could retort, the ground beneath them rumbled. "Finally," Drask growled while gripping his massive axe. From the center of the wastnd, a massive monolith-like structure erupted from the ground, sending debris flying. It rose higher and higher, eventually towering over thendscape at over two hundred feet. The monolith shimmered with ancient runes, glowing faintly with an ominous light. --- [ System Notification: You have discovered the Ancient Swordking Dungeon. ] [ Dungeon Activation: 24 hours until fully essible. ] --- August stared at the monolith with a perturbed expression. If the rumors of the fruit of sin spread, this ce was bound to be a hot zone soon. "Great," he muttered. "Now what?" Aria patted him on the shoulder. "Now, we wait." Torin smirked. "And hope we don''t kill each other before the timer runs out." Chapter 69 Paying Off Debts Aria patted him on the shoulder. "Now, we wait." Torin smirked. "And hope we don''t kill each other before the timer runs out." August''s eyes locked on the timer floating before him: [ Dungeon Activation Timer: 23:59 ] He let out a deep sigh. Waiting a full day in-game for the dungeon to open wasn''t ideal, especially when he had important things to handle in the real world. "I can''t spend a day here," August said aloud, catching the attention of Aria and her party. "I''ve got things I need to tend to in reality." Aria crossed her arms and studied him for a moment. "Will you be able to make it back in time? Once the timer hits zero, the dungeon doors won''t wait for stragglers." August hesitated, doing some quick mental calctions. ''One day in Enders Light tranted to twelve hours in the real world.'' He nodded. "I''ll make it back in time. I just need to be sure I log back in noter than twelve hours from now." Aria tilted her head. "If you log out here, you''ll respawn in this exact spot when youe back. You sure you don''t want to stay? You might miss out if something happens." "I won''t miss it," August replied confidently. "I''ve got some things to sort out, but I''ll be back." With everything finalized, August excused himself from the group. "Try not to get yourself killed while I''m gone," he quipped while smirking at Aria. She rolled her eyes but smiled faintly. "Just don''t bete, Aleman. We''ll need every able hand when this dungeon opens." The other party members muttered among themselves, but August ignored them. He opened his system menu, scrolled to the Log Out option, and selected it. A familiar countdown appeared in his vision. [ Logging Out in 5¡­ 4¡­ 3¡­ 2¡­ 1 ] --- August blinked as his vision adjusted to the morning light streaming into his room. He stretched while yawning as reality settled on his shoulders. "9 AM," he muttered, ncing at his bedside clock. "I''ve got until 9 PM to get back into the game. Plenty of time." He got out of the pod, threw on a shirt, and walked into the living room. The table caught his eye immediately, with a note resting on top in Sophia''s neat handwriting: "Food''s in the kitchen. Don''t skip breakfast! Love, Soph." August chuckled. "You''re the best, kid." He headed to the kitchen, lifting the foil covering a te of scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast. His stomach growled in anticipation as he sat down and dug in. "Nothing beats a real meal," he said between bites, savoring the food. Staying in the game for hours always left him famished, and Sophia''s cooking was a reminder of the simple joys of life. As he ate, he mentally mapped out his day. One... Quit the factory job. It had served its purpose, but it was time to move on. Two... Talk to Derrick. Derrick had been a rock since he arrived in this world, and if anyone could be a trustworthy ally for his business, it was him. Three... n the next steps. His idea for a safe marketce for extracted game items was slowly taking shape, but it needed structure, and that required time and effort. After finishing breakfast, August cleaned up, took a quick shower, and changed into his usual worn-out outfit. He nced at his reflection in the mirror and frowned slightly. "Definitely time to upgrade my wardrobe," he muttered. With a shrug, he grabbed his bag and headed out. The factory was its usual bustling hive of activity when he arrived. Machines whirred loudly, and workers moved about with tired but focused expressions. The air smelled of oil and metal, a scent August hade to associate with long, grueling shifts. As he entered, one of the supervisors, Mr. Gaines, immediately spotted him. "August!" Gaines'' booming voice echoed across the factory floor. "You''rete! You''ve got some nerve strolling in like this. Do you even take this job seriously?" August approached calmly with a small smile on his face. "Actually, Mr. Gaines, I''m notte. I''m quitting." The words hung in the air for a moment, and the surrounding workers paused to look at him. Gaines blinked, clearly taken aback. "Quitting?" Gaines repeated in disbelief. "You? Where are you gonna go, huh? Got a better offer somewhere?" "Something like that," August said with a nod. "I''ve got an opportunity I can''t pass up. Just wanted to thank you and everyone here for the time I''ve spent." Gaines'' expression hardened as he crossed his arms. "Good luck out there, kid. Don''te crawling back when it doesn''t work out." August chuckled lightly. "I''ll keep that in mind." He turned to address the other workers. "Thanks, everyone. It''s been real. I hope you all find something better, too." -- August spotted Derrick at his station, tightening bolts with his massive hands. His friend''s presence was aforting sight, and August felt a pang of sadness knowing he wouldn''t see him here anymore.N?v(el)B\\jnn "Derrick!" he called out while weaving through the machinery to reach him. Derrick turned and his face immediately lightened up when he saw August. "Hey, man! Late again, huh? Gaines giving you hell?" "Not this time," August said with a grin. "I quit." Derrick''s eyes widened. "You quit? Wow, looks like it''s finally time." August gestured for Derrick to step aside so they could talk privately. As the two moved to a quieter corner, August exined his idea for a business¡ªa secure tform and store for extracted game items, designed to protect yers from scams and violence. He mentioned that game items retrieved to reality could be traded and the business would also have a shop that sold game items as well. Derrick listened intently, nodding as Augustid out his vision. "It''s ambitious," Derrick said finally. "But I don''t know, man. I''m not much of a gamer. Hell, I barely even know how to turn on a console." "You don''t have to be a gamer," August reassured him. "I need someone I trust, someone good with people, and you''re perfect for that." Derrick scratched the back of his head, clearly torn. "I''ll think about it. I''m not making any promises, but... it does sound interesting." "That''s all I''m asking," August voiced before pping him on the shoulder. "Take your time." --- As August left the factory, he felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness. Quitting the job the original August used to survive was quite bold but it was a necessary step toward building something meaningful. The sun was high in the sky as he checked his watch: 11:30 AM. "I still got plenty of time... Bank next," he said to himself. ... ... The bustling bank was alive with the noise of chatter, the clinking of coins, and the tapping of keyboards. Continue reading at empire Customers formed long lines before various counters, each looking more impatient than thest. The polished floors reflected the bright lights above, and the faint scent of disinfectant lingered in the air. August stepped through the ss doors with his sharp features catching a few eyes despite his worn-out clothes. He adjusted his scarf and quietly joined the queue. His eyes wandered around the room, observing the scene in front of him. At one of the counters, a heated exchange was underway. A tall built man in histe thirties leaned over the counter, yelling at a young cashier. "You had no right to freeze my assets! No right at all!" "Sir, it was determined that fraudulent transactions were made wi..." "I swear to God, if I catch you outside, I''ll rape you ten times over!" the man barked while mming his hand on the counter. The woman behind the desk flinched as her face paled with fear. A few security guards moved forward, but the man stormed off before they could intervene. His heavy boots echoed against the floor as he exited, leaving behind a stunned silence. August sighed and refocused on the line ahead, waiting patiently for his turn. --- When his turn came, the cashier at the counter¡ªa woman in herte twenties with neatly tied hair and a sharp uniform¡ªbarely spared him a nce. Her eyes flicked over his worn clothes, and a subtle sneer curled her lips. "How can I help you?" she asked in a toneced with disdain. "I''m here to settle some debts," August said evenly, ignoring her tone. The cashier raised an eyebrow as her fingerszily tapped on the keyboard. "Name?" "August Clementine." She typed in his details and her eyes widened slightly when she saw the records. "You''re here to pay off¡­ everything?" "That''s right," August voiced with a calm tone. The woman nced at him again barely masking her condescension. "Do you even know how much that is? Let me check." Her fingers flew across the keyboard, and the screen disyed a list of debts and loans from the bank and various loan sharks. The total came to a staggering $115,000. "That''s the amount. Are you sure you can pay this off?" she questioned with a tone of unhidden skepticism. "Check my ount bnce," August replied while leaning casually against the counter. The cashier rolled her eyes butplied. The moment his ount details popped up, her demeanor changed. Her eyes widened, and her jaw almost dropped. Bnce: $800,000. She blinked several times, quickly straightening her posture. Her earlier sneer transformed into a nervous smile. "Oh, I-I see. Let me just process that for you, sir." She handed him a stack of forms and exined the process. "Please fill these out, and I''ll handle the rest." Chapter 70 Going Shopping As August filled out the paperwork, the cashier hovered nervously, checking his progress. Her earlier indifference had vanished, reced by a palpable eagerness to assist him. Once the forms werepleted, she smiled brightly. "Thank you, Mr. Clementine. The transactions will be processed immediately, and your debts will be cleared. Would you like to receive confirmation emails?" "Sure," August replied curtly. "Is there anything else I can assist you with?" Her voice suddenly sounded sweet as she asked. "I''d like to withdraw $30,000 in cash," August said, slipping his ID across the counter. "Of course! Right away, sir." She hurried to the back room to retrieve the money. When she returned, she handed him a neatly bound stack of bills. "Here you go, Mr. Clementine. And may I just say, have you considered investing? We offer excellent portfolios¡ª" "I''m not interested," August cut her off while stuffing the cash into his bag. As August turned to leave, the cashier couldn''t help but stare at him. Her earlier judgment was reced by regret. "What a waste," she muttered under her breath. She watched him stride out of the bank with his confident demeanormanding attention from those around him. For someone who looked so rugged, he had the kind of presence that made her wish she''d treated him with respect from the start. The sun was bright as August stepped onto the bustling street, shielding his eyes with his hand. He took a deep breath and it felt like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. The debts were gone, and he still had more than enough to start building the future he envisioned. He muttered to himself, "Now onto the next." And with that, he disappeared into the crowd. ... ... A three-story luxury establishment with massive ss windows disying mannequins dressed in thetest high-end fashion stood before August. A smooth gold-lettered sign above the entrance read "Eden Threads". Well-structured steps led to ss doors that swished open automatically as customers entered. Inside, the air was crisp and subtly perfumed with a scent reminiscent of vani and sandalwood. The floors were made of polished oak, and crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, casting a soft glow over the carefully arranged racks of clothing. Around the perimeter, velvet seats were avable for customers to rest while attendants catered to their every whim. Luxurious music yed softly in the background,pleting the high-end ambiance. --- August stepped inside with his worn-out outfit starkly contrasting with the morous surroundings. Heads turned as he strolled in, drawing people''s attention despite his modest attire. His tall frame, confident gait, and piercing gaze added a charisma that made people look thrice, even though his clothes betrayed no wealth. One of the staff members, a young woman with impably styled blonde hair and a name tag reading "ire", nced at him and immediately dismissed him. She leaned over to her colleague, whispering loud enough for August to overhear, "What''s he doing here? Did he get lost?" Your journey continues with empire Ignoring the whispers, August began perusing the racks of clothes. His sharp eyes darted from one piece to the next. His instincts kicked in as he calctedbinations and the impression they would leave as a businessman. ire finally approached barely masking her disdain with a polite tone. "Sir, if you''re looking for something... affordable, I suggest you try the lower aisles," she voiced while motioning towards a section at the far end of the store. August looked up from the rack with a calm look and responded with a tone of subtle authority. "I''m exactly where I need to be." ire''s lips twitched into a forced smile, and she took a small step back. "Of course. Let me know if you need any... assistance." August moved through the aisles, selecting tailored long-sleeve shirts in crisp whites, deep blues, and subtle patterns. He added a few tailored office trousers and paired them with vests and lightweight coats that exuded professionalism. asionally, he picked up a long trench coat or a slim-fit zer, feeling the fine fabric between his fingers. The price tags were steep, some pieces costing upward of $4,000, but he didn''t blink. "Can you hold these for me?" he asked while handing ire a small stack of clothes. Her professionalism wavered for a moment as she looked at the pile. "Are you sure, sir? Perhaps I can rmend something more... budget-friendly?" August gave her a pointed look as his calm tone cut through her pretense. "You''re here to assist, aren''t you? Just follow me." ire bit back her irritation and silently followed him. Her arms got filled up with more clothing as he moved through the store. Internally, she fumed, ''He''s wasting my time. Let''s see how he ns to pay for all this.'' After selecting his outfits, August moved toward the women''s section. He picked a few stylish yet modest pieces for Sophia, imagining how they would look on her. A couple of pastel sweaters, jeans, and even a coat with fur-lined edges joined the growing pile in ire''s arms. ire''s patience was wearing thin, but she maintained her fa?ade. "Shopping for someone else, sir?" Her tone dripped with mock politeness. "My little sister," August replied curtly, inspecting a scarf before adding it to the pile. By the time they returned to the counter, ire''s arms were overloaded with clothes. She sighed audibly as she dropped everything onto the counter, certain this would end in embarrassment for August. The cashier who was a well-dressed man with slicked-back hair, scanned the items meticulously. "Your total is $57,423," the cashier voiced with a t but professional tone. ire smirked slightly, folding her arms as she watched August. "Quite the total. Shall I put some of it back?" August raised an eyebrow. "That won''t be necessary." Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a ck credit card and handed it over. The cashier''s eyebrows shot up slightly at the card''s premium status. He swiped it through the machine, and after a moment, the transaction was approved with a soft beep. ire froze with her jaw ck as the realization hit her. The man she had dismissed as a nobody had just paid for clothes worth more than her monthly sry without hesitation. She scrambled to regain herposure as the cashier handed August his receipt. "Thank you for shopping with us, sir," the cashier said before bowing slightly. August gathered his bags with a faint smirk ying on his lips. Before leaving, he turned to ire. "Bye." ire''s face flushed red as she stammered, "Y-Yes, sir. Thank you for shopping with us." With that, August strolled out of the store, his bags in hand. He The luxurious store continued with its usual activity, but the staff wouldn''t soon forget the man who turned her assumptions upside down. ... ... Carrying multiple bags in both hands, August approached his apartment. The familiar sight of peeling paint on the building''s walls and the rusting railings on the stairway made him pause. He sighed, realizing how unsafe and unsuitable this ce truly was, especially for Sophia. The asional power outages andck of proper amenities had be a frustrating norm, but they had endured it because there wasn''t another choice. But now, with his financial situation slowly turning around for the better, perhaps it was time to make a change. He entered the apartment, carefully setting the bags down on the small dining table. The space was cramped and poorly lit, with only a single window offering natural light. It was clean, thanks to Sophia''s efforts, but no amount of tidying could hide the cracks in the walls or the damp spots in the ceiling. August checked his watch¡ªit was just past 3 p.m. Sophia would be home soon, but he couldn''t wait for her. He needed to take the next steps for their future, starting with scouting a new apartment and finding a location for his business. --- A short walk brought him to the bustling caf¨¦, Digital Haven. The faint sounds of conversation filled the air, mingling with the scent of freshly brewed coffee and baked pastries. Inside, the ce was alive with people on theirptops or chatting with friends. August nced toward the counter but didn''t see Remi. Instead, a younger barista in a neatly pressed uniform greeted him with a polite smile. He made his way to his usual corner table, where a cozymp cast a warm glow over the wooden surface. Pulling out hisptop, he powered it up, connected to their hotspot, and opened a browser to start his search. --- As he scrolled through listings, he muttered to himself, "Alright, I need somewhere central, busy, and spacious enough for both storage and customer flow." The listings varied wildly. Small spaces in quieter neighborhoods ranged from $10,000 to $20,000 monthly, but those wouldn''t attract much traffic. He moved on to pricier business districts, scanning through skyscrapers with spacious offices. One particrly striking option caught his eye: a ss-fronted building in the city''s center, with wonderful architecture and ample room for both storage and customer interactions. But his excitement dimmed as he read the price: $800,000 per month. He leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples. "Go big or go home?" he muttered. "Or should I start small and scale upter?" After some deliberation, he decided on a middle-ground solution. A downtown location priced at $40,000 monthly caught his eye. It was spacious enough to amodate his ns and in a decent area with moderate foot traffic. "This will do for now," he thought.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om He found the agent''s number listed on the screen and dialed. The phone rang twice before a chipper voice answered. "Hello, this is Ang from Cityscape Realty. How can I help you?" "Hi, Ang," August greeted with a polite but firm tone. "I''m interested in the space listed downtown for $40,000 monthly. Is it still avable?" "Let me check for you," Ang replied. There was a brief pause, followed by a click of keys in the background. "Yes, it''s avable! Would you like to schedule a viewing?" "Yes, as soon as possible. When are you avable?" "We can meet tomorrow morning at 10 a.m.," Ang suggested. "Perfect. I''ll be there. Thanks." After confirming the details, August ended the call, feeling a small sense of aplishment. Next, he began searching for apartments. He wanted a two-bedroom ce in a safer, quieter neighborhood with reliable utilities and modern amenities. His budget was flexible, but he didn''t want to spend recklessly. As he browsed through listings, his focus was interrupted by a familiar voice. "Well, well, if it isn''t my favorite customer!" Chapter 71 All In A Days Work August looked up to see Remi approaching with her signature mischievous grin. Her wavy auburn hair was tied up in a loose ponytail, and her apron hung casually over her fitted ck dress.N?v(el)B\\jnn "Hey, Remi," August greeted with a smile. She leaned against the edge of his table, peering at hisptop. Her top button was unfastened so a smooth set of plump cleavages was exposed, showing that Remi was in no way t. "What''s got you all serious today? Looking for a hot date online?" She questioned. August chuckled yfully. "Not this time. I''m looking for an apartment. Somewhere safe and decent for me and my sister." Remi''s eyes sparkled as she leaned in closer. "I might know a ce," she said. "Really?" August asked while raising an eyebrow. "Yup. My cousin just moved out of this nice two-bedroom apartment in the West District. It''s got everything¡ªsecurity, utilities, even a gym in the building. And it''s not insanely priced." "How much are we talking?" "About $4,000 a month," she replied. Read thetest on empire August considered it. "Sounds reasonable. Can you get me in touch with your cousin?" Remi nodded before pulling out her phone. "I''ll call her right now. See? Aren''t you d I''m here?" "You''re always a lifesaver," August said with a smirk. "Don''t forget it," Remi quipped, dialing the number. As Remi spoke to her cousin, August leaned back in his chair, feeling a bit more at ease. The pieces of his new life were slowly falling into ce. Remi ended her call with a satisfied smile, sliding her phone into her apron pocket. "Well, good news, handsome. My cousin said he''ll help you out, but here''s the thing¡ªhe won''t be back in the city for another five days. He hasn''tpletely moved out yet, and some of his stuff is still in the apartment." August nodded with a rxed expression. "That''s fine. I can wait. It''s not like I''m in a rush, anyway." Remi leaned forward resting her arms on the table, inadvertently emphasizing her exposed cleavage where the top button of her shirt was undone. "You''re way too patient. If I were you, I''d be making some pretty drastic decisions." August chuckled while meeting her eyes. She obviously wasn''t referring to the apartment in this case. "Patience pays off, Remi. And besides, it''s not about the sh¡ªit''s about sustainability," August responded. Her lips curled into a teasing smile. "Oh, so you''re the practical, responsible type? That''s rare. Most men I know won''t waste any time in certain situations." "Not my style," August replied with a smirk while leaning back in his chair. "But I''ll admit, it''s tempting." Remi''s gaze lingered on him for a moment longer than necessary. "Well, you''re full of surprises, aren''t you? If you ever need help with anything else, you know where to find me." "Careful, Remi," August said yfully. "I might just take you up on that." She leaned closer, dropping her tone to something more sultry. "I''m counting on it." As the evening light began to filter through the caf¨¦''s windows, August finally stood up, stretching slightly. "Thanks again for helping out. You''ve been a lifesaver today." Remi tilted her head, letting her ponytail sway slightly. "Don''t mention it. Just don''t forget toe back and see me once you''re all rich and famous. Preferably before that." "Deal," August said with a grin as he grabbed his things. He gave her a mock salute before stepping out of the caf¨¦. The sun was dipping low on the horizon, casting the city streets in a warm amber glow. August stuffed his hands into his pockets as he walked, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling city. He passed by vendors closing up shop, streetlights flickering to life and the faint buzz of traffic in the distance. His mind wandered to the things he still needed to do¡ªpreparing for the businessunch, ensuring Sophia''s safety, and keeping up his progress in Enders Light. The day had been productive, but as the city lights brightened, he couldn''t help but feel a familiar tug¡ªthe game calling him back. The Ancient Swordking Dungeon would be opening soon, and he wasn''t about to miss it. ... ... As soon as August pushed the door open, he was greeted by the sound of hurried footsteps. Before he could even step inside, Sophia darted into view with her face lit up like a thousand-watt bulb. "Auggis!" she squealed while throwing herself into his arms. August stumbled back slightly,ughing as he caught her. "Whoa, what''s with the enthusiasm? Did I miss your birthday or something?" Sophia pulled away just enough to beam up at him, holding onto his jacket. "No, but I saw the clothes you got me! They''re amazing! Thank you so much!" He smiled warmly while ruffling her hair. "d you liked them. I figured it was time to rece that old gown of yours and add a few extras while I was at it." Sophia stepped back and twirled in one of the new hoodies he''d bought for her. "I love it! But¡­" Her smile faltered slightly. "Where did you get the money for all this? Did you¡ªdid something bad happen?" August chuckled while shaking his head. "Rx, nothing bad happened. In fact, I''ve got some good news for you." He led her to the couch, where they both sat down. "I quit the factory today." Her eyes widened in shock. "What?! August, why?" He leaned back, giving her a reassuring smile. "Because I''ve got a better n. I''m starting a business. And before you ask, yes, I''ve already got the money for it. It''s all thanks to Enders Light. Things are starting to pay off, and if I keep at it, this could change everything for us." Sophia''s shock quickly turned into excitement. "Really? That''s amazing! Wait¡­" She gave him a sly grin. "So you''re telling me gaming is working out? Did Auggie be rich already?" "Well, I wouldn''t say rich just yet," August said with a smirk. "But give it time." Sophia pped her hands together. "Maybe I should start ying Enders Light, too. What do you think?" August raised a brow, teasing her. "You think you can handle it? It''s not all fun and games, you know. There are monsters, dungeons, and some pretty nasty yers out there... But it is always fun hehe..." "I could handle it," she said confidently, crossing her arms. "I''ve watched people y sometimes, and it doesn''t seem that hard." Heughed. "Alright, we''ll see about that. When the timees, I''ll get us another gaming pod, and you can join me." "Yaay!" Sophia rejoined while grinning. They spent the next hour catching up over dinner, which Sophia had already prepared. She eagerly told August about her day at school and proudly announced, "Guess who got the highest score in the ss on our history test?" August feigned ignorance, stroking his chin. "Hmm, let me think. Was it¡­ someone with green hair?" She yfully pped his arm. "Yes, me! I got a 98!" "That''s my girl," August voiced with a genuinely proud tone. He reached over and gave her a high-five. "You''re making it hard for me to keep up. Next thing you know, you''ll be running your own business and leaving me in the dust." Sophia giggled. "Don''t worry, I''ll let you work for me." Chapter 72 Get In Here! August and Sophiaughed together and enjoyed the lighthearted moment. Once dinner was done and the dishes were put away, Sophia yawned and stretched, retreating to her room. "Goodnight, August! Don''t stay up toote gaming!" "No promises," he called after her with a grin. --- August headed to his room, already focused on the game. He flopped onto his bed and pulled out his phone, opening the group chat with Lilo, Boris, and Ezran. August: Hey, you guys hear about the Swordking Dungeon in No Man''s Wastnd? He waited for a response, but nothing came. Checking the timestamps, he realized they were all already in the game. He scrolled up and saw a series of messages from earlier in the day. Boris: Let''s grind tonight. Aleman, you better join us! Ezran: You owe us for bailingst time.* Lilo: You''re not escaping us this time, mister. August sighed upon reading all of these messages. "Figures." He debated joining them, but then he remembered hismitment to Aria and the others for the Swordking Dungeon. "Guess I''ll have to make it up to themter." He tossed his phone onto the nightstand and leaned back, staring at the ceiling. ''A day of changes,'' he thought to himself. New beginnings. With a deep breath, he got up, ready to dive back into Enders Light. ... ... The moment August''s vision adjusted to the game''s interface, he realized something was wrong. He had just reappeared in No Man''s Wastnd when a giant zing blue me, the size of a car, came hurtling toward him from the sky. "What the¡ª?!" August barely had time to react. With a swift flick of his wrist, he activated Arcane Shield. [ System Notification: Arcane Shield Activated! ] The magical barrier materialized just in time, absorbing the brunt of the impact. The force of the explosion, however, was immense, and cracks spiderwebbed across the translucent shield. Momentster, it shattered like ss. [ System Notification: Arcane Shield Integrity Compromised. Cooldown: 20 seconds. ] The residual st flung August several feet through the air. His body flipped twice in mid-air over the rocky terrain as his HP bar dipped by 7%. [ -705 HP ] [ System Notification: HP: 93%. ] Grunting in pain, August quickly got to his feet as his eyes darted around. The chaos unfolding before him was unlike anything he''d seen before. Spells of all colors streaked through the air, swords shed with metallic echoes, and arrows rained down like hailstones. Dust and debris churned in the air, obscuring his vision, but the sound of yers yelling and fighting was deafening. The once deste expanse of No Man''s Wastnd had be a battleground. Over two hundred yers had gathered. Many of whom were drawn by the promise of the Swordking Dungeon''s rewards... Especially rumors of the fruit of sin. The timer for the dungeon''s activation ticked down in the corner of his interface. [ System Notification: Time Until Dungeon Opens: 5 minutes. ] "This is insane," August muttered while ducking as a stray arrow whizzed past his ear. He pressed his back against a nearby rock for cover, scanning the battlefield. ''Where the hell are Aria and the others?'' Suddenly, his party interface shed, and a message from Aria appeared. She seemed to have noticed that he just came online and swiftly sent him a message. [ Party Chat - Aria ] <[ "We''re behind the big rock to the east of the monolith. Head here, quick! It''s too chaotic to stay exposed." ]> August cursed under his breath. The "big rock to the east" wasn''t visible through the dust cloud, and navigating this war zone wouldn''t be easy. But he had no choice. He slipped into stealth mode and began making his way toward the east. As he crept through the battlefield, August saw the carnage up close. yers were locked in deadly skirmishes, and the ground was littered with bodies of those who had lost their lives and been forced to respawn elsewhere. He spotted a group of mages casting area-of-effect spells. Their hands glowed ominously as they hurled fireballs and frost shards into the fray. Nearby, a ranger let a barrage of magical arrows loose. Their trajectories glowed faintly in the air before striking their targets with explosive force. [ Stealth Mode Deactivated: Cool down 20 seconds ] August began making his way through the battlefield while waiting for the cooldown to end quickly. Time seemed fleeting and slow in this moment. August wished nothing more than to be capable of speeding up time but he couldn''t. Suddenly, a notification appeared above his stealth interface.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om [ Caution: Nearby yer Detected. Level 32 Berserker. ] A hulking figure stepped into his path. The Level 32 Berserker was wiping blood off his massive axe and his HP bar was still over 80%. His eyes zeroed in on August, who had just emerged from the shadows. "Well, what do we have here?" the Berserker sneered with a deep tone. "A little rat trying to scurry through the chaos." August quickly drew his Enhanced Daggers, holding it defensively. "I don''t have time for this," he muttered before readying himself for a fight. The Berserker charged without hesitation with his axe raised high. [ System Notification: Berserker Skill: Cleave Activated. ] August sidestepped the first swing causing the axe to embed itself into the ground with a thunderous crash. Dust and debris exploded outward, obscuring the Berserker''s vision momentarily. Using this opening, August countered with Hidden Strike aimed for the Berserker''s side. [ System Notification: Hidden Strike: Critical Hit! Berserker HP -700. ] The Berserker roared in pain but quickly retaliated, swinging his axe in a wide arc. August barely managed to block with Arcane Shield, but the force sent him sliding backward across the rocky ground. [ System Notification: Arcane Shield Integrity: 60%. ] More yers joined the fray, targeting both August and the Berserker. A ranger fired arrows in rapid session, and a mage hurled a fireball toward the melee. "Great. Just great," August muttered while activating Dash to evade the iing attacks. He reappeared a few feet away, his HP bar ticking down by another 10% from residual damage. He needed to act fast. With a quick gesture, he unleashed the Lightning Bolt spell, amplified by his custom staff. [ System Notification: Lightning Bolt Activated! Effect: 2x Gravitational Pull Applied. ] The bolt struck the Berserker directly, pulling him to the ground as a sudden surge of gravity pinned him in ce. Taking advantage of the opening, August hurled a Fireball, which exploded on impact, dealing additional damage to nearby yers. [ System Notification: Berserker HP: -3200 ] [ System Notification: Nearby yers Affected: HP -2000, -1500, -1700... ] August used the momentary chaos to push eastward, slipping into stealth mode again to avoid being seen. The dust cloud swirled around him as he made his way toward Aria''s location. --- After a couple of seconds, August arrived behind the massive boulder at the eastern location. He scanned his surroundings cautiously before deactivating Stealth. His brow furrowed in confusion. ''Where is everyone?'' There was no sign of Aria or the rest of the group. He was about to open the party chat to send a message when a thin, shimmering line appeared in midair before him. The line widened into a slit of glowing light, and momentster, a familiar head popped out. It was Aria. "Quick, get in here!" she whispered urgently. Chapter 73 The Ancient Swordking Dungeon has opened! "Quick, get in here!" she whispered urgently, making her voice audible enough to filter through the chaos erupting across No Man''s Wastnd. Before August could question anything, Aria grabbed him by the arm and yanked him through the glowing slit. The sensation was strange. It felt like stepping through water but when he emerged on the other side, he found himself in what appeared to be a small tent. The interior glowed faintly and the air felt insted, muffling the noise from outside. "Wee to our little hideaway," Aria said with a smirk. She gestured around the space. "Clever, isn''t it? From the outside, no one would ever guess this tent is here. Complete camouge. And we can see everything happening outside." August turned toward the translucent walls of the tent and saw the battlefield beyond. yers were still shing, spells flying and weapons nging, but none of them so much as nced in the direction of the tent. "Impressive," August admitted with a low tone. "How long has this been set up?" "Since you left here," Aria replied. "We figured things would turn chaotic, so we nned ahead. Speaking of which..." She gestured toward the rest of the party seated inside. [ System Notification: Party Members ] - Aria (Level 33 Mage) - Gareth (Level 34 Warrior) - Viora (Level 31 Cleric) - Torin (Level 32 Ranger) - Drask (Level 34 Berserker) - Aleman (Level 26 Assassin) August nced around at the party. Gareth, the Warrior, was sharpening his de¡ªa massive longsword that gleamed faintly in the dim light. His armor was heavy and intricately designed, with red and gold ents that marked him as a high-ranking yer. He barely acknowledged August with a curt nod. Viora, the Cleric, was seated near the back, flipping through a spellbook. Her white robes were pristine and her delicate features were framed by soft, golden curls. She offered August a small smile but said nothing. Torin, the Ranger, was adjusting the strings on his bow. His sharp, angr features wereplemented by a hooded cloak, and his piercing green eyes gave him a hawk-like appearance. He nced up briefly and muttered, "About time," before returning to his task. Drask, the Berserker, leaned against the tent wall with his massive axe resting on the ground beside him. He was arge figure and his muscr frame was barely contained by his leather armor. His expression was one of mild annoyance as he looked August up and down. "The underleveled yer has returned ?" he grumbled. August raised an eyebrow but held his tongue. Aria shot Drask a sharp look. "He''s capable," she said firmly. "More than capable, actually. You''ll see." Drask snorted. "I''ll believe it when I see it." Aria turned back to August, ignoring the tension in the air. "Here''s the deal. The Swordking Dungeon opens in a few minutes, but we''ve got a problem." She pointed to the translucent walls, where the chaos outside was still raging. "As you can see, it''s a warzone out there. More yers keep showing up, and the closer we get to the timer hitting zero, the worse it''s going to get." "Any idea how we''re supposed to get in with all that going on?" August inquired while folding his arms. Aria nodded. "We have two options. We wait it out and hope the chaos dies down, or..." She paused, a sly smile crossing her lips. "We sneak in the moment it opens." "Sneak in? With all those yers watching?" August''s skepticism was evident. Aria smirked. "Leave that to me. I''ve got a few tricks up my sleeve. But for now, stay put and stay quiet. The less attention we draw, the better." --- [ System Notification: Time Until Dungeon Opens: 3 minutes. ] The timer appeared in the corner of their interfaces, and the tension in the tent grew. Outside, the fighting intensified, with yers shouting andunching attacks at one another. August watched as a group of mages cast a massive area-of-effect spell, the ground erupting in mes that engulfed several fighters. "Stick close when the timer hits zero," Aria voiced with a serious tone. "This is going to get messy." ... ... Three minutes went by in a sh and system notifications appeared in everyone''s line of sight. [ System Notification: The Ancient Swordking Dungeon has opened! ] A thunderous roar erupted across the wastnd as the dungeon''s entrance became visible. It was an immense spiky gateway high above the chaos. Golden light poured from the top as if calling out to every yer below, beckoning them with promises of untold rewards. "Game on," Drask muttered while gripping the handle of his massive axe tightly. "Quiet!" Aria hissed before pulling out a small, glowing orb from her inventory. The orb emitted a faint teal pulsating with energy. "This is our ticket inside. Everyone, form a single line behind me. Do not, I repeat, do not break the line, or the cloaking effect will vanish." "What happens if it deactivates before we''re in?" Torin asked, his expression skeptical. "Then we''re dead meat," Gareth answered with a grim smirk. "Simple as that." "Reassuring," August muttered under his breath. "What''s the time limit on this thing?" "Fifty seconds," Aria said briskly. "That''s all the time we''ve got to cross this battlefield and get into the dungeon before the cloaking deactivates. Stay close, and don''t mess this up." Aria activated the orb, and a shimmering field enveloped the group, making them invisible to the raging battles outside the tent. The noise grew louder, syncing with their footsteps as they formed a single-file line. "Move!" Aria led the way. The group stepped out of the tent and into the chaos. Spells exploded around them, and arrows flew dangerously close, but the cloaking field held. yers screamed as they shed violently. Many werepletely unaware of the invisible group weaving through the fray. "Stick to the line!" Aria barked. "Do *not* step out!" August nced around cautiously. Being surrounded by dozens of yers hurling attacks blindly was nerve-wracking. A zing fireball soared mere inches from his face, and he instinctively ducked. "I swear this is worse than my first tax audit," he grumbled. Torin snickered from ahead. "What''s the matter, Aleman? Never been this close to danger before?" "Not with fifty lunatics trying to kill each other all at once," August shot back. "The power of greed is unmatched..." He added. "Less talking, more moving," Gareth growled from the front with his heavy armor nking softly as he trudged forward. [ Thirty seconds left ] They were halfway across the battlefield, but the path ahead was littered with fallen yers and debris from spells gone awry. A copsing pir from an area-of-effect spell crashed down, forcing Aria to swerve sharply. "Careful!" she yelled. "Follow me!" August stumbled slightly but quickly regained his footing, narrowly avoiding a stray ice shard that shattered inches from his shoulder. "This better be worth it." He muttered. "It will be," Aria voiced sharply. "Don''t stop moving." Suddenly, a Detect Magic spell cast by a level 34 mage lit up part of the field. A faint distortion appeared near the group, causing yers nearby to squint suspiciously. "Over there! Something''s moving!" a Berserker bellowed. "Oh, great," August muttered. "We''ve been spotted." "No, we haven''t," Aria said firmly. "Just keep moving. They can''t see us, not yet." A mage hurled a spell at their location but they had already moved away so it just created a scorch mark on the earth. "I swear I saw something!" "You bastard, you''re just trying to escape my de! You''re dying here!"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om The yers in that particr vicinity charged at each other once more, giving the group breathing space to keep moving. [ Fifteen seconds left. ] The glowing portal hovering just above the wastnd drew closer. yers were scaling makeshiftdders and grappling hooks, desperately trying to reach it. The chaos was escting, and explosions erupted left and right. "Ten seconds!" Aria shouted while picking up the pace. "Wait, what''s that¡ª" August started, but his words were cut off as a massive ming boulder flew directly toward them. "Down!" Gareth yelled, tackling Drask to the ground. The boulder smashed into the earth, sending a shockwave rippling outward. The cloaking field was immediately destroyed exposing them. However, the group was already at the base of the dungeon at this moment. "Shit!" August swore under his breath. "Get up!" Torin urged while pulling Gareth and Drask to their feet. The group sprinted the final few yards while Aria chanted a spell. The portal glowed brighter above the dungeon and they still had to get to its top. "We''re not gonna make it!" Torin shouted as multiple arrows and spells flew in from every direction. "Yes, we are!" Aria snapped while grabbing August''s arm and dragging him forward into a glowing circle she had just conjured. Everyone stepped into the circle as a barrage of attacks from nearby yers surged toward them, but when they were only inches away from making contact... The group vanished. Twwhii~ They reappeared atop the massive dungeon and reached for the portal just right above. It activated, pulling them inside just in time. Chapter 74 Severely Underleveled The group stood inside the Swordking Dungeon with their gazes sweeping across the massive, intricately designed interior. The sheer scale of the dungeon left even the most seasoned yers stunned. Ancient runes glowed faintly along the walls, pulsating with mana, while towering pirs stretched into the shadowed heights of the vaulted ceiling. [ System Notification: Wee to the Ancient Swordking Dungeon. Proceed with caution. Rmended Level: 35. ] The message lingered in their line of sight for a while, showing how under-leveled August waspared to the rest of the group. "Wow," Aria breathed as her eyes scanned the grand hallway ahead. "This ce is incredible." "''Incredible'' is one way to put it," Drask muttered, hefting his axe onto his shoulder. "Also screams death trap." "Stay sharp," Gareth voiced as he unsheathed his sword. "We''re not alone in here." True enough, other yers could be seen moving deeper into the dungeon through different pathways. Explore stories at empire Some parties were clearly stronger and their gear glowed with enchanted effects, while others seemed hastily thrown together. "Looks like the chaos outside only stays outside," Torin remarked as his eyes tracked a group of yers entering a corridor to the left. It looked like no one who managed to get in was trying to start up a fight. Everyone inside knew it would slow them down when the goal was to get to the lower floors. "Good," Viora said. "Fewer idiots to slow us down." Aria studied the multiple paths branching out before them and pointed to the one on the far right. "We''re taking that route. It''s narrow, which means fewer ambushes, and the mana flow feels stronger there. Might lead to better loot." The group nodded and followed her lead. The atmosphere grew heavier, the deeper they ventured. The walls were lined with carvings depicting battles between humanoid warriors and massive beasts. [ System Notification: You feel an ancient presence watching you. ] "Well, that''s not ominous at all," August muttered.N?v(el)B\\jnn Aria smirked. "It''s a dungeon, Aleman. Did you expect a warm wee and a gift basket?" "Would''ve been nice," he replied dryly. "Quiet," Gareth snapped. "Something''s ahead." The group halted as the sound of heavy breathing and the clinking of metal reached their ears. Around the corner, three burly, minotaur-like creatures with massive axes paced back and forth. Their dark fur was matted, and their red eyes gleamed with hostility. [ System Notification: Minotaur Sentinels (Level 15) detected. ] "Level 15? That''s it?" Drask scoffed. "This''ll be easy." Aria frowned. "Don''t underestimate them. Look at their muscles¡ªthey''re clearly built for strength. Viora, keep your healing ready." "Always," the cleric replied while gripping her staff tightly. "Let''s go," Ariamanded. Drask charged first, letting out a battle cry as he swung his axe at the nearest minotaur. The creature blocked with its own weapon causing the force of the sh to send vibrations through the air. Gareth quickly followed, shing at the second minotaur''s legs to hinder its movement. The third minotaur let out a guttural roar and rushed toward the group with its axe raised high. Torin fired a barrage of arrows, aiming for its eyes, but the creature raised its arm to block, deflecting most of the shots. "Damn it, these things are tough!" Torin yelled. Ariaunched a fireball at the creature and the explosion caused it to stagger momentarily. "Focus on the legs! Bring them down!" August darted around the battlefield activating his Dash. With a single step, he turned into a blur and circled the third minotaur. While the others kept it distracted, he slipped behind it and drove his dagger into the back of its knee. [ Hidden Strike Activated! ] [ Critical Hit! Wounding Effect Applied! ] [ -650HP ] The creature howled in pain and stumbled, dropping to one knee. "One down!" August called. Multiple glowing arrows came from up ahead and pierced into the creature''s face while it was down, taking out a big chunk of its HP. "Behind you!" Viora shouted. August spun just in time to see the second minotaur charging at him while swinging its axe in a powerful arc. He barely managed to roll out of the way but the de grazed his arm and took a chunk of his HP. [ System Notification: - 250HP ] "Thanks for the heads-up," he said, giving Viora a quick nod. "You''re wee. Try not to die." The second minotaur raised its axe again, but August was faster. Using Dash, he circled behind it and shed at its exposed back with his dagger. [ - 420HP ] The creature roared in pain, and Gareth seized the opportunity to deliver a crushing blow to its head, finishing it off. [ -820HP ] "Nice teamwork," Gareth said with a smirk. Thest minotaur, now cornered, swung its axe wildly, forcing everyone to back off. Drask, however, charged head-on, taking the brunt of the attack with his shield before driving his axe into the creature''s chest. It copsed with a final grunt, and the room fell silent. [ System Notification: Minotaur Sentinels defeated. ] [ EXP gained: 11,500. ] [ System Notification: Dash skill proficiency increased. ] "Not bad," Drask voiced while wiping sweat from his brow. "Tougher than I expected." "You''re wee for the assist," August''s voice dripped with sarcasm. Drask narrowed his eyes. "What assist? You just ran around stabbing ankles." "Those ankle stabs saved your life," August shot back. Before Drask could retort, Aria stepped between them. "Enough. We don''t have time for this. Everyone, check for loot." The group began searching the area, uncovering a few treasures hidden in in sight. August found a small chest containing gold coins and a low-tier health potion. Torin discovered a set of enchanted arrows, while Aria pocketed a glowing mana crystal. "Well, this makes it worth the effort," Torin voiced while admiring his new arrows. As they prepared to move on, Viora approached August. "Hey¡­ you were pretty impressive back there. That move of yours saved Gareth''s nk." August raised an eyebrow. "Was that apliment? You''ve seen me do more at the Ogres dungeon." "Don''t let it go to your head," she replied with a smirk before walking away. "Noted," August smiled back. Aria pped her hands to get everyone''s attention. "Let''s keep moving. There''s a lot more to this dungeon. We''re only on the first floor and the loot is already this good... Imagine how much better the lower floors would be." "Then, we better increase the pace," Gareth stated with a low tone. Chapter 75 The Swordkings Pet The group stood before a massive set of double doors carved with intricate designs of swords and battles. The mana emanating from the door was thick, causing the air to vibrate faintly. Aria ced her hand on the door with a serious expression. "This is it. ording to the runes on the side, this is the ess point to the second floor." "About time," Drask muttered while gripping his axe tightly. "But you know it''s never just a simple walk through the door." "Exactly," Aria replied. "We''ll need to defeat whatever boss is guarding the way." "Great," Gareth before raising his sword. "The sooner we clear this, the better our chances of getting to the lower floors first." Torin raised his bow with a quiver full of enchanted arrows strapped to his back. "Let''s just hope it''s not one of those bosses with cheap one-hit-kill mechanics." "Focus," Viora voiced before adjusting her grip on her staff. "I''ll keep everyone alive, but don''t make my job harder than it needs to be." August adjusted his daggers and pulled his hood tighter over his head. "Let''s get this over with." Aria pressed her palm against the door, and with a loud creak, it slowly began to open. The room beyond was massive, with high vaulted ceilings and a floor of polished stone. Scattered across the room were piles of gold, jewels, and ancient weapons. But in the center of the room stood a beast that dwarfed them all. Towering at twice the size of a mammoth, it was covered in thick, dark fur that rippled with its every movement. Its muscr frame exuded raw power, and its crimson eyes locked onto the intruders. It held a massive sword in one wed hand that exuded faint magical energy.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om [ System Notification: Boss Encounter: Scurry the Ancient Swordking''s Pet (Level 18). Beware of its custom abilities. ] Drask let out a low whistle. "Twice the size of a mammoth and holding a sword? Who thought this was a good idea?" "It''s only level 18," Torin voiced while nocking an arrow. "We can take it." "Don''t underestimate it," Aria warned. "Dungeon bosses always hit harder than their level suggests." Scurry let out a deafening roar upon noticing the intruders, releasing a sound that reverberated through the room, making the treasures on the floor clink together. With surprising speed for a creature its size, it charged toward the group. "Spread out!" Aria shouted. The group scattered as Scurry swung its massive sword in a wide arc, carving through the stone floor like butter with its sword. August activated Dash to evade just in time as the wind from the swing ruffled his cloak. "Viora, keep the buffsing!" Aria yelled as she cast a fireball at Scurry''s side. The explosion scorched its fur, but the beast seemed unfazed. [ -10 HP ] "I''m on it!" Viora replied while raising her staff. A warm glow enveloped the group as their stats were temporarily boosted. [ System Notification: Buff Activated: +25% Defense, +20% Attack Power. ] Gareth charged in with his shield raised to block Scurry''s next attack. The sword came down with a deafening crash, and Gareth grunted as he absorbed the blow. "It''s strong as hell! Someone hit it while I''ve got its attention!" Torin fired a volley of arrows aimed at Scurry''s eyes, but the beast raised its free arm to block. "Damn it, it''s smarter than it looks!" Drask nked the creature, swinging his axe at its leg. The de bit into its flesh, drawing a roar of pain from the beast. "It''s not invincible! Hit it where it''s soft!" [ - 450 HP ] August darted in and out of Scurry''s blind spots,nding precise strikes with his daggers on its exposed nk. Each cut seemed to do minimal damage, but he was chipping away at its health bar bit by bit. [ -150 HP ] [ - 120 HP ] [ 200 HP ] [ System Notification: Scurry''s HP: 87%. ] Scurry reared back on its hind legs and mmed the ground with both its sword and fist, sending shockwaves through the room. The force knocked everyone off their feet. [ System Notification: Custom Ability Activated - Tremor Smash! ] [ -400 HP ] [ - 430HP ] [ - 500 HP ] [ -450HP ] [ - 480 HP ] "Damn it!" August muttered as he rolled to his feet. His HP had taken a hit from the shockwave, now sitting at 95%. "Stay on your feet!" Aria shouted before casting a chain of ice spells to freeze Scurry''s legs. Find exclusive stories on empire The beast roared as frost crept up its limbs, momentarily slowing its movements. "Now''s our chance!" Gareth yelled while rushing in with his sword. He shed at Scurry''s exposed chest, leaving a deep gash with the blow. [ -350 HP ] Drask followed suit, carving into the beast''s side with a swing of his axe. "It''s working! Keep at it!" [ -420 HP ] But Scurry wasn''t done yet. With a roar, it swung its sword in a full circle, forcing everyone to dive out of the way. "Watch out!" Viora yelled, quickly casting a healing spell on Gareth, who had taken a ncing hit. [ System Notification: Healing Activated: +300 HP, +200HP Restored. ] August narrowly avoided the swing, using Dash, and appeared behind the beast. He stabbed at the back of its knee, causing it to stumble. "It''s almost down! Hit it hard!" At this point, the beast''s HP bar had reduced from 15,000 to 4,000. But the group was running on fumes. Drask kept taking blows from up front while August repeatedly shed the beast from behind. "Keep up the pressure!" August''s voice cut through the chaos. "Berserker, keep it distracted!" "Easier said than done!" Drask grunted upon noticing his HP bar flickered dangerously close to 20%. Aria lifted her staff as mana swirled around her. "Infernal me Barrage!" she chanted, sending a cascade of fiery explosions raining down on Scurry. Each strike chipped away at its health, reducing it by a few hundred points. [ System Notification: Scurry HP: 3,200. ] Torin followed suit, letting a series of enchanted arrows loose. One struck Scurry''s shoulder, and another hit its thigh, causing it to stagger. "Keep firing!" Torin yelled. "We''ve got this!" As the beast''s HP hit 1,000, it let out an ear-splitting roar that made the ground tremble. [ System Notification: Scurry has activated Swordking''s Fury. All yers'' HP reduced by 50%. ] A shockwave erupted from the creature as its massive sword glowed with a dark, ominous light. August felt the impact like a hammer to his chest. His HP bar immediately plummeted to 42%. "Damn it, that hurt!" Gareth groaned with his shield arm trembling. "It''s gone berserk!" Viora screamed. "I can''t heal fast enough!" Scurry''s entire body seemed to radiate an unearthly glow as it entered Frenzy Mode. [ System Notification: Frenzy Mode: Damage immunity active for 20 seconds. ] Aria''s fireballs and Torin''s arrows bounced off the beast, leaving no visible damage. "It''s invulnerable!" Aria shouted. "We have to survive until it wears off!" The beast swung its sword in wide arcs, cleaving the ground and sending massive shockwaves through the room. Drask barely dodged one swing causing his HP to dip to a perilous 15% after the edge grazed him. "Keep moving!" August yelled. He activated Dash to evade an iing attack causing his body to blur as he repositioned himself behind the beast. "Cleric, we need heals now!" "I''m trying!" Viora''s staff glowed as she cast Holy Restoration. A warm light enveloped Drask and Gareth, restoring a chunk of their HP. [ System Notification: Holy Restoration: +25% HP recovered. ] With only two seconds left on the frenzy timer, Scurry reared back and let out another roar. Its sword gleamed brighter than before. [ System Notification: Scurry has activated Swordking''s Cleave. ] The attack was unavoidable, and the massive de came crashing down. Viora, who had been mid-cast, was hit directly. She was sent flying across the room, crashing into a pile of gold coins. Her HP bar dropped to 5%, and her healing stopped temporarily. "I¡ªI can''t heal right now!" she gasped. The beast turned its glowing gaze on Drask, its next target. Drask''s HP was already at 10%, and the iing blow would surely kill him. "Drask, move!" Aria screamed, casting a frost spell to slow the beast''s attack, but it wasn''t enough. The sword came crashing down with a perilous force but before it could reach its target, August activated Dash, appearing in front of Drask. In a split second, he crossed his daggers to parry the attack. "Arcane Shield!" he muttered under his breath. A glowing blue barrier appeared around him, absorbing the brunt of the impact. [ System Notification: Arcane Shield activated. ] The shield cracked under the immense force, but it held just long enough for the frenzy timer to end. [ System Notification: Frenzy Mode deactivated. Damage immunity removed. ] "Hit it now!" August yelled. Aria unleashed a devastating spell. "Storm Surge!" A torrent of lightning bolts rained down on Scurry, crackling and surging through its massive frame. Torin followed with a Piercing Shot, lodging an arrow deep into the beast''s eye. Drask, with a roar of his own, charged forward and swung his axe with all his might, cleaving into Scurry''s side. August, still recovering from the earlier parry, activated Dash again and appeared behind the beast. With a flurry of precise strikes, he targeted its weakened joints. [ System Notification - Scurry HP: 100. ] Gareth charged forward with his sword glowing. "This is it!" he yelled and mmed the de into Scurry''s chest. The beast let out onest roar before copsing to the ground. Its massive body dissolved into shimmering particles. [ System Notification: Boss Defeated: Scurry the Swordking''s Pet. ] [ EXP distributed evenly: 12,000. ] At the far end of the room, the massive door to the second floor creaked open, revealing a staircase descending into the depths. Chapter 76 The Abduction The group stood panting with their HP bars low. "Good job, everyone," Aria''s voice sounded a bit hoarse. "That was way harder than it should''ve been." "Harder?" Drask muttered while leaning on his axe. "That thing almost made me lose a level!" August smirked while still catching his breath. "And this is just the first floor." Drask gave him a begrudging nod. "Yeah, I can''t imagine how much tougher things will get. Thanks for the save though." "Anytime," August responded while downing a bottle of high-tier health potion. As the boss''s remains disappeared, a pile of loot materialized where it had fallen. Glittering weapons, gold coins, and rare materials littered the floor. "Start collecting," Aria said. "We deserve every bit of this." August picked up a glowing dagger with intricate runes etched along its de. A system notification appeared. [ System Notification: Obtained Devil''s Fang (Umon). Effect: +20% critical strike damage + poison.] Torin uncovered a quiver of enchanted arrows, while Gareth found a shield that absorbed 10% of iing damage. The group divided the rest of the loot evenly, with August additionally receiving a pair of enchanted boots that increased his movement speed. At the far end of the room, the massive door to the second floor creaked open, revealing a staircase descending into the depths. "That''s our way down," Aria said, pointing. "But we''d better be ready. If this was the first floor, I can''t imagine what''s waiting for us next." ... ... A nightclub outside of town pulsed with energy. Vibrant neon lights bathed the room, shifting hues to match the heavy bassline of the music. The crowd was a mix of lively partiers, gamers engrossed in virtual pods, and others casually sipping on cocktails. Holographic advertisements for various virtual reality games rotated across the walls, including a massive one for Enders Light featuring a gleaming Phoenix Celestial crest. Victor leaned against a high table near the gaming section, surrounded by his friends. A nearby holographic disy showcased an Enders Light leaderboard, shing the name "Ice Queen" among the top ranks, a constant topic of conversation among yers. "I swear," one of Victor''s friends, Jake, said as he sipped his beer, "if I ever manage to hit level 35, I''m applying for Phoenix Celestial. The perks they get are insane." Victor chuckled while swirling his drink. "Good luck with that. Their recruitment process is brutal. They don''t just look at in-game performance; they vet your real-life background too." Jake groaned. "Don''t remind me. My application got denied three times already. Said I didn''t meet their ''teamwork criteria.'' Like,e on. I just prefer solo grinding."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om "That''s why I don''t bother," Victor replied with a smirk. "Guild life''s too restrictive for me. I like the freedom to y how I want. Good thing I can afford any gear I want." Continue your adventure with empire Ava, another of Victor''s friends, arched an eyebrow. "You? Freedom? Mr. Dungeon Grinder? You''re practically a guild of one with how you obsess over quests." The nightclub catered to more than just drinks and dancing. In one corner, yers lounged in virtual reality pods. The faint glow of their interfaces was visible through the tinted covers. Nearby, others donned virtual helmets for shorter gaming sessions. A group erupted in cheers as a high-level yer on a public disy executed a wlessbo in Enders Light. Victor turned to Jake. "You should hop on one of those pods and try your luck again." Jakeughed. "Yeah, maybe after a few more drinks. I need that liquid courage." Victor suddenly straightened. "Damn, I just remembered¡ªI left something in my car. Be right back." "Don''t take too long," Ava called after him. "You''ll miss all the fun." Victor waved her off and made his way through the crowded club, weaving between patrons. He stepped outside, greeted by the cool night air. The club''s parking lot was dimly lit, with a mixture of high-end cars and more modest vehicles scattered around. The distant sound of city traffic filled the air as Victor walked toward his car. Just as he reached for the door handle, two figures materialized out of the shadows. One was tall and broad-shouldered, wearing an ornate Asian demon mask. The other was slender and d in a flowing kimono with a fox mask obscuring her face. Victor blinked, thenughed. "What is this? A costume party? Did I miss an invite?" The fox-masked figure tilted her head with a cold voice. "Victor Whitford?" Victor hesitated. "Uh, yeah. That''s me. Who''s asking?" The demon-masked figure''s deep voice rumbled. "We''re not here to joke. Tell us where Aleman is." Victor froze as his casual demeanor faltered. "Aleman? I have no idea." "Don''t y dumb," the fox-masked woman said sharply. "We know you''ve dealt with him. Where does he live?" Victor''s forced augh. "Look, I don''t know where he lives. I only have his contact info. Unless you''re nning to buy something from him, good luck finding him." The two figures exchanged a nce. The demon-masked man stepped forward, casting a shadow over Victor with his massive frame. "You''re lying," he growled. "We don''t like liars." Victor raised his hands defensively. "I swear, I don''t know anything more! I''ve only bought from him once. That''s it." Without warning, the demon-masked figure lunged. His hand mped around Victor''s throat tightly lifting him off the ground effortlessly. Victor struggled while wing at the man''s arm, but it was like trying to bend steel. His skin didn''t even feel like it belonged to that of a human. "Let me go!" Victor rasped with a barely audible voice. The fox-masked woman remained calm, watching as Victor''s struggles grew weaker. "You will lead us to Aleman," she said coldly. The shadows around them began to ripple and expand, forming a dark, circr pool beneath their feet. Victor''s vision blurred as the grip around his throat tightened. Hisst thought before losing consciousness was, ''What the hell is going on?'' After Victor passed out, the massive masculine figure, slung him over a shoulder while all three of them sunk into the shadows. From a distance, a drunken clubgoer stumbled out of the building with an unfocused gaze. He squinted at the shadowy scene by the parking lot as his muddled brain struggled to process what he was seeing. "What the¡­?" he muttered before rubbing his eyes. The two masked figures and Victor vanished into the swirling darkness on the ground, leaving no trace behind. The man blinked and shook his head. "I''ve had way too much to drink," he turned back toward the club while mumbling. "No more tequ for me." Chapter 77 The Strange Spirit The atmosphere within the dungeon was tense yet oddly mesmerizing. Each floor they descended revealed new challenges, from increasingly formidable enemies to intricate traps. The group had been at it for hours, and despite the exhaustion settling into their bones, none of them was willing to quit. The sixteenth floor had high stone walls carved with ancient runes that glowed blue. Dust floatedzily in the air, disturbed only by their movements. Pieces of broken armor and discarded weapons littered the ground. [ Trap Activated ] A of sharp wires suddenly sprang out from the wall as the group moved forward. August reacted swiftly, using his Dash skill to leap out of its path. "Watch out!" he called while grabbing Viora''s arm and yanking her out of harm''s way. Gareth managed to slice through part of the trap with his sword, while Drask braced himself against the wires, breaking them with sheer force. "Close one," Torin muttered while dusting off his armor. "This dungeon is worse than any I''ve seen before." As they pressed forward, the group came across a series of hidden treasure chests. Aria, ever cautious, warned, "These could be mimics. Let me check first." She cast a Detection Aura, revealing three normal chests and one mimic. "Figures," Drask said while hefting his axe. "I''ll deal with it." The mimic burst out of its disguise, gnashing its sharp teeth and lunging at Drask. August swooped in, striking at its nk with his Hidden Strike skill. Gareth finished it off with a crushing blow from his shield, sending loot scattering across the ground. --- [ System Notification: Loot Acquired ] [ Item: Reflective Ring ] [ Effect: 10% chance to reflect damage back to the attacker. ] [ Common Item: Gold Coins (x50) ] [ Umon Item: Enchanted Chainmail Fragment ] [ Effect: Slightly increases defense whenbined with matching armor. ] The group divided the spoils, with August receiving the Reflective Ring. "Guess I''ll take this one," he said before slipping it onto his finger. "Careful," Torin quipped. "You''re starting to look like a loot goblin." "Better a loot goblin than an arrogant ranger," August shot back, earning a round of chuckles from the group. Despite their earlier reservations about him, Torin and Drask were beginning to warm up to August. Thetter pped August on the back after another fight with a group of knights. "You know," Drask voiced while grinning, "for someone who came in under-leveled, you''re holding your own pretty damn well." Torin, ever the critic, nodded begrudgingly. "You''re not bad. If Aria hadn''t vouched for you, I''d have kicked you out by now, but I can see why she trusts you." "Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence," August replied dryly, earning moreughter. Even Viora, usually shy and reserved, chimed in softly. "You''re really not bad August. Thanks for the help earlier." Aria added with a sly smile, "I told you all, didn''t I? He''s got potential. If you ever feel like joining Phoenix Celestial, let me know." August shook his head. "Guilds aren''t really my thing, but maybe I''ll do business with you all someday. Who knows?" The group finally reached a massive set of doors at the end of the hallway. The doors were embossed with the image of a towering figure wielding two swords. Its eyes glowed faintly as if watching them. "Boss room," Aria announced with a firm tone. "Same deal as always¡ªfocus, work together, and don''t get cocky." Gareth tested the doors, pushing them open with a heavy creak. A gust of cold air rushed out, sending chills down their spines. [ System Notification: Boss Encounter ] [ Warning: You are entering a Boss Room! ] [ Boss Detected: Ancient Guardian Sork (Level 22) ] [ HP: 12,000 ] [ Skills: Fiery Strike, Ground Pound, Frenzied Spin ] The room was enormous with its ceiling stretching impossibly high. Treasures glimmered in the corners, though the centerpiece was the beast standing before them. Sork was a massive, furry creature, its twin swords glinting ominously in the faint light. "Holy hell," Drask muttered. "That thing''s got muscles on its muscles." "I''m guessing diplomacy isn''t an option?" August quipped while gripping his dagger. Aria smirked. "Not unless you can speak ''angry monstrosity.'' Let''s take it down." "Why do they always have swords?" Torin questioned with a bothered look. "Ancient SWORDKING dungeon mean anything to you?" August responded sarcastically. The boss roared before mming one of its swords into the ground. The impact sent fiery shockwaves rippling through the room, forcing the group to scatter. "Drask, take aggro!" Ariamanded. "Torin, cover the backline. Viora, keep us healed. Gareth, August, stay mobile and nk it when you can!" Drask charged in with a yell while swinging his axe forward. It shed against one of the beast''s swords. Sparks flew as Sork roared and swung its other de toward him. Gareth intercepted with his shield but the blow still sent him sliding backward. August circled around, using Dash to get close beforending a precise hit with Hidden Strike on the creature''s exposed nk. --- [ System Notification: Critical Hit! ] [ Sork HP: -800 ] "Nice shot, Aleman!" Aria called before unleashing a Frost Nova that temporarily slowed the boss''s movements. The battle raged on as the group worked together to whittle down the beast''s HP. At one point, Sork activated Frenzied Spin, forcing everyone to retreat as it whirled its swords around in a deadly arc. "Keep your distance!" Aria shouted. "Wait for it to stop!" As the boss slowed, August spotted an opening and darted in,nding another critical hit before retreating. When the boss turned toward August, Torin opened a volley of glowing arrows on its back, chipping some of its HP. The others continuously attacked in synergy and even when they got hit sometimes, Viora always cast restoration spells to heal them. When the boss''s HP finally reached zero, it let out a deafening roar before copsing. They were fortunate enough that this boss didn''t have a frenzy mode or things would have gotten much more difficult. --- [ System Notification: Boss Defeated! ] [ Rewards Unlocked: ess to Floor 17 ] [ Loot: Sork''s de (Unbound) ] [ Umon Loot: Reinforced Armor ting ] [ Gold Coins: 150 ] --- The group quickly divided the spoils with Gareth getting the de since he was a warrior while they shared the rest amongst each other. "Well," Aria said with a grin, "Sixteen floors down, only eighty-five to go." The group descended onto the seventeenth floor, finding themselves in a very different space. Their boots crunched softly against the oddly floral ground as they stepped forward. Unlike the previous floors, which were either barren or ominous, this one felt almost serene. The air was fragrant, filled with the scent of blooming flowers that dotted thendscape ahead. Glowing crystals phased gently in and out of the walls, pulsing like faint heartbeats. Their shimmering light painted the cavern in a surreal hue, making the surroundings appear ethereal. "Well, this is... different," Aria remarked with a cautious tone cautious as she scanned the area. "I don''t trust it." Drask smirked, gripping his axe tightly. "Too peaceful. Bet it''s just the calm before some giant monsteres roaring out." [ System Notification: New Event Activated - The Mischievous Spirit ] [ Instructions: Follow the spirit and mimic its actions. ]n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om --- Before the group could react to the notification, a childishugh echoed through the cavern. It seemed toe from every direction, bouncing off the crystalline walls. Theughter was sweet but had an unsettling, hollow quality that made their skin crawl. Gareth raised his sword as his eyes darted around. "That''s... unsettling." "Agreed," Viora whispered while stepping closer to Aria for reassurance. The group advanced cautiously with their weapons drawn. Just ahead, a figure emerged. It was a young girl, seemingly no older than eight. Explore more at empire Her translucent form shimmered with a faint blue glow, and she skipped around the flowers, giggling as ifpletely oblivious to the intruders. "That''s no ordinary NPC," August muttered while resting his hands on his dagger. "She''s glowing." "Look at the system notification," Aria said. "We''re supposed to mimic her. That means no attacking." Drask raised an eyebrow. "You want us to y follow-the-leader with a glowing ghost child? This dungeon''s getting weirder by the floor." "Just do it," Aria ordered. "I''m not in the mood for ''consequences.'' Chapter 78 Cryptic Projection The group moved cautiously, mimicking the girl''s every move. If she skipped, they skipped. When she crouched to pick an invisible flower, they bent down and mimicked the motion. asionally, she would turn to face them and herrge eyes would glow with an unnatural light. The group froze every time, holding their breath until she resumed her movements. --- System Notification: [ Sess: You are following the spirit correctly. Continue to mimic her actions and follow her. ] --- At one point, the spirit began to hum a strange, disjointed melody. Aria quickly whispered for everyone to hum along. The off-key tune grated on their nerves, but theyplied. "Damn, Torin why do you sound like a monkey being ughtered?" August chided causing the group to hold their bellies asughter threatened to spill. "Singing isn''t my strong suit," Torin shot August a disgruntled look. As they moved deeper into the floor, the flowers became denser, and the glowing crystals more erratic. [ System Notification: You Have Avoided The First Cmity. Keep Mimicking the Spirit Actions ] ... ... Elsewhere in the dungeon, chaos had a different face. A group of three yers moved with confidence. Their dark robes brushed against the stone floor as they descended rapidly. Unlike other adventurers, they showed no signs of hesitation or exhaustion. Each of them carried an aura of dominance and precision. The mage, Orlma, led the way. Her avatar was tall and regal and her dark robes were embroidered with glowing red patterns that shimmered as she walked. Her hair, long and silver, flowed like a waterfall, and her piercing golden eyes reflected a quiet but terrifying intelligence. A staff carved with serpentine designs rested in her hand. Behind her walked the warrior, Drakos. His massive frame was d in spiked obsidian armor, each piece etched with pointy crimson veins that pulsed faintly. His weapon, a massive greatsword, hung loosely across his back. His face was partially obscured by a half-mask that revealed a twisted smirk. Finally, there was the assassin, Lyriss. Her lithe frame was wrapped in ck leather armor that seemed to blend into the shadows. Her hood covered most of her face, but her sharp, violet eyes gleamed with malice. Twin daggers with glowing purple edges were strapped to her hips.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om They moved in perfect unison and their silence was broken only by their conversation. Stay updated with empire "We must reach the fruit of sin before anyone else," Drakos growled with a low tone. "Every second we waste is an advantage for those behind." Orlma halted, raising her hand. "Patience, Drakos. The fruit isn''t going anywhere. But we must tread carefully." "Can you sense it, Orlma?" Drakos pressed. Orlma nodded as her golden eyes narrowed. "It''s on the lowest floor. The aura is faint but unmistakable." At this, Lyriss produced a strange, jagged crystal from her inventory. Its glow was erratic, flickering as if alive. "We have one of these left," she said. "But we''ll use it when it counts." Drakos scowled. "Use it now. Skip the floors. Let''s leave them unable to catch up." Orlma ced a hand on her hip, considering. "Fine. But remember, this is ourst one. If we miscalcte, we''ll be stranded." Lyriss smirked. "Then don''t miscalcte." Without another word, Lyriss crushed the crystal in her hand. A blinding light enveloped them, and when it dissipated, the trio found themselves ten floors lower. --- [ System Notification: Floor Skip Activated - 10 Floors Descended. ] [ Current Floor: 25th ] Drakos cracked his neck causing the sound to echo in the cavern. "That''s better. Now, no one can stop us." Orlma raised an eyebrow. "Don''t get cocky. We''re ahead, but it doesn''t necessarily mean we''re alone. Stay sharp." The three exchanged nces before continuing their descent. ... ... The group continued to mimic the translucent spirit girl''s actions hesitantly. As the girl skipped through the floral terrain, she approached what looked like a dead end¡ªa blocked-off area of rubble and overgrown vines. She paused, nced back at the group with a mischievous smile, and made a series of strange, flowing movements with her arms. It was almost like a dance. --- [ System Notification: Follow the Spirit''s Movements ] [ Hint: Imitate perfectly to unlock hidden paths. ] Aria frowned, watching the spirit intently. "Everyone, pay attention. We need to copy this exactly." Drask let out a groan. "Seriously? Dancing now? This dungeon''s trolling us." "Shut up and move, Drask," Aria snapped. "We didn''te this far to mess up now." August watched the girl''s movements carefully. The way her arms swirled and her legs stepped seemed almost rhythmic, as though tied to the mana-rich air around them. "It''s not just random movements," he muttered. "It''s a pattern." "Let''s just do it," Torin grumbled. "We don''t have all day." Each of them mirrored the spirit''s flowing gestures. As they finished, the blocked-off area began to tremble. The rubble shifted and crumbled away, revealing a strange structure hidden beneath. The ruins seemed to vibrate with power, glowing faintly as ancient carvings etched into the stone came alive. "What in the world is this?" Viora whispered with wide eyes. The ruins began to shift and morph, almost as if they were alive. Stone walls twisted, forming arge, rectangr room that radiated an overwhelming ancient energy. At the center of the room, a glowing projection flickered to life. --- [ System Notification: A Fragment of the Past - Watch the Memory. ] --- The group watched silently as the projection unfolded. The spirit girl, now more vivid, wasughing and ying with a broad-shouldered man. His back was to them, but even from behind, his figure radiated majesty. His long, flowing robes shimmered with gold, and a crown rested on his head. The man reached down to the girl and hisrge hand gently patted her head. He then handed her a glowing object¡ªa small, intricately shaped trinket resembling a flower. "Who is that?" August whispered. "No idea," Aria replied with a hushed tone. "But he seems important. Look at that crown." The group watched as the projection faded with the man and the spirit girl vanishing into the ether. The ruins returned to their original, deste state, leaving no trace of the scene they had just witnessed. "Well, that was... cryptic," Gareth muttered while scratching his head. "Anyone wanna guess who Mr. Fancy Crown was?" Aria''s brows furrowed. "The Swordking, maybe? It''s his dungeon, after all." "Could be," August said thoughtfully, "but we only saw his back. He''s definitely connected to the girl, though. That trinket he gave her¡ª" "Whatever it is," Torin interrupted, "it''s important. Let''s keep moving." The group followed the spirit girl as she galloped forward with her translucent form glowing brighter. She skipped through the ruins until she reached a pair of massive open doors. On either side of the doorway stood two colossal humanoid statues. Their stone forms were over thirty feet high. Each statue held a massive weapon¡ªa sword for one and a spear for the other. The spirit girl passed through the doorway effortlessly as herughter kept echoing. However, as the group approached, the statues'' heads turned toward them in unison and their stone eyes glowed ominously. --- [ System Notification ] [ Warning: Intrusion Detected. Defend or Evade. ] [ Hint: The statues are activated by the unworthy. ] --- Before anyone could react, the statue with the spear raised its massive hand and swatted downward with terrifying speed. The air whooshed loudly, and the force of the swing created a shockwave that sent debris flying even before the spear reached its target. "Move!" August yelled while activating Dash just in time to grab Aria and pull her out of the way. The statue''s hand smashed into the ground where she had stood, leaving a massive crater. "Thanks," Aria said breathlessly. "Don''t thank me yet," August replied, ncing at the statues. "These things are level sixty-five. We can''t beat them." "Sixty-five?!" Drask eximed with widened eyes as the levels appeared above the statues'' heads. "Are you kidding me? We''re screwed." "Not yet," Gareth said while raising his shield warily. "There''s gotta be another way." The group scattered, trying to avoid the statues'' relentless attacks. Every step the statues took shook the ground, and their swings made it impossible to get close to the doorway. "Anyone see a system notification or a clue?" Viora inquired with panic in her voice. August''s sharp eyes scanned the surroundings, desperate for something¡ªanything¡ªthat might help them. That''s when he noticed it: a carving etched into the stone floor just a few feet in front of the statues. The carving was faint but unmistakable¡ªit was the exact shape of the trinket the crowned figure had handed the spirit girl in the projection. "There!" August pointed to the carving. "That trinket from the projection¡ªwhatever it is¡ªneeds to go there." Aria followed his gaze and nodded. "But how do we get it?" "I don''t think we have it," August replied grimly. "Which means we either need to find it or figure out another way past." The group exchanged tense looks as the statues loomed in the distance ready to strike again while the spirit girl''sughter echoed faintly in the distance. Chapter 79 Advancing Smoothly The group spread out cautiously across the cavernous area, keeping a wary eye on the colossal statues. While the statues didn''t attack them unless they approached, their presence disturbingly cast long, menacing shadows that filled the space. Aria folded her arms and sighed. "We''ve been at this for over thirty minutes, and we''re getting nowhere." "I don''t get it," Gareth grumbled while tightening his grip on his sword. "There has to be a clue around here. It wouldn''t make sense for the dungeon to trap us without a way forward." "Unless this is a dead end," Torin said sarcastically, earning a sharp re from Aria. Viora nced nervously at the statues. "It can''t be. We''re missing something. This dungeon isn''t supposed to have dead ends." Drask scratched the back of his head. "What if we''ve already passed it? Maybe it''s back where the ruins transformed earlier." "I doubt that," August voiced while scanning the area. "We retraced most of our steps already, but we haven''t checked everything. There''s still this left side we haven''t explored." The group turned to where August pointed. A narrow, almost imperceptible path veered off to the left, shrouded in shadows and partially hidden by overgrown vines. "Good eye," Aria nodded approvingly. "Let''s check it out." --- [ System Notification: Area Discovered - The Forgotten de ] --- As they approached, the area opened up into a small de filled with strange, glowing flowers. In the center of the de sat a small treasure chest. Its ornate edges glittered faintly as the group paused at the sight of it. "That''s gotta be it," Viora pointed excitedly. "The flower-shaped trinket must be in there." "Finally," Drask muttered. "Let''s grab it and get out of here." "Wait!" August raised his hand. "Look at the floor." The group froze as faint, glowing patterns came into view, extending from the chest like a web of magic runes. Small footprints glimmered faintly, barely visible on the stone. [ System Notification: Caution - Hidden Traps Detected ] --- "Yeah, no way it''s that simple," August said. "This ce is rigged."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om Torin nocked an arrow while scanning the glowing patterns. "Think we can disable the traps from here?" "I doubt it," Aria voiced before stepping forward cautiously. "This doesn''t look like something we can brute force. Magic traps like these are usually tied to specific conditions." Drask scoffed. "Then what do we do? y patty-cake with the flowers?" "No," Aria responded with a thoughtful tone. "We mimic the spirit girl again." "The dance?" Gareth raised an eyebrow. "You''ve gotta be kidding me." Continue reading stories on empire "She''s the key to everything on this floor so far," Aria argued. "The carvings, the projection, even the traps¡ªwe''ve only made progress by following her lead." "It''s worth a shot," Viora added. "We don''t have any other options." Aria stepped onto the glowing footprints, careful to avoid the runes. She began to mimic the flowing movements of the spirit girl''s dance with her arms tracing elegant patterns in the air. As she moved, the glowing runes beneath her feet began to dim. "It''s working!" Viora eximed in awe. --- [ System Notification: Trap Disarmed ] The glowing flowers that had extended to shield the chest suddenly withered, curling in on themselves. The runes on the ground vanished, and the air in the de grew still. Drask let out a low whistle. "Well, I''ll be damned. Nice moves, Aria." "Thanks," she voiced while brushing a strand of hair from her face as she stepped back. "Now, let''s see what''s inside." Gareth approached the chest cautiously and knelt beside it. "Let''s hope this isn''t a mimic." "Don''t jinx it," Torin muttered, gripping his bow. Carefully, Gareth opened the chest. Nestled in a bed of soft, glowing fabric, was the flower-shaped trinket they had been searching for. --- [ System Notification: Item Acquired - Radiant Bloom Key ] [ Description: A magical artifact required to progress through the Swordking Dungeon. ] --- Gareth held up the trinket as its petals shimmered faintly with a mythical glow. "This is it. This has to be what we need." "Great," August stated. "Now let''s get back to those statues before something else decides to show up." The group quickly made their way back to therge doorway with the Radiant Bloom Key in hand. As they approached the statues, their stone eyes flickered, and the room seemed to grow colder. "Here goes nothing," Aria voiced while holding up the trinket. The statues froze in ce, their weapons lowering as the trinket''s glow illuminated the doorway. The group ced the flower-shaped trinket into the carved slot on the floor, and the statues ceased their ominous movements. [ System Notification: Radiant Bloom Key Activated ] [ ess Granted: Proceed Through the Gate ] --- As they stepped through, the spirit girl stood on the other side, waiting as if she''d been expecting them. Her translucent figure shimmered faintly, and her giggling echoed in the empty corridor. "She''s starting to creep me out," Torin muttered, shifting ufortably. "Like, does she ever *not*ugh?" "Maybe she''sughing at how much trouble we''re getting into," Drask joked, earning a chuckle from Viora. "Focus, people," Aria said sternly. "If we''re following her, we mimic her movements exactly, just like before. No distractions." The spirit girl began to skip ahead causing her delicate feet to leave faint glowing footprints in her wake. Without hesitation, the group followed, matching her rhythm and movements as closely as possible. After a few minutes of walking, they found themselves descending another spiral staircase. --- [ System Notification: Floor Progression - You Have Reached the 18th Floor ] [ Keep following the spirit ] --- "Wait, that''s it?" Gareth voiced in disbelief with a tone that echoed through the surroundings. "No boss fight for the 17th floor?" "I''m notining," Viora said with a relieved sigh. "We''ve been fighting for hours. A little break is nice." "Yeah, but now I feel like the dungeon is trying to psych us out," Drask said. "Like, when''s the other shoe gonna drop?" As the group stepped onto the 18th floor, the scenery changed dramatically. The walls were lined with glowing, crystalline veins that pulsed faintly like they were alive. The floor was smooth, polished stone, and faint whispers echoed in the distance, adding an eerie atmosphere. The spirit girl stopped ahead of them and began twirling. Her movements were smooth and rhythmic. The group fell into step behind her, mimicking her movements exactly. However, Torin''s brow furrowed as he tilted his head. "Has anyone ever wondered what happens if we don''t mimic her?" his voice carried a note of curiosity. Aria shot him a re. "We''re not finding out, Torin. Just do as she does." "But what if it''s like one of those secret triggers?" Torin argued. "What if it''s a bonus event or loot?" "It''ll probably trigger our deaths, you idiot," Gareth said while rolling his eyes. Torin groaned but kept moving. However, his concentration slipped, and he missed a step. --- [ System Notification: Warning! A Party Member Failed to Follow the Spirit Guide''s Movements! ] [ Trigger Condition Met: The Fourth Cmity ] ---- Torin''s face paled as he froze in ce. "Uh... oops." "What the fuck did you do?!" Aria hissed before spinning to face him. "I... I missed a step," Torin admitted sheepishly. "It was an ident!" Before anyone could respond, the ground beneath them rumbled violently. Cracks spread across the polished floor, and strange tomb-like structures began to phase into existence, emerging from the ground. "Torin, you absolute moron!" Drask bellowed, gripping his axe. "I said it was an ident!" Torin snapped defensively. The tombs stopped materializing at two hundred and each one creaked while opening to reveal skeletal figures d in rusted knight''s armor. Their hollow eye sockets glowed with an ominous red light, and in their bony hands, they clutched long, chipped swords. --- [ System Notification: The Fourth Cmity ] [ Enemies Spawned: 200 Undead Knights (Level 25) ] ########## Authors Note: Thank you all for the support you''ve shown so far. We umted up to 200 power stonesst week. In appreciation, I''ll be doing a mass release of five chapters on Wednesday. If we manage to umte up to 500 power stones this week, I''ll do another mass release. Chapter 80 The Fourth Calamity "You''ve gotta be kidding me," August muttered as his eyes scanned the approaching horde. "Two hundred?" "Okay, so maybe I fucked up," Torin admitted. "But we can fix this, right?" "Not if we''re dead!" Viora squeaked, clutching her staff. "Enough!" Aria barked. "We''re not dying here. Everyone stick together. Drask, Gareth, keep them off us while we figure this out!" The first wave of undead knights charged forward with unnervingly coordinated movements despite their decayed forms. Drask and Gareth stepped to the front with their weapons raised. Gareth blocked hits from the undead soldiers while Drask cleaved them in half with his axe. Torin nocked his bow, firing glowing arrows at the undead beings while August darted around slicing skeletal limbs off. Everyone did their best to take down the undead however, after a while their eyes widened in disbelief. The skeletal beings had their bodies rejoined by an unknown dark force and then began attacking them again. "What the hell?!" Torin yelled while firing some exploding arrows. Even after taking down a few undead knights, they rose back up. "What were you expecting? They''re literally called Undead knights," August stated. "Fuck," Gareth cursed as he pushed some back with his shield. "We can''t keep going like this or we''ll run out of energy and mana points," Drask pointed out. At this point, the Viora cast a spell that spread across the immediate surroundings. Since she was a cleric, it meant she automatically had an upper hand over beings like this. A clue suddenly appeared as system notifications before everyone. [ Special Condition: Undead Knights Cannot Be Killed Through Normal Means. Destroy the Skull Core or Use Consuming mes. ] "So that''s it... Let''s get it done then!" Drask yelled before charging forward. --- [ System Notification: ] [ Drask Activated: Furious Cleave ] [ Damage Dealt: -421 HP to Undead Knight ] [ Critical Hit: Skull Core Exposed ] [ Undead Knight Destroyed ] [ Gareth Activated: Iron Smash ] [ Damage Dealt: -780 HP to Undead Knight ] --- "Go for the cores!" Drask shouted, cleaving through one knight and shattering its skull. Viora raised her staff, chanting quickly. A healing glow surrounded the group, patching up minor wounds from the onught. --- [ System Notification ] [ Viora Activated: Healing Glow ] [ HP Restored: +150 to All Party Members ] --- August darted between the knights while shing his daggers. He targeted the exposed cores whenever he could with calcted movements. --- [ System Notification: ] [ Aleman Activated: Hidden Strike! ] [ Damage Dealt: -620 HP to Undead Knight ] [ Critical Hit: Skull Core Exposed ] [ Undead Knight Destroyed ] --- August then darted around the surroundings with speed, urately aiming for their skulls, and piercing the core with each strike. Due to his assassin speed, he was working quicker than the others. "I''m starting to see why you brought him along," Gareth voiced before smashing another knight aside with his shield. "Kid''s got skills." "I told you," Aria said with a smirk before firing off a fireball that engulfed two knightspletely. --- [ System Notification ] [ Aria Activated: Inferno Burst ] [ Damage Dealt: -900 HP to Undead Knight ] [ Special Condition Met: Consuming mes ] [ Undead Knights Destroyed: 3 ] --- Despite their efforts, the sheer number of knights overwhelmed them. One knight swung its sword at Torin, who barely dodged in time. Another lunged for Viora, slicing its de across her shoulder. --- [ System Notification: Damage Taken: Viora -120 HP ] --- "Viora, stay back!" August shouted while speeding forward and stabbing a dagger deep into the skull of the undead knight. "Focus on healing!" "On it!" she replied while casting another healing spell. August continuously darted between the undead knights, targeting their skulls. The chaos around him was deafening, with metal shing against bone and spells exploding like fireworks in the vicinity. Sweat dripped down his brow as he sidestepped a sword aimed at his chest, retaliating with a precise strike to the knight''s forehead. --- [ System Notification: Critical Hit - Skull Core Exposed ] [ Undead Knight Destroyed ] --- "August, behind you!" Aria shouted, sending a fireball hurtling past him to incinerate an approaching knight. "I''ve got it!" he replied and swiftly spun around before plunging his dagger into another knight''s core, shattering it. --- [ System Notification: Undead Knight Destroyed ] --- "There''s no end to these things!" Drask roared, swinging his axe in a wide arc and smashing through a cluster of knights. Torin fired arrow after arrow, panting heavily. "This is all your fault, Torin," Aria snapped before hurling another Inferno Burst at a group of knights and obliterating them. "Do you even *realize* how much time this has cost us?" "Look, it was an ident!" Torin protested while dodging a sword swipe. "How was I supposed to know it would trigger *this*?" --- [ System Notification ] [ Aria Activated: Inferno Burst ] [ Damage Dealt: -850 HP to Undead Knights ] [ Special Condition Met: Consuming mes ] [ Undead Knights Destroyed: 3 ] --- Viora stood in the back, chanting a healing spell as she patched up the group. "Stop arguing and focus! I can''t keep you all alive if you don''t work together!" "Thanks, Viora," Gareth grunted before mming his shield into a knight and following up with a powerful overhead sh to its skull. --- [ System Notification ] [ Gareth Activated: Shield Bash ] [ Damage Dealt: -200 HP to Undead Knight ] [ Critical Hit: Skull Core Exposed ] [ Undead Knight Destroyed ] As August panted heavily, he noticed a knight creeping toward Aria from behind. His energy points (EP) were dangerously low, making it impossible for him to dash in time. Without hesitation, he hurled his dagger with all his strength, watching it sail through the air and pierce the knight''s skull cleanly. --- [ System Notification ] [ New Skill Acquired: Dagger Throw ] [ Description: Allows the yer to throw a dagger at a target. uracy and damage increase with level. Current Level: 1 ] [ Dagger Throw Activated ]n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om [ Damage Dealt: -320 HP to Undead Knight ] [ Critical Hit: Skull Core Exposed ] [ Undead Knight Destroyed ] --- "Did you just *throw* your dagger?" Aria nced back at him with wide eyes. August grinned before retrieving the de from the knight''s remains. "Looks like I''ve got a new trick up my sleeve." "Showoff," Torin muttered while firing another arrow at a knight. August wasted no time testing his new skill. He began hurling his dagger with pinpoint precision, striking the exposed cores of knights left and right. --- [ System Notification ] [ Aleman Activated: Dagger Throw ] [ Damage Dealt: -310 HP to Undead Knight ] [ Critical Hit: Skull Core Exposed ] [ Undead Knight Destroyed ] [ Aleman Activated: Dagger Throw ] [ Damage Dealt: -300 HP to Undead Knight ] [ Critical Hit: Skull Core Exposed ] [ Undead Knight Destroyed ] --- "Not bad, Aleman!" Gareth praised while shoving a knight back with his shield. "You might actually survive this dungeon." "I n to," August shot back, throwing another dagger. After over an hour of grueling battle, thest of the undead knights finally crumbled to the ground with their cores destroyed. The group stood amidst the wreckage, panting and battered. --- [ System Notification ] [ Event Complete: The Fourth Cmity ] [ EXP Earned: +12,500 Each ] [ Loot Acquired: Undead Knight Armor Fragment x3, Shattered Core x2, Rusted Longsword x1 ] [ Level Up! Aria Reached Level 34 ] [ Party Progress Update ] - Aria: Level 34 (me Burst Leveled Up) - Gareth: Level 35 - Viora: Level 32 - Torin: Level 33 - Drask: Level 35 - Aleman: Level 27 --- "Torin, you almost got us *killed,*" Aria snapped while ring at him. "I said I was sorry!" Torin replied, holding up his hands defensively. "At least we got some good EXP, right?" Chapter 81 Reaching The Twentieth Floor "That''s not the point," Aria said. "Other parties are probably way ahead of us now." "Hey, at least we survived," Drask said with a grin while pping Torin on the back. "Besides, it''s not every day you get to fight off two hundred undead knights." "Not every day I want to," Viora muttered, using her staff to heal the group. --- [ System Notification: Viora Activated Restoration ] [ HP Restored: +200 to All Party Members ] After collecting the loot, the group resumed following the spirit girl. Aria fixed them all with a warning re. "No more mistakes. Got it?" Everyone nodded with sheepish expressions. They trailed after the spirit girl, mimicking her movements exactly. "She better lead us to some *serious* loot," Torin muttered under his breath. "If you screw up again, you''ll need *serious* healing," Aria snapped. The spirit girl eventually led them to a spiral staircase at the edge of the floor. As they descended, August couldn''t help but wonder what awaited them below. --- [ System Notification: Floor Progression - You Have Reached the 19th Floor ] --- "I don''t like this," Gareth said as they stepped onto the new floor. The air felt heavier, and the dim light from the crystals seemed weaker. "It''s too quiet." "Let''s stay sharp," Aria said. "We can''t afford to lose any more time." As the group cautiously followed the glowing spirit girl through the neenth floor, the strange, shimmering air began to ripple. The surroundings dimmed slightly, and a familiar blue haze enveloped them. "What''s happening now?" Torin questioned with a wary tone while gripping his bow tightly. "Another projection?" Aria voiced with an uncertain look. "Stay alert." The group paused, watching as the room around them transformed. It was as if time had rewound, bringing them into a scene from the distant past. The spirit girl was no longer translucent but appeared as a vibrant, living child with rosy cheeks and a yful smile. She sat on a grand decorated bed within a luxurious chamber filled with glowing crystals, and gilded furniture. A tall figure entered the room with a crown on his head. His presence exuded majesty and strength. The group watched in awe as he approached the bed with his face still obscured from their view. "Same dude from before?" Gareth muttered. "Probably the Swordking," Drask replied with a reverent tone. "Who else would wear a crown like that?" The crowned figure knelt by the bed, tucking the young girl under a silken nket. He pulled arge, leather-bound book from a nearby table and began reading aloud with a deep soothing voice. The spirit girl giggled and leaned back as herughter filled the room. The peaceful atmosphere tugged at something deep within the group. "Not gonna lie," Torin whispered, "this is kinda nice." "I have a feeling it won''tst," August said grimly. As if on cue, the serene scene shattered. The room was suddenly engulfed in mes. The once peaceful chamber trembled violently as the sounds of battle echoed from beyond its walls. The group flinched as the crowned figure leaped to his feet, unsheathing an enormous sword that glowed with power. From the shadows, a wave of humanoid enemies surged into the chamber with their weapons drawn. The crowned figure moved with power, cutting them down in rapid session. Each swing of his de unleashed devastating arcs of energy that obliterated everything in their path. --- [ System Notification [ Swordking Activated: Arc of Destion ] [ Damage Dealt: -99999 HP to Intruders ] --- "That''s insane," Gareth voiced with widened eyes. "He''s unstoppable." Everyone couldn''t imagine just how powerful the Swordking was in his prime to deal such damage numbers with a casual attack. "He''s protecting her," Viora said softly as she fixed her gaze on the little girl who had curled into a ball on the bed. Despite the crowned figure''s efforts, one of the intruders managed to break through his defenses. The enemy lunged at the girl and their de pierced her chest before the Swordking could stop it. The girl let out a pained gasp before copsing. "No!" the Swordking''s voice roared through the room, filled with anguish. He decimated the remaining intruders in a single, devastating strike before falling to his knees, cradling the lifeless body of the girl. The projection flickered and faded, leaving the group standing in silence amidst the ruins of their surroundings. --- [ System Notification: Projection Complete - The Tragic Tale Ends ] --- "What the hell did we just see?" Torin question broke the silence. "A memory?" Aria voiced with a hushed tone. "It must''ve been something tied to this dungeon." "Whoever that girl was," August added, "she meant everything to him."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om They exchanged somber nces before the spirit girl appeared once more. Her glowing figure waited patiently ahead. "Let''s keep moving," Aria said firmly. "We''re not here to solve mysteries. Focus." "Or maybe we are," August chipped in. "Nevertheless, we gotta keep moving," She added. The group continued forward with a steady but cautious pace. The atmosphere grew heavier as they advanced. Shadows loomed over them, and the air felt thick with mana. Suddenly, humanoid figures emerged from the darkness, their eyes glowing ominously. "Did someone trigger another cmity?" Aria questioned with a baffled expression. "Not this time, I think we''re meant to fight these ones," August responded. "Get ready!" Gareth shouted, raising his shield. --- [ System Notification: Hostile Encounter - Shadow Sentinels (Level 28) ] --- "Finally, something to hit," Drask said while swinging his axe with a roar. --- [ System Notification: Drask Activated Axe Cleave ] [ Damage Dealt: -800 HP to Shadow Sentinel ] --- August darted around the battlefield, targeting the sentinels'' weak points. His dagger shed as hended strike after strike, taking advantage of their sluggish movements. --- [ System Notification: Aleman Activated sh ] [ Damage Dealt: -420 HP to Shadow Sentinel ] [ Critical Hit ] --- Aria hurled fireballs from the backline, igniting the sentinels and causing them to crumble into ash. --- [ System Notification: Aria Activated - Inferno Burst ] [ Damage Dealt: -800 HP to Shadow Sentinel ] [ Burn Effect Applied ] --- The fightsted for several minutes, with the group working in perfect sync. Viora kept their health up while Torin picked off enemies from a distance. By the end, the Shadow Sentinels were nothing more than a pile of charred remains. --- [ System Notification ] [ Enemies Defeated: Shadow Sentinels ] Explore more stories at empire [ EXP Earned: +8000 ] [ Loot Acquired: Mana Crystal x3, Shadow Core x1 ] --- "Well done," Aria said to the group. "Let''s keep moving." As they descended the final staircase of the floor, the air changed. A dense, almost suffocating energy filled the space, and the faint sound of chanting echoed from below. "This is it," Aria voiced with a tense tone. "The twentieth floor." When they reached the bottom, they were met with a vast chamber, unlike anything they''d seen before. The walls were lined with ancient murals depicting battles, coronations, and what appeared to be the tragic scenes they had just witnessed. "This is..." Viora''s voice was barely above a whisper. "I''m guessing the further we descend, the more we find out about the Ancient Swordking and probably what led to his demise," August stated with a look of certainty. ... ... It was already past three in the afternoon when Sophia returned home from school. Her bag hung loosely over her shoulder as she stepped into the apartment, noticing the quiet atmosphere. She nced toward the kitchen and saw that the food she''d prepared for August earlier was still untouched. She frowned slightly. "He hasn''t eaten? He must still be in the game." Walking upstairs, she stopped at the door to his room. The same makeshift sign he''d pinned earlier was still there in bold handwriting: "In Game - Do Not Disturb." Sophia sighed and shook her head. "Seriously, how long does he n to stay in there?" She lingered for a moment as her brow furrowed. "He probably knows he''ll be up to a day. That''s why he left the sign." Shrugging off her worry, she headed back downstairs, pulling out her smartphone as she settled onto the couch. She scrolled through her social media feeds absentmindedly until a notification popped up on her screen. --- News Update: "The Oni Terrorist Group Strikes Again!" --- Chapter 82 The Strange Call --- News Update: "The Oni Terrorist Group Strikes Again!" --- Sophia clicked on it unintentionally. A video began ying, showing a chaotic scene captured by bystanders. It was outside arge urban area¡ªburnt-out cars, scattered debris, and scorch marks on walls told the story of a fierce battle. The anchor''s voice narrated grimly, "A yer of Enders Light, who was known to have retrieved game items into reality, was ambushed and killed by the notorious Oni terrorist group. The victim was identified as a supernatural yer. Eyewitnesses report signs of a fierce struggle before the yer sumbed to the attack." Sophia''s grip on the phone tightened. Her eyes scanned the footage, spotting burnt patches of asphalt, blood, and shattered ss. It was clear the victim hadn''t gone down easily. She swallowed hard. ''The Oni Group...''n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om Her mind shed back to a memory of a robbery that had happened not too far from their street when August had first retrieved the fruit of corruption. She remembered how unnerved she''d felt back then, knowing there were people willing to kill for items from Enders Light. And now it seemed the Oni group was bing more brazen. "I hope they catch these guys soon," she muttered under her breath. "And I hope August stays safe..." As Sophia continued scrolling, lost in her thoughts, the buzzing of August''s phone broke the silence. The screen lit up from across the room, disying "Unknown Caller." At first, she ignored it, figuring it wasn''t her ce to answer. But the phone kept ringing, buzzing insistently. On the fourth ring, she groaned and walked over, picking it up hesitantly. "Hello?" she answered with a slightly cautious tone. "Hi, is this Aleman?" came a voice from the other end¡ªmale, deep, and slightly impatient. Your journey continues with empire Sophia blinked. ''Aleman? Oh, right, that''s August''s in-game name.'' "Uh, no, this isn''t Aleman," she replied. "He''s... currently unavable." The voice softened slightly. "Oh, I see. My name is Victor Whitford. I''ve done business with Aleman before, and I''d like to do more. It''s important. Could you please tell him I called? Ask him to reach out as soon as possible." Sophia tilted her head. "Victor Whitford? You mean... Enders Light rted business?" "Yes, the game. But I''ve met him in reality and I''d like to do so for business again, if he''s open to it. Please, let him know. It''s urgent." Sophia hesitated for a moment before nodding, even though Victor couldn''t see her. "I''ll let him know when he''s back." "Thank you so much," Victor sounded genuinely relieved. "Please make sure he gets the message." "I will," she promised before ending the call. She stared at the phone in her hand for a moment, deep in thought. She nced toward the staircase leading to August''s room. "What kind of business does he even do in that game? And why does it feel like everyone wants something from him?" Her eyes flicked back to her phone and the news article about the Oni Group was still open. She bit her lip nervously. "I just hope he remains safe..." Sophia sighed and tossed the phone onto the couch. "Guess all I can do is wait for him toe out." ... ... Back in the game world, the rumors of the Ancient Swordking''s Dungeon had ignited a wildfire across Enders Light. It was no longer just whispers of loot and the legacy of the Swordking¡ªit was now about the coveted Fruit of Sin. A legendary item with powers so tempting that yers across the game were abandoning quests mid-way, risking penalties, just to make their way to the dungeon. Inside the main building of Phoenix Celestial, a magnificent structure standing at the heart of Gallorn Kingdom, guild members scrambled to and fro. The walls shimmered faintly with magical runes, while banners bearing the ming phoenix insignia fluttered overhead. A sense of urgency filled the air. On the upper floors, a tall man with amanding presence stood in front of arge table surrounded by holographic projections of the dungeon''s map. He wore a gold-embroidered red cloak, and his chest te gleamed under the light of floating torches. His name hovered above his head: Kael Drakemane (Level 42, Captain). Kael turned to the group of strategists standing before him. "What''s thetest update from Aria''s party?" he asked with a calm but firm tone. One of the strategists, a smaller man with quick movements, spoke up. "Captain, Aria''s party has made it to the twentieth floor. No world notifications yet, so it seems no one has cleared the dungeon so far." Kael nodded, his expression unreadable. "And our other parties?" Another strategist stepped forward, a woman with tinum hair pulled into a tight braid. Her tag read Elira Vale (Level 36, Tactician). "Captain, three more of our parties are en route. They should arrive within the hour. The reports suggest the dungeon is far more treacherous than anticipated. The fruit of sin... if it''s truly there, it will be a bloodbath." Kael smirked faintly, crossing his arms. "Let theme. The Phoenix Celestial guild will im that fruit. Ensure that our parties stay coordinated. I don''t want any needless mistakes." "Yes, Captain!" Elira responded with a salute. ... Far from the bustling grandeur of Phoenix Celestial, another guild convened in a shadowy chamber. Unlike the polished halls of Phoenix Celestial which was an elite guild, this guild''s base was a rough stone building nestled in the outskirts of the city. A rough looking sign read; ''Devil''s Chamber Guild'' Dim torches cast flickering light on the rough-hewn walls, and the air smelled faintly of dampness. At the center of the room stood a hulking man d in ck armor with spiked shoulders. His helmet rested on the table before him, revealing a scarred face and piercing gray eyes. For a game avatar to look this way, the yer had to bear simr features in reality so one could tell that this man was quite the scary figure. The name above his head read: Ragnar Bloodspire (Level 47 Warrior). Ragnar mmed his fist on the table, making the scattered maps and scrolls jump. "We must reach the fruit before anyone else. This is our chance to rise above those pompous guilds like Phoenix Celestial." A slender man with a hood pulled low over his face chuckled darkly. His tag read Darius Voidstrider (Level 39, Assassin). "You mean before *you* get it, Ragnar," his voice dripped with sarcasm. Ragnar shot him a re that could have melted stone. "Watch your tongue, Darius, unless you want me to carve out that forked one of yours. Remember, you''re here because you''re useful¡ªfor now." A woman leaned against the wall with her violet eyes glowing faintly in the dim surroundings. She wore an intricate outfit of dark leather that clung to her athletic frame, ented with crimson patterns. Above her head floated the name Selene Darkme (Level 41, Mage). "Enough," Selene interjected with a smooth butmanding tone. "We all want the same thing. The fruit is the ultimate prize, and no one¡ªnot Phoenix Celestial nor Dragon Fang nor Stormbringers not any of those wannabe independent parties¡ªwill stand in our way. We''ll cut through anyone who dares oppose us." Chapter 83 Unreasonable Opposition Darius smirked but stayed silent this time, knowing better than to provoke both Ragnar and Selene at once. Ragnar growled, "Gather your gear. We leave now." --- The roads leading to No Man''s Wastnd were chaotic. Streams of yers rushed toward the dungeon from all directions, filling the air with chatter. A group of mid-level yers, d in mismatched gear, huddled together as they walked. One of them, a warrior with a chipped sword, spoke up. "You think it''s true? The fruit of sin? What does it even do?" A ranger with braided hair and a bow slung over her shoulder replied, "Who cares? It''s gotta be valuable if it''s causing this much chaos. Even if we don''t get it, the loot''s probably insane." Further ahead, a group of high-level yers stood by the roadside, exuding confidence. Their leader, a man with a glowing greatsword strapped to his back,ughed loudly as he addressed his party. "If anyone gets in our way, we''ll mow them down. No one''s touching that fruit but us." As word of the dungeon and the fruit continued to spread, the anticipation among yers only grew. It was clear that the dungeon would be a battleground unlike any the game had seen before. For now, the race was on¡ªand the clock was ticking. ... ... The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting soft beams across the living room. Sophia sat on the worn couch, staring at the tray of food she had prepared for August. Her hands fidgeted slightly as the silence of the house settled over her. It was Friday, and her brother had been in the game for over two days. He entered Ender''s Light on Tuesday night and today was Friday. Walking up the stairs, she carried the tray carefully, pausing in front of August''s room. The door was closed, and the sign still hung there in bold letters: "In Game ¨C Do Not Disturb." She sighed, staring at the sign with a mixture of frustration and worry. "August, you''ve never stayed in the game this long before," she whispered, though she knew he couldn''t hear her. She lingered for a moment, then turned away with a heavy heart. Sophia set the tray down on the dining table and poured herself a ss of orange juice. The clinking of the ss against the counter echoed through the empty kitchen. As she sipped, her mind wandered to the days when her brother used to join her for breakfast, even if just for a rushed meal before work. She missed those moments. Shaking her head, she pushed the thoughts away and focused on the time. 7:30 AM. School started soon, and she didn''t want to bete. After finishing her juice, she hurried upstairs to change into her uniform.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om Just as she was fastening thest button on her shirt, August''s phone rang sharply, breaking the quiet. Sophia froze for a moment before hurrying downstairs to grab the receiver. She checked the number disyed on the screen¡ªit was the same one that had been calling for the past two days. Her brow furrowed. It was clear they weren''t going to stop. Despite her hesitation, she decided not to answer. "I can''t mess with Big Brother''s business. I''ll let him know about it when he logs out of the game," she muttered. Grabbing her bag, Sophia nced onest time at the kitchen and August''s untouched food. A pang of sadness hit her, but she squared her shoulders. He was probably fine, she told herself. He always was. Still, the worry gnawed at her as she stepped outside and closed the door behind her. ... ... The 64th floor of the Ancient Swordking''s Dungeon was a chaotic battlefield. August and his party¡ªAria, Gareth, Viora, Torin, and Drask¡ªhade a long way. They looked quite battered like their characters were experiencing some sort of fatigue but it was more evident in August. The floors they had traversed revealed fragmented memories of the Swordking''s tragic life, weaving a tale of loss, revenge, and betrayal. They had met a few more key characters in the Swordking''s life. Yet, despite the eerie allure of the dungeon''s past, the present demanded their full attention. Currently, the battle was not against the dungeon''s monsters but another group of yers¡ªsix members of the Venomfang Guild. Their leader, Hakar (Level 36), stood like a menacing titan with gleaming golden brown armor. His partyprised well-equipped yers, all at or above Level 33. The confrontation began when this party from Venomfang demanded that August''s group relinquish all the loot they had collected on this floor. "Drop the loot and walk away, or we''ll take it from your corpses," Hakar snarled as his de ignited with purple energy. Gareth stepped forward with his broadsword resting heavily on his shoulder. "Why don''t you try? Let''s see who walks away." Hakar didn''t waste time on more words. He raised his weapon and charged. The battle erupted in an instant. Aria was the first to act, summoning her zing Sphere. A massive orb of fire materialized between her hands before hurling toward the Venomfang Mage. The mage countered with Frost Barrier and upon collision, a fiery explosion swept across the surroundings, creating a cloud of steam. Torin crouched at the back and released a flurry of arrows. His precise shots found their marks in the armor gaps of the Venomfang Ranger who snarled and retaliated with an arrow imbued with poison. Torin barely rolled out of the way in time. "Persistent little bastards," Drask growled while swinging his berserker axe through the air with wild abandon. His attacks met the shield of the Venomfang Warrior causing the sh of steel to echo through the cavern. Amid the chaos, August darted through the battlefield like a shadow. His Dash skill allowed him to evade strikes with precision. He targeted the Venomfang Assassin, whose dual daggers gleamed with a venomous green aura. [System Notification: You have activated Piercing Strike. 1,150 damage dealt to Venomfang Assassin.] The assassin recoiled but quickly retaliated with Shadow Slice aiming for August''s ribs. He sidestepped the attack, shing upward in a counterstrike. "Stay still, damn you!" Chapter 84 You Have Been Logged In For An Extended Period "Stay still, damn you!" the assassin snarled, frustrated by August''s agility. It looked like August had invested a lot in speed but what the Assasin didn''t know was the fact that August''s stats never stopped increasing when he was stuck in the unhidden mist vige. Being one of the first batch of yers in Enders Light, his level would originally be the same with top yers if he didn''t get stuck. This was why his sub-stats were so high because they never stopped increasing. "I don''t do still," August quipped while delivering a spinning kick to create distance. The Assasin who knew August was clearly a few levels lower than him couldn''t understand. August''s eyes flicked to the system alert shing in his HUD. [ System Notification: You have been logged into Enders Light for an extended period. Please log out for health reasons.] He clenched his jaw. Logging out now was impossible. His party needed him. Dismissing the alert, he refocused on the fight. Hakar swung his colossal sword toward Gareth causing the air to vibrate with energy as he activated Doom sh. Gareth braced himself, meeting the attack with his own skill, Titan''s Guard which absorbed most of the blow but still sent him skidding backward. [ System Notification: Gareth''s HP reduced to 2,200/7,050.] "Viora, a little help here!" Gareth called while gripping his sword tightly as he readied for the next strike. "I''m on it!" Viora replied before casting Greater Heal. A golden light enveloped Gareth, restoring a significant portion of his HP. Her mana bar dipped dangerously low, and she muttered under her breath, "We can''t keep this up forever." Aria unleashed another spell, Meteor Shower. Her hands glowed with fiery energy as ming projectiles rained down on the Venomfang Mage and Ranger. The explosions staggered them and their HP bars plummeted. [System Notification: Meteor Shower deals 2,300 damage to Venomfang Mage. 1,800 damage to Venomfang Ranger.] Drask roared as he smashed his axe into the warrior''s shield repeatedly, cracking it with sheer brute force. "Your shield''s not gonna save you, buddy!" [ Shield Integrity Compromised ] The warrior couldn''t believe his eyes.N?v(el)B\\jnn Meanwhile, August was still engaged with the assassin. They kept streaking across the ce like blurs. It was difficult for others to catch wind of them unless they paused briefly to exchange more strikes without moving. The assassin managed tond a ncing blow on August''s arm at this moment. [System Notification: Venomfang Assassin deals 750 damage to Aleman. Current HP: 8,250/12,800.] "Is that all you''ve got?" August taunted while feinting left before delivering a precise strike to the assassin''s neck. Suddenly, a Venomfang Ranger targeted August with an explosive arrow. Aria shouted a warning just in time. "Watch out!" August activated Arcane Shield at thest moment, creating a magical barrier that absorbed the impact. [ System Notification: Arcane Shield absorbs 900 damage. Integrity at 60%.] "You can use magic?!" Gareth shouted, momentarily distracted by the revtion. Even Torin and Drask paused mid-attack to nce at August. "Surprise," August muttered while holding his staff aloft. It had been strapped to his back all this time but the others had no idea what it was meant for until now. With a surge of mana, he unleashed Lightning Bolt causing the spell to streak across the battlefield and strike the Venomfang Mage. [ System Notification: Lightning Bolt deals 1,950 damage to Venomfang Mage. ] [ Additional Effect: Gravitational Field applied. Movement Speed reduced by 90%.] The mage cried out as she crumpled to the ground, unable to move. The battlefield stilled for a moment as everyone processed what had just happened. "He''s a dual-ss?" the Venomfang Ranger shouted in disbelief. "No wonder he''s been carrying that strange thing around," Drask muttered as a grin formed on his face. "This guy''s full of surprises." This tipped the battle in their favor. Gareth rallied with a devastating cleave, finishing off the Venomfang Warrior. Drask took down the ranger with a brutal overhand swing of his axe. Aria, now fully focused, cast zing Inferno, engulfing the stunned mage and assassin in mes. [System Notification: Venomfang Assassin defeated. Party gains 1,400 EXP.] [System Notification: Venomfang Mage defeated. Party gains 1,300 EXP.] With only Hakar remaining, the entire party turned their attention to him. He roared while swinging his sword wildly, but thebined assault overwhelmed him. August dealt the finishing blow, a Hidden strike to the back of his exposed neck. [System Notification: Hakar defeated. Party gains 2,500 EXP.] The Venomfang party shimmered and vanished, teleported out of the dungeon with significant losses. [System Notification: Opposing yers lose 1 level and drop loot.] August and his party stood in the aftermath, battered but victorious. They gathered the loot¡ªa mixture of weapons, potions, and gold¡ªequally dividing it among themselves. The Venomfang members had been well-stocked, and their defeat had been worth the effort. "That was intense," Torin said while leaning against a wall. "I didn''t think we''d make it." Viora gave August a knowing look. "You''ve been holding out on us, haven''t you?" August smirked. "Had to keep things interesting." Drask chuckled, pping August on the back. "You''re a sneaky bastard, but I like it." As they prepared to move deeper into the dungeon, August nced at his system notifications. [You have been logged into Enders Light for an extended period. Please log out.] They continued heading forward. August, however, was noticeably quieter than usual. His face showed signs of exertion, and he wiped at the beads of sweat that had formed on his brow. Aria noticed it first. "August, you don''t look so good. Are you okay?" she questioned with a tone of concern. Torin, who was fiddling with an arrow, nced over. "Yeah, you''re looking a bit pale, man. What''s going on?" August let out a long sigh while straightening up. "It''s the pod," he admitted. "I''ve been logged in for way too long, and I''m pushing the limits of what my body can handle. My pod can''t keep me in game longer than this without risking my health." Chapter 85 Torins Idea "My pod can''t keep me in game longer than this without risking my health," August revealed. This caught everyone''s attention, and even Drask, who had been examining a rare axe they had looted, looked up. "What do you mean by ''pushing the limits''? Aren''t gaming pods supposed to sustain you?" "Depends on the grade," August replied while scratching the back of his head. "Mine''s mid-grade. I can stay in for about 36 hours before it starts affecting my body in the real world. It''s been over two days now." Aria''s eyes widened. "You''ve been logged in for this long on a mid-grade pod? Are you insane?" August shrugged, trying to downy the seriousness of it. "It''s fine. I''ve done it before¡ªjust not for this long." Torin rolled his eyes. "Typical solo yer behavior. You''re trying to keep up with us guild yers, but you''re gonna end up killing yourself." Drask let out a heartyugh, though it was tinged with concern. "Guess we guildies are spoiled, huh? High-grade pods all around. I haven''t even thought about logging out since we started this dungeon run." "Yeah," Viora chimed in softly, adjusting her cleric robes. "Our pods feed our bodies and keep us hydrated while we''re logged in. Even our physical vitals are monitored. It''s how guilds can keep their members grinding for days on end without worrying about health."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om August''s smirk was faint. "Luxury perks of being in a guild, I guess. Not everyone can afford that." Aria folded her arms, clearly thinking. "Alright, let''s talk solutions. How much longer can you stay logged in?" "Not long," August admitted. "I''m already getting system warnings to log out. I need at least two to six hours of rest in the real world to recover." "Two to six hours in the real world?" Torin''s brow furrowed. "That''s four to eight hours here. We''ll lose a lot of time." "And time isn''t something we have," Gareth added. "Other parties are probably already catching up. The fruit of sin isn''t going to wait for us." Drask grunted in agreement. "It''s not just about the fruit. If we dy, someone else might get to the Swordking''s legacy before us. There''s too much at stake here." Aria let out a frustrated sigh while fiddling with her hair. Her expression softened slightly as she looked at August. "I get it. You''ve been pushing yourself hard. But this puts us in a tight spot." "I know," August responded. "Look, I don''t want to hold you all back. You can keep going without me." "No," Aria said firmly, cutting him off. "We''re a team. We stick together." Torin threw up his hands. "Well, that''s great in theory, but what are we supposed to do? Sit around and twiddle our thumbs while he takes a nap in the real world?" Viora spoke up quietly. "It''s not just about loyalty, Torin. If we keep pushing forward without him, we''ll lose one of our key members. Aleman has been pulling his weight, even exceeding expectations. We need him." Drask nodded. "She''s right. He saved my ass back there more than once." Aria looked at the group and voiced with a resolute tone. "We''ve made it this far together. I''m not leaving anyone behind. If Aleman needs to log out and rest, then we all log out." There was a moment of silence as her words sank in. Torin looked like he wanted to argue but eventually let out a huff. "Fine. But this better not cost us the dungeon." "It won''t," Aria assured him. "We''ll log out for two hours real-world time. That''s four hours here. It''s a risk, but it''s better than pushing forward shorthanded." August was taken aback. "You''d all log out for me? I didn''t mean for¡ª" "Stop," Aria interrupted, giving him a pointed look. "You''re part of this party now, whether you like it or not. We don''t leave our own behind." Drask grinned. "Yeah, you''re stuck with us, buddy." August couldn''t help but smile. These guys weren''t so bad after all. Fortunately, they''d all appear back on this same floor if they logged out from here. The group was gathered in a dimly lit corner of the dungeon, preparing to log out when Torin suddenly paused. His brow furrowed, and he looked at the others. "Wait," his voice broke the silence. "What if we didn''t have to log out for so long? What if we could get him into the guild temporarily so he could use one of Phoenix Celestial''s gaming pods?" The suggestion caught everyone off guard. Aria, who had been finalizing her inventory check, nced up in thought. "That''s... not a bad idea," she admitted. "But there''s a problem. What if Aleman lives too far away from the guild''s physical location? It would take too long for him to get there." Torin shrugged. "Doesn''t hurt to ask, right?" Aria hesitated, then turned to August. "Alright, where are you located in the real world?" August blinked, surprised by the question. "Uh... Quincy City. Why?" Aria exchanged a look with the others and then exined. "The main Phoenix Celestial guild base happens to be in Quincy City wen district. If you''re close enough to get there, we could temporarily grant you ess to one of our high-grade gaming pods. That way, you wouldn''t have to rest for so long in the real world, and we could keep moving forward as a team." "Wen district?" August''s eyes widened. "That''s just about thirty minutes from my house." "You''re kidding," Torin said, crossing his arms. "You''re actually close to the guild?" August nodded. "Yeah, I could make it there. No problem." Drask let out a low whistle. "Well, that solves one issue. The question now is, can we get him ess? You know how strict the guild is about non-members entering the base." Aria tapped her chin, thinking. "Normally, non-members aren''t allowed. But we''re on a critical run in the Swordking Dungeon. If I exin the situation to our superior, I''m sure I can get approval for a temporary pass." Viora chimed in softly, "And he''s proven himself trustworthy. It''s not like he''s just some random yer." Aria nodded in agreement. "Alright, it''s worth a shot. Aleman, can you head to the guild base as soon as you log out? I''ll alert our superiors and exin everything." Chapter 86 Convincing The Superiors "Absolutely," August voiced with a look of determination. "I''ll head there right away." "Well, it''s not like we have a better n. Let''s do it," Gareth was on board. Drask grinned, pping August on the shoulder. "Guess you''re about to get a taste of guild life, even if it''s just for a bit." Aria pulled up her system interface, typing a message to one of their superiors in game "I''ll get everything sorted on my end. Once you get to the base, just let them know you''re Aleman. Bring whatever identification you use for Enders Light in real life." August nodded. "Got it." The group exchanged a few more words, finalizing the n. With everything settled, Aria gave themand. "Alright, let''s log out. Meet you all in the real world." One by one, they activated the logout sequence and their avatars shimmered out of existence until only August remained. He nced around the dungeon floor with a thoughtful gaze. "Well," he muttered to himself, "time to see what a guild base looks like." With a final swipe of his interface, he logged out, the world of Enders Light dissolving into a haze. ... ... Upon stepping out of the pod, August stretched, feeling the stiffness in his muscles. A sharp, throbbing headache hit him as he took his first step forward, causing him to stumble slightly. "Damn it," he muttered while clutching his head. "Gotta take a shower first. But this headache¡­" He sank onto the edge of his bed, deciding to rest for a few minutes. He leaned back, closing his eyes as the ache slowly subsided. After about ten to fifteen minutes, he felt somewhat better and headed to the bathroom. The shower was refreshing. The warm water cascaded down his body, washing away the fatigue from hours spent in the game. Once he was done, he brushed his teeth and quickly prepared a meal. He scarfed it down, the hunger from extended gaming finally catching up to him.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om After changing into his usual scarf and casual outfit, August stepped out of his apartment, pulling his scarf up to obscure his face. "Let''s get this over with," he muttered before heading toward the Phoenix Celestial Guild skyscraper. --- Meanwhile, back at the Phoenix Celestial guild''s towering headquarters, the outside was bustling as usual. Crowds of yers had gathered in hopes of joining the illustrious guild, but many were simply loitering, watching the live announcements and recruitment broadcasts disyed on massive screens. Inside, the guild was a hive of activity. yers moved through hallways, discussing strategies and reviewing dungeon runs. In a high-level meeting room, Ariana, known for her striking blue hair and sharp, confident demeanor, stood before a senior guild member. Her real-world appearance mirrored her avatar, Aria. Ariana''s blue hair was tied back in a neat ponytail, and her piercing green eyes were framed by thin, wire-rimmed sses. She wore a professional outfit¡ªck cks paired with a fitted white blouse. Her posture was rxed but assertive as she addressed the man sitting across from her. "Senior Gregson, I need your approval to let a temporary member into one of our pods," Ariana voiced with a respectful but strong tone. The man in question, Gregson, was a senior strategist in Phoenix Celestial. His sharp jawline, streaks of silver in his dark hair, and tailored suit gave him an air of authority. He leaned back in his chair with his arms crossed. "You know the rules, Ariana. Non-members aren''t allowed ess to guild facilities. Why should we make an exception?" Before Ariana could respond, George, the towering warrior of their party, stepped in. In real life, Gareth was a broad-shouldered man with short, dark hair and a scar running across his left eyebrow. His gray hoodie and jeans gave him a casual appearance, but his presence was imposing. "With all due respect, Senior Gregson, we wouldn''t be at this point in the dungeon without Aleman," George said. "He''s been invaluable. His skills have turned the tide for us more than once." Tommy, the sharp-tongued ranger, chimed in next. In real life, he was lean, with sandy blond hair and hazel eyes that gleamed with mischief. Wearing a leather jacket and ripped jeans, he looked more like a rebel than a gamer. "Yeah, and let''s not forget that we''repeting with other guilds here. If we clear the Ancient Swordking''s Dungeon first, it''s going to reflect well on Phoenix Celestial. You want that world notification, right?" Gregson raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Victoria, the shy cleric, stepped forward hesitantly. In real life, she had soft features, curly auburn hair that framed her face, and warm brown eyes. Her oversized cardigan and long skirt gave her a gentle, approachable look. "I-I know it''s unusual," she stammered, "but Aleman¡­ I mean¡­ he''s really trustworthy and capable. And he''s working just as hard as we are. It wouldn''t be fair to leave him behind now." Daniel, the beserker of the group, stood off to the side with his arms crossed. In real life, he was a muscr man with a buzz cut and tattoos covering his arms. He wore a sleeveless hoodie and joggers. His expression seemed rather stoic. "He''s good," Daniel said simply. "Better than most of the recruits we''ve seen. And we need him." Gregson nced at each of them, clearly weighing their arguments. Before he could respond, another voice cut in. "Gregson, let them have the ess." Everyone turned to see a woman standing at the entrance of the room. She was tall with jet-ck hair styled into an elegant bun and a tailored zer over a dark pencil skirt. This was Senior Advisor Lena Paul, one of the guild''s top strategists and a member of the executive council. "If they seed in clearing the dungeon first, it''ll be a significant achievement for Phoenix Celestial," Lena continued with a cool tone. "A temporary exception won''t hurt." Gregson sighed, finally relenting. "Fine. But only temporary ess. If he causes any problems, it''s on you, Ariana." Ariana smiled while nodding in gratitude. "Thank you, Senior Gregson. He won''t disappoint." Gregson waved her off. "Make sure he knows the rules. And don''t forget¡ªresults matter." As the group left the meeting room, Tommy nudged George with a smirk. "Looks like Aleman''s in. Who would''ve thought?" Ariana chuckled. "He''s earned it. Let''s hope he doesn''t get overwhelmed by all the formalities." Chapter 87 Entering Pheonix Celestial Guild The moment August arrived at the base of the towering Phoenix Celestial Skyscraper, he couldn''t help but marvel at the scale of it. The entire building was a masterpiece of ss and steel, reflecting the bustling city around it. The front of the skyscraper was illuminated with holographic disys showcasing highlights of Phoenix Celestial''s achievements¡ªworld dungeon first clears, guild tournaments, and even promotional campaigns featuring Ice Queen herself. Despite the awe-inspiring exterior, August kept his scarf tightly wrapped around his face, obscuring most of his features. The za in front of the skyscraper was crowded with hopeful recruits, casual yers, and curious bystanders. A long queue had formed for those wishing to submit applications, with hundreds of yers chatting amongst themselves. As August approached the main entrance, a stern-looking guard in a dark suit stepped forward, blocking his path. "State your business," the guard demanded while scanning August skeptically. His tone suggested he wasn''t in the mood for nonsense. "I''m Aleman," August stated. "I''m expected." The guard raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "Aleman? Never heard of you. And if you''re trying to skip the line, you can forget it. Guild ess is for members only." Behind August, murmurs erupted from the crowd. "Who does he think he is, trying to waltz in like that?" "Look at those clothes. Probably some noob trying to fake his way in." Ignoring the chatter, August remained calm, though his patience was wearing thin. "I''m here to meet Aria. She''s waiting for me." The guard crossed his arms. "Unless I get confirmation from someone inside, you''re not getting past this gate." At that moment, the ss doors of the skyscraper slid open with a soft hiss, and Ariana stepped out. She seemed to have picked up on the discussion and mention of Aleman. Her emerald eyes lit up when she saw him. "There you are!" she called out while striding toward him. "I told you I''d be waiting." The guard instantly straightened as his demeanor shifted. "Miss Ariana, you know this man?" "Yes, he''s with me," Aria said firmly. "Let him through." As August walked past the guard, a ripple of murmured discontent spread through the crowd. "Who''s he to get special treatment?" "Unfair. I''ve been standing here for hours!" "Guess it pays to know the right people." August ignored the noise and followed Aria inside, but he couldn''t help smirking beneath his scarf. The moment the doors closed behind them, the noise from outside vanished, reced by the sound of air conditioning and faint echoes of conversations from within. The interior of the Phoenix Celestial headquarters was even more impressive than the exterior. The massive lobby was a mixture of futuristic design and elegance. The floors gleamed and holographic disys floated in the air, showing live feeds from in-game activities and guild leaderboards. The walls were adorned with digital art of iconic battles, world bosses, and guild achievements. "This ce is insane," August muttered, as his eyes scanned the surroundings. Aria chuckled. "Wee to Phoenix Celestial''s main branch. Not bad, huh?" She gestured for him to follow her as she began walking toward an elevator. On the way, they passed several groups of yers¡ªsome wearing the signature Phoenix Celestial insignia on their clothes while others seemingly visiting or conducting business. Everyone they passed gave Aria a respectful nod or a wave.N?v(el)B\\jnn "You''re so tall..." Aria suddenly blurted out. "Pfft where did thate from," August chuckled while tightening his scarf more around his face. "I''m just surprised even though I shouldn''t be since game avatars are pretty much a reflection of real life looks. Does this mean you''re incredibly good looking?" Aria nearly gasped as she turned to face him with stars twinkling in her eyes. "Erm... I wouldn''t know, I let others be the judge of that," August responded curtly. "Right right... Any chance I can peek thro..." "No." "Ahem sorry," her face turned red as she adjusted her sses. August kind of felt bad as the elevator rose, feeling like he''d turned her down too strongly but then he needed his face to stay hidden. For reasons unknown, Aria wasn''t so bossy towards himpared to the others. "So," Aria broke the silence. "you''ve managed to make quite the impression. I don''t think I''ve seen Senior Gregson agree to anything like this before." August shrugged. "I guess I''m just lucky." "Lucky?" Aria raised an eyebrow as a smirk appeared on her face. "From what I''ve seen, you''re more than just lucky. But let''s see how you handle the rest of the dungeon before I start singing your praises too much." The elevator doors opened with a soft chime, revealing a sprawling floor filled with activity. Rows of high-tech gaming pods lined the walls, glowing faintly with blue light. Several yers were either stepping out of their pods or preparing to log in. Screens on the walls disyed real-time game stats, showing yer progress and guild activity. "This is where we manage most of our dungeon raids and high-priority missions," Aria exined as they walked. "Each pod here is top-of-the-line, equipped with full bio-feedback systems and extended duration capabilities. You could stay logged in for a week if you wanted to." August whistled, clearly impressed by everything he was seeing. "And here I thought I was doing well with my mid-grade pod." Aria nced at him with a look of concern. "You''re lucky you didn''t pass out. These pods are designed to handle the stress thates with long sessions, especially for high-level yers." As they continued walking, they passed several rooms, including a strategy room where a group of yers was gathered around a holographic map of a dungeon. Further down the hall, they came across a training room where guild members practiced their moves in a VRbat simtion and martial arts in real life. It was not news that one''s physical capabilities in real life were reflected in the game. This was one of the reasons why it was more difficult to get into guilds because one had to be physically adept in one or two areas to be considered. "Impressive," August said, genuinely awed by the scale of the operation. Aria smiled. "It''s not all just for show. Phoenix Celestial takes its reputation seriously. We''re not just a guild; we''re a brand." Finally, they arrived at a sectionbeled Guest Pods. Aria led him to one of the pods and tapped a few buttons on the control panel. The pod''s hatch slid open smoothly. "This one''s all set for you," she said. "It will link to your ount, so you can jump right back into the Swordking Dungeon as soon as you log in." August stepped inside and nced around the interior. It was far more advanced than his own pod, with a fully cushioned interior and a glowing interface that disyed his vitals. "Fancy," he muttered before settling into the seat. "Thanks for setting this up." "Don''t mention it," Aria replied. "Just make sure you''re ready. We''ve still got a long way to go." As the pod closed around him, the familiar sensation of entering the game washed over him. ########## Authors Note: Thank you all for the support you''ve shown so far. Mass release done. Chapter 88 The Seventieth Floor As August reappeared on the 67th floor, the familiar oppressive air of the Ancient Swordking Dungeon surrounded him. The glowing runes on the dungeon walls pulsed faintly, and the eerie sounds of distant growls echoed through the cavernous space. Ahead of him, he spotted the rest of the group waiting near a cleared area, some leaning against the walls while others were seated onrge stones. Aria was the first to notice him. She stood up, brushing off her robes. "About time," she voiced while crossing her arms with a teasing smile. "Good to see you made it. Thought you might''ve decided to sit this one out," Drask and the others who were unaware of when August arrived at the guild branch had looks of relief upon sighting him. Torin smirked. "Maybe he was scared after that undead knight fiasco." August rolled his eyes while walking toward them. "If I was scared, I wouldn''t have saved your sorry hide, Torin." Torin chuckled, throwing his hands up. "Touch¨¦." Gareth stood, hefting his sword onto his shoulder. "We''ve already burned two hours in-game waiting for you. Let''s move before other parties catch up." "Yeah, yeah, I''m here now," August replied, tightening his gear. "Let''s get to it." The group immediately set off, descending the floors with as much speed as they could muster. The further they went, the more intense the enemies became. Floors 68 and 69 were filled with Chimeric Reavers. The chimeric Rivers wererge beasts with lion heads and serpent tails. Their attacks were powerful and a sweep of their tail packed quite the punch but their teamwork and careful nning allowed them to cut through with rtive ease. [ System Notification: Enemies defeated: Chimeric Reaver 8. EXP gained: 7550. ] The loot was bing noticeably better. Glowing Mana Crystals, Refined Magic Ores, and Obsidian Fragments littered the area, hidden in treasure chests or dropped by enemies. Gareth pocketed a Reinforced Shield te while Drask discovered a Frost-Warded Amulet. "Not bad," Drask muttered, holding the amulet up to the light. "This thing will go for at least 20,000 gold in the auction house." Viora, their cleric, picked up a small vial from the ground. "A minor Divine Elixir. I''ll hold onto this for emergencies."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om August found his own share of loot as well¡ªa Wind-Swept Cloak Fragment that enhanced speed by 10% when worn. He grinned before tucking it away into his inventory. Since he was well aware that he could use everything he found, his extraction would definitely serve him and his business well. As they descended deeper, the traps became more frequent and deadly. On one floor, Drask nearly set off a Mana Bomb Trap, narrowly saved by Aria''s quick thinking. "Drask!" Aria snapped. "Stop charging ahead like a berserker on steroids!" "I *am* a berserker!" Drask shot back with augh. "It''s in the job description!" August snorted while kneeling beside the trap to disarm it. "You''ll get us all killed one of these days, you know." Torin chimed in, "Pretty sure that''s his long-term n." The group shared a briefugh before moving forward. They discovered another rare find¡ªa Teleportation Crystal capable of moving them ten floors up or down instantly. "We''re keeping this for emergencies," Aria dered, pocketing the crystal. "No arguments." "Wasn''t going to argue," August said, raising his hands. "But if you lose it, it''s on you." The moment they reached the 70th floor, they were greeted by a vast, open chamber unlike anything they''d seen so far. The walls were adorned with intricate carvings depicting a story of war and vengeance. It wasn''t an umon sight in the Dungeon. "Alright," Aria said while stopping to take in their surroundings. "This feels... significant." Before anyone could respond, the room darkened, and a shimmering blue light filled the chamber. [ System Notification: Projection detected. Witness the history of the Swordking. ] "Another one of these," Torin muttered, crossing his arms. "Hope it''s better than thest one. Watching a guy cry for twenty minutes isn''t exactly riveting." "Shut up and watch," Gareth elbowed him. The projection materialized into a life-sized scene. The Ancient Swordking stood at the head of a long table as his crown glinted in the torchlight. Hismanders sat around him with their faces grim and resolute. The Swordking''s presence wasmanding. His broad shoulders and shining armor exuded raw power. "Swear your loyalty to me," the Swordkingmanded with a deep and authoritative voice. "Swear it upon your blood, your lives, and your honor. We will avenge my daughter. We will strike down everyst one of them, their families, their kingdoms. No stone will be left unturned." Themanders rose in unison, cing their fists over their hearts. "We swear it, my king." The scene shifted, showing the Swordking pointing to a map. His handnded on a sprawling kingdom marked with an ominous red symbol. "Each of you will lead your armies here. When you arrive, ughter them. Every noble house, every soldier. Leave no one alive." The projection faded as suddenly as it had appeared, leaving the group in silence. "Well," Drask broke the silence, "that guy doesn''t mess around." "That''s an understatement," Viora''s voice tinged with unease as she murmured. "No wonder this dungeon is cursed. Look at the things he''s done." Aria frowned. "We still don''t have the full story. There''s more to this than just revenge." "Yeah," Torin added, "but revenge is clearly a big part of it. Not that I me him. If someone killed my daughter, I''d probably go berserk too." August, who had been quietly watching, spoke up. "There''s more toe. We gotta keep an open mind... Who knows what we''ll find." Aria nodded as her gaze lingered on the fading runes. "Let''s keep moving. If we''re lucky, the next floors will give us more answers¡ªand more loot." As the group ventured further into the seventieth floor, the atmosphere grew heavier. The air was thick with mana, and faint, mythical whispers seemed to echo through the cavernous hallways. The runes on the walls pulsed with an eerie, rhythmic glow, casting flickering shadows across the faces. Viora clutched her staff tighter as her eyes scanned their surroundings. "Does anyone else feel like the dungeon is... watching us?" Torin scoffed. "It''s probably all in your head. Just keep moving." "Maybe it''s because you''ve tripped every other trap we''ve passed," Gareth quipped, smirking as he adjusted his sword on his shoulder. Torin groaned. "You''re never letting that go, are you?" Aria held up a hand. "Focus, everyone. We''re almost at the end of this floor. No distractions." Their journey forward was far from uneventful. The corridor ahead was swarmed with Phantom Beasts, spectral creatures that flickered in and out of visibility. Their movements were erratic, making them difficult to track, but the group coordinated their attacksnding destructive hits on them. [ System Notification: Enemy defeated: Phantom Beast. EXP gained: 950. ] "Keep your attacks steady!" Ariamanded before hurling a ming projectile toward an approaching beast. [ Skill Activated: me Burst ] The fiery explosion consumed the creature, and it let out a piercing shriek before vanishing. August darted between enemies with quick movements quick movements. [ Skill Activated: Dash ] He closed the distance to a beast,nding a decisive strike to its side and severing its core. [ Skill Activated: sh ] The beast dissolved into a swirl of mana, and August grinned as a new system notification appeared about its defeat. Chapter 89 The Blind Mage [ System Notification:* Enemy defeated: Phantom Beast. EXP gained: 950. ] "You''re getting faster, Aleman," Gareth remarked, parrying a beast''s swipe and countering with a crushing blow. "Almost like a proper assassin." "Almost?" August shot back, narrowly dodging another beast''s ws. "I''d like to see you take out three at once." Draskughed heartily, swinging his axe in a wide arc. [ Skill Activated: Cyclone sh.] Two beasts fell under his devastating strike. "Careful, Gareth, or he''ll start calling himself the leader." Torin chuckled as he released a red glowing arrow that pierced through a beast. [ Skill Activated: Precision Shot. ] "We all know Aria''s the leader, so no one needs to inte their ego here." Aria ignored their banter, focusing on directing their efforts. "Viora, keep the healsing! We can''t afford anyone going down." [ System Notification: Party Restored: +150 HP. ] The battle was fierce as always but rewarding. As thest beast fell, the group took a moment to gather their spoils. Among the loot, they found a Spectral Ring that boosted stealth abilities and a Phantom Core. A crafting material highly sought after in auction houses. "Not bad," Aria said before pocketing the ring forter distribution. "Let''s keep moving. The end of the floor should be close." As they approached a massive set of doors at the corridor''s end, the familiar shimmering blue light of a projection appeared. The group froze with their weapons ready, before realizing it was another memory from the Swordking''s past. In the center of the projection stood the Swordking towering and regal in his shimmering armor. Across from him was a blind mage whose eyes were covered with a neatly tied blue cloth. Despite his blindness, the mage''s posture was steady, and his presence exuded wisdom. "Let it go, my king," the mage voiced calmly. "Revenge will not bring her back. Mourn her, honor her memory, but do not allow vengeance to consume you." The Swordking''s expression darkened. "If you had suffered such a loss, would you have let it go?" "Yes," the blind mage answered without hesitation. "For I know that revenge is poison not only to the target but to oneself." "Are you questioning my resolve, Atheron? I wonder where your loyalties lie..." The mage identified as Atheron shook his head. "Never, my king. My loyalty lies with you, as it always has. But loyalty also means speaking the truth. And the truth is that this path leads only to ruin." The Swordking''s armored hand mped down on Atheron''s shoulder. "I trust your wisdom, old friend, but my mind is made up. You will remain here to guard our kingdom while we march to war. Protect the house from any who dare intrude." Atheron inclined his head. "As you wish, my king. I swear upon my life." The projection faded, leaving the group in stunned silence. - "Well, that was... intense," Viora said with a slightly shaky voice. "He trusted that mage. But..." "He clearly ignored his advice," Aria''s brows furrowed. "Atheron seemed wise, yet the Swordking was too blinded by rage to listen." Torin leaned on his bow. "Makes you wonder what happened to Atheron after the Swordking left." "Something tells me we''re about to find out," Drask muttered while nodding toward the massive doors ahead. August, who had been quietly observing, tightened his grip on his daggers. "We''ve seen enough of these projections to know one thing: anyone who stands in the Swordking''s way ends up... twisted." "Then let''s be ready for anything," Gareth said before stepping forward. He pushed against the heavy doors, and they groaned open, revealing a vast, dimly lit chamber. The group entered cautiously with their weapons drawn. The room was enormous, with a high ceiling adorned with faintly glowing runes. In the center, floating above the ground, was Atheron. His once wise andposed demeanor was reced with an ominous aura. His body was surrounded by a swirling haze of corrupted mana. His level hovered above his head¡ªLevel 45. "That... doesn''t look good," Viora whispered while gripping her staff tightly.N?v(el)B\\jnn Aria''s eyes widened. "Atheron... He''s corrupted. Whatever happened to him after the Swordking left must''ve broken him." The mage''s head tilted slightly, as though sensing their presence despite his blindness. "Who dares disturb the sanctity of this ce?" His voice echoed unnaturally,yered with a deep, menacing tone. "Shit," Torin muttered. "He''s strong. His level''s way above ours." August checked his stats with a look of discontent. At Level 29 he was still behind the rest of the group, and facing someone like Atheron would be no easy task. Atheron raised a hand, and the room trembled. [ Skill Activated: Arcane Grasp. ] Dark tendrils of mana shot out from the ground,shing toward the group. "Move!" Aria yelled, casting a protective barrier just in time to block one of the tendrils. [ Spell Activated: Arcane Barrier. ] August dashed forward, narrowly avoiding another tendril. [ Skill Activated: Dash. ] "This is going to be a nightmare." Drask grinned, hefting his axe. "Nightmare or not, we have to take him down." As Atheron''s corrupted mana swirled around the room, the group braced themselves for one of their toughest battles yet. They all charged towards him recklessly, ready to unleash their powerful attacks. However, the air inside the massive chamber grew heavier as Atheron raised his staff. His voice echoed with a haunting distortion,yered with despair and rage. "I must... must... keep the kingdom safe from intruders! Yes, intruders!" His staff pulsed with dark energy, and swirling tendrils of shadow began gathering above him. Aria''s eyes widened in rm. "He''s charging something huge! Spread out now!" Before anyone could react, Atheron''s staff surged with ckened energy, and a booming chant escaped his lips. [ Skill Activated: Abyssal Cataclysm. ] A wave of darkness erupted from his staff, spreading across the entire room. [ System Notification: You have been hit by Abyssal Cataclysm. HP -3,200. ] The group screamed as the force sent them flying into the walls. Bang! Bang! Bang! August, however, only slid backward by a couple of steps after activating Arcane Shield at thest minute. His feet dug into the stone floor to brace himself. A glowing notification shed before his eyes: [ System Notification: Title Sovereign of Anti-Darkness activated. +40% Resistance Against Dark-Type Enemies. ] Although his Arcane Shield had absorbed some of the impact and shattered, his resistance was what truly saved him. It left him standing while the others struggled to recover. Torin, coughing and gripping his bow, gawked at August. "How the hell are you still on your feet?" "Title perks," August said simply. His daggers glowed faintly as he readied his next move. "We don''t have time to chat. Focus on him!" August chanted quickly causing energy to crackle around him. [ Skill Activated: Ethereal Storm. ] A torrent of glowing, ethereal shards materialized around Atheron, striking him in rapid session. [ System Notification: Ethereal Storm Activated ] [ Damage dealt: Sovereign of Anti-Darkness bonus: +20% damage. Total damage: 1200. ] Atheron reeled from the attack as his HP bar dipped slightly, though it was still well above 19,000. Drask, regaining his footing, roared as he leapt forward with his axe. [ Skill Activated: Crushing Blow ] His attack connected with Atheron in mid-air causing him to stagger slightly. [ System Notification: Crushing Blow hits Atheron. Damage dealt: 300. ] "Fuck! how does he have this much durability?" Chapter 90 Strange Fruit Gareth followed up with a precise strike from his sword. [ Skill Activated: de Rush. ] His attack barely scratched Atheron, whose defensive aura absorbed much of the impact. [ System Notification: de Rush hits Atheron. Damage dealt: 250. ] Viora stayed behind, glowing with mana as she cast a healing spell. [ Skill Activated: Group Heal. HP +1,000 restored to all party members.] Atheron''s expression twisted into a grimace as he regained control mid-air. His staff spun rapidly in his hand before he pointed it downward. "You shall not defile this ce!" [ Skill Activated: Shadow Spires. ] Dark, pointy spires erupted from the ground, homing in on the group. "Move!" Aria screamed, narrowly avoiding a spire that cracked the stone floor where she had just stood. [ System Notification: Shadow Spires hit Drask. HP -2,500. ] Drask groaned while falling to one knee as Viora rushed to heal him. Atheron floated higher, evading a volley of arrows from Torin. [ Skill Activated: Arcane Glide. ] His dark aura seemed to amplify as heughed maniacally. "Why do you resist? You are but intruders who defile the sacred kingdom! You shall die here!" August dashed forward, using his speed to close the gap. [ Skill Activated: Dash. ] He flung a dagger directly at Atheron, aiming for his chest. [ System Notification:*Dagger Throw hits Atheron. Damage dealt: 650. ] The attacknded, but Atheron barely flinched, turning his gaze toward August. "A mere gnat dares challenge me?" Atheron retaliated with [ Skill Activated: Abyssal Chains. ] Dark chains erupted from his staff,tching onto August and draining his HP. [ System Notification: Abyssal Chains. HP -400. Movement speed reduced by 25%. ] August gritted his teeth, struggling to move. Despite his title cutting down most of the damage, it was still quite substantial. "Gah!" Drask charged forward with his axe held high and swung it down at the dark chains binding August in ce. His axe instantly cleaved through the chains, freeing August. "Thanks," August stated while Aria hurled a massive fireball at Atheron. [ Skill Activated: me Cascade. ] The fireball exploded on impact, causing significant damage. [ System Notification: me Cascade hits Atheron. Damage dealt: 500. ] As Atheron''s HP dipped below 10,000, his dark aura grew more unstable. "You leave me no choice. If you will not fall, I shall destroy you myself!" He cast a devastating spell, [ Skill Activated: Dark Tempest. ] A swirling vortex of shadow energy filled the chamber, forcing the group to take cover. [ System Notification: Dark Tempest. All party members HP -1,800. ] August lost only about 1000 instead of the full amount but nevertheless, it was still a substantial loss. "Damn it!" Torin shouted while chugging a health potion. [ HP +1,500 restored. ] "This guy''s relentless!" "Keep at it!" Aria shouted. "We''re wearing him down. Viora, keep healing!" August activated stealth and dashed around the surroundings. Leaping towards a protrusion on the wall and using it to catapult himself further in Aetheron''s direction, August used [ Skill Activated: Hidden Strike ] Appearing behind Atheron, hended a critical hit to the mage''s back. [ System Notification: Hidden Strike critical hit. Damage dealt: 1800. ] The blind mage staggered, causing him to float downward for a bit. "Keep the pressure on him!" Gareth called before striking Atheron with a powerful sh. [ Skill Activated: de Barrage. ] Others also let their attacks rain down while he was at a height where they could reach. His armor still absorbed most of the impact but there was only so much that armor could do in the face of continuous hits. Atheron''s HP was now below 5,000. His movements became erratic, and he began casting multiple spells simultaneously. [ Skill Activated: Void Orbs. ] Dark orbs materialized and chased the group. August narrowly dodged one, while Aria destroyed another with a well-timed fireball. [ System Notification: Void Orb destroyed. ] Finally, August saw an opening. [ Skill Activated: Ethereal Storm. ] Just like before, ethereal shards pummeled Atheron, leaving him vulnerable. [ System Notification: Ethereal Storm hits Atheron. Damage dealt: 2,000. ] "Finish him!" Aria yelled. Drask leapt into the air before bringing his axe down with all his might. [ Skill Activated: Cleaving Strike! ] [ System Notification:** Cleaving Strike critical hit. Damage dealt: 700. ] Atheron let out a final, guttural scream as his HP hit zero. His dark aura dissipated, and he crumpled to the ground, lifeless. [ System Notification: Boss defeated - Atheron the Corrupted Mage. EXP +40,000. Party loot acquired. ] As the group caught their breath, the room began to shimmer. Loot materialized, including rare mana crystals, a spell tome, and a powerful amulet. Torin pped August on the shoulder. "That magic of yours really came through." The darkness that had once engulfed Aetheron''s form began to dissipate at this moment, peeling away in ghostly tendrils until nothing remained of its corruption. Suddenly, a translucent blue astral form began to rise from Atheron''s lifeless body, floating gently in the air. It was Atheron, or rather, what was left of his true essence. The group froze, unsure of what to do as the spirit looked at them with serene, almost grateful eyes. Without warning, the surroundings shifted once again. The air shimmered, and a projection sprang to life around them, showing the mage in his final days. In the vision, Atheron stood firm within a massive throne room. Around him were countless enemies, storming the kingdom walls and surging toward the pce.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om Despite their numbers, Atheron''s power was on full disy. His staff twirled, unleashing devastating waves of magic that turned the invaders into ash. However, their focus was not solely on destruction. At the center of the pce, floating ominously in a swirl of shadowy energy, was a dark-looking fruit, pulsating as though it had a life of its own. "What is that?" Aria murmured with a look of unease. The projection flickered and faded before they could see what happened next, leaving only silence. The astral form of Atheron turned to them and smiled faintly. "Grant my king peace," his voice resonated with a mixture of regret and hope. "I''m counting on you..." His form dissipated, scattering into tiny orbs of light that floated upward and disappeared into the ether. As the room settled, a distinct chime echoed through the air. [ System Notification: Loot dropped: Staff of the Voidseer, C-Tier Magic Card (Atheron''s Shadow Pulse), Shadow Crystal ¡Á2, Ancient Rune Fragment ¡Á1, Mana Crystal ¡Á3, Gold ¡Á400. ] The group immediately went into action, inspecting the dropped items and discussing their distribution. Aria picked up the Staff of the Voidseer. Its intricate carvings glowed faintly with dark mana. "This... is powerful," she voiced in astonishment. "It increases dark-type spell damage by 25%. It''ll help in the next levels." Torin chuckled. "Of course, the mage gets the staff. Lucky you." August reached down and retrieved the C-Tier Magic Cardbeled Atheron''s Shadow Pulse. He inspected it briefly. [ C-Tier Magic Card: Atheron''s Shadow Pulse ] <[ Description: Grants the spell "Shadow Pulse," which sends a wave of concentrated dark energy at enemies. Cooldown: 15 seconds. ]> He decided to keep it in his inventory for now. There would be time to decideter whether or not to unlock it. "I''ll hold onto this," he said before slipping it into his storage. Drask picked up the Shadow Crystals as his eyes gleamed. "These will sell for a fortune at the auction house." Gareth took the Ancient Rune Fragment, which he imed could likely be used to craft something powerfulter. Viora split the Mana Crystals evenly among herself, Aria, and Torin, given their heavy reliance on magic and ranged attacks. The remaining Gold was divided evenly among all six members, with each receiving approximately 67 gold. As they gathered the loot, August turned to Aria. "What do you think that fruit was in the projection? It looked... ominous." Aria frowned while gripping the staff tightly. "I don''t know. But if it''s tied to the Swordking, it might be the key to understanding his madness." "Or it''s the reason for it," Gareth added darkly. "I mean, did you see how much effort Atheron put into protecting it? That wasn''t just a regr fruit." Torin scoffed, adjusting his bow. "If we find it, it better be worth something. I didn''te all this way just for a history lesson." Drask grinned, pping Torin on the back. "Rx. We''ll probably be fighting over who gets to keep it when we find it." Aria''s gaze lingered on the spot where Atheron''s astral form had disappeared. "Whatever it is, we need to be prepared. If Atheron was this corrupted by the end, I don''t want to imagine what lies ahead." August nodded with a grim look. "Then let''s not waste any more time." The group approached the newly revealed doorway at the far end of the chamber. As they stepped through, the air grew noticeably colder, and the ancient aura of the dungeon seemed to press even heavier on their shoulders. [ System Notification: ess granted to Floor 71. ] As they descended deeper into the dungeon, August reflected on Atheron''s final words. ''Grant my king peace.'' It was a plea, not just for them to conquer the dungeon, but perhaps to end the torment of the Swordking himself. He couldn''t shake the image of the dark fruit in the projection. ''Could it be the rumored Fruit of Sin?'' he wondered. Chapter 91 Petty Rivalry August couldn''t shake the image of the dark fruit in the projection. ''Could it be the rumored Fruit of Sin?'' he wondered. If it truly existed, its power was likely beyond anything they could imagine. Aria nced at him as they walked. "You''re awfully quiet. Something on your mind?" August shrugged while adjusting the straps on his gear. "Just thinking about that fruit from the projection." Aria hesitated. "It might be the fruit of sin. But if it is, we''ll have to be ready for whatever''s guarding it. Something like that... it won''te easy." Torin, overhearing, snorted. "If it''s the Fruit of Sin, we''ll have to deal with every other party in this dungeon trying to take it from us too. Maybe we should focus on the Swordking''s legacy instead." "Let theme," Drask said confidently. "We''ll take them out just like we did thest group." Viora gave a nervousugh. "Let''s just hope it doesn''te to that." ... ... The air was thick with mana as three yers made their way down the corridors of the 47th floor in the Ancient Swordking''s Dungeon. Their strides were purposeful, their movements efficient, and their expressions exuded an air of unshakable confidence. Each of them carried an aura that made the weaker monsters lurking in the shadows cower before they could even strike. Leading the group was Ragnar Bloodspire, a towering warrior with a crimson cape fluttering behind him. His imposing frame was d in enchanted steel armor that gleamed even in the low light, and his enormous sword, Bloodfang, rested on his back. Above his head floated his level: 47. Walking beside him was Selene Darkme, a slender mage dressed in a ck robe trimmed with shimmering violet runes. Her long, silver hair cascaded down her back, and her piercing amethyst eyes glowed faintly, matching the magic staff she held in her right hand. Her level was 41, and despite Ragnar being the technical leader of their party, she often seemed to be the one in control. Thest of the trio was Darius Voidstrider, a Level 39 assassin who kept mostly to the shadows. His dark leather armor blended seamlessly with the dungeon''s murky surroundings, and his twin daggers seemed to absorb light rather than reflect it. A sly grin often yed on his face, betraying a dangerous mixture of cunning and confidence. Two other guild members followed behind them: Kael Ironw (Level 37, Berserker) and Luna Nightsong (Level 36, Ranger), but they were clearly here to support rather than lead. "Keep up," Ragnar barked with his deep voice reverberating off the dungeon walls as he turned to look at Kael and Lunagging behind. "We''re not here to babysit." "We''re not slowing you down, boss," Kael shot back while tightening his grip on his axe. "Just don''t want to rush into one of those traps you keep triggering." Ragnar growled but said nothing, which earned a quiet smirk from Selene. She turned her glowing eyes on Kael. "If you spent half as much time watching the path as you do running your mouth, we''d already be on the 50th floor." Kael grumbled something under his breath but quickened his pace, while Luna silently scanned the walls with her bow drawn. Her keen eyes searched for any signs of traps. Darius, who had been scouting ahead, suddenly appeared in front of them, emerging from the shadows as though he had materialized out of thin air. "Clear path up ahead. Couple of beast-types, nothing worth breaking a sweat over." [ System Notification: Darius Voidstrider has activated Shadow Step. Cooldown: 5 seconds. ] "Good," Selene stated. "We need to make up for the time wasted on thest floor. Ragnar, try not to attract too much attention this time." Ragnar let out a shortugh, unsheathing Bloodfang with a metallic hiss. "Attract attention? That''s the point, Selene. If something''s stupid enough to get in my way, it deserves to die." Selene sighed but didn''t argue. Instead, she gestured with her staff as her amethyst eyes scanned the corridor ahead. "Just don''t get us killed." As they turned a corner, the ground trembled slightly, and two massive beasts emerged from a side chamber. The creatures were hulking monstrosities resembling armored rhinos, with glowing red eyes and pointy horns that crackled with electricity. [ System Notification: Thunderhorn Behemoth (Level 27) ¡Á2 HP: 15,000 each ] Ragnar cracked his knuckles and grinned. "Finally, something worth hitting." Before anyone could respond, he charged forward with a roar, bringing Bloodfang down in a devastating arc. [ System Notification: Ragnar Bloodspire has activated Crimson Cleave. 4,500 Damage dealt to Thunderhorn Behemoth. ] One of the beasts bellowed in pain but retaliated with a headlong charge as its horn crackled with lightning. Ragnar sidestepped at thest second causing the creature to narrowly miss him and m into the dungeon wall. "Reckless as always," Selene muttered while raising her staff. She chanted softly, and a swirling vortex of violet energy formed above the second Thunderhorn Behemoth. [ System Notification: Selene Darkme has cast Gravity Well. Movement speed of Thunderhorn Behemoth reduced by 50%. ] The beast roared in frustration, struggling against the gravitational pull, but Selene''s expression remained calm and unyielding. Darius darted forward with his daggers gleaming. "Let me carve this one up for you, Selene." [ System Notification: Darius Voidstrider has activated Twin Fang Strike. 3,200 Damage dealt to Thunderhorn Behemoth. ] Kael and Luna joined the fray with Kaelnding a heavy blow on the beast Ragnar had already damaged while Luna''s arrows found their mark on the other. [ System Notification: Kael Ironw has activated Bonecrusher Smash. 4,000 Damage dealt to Thunderhorn Behemoth. ] [ System Notification: Luna Nightsong has activated Piercing Arrow. 2,500 Damage dealt to Thunderhorn Behemoth. ] "Focus your attacks!" Selene voice cut through the chaos as she ordered. "Don''t waste time splitting damage." Ragnar smirked but followed her lead, directing his next series of strikes at the weakened beast. Thebined assault quickly whittled down its HP until it copsed with a deafening thud. [ System Notification: Thunderhorn Behemoth (Level 27) has been defeated. ] The second Thunderhorn Behemoth, still struggling against Selene''s Gravity Well, roared in defiance and unleashed a wave of crackling electricity that filled the chamber. [ System Notification: Thunderhorn Behemoth has activated Thunder Surge. 3,000 AoE Damage dealt to all yers within range. ] Everyone''s HP dropped to an extent, but Selene was quick to cast a protective barrier. [ System Notification: Selene Darkme has cast Protective Shield. Iing damage reduced by 40% for 10 seconds. ] "Darius, now!" Selenemanded as her eyes glowed brighter. Darius nodded, disappearing into the shadows before reappearing behind the creature. His daggers plunged into its neck with precision, striking a critical point. [ System Notification: Darius Voidstrider has activated Shadow Laceration. 5,200 Critical Damage dealt to Thunderhorn Behemoth. ] The beast let out one final roar before copsing with a massive thud. [ System Notification: Thunderhorn Behemoth (Level 42) has been defeated. ] [ System Notification: Loot dropped: Thunderhorn te ¡Á2, Lightning Core ¡Á1, Gold ¡Á200. ] Selene inspected the items with a sharp gaze. "The te will go to Ragnar for crafting, and I''ll take the Lightning Core for spell enhancement." "Agreed," Ragnar said before sheathing his sword. "But we need to move. We''ve already wasted enough time." Darius smirked while twirling one of his daggers. "Don''t worry, boss. At this rate, we''ll be at the final floor before anyone else." Selene shot him a look. "Don''t get cocky. We don''t know what''s waiting for us down there." As the group resumed their descent, the tension in the air grew heavier, but their determination remained unshaken. For the Devil''s Chamber Guild, this was more than just a quest¡ªit was their chance to make a name for themselves in the world of Enders Light.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om ... ... In the dim corridors of the 67th floor, another party from Phoenix Celestial Guild was moving at breakneck speed. The group consisted of five yers, each an experienced adventurer with a clear goal in mind: get to thest floor of the dungeon first. At the front was Serena ckthorn, their leader and a Level 37 Sorceress. She was tall, elegant, and radiated authority, with fiery red hair tied into a tight braid and piercing green eyes that seemed to burn with ambition. Her staff, glowing with runic etchings, pulsed faintly as she led her group forward. Behind her was Thane Ironsoul, a Level 36 Guardian who carried an enormous tower shield and a hammer that looked like it could level mountains. His hulking frame made him an excellent tank, but his constant grumbling showed that he wasn''t thrilled about Serena''s breakneck pace. "Can we slow down for half a second?" Thane asked while swatting away a small swarm of flying beasts with a single swing of his hammer. "Not all of us are trying to kill ourselves to beat Aria, you know." Serena shot him a re over her shoulder. "If you can''t keep up, maybe you shouldn''t have joined this party, Thane. I need people who aremitted." "Committed to what? A petty rivalry?" he muttered but kept walking. Chapter 92 Tier Two Qualification "Enough," snapped Lyra Duskbane, their Level 35 Ranger. Her sharp features and raven-ck hair gave her a menacing appearance. "If we want to win, we can''t waste time bickering. Let''s just keep moving." Bringing up the rear were Jax Stonefang, a Level 34 Berserker, and Eve Starwhisper, a Level 36 Cleric. Jax grinned wolfishly as he hefted his battleaxe, clearly enjoying the pace, while Eve remained quiet with her hands sped tightly around her glowing staff.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om The group entered a cavernous chamber filled with massive stone pirs that seemed to reach into infinity. Strange, luminescent moss coated the walls, casting an eerie green light across the room. In the center stood a pack ofrge beasts resembling wolves but with molten rock for fur and glowing yellow eyes. [ System Notification: Lavafang Alpha (Level 35) ¡Á1 Lavafang Minion (Level 34) ¡Á5 ] Serena smirked. "These fools will barely slow us down. Jax, Thane, you''re up. Lyra, cover them. Eve, keep everyone alive." Jax let out a battle cry while charging forward with reckless abandon. "Finally, something to smash!" [ System Notification:* Jax Stonefang has activated Raging Strike. 2,000 Damage dealt to Lavafang Minion. ] The beast yelped as Jax''s axe cleaved into its side, but the others lunged forward to retaliate. Thane stepped in front, mming his shield into the ground. [ System Notification: Thane Ironsoul has activated Bulwark of the Iron Wall. All damage reduced by 40% for 10 seconds. ] "Is that all you''ve got?" Thane taunted as the Lavafangs'' fiery ws scraped harmlessly against his shield. Meanwhile, Lyra climbed onto one of the pirs with her bowstring taut. "I''ll make this quick." [ System Notification: Lyra Duskbane has activated Piercing Volley. 1,200 Damage dealt to all Lavafang Minions. ] The arrows struck true, piercing through the beasts'' molten hides. Serena wasted no time, raising her staff as a fiery aura surrounded her. [ System Notification: Serena ckthorn has cast Infernal ze. 6,500 AoE Damage dealt to all enemies. ] The Lavafang Minions copsed in fiery heaps, leaving only the Alpha standing. The massive beast howled as its molten fur red brighter while it lunged at Serena. Thane intercepted, blocking the attack with his shield, but the force sent him skidding back several feet. "Eve, now!" Serena shouted. Eve stepped forward and chanted a healing spell with her melodic voice. [ System Notification: Eve Starwhisper has cast Radiant Light. Party members restored by 5,000 HP. ] Jax leaped onto the Alpha''s back, driving his axe into its neck with a triumphant roar. [ System Notification: Jax Stonefang has activated Decapitating Blow. 7,000 Damage dealt to Lavafang Alpha. ] The Alpha let out a loud growl before copsing as its molten body hardened into stone. [ System Notification: Lavafang Alpha (Level 38) defeated. ] "Easy," Jax voiced while chuckling in triumph. "We''re tearing through this ce." "Because I''m leading," Serena said smugly, inspecting the loot that had dropped. [ Loot Acquired: Lava Core ¡Á3, Obsidian Shard ¡Á5, Gold ¡Á150. ] Serena pocketed the Lava Cores while distributing the rest among the party. "Let''s keep moving. We can''t afford to let Aria get ahead." Thane crossed his arms. "Do you ever stop to think about how petty this is?" "Petty?" Serena''s eyes narrowed. "Do you have any idea how long she''s been unting her little victories in front of me? Always acting like she''s better than me. Well, not this time." "Aria probably doesn''t even care about you," Lyra muttered under her breath. "What was that?" Serena snapped. "Nothing," Lyra replied innocently. Eve sighed. "We all want to clear this dungeon. Let''s focus on that instead of your personal vendettas." Serena huffed but said nothing more while leading the group deeper into the dungeon. ... ... August and the others trudged cautiously through the 91st floor of the Ancient Swordking''s Dungeon. The corridors pulsed faintly with red and blue hues, casting eerie shadows along the cracked stone walls. Every so often, the echoes of distant growls reverberated. Aria led the group with her staff glowing faintly, illuminating the path ahead. "That makes threemanders so far," she muttered with both exhaustion and determination. "If this pattern holds, we''ll face another one at floor 100." Drask swung his massive axe over his shoulder. "Well, they''re not making this easy for us, that''s for sure. What was thatst one? A damn swordsman with mes shooting out of his strikes?" Torin smirked. "You mean the one who nearly sent you flying out of your boots? Yeah, I remember him." Viora giggled softly, adjusting her cleric robes. "Let''s not forget I''m the one keeping you alive, Drask." Drask grunted. "And I thank you for it every time." As they moved, August opened his yer Status Panel to review his progress. The fight against the corruptedmander on the 90th floor had pushed him to Level 30, and he''d noticed two new skills had been unlocked. --- << yer Status Panel >> Name: Aleman ss: Assassin/Mage Title: Sovereign of Anti-Darkness Level: 30 EXP: 10,500/1,150,000 HP: 15,200/15,200 MP: 9,000/9,000 Gold: 20,120 Skills: - Shadow Dance (Assassin) - Stealth (Assassin) - Hidden Strike (Assassin) - Dash (Assassin) [Level 3] - Lightning Bolt (Mage) - Arcane Shield (Mage) - Ethereal Storm (Custom Mage) - Phantom Splice (Assassin) [New] - Wind Surge (Mage) [New] Inventory: - Enhanced Dagger - Custom Staff - Cloak of Echoes (Bound) - Shadow Cloak - Minor Health Amulet - Phantom Boots - Devil Fang Daggers - Mana Crystals ¡Á5 - Health Potions ¡Á6 - Mana Potions ¡Á7 - Wind-Swept Cloak Fragment - Enchanted Mirror ... --- [ System Notification: You Have Acquired Two New Skills ] - Phantom Splice (Assassin): Instantly create a clone that can use up to 30% of your abilities. Cooldown: 1 minute. - Wind Surge (Mage): Instantly sends out a wave of powerful wind in any direction of your choice. Cooldown: 2 minutes. --- As he scanned the details, another notification shed. [ System Notification: You Have Qualified for Tier 2 Magic and Assassin Skills Test. ] [ Pass Tier 2 Test to Unlock Tier 2 Magic and Skills. ] "What the¡­" August muttered to himself while raising an eyebrow. The others turned to look at him. "What''s wrong?" Aria asked with a look of concern. August shook his head. "Nothing major. Just got notified that I qualify for Tier 2 Magic, but I can''t take the test while we''re in the dungeon." "Woah... I haven''t even qualified yet and I have a higher level," Aria voiced in disbelief. "Yeah man that''s really a big deal," Torin inputted. Gareth chuckled. "Those tests aren''t easy though..." "No, they''re not... Still, not everyone gets the chance to take them. They are only a handful of tier-two yers in the game," Aria voiced in reverence. As they marched forward, they continued to speak on this topic while keeping their eyes peeled for enemies. The walls of the 91st floor seemed darker, almost oppressive. Soon they reached an area with ancient carvings along the walls that glowed faintly, telling fragmented stories of the Swordking''s past. Such a sight was no longer umon but still, the group paused briefly before a particrlyrge mural. Aria studied the carvings. "This¡­ this looks like the story of how the Swordking fell into darkness." The mural depicted a once-proud king holding a glowing fruit high above his head. Around him, his kingdom burned as shadowy figures with cruel smiles watched from the distance. His people were shown kneeling, chained, and broken. Chapter 93 The Mysterious Solo Player Viora frowned. "That fruit¡­ Could it be the Fruit of Sin?" "It must be," Torin said. "It''s what everyone is after." Drask pointed to another part of the mural. "Look, there. The Swordking''smanders¡­ they''re kneeling in front of him. Swearing loyalty even after everything fell apart." August narrowed his eyes. "That exins why we''ve been fighting corruptedmanders every ten floors. They followed him into the abyss." Aria nodded. "And we''ll likely face more the deeper we go." The group continued their descent, battling fierce beasts that grew stronger with each passing floor. On the 91st floor alone, they encountered mutated wolves with obsidian fur and glowing red eyes, shadowy wraiths that drained health on contact, and towering stone golems immune to physical attacks. [ System Notification: Mutated Wolf (Level 35) defeated. 15,000 EXP gained. ] [ System Notification: Shadow Wraith (Level 36) defeated. 18,000 EXP gained. ] [ System Notification: Stone Golem (Level 38) defeated. 25,000 EXP gained. ] With each fight, they grew more exhausted, but the loot and experience were worth it. As they approached the final stretch of the 91st floor, the group spotted a faint glow in the distance¡ªa treasure chest, seemingly unguarded. "Too easy," Gareth muttered. "It''s obviously a trap." "I agree," August said. "Let''s tread carefully." Sure enough, as they neared the chest, the ground trembled. A massive stone b slid away, revealing a hidden staircase leading down. [ System Notification: ess to the 92nd floor unlocked. ] Aria raised an eyebrow. "No boss on this floor? That''s strange." "Maybe they''re saving the worst for thest," Viora said uneasily. "Or maybe," August added, "they''re just lulling us into a false sense of security." The group began their descent to the 92nd floor, knowing the challenges ahead would only grow more daunting. August paused as they went ahead upon noticing a small gleam at the corner of his eyes. He spotted something and moved towards the edge of the wall and floor to pick it up. "Hmm? A key?" He muttered as information about the key popped up. [ System Notification: Unknown Key Acquired ] "That''s very informative..." August muttered with a dissatisfied look. "Aleman, youing?" Aria''s voice called out from up ahead. "Yeah yeah... One second," August swiftly pocketed the key and went ahead to join them. ... ... ... A lone figure treaded confidently through the eerie hallways of the 70th floor of the Ancient Swordking''s Dungeon. His steps were slow but deliberate, each footfall reverberating through the ancient stone. The red glow of his sword, strapped to his back, pulsed faintly, casting an ominous light around him. His long, white hair flowed freely beneath the warrior helmet that masked his face, concealing his identity from any who might encounter him. Above his head, his level was hidden, reced with "???", leaving even the dungeon''s system uncertain of his full strength. The creatures lurking in the shadows, massive beasts with razor-sharp fangs and molten eyes, began to approach him. However, before they coulde within ten feet, they copsed. [ System Notification:* Beast of me (Level 30) has been afflicted by Overwhelming Aura. -10,000 HP per second. ] The ground cracked beneath the beasts as if the very weight of his presence crushed them. Their health bars drained rapidly, leaving them lifeless in mere moments. The system automatically distributed the experience to him, but he didn''t even spare a nce at the loot that dropped. [ System Notification: Beast of me defeated. 12,000 EXP gained. ] [ System Notification: Giant Direwolf (Level 32) defeated. 14,500 EXP gained. ] [ System Notification: Loot automatically distributed. ] As he continued, the walls began to tremble. Abination of growls, roars, and guttural snarls echoed from the end of the corridor. Momentster, a pack of massive beasts emerged¡ªnearly a dozen of them. These creatures, each towering over twelve feet tall, bared their fangs and ws as they charged toward him. Their names hovered in the air: [ System Notification: Raging Behemoth (Level 35) ¡Á6 Ironhide Titan (Level 37) ¡Á4 ] The ground beneath his feet began to quake as the horde approached. Their sheer mass shook the floor. But the lone figure didn''t flinch. He stretched forth his hand with his fingers spreading apart as he uttered a single word: "Anti-gravity." [ System Notification: Tier 2 Magic Activated: Anti-Gravity Field. ] The effects were immediate. The beasts that were mid-charge were suddenly yanked upward as though invisible hands had seized them. Their monstrous bodies twisted unnaturally, their limbs iling as they were hurled into the air. Some smashed into the dungeon ceiling with so much force that their massive frames got embedded into the stone above, while others were flung into the walls leaving their bodies half-buried in the jagged rock. [ System Notification: Raging Behemoth afflicted by Anti-Gravity Field. Movement restricted. HP reduced by 8,000. ] [ System Notification: Ironhide Titan afflicted by Anti-Gravity Field. Gravity increased 10x. Unable to move. HP reduced by 12,000. ] Several creatures were mmed back into the ground with tremendous force, their faces buried into the floor as their health bars rapidly depleted. [ System Notification: Raging Behemoth defeated ¡Á4. 18,000 EXP gained. ] [ System Notification: Ironhide Titan defeated ¡Á7. 22,000 EXP gained. ] [ System Notification: Loot automatically distributed. ] The lone figure lowered his hand, dismissing the spell as though it were nothing. He stepped over the crushed remains of the beasts as he continued forward. His stride was as calm and unhurried as ever. It wasn''t just his magic that was extraordinary; even his equipment was unmatched. The sword on his back wasn''t just any weapon. Its name glowed faintly in the system logs: "Crimson Doomde (Rare Artifact)." Though he hadn''t drawn it yet, the mere aura it emitted seemed to drain the life of any who darede close.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om As he reached the end of the floor, another swarm of enemies appeared. This time, it was a group of winged serpents that slithered out of the cracks in the walls with scales that shimmered like molten gold. [ System Notification: Goldwing Serpent (Level 36) ¡Á8. ] The serpents screeched and lunged at him, but before they could evene close, a pulse of energy rippled out from the Doomde. [ System Notification: Passive Skill Activated: Crimson Aura. Nearby enemies lose 15% HP per second. ] Chapter 94 Sword Intent The serpents hissed in agony as their health bars dropped rapidly. Their attacks grew sluggish until they fell to the ground, lifeless. [ System Notification: Goldwing Serpent defeated ¡Á8. 19,000 EXP gained. ] [ System Notification: Loot automatically distributed. ] Without breaking a sweat, the mysterious figure descended to the 71st floor. The atmosphere here grew darker, with a heavy sense of dread hanging in the air. The walls pulsed faintly with a red glow, and the faint sound of whispers echoed in the distance. The man paused for a moment, ncing down the long corridor before him. His deep and calm voice broke the silence. "The Fruit of Sin... I must make sure it doesn''t fall into the hands of anyone." With that, he moved forward, letting the red glow of his Doomde light the way. ... ... The hundredth floor of the Ancient Swordking''s Dungeon loomed ominously as August and the others stepped into its massive, cathedral-like chamber. The walls shimmered faintly with the glow of embedded mana crystals, and the air was thick with an oppressive aura of ancient power. Ahead of them stood a battalion of knights d in glowing ck armor. Their swords radiated an eerie white glow. Aria stepped forward, gripping her staff tightly. "Be careful. Those aren''t ordinary swords. That glow¡­ it''s sword intent." Torin groaned. "Sword intent? You mean the stuff that slices through anything? Great. Just when I thought this couldn''t get any worse." [ System Notification: You Have Entered the Hundredth Floor of the Ancient Swordking''s Dungeon. ] [ Warning: Enemies on this floor wield Sword Intent capable of bypassing most defenses. Proceed with caution. ] The knights didn''t wait for pleasantries. As soon as they detected the group''s presence, the first wave charged forward with terrifying speed. "Here theye!" Drask roared while swinging his axe with both hands as the first knight lunged toward him. The sh of metal echoed throughout the chamber as the knight''s glowing sword cut clean through the haft of Drask''s axe. "What the¡ª!" Drask stumbled back, narrowly avoiding a follow-up sh. "It cut through my axe like it was paper!" [ System Notification: Drask''s Berserker Axe (Durability: 0%) is broken. ] Aria reacted swiftly, casting zing Congration to create a wall of fire between them and the advancing knights. "Fall back! We need to regroup and figure out how to deal with them!" [ System Notification: Aria casts zing Congration. Enemies take continuous fire damage: -1,200 HP per second. ] The fire slowed the knights but didn''t stop them. One stepped through the mes with its armor glowing red-hot but unyielding. It shed its de downward toward August. "Not today!" August yelled while activating Dash to sidestep the attack. He countered with Hidden Strike, driving his dagger into the knight''s exposed neck. [ System Notification: Aleman uses Dash. Cooldown: 5 seconds. ] [ System Notification: Aleman uses Hidden Strike. Critical Hit! -2,200 HP. ] The knight staggered but didn''t fall. August''s eyes widened. "They''re tougher than the usual ones!" Gareth stepped in, mming his shield into the knight''s chest to knock it back. "Focus on one at a time! Don''t let them surround us!" Another knight charged forward. Its de glowed brighter as it swung toward Viora. She raised her shield of light in defense, only for the de to slice clean through it. [ System Notification: Viora''s Divine Aegis (Cleric) is nullified by Sword Intent. ] [ Warning: Sword Intent ignores magical and physical defenses. ] "Are you kidding me?" Viora cried out before rolling to the side as the de narrowly missed her. August tried using Arcane Shield, but the knight''s next sh tore through it with ease, sending him sprawling to the ground. His HP bar plummeted. [ System Notification: Aleman Arcane Shield is broken. Damage taken: -4,500 HP. ] [ System Notification: HP: 10,700/15,200. ] "Damn it!" August gritted his teeth. His Basic Armor was doing little to mitigate the damage. Every hit felt like a truck mming into him. Aria shouted, "We have to focus on evasion! Don''t rely on shields or armor¡ªthey''re useless here!" Torin climbed onto a broken pir for a better vantage point before drawing his bow. "If defense is useless, we''ll just have to attack harder!" He let loose a volley of arrows, aiming for the gaps in the knights'' armor. [ System Notification: Torin uses Piercing Shot. Critical Hit! -2,500 HP. ] [ System Notification: Torin uses Multi-Shot. Targets: 3. Damage dealt: -1,500 HP each. ] The arrows found their marks, and one knight crumpled to the ground. "One down!" Torin shouted.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om Drask, having retrieved a backup axe from his inventory, roared and charged another knight. "Let''s see you cut through this!" He swung his axe in a wide arc, cleaving through the knight''s shoulder. [ System Notification: Drask uses Berserker Strike. Critical Hit! -3,000 HP. ] August joined the fray, activating Phantom Slice to keep a knight upied with his clone while dashing behind the knight and delivering a series of rapid strikes to its exposed back. [ System Notification: Aleman uses Phantom Slice. Cooldown: 1 minute ] [ System Notification: Aleman uses Hidden Strike. Critical Hit! -3,000 HP. ] [ System Notification: Aleman uses Dagger Throw. Damage dealt: -1,200 HP. ] The knight fell with its armor ttering to the ground. After an intense and grueling hour ofbat, the group finally defeated thest of the knights. They copsed to the ground, panting and nursing their wounds. [ System Notification: Knight of Sword Intent defeated. 30,000 EXP gained. ] [ System Notification: Knight of Sword Intent defeated. 30,000 EXP gained. ] [ System Notification: August has leveled up to Level 31. ] [ System Notification: Aria has leveled up to Level 36. ] A pile of loot materialized where the knights fell, and everyone began sorting through it. There were mana crystals, enchanted gemstones, and even a rare piece of armor. Aria picked up a glowing helmet. "This is a high-tier item. Let''s assign it to Gareth¡ªhe could use the extra defense." August inspected the loot he received. Among it was a piece of armor called Shadow Warden''s Vest. [ System Notification: Shadow Warden''s Vest (Armor) acquired. ] [ Stats: Defense +800, Agility +10. ] "Finally," August muttered while equipping the armor. His worn Basic Armor disappeared into his inventory. Chapter 95 The Final Commander As the group rested near therge door leading to the next floor, Viora looked at August. "You had a basic armor? How did you manage to stay standing after that many hits?" Aria smirked. "He''s a stubborn one, that''s for sure." Draskughed. "He''s lucky he leveled up before he keeled over!" Torin grinned. "You''re not so bad for a solo yer, Aleman. But maybe next time, invest in better armor before diving into a dungeon like this." August chuckled. "I''ll keep that in mind. Let''s just hope the next floor isn''t worse than this one."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om What they didn''t know was that, due to August''s dual-ss, his HP was also much higher than normal or he''d have been long dead. The group exchanged weary smiles as they prepared to push forward. ... The group kept moving cautiously through the corridor. The tension in the group was high as they arrived at a wide, open chamber with an elevated tform at its center. Suddenly, the room shimmered with a golden light, and a projection began to y out. The group froze, watching intently as the events unfolded before them. The Swordking stood in the center of a grand throne room, surrounded by hismanders. He held a dark, ominous fruit in his hand. Its surface pulsated with a faint crimson glow. His expression was one of anguish and desperation. "This fruit¡­" the Swordking voiced with indignation. "They intended to use it to destroy me, to shatter my kingdom. But now it''s in our possession." One of themanders, a towering figure d in dark silver armor and wielding a gleamingnce, stepped forward. "My lord, this fruit is a curse. It will bring ruin to us all. Let us destroy it before it falls into the wrong hands again." The Swordking shook his head. "No, Lancebearer Raegor. This fruit is also a blessing. They say it can bring the dead back to life. With it, I can bring my daughter back." Anothermander stepped forward with a pleading look. "Your Majesty, the entire world is turning against us because of this fruit. Armies march on our gates, and alliances crumble. Your grief blinds you to the danger we face!" The projection shifted abruptly, showing the Swordking standing over his daughter''s lifeless body. He held the fruit close to her chest with his hands trembling. The sound of explosions echoed in the background as enemy forces breached the walls of the kingdom. Lancebearer Raegor appeared once more, pulling the Swordking back. "Forgive me, my lord," Raegor said as his voice broke. "But the kingdom muste first. I will protect this fruit with my life, as youmanded." The projection shifted again, showing Raegor standing atop a tower, surrounded by enemies. Hisnce crackled with energy as he fended them off. A massive explosion engulfed the scene, and a wave of dark energy rippled outward, consuming everything in its path. Thest image was of Raegor being incinerated, his figure dissolving into ash as the dark force overtook him. The projection faded, leaving the group standing in silence. Drask was the first to speak. "So, the fruit isn''t just powerful¡ªit was dangerous. What was that explosion at the end?" Viora nodded. "It''s no wonder it''s called the fruit of sin... I''m guessing it has certain... Dark effects. No wonder the kingdom fell into ruin." Torin crossed his arms, frowning. "If thatmander, Raegor, was the one tasked with guarding the fruit at the final moments, does that mean¡­?" Ariapleted his thought with a somber tone. "He''s the boss of this floor. And judging by the pattern so far, he''ll be corrupted like the others." August finally spoke. "If he''s corrupted, then he''s not just carrying the fruit''s curse. He might be even stronger because of it. They moved forward, reaching a massive set of double doors. Intricate carvings depicted the Swordking''s kingdom in its prime as the designs glowed faintly with mana. Aria ced her hand on the door, and it creaked open with an ominous groan. Inside, the room was cavernous, its high ceiling disappearing into darkness. At the center stood Lancebearer Raegor. His once-gleaming armor was now cracked and tarnished, with ck veins of energy pulsating through it. Hisnce, a weapon of extraordinary craftsmanship, now emanated a dark, malevolent aura. Raegor''s hollow voice echoed through the chamber. "Intruders¡­ you seek the fruit. You will not have it. I am its guardian. None shall pass!" [ System Notification: Boss Encounter: Lancebearer Raegor, Corrupted Commander. ] [ Level: 45 ] [ HP: 60,000 ] [ Abilities: Lance Sweep, Dark Impale, Void Barrier, Aegis of Shadows, Cursed Storm ] "Level forty-five?" Torin groaned. "Are you kidding me?" Raegor didn''t wait. With a deafening roar, he charged forward with hisnce extended, leaving a trail of dark energy in its wake. He thrust it toward Drask, who barely managed to block it with his axe. [ System Notification: Drask takes -3,500 HP. HP: 7,500/11,000. ] "His attacks are insane!" Drask shouted while stumbling back. Aria chanted quickly, raising her staff. "zing Congration!" A wall of fire erupted around Raegor, momentarily halting his advance. [ System Notification:* Aria casts zing Congration. Raegor takes -500 HP per second for 10 seconds. ] But Raegor swung hisnce in a wide arc, dispelling the mes and sending a shockwave of dark energy across the room. [ System Notification: Raegor uses Lance Sweep. Targets: All. Damage dealt: -4,000 HP. ] August dashed to the side, narrowly evading the attack. He activated Phantom Slice and split into two. He and his clone exchanged a quick nce of understanding as they chanted... "Ethereal Storm.." [ System Notification: Ethereal Storm Has Been Activated ¡Á ] Both of them pointed their staffs at Raegor and a powerful Ethereal Storm stacked another Ethereal Storm descended upon him. A massive swirling tornado of purple and green with electric bolts within engulfed Raegor, taking a chunk of his HP. [ Ethreal Storm Double Cast: Critical Damage -7,500 HP ] [ Effects Applied: ¡Á4 Gravitational Force ] Raegor found himself unable to take even a step forward as continuous attacks from everyone rained down on him. Chapter 96 The Final Floor August''s clone vanished after the sessful attack. He then proceeded to dash around Raegor, appearing behind him andnding a precise strike on his back. [ System Notification: Aleman uses Hidden Strike. Critical Hit! Raegor takes -2,000 HP. ] Raegor snarled, spinning around and thrusting hisnce at August as the effects of the gravitational force wore off. He raised activated Arcane Shield but thence pierced through it like paper. [ System Notification: Aleman''s Arcane Shield is broken. Damage taken: -3,800 HP. ] [ System Notification: HP: 12,400/16,200. ] August got sent flying towards the other end of the wall. ''I can''t imagine how much damage that would have done if I still had the basic armor equipped,'' He said internally while picking himself up. Viora kept her healing spells active, restoring the group''s health as they took turns attacking. Torin fired arrows from a distance, while Drask tried to hold Raegor''s attention with heavy strikes. Aria cast Mana Surge, boosting everyone''s magical abilities. "Focus on his legs! Slow him down!" August followed her advice, targeting Raegor''s knees with Dagger Throw and Lightning Bolt. [ System Notification: Aleman uses Dagger Throw. Raegor takes -400 HP. ] [ System Notification: Aleman uses Lightning Bolt. Raegor takes -2800 HP. ] Raegor stumbled as his movements slowed. "You¡­ will not¡­ pass!" he roared while raising hisnce. A storm of dark energy filled the room. [ System Notification: Raegor uses Cursed Storm. Targets: All. Continuous damage: -1,500 HP per second for 10 seconds. ] The group scrambled to avoid the storm, but their HP bars dwindled rapidly. "Fuck, I''ll run out of HP!" Drask yelled in horror but he wasn''t the only one with this issue. Fortunately, Viora managed to use her ultimate healing spell, Divine Restoration, to keep them alive. [ System Notification: Viora casts Divine Restoration. All party members healed for +5,000 HP. ] "Hit him with everything you''ve got!" Aria shouted while casting Inferno st. A massive ball of fire descended onto Raegor, dealing immense damage. [ System Notification: Aria casts Inferno st. Raegor takes -2000 HP. ] Raegor''s HP dropped below 5,000. He staggered as his corrupted energy flickered. "This is it!" August yelled before activating Ethereal Storm. A whirlwind of energy engulfed Raegor, tearing through his armor and doubling in damage. [ System Notification: Aleman uses Ethereal Storm. Critical Hit! Raegor takes -6,000 HP. ] [ System Notification: Lancebearer Raegor, Corrupted Commander, has been defeated. ] Raegor fell to his knees with hisnce ttering to the ground. His body dissolved into ash, and the room fell silent. A pile of loot appeared where Raegor had fallen. Among the items were Raegor''s Lance, a rare Shadow Core, and a fragmented piece of armor. [ System Notification Raegor''s Lance (Weapon) acquired. ] [ System Notification: Shadow Core acquired. ] [ System Notification: Fragmented Unique Armor Acquired ] "That was intense," Torin voiced before copsing onto the floor. "How the hell are we going to make it to the end of this dungeon?" Aria smiled faintly. "One floor at a time." She turned to August. "Good work out there. That final hit was clutch." August nodded while breathing heavily. "Let''s take a moment to recover. The next floor is probably worse." As they shared the loot and prepared to move on, the projection of Raegor''s final moments reyed in their minds. ... ... The 103rd floor was vast and ominous, with the ceiling so high it disappeared into darkness. The air carried an invisible tension, and the faint glow of ancient runes etched into the stone floor illuminated the surroundings in a cold, bluish hue. Six yers, led by a tall warrior d in silver armor, stepped cautiously into the open space. Their weapons were drawn, and their eyes darted around, scanning for any threats. "Looks like we got here first," muttered Krael, the leader of the six. His heavy broadsword rested on his shoulder as he surveyed the room. Beside him, Liana, a mage with bright orange robes and a staff adorned with a fiery crystal, nodded. "This is it. The final floor. Whatever treasure or legacy lies here, it''s ours for the taking." Behind them were the remaining members: Zeyra, a rogue with daggers glinting in her hands; Dren, a berserker who hefted an enormous axe; Felix, a ranger with a quiver full of arrows; and Vyn, a cleric clutching a glowing orb. But their confidence faltered when they noticed a group of three standing ahead of them, waiting in front of an enormous, intricately carved door. These three yers exuded an aura of menace. Their ck attire blended seamlessly with the shadowy atmosphere. Their levels were hidden, showing only a line of question marks above their heads. Drakos, the leader of the trio, stood in the center. His blood-red armor seemed to pulsate with a faint glow, and hisrge, spiky sword looked as if it had been forged in hellfire. His green hair fell messily over his sharp, angr face, and his eyes gleamed with bloodlust. To his right was Lyriss, an assassin d in dark leather with a hood that cast a shadow over her piercing green eyes. Her twin daggers dripped with a faint ck mist, a telltale sign of poison. On his left stood Orlma, a mage in a beautiful-looking ck and gold robe. Her head was adorned with a crown of silver, and her hands glowed with magical energy. Unlike the other two, her demeanor was calm and calcting. Drakos smirked as he stepped forward. "Do you lot have the key?" Krael narrowed his eyes. "Key? What key?"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om Drakos''s smirk widened into a grin that could only be described as psychotic. "Let me make it simple. If you don''t have the key, you''re of no use to us. We''ll just kill you and see if it drops from your corpses." [ System Notification: Drakos initiatesbat. ] "Wait¡ª" Orlma began, but it was toote. Drakos charged forward with his glowing crimson sword raised as he activated a skill. [ System Notification: Drakos uses Crimson Cleave. Area Effect Damage ] The attack swept through the group of six like a tidal wave. Felix, the ranger, and Vyn, the cleric, were caught off guard and sent flying. [ System Notification: Felix takes -7,500 HP. HP: 1,500/9,000. ] [ System Notification: Vyn takes -6,800 HP. HP: 1,200/8,000. ] "Are you insane?" Krael shouted while rushing to meet Drakos. "We outnumber you six to three!" Chapter 97 Chaos On The 102nd Floor Drakosughed maniacally. "You think numbers matter?" He swung his sword with such force that, when Krael blocked it, he was pushed back fifteen feet. His boots skidded across the stone floor as he came to a halt after sliding a few more inches backward. [ System Notification: Krael takes -5,200 HP. HP: 10,800/16,000. ] "My arms¡­ they''re shaking," Krael muttered as stared at his trembling hands. If it didn''t dawn on them before, it finally did... this yer was insanely strong... Lyriss darted into the fray, moving like a shadow as she weaved through the group. She targeted Liana, the mage. [ System Notification: Lyriss uses Silent Strike.Critical Hit! Liana takes -9,000 HP. ] [ System Notification: Liana has been killed. Respawned outside the dungeon. ] She was killed in a single strike. "Damn it!" Zeyra cursed while trying to catch Lyriss with her daggers. "You''ll pay for that!" But Lyriss was too quick, disappearing into the shadows before Zeyra couldnd a hit. Meanwhile, Orlma raised her staff, chanting in a low, melodic voice. The room darkened as a massive magical circle appeared beneath the group of six--now five. [ System Notification: Orlma casts Abyssal Bind. Targets: All Movement reduced by 60%. ] "Shit, we''re slowed!" Dren yelled while struggling to move. "We''re sitting ducks like this!" This made matters even worse for them. Drakos capitalized on their vulnerability, charging straight at Felix and Vyn, who were still recovering from his earlier attack. With a single swing, he cleaved through them. [ System Notification: Drakos uses Reaper sh. Area Effect Damage: -10,000 HP. ] [ System Notification: Felix has been killed. Respawned outside the dungeon. ] [ System Notification:** Vyn has been killed. Respawned outside the dungeon. ] Krael, Zeyra, and Dren regrouped, trying to form a defensive stance as their faces contorted in utter disbelief. They were by no means weak since they were the second to arrive at thest floor, yet they stood no chance against this trio. "Stay behind me!" Krael barked while activating his defensive skill. [ System Notification: Krael uses Shield Wall. Reduces iing damage by 50% for 10 seconds. ] But Drakos was relentless. His sword glowed brighter as he swung it forward with unparalleled force. A wave of red arc cut through the air... [ System Notification: Drakos uses Infernal Surge. Area Effect Damage: -7,000 HP. Burn Damage: -500 HP per second for 5 seconds. ] Zeyra fell to the ground as her HP bar drained rapidly. "I can''t¡­ keep up¡­" she muttered before copsing. [ System Notification: Zeyra has been killed. Respawned outside the dungeon. ] Dren roared in anger, swinging his massive axe at Drakos. "You bastard!" [ System Notification: Dren uses Berserker Fury. Critical Hit! Drakos takes -600 HP. ] Drakos grunted while staggering slightly but quickly recovered. "Finally, someone with guts!" he sneered. Despite Dren''s valiant effort, Lyriss appeared from behind andnded a decisive blow. [ System Notification: Lyriss uses Assassin''s Mark. Fatal Hit! Dren has been killed. Respawned outside the dungeon. ] Krael, thest remaining member, red at Drakos. "You''re nothing but a madman!" he shouted before charging forward with all his strength. But Orlma raised her staff, casting a final spell. [ System Notification: Orlma casts Void Spear. ] A purplish glowing spear materialized from mana and shot forward at astonishing speed. All Krael saw was blinding purplish light before he was engulfed by the attack. [ Krael takes -10,000 HP. ] [ System Notification: Krael has been killed. Respawned outside the dungeon. ] The group of six was gone with their loot scattered on the ground. Drakos sifted through the loot in frustration. "No key. Damn it!" "Are you sure they didn''t have it?" Orlma asked calmly. "If they did, it would''ve dropped," Lyriss said, leaning casually against the wall while cleaning her daggers. "Maybe we missed something on one of the upper floors." Drakos growled as he paced in front of the sealed door. The intricate carvings on it seemed to mock him. "We need that key to get through. If we can''t find it... We''ll be stuck here." Orlma stepped forward while examining the door. "Perhaps there''s another way. But for now, let''s go back and retrace our steps." Drakos clenched his fists, barely containing his bloodlust. "Fine. But if I see another party, I''m not holding back." The trio turned and began their ascent. ... ... Meanwhile August and the others descended carefully onto the 102nd floor. Their boots crunched softly against the gravel-like surface of the narrow pathways. Unlike the massive, sprawling floors they had traversed earlier, this level was cramped and suffocating. The walls seemed to press inward, glowing faintly with an eerie green hue from veins of mana-infused stone. The atmosphere was tense; they were close to the end, and they all knew it. "We''re almost there," Aria''s tone held a mix of excitement and exhaustion. She adjusted her staff and cast a wary nce at the surroundings. "If we clear the 102nd floor, the 103rd floor is just up ahead." "Good," Drask grunted with his massive axe resting over his shoulder. "I''m ready to get out of this cursed ce. My stamina potions are almost gone." "Let''s be prepared for what''s ahead... It probably won''t be easy," August stated. His enhanced senses as an assassin kept him alert to any signs of danger. "The final floor hmm..." As they advanced, they dealt with a few scattered beasts along the way. These creatures weren''t as formidable as the enemies they''d faced in previous floors, but they were still strong enough to keep them on their toes. After some time, the group turned a corner and froze. Up ahead was a massive clearing, lit by glowing orbs hovering near the ceiling. The sight before them was utter chaos¡ªa bloodbath. Three separate parties were locked inbat with spells crackling in the air, des shing, and arrows whistling through the confined space. The ground was littered with loot and the bodies of fallen yers who had either respawned or simply given up. "Looks like a battlefield," Torin muttered while drawing his bow. "No kidding," Aria''s eyes narrowed. "What the hell is going on here?" Viora''s soft voice broke through. "They''re probably fighting for the passageway to the 103rd floor. That''s the only logical reason."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om "Of course they are," Gareth grumbled while raising his shield. "What a waste of time and energy." The moment August and the others stepped further into the clearing, the warring parties stopped mid-fight, turning their bloodthirsty gazes toward them. "Great," August muttered. "Now we''re on the menu." One of the leaders, a seven-foot-tall berserker with a scar running down his face, pointed his axe at them. "More rats trying to scurry their way down! If you''re smart, you''ll turn around now." "Or," another voice chimed in¡ªa rogue from another party¡ª"you can drop all your loot here and save us the trouble of killing you." Aria stepped forward while pointing her glowing staff forward. "We don''t have time for this. Stand aside, or we''ll make you." The rogue smirked. "Big words for a mage. Let''s see if you can back them up." Before the situation could escte further, a booming voice echoed from the passageway ahead. The ground trembled slightly as the trio from the 103rd floor stepped into view. Drakos, Lyriss, and Orlma walked forward, silencing the clearing with their ominous presence. Drakos''s blood-red armor glowed faintly, and his sword restedzily on his shoulder, but his eyes radiated with insanity. "Everyone, shut up!" Drakos bellowed. His voice carried an air of authority mixed with unhinged aggression. "I''m not in the mood for games. Whoever has the key, hand it over now." The berserker leader snarled, stepping forward. "Who the hell do you think you are, barking orders like that?" Drakos''s deranged grin widened. "The guy who''s going to kill you if you don''t hand over the key." Before anyone could react, Drakos dashed forward with incredible speed. His sword glowed crimson as he activated a skill. [ System Notification: Drakos uses Crimson Cleave. Area Damage: -8,000 HP to all targets within range. ] The berserker barely had time to block, and even then, he was sent flying back several feet, his HP bar dropping significantly. [ System Notification: Berserker takes -7,500 HP. HP: 2,500/10,000. ] "Are you insane?!" the berserker shouted, struggling to his feet. But Drakos wasn''t listening; he was already charging at the next target with bloodlust. The rogue tried to retaliate, throwing daggers at Drakos, but Lyriss intercepted him by shing the daggers in mid-air. [ System Notification: Lyriss uses Shadow Veil. Invisibility activated. ] "Where the hell did she go? Damn it! I''m supposed to be able to see her!" The rogue yelled while spinning around frantically. [ System Notification: Lyriss uses Silent Strike. Critical Hit! Rogue takes -9,000 HP. ] Lyriss''s dagger stabbed into his blind spot from an unexpected angle, causing the rogue''s eyes to widen in disbelief. In the next instant, the rogue crumpled to the ground, dead. "We need to move now!" Aria hissed amidst the chaos. "If we get caught up in this, we''ll never make it to the 103rd floor." ######### Privilege Unlock Goal for the Month: 5000 Golden Tickets Goal: 200 Powerstones Goal for the week: 500 There will be another mass release if these goals are met. Thank you all for your continued support. Honorable mentions: Shdel, Hermitpurple, Darkmond, Abtist, Izayoi9, Superdee and Yb48. Thank you all. I appreciate each and every one of you. Chapter 98 Oni Players "We need to move now!" Aria hissed amidst the chaos. "If we get caught up in this, we''ll never make it to the 103rd floor." "But they''lle after us if we run!" Torin moved his bow frantically around, pointing it from one yer to the next. "They''lle after us if we stay," August countered. His mind was racing as he calcted their options. "We need to find an opening and slip through." The berserker leader, now severely injured, staggered to his feet. He pointed at August''s group. "If we''re going down, you''reing with us!" He charged toward them, but Gareth stepped forward, raising his shield. [ System Notification: Gareth uses Shield Wall. Damage reduction activated. ] The berserker''s attack nged against Gareth''s shield, but the force pushed him back several feet. Drask roared, swinging his massive axe at the berserker, andnding a devastating blow. [ System Notification: Drask uses Berserker Fury. Critical Hit! Berserker takes -1900 HP. ]n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om August grabbed one of his Daggers and flung it forward. [ System Notification: August uses Dagger Throw. Berserker takes -700 HP. ] [ System Notification: Berserker has been killed. Respawned outside the dungeon. ] "One down," Drask muttered. The clearing erupted into a full-blown battle as August''s group tried to slip away while engaging with some of the yers. Spells flew, weapons shed, and the confined space amplified the chaos. Despite the overwhelming odds, August and his group fought valiantly. But it was clear that Drakos and his team were on a different level as they leveled one yer after the other. "Don''t let them separate us!" Gareth shouted while blocking a powerful strike from another party warrior. "We need to get to the passageway!" August voiced with a sharp tone. "If we stay here, we''re done for!" Aria nodded. "Everyone, push forward! We''ll deal with them on the 103rd floor if we have to!" With abined effort, the group began to push their way toward the passageway. ... ... In the real world, the Ice Queen, Elena Frost, sat at the head of a modern boardroom table. Her pristine white suit was tailored perfectly to her figure. The walls were lined with holographic screens disying real-time data from Enders Light, including maps, guild stats, and mission progress. A soft vibration from the high-tech equipment filled the room, underscoring the quiet intensity of her work. Seated on either side of her were two subordinates¡ªKenji, a sharp-eyed strategist with a penchant for details, and Marian, a tech analyst who managed guild logistics in both the real world and in-game. Both were engrossed in their respective tablets, feeding Elena updates. Elena tapped her manicured fingers against the table as she listened to Kenji outline the current developments. "Aria''s party has made significant progress," Kenji said, swiping his screen to project a holographic map of the Swordking''s Dungeon. Red and blue markers represented various guild and enemy parties, and a gold marker signified Aria''s location. "They''ve just reached the 102nd floor and are on track to be the first group to clear the dungeon." Elena''s icy blue eyes narrowed as she studied the map. "What about the other parties from our guild? How far have they progressed?" Marian chimed in with a crisp tone. "Three other parties from our guild are currently within the dungeon. The second furthest one is on the 96th floor. They''re making progress but nowhere near Aria''s pace. The others are stuck between floors 80 and 90, facing considerable resistance." "And external guilds?" Elena asked, her tone sharp but calm. "How many are still in the dungeon?" Kenji scrolled through a list. "Quite a few. Most are concentrated between floors 70 and 90. However, we''re receiving reports of parties clustering on floor 102. It seems to be a chokepoint due to abination of traps, enemies, and narrow passageways." Elena leaned back in her chair with a thoughtful expression. "Aria''s group needs to push past the 102nd floor quickly. If they get bogged down there, thepetition will only intensify." Marian nodded. "Understood. I''ll send them a message to prioritize speed. The further they get ahead, the better their chances." Kenji suddenly stiffened as a new update came in. His brows furrowed, and he exchanged a tense nce with Marian. "What is it?" Elena inquired as her piercing gaze snapped to him. "New intel on floor 102," Kenji said grimly. "Aria''s party is currently engaged in a skirmish with multiple other groups. But that''s not all... There''s a yer named Drakos involved." Elena froze as her expression shifted fromposed to deeply concerned. "Drakos? Are you certain?" Kenji nodded. "Yes, the name and description match. He''s part of the Oni terrorist group. You know their reputation¡ªthey''re relentless, brutal, and willing to do whatever it takes to achieve their objectives. They''ve already been linked to several real-world crimes involving Enders Light yers." Elena''s usual calm demeanor slipped as she tightened his fist. "Drakos isn''t just a problem. He''s a walking disaster. If he''s there, it''s not just about clearing the dungeon anymore. He''s after the fruit of sin." Marian interjected nervously. "Should we warn Aria and her group?" "Immediately," Elena voiced with a colder tone than usual. "Send a message to Aria. Tell her and the others to avoid Drakos at all costs. Do not engage him unless absolutely necessary. Their priority is to move forward, not to get entangled in his chaos." Kenji nodded as his fingers flew over his tablet while he drafted the message. "Understood. I''ll phrase it as a direct order." Elena paced slowly as her thoughts raced. "Drakos isn''t the kind of yer who fights fair. He is by no means a low-level yer either. If Aria''s group tries to confront him head-on, they won''t just lose a level¡ªthey''ll lose the dungeon and if the rumors about the Onis are true they could potentially lose their avatars." Marian hesitated before speaking. "What are the chances that Aria and her team can evade him? The 102nd floor isn''t exactly expansive." Elena exhaled sharply. "They''ll need to be smart about it. Use every trick they have to outmaneuver him and his group." Kenji looked up. "Message sent. Should we consider sending more reinforcements from Phoenix Celestial?" Elena shook her head. "No. There''s no point to that. They won''t be able to get to the lowest floors so quickly. Aria''s team has to handle this on their own for now unless helpes from the other party that is the closest to the 102nd floor." Marian bit her lip. "What if Drakos manages to defeat them and get the fruit of sin?" Elena turned back to the holographic map, locking on the blinking gold marker that represented Aria''s team. Despite her cold exterior, a flicker of worry crossed her face. "Well, we can only hope that doesn''t happen," she muttered under her breath. ... ... The 102nd floor was still filled with chaos. Spells exploded, swords shed, and yers shouted orders and curses. Drakos and his twopanions, Lyriss and Orlma, carved a path of destruction through the disarray. Drakos charged into a group of yers, activating his "Raging Maelstrom" skill activated and spinning with his sword extended. His spinning de created a swirling vortex of energy that knocked everyone in his vicinity off their feet. yers scrambled to regroup, but before they could, his massive sword cleaved through two of them in one swift motion. System notifications shed above their heads as they lost a level and respawned outside the dungeon. [System Notification: yer "Zathor" has been defeated by Drakos. -1 Level.] [System Notification: yer "Lucienne" has been defeated by Drakos. -1 Level.] Lyriss darted between yers like a shadow. Her movements were almost unnatural in their fluidity. She wielded dual daggers, and with every strike, blood sprayed as she hit critical points with surgical precision. [System Notification: Lyriss has used "Phantom Strike." Critical Damage: -7,890 HP.] [System Notification: Lyriss has used "Assassin''s Kiss." Instant Kill Activated.] Orlma stood at the center of it all like a calm anchor amidst the storm. She raised her staff, summoning a massive protective barrier while unleashing devastating spells. A surge of ice shot from her staff, freezing three yers solid before shattering them into shards with a follow-up fireball. [System Notification: Orlma has used "Frigid Pyre." Combined Damage: -12,000 HP.] In the distance, August and his group tried to stay out of sight. Torin motioned for them to move quickly with a tense expression. "We have to get through that passageway before this gets any worse." Aria received a ping and opened her guild messages. Her eyes widened as she read the urgent note from a senior member of Phoenix Celestial. "Guys," her voice shook slightly as she spoke. "I just got a warning. Drakos and his group¡ªhe''s part of the Oni terrorist group. We''re not supposed to engage them. We need to avoid them at all costs." Torin cursed under his breath. "No kidding. They''re practically ughtering everyone here!" The group moved cautiously, weaving through the chaos and using debris and crumbling pirs for cover. They asionally froze as Drakos or Lyriss nced in their direction, but luck was on their side. Slowly but surely, they managed to sneak closer to the passageway. They were within feet of the entrance when August paused. His brows furrowed as he peered over his shoulder. His eyes widened when he spotted a familiar group arriving through the carnage. "Lilo¡­ Ezran¡­ Boris?" August whispered. His heart sank as he saw his old friends entering the battlefield, nked by three other yers he didn''t recognize. They were immediately confronted by Drakos. Chapter 99 This Is Bad Drakos grinned wickedly, pointing his sword at the new arrivals. "More toys to y with... Perhaps these ones will have the key," he sneered while activating "Bloodlust Surge". His already terrifying aura grew even darker, and his speed and attack power increased. Boris raised his shield, shouting, "We just got here dude!" But Drakos was on them in seconds. His sword crashed into Boris''s shield and knocked him back several feet. The impact was so strong it left a crack in the shield. Ezran cast a protective barrier around her team, shouting for them to focus fire on Drakos. Lilo fired arrows, aiming at critical points, but Lyriss intercepted them with acrobatic precision, deflecting the projectiles by swinging her daggers around. The arrows moved in slow motion to her, making it easy to strike them down. This was a feat that not even August could aplish at the moment. "Aleman, what the fuck are you doing?" Torin''s voice snapped him out of his daze. The others had already made it to the passageway and were waving at him to follow. "I¡­ I can''t just leave them!" August voiced with a resolute tone. "They''re my friends!" "No, we need to go now!" Torin yelled as his face twisted in urgency. "We can''t risk it!" But August shook his head. "You guys go. I''ll catch up. I need to help them." "Aleman!" Aria called out, but it was no use. August had already turned and started running back toward the battlefield. The group stood there in disbelief as they watched him disappear into the chaos. Torin groaned while rubbing his temples. "Unbelievable. This guy''s gonna get himself killed." "We don''t have a choice," Aria voiced with a conflicted tone. "We have to keep moving. We''re almost at the end." Reluctantly, the group turned and entered the passageway, unaware that August carried the key they would need for the final floor. Back on the battlefield, August sprinted toward his friends, who were struggling to fend off Drakos and his team. He used Dash to close the distance and appeared beside Ezran just as Drakos swung his massive sword at him. "Watch out!" August yelled, using Arcane Shield to block the attack. The shield shattered on impact, but it bought Ezran enough time to retreat. "August?!" Lilo shouted in shock while lowering her bow. "What the hell are you doing here?" "Saving your asses," August replied with his daggers shing as he activated Hidden Strike, aiming for Drakos. Drakos spun around and parried the strike with a wave of his sword, sending August skidding backward. [System Notification: Hidden Strike Failed ] Drakos turned his bloodshot eyes on August. A grin spread across his face. "Anothermb to the ughter." Lyriss appeared behind August like a shadow, aiming her daggers at his back. August twisted just in time, using Dash to evade the attack and countering with a well-ced throw of his dagger. [System Notification: Aleman has used "Dagger Throw." ] His dagger phased through afterimages as Lyriss suddenly appeared behind him with her body mid-air as she delivered a spinning back kick to the side of August''s head. August raised his right arm just in time to block but the force from the kick, sent him sliding backward. [ System Notification: -400HP ] He felt a stinging sensation in his right arm as he stood amongst Lilo, Boris, Ezran, and the other three. "Quite impressive," Under the dark hood, Lyrissplimented August for being quick enough to block the hit. "You''re not so bad yourself," August muttered confidently despite knowing that it would be nearly impossible to take her down. "We need a n, August. These guys aren''t ordinary yers!" Boris yelled. "I know," August gritted his teeth in frustration. "Just stay alive. I''ll handle Lyriss." - Up ahead, Aria and the others had crossed the passageway and arrived at the stairs that led to the final floor of the dungeon. Explore hidden tales at empire They were both ecstatic and tensed since they were close to their goal. "Looks like we''ll be clearing this dungeon first," Gareth voiced in excitement. "Too bad Aleman couldn''t join us. His name won''t be included when the world announcement goes off," Viora added. "Hmph! That''s his problem. He made his choice," Torin stated with a tone of difort. "Focus guys," Aria called their attention back to whaty ahead... The final floor. - Meanwhile, the chaos on the 102nd floor continued to spiral out of control. Drakos, Lyriss, and Orlma remained at the center of the carnage. Their overwhelming skills carved through yers like they were nothing more than training dummies. Other battles raged across the floor, but the destruction caused by this trio was unmistakable, leaving trails of defeated yers who respawned outside the dungeon. August darted across the battlefield, doing his best to keep Lyriss at bay while the others¡ªBoris, Ezran, Lilo, and their remaining party¡ªstruggled against Drakos. Lyriss was relentless. Her strikes came at August with an intensity he hadn''t faced before. She moved like a specter as her attacks blended martial arts precision with the assassin''s fluidity. A spinning roundhouse kick smashed into August''s side, sending him skidding backward as his Arcane Shield flickered from the impact. [System Notification: Arcane Shield Durability - 40%. Shield Durability: 60%.] "You''re not bad, for a wannabe," Lyriss teased with a sharp yet oddly impressed tone. She adjusted her stance, preparing for another attack. "But you''re not ready for someone like me." August gritted his teeth. He activated Dash to evade her iing strike, sidestepping just in time as her dagger whizzed past his face. He countered with a quick Dagger Throw causing the de to zip toward her head. [System Notification: Aleman has used "Dagger Throw." Lyriss swayed to the side with impossible fast movements and the dagger grazed her shoulder instead of hitting its mark. [ Damage: -250 HP ] She clicked her tongue. "Hmm, you''ve got skills. A little rough around the edges, but not bad." August had no time for herpliments. Heunched the Lightning Bolt spell causing a crackling blue electric arc to shoot directly at her. [System Notification: Aleman has used "Lightning Bolt." ] To his shock, she twisted midair and dodged the spell entirely. Shended gracefully a couple of feet away from where the spell hit. "A dual-ss user? Now you''re just showing off." Her tone turned serious as her eyes narrowed. "You''d make a great addition to the Oni group. We could use someone like you." "Pass," August growled while circling her cautiously. "Pity," she said with a sharp smile. "Then I''ll have to kill you." Meanwhile, not far away, Drakos plunged his massive de into one of the yers from Lilo''s group. The unfortunate warrior''s HP hit zero in a sh, and he vanished, respawning outside the dungeon.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om [System Notification: Drakos has used "Soul Cleave." yer "Iliath" Defeated. -1 Level.] "No!" Ezran shouted as he fired a desperate Fireball at Drakos, but the attack was easily deflected by the warrior''s armor. Drakos''s voice boomed across the battlefield as heughed hysterically. "Pathetic! Is this all you''ve got?" Lilo called out, "We''ve got more where that came from, big guy!" Her arrows flew in rapid session, but Drakos deflected each one by swinging his sword in an arc. "Ezran, stay back! Boris, charge him while I distract him!" Boris let out a battle cry and charged. His berserker abilities boosted his strength as his axe came down in a mighty swing, but Drakos countered with his skill "Crimson Reprisal," blocking the attack and retaliating with a devastating blow that sent Boris flying backward. [System Notification: Boris HP: -5,800. Remaining HP: 4,200.] "This is bad," Lilo muttered while firing another arrow. "Like really bad." Back in his fight, August was in trouble. Lyriss had pinned him. Her strikes were too fast and precise for him to counter effectively. Chapter 100 Access Denied August''s Hidden Strike and stealth abilities were useless against Lyriss; as a higher-level assassin, she could detect his movements and evade his attacks effortlessly. "You''re outmatched, Aleman," she taunted while spinning her daggers in her hands. "But I''ll give you credit. You''vested longer than most." August activated Dash again, barely escaping her next attack. He noticed Drakos preparing to strike down another yer and knew he had to do something drastic. He activated his Phantom Splice, creating a clone of himself that mirrored his every move. "Let''s see how you handle two of me," he muttered before yelling to Lilo, Ezran, Boris, and the rest of the group. "Scatter now! Get away!" Your next read is at empire He and his clone activated Wind Surge simultaneously, sending twin gusts of powerful wind spiraling toward Drakos and Lyriss as the group fled from the path of the attack. Thebined force hit them both like a freight train, sending them flying backward. [System Notification: Aleman has used "Wind Surge." Damage: Drakos HP: -7,200. Lyriss HP: -6,000.] For the first time, Drakos and Lyriss looked visibly shocked. The sheer force of the attack had taken a chunk of their HP¡ªthe first significant damage they''d suffered in this fight. "The assassin is also a mage?" Orlma said from her position as her calm demeanor faltered for a moment. "Interesting." Drakos roared as his bloodlust intensified. "You''ll pay for that, boy!" But August wasn''t done. He stepped forward, raising his voice so everyone could hear. "Everyone, stop! I know we''re all fighting to get to the passageway, but isn''t it clear who the real threat is here?" He pointed at Drakos, Lyriss, and Orlma. "Shouldn''t wee together to defeat the strongest enemies first before we tear each other apart?" The chaotic battlefield stilled for a moment as yers considered his words. Drakos snarled as his grip tightened on his de. "Cowards. You think you can gang up on us and win?" "Game on! I will cut down everyst one of you!" Drakos roared with his bloodlust surging even higher. His eyes gleamed with malice as he prepared for the iing horde. The air was tense, the battlefield now divided between those who sided with August and those who feared Drakos too much to act. "Let''s do this," August muttered, gripping his daggers tightly as the battle reignited. Everyone swiftly lunged at Drakos, Lyriss, and Orlma. They had be the number one targets here. The chaos soon reached its peak as thebined effort of over forty yers had finally begun to chip away at the trio''s dominance. However, Drakos, Lyriss, and Orlma were not going down easily. Each of them disyed abilities far beyond what most yers had encountered in Enders Light. Orlma unleashed a devastating "Aetheric Cataclysm", a spell with an enormous area of concentration. [System Notification: Orlma has cast "Aetheric Cataclysm." AOC Damage: -5,000 HP to all within range.] The attack wiped out several yers instantly, sending them into respawn outside the dungeon. Those who survived scrambled to heal, regroup, and retaliate. "She''s insane!" Lilo shouted while jumping behind a piece of rubble for cover. Her *"Rapid Volley" skill sent arrows flying toward Orlma''s barrier, but they dissipated harmlessly against the glowing shield. "We need to break that barrier, or she''ll keep healing them!" Ezran, visibly shaking, nodded and began chanting. "On it! Give me cover!" Boris charged ahead, roaring as his axe glowed with the power of "Berserker''s Wrath." The weapon mmed into Drakos with a heavy blow, staggering the warrior. [System Notification: Boris has used "Berserker''s Wrath." Damage: -1,500 HP.] Drakos, however, retaliated with a brutal swing of his sword, activating "Cleave of Obliteration." The attack cut through Boris''s defenses, sending him crashing into a wall. [System Notification: Drakos has used "Cleave of Obliteration." Damage: -6,900 HP. Boris HP Remaining: 2,100.] "Boris, fall back!" August shouted as he darted toward Lyriss while brandishing his daggers. He needed to keep her from targeting the others. The assassin moved like a shadow stabbing and shing at opponents before they could even see her. She cornered one yer, executing a spinning backflip kick followed by a "Hidden Strike", eliminating him immediately. [System Notification: Lyriss has used "Hidden Strike." yer "Aldrin" Defeated. -1 Level.] However, the moment she killed this yer, she got noticed by about ten others who lunged at her, giving her more to handle. August seized the opportunity and nked her. He activated "Dash", appearing behind her, and drove his dagger into her back. [System Notification: Aleman has used "Hidden Strike." Damage: -4,500 HP.] Lyriss staggered as her HP dropped significantly. She spun around, her eyes wide in surprise. "You... you''re better than I thought," she hissed with blood dripping from her lips. "Too bad it''s over," August retorted before delivering the final blow. [System Notification: Lyriss Defeated. Loot Dropped.]n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om With Lyriss gone, the focus shifted to Orlma, who was bombarded from all sides. Her barrier was soon damaged and her frailty as a mage became apparent. A volley of arrows from Lilo and a fiery "Eruption" spell from Ezran overwhelmed her. [System Notification: Orlma Defeated. Loot Dropped.] Drakos, now alone, let out an enraged roar. His HP was dangerously low, but instead of weakening, he activated "Bloodlust Ascendancy," granting him a massive attack buff at the cost of constant HP loss. [System Notification: Drakos has activated "Bloodlust Ascendancy." All attacks +50%. HP drains by 50 per second.] Drakos''s de cut through the remaining yers like butter. His ferocity was unmatched, and within minutes, only August, Lilo, Boris, Ezran, and two unknown yers remained. One of the unknown yers charged him but was cut down instantly. [System Notification: Drakos has used "Decimation Arc." yer "Rikan" Defeated. -1 Level.] "Damn it! He''s too strong!" Boris growled. "We can''t hold him off much longer!" Drakos lunged at them once more with his sword raised and August activated Arcane shield upon noticing that he could evade in time. The shield absorbed most of the blow as Drakos sword came crashing down but it shattered under the sheer power of the attack. [System Notification: Arcane Shield Broken. Aleman HP: -3,200. Remaining HP: 7,000.] Drakos loomed over August with his de raised for the finishing blow. "Die, little rat!" he snarled before plunging the de downward. Before the sword could strike, a sudden, overwhelming pressure filled the air. Drakos froze and fell to his knees. "What in..." Before he could evenplete his sentence, the pressure intensified and his body fell t to the ground as though a mountain had fallen on him. "What the¡ª?" August voiced in confusion while stepping back as a figure emerged from the shadows. The tall man had an air of unshakable confidence as his white hair flowed behind him like a cape. His red glowing sword, Crimson Doomde, remained strapped to his back, unused. He wore a warrior''s helmet, concealing most of his face, but his eyes burned with a quiet intensity. "I hate bullies," the man said calmly. With a simple gesture, the pressure increased, and Drakos''s HP drained to zero in an instant. [System Notification: Drakos Defeated. Loot Dropped.] The floor went silent as the remaining yers stared in awe. The yer''s aloof expression remained unchanged as he turned. "You can thank meter," he said before walking away, heading toward the passageway. August exchanged stunned looks with Boris and Lilo, who seemed equally speechless. "Who... who was that guy?" Lilo finally whispered. "No idea," August replied with a low tone. "But he just saved us." --- Meanwhile, on the 103rd floor, Aria and the rest of the group stood before a massive set of gilded doors. The intricate carvings on the surface depicted the life of the Swordking, his victories, and his descent into darkness. A system notification appeared before them. [System Notification: ess Denied. Key Required to Enter.] "What key?" Torin muttered in frustration. "Did we miss something?" Chapter 101 The Swordkings Throneroom Lilo clung tightly to August, pressing her face against his chest as her bright eyes sparkled with relief. "Aleman! I thought you were done for! You''re amazing, you know that?" August chuckled while patting her back lightly. "Alright, alright, Lilo. I''m d you''re okay too. But we can''t waste time here." Boris grinned with his massive axe resting on his shoulder. "I can''t believe it, man. I thought we''d all be dead meat back there. You''ve got guts, Aleman." Ezran stood quietly nearby as his hands fidgeted with the hem of his robe. "T-thank you foring back for us. That was... brave." August nodded. "I wasn''t about to leave my friends to those maniacs. Thankfully that strange dude interfered at thest minute. But we need to move. Aria and the others are ahead, and we can''t let anyone else clear the dungeon first." The group quickly picked up what loot they could from the fallen yers around them. Among the items August picked up were a "Minor Stamina Potion" and a "Twin electric Dagger (Bronze)." [System Notification: Loot Acquired.] - Minor Stamina Potion ¡Á1 - Twin Electric Dagger (Bronze) ¡Á1 "We need to get to the passageway fast," August said before keeping the new daggers in his inventory. "If we hurry, we might catch up." "Let''s go!" Lilo said enthusiastically, skipping ahead. --- In No Man''s Wastnd, the respawn zone outside the Ancient Swordking Dungeon, Drakos, Orlma, and Lyriss sat together with dark expressions. yers who had been killed wandered aimlessly, some arguing about strategies, othersmenting their losses. Drakos clenched his fists as his knuckles turned white with fury. "That bastard," he growled. "That damn unknown yer... I''ll make him pay." Orlma''s demeanor remained calm and unshaken despite her own death. "Drakos, it''s clear we underestimated them. But it''s not like we can do anything about it now." Drakos red at her. "Do you realize what''ll happen if we fail this mission? The Oni won''t tolerate failure!" Lyriss continued sharpening her dagger with a poker face. "Orlma is right, what can we do about it? They must be at the final floor already." Drakos stood abruptly, reaching into his inventory. "I''m not waiting around. This cost me a fortune, but it''s worth it." He pulled out a glowing red crystal from his inventory. [System Notification: Respawn Crystal (Exclusive Item)] - Allows the user to respawn at the point of their death within a dungeon. "Are you serious?" Orlma''s calm fa?ade cracked slightly as she questioned. "You''re wasting that here?" Drakos crushed the crystal in his hand and a blinding light enveloped his body. "No one takes me down and gets away with it." His figure vanished, leaving only a faint shimmer of red light behind. Momentster, a sh of light reappeared on the 102nd floor of the dungeon, right where Drakos had died. ... ... August and the others moved swiftly through the passageway as they approached the end of the 102nd floor. "We''re almost there," Boris stated in excitement. "I can feel it." Ezran nced nervously over his shoulder. "D-do you think those three are gone for good?" "Let''s hope so," August voiced while scanning the dimly lit corridor ahead. "Let''s just focus on what''s ahead." Lilo piped up from the front with a cheerful tone. "Let''s just focus on reuniting with those new friends of Aleman! And maybe grabbing more loot on the way!" She giggled. Boris wrapped his arms around August''s shoulder; "You already made new friends huh Aleman and left your old folks behind." "Because of your bad breath," August responded causing everyone to let out a burst ofughter. ... ... On the final floor, the mysterious solo yer sat calmly against the massive double doors. His back leaned against the intricately carved stone as if the entire concept of urgency did not exist in his world. His white hair fell loosely around his helmet, and his red-glowing sword stayed strapped to his back. His aura was intimidating, but his demeanor was annoyingly aloof. Aria, Torin, Drask, Gareth, and Viora were scattered around the area,bing every corner of the vast chamber. The doors were massive, at least 30 feet tall, with carvings of the Swordking''s face in its prime, surrounded by celestial warriors and raging shadows. Yet, despite theirbined efforts, they had found nothing resembling a key. "Ugh! This is so frustrating!" Torin finally threw up his hands. He red at the solo yer. "And you''re just sitting there! Aren''t you even going to help?" The solo yerzily tilted his head up and nced at Torin. "Have you found it yet?" His voice was calm and disinterested. Torin faltered. "No, but that''s not the¡ª"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om "Then keep looking." The solo yer waved his hand dismissively, almost as if he was brushing away a fly. "Why, you little¡ª" Torin started, but Aria held up a hand. "Torin, focus!" Aria shot him a warning look. "We need to find the key. There''s no use arguing with him." Drask grumbled with his berserker axe slung over his shoulder. "Still, it''s kind of insulting. He just sits there acting like the key will fall from the sky." The solo yer smirked slightly but said nothing. --- Momentster, the sound of footsteps echoed through the chamber. August, Lilo, Boris, and Ezran emerged from one of the many passageways leading into the area. Lilo, ever bubbly, waved enthusiastically as they approached. "We made it!" Lilo called out while skipping happily. "And guess who brought reinforcements?" Aria''s face lit up with relief. "Aleman! You''re alive! What happened with Drakos?" August sighed before brushing some dust off his cloak. "It was brutal. Barely made it out alive. But... I had help." He pointed toward the solo yer sitting against the massive doors. Aria''s eyes followed his gesture, and she tilted her head. "Him?" "Yeah," August nodded while walking over. He stood before the mysterious yer and offered a slight bow. "Thanks again for the assist back there." The solo yer gave him azy wave. "Don''t mention it." "What''s your name, anyway?" August asked curiously. The solo yer looked up briefly with his red eyes glowing faintly beneath his helmet. "Not important." "Not important?" Lilo piped up while standing on her tiptoes to peek at him. "That''s not a name!" "Doesn''t matter," the solo yer said tly before returning his gaze to the ground as if dismissing the entire conversation. "Rude," Lilo muttered with a pout. Her cheeks puffed up cutely as she turned around. "So, what''s going on here?" August nced between his party and the others. Aria sighed. "We''ve been stuck here for nearly an hour. These doors won''t open without a key, and no one knows where it is." August frowned. "A key, huh?" Torin grumbled loudly, throwing his hands up. "And Mr. Mysterious over here hasn''t lifted a finger to help! Just sitting there like some kind of royalty." The solo yer didn''t even bother looking up. "Have you found it yet?" he askedzily. Torin''s face turned red with frustration. "No! That''s the problem!" "Then keep looking." The solo yer waved dismissively again. "You¡ª!" Torin started forward, but Gareth grabbed his arm. "Let it go, Torin," Gareth said. "He''s not worth it." "I can hear you," the solo yer added nonchntly. Aria pinched the bridge of her nose. "Enough. We need to focus. Does anyone know of any floor that could have the key? Maybe we can go back tob through... I mean it''s pretty pointless if we can''t get pas..." August suddenly paused as his eyes narrowed in thought. "Wait a minute." He opened his inventory panel. --- System Notification [Inventory essed] - Leather Jacket Continue your adventure with empire - Basic Armor - Enhanced Dagger - Cloak of Echoes (Bound) - Shadow Cloak - Minor Health Amulet - Mana Potion ¡Á5 - Health Potion ¡Á4 - Phantom Boots - Devil Fang Daggers - Mana Crystals - Enchanted Mirror - Merchant''s que - Wind-Swept Cloak Fragment - Shadow Core ¡Á2 - Key (???) --- "I picked up this random key on one of the floors," August voiced while pulling it out of his inventory. It was a heavy, wrought-iron key with intricate carvings. Aria''s eyes widened. "That... could be it!" The solo yer finally lifted his head and nced at the key. "Well, look at that. Guess someone was paying attention." Torin bristled. "Oh, shut up! You didn''t even help!" August stepped forward while holding the key out toward the massive doors. "Let''s see if this works." As he approached, the key glowed faintly, and the carvings on the door began to shimmer. Everyone stepped back, holding their breath. The solo yer stood up slowly, brushing himself off. "Took you long enough." The sound of ancient mechanisms grinding echoed through the chamber as the doors slowly creaked open, revealing a dark, swirling passageway beyond. A gust of cold wind rushed out, carrying with it the faint sound of whispers. --- System Notification: - [ess Granted to the Final Floor: The Throne Swordking''s Throne Room.] - [ Door Closes In 1 Minute.] --- "Looks like we''re finally in," Aria''s voice tinged with excitement and caution. August turned to the others. "Let''s move. We don''t want to waste any more time." Chapter 102 Removing The Corruption System Notification: - [ess Granted to the Final Floor: The Throne Swordking''s Throne Room.] - [ Door Closes In 1 Minute.] The massive throne room was an architectural disy of ancient grandeur, stretching into the shadows above and beyond. Towering marble columns nked the walkway leading to a colossal, obsidian throne adorned with spectral blue mes. A malevolent wind blew across the ce as the room exuded an oppressive aura that made their steps feel heavier. As the group cautiously approached, the figure seated on the throne sat motionless with his head bowed. A massive greatsword rested against the armrest and its de seemed to be etched with runes that pulsed with corruption. Behind them, the massive doors groaned as they closed. The heavy boom of them locking echoed through the chamber, sealing them inside. Unbeknownst to the group, Drakos had slipped through just before they shutpletely, hiding in the shadows with a wicked grin as he observed the scene. The group halted several meters away from the throne. For a moment, there was only silence. Then, the figure seated atop the throne stirred. Slowly, he raised his head, revealing a face etched with sorrow and rage. It was the Ancient Swordking... His glowing crimson eyes pierced through the surroundings, radiating with corruption. "Why have youe here?" His voice reverberated through the chamber like thunder. "Do you seek my legacy... or do you seek the root of my corruption?" The Swordking''s deep and powerful gaze swept over them. The oppressive weight in the room grew heavier, forcing some of them to their knees. --- System Notification: [ You Have Reached the Final Test of the Ancient Swordking Dungeon. ] [ Choose Your Path: ] - [ Obtain the Ancient Swordking''s Legacy ] - [ Save the Ancient Swordking from Corruption ] --- The options shed before everyone''s eyes. A tense silence followed as they each weighed their decision. "Legacy," the solo yer muttered almost immediately, selecting the first option without hesitation. His voice was devoid of doubt as he fixed his eyes on the Swordking. He was here for one thing alone... To make sure the fruit didn''t fall into anyone''s hands so this was the only option. Gareth being the warrior of the group clenched his fists. "I''m with him. A legacy like this... it''s once in a lifetime." He chose the first option as well. One by one, the others followed suit. Drask, Torin, Lilo, Boris, and even Viora selected the first option, driven by the promise of unparalleled rewards. Only Aria hesitated. She nced at August, who was quietly staring at the Swordking. "August, which did you pick?" "I chose to save him," August said without looking at her... "Don''t ask me why... We''re still gonna fight over the lootter regardless but I think I''ve acquired plenty on the way down." Aria nodded. "What if we need to deal with the corruption to clear the dungeon? We might not even be able to leave unless we do." She sighed, then selected the second option. "I''ll back you up." The moment the selections were finalized, the Swordking rose from his throne. His figure towered over them as his corrupted aura spilled across the room like a tidal wave. He reached for his greatsword and lifted it with ease. "Let the test begin!" he bellowed. --- System Notification: [ Final Boss Battle: The Corrupted Ancient Swordking (Level 97) ] - [ Note: The Swordking will attack yers who chose to obtain his legacy. ] - [ Current HP: 120,000 ] --- "Wait, what?!" Gareth''s voice cracked as the realization hit. "He''s only targeting us?!" "And he''s level 97? We''re so dead!" Torin yelled in despair. The Swordking''s eyes burned with vengeance as he scanned the eight yers who had chosen his legacy. "I see you now... You who conspired against my daughter. You will pay for your treachery!" The room shook as he unsheathed his greatsword. The sheer weight of his power caused cracks to form on the marble floor beneath him. Without warning, he dashed forward with an unprecedented speed while swinging his sword in a deadly arc. "Scatter!" Drask roared while diving out of the way as the Swordking''s sword cleaved through the air. The impact created a shockwave that hurled yers across the room. --- System Notification: [ Lilo has taken 4,000 HP damage. ] [ Torin has taken 4,000 HP damage. ]n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om [ Gareth has taken 3,500 HP damage. ] --- Lilo groaned, scrambling to her feet. "This is insane! His attack didn''t even make direct contact!" Gareth shed at the Swordking with his de, but the attack only took off 1 HP from the boss''s massive health bar. "What the hell?! We''ll be here for a week!" "His defense is unreal!" Lilo cried while firing arrows at him. The projectiles bounced off harmlessly. "Even my piercing shots aren''t working!" Boris found an opponent and hacked his Axe into the Swordking''s side but it was utterly useless, taking only 1HP damage once more. The Swordking swung his de again, forcing them to dodge frantically. Viora''s healing spells kept them alive, but her mana was depleting rapidly with how much HP they were losing. The solo yer remained calm, observing the chaos. Finally, he sighed and unsheathed the Crimson Doomde strapped to his back. "Amateurs," he muttered while stepping forward. With a flick of his wrist, he activated a spell. "Anti-Gravity sh." --- System Notification: [ Anti-Gravity sh Activated ] - [ The Swordking has taken 300 HP damage. ] --- The Swordking turned his burning gaze toward the solo yer. "You... You dare defy me?!" The solo yer didn''t respond, instead activating another ability. "Crimson Devastation." A torrent of crimson energy exploded from his de as he swung towards the Swordking, cutting into him slightly. For the first time, the boss staggered. --- System Notification: [ Crimson Devastation Activated ] - [ The Swordking has taken 800 HP damage. ] --- "Finally! Some actual damage!" Drask shouted as his face lit up with hope. But the Swordking roared, unleashing a wave of dark energy that knocked everyone backward. --- System Notification: [ Dark Vengeance Activated ] - [ All yers have taken 10,000 HP damage. ] --- "Holy crap!" Boris yelled, barely surviving. "We''re all gonna die here!" Meanwhile, August and Aria stood to the side, watching the chaos unfold. The Swordking hadn''t targeted them at all, allowing them to remain unscathed. "Looks like he doesn''t see us at all," Aria said quietly. "Well, that''s because we were given another task..." August replied with a look of urgency. For the eight yers who had chosen his legacy, survival was bing increasingly unlikely. "And we have to focus on ours if we intend to save them," August added. With all that being said, Aria and August turned toward the west and sped forward. They soon arrived at a corridor leading to the Throneroom vault which was where they were instructed to go. August and Aria hurried forward. Both knew that their task could be the turning point, not just for their party but for the entire dungeon. --- System Notification: [ Task Initiated: Seal the Source of Corruption Located Within The Throneroom Vault ] - Objective: Neutralize the beacon powered by the Fruit of Sin. --- The massive vault doors stood before them glowing faintly with an eerie red hue. With a groan, the doors slid open, revealing a treasure-filled chamber that gleamed with gold, gemstones, and relics. At the center, a pulsating beacon stood, drawing its power from a dark, floating fruit. The Fruit of Sin hovered ominously, emanating waves of malevolence. Its dark surface shimmered, seemingly alive, as if aware of their presence. August and Aria stared at it with looks of awe. "This is it," Aria whispered. "The source of the corruption." "How do we seal it?" August questioned while stepping cautiously toward the beacon. "Maybe we just... try to get it off?" Aria suggested with uncertainty in her voice. She moved closer, but the moment she neared the beacon, a sharp pain shot through her body. Her screen shed red. --- System Notification: [ Warning: Corruption Status Increasing ] - Corruption Level: 15% --- Aria stumbled back, clutching her side. "I can''t get close. The corruption is too strong." August hesitated for a moment before stepping forward. To his surprise, he felt nothing as he approached the beacon. He turned back to Aria. "I think my title is protecting me. I can do this." "Be careful," Aria urged with a troubled look. August reached out and tried to grab the Fruit of Sin but it didn''t budge. It was cold to the touch, almost as if it was draining the warmth from his body. He kept trying to pull it away but to no avail. A system notification suddenly appeared. --- System Notification: [ Removing Corruption Source: 0% ] - Hold both hands on the Fruit until the process isplete. --- August then proceeded to ce his second palm on the fruit and a progress bar appeared in his vision, slowly ticking upward. "It''s working!" he called out to Aria. But before he could finish the sentence, a guttural roar echoed through the chamber. Two grotesque figures materialized from the shadows near the beacon. They were monstrous, with elongated limbs, ckened, cracked skin, and hollow eyes that glowed faintly red. --- System Notification: [ Dark Guardians Spawned ] - Level: 40 - HP: 25,000 - Abilities: Corruption sh, Shadow Surge --- "I''m required to keep both hands on!" August yelled from up ahead. Aria immediately sprang into action, summoning her staff and firing a barrage of spells. "I''ve got this! Just keep your hands on that fruit!" One of the Dark Guardians lunged at August while swiping its ws. Before the dark ws could graze August''s skin, Aria''s Fireball intercepted it mid-strike, exploding against its torso and sending it stumbling back. --- System Notification: [ Fireball Activated ] - [ Dark Guardian A has taken 1,200 damage. ] - HP Remaining: 23,800 --- "Nice shot!" August shouted but winced as the other guardian''sShadow Surge hit him square in the side. --- System Notification: [ Shadow Surge Activated ] - [ Aleman has taken 2000 damage. ] - HP: 13,200/15,200 --- August was sent skidding towards the side, causing him to take his hands off the fruit. The process immediately stopped. He groaned and fired a lightning bolt at the creature. [System Notification: You Have Casted Lightning Bolt] [ -1800 HP ] The blue electric arc struck the dark being, sending it flying backward. "Aria!" he yelled. "Focus on both of them! I can''t afford to keep taking hits like that!" He swiftly ced both palms back on the fruit, causing the process of removal to begin all over again. "Doing my best here!" Aria shouted back while casting Arcane Barrage a concentrated stream of magic aimed at both guardians. The spells hit their mark, but the monsters showed no signs of slowing. --- System Notification: [ Arcane Barrage Activated ] - [ Dark Guardian A has taken 3,000 damage. ] - HP Remaining: 19,500 - [ Dark Guardian B has taken 2,800 damage. ] - HP Remaining: 22,200 --- One of the guardians lunged again, forcing Aria to sidestep and retaliate with a quick Lightning Strike. The bolt of energy crackled through the air, striking true and staggering the creature. --- System Notification: [ Lightning Strike Activated ] - [ Dark Guardian B has taken 3,200 damage. ] - HP Remaining: 19,000 --- Meanwhile, the progress bar on August''s screen had reached 50%. "Halfway there! Keep it up, Aria!" "I''d appreciate some backup magic right about now!" Aria quipped while casting a shield to block a sweeping w from the other guardian. "I''ll pass!" August shot back, focusing intently on keeping his palms steady on the Fruit of Sin. The guardian who attacked August earlier shifted its attention to Aria, mming its wed hand into her side. --- System Notification: [ Corruption sh Activated ] - [ Aria has taken 1,800 damage. ] - HP: 8,100/12,000 --- Aria stumbled but quickly retaliated with a powerful Firestorm. The area-of-effect spell engulfed both guardians, reducing their HP significantly. --- System Notification: [ Firestorm Activated ] - [ Dark Guardian A has taken 4,500 damage. ] - HP Remaining: 15,000 - [ Dark Guardian B has taken 5,000 damage. ] - HP Remaining: 14,000 --- "Good one!" August encouraged, but his voice faltered as the other guardian closed the gap and shed at him. --- System Notification: [ Corruption sh Activated ] - [ Aleman has taken 1,200 damage. ] - HP: 12,600/15,200 --- Aria screamed, "No! Hold on, August!" "I''m fine," he grunted. "Focus on the fight!" Chapter 103 The End As the battle continued, August took more hits but kept his palms on the fruit. Even though his HP had reduced significantly, he couldn''t stop now. He had to grit his teeth and bear the pain. The others were in a heated battle against the Swordking that they couldn''t win... If they failed here, everything would go to waste. The progress bar on August''s screen ticked upward again, reaching 80%. One of the guardians roared and leaped toward him with ws extended. Aria shouted, "Not on my watch!" and unleashed an explosion directly at its head. The precise attack shattered its skull, dropping it instantly. --- [ System Notification: Dark Guardian A has been defeated. ] --- The remaining guardian howled in rage before charging at August, but Aria intercepted it with a well-timed Frost Bolt, freezing it momentarily. --- System Notification: [ Frost Bolt Activated ] - [ Dark Guardian B is frozen for 5 seconds. ] --- "Five seconds!" Aria yelled. "You better finish that progress bar, Aleman!" "It''s almost done!" August shouted while watching the bar tick upwards onest time. --- [ System Notification: Removal Complete ] --- The Fruit of Sin stopped pulsating as the beacon''s glow faded. A wave of light swept through the room, dispelling the remaining darkness. The final guardian let out a pained shriek before copsing into a pile of ash. --- [ System Notification:Dark Guardian B has been defeated. ] --- August stumbled back with the fruit in his grasp. Aria ran to him drenched in sweat. "Did we do it?" she asked breathlessly. August held up the now-dormant Fruit of Sin. "Yeah. We did." After removing the Fruit of Sin, August and Aria collectively let out a breath of relief, expecting the darkness to dissipate entirely. However, the oppressive atmosphere lingered. The swirling corruption clung to the walls and floor, refusing to retreat fully. Suddenly, the room shimmered as the air around them warped. --- System Notification: [ A Memory Projection Has Been Activated. ] [ Witness the Truth of the Swordking''s Downfall. ] --- "What''s happening now?" Torin muttered, stepping back as the surroundings morphed. The throne room transformed into a vivid scene of a grand kingdom in its prime. Soldiers in gleaming armor patrolled the halls, banners bearing the Swordking''s crest fluttered proudly, and theughter of children echoed faintly. At the center of the throne room, the Swordking knelt before a small bier, cradling the lifeless body of his daughter¡ªthe same girl they had followed through the earlier floors as a spirit. "Her... again," Aria whispered with a sympathetic tone. The Swordking''s face was filled with desperation and sorrow. "There has to be a way," his voice echoed around them. "This fruit... they say it can bring the dead back to life." From the projection, he held the Fruit of Sin in his trembling hands. The group could see its ominous glow, radiating an aura of immense power and danger. But when he tried to press it to the lips of his daughter, it was as if an invisible barrier stopped him. --- System Notification: [ The Fruit of Sin cannot be consumed by the dead. ]n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om --- The Swordking recoiled as his face twisted in despair. "No... I refuse to ept this!" He stood abruptly, summoning a group of advisors. "Find a way to harness its power! If she cannot eat it, then we shall make it obey us!" The projection shifted, showing scenes of hurried construction within the kingdom. A massive beacon, powered by intricate magical runes, was erected in the throne room. The beacon pulsated as it drew energy from the Fruit of Sin, attempting to bend its power to the Swordking''s will. "It''s the beacon," August murmured, recognizing the device he had just destroyed. The next scene turned grim. The kingdom was besieged. Enemies flooded the gates, their eyes glinting with greed and desperation for the Fruit. The Swordking didn''t join the battle because of the ongoing ritual to harness the power of the fruit without consuming it. Hismanders were all fighting in different areas of the Kingdom. Then came the fateful moment. Amidst the chaos, the beacon red uncontrobly. The runes glowed with an intensity that cracked the surrounding floor, and a surge of dark energy erupted, spreading across the entire kingdom in a cataclysmic wave. Soldiers, civilians, even the enemies¡ªall were engulfed in the darkness. When the haze cleared, the kingdomy in ruin. The once-proud halls were littered with decayed corpses, their bodies grotesquely animated by the very corruption they sought to avoid. The projection ended with the darkness reanimating the dead corpses... bringing them to life to be a shell of their former selves. However, his daughter''s body remained lifeless. The projection faded, leaving the group in stunned silence. The darkness still lingered like the fruit''s power was still being harnessed. "That''s why the blind mage begged us to save him," August muttered softly, recalling the spirit''s plea on the earlier floor. "He''s trapped in this nightmare. All of them are." --- System Notification: [ The Fruit of Sin must be sealed to purge the remaining corruption. ] --- Aria nced at August. "Seal it? How?" August''s eyes lit up as he realized. "The inventory. If the fruit is kept away, sealed from here, its influence might fade." Without hesitation, August essed his inventory, ensuring the Fruit of Sin was safely stored. As soon as he did, the swirling corruption around them began to retract, dissipating into nothingness. As the corruption dissipated from the throne room, the Ancient Swordking''s towering figure became a shadow of its former self. His armor dulled, and his once-imposing sword now dragged limply behind him. The immense power that had dominated the space moments ago was reduced to flickers of fading strength. The eight who had chosen to pursue his legacy¡ªGareth, Drask, Torin, Viora, Lilo, Boris, Ezran, and the mysterious solo yer¡ªstood ready to face him. --- System Notification: [ The Ancient Swordking Has Been Severely Weakened. ] - Level: Reduced to 40. - HP: 100,000 ¡ú 25,000. - Defense: Significantly Reduced. Objective: Defeat the Ancient Swordking to obtain his legacy. --- The Swordking raised his head slowly with his hollow gaze fixed on the eight before him. "You seek my legacy, yet you bring no honor to this room," he rasped. "You are vultures circling the bones of a kingdom long dead." Without another word, he swung his massive sword in an arc, sending a shockwave rippling through the room. --- System Notification: [ Swordking Has Activated: Wailing Arc ] - [ Gareth has taken 1,500 damage. ] HP: 9,500/11,000 - [ Drask has taken 1,800 damage. ] HP: 10,500/12,300 - [ Ezran has taken 2,000 damage. ] HP: 6,500/8,500 - [ Torin has taken 1,200 damage. ] HP: 7,800/9,000 --- "Spread out! His damage isn''t as high as before!" Gareth shouted while charging forward to draw the Swordking''s attention. His greatsword shed with the Swordking''s massive de and the impact sent sparks flying. "Drask, on me! Lilo, keep those arrowsing!" Drask roared in agreement, rushing in with his twin axes. His strikes found purchase in the Swordking''s weakened armor, chipping away at his HP. --- System Notification: [ Drask Has Activated: Berserker''s Fury ] - [ Swordking has taken 1,800 damage. ] HP: 23,200/25,000 --- Lilo stayed at the rear, firing glowing arrows nonstop. "Stay still, you overgrown tin can!" she muttered with a bubbly tone that contrasted with the chaos of the battle. --- System Notification: [ Lilo Has Activated: Piercing Shot ] - [ Swordking has taken 1,500 damage. ] HP: 21,700/25,000 --- Ezran and Viora worked together to keep the group alive. Ezran cast Lightning Chain, while Viora activated Healing Light to restore HP to the frontliners. --- System Notification: [ Ezran Has Activated: Lightning Chain ] - [ Swordking has taken 2,000 damage. ] HP: 19,700/25,000 [ Viora Has Activated: Healing Light ] - [ Gareth HP Restored: +1,500. ] HP: 11,000/11,000 - [ Drask HP Restored: +1,200. ] HP: 11,700/12,300 --- The solo yer moved like a phantom, leaving a blur behind as his crimson sword glowed ominously. His strikes were devastating, carving through the Swordking''s weakened defenses with ease. --- System Notification: [ ??? Has Activated: Crimson sh ] - [ Swordking has taken 6,000 damage. ] HP: 15,700/25,000 --- Despite their efforts, the Swordking retaliated with a sweeping strike, forcing everyone to scatter. --- System Notification: [ Swordking Has Activated: Vengeful Sweep ] - [ Gareth has taken 2,000 damage. ] HP: 9,000/11,000 - [ Drask has taken 1,800 damage. ] HP: 9,900/12,300 --- In the midst of the chaos, Torin found an opening. "Cover me!" he shouted before firing a volley of arrows at the Swordking''s exposed back. --- System Notification: [ Torin Has Activated: Multi-Shot ] - [ Swordking has taken 2,500 damage. ] HP: 13,200/25,000 --- As the battle raged on, the Swordking''s HP steadily decreased. However, his attacks grew more desperate, and his movements became erratic. "He''s faltering!" Gareth yelled. "Press the attack!" The group synchronized their efforts, each unleashing their most powerful abilities. The solo yer''s Crimson Doomde delivered the final blow, a powerful vertical sh that cleaved through the Swordking''s armor. --- System Notification: [ ??? Has Activated: Crimson Execution ] - [ Swordking has taken 7,000 damage. ] HP: 0/25,000 --- The Swordking let out a final, mournful roar as he crumbled to his knees. His sword ttered to the ground, and his form dissolved into ash. --- System Notification: [ The Ancient Swordking Has Been Defeated. ] - Rewarded EXP Distributed Based on Contribution... Chapter 104 It Needs To Be Destroyed The group stood in silence, catching their breath. Despite their victory, the battle had taken a toll on them all. "Where''s Aleman and Aria?" Gareth asked while looking around. "They went to deal with the corruption," Lilo replied. "I think that''s why his power weakened." With the Swordking''s corrupted form crumbled into ash, a faint gust swept through the throne room, carrying the remnants of his darkened body into nothingness. From the ash, a shimmering astral figure rose, looking exactly like the Swordking in his prime. His expression was no longer filled with rage or sorrow but one of peace. He looked at the group with gratitude in his ethereal eyes. "You have freed me. For that, I owe you my eternal thanks." --- System Notification: [ Swordking''s Corruption Purged Sessfully ] [ Quest Completion: Choose Your Legacy or ept the Ancient Swordking''s Blessing ] --- The astral Swordking spoke again with a gentle and resonant voice. "Let my story be a lesson. Revenge is a poison that consumes all, leaving nothing but ruins in its wake. I sought vengeance, and I paid with my kingdom, my people, and my soul. Do not make the same mistake." He gazed upward with glistening eyes. "Atst, I shall reunite with my daughter." His form started to dissipate into glowing particles, but before vanishing entirely, he raised a hand and said, "Take these rewards. May they serve you well in your journeys." --- System Notification: [ Rewards Obtained: ] - Legacy of the Swordking: A series of rare and powerful sword skills exclusive to warrior-ss yers. - Sword of Eternal Ash: A rare graded sword imbued with magical properties, including enhanced attack speed, bonus fire damage, and the ability to incinerate foes. - Ancient Sigil Fragment: A mysterious item with unknown uses. - Treasury Chest Key: Grants ess to additional loot. --- The glowing particles formed into various items, dropping onto the floor in neat piles. Aria and August had just arrived at the moment when the piles dropped. "Aleman, you''re okay," Lilo jumped into his arms. "Of course I am. I see you guys finally finished up here," August voiced while patting her back. "Thanks to you two dealing with the corruption," Gareth stated with a smile. "Clearing the dungeon would have certainly been impossible if you two didn''t pick that," Boris chipped in from the side. "Oh well, this just shows that groups and differences in opinions matter," Aria stated. The group immediately began to distribute the loot. "Gareth, the sword''s yours," Aria said, smiling. "It''s perfect for a warrior like you." Gareth picked up the Sword of Eternal Ash. His hands trembled as he held it. The weapon radiated power as its fiery edges flickered faintly. "This... this is worth millions in gold," he muttered. "If it has a retrieval option, it could go for a fortune in real life." The rest of the loot was distributed evenly. August and Aria, having arrivedte, were given items the group had left aside for them. However, August seemed disinterested in the items. He had already taken a few things from the vault earlier and his mind was preupied with the fruit. The solo yer, who had been sitting silently through the distribution, finally rose to his feet. His aloof demeanor remained, but his sharp eyes locked onto August. "Where''s the fruit?" he asked bluntly. August hesitated, then took the Fruit of Sin out of his inventory. Its dark aura glowed ominously in his hands. "Here." The solo yer stepped forward. "Hand it over." "What?" Torin voiced with an incredulous tone. "We just fought tooth and nail to get this far, and you think you can just take it?" "You''ll have to hold on for everyone toe to an agreement on who gets this," August said to the solo yer. The solo yer ignored Torin and kept his gaze fixed on August. "This fruit is a danger to everyone. It needs to be destroyed." Aria furrowed her brow. "Destroyed? Do you have any idea how much we''ve sacrificed to get here? That fruit is one of the main reasons most of us even entered this dungeon!" The solo yer''s expression darkened. "The Fruit of Sin is not a reward. It''s a curse. If it falls into the wrong hands, it could wreak havoc in the real world. Its power is too dangerous to exist." August clenched his fists. "It''s not your decision to make. Everyone here worked hard to get this far. You can''t just take it and destroy it." The solo yer''s gaze sharpened. "I didn''te here to argue. I came here to ensure that fruit is gone for good." Before anyone could respond, the solo yer lunged forward with his hand reaching for the fruit. August swiftly returned it to his inventory, causing it to vanish from sight. --- System Notification: [ Item Stored: Fruit of Sin ] --- The solo yer halted as his hand hovered mid-air. His calm exterior finally cracked as frustration flickered across his face. "You don''t understand what''s at stake. Hand it over, or I''ll take it by force." Gareth stepped forward, brandishing the Sword of Eternal Ash. "You''re not getting it. Not without going through us." The solo yer tilted his head as his expression turned even colder and his face hardened like steel. "So be it." With a flick of his hand, the entire room trembled. --- System Notification: [ Tier Two Spell Activated: Anti-Gravity Zone ] [ Effect: All targets in the zone are immobilized, rendered unable to attack or defend for 20 seconds. ] --- Everyone, except for the solo yer, was mmed to the ground, unable to move. The crushing force pinned them down causing their HP bars to reduce. "Damn it!" August growled while struggling against the invisible force. The solo yer''s footsteps echoed ominously as he walked toward August who could only see his boots."I didn''t want it toe to this." He raised his hand and activated another skill. --- System Notification:n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om [ Unique Skill Activated: Inventory Discement ] [ Effect: Target''s selected item forcibly removed from inventory and materialized. ] --- The Fruit of Sin reappeared in mid-air, glowing darkly. The solo yer reached for it... It seemed like time had slowed down at this moment as his fingers were only inches away from wrapping around it. "No!" August shouted, summoning every ounce of strength to push himself up against the crushing weight. Just as the solo yer''s hand was about to close around the fruit, a sudden energy st erupted from behind him... "What the¡ª" the solo yer spun around to try and dispel the attack but wasn''t fast enough. Threeezzhh~ A reddish arc of energy rammed into his chest, sending him flying across the air. Drakos emerged from the shadows with a spiky red sword in his grasp. His maniacal grin spread across his face as he red at the solo yer who mmed into the wall up ahead. "I told you... this isn''t over." The atmosphere turned even more tense as the Fruit of Sin hovered in the center. The chaos threatened to escte even further. Chapter 105 Destroying The Fruit Of Sin The force of Drakos''s attack had sent the solo yer crashing into the far wall, leaving a noticeable crater. As he slumped to the floor, Drakos erupted into maniacalughter. "Hahahaha! I got him!" His eyes glowed with a crazed hunger as he lunged for the Fruit of Sin, which hovered precariously in the air. "This fruit is mine!" Drakos roared. His hand reached out, mere inches from the fruit when a streak of movement blurred past him. August, using his Dash ability, intercepted the fruit mid-air and tucked it securely in his grip. --- System Notification: [ Dash Activated ] [ Cooldown: 10 seconds ] [ Item Acquired: Fruit of Sin ] --- Drakos froze momentarily as his face contorted in rage. He turned to August. "You dare?! Give it here, or I''ll send you to respawn faster than you can blink!" August tightened his grip on the fruit with a firm stance despite the exhaustion etched on his face. "Over my dead body," he shot back. Drakos didn''t hesitate. With a loud growl, he raised his massive glowing sword causing the air to crackle as he activated one of his strongest skills. --- System Notification: [ Skill Activated: Wrathful Cleave ] [ Effect: Unleashes a high-damage, wide-arc sh. Ignores 50% of the target''s defenses. ] --- The sheer force radiating from the skill shook the ground, cracks spreading across the floor. Just as Drakos lunged to swing his sword, the solo yer blurred and reappeared between them with his hand raised. The familiar oppressive force of Anti-Gravity Zone swept across the room once more. --- System Notification: [ Tier Two Spell Activated: Anti-Gravity Zone ] [ Effect: Immobilizes all targets within a 30-meter radius for 20 seconds. ] --- August and the others immediately felt the crushing weight m them into the floor. Drakos, caught mid-swing, was forced to drop his weapon as his body fell to the ground with a loud thud. The Fruit of Sin slipped from August''s grasp, rolling a few feet away before hovering mid-air again. The solo yer calmly strode forward causing the sound of his boots colliding with the floor to echo in the now-silent chamber. "This is over," he voiced with a resolute tone. "I''ll destroy it now and end this madness." As he reached for the fruit, a faint glow emanated from Drakos, who gritted his teeth and summoned an item from his inventory. It was a golden talisman, pulsing with energy. --- System Notification: [ Item Activated: Nullifying Talisman ] [ Effect: Temporarily negates status effects within a 5-meter radius. Duration: one minute ] --- The talisman''s energy enveloped Drakos, nullifying the anti-gravitational magic around him. He pushed himself to his feet as his eyes zed with fury. "You think you can stop me with a parlor trick?" he sneered. The solo yer paused, tilting his head slightly. "Interesting," he murmured, before shifting into a defensive stance. "But it won''t save you." Drakos charged with his sword once again glowing with raw power as he activated another skill. The two shed violently causing the shockwaves of their battle to rattle the chamber. Drakos''s attacks were ferocious, but the solo yer''s precise movements and mastery of both magic and physicalbat gave him the edge. --- System Notification: [ Skill Activated: Cleaving Vortex (Drakos) ] [ Effect: A spinning attack that deals 150% damage to all nearby enemies. ] [ Tier Two Spell Activated: Gravity Crush (Solo yer) ] [ Effect: Increases weight on a single target, slowing their movement and reducing attack speed. ] --- The fruit became a focal point of their battle, changing hands multiple times as each fighternded critical blows. Drakos managed to snatch it briefly, only for the solo yer to use Earthbreaker, a seismic shockwave, to force him to drop it. Meanwhile, August, face pressed against the ground as he struggled against the oppressive magic. "I can''t just lie here¡­ I have to do something," he muttered with a strained voice. He called out to the mages in their party. "Ezran! Aria! Cast shield spells on my Arcane Shield! Stack them up!" August shouted. They didn''t even ask what he was trying to do because this wasn''t the time. They were all struggling to get out of this so if one person could sessfully do so, they were ready to render support. Ezran and Aria nodded, despite their own struggles, and began chanting their spells. --- System Notification: [ Skill Activated: Arcane Shield (August) ] [ Effect: Creates a barrier that absorbs iing damage. ] [ Skill Activated: Mana Barrier (Ezran) ] [ Skill Activated: Radiant Ward (Aria) ] [ Stacking Effect Achieved: Enhanced Shield - Multiplied Durability ] --- Thebined force of their shields pushed against the gravitational pressure above August, creating a pocket of resistance. Slowly but surely, August managed to rise to his feet with sweat pouring down his face as his HP bar blinked dangerously low. At the same moment, the solo yer delivered a devastating blow to Drakos, who had been charging at him with reckless abandon. --- System Notification: [ Skill Activated: Crimson Doomde Split (Solo yer) ] [ Effect: Ignore defenses and split the target in two. Sure kill attack unless opponent is many levels higher than user. Cooldown: 1 Day ] [ Drakos Defeated ] [ Loot Dropped ] --- Drakos''s body was split into two halves with one part of his face falling towards the right and the other towards the left. The halved pieces began dissipating into particles of light as his avatar respawned outside the dungeon. The solo yer turned his attention back to the Fruit of Sin now floating mid-air. "This ends now," he said coldly while raising his hand to cast a destructive spell. The oppressive energy around him surged as he began casting the powerful spell. August didn''t hesitate. Seeing the fruit''s imminent destruction, he activated Dash and streaked forward. --- System Notification: [ Dash Activated ] [ Cooldown: 10 seconds ] [ Item Retrieved: Fruit of Sin ] --- August snatched the fruit mid-air and skidded to a halt several meters away, clutching it protectively. His chest heaved with exertion as his HP bar shed dangerously low. The solo yer turned slowly to face August with a cold look. "Persistent as ever," he muttered with a sharp tone. "You don''t understand what you''re holding. Hand it over." August shook his head while tightening his grip on the fruit. "Not a chance. Everyone worked for this, not just you. You don''t get to decide what happens to it." August''s fingers trembled as a purplish glow emanated from his hand with the Fruit of Sin in his grasp. "Hand it over, Aleman," the solo yer demanded. "You''re ying a dangerous game, and I''m done asking." August shook his head. "Nah man, be a little more reasonable." The solo yer narrowed his eyes as his voice turned icy. "I warned you. No more running." With that, he surged forward with his de glowing ominously as he swung toward August. --- System Notification: [ Skill Activated: Dash ] [ Cooldown: 15 seconds ] --- August blurred out of sight, narrowly evading the strike. His feet barely touched the ground as he darted across the chamber, weaving between the stone pirs and debris, all while gripping the fruit tightly. "Stop running and hand it over!" the solo yer shouted. In response, August turned mid-dash and fired a Lightning Bolt, aiming for the Solo yer''s midsection. --- System Notification: [ Skill Activated: Lightning Bolt (Mage) ] [ Effect: Fires a bolt of concentrated lightning ] --- The bolt crackled through the air, but the solo yer evaded it with ease. His movements were almost too quick to follow by any normal yer but fortunately, August wasn''t a normal yer. He raised a hand and activated Anti-Gravitational Zone again, forcing August to leap out of range to avoid being pinned. "You''re persistent," the solo yer muttered as he raised his de. "But not persistent enough." August activated Stealth, vanishing into thin air and leaving only faint traces of his presence. For a moment, the chamber was silent. --- System Notification: [ Skill Activated: Stealth (Assassin) ] [ Cooldown: 30 seconds ] --- "Stealth?" The solo yer scoffed while scanning the room. "You think I can''t sense you?" He closed his eyes briefly, letting his aura spread outward like an unseen force. "Got you." With one swift motion, he swung his de in an arc causing the air itself to split apart as the force of his attack collided with a shadowed corner of the room. August reappeared with his Stealth disrupted as the attack sent him hurtling across the chamber. His back mmed into the wall with a sickening thud, and his HP bar plummeted dangerously low. --- System Notification: [ HP: 1,200/17,300 ] --- "Damn it¡­" August groaned while struggling to push himself up. The Fruit of Sin slipped from his grasp, bouncing once beforeing to rest at the feet of the solo yer. "This ends now," the solo yer dered as he reached down and picked up the fruit. He didn''t even nce at August as he began chanting a spell, his voice resonating with arcane power. --- System Notification: [ Skill Activated: Void Purge ] [ Effect: Annihtes an artifact or entity of pure corruption. ] --- The Fruit of Sin glowed brighter as the magic encased it. It''s dark energy twisted and writhing in resistance. The entire chamber shook, and the air grew thick with a suffocating aura as the spell reached its climax. "No!" Aria shouted, still pinned under the effects of Anti-Gravitational Zone. "You don''t know what you''re doing!" "Damn it!" Gareth roared with his hands wing at the ground as he struggled in vain to rise. "That bastard!" Ezran and Boris exchanged helpless nces as their frustration was mirrored by everyone else immobilized by the spell. As the spellpleted, the Fruit of Sin imploded, vanishing into a void of light and leaving nothing behind. The chamber grew silent as the oppressive energy dissipated entirely. The solo yer turned to face them with his expression as indifferent as ever. "It''s done. You''re wee." "You¡ª!" Torin growled as his fists trembled. "You selfish bastard!" The solo yer ignored him and sheathed his Crimson Doomde."You should be thanking me. The fruit was a danger to everyone here¡ªand beyond. It had to be destroyed." Without another word, he turned and began walking out of the Throneroom. His footsteps echoed ominously as he called out over his shoulder, "You can have the rest of the loot." As soon as he left the chamber, the Anti-Gravitational Zone spell deactivated, and everyone copsed to the ground. Groans of relief and frustration filled the room as they slowly got to their feet. "That guy is the worst," Lilo muttered, dusting herself off. "I mean, what kind of psycho destroys the one thing everyone''s been fighting for?" "Arrogant prick," Gareth growled. "I swear if I see him again¡­" August, however, stayed silent. His gaze lingered on the spot where the fruit had vanished, even as the others continued to vent their anger. --- [ System Notification:Fruit of Sin Sessfully Extracted ]n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om --- Chapter 106 Second World Announcement [ System Notification:Fruit of Sin Sessfully Extracted ] --- August stared at the notification briefly; ''Looks like I was able to fully extract it before he destroyed it.'' From the moment August broke away from the antigravitational zone, he activated his extraction ability and used it on the fruit unbeknownst to the solo yer and everyone else. The fruit of Sin could be retrieved to reality by any yer but had he gone through the normal process, it would have taken longer and the solo yer would have caught on since items tend to emit a particr glow when getting retrieved.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om Also, the extraction process would have stopped when it got taken off his hands but because he used his own ability, it didn''t stop. Fortunately, he was able to extract it before the solo yer destroyed it. ''Should I tell them?... No... I''ll decide what to do with the fruitter,'' August answered his own question internally. After the solo yer''s departure, a sharp chime echoed in their line of sight. --- System Notification: [ Dungeon Cleared ] [ You will be teleported out in 1 minute. ] --- "Finally," Drask groaned before copsing onto one knee with his axe nted firmly in the ground. "We''re getting out of this hellhole." Viora moved to his side to restore what little health he had left. "Don''t get toofortable. Who knows if something else will surprise us." "Don''t jinx it," Drask growled with a low tone. Aria turned to Lilo, Boris, and Ezran. "Before we get teleported out, I have a proposal. Since we cleared the dungeon together, I''d like to add you three to our party. That way, the world announcement will show us as one group under the Phoenix Celestial Guild." Lilo practically jumped out of her skin with excitement. "Oh my God, yes! Yes, please add me! This is the best day of my life!" She turned to Boris and Ezran, gripping their arms tightly. "Do you hear that? We''re going to be in the world announcement under Phoenix Celestial!" Boris chuckled as his massive frame heaved with exhaustion. "I mean, I''m in if it makes things official. Besides, it''s better than my name showing up solo." Ezran blushed and nodded. "It''s an honor, really. Thank you for including us." "Good," Aria said with a nod, quickly essing the party settings. "Hold still for a second¡­" --- System Notification: [ Party Invitation Sent ] [ Lilo (Level 34 Ranger) ] [ Boris (Level 36 Berserker) ] [ Ezran (Level 35 Mage) ] System Notification: [ New Party Members Added ] [ Current Party Members: ] - Aria (Level 37 Mage) - Aleman (Level 31 Assassin/Mage) - Gareth (Level 38 Warrior) - Drask (Level 36 Berserker) - Viora (Level 35 Cleric) - Torin (Level 37 Ranger) - Lilo (Level 34 Ranger) - Boris (Level 36 Berserker) - Ezran (Level 35 Mage) --- Suddenly, a booming voice echoed across the game, reaching every corner of Enders Light. --- System Notification: [ World Announcement ] [ The Ancient Swordking Dungeon has been cleared! ] [ Congrattions to the party under Phoenix Celestial Guild: ] - Aria - Aleman - Gareth - Drask - Viora - Torin - Lilo - Boris - Ezran [ Rewards Distributed ] --- "Whoa!" Lilo squealed as her name lit up in the announcement. "This is happening! My name''s out there for the whole world to see!" "Phoenix Celestial takes another win," Torin smirked while folding his arms. "Guess that''ll keep our guild leader happy." "Yeah, well, not everyone''s going to be happy about this," Gareth muttered. "A lot of guilds were gunning for this dungeon." Meanwhile, on the upper floors of the dungeon, another Phoenix Celestial party stood in stunned silence. "Damn it!" Their leader mmed her fist into a nearby wall, ring at the announcement. "Aria bested me again? How is this happening? How?" As the World Announcement rang out across Enders Light, the ripple effects of the news were immediate. yers from all corners of the game stopped in their tracks as their attention was captured by the rare and monumental notification. --- System Notification: [ World Announcement ] [ The Ancient Swordking Dungeon has been cleared! ] [ Congrattions to the party under Phoenix Celestial Guild: ] - Aria - Aleman - Gareth - Drask - Viora - Torin - Lilo - Boris - Ezran [ Rewards Distributed ] --- "No way¡­ Phoenix Celestial cleared it?" A swordsman with gleaming armor shook his head in disbelief. "I knew they were good, but this fast? It hasn''t even been more than two weeks since the dungeon appeared!" Nearby, a mage tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Aleman¡­ isn''t that the same guy who made waves in the Ogre Dungeon fiasco?" "Yes!" an excited ranger chimed in. "He was a solo yer back then. How''d he end up in a Phoenix Celestial party?" "That means Phoenix Celestial is dominating yet again," someone muttered bitterly. "No chance for the smaller guilds." In the capital city of Altheria, a rival guild known as Ironblood Vanguard gathered in their grand hall. The guild leader, a burly warrior named Rendahl, mmed his fist onto the armrest of his throne-like chair. "Phoenix Celestial again? Those bastards are stealing every opportunity!" A scout hesitated before reporting. "Sir, from what we''ve gathered, the party that cleared it wasn''t even one of their elite squads. It was a random team. Not one of the captains." Rendahl''s eyes narrowed. "How the hell did they manage it?" "It gets worse," the scout added reluctantly. "The announcement mentioned Aleman. He''s¡­ not officially in their guild. He''s the wild card." Rendahl''s frustration deepened. "This Aleman guy keeps popping up. Get me everything on him. I want to know if he''s worth recruiting¡ªor crushing." --- In a small guild outpost on the edge of the Misty des, two independent yers watched the announcement with mixed reactions. "Damn, we were so close to entering that dungeon," one groaned. "And now it''s cleared. All that grinding for nothing." "Phoenix Celestial, though," the other said. "They''re always ahead of the curve. Makes you wonder¡­ what kind of loot they got in there." "You think they got the fruit?" the first yer whispered conspiratorially. "Probably," came the answer. "But good luck to anyone trying to take it from them." --- In the undergroundir of the notorious Oni Terrorist Group, a few in-game leaders gathered around a glowing table that projected the announcement. "The Ancient Swordking Dungeon is cleared," one of the masked figures said. "And Phoenix Celestial is iming all the glory." Another, more imposing figure leaned forward. "What of Drakos and his squad? They were supposed to bring us the fruit." "They failed," came the curt reply. The imposing figure''s voice lowered dangerously. "Then we''ll have to take it ourselves. Begin tracking all yers involved in the dungeon clearance. Find out who has the fruit." --- Meanwhile, in a smaller guild''s gathering hall, a yer named Joren scowled as he read the names listed in the announcement. "Aria again," he muttered. "And that damn Aleman. He''s everywheretely." A younger yer beside him chuckled nervously. "He''s making a name for himself, that''s for sure. Maybe we should try to recruit him." "Recruit him?" Joren sneered. "He''s clearly aligned with Phoenix Celestial now. No way they''ll let him go." Back in the Throneroom, Aria nced at August with a softened expression. "We should head to the vault. There''s a lot of treasures there, and the timer''s still ticking." August nodded. "Good call. Let''s grab what we can." The group sprinted to the side corridor leading to the vault. Inside, they were greeted by the glittering sight of gold, rare materials, and weapons. "By the gods¡­" Viora whispered. "This is incredible." "Don''t just stand there gawking," Aria urged. "We''ve only got¡ª" --- System Notification: [ 30 Seconds Remaining ] --- "Thirty seconds!" she eximed. The group scrambled to grab as much as they could. August, careful not to seem too greedy, picked up a few valuable items and pocketed them discreetly. Lilo darted from pile to pile like a whirlwind, grabbing whatever caught her eye, while Gareth carefully inspected a rare shield before nodding in satisfaction and taking it. "Fifteen seconds!" Torin shouted. Drask groaned as he lifted a heavy chest onto his back. "Don''t rush me, ranger!" "Ten seconds," Viora called, clutching a glowing staff. "We have to move!" As the timer hit its final countdown, the vault began to shimmer with the telltale glow of a teleportation spell. --- System Notification: [ 3¡­ 2¡­ 1¡­ ] [ Teleportation Initiated. ] --- The group vanished from the dungeon, reappearing in the vast, open expanse of No Man''s Wastnd. The skies were still dark but the environment was betterpared to the dim, oppressive atmosphere of the dungeon. "Finally!" Lilo eximed before copsing onto the ground dramatically. "We''re out! We survived!" "Barely," Gareth grumbled, ncing at the loot they had managed to take. "But it was worth it." Aria nced at August, her brows furrowing slightly. "You''re quiet. Everything okay?" August forced a small smile. "Yeah. Just¡­ tired." "Understandable," Viora said kindly. "We''ve been at this for two weeks." "At least we finally cleared it..." August muttered with a look of dness. A group of Phoenix Celestial yers on No Man''s Wastnd gathered around August and the others as they were still processing the achievement. "That was incredible! You guys really pulled it off!" one of the guild members eximed, pping Gareth on the back. "We''re heading to the guild estate to celebrate!" another chimed in, visibly excited. "The higher-ups are waiting to meet the team behind the sess." A higher-ranking member, d in a battle mage outfit with a level 45 disyed above his head, stepped forward. "Aria, you and your team are expected at the guild''s celebration hall. The vice leader herself may make an appearance." This stirred excitement among the party, especially Lilo, who sped her hands together. "The Ice Queen? I''ve always wanted to meet her! This is going to be so cool!" Chapter 107 Bumping Into Vice Leader August raised his hand slightly, signaling his hesitation. "I appreciate the invite, but I''ve been in the game for way too long. I really need to log out and get back to the real world." Aria frowned. "The higher-ups are going to want to thank all of us personally, Aleman. You yed a vital role in clearing the dungeon so of course they''ll want to thank you too." "That cer," August replied with a small smile. "Seriously, I''ve got some things to handle outside. I''ll catch up with you all soon." The others reluctantly nodded, though Lilo pouted slightly. "You better join us next time. You''re the reason half this stuff worked out." "I''ll hold you to that," August replied with a soft chuckle. With a wave, August opened his interface. --- System Notification: [ Logging Out... Please Wait... ] --- August''s vision faded to ck before the familiar feeling of reality set in. Momentster, he opened his eyes to find himself inside the high-grade gaming pod at the Phoenix Celestial Guild branch in real life. The fruit of sin was resting by his side. ''Now, how do I hide this...'' August thought briefly and something came to mind. He summoned his game inventory interface and it appeared as usual. --------- Inventory: - Leather Jacket - Basic Armor - Reptilian Enhance Armor - Enhanced Dagger - Custom Staff - Cloak of Echoes (Bound) - Shadow Cloak - Minor Health Amulet - Mana Potion x7 - Health Potion x6 ...(see more...) ------- August stared at the glowing panel and then pushed the fruit towards it. With a little glitch, a system notification appeared in his line of sight. [ Do You Wish To Keep This Item In Inventory ] [ Yes ] ¡Á [ No ] ''It worked... Damn, I didn''t expect that,'' August was genuinely surprised. Did this mean he could keep anything in here or just items he had brought from the game into reality? Anyway now wasn''t the time to think about that. He quickly picked ''yes'' and the fruit vanished. Pushing the pod''s lid open, he climbed out and stretched. Despite spending nearly a week in this pod, he felt surprisingly fine. His muscles were a bit stiff, but the high-grade pod had done its job of keeping him nourished and hydrated. "Impressive tech," he muttered, rolling his neck and shoulders to shake off the stiffness. "No wonder guilds can spend weeks in-game without issues." Wrapping his scarf around his face as usual, August made his way toward the exit. He wasn''t interested in drawing attention to himself or staying longer than necessary. --- As he walked down the futuristic corridors of the Phoenix Celestial Guild building, he kept his head low. The interior was as extravagant as he remembered, with glowing panels and holographic disys showcasing the guild''s achievements. Just as he turned a corner, he identally bumped into a figure nked by several escorts, workers, and guards. August stumbled slightly before steadying himself, lifting his gaze to see who it was. The woman before him was strikingly beautiful, exuding an aura of authority and elegance. Her cold blue eyes matched the cascade of her long silver hair, and her pristine white suit tailored perfectly to her form. It was Elena Frost, the vice leader of Phoenix Celestial. Her gaze flicked to him, narrowing slightly as her guards immediately stepped forward, blocking August''s path. One of them barked, "Watch where you''re going!" Elena raised a hand, silencing them. Her expression was calm, though her eyes seemed to study him carefully. "We don''t have time, let''s keep going." August adjusted his scarf slightly, keeping his face hidden. "Sorry about that," he said casually, trying to brush past the encounter while Elena and the others resumed walking forward. She didn''t respond. It seemed like they were in a hurry. Although Elena''s eyes shed with a bit of suspicion. This man was obviously not one of her yers. A regr member of the Phoenix Celestial Guild would act a lot differently if they bumped into her but he maintained his calmness and aura of confidence. But now wasn''t the time to get into that. Their guild had just acquired another major win in Enders Light and she had to address the yers involved in this sess. Soon they arrived in arge space with multiple high-level pods. A particr one in the center of the space was much more luxurious than the others and specially modified to look a certain way. As she approached it, one of her assistants leaned closer to her ear and whispered something, causing her eyes to knit briefly. "One of the yers logged out already? Is he not aware that I intend to congratte them personally?" "He is but... He isn''t a part of the Phoenix Celestial Guild. Aria made a calcted decision to ensure our win by including him and from reports, he performed spectacrly," the assistant informed her with a low tone, nearly whispering. "Hmm? Who is this yer? Why hasn''t he been recruited?" She inquired. "His in-game name is Aleman. This isn''t the first time he worked with Aria to be included in a world announcement. He apparently just left the premises since he used our pod," the assistant stated. Elena''s eyes immediately flickered with a look of realization as the image of a man with a scarf obscuring his face appeared in her mind. "Dexter, quick, go after the man who bumped into me earlier!" Dexter immediately nodded in understanding before dashing out of the room and heading down the corridors. He used the elevators to get down quickly and asked the surrounding yers about a man who had a scarf on. They all said he just left. Dexter ran towards the exit to look around. There was a swarm of gamers outside the building as usual which made it even more difficult to find who he was after. Unfortunately, no matter how much he looked, he couldn''t find August. Even after getting through the swarm of people and looking around the streets, he was nowhere to be found. "*sigh* Did we just miss out on recruiting a yer with high potential?" ... ... August arrived home, practically bursting through the door. The sight that greeted him immediately made him pause and smile. Sophia was curled up on the living room couch, scrolling through her phone with a look of utter boredom. The moment she noticed him standing there, her face lit up like a Christmas tree. "August!" she eximed before jumping up and running to him. "Sophia!" August opened his arms wide, catching her in a hug as she practically threw herself at him. He wrapped his arms tightly around her, lifting her slightly off the floor. For a moment, they just held each other. "I was starting to think you were nevering back!" she said, pulling back to look at him with an emotional look. "I saw your note that said you''d be gone for a while, or I swear I would have lost my mind. But a whole week, August? A whole week? I thought something terrible had happened!" He scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "Yeah... about that," he started with a tone of exhaustion. "Clearing a dungeon isn''t exactly a walk in the park. Turns out it''s hard work, and it takes a lot of time. What I thought would take a few days ended up stretching into practically two weeks in-game." Sophia frowned, crossing her arms. "Two weeks in a dungeon? Are you serious? What were you even doing in there for so long?" August chuckled and gave her a small shrug. "Oh, you know, fighting off corruptedmanders, evading traps, making alliances, battling some of the strongest yers in the game¡­ the usual stuff." She blinked at him incredulously. "You''re making it sound like you went on some epic medieval quest." "Because I did," he said with a smirk. "And let me tell you, it wasn''t just for fun. There were some serious rewards. Totally worth it." Sophia sighed, shaking her head, but there was a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Well, as long as you''re okay, I guess I can''t be too mad." They chatted for a while longer, with August filling her in on some of the less intense parts of his adventure. He kept certain things¡ªlike the fruit of sin and the battle with the solo yer¡ªto himself, knowing those details were better left unsaid for now. "Alright, enough talk about your crazy game," Sophia said, standing up. "I''m making you dinner. You''ve been stuck in that pod for so long, you probably need real food." "Are you saying you''re cooking because you care, or because you''re tired of my ''pod noodles'' cooking method?" August teased, leaning back on the couch. "Both," she replied with a grin. "And don''t you dare fall asleep on that couch while I''m at it." August chuckled and gave her a thumbs-up. "You''re the best, Sophia." "And don''t you forget it," she shot back, heading to the kitchen. The aroma of Sophia''s cooking filled the apartment not long after, and August couldn''t help but feel a pang of gratitude as he sat at the table. Despite everything, Sophia had held down the fort while he was away. He silently vowed to make things better for her as soon as possible.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om They ate together, chatting about lighter topics. After dinner, August yawned loudly and leaned back in his chair. "Alright, kiddo. I''m beat. I need some real sleep. Like, proper, actual sleep where I''m not plugged into anything." Sophia nodded while standing up to gather the dishes. "Go ahead. I''ll clean up here. You deserve it, big bro." August patted her on the shoulder as he headed toward his room. "Thanks, Soph. You''re a lifesaver." "Don''t mention it. And don''t let me catch you back in that game before you''ve had at least eight hours, you hear me?" "Yes, ma''am," August said with a mock salute before disappearing into his room. --- As soon as he closed the door, he flopped onto his bed, letting out a long, satisfied sigh. His body felt heavy with exhaustion, but for the first time in what felt like ages, he was in his own space, disconnected from the virtual world. "Home sweet home," he muttered before his eyes drifted shut, and he sumbed to the blissful pull of real, uninterrupted sleep. [ System Synchronization Activated ] [ Unlocking... ] August was too far deep in wondend to notice these notifications ringing in his head and the system interface that had appeared in his line of sight. Chapter 108 Calling Remi [ System Synchronization Activated ] [ Unlocking... ] August was blissfully unaware as these cryptic notifications flickered across his consciousness. Deep in theforting embrace of sleep, he had no idea that changes were unfolding within him. His mind drifted through vivid dreams, unperturbed by the faint chiming of the system interface that hovered unseen in his subconscious. --- The next morning, sunlight poured through the cracks in the curtains, bathing the room in a warm, golden glow. August stirred, letting out a long yawn as he stretched. His eyes fluttered open, and his vision was immediately greeted by an unexpected sight. [ Partial Synchronization Complete ] The glowing notification hovered before him, pulsating faintly as if waiting for his attention. August blinked, still groggy, trying to make sense of what he was seeing. "What the hell?" he muttered while sitting up and rubbing his eyes. "Synchronization? With what?" He stared at the message, racking his brain for answers. It was unlike any notification he had ever seen, either in Enders Light or real life. No matter how much he tried to make sense of it, he just couldn''t. He suddenly recalled the fruit of sin and threw this synchronization to the back of his mind. Without hesitation, he made the inventory interface appear. His fingers moved instinctively to navigate the virtual screen. ------- System Notification: [Inventory essed] - Leather Jacket - Basic Armor - Enhanced Dagger - Cloak of Echoes (Bound) - Shadow Cloak - Minor Health Amulet - Mana Potion ¡Á5 - Health Potion ¡Á4 - Phantom Boots - Devil Fang Daggers - Mana Crystals - Enchanted Mirror - Merchant''s que - Wind-Swept Cloak Fragment - Shadow Core ¡Á2 - Fruit of Sin [Extracted] ...(see more) ------ Sure enough, the Fruit of Sin was there. "Still here..." he whispered to himself, still surprised that he could keep things in his inventory even after they had been extracted. It was really a game changer. He swiped his hand through the air, and the fruit materialized in his palm. Its dark, almost menacing surface shimmered with faint, reddish hues. The mythical glow radiating from it as if it were alive. Holding it sent a strange sensation coursing through him, like cold fire licking at his skin. It was simultaneously alluring and intimidating. August stared at the fruit with a look of apprehension flickering in his eyes. "I still can''t believe I managed to snatch this before he destroyed it," he murmured with a smirk. He turned the fruit over in his hands, marveling at its beauty and ominous energy. He let out a deep sigh and leaned back against the headboard. "Now, what the hell do I do with you?" he said aloud, as if the fruit could answer him. On one hand, consuming it would grant him ess to the *dark interface*¡ªa separate set of abilities that would not only make him stronger in Enders Light but also in real life. Abilities like manipting shadows, summoning dark entities, and even wielding curses were rumored toe with the fruit''s power. On the other hand, selling it would rake in an astronomical amount of money. Tens, if not hundreds, of millions. Enough topletely change his and Sophia''s lives. The allure of such wealth was hard to ignore, but so was the promise of power¡ªpower that could protect him and Sophia in a world growing increasingly dangerous with the rise of supernatural yers. "Money or power..." he muttered as his fingers tightened around the fruit. This was yet another hard decision to make like the time he extracted the fruit of corruption. As much as he wanted to cash in on the fruit''s value, a part of him feared he wouldn''t survive long enough to enjoy the money if he didn''t be stronger. His thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. He jolted slightly, quickly hiding the fruit under his nket. "Uh, yeah? Who is it?" "It''s me," Sophia''s voice called from the other side. August breathed a small sigh of relief. "Come in." The door creaked open, and Sophia stepped inside, catching the morning light with her beautiful green hair. She had a curious look on her face, her brows furrowed slightly. "You okay, big bro? You''ve been up here all morning. I was starting to think you''d gone back into the game already."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om August chuckled nervously, sitting up straighter and making sure the fruit waspletely concealed. "Nah, just... thinking. Needed some time to unwind after everything." Sophia walked over and plopped down on the edge of his bed. "You know, I really missed you but I''m starting to ept that you might get less and less avable in the future," she muttered with a slightly dejected tone. "Listen, while that may be true, I will always be avable for you," August answered with aforting tone. "Really?" Sophia eyes lit up. August immediately grabbed her hands and patted them affectionate look; "Trust me... There will never be a time when I won''t be avable to you." "Is that a promise?" Sophia eyes shimmered faintly. "I promise." "Pinky swear." They both locked pinky and chuckled for a bit, lightening the room up. She crossed her arms before ring at him. "You have tons of missed calls. Like, your phone''s been blowing up... I had no idea you''ve be famous big bro Aleman." August froze for a moment as a wave of realization hit him. "Oh crap¡­ Ipletely forgot." Sophia rolled her eyes. "Yeah, clearly. People have been trying to reach you non-stop for the past two weeks. It''s been driving me nuts." August quickly darted past her and down the stairs, heading straight for the living room where he had left his phone before diving into Enders Light for what felt like forever. He grabbed it off the table, turned the screen on, and winced. "Fifty-two missed calls?" he muttered while scrolling through the list. "Most of these are from numbers I don''t even recognize." Sophia stood in the doorway with a smirk. "And some are from people you do recognize. Look at Remi''s name right there." August pped his forehead. "Damn it. The agent for the space I wanted to rent also called¡­ and Remi''s cousin''s apartment. I was supposed to meet both of themst week." "Well," Sophia said while leaning against the doorway, "you better start calling people back before they think you ghosted them." August sighed and hit the call button on Remi''s name first. It rang twice before her familiar, bubbly voice came through. "August! Oh my gosh, you''re alive! I was starting to think you''d fallen off the face of the Earth." He chuckled awkwardly. "Yeah¡­ sorry about that. I got caught up with some urgent stuff. Really sorry if I worried you." "You did, you idiot!" she scolded lightly, though her tone was more teasing than angry. "I''ve been waiting to hear from you. I thought maybe you decided to ditch me after all our lovely chats." Augustughed. "Not a chance. So, uh, about your cousin''s apartment¡­ Is it still avable?" Remi''s tone shifted, sounding genuinely relieved. "I was just about to ask him if he still wanted to meet you! He came backst Saturday and has been busy moving his stuff out. He''s finishing up today, so you''re in luck." Chapter 109 What Changed? "Perfect timing," August said. "When do you think he''ll be okay to meet me? I''m ready whenever he is." "I''ll call him and let you know," Remi replied. Then, with a yful tone, she added, "But only if you promise me something." August smirked, already anticipating her antics. "What''s the catch?" "You owe me coffee¡ªor dinner¡ªyour pick," she said slyly. "I''ve been helping you out a lot, you know." "Fine, fine," August voiced while rolling his eyes with a grin. "Coffee it is." "Good choice," she replied with a smug tone. "Alright, I''ll call my cousin and let you know his response. Don''t go disappearing on me again, okay?" "Promise," August said. "Thanks, Remi." "Anytime, August. Talk soon!" As the call ended, Sophia smirked from the doorway. "Sounds like someone''s got a fan." August shot her a look. "Don''t start, Soph. She''s just being nice." Sophia raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced, but decided to let it slide. "Alright, big bro. But you better start clearing that call list before people start banging on the door." "Working on it," August said, already dialing the agent''s number as he sat on the couch. This day was going to be busier than he''d expected. - "Hello, this is Meredith, how can I help you?" "Hi, Meredith, this is Aleman. The one inquiring about the space downtown..." There was a moment of silence before her tone brightened with recognition. "Oh! Aleman! I honestly thought you''d lost interest. I haven''t heard from you in weeks." "Yeah, sorry about that," August chuckled dryly. "Something urgent came up and, well, it ended up taking way more of my time than I expected." "I understand," Meredith said, though her voice held a hint of doubt. "Unfortunately, the space you were interested in has already been rented by someone else." August let out a small sigh, already anticipating the answer but still feeling a pang of disappointment. "I figured as much. It was a great spot." "It really was," Meredith admitted sympathetically. "But don''t worry, we have several other locations avable, and I''d be happy to show them to you. We can schedule a tour tomorrow afternoon if you''re free." August considered her offer for a moment. "Alright, let''s do that. Send me the details, and I''ll meet you tomorrow." "Will do," Meredith said brightly. "I''ll text you the address shortly. Looking forward to seeing you, Aleman!" "Thanks, Meredith. See youter." After the call ended, August leaned back with a sigh. "Well, there goes n A. Guess it''s on to n B." Just as he was about to set his phone down, his eyes drifted to the unsaved number that had been responsible for the majority of the missed calls. His finger hovered over it before finally pressing the dial. The line barely rang before the person on the other end answered. "Aleman! Finally!" a familiar voice shouted with a mix of excitement and exasperation. "Victor?" August''s eyebrows raised in surprise as he instantly recognized the voice. "What''s with the sudden barrage of calls? What''s going on?" "Where have you been, man?" Victor''s voice was borderline frantic. "I''ve been trying to reach you for two weeks! I thought you disappeared or something." "I was busy," August said simply, keeping his tone calm. "I told you I don''t sell things every day. What''s the urgency?" Victor let out a huff as his voice shifted between excitement and desperation. "Look, I need something¡ªanything¡ªyou''ve got right now. A weapon, a relic, a charm, I don''t care. I''ll pay whatever you ask, just let me know what''s avable." August frowned. The sheer impatience in Victor''s voice set off subtle rm bells in his head. "Victor, you should already know... When I''m ready to sell, I post the items online like before. You just have to wait." "I can''t wait!" Victor nearly shouted with a tone of desperation. "Aleman, please, I need something now." August''s suspicion deepened. He yed it cool, trying to fish for more information. "Why the rush? What''s going on?" Victor''s tone softened, though he still sounded anxious. "It''s my girlfriend''s birthday this week, and I promised her something special. Something no one else can give her. That''s where youe in." August tilted his head, considering his response. "I see. Well, you''ll have to wait a bit longer. I still have things to sort out before I can put anything up for sale." "Aleman, please," Victor begged, his voice almost cracking. "Don''t leave me hanging. Just one item. I don''t care what it is, just name your price." "Rx," August said firmly, though he couldn''t shake the feeling that Victor''s desperation wasn''t just about impressing a girlfriend. "I''ll get back to youter today. Let me handle some things first." Victor let out a sigh of relief. "Fine, but don''t take too long. Her birthday''s in three days, and I need something by then." "You''ll hear from me soon," August assured him before ending the call. He sat there for a moment, staring at his phone with a furrowed brow. Victor''s desperation wasn''t adding up. "What''s really going on with you, Victor?" ... ...n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om Later that evening, August sat cross-legged on his bed, deep in thought. The memory of the strange system notification he saw when he woke up still gnawed at him. [System Synchronization Activated] [Partial Synchronization Complete] It didn''t make sense. Synchronization with what? And why now? The only noticeable change was the surge of energy he felt coursing through his veins, but otherwise, he hadn''t observed anything particrly different. His gaze flickered toward his inventory. The Fruit of Sin. His lips tightened as he recalled the news of the Oni group ruthlessly targeting yers and taking their extracted game items from their bodies after brutally killing them. It was escting. "I need more power," he muttered to himself. "If I''m going to deal with yers like the Oni, I can''t rely on luck or barely escaping. I need to be ready. Guess I''ll have to push back on the money aspect..." With that resolution, he summoned his yer Status Panel... --- << yer Status Panel >> Name: Aleman ss: Assassin/Mage Title: Sovereign of Anti-Darkness Level:31 EXP: 220,900/1,350,000 HP: 17,600/17,500 MP: 11,000/11,000 Gold: 25,120 --- Skills: - Shadow Dance (Assassin) - Stealth (Assassin) - Hidden Strike (Assassin) - Dash (Assassin) [Level 3] - Lightning Bolt (Mage) - Arcane Shield (Mage) - Ethereal Storm (Custom Mage) - Phantom Splice (Assassin) - Wind Surge (Mage) --- Inventory: - Enhanced Dagger - Custom Staff - Cloak of Echoes (Bound) - Shadow Cloak - Minor Health Amulet - Phantom Boots - Devil Fang Daggers - Mana Crystals ¡Á5 - Health Potions ¡Á6 - Mana Potions ¡Á7 - Wind-Swept Cloak Fragment - Enchanted Mirror - Fruit of Sin [Extracted] ...(See More) --- August skimmed through the interface. He was ecstatic about the progress he had made. Clearing the Swordking''s Dungeon had brought him a wealth of rewards, items he could extract and sell for huge sums of money. Selling wasn''t the issue¡ªdeciding what to sell was. But something caught his eye this time. Two of his skills were not greyed out like the others. His heart skipped a beat as he leaned closer to examine them. [Dash (Assassin) [Level 3]] [ Lightning Bolt (Mage)] For as long as he could summon his yer interface in reality, every ability and skill had always been inessible¡ªgreyed out¡ªexcept for his inventory. But now, these two skills were fully visible. Their colors were vibrant like in the game. "Does this mean...?" His voice trailed off as excitement bubbled inside him. If his suspicion was correct, this could change everything. He decided to test it. August focused on Dash and willed it to activate. --- [Skill Activated: Dash] --- Suddenly, the world slowed around him. The faint sound of the ceiling fan above became elongated and distorted. The clock on his desk seemed frozen in time as August stood to his feet with a look of disbelief stered across his face. "Unbelievable..." Chapter 110 The New Business Location Taking a single step forward, August felt a rush of energy envelop him, and before he realized it, he had crossed the entirety of his room in a split second. *CRASH!* His shoulder mmed into the opposite wall, and the sheer momentum sent him flying backward, tumbling onto his bed with a groan. [Skill Deactivated: Dash] [HP: 17,400/17,500]* [Warning: Recoil Damage Sustained] --- "Ow, ow, ow..." August winced, rubbing his shoulder. Hey there for a moment, staring at the fan now spinning at regr speed. "It worked," he whispered in disbelief. "It actually worked." His mind raced. These weren''t just visuals on an interface¡ªhe could actually use his skills from the game in reality. And if Dash worked, what about Lightning Bolt? He sat up as his heart pounded with adrenaline and anticipation. Grinning like a madman, he whispered to himself, "Let''s see what else I can do." ... ... The next day, August arrived at the cozy, modern restaurant in the early evening with his face partially obscured by a scarf. He had spent a huge chunk of yesterday evening testing out his newly acquired real-life abilities and was still in disbelief. He was fortunate to have found some old scrapyard to test out the lightning bolt or he would have really caused some coteral damage. He still logged into Enders Lightter in the night but he didn''t take any quests. Instead, he gathered information on his tier-two test and understood much more about his requirements and what he needed to pass. Enders Light was still buzzing about the newlypleted Swordking Dungeon so August did well to stay out of sight and logged outter in the morning. He''d spent most of today indoors doing research. Now that he had more real life abilities besides his extraction, he figured he didn''t really need the Fruit of Sin anymore. He could just sell it. But his decision hadn''t been made yet. He still had to wait for the whole buzz to die down before he took a step. August threw all of the recent events to the back of his mind in the meantime and focused on his surroundings. The restaurant''s ambient lighting gave off an air of quiet sophistication as he looked around. He soon spotted Meredith sitting at a window table, typing away on her tablet. She was a sharp-looking woman in her early thirties, with auburn hair tied neatly into a low bun and dressed in a tailored navy zer paired with a white blouse. Her eyes caught his movement, and she waved him over with a smile. "Aleman, great to see you," she greeted as he approached. "Likewise, Meredith," August replied while shaking her hand. "I hope you''ve got some good options for me today." "Only the best," she said confidently, sliding the tablet toward him. "Let''s sit and go through them before we head out. I''ve shortlisted several locations that I think will suit your needs." August settled into the chair across from her. The restaurant was elegant but not overly formal, with soft jazz ying in the background and waiters moving swiftly yet unobtrusively between tables. "These first two spots are closer to the city center," Meredith began, swiping through images of office spaces. "Good foot traffic but slightly pricier. The next few are in up-anding districts with great potential, and thest ones are more budget-friendly but still offer excellent facilities." August studied the images, asionally nodding or asking questions about the area and amenities. While the city center spaces looked appealing, their high prices weren''t something he wanted tomit to immediately. A few of the options in other districts seemed more promising, but nothing truly caught his eye until she reached a particr slide. "Wait, go back," August voiced while leaning forward. Meredith swiped back to a series of images showcasing three spaces in a district just outside the city''s bustling core. "These," he said, tapping the screen. "Tell me more about these." Meredith smiled, clearly pleased. "Great choices. These are in the Northbridge District, about a twenty-minute drive from downtown. The area''s growing rapidly, with several new businesses setting up shop. Let''s head out, and you can see them in person. They''re even better up close." --- Meredith drove a ck sedan with August in the other seat. Her professionalism was evident even in her driving style¡ªsmooth and efficient. As they pulled up to the Northbridge District, August took in the surroundings. The area was vibrant, with construction cranes dotting the skyline, indicating rapid development. Small cafes, trendy boutiques, and a few established businesses lined the streets, giving it a lively yet approachable feel. Meredith parked in front of a ten-story building with a clean, modern facade made of reflective ss panels. "This is the one," she said as they stepped out. Inside, the building had a minimalist aesthetic¡ªsmooth white walls, polished floors, and bright lighting. A receptionist greeted them warmly before Meredith led August to the elevator. Thest-floor space was arge open-n room with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a stunning view of the district. The room smelled faintly of fresh paint, and its neutral tones made it a nk canvas for any business idea. August''s mind immediately began envisioningyouts: workstations here, a meeting space there, and a section for disying high-value items. "This could work," he said aloud. Meredith smiled. "I had a feeling you''d like it." As they walked back to the elevator, they encountered a man in histe forties stepping out of a nearby office. He had a genial air about him, with a slight paunch, salt-and-pepper hair, and sses perched on his nose. He was dressed casually in a button-up shirt and cks, carrying a tablet. "Ah, you must be checking out the ce," he said, extending a hand to August. "Name''s Harold. I run the coffee shop on the first floor." "Aleman," he replied while shaking Harold''s hand. "If you take the space, don''t be a stranger. Best coffee in the district," Harold said with a chuckle. "We''ll see about that," August said with a small smile. Before they could leave the building, a young woman with bright pink hair in a messy bun, wearing oversized overalls and a paint-sttered T-shirt, approached them. "You''re looking at the space upstairs?" her eyes sparkled with curiosity as she inquired. "That''s right," August said, intrigued by her colorful appearance. "I''m Mia," she extended her hand. "I own the art studio on the fourth floor. If you move in, let''s coborate! I''ve been dying to work on something tech-inspired." August chuckled. "How did you know that I was setting up a tech-rted business?" "Just a gut feeling," She smiled before waving him goodbye. Just as they stepped out of the building, amotion caught their attention. A delivery truck had identally bumped into amppost outside, causing a few sparks to fly. Meredith immediately ushered August to the side as the driver jumped out, apologizing profusely. "Never a dull moment," Meredith said dryly.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om After everything settled down, August turned to Meredith. "Let''s go for it. I''ll take the space on thest floor." "Excellent choice," she proceeded to pull out her tablet to finalize the paperwork. "You won''t regret this." Chapter 111 Extracting A Potential High Value Item August sat at his desk, staring at thepleted paperwork spread across the surface. The official documents confirming his payment and ownership of the rented space gave him a sense of pride, yet the notification on his smartphone showing a 60,000-dor debit tempered the feeling with a hint of anxiety. "All worth it," he muttered to himself, though the bittersweet feeling lingered. He leaned back in his chair, his mind already visualizing the space''s potential. He saw a cozy, sophisticated lounge where yers could gather to trade and sell their game items retrieved to reality. His vision included a disy area lined with shelves and pedestals showcasing his own extracted items for sale¡ªsome with rare, glowing auras to emphasize their value. The most expensive items would be in a more secure, borate section, drawing in clients looking for exclusivity. "I just need the right interior designer," August voiced with a thoughtful tone. His mind flicked to his inventory. There were so many items he had ns to extract and disy, but then he remembered something. He had never tried extracting a particr item before that could have a high market value despite being a very ordinary and easy to acquire in-game item. Could it work? The thought intrigued him, but he decided to shelve it forter. His mind wandered back to his newfound abilities. Dash had worked in the real world but Lightning Bolt was a whole different case. It was a magical ability and yet it still worked. He couldn''t help but wonder¡ªwhere was the manaing from? There was no mana in the real world, so was the system drawing it from the game somehow? The question gued his mind. "How does this even work?" he whispered, lost in thought. Suddenly, Sophia''s voice rang out from the kitchen. "Ow!" August bolted from his seat and rushed to the kitchen, where Sophia was clutching her hand. A small stream of blood was seeping out from a cut on her finger while a kitchen knifey on the counter. "Are you okay?" August''s voice was filled with concern as he gently took her hand to inspect the wound. "It''s fine, just a flesh wound," Sophia said with a smallugh, though her wince betrayed the pain. August stared at the blood and frowned. An idea sparked in his mind, and he summoned his inventory interface right then and there. --- [Inventory Interface] - Enhanced Dagger - Custom Staff - Cloak of Echoes (Bound) - Shadow Cloak - Minor Health Amulet - Phantom Boots - Devil Fang Daggers - Mana Crystals ¡Á5 - Health Potions ¡Á6 ...(see more)n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om --- August''s eyes zeroed in on the Health Potions... The same item he thought about earlier that he had never tried to extract. He touched one and the system reacted immediately. --- [Would You Like To Extract Health Potion?] [ Yes ] ¡Á [ No ] --- He tapped ''Yes'' without hesitation. A glowing green orb materialized above his palm, swirling with light before solidifying into a ss vial filled with a sparkling, emerald-green liquid. --- [Item Extracted: Health Potion] --- Sophia blinked, utterly dumbfounded. "What is that? Another one of your tricks?" "Just drink it," August said while handing her the potion. "Trust me." Sophia eyed the vial skeptically butplied, uncorking it and taking a hesitant sip. The moment the liquid touched her tongue, warmth spread through her body. The pain in her finger faded, and they both watched in astonishment as the wound on her hand began to close before their eyes, leaving no trace of the injury. "How¡ªwhat just happened?" Sophia asked, holding up her fully healed hand. "That''s what I was curious about," August voiced with a grin, though his own amazement was evident. "Guess I''ve been sitting on a goldmine of possibilities." "This is insane," Sophia stated, still staring at her hand in disbelief. "What was that? It looked like one of those game items..." "Yup," August confirmed before pocketing the empty vial. "And now we know it works on injuries in real life too." Sophia shook her head as a mixture of awe and disbelief appeared on her face. "You''re not just ying a game anymore, are you? This is something else entirely." "Something else entirely," August echoed with a smirk. What else could he extract that he hadn''t given much thought to? What limits could he push? Sophia''sughter broke his train of thought. "Well, big brother, if you''re going to keep pulling miracles out at least make sure I''m your number one customer!" "You''ve got it," August replied with a smirk. But as he looked down at his hands, his thoughts turned serious again. He had unlocked a whole new realm of possibilities, but it also came with risks. What would people do when they found out they could purchase something that beat modern medicine? A grin suddenly appeared on his face as he straightened up with a look of confidence. ''Who cares what they think? I have the power to protect myself and Sophia now... I can be a risk taker again haha!'' ... ... Later in the night, August found himself wandering through the bustling streets of Tagharium in Enders Light. He currently had the Ogre Tusk activated as he made his way through. The item had proven to be invaluable, transforming his features into that of an Ogre and concealing his identity as Aleman. He listened as snippets of conversations filtered through the crowd. "Did you hear? The Phoenix Celestial Guild cleared the Swordking Dungeon!" "They must''ve gotten the Fruit of Sin. It''s worth millions if retrieved to reality!" "Man, I can''t believe Aleman''s name was in another world announcement. Who even is he? He just popped up out of nowhere." August smirked under his Ogre visage, appreciating the anonymity the tusk provided. Too bad it could onlyst three hours. He leaned against a dimly lit wall in the market district, summoning his yer interface. It was time to dig deeper into Tier Two qualifications. --- [yer Interface ¨C Skills Menu] [Tier Two Qualifications Test: Assassin/Mage] Attempts Remaining: 3 Description: Tier Two Skills/Magic represent a leap in power andplexity. To qualify, a yer must exhibit mastery of at least five abilities in their chosen ss. The test includes physical challenges,bat trials, and mental endurance tasks. WARNING: Failure thrice will permanently lock your progression at Tier One. --- The gravity of the situation sank in. Three chances. If I fail even once, the pressure will skyrocket. August clenched his fists. He couldn''t afford to fail¡ªnot even once. "I have to be ready. I need to polish my skills first," August murmured to himself. He closed the interface and resolved to dedicate the next few days to intense training. --- For hours, August practiced. Using the abilities he had unlocked, he honed the synergy between his assassin skills and mage spells. He drilledbinations of Dash into Hidden Strike, followed by Lightning Bolt. He practiced Ethereal Storm with precise timing and execution, increasing the level of his spells and skills. --- [yer Notification] [ Ogre Tusk Duration Remaining: 1 Hour ] --- The notification reminded him of something he''d been neglecting in real life: his appearance. The scarf he used to obscure his face wasn''t sustainable. The risks were growing. ''What happens if someone catches a picture of me or recognizes me in public?'' "I need something more secure," August muttered while pacing the area. A mental image of the Crimson Doomde wielder from the Swordking Dungeon shed in his mind. "I need a helmet but Something that covers my facepletely. Something unique¡­ something that screams ''game world.''" With that, August made up his mind. He headed for the Teleportation Hub on the outskirts of Tagharium. --- The Teleportation Hub was arge structure at the edge of the city, bustling with yers arriving from or leaving for different parts of the game world. Massive stone arches supported glowing blue portals that thrummed with energy. Each portal shimmered with the name of a destination above it, written in a glowing script. Chapter 112 Visiting Disco City August approached the queue for Disco City, a futuristic urban sprawl known for its high-tech environments and as a haven for tech-ss yers. He had never ventured outside Tagharium before, and the prospect of exploring a new city intrigued him. "One ticket to Disco City," August said to the portal attendant, a non-yer character (NPC) dressed in a ck uniform. "One silver coin," the NPC answered. August immediately paid up and the NPC handed him a glowing token. --- [System Notification] [ Portal Token Acquired: Disco City ] --- He stepped through the portal, feeling the familiar sensation of his body dissolving into blue light. A momentter, he emerged in apletely different environment. Disco City was the utter opposite of the medieval charm of Tagharium. Neon lights shed everywhere, bathing the streets in shades of pink, blue, and green. Hover cars zipped above the ground on invisible tracks, and holographic advertisements floated mid-air, showcasing everything from weapons to cosmetic upgrades. The sound of techno music pulsed faintly in the background, giving the city an electrifying vibe. "Wee to Disco City," an automated voice greeted him as he stepped onto the bustling main street. "This is... different," August muttered while adjusting his cloak as he stepped onto the busy street. --- [System Notification] [ You Have Arrived in Disco City ¨C Capital of Technology ] [ Safe Zone Activated ] --- The crowd was filled with tech-ss yers. Some were d in glowing armor that radiated with pulses of energy, while others carried massive firearms that looked like they could level a building. Their appearances were just as varied¡ªsome looked fully human, while others were augmented with mechanical limbs, glowing eyes, or metallic ting across their bodies. As August began walking, he realized he had no idea where to go to find a helmet. He nced around for anyone who seemed approachable. A group of three yers standing near a glowing vendor caught his attention. The group consisted of; a tall hunter-ss yer with a visor over his eyes and a long rifle slung over his back. His leather jacket glowed faintly with intricate blue circuits. The second was a cyborg-ss yer. Half of his face was reced by machinery, wearing heavy armor that whirred softly with every move. The third was a forger-ss yer, holding a miniature drone in her hand that buzzed around her head like a curious pet. She wore a utility vest filled with tools and had oil smudges across her cheek. "Excuse me," August approached cautiously. "I''m looking for a ce to buy helmets. Got any rmendations?" The cyborg nced down at him as his mechanical eye glowed faintly. "New here, huh? Figures. You scream ''magic-based ss.'' You''re in the wrong ce, buddy." The forger grinned. "Don''t mind him. Helmets, huh? You''ll want to check out CyberForge. It''s on Central Lane, about a ten-minute walk from here. Look for the big holo-sign with a spinning helmet." "Thanks," August voiced his appreciation. "CyberForge has the best quality," the hunter added. "But if you''re low on coin, there are smaller vendors in the alleyways of Neon Quarter. Prices there are better, but the quality''s hit-or-miss." "I appreciate the info," August replied. "Good luck out there, magic man," the cyborg said with a smirk as August turned to leave. --- As August made his way toward CyberForge, the sights and sounds of Disco City continued to amaze him. The streets were lined with vendors selling glowing gadgets, high-tech armor, and futuristic mounts like hoverboards and flying motorcycles. A few yers were testing weapons in public shooting ranges. Their sma bullets lit up the dimly lit alleyways.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om When he finally reached Central Lane, a massive holo-sign confirmed he was at the right ce. The spinning helmet gleamed with an otherworldly sheen, and the words "CyberForge: Gadgets & Beyond" hovered below it. The shop itself was smooth and futuristic, with a ss exterior that allowed customers to see the many items disyed inside. August stepped through the automatic doors, greeted by the gentle sound of machinery. Behind the counter stood a woman with ck hair pulled into a tight ponytail. She wore a silver bodysuit lined with glowing green ents, and her cybeic arms gleamed under the shop''s bright lights. "Wee to CyberForge," she said, her voice sharp and businesslike. "Looking for something specific?" "A helmet," August replied. "Something practical but intimidating. I need it to conceal my facial features." She raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Ah, the mysterious type. Let''s see what we''ve got." She led him to a disy case where various helmets were showcased. Each design was unique¡ªsome had glowing visors, others had intricate carvings, and a few looked like something out of a sci-fi movie. "This one''s called the Dread Sentinel. High-grade, full-face coverage and voice modtion included. It''s durable andes with a small mana reserve for energy-based defense." "How much?" August asked. "Fifty silver coins," she said. August nodded, relieved it wasn''t exorbitantly priced. "I''ll take it." --- [System Notification] [ Transaction Complete: Dread Sentinel Helmet Purchased ¨C 50 Silver Coins ] --- The shopkeeper handed him the helmet. "Good choice. You won''t regret it. And if you need repairs or upgrades,e back anytime." "Thanks," August said while sliding the helmet on. The interior adjusted to fit his head perfectly, and the visor activated, giving him a clear yet slightly tinted view of his surroundings. "Looking good," she said with a smirk. --- Instead of leaving immediately, August decided to explore more of Disco City. The vibrant atmosphere fascinated him, and he wanted to soak it all in. ... ... In a hospital ward at Faith Specialist Hospital which existed in the real world, the rhythmic beeping of a heart monitor filled the otherwise silent room. The air smelled faintly of antiseptics and fresh linens. Arge window by the bed let in the silver rays of the moonlight casting dim shadows across the room. The walls were painted a calming pastel blue, but the atmosphere within was heavy with despair. Seated beside the hospital bed was a man. His broad shoulders hunched forward as he leaned onto his knees. His face was hidden, but the tension in his posture told a story of grief and helplessness. His hands, calloused from years ofbor, fidgeted nervously as they sped together, as though he was silently praying to someone or something. The figure on the bed was a young woman in her early twenties. Her auburn hair fanned out on the white pillow, and herplexion was pale, almost ghostly, against the sterile sheets. She was hooked up to an array of machines, and her chest rose and fell faintly with the aid of a venttor. Her belly was rounded with the unmistakable curve ofte pregnancy, and her handsy limp by her sides. She looked peaceful, almost as though she were merely sleeping, but the machinery told a different story¡ªa battle being fought in silence. The man slowly lifted his head, revealing Derrick, August''s friend. His usually vibrant, rugged face was worn down by worry and exhaustion. His dark eyes, usually filled with humor or determination, were hollow and red-rimmed, as though he hadn''t slept properly in weeks. His short-cropped ck hair was disheveled, and he hadn''t bothered to shave, leaving a rough stubble across his jaw. "I don''t believe in God," Derrick muttered with an emotional tone. "But right now¡­ right now, I''d believe in anything. Any deity, any higher power¡­ if it would just help save Tara and my baby." Chapter 113 Extracting The Helmet Derrick''s hand hesitated before gently covering the limp, cold hand of the woman¡ªTara, his wife. The way hisrge, rough hand dwarfed hers was almost symbolic of how fragile she looked. He squeezed her hand lightly as if trying to convey his strength to her through touch. "I''m sorry, babe," Derrick whispered. His voice trembled, but he forced himself to speak. "I promised I''d take care of you. That nothing bad would ever happen to you. And look where we are." Tears welled up in his eyes as he looked at her still face, willing her to wake up, to give him any sign that she was still fighting. "I thought I was strong enough for this," he admitted, his voice barely audible. "But I''m not. I''m breaking, Tara. I don''t know how much more of this I can take. Every day Ie here, and I just¡­" He stopped, choking on his words. The room fell silent except for the steady rhythm of the heart monitor. Derrick''s gaze drifted to her belly, his fingers brushing over the curve softly. "Our baby¡­" he murmured. "I was so excited. We were supposed to decorate the nursery together. I had ns, you know? We had ns." His other hand wiped at his face roughly, trying to hold back the tears, but they fell anyway, sshing onto the white sheet. "You''re supposed to be here for this. To see them grow. To argue about names with me. To¡­" He paused, swallowing the lump in his throat. His voice brokepletely as he begged, "Please, Tara¡­ don''t leave me. Don''t leave us." --- The door to the ward creaked open, and a nurse peeked in. She was a kind-looking woman with warm brown skin and a gentle smile that didn''t quite reach her eyes. She had seen this scene too many times. "Mr. Derrick," she said softly, stepping inside. "Visiting hours will be over soon." Derrick''s eyes pleaded silently for just a little more time as he looked up at her. The nurse hesitated, then nodded slightly. "I''ll give you a few more minutes," she said kindly before stepping back out. Derrick turned back to Tara, brushing a stray strand of hair away from her face. "I''ll be back tomorrow, babe," he said, his voice steadying slightly. "And the day after that. And the day after that. I''m not giving up on you, okay? So you can''t give up either." He leaned down, pressing his forehead against her hand. "I love you," he whispered. "Both of you." The rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor continued as Derrick sat there, holding onto hope as tightly as he held her hand. The room remained heavy with silence, as Derrick prayed internally for some sort of divine intervention. He never let anyone at the factory know about his circumstance, not even August because he wasn''t the type to burden others with his problems but his walls were starting to crumble. He had contemted calling August a few times just to speak to someone who could lighten his mood and tell him everything was going to be fine but whenever he thought about August''s situation with his little sister, he hesitated. After spending a few more minutes staring at Tara silently, he got up and walked out of the ward. ... .. The next morning, August stood in the center of his room with his hands hovering over his inventory interface. He had just logged out of the game. His room was cluttered, with piles of notes, a gaming pod in the corner, and a small desk stacked with items rted to his budding ventures. The pop sound of the system interface reverberated in his ears as he selected the helmet he had acquired in Disco City. [ Would you like to extract: Tech-Grade Dread Sentinel Helmet? ] [ Yes ] ¡Á [ No ] He tapped yes, and a purple glow filled the room as the helmet materialized before him. It shimmered into existence, hovering for a moment before clinking softly onto his bed. The helmet was even more impressive in real life than in the game. Silky smooth with a matte ck finish and glowing streaks of blue light running along its edges. It looked like a futuristic artifact. The visor was tinted with a holographic sheen, and intricate circuitry patterns faintly pulsed across the surface. "Wow," August murmured, picking it up and inspecting it. "This is next-level." He slipped it over his head, and the interior lit up with a digitalized disy that seamlessly integrated into his vision. A soft, calming voice echoed in his ears: [ Activating Tech-Grade Dread Sentinel Helmet... Systems online... ] The room around him shifted slightly as the visor calibrated to his environment. He could see every detail with enhanced rity. His eyes darted to his bookshelf, and as he focused, the helmet''s interface zoomed in on the titles of the books. He grinned. "Zoom function? Check," he muttered to himself, twisting his head toward the window. The helmet adjusted to the natural light, dimming slightly to protect his eyes. He tested the voice modtor next, navigating through the settings disyed on the visor. His voice shifted from a deep, gravelly tone to a high-pitched, robotic one, then to an authoritative baritone that sounded like it belonged to a sci-fi movie viin. "Testing, testing," he said in aical high-pitched squeak, beforeughing and settling on a smooth, neutral tone that soundedpletely different from his real voice. "Perfect. No one''s recognizing me with this." He removed the helmet and ran his fingers over its smooth surface with a sense of satisfaction. This was exactly what he needed for his public appearances as Aleman. No more scarves, no more worrying about being identified. Setting the helmet aside, he nced at the clock. "Alright, time to get to work." --- August grabbed his phone and sat at his desk, scrolling through a list of interior designers he had bookmarked. He needed someone with a vision¡ªsomeone who could bring his dream for ''AM Coven'' to life. His fingers hovered over a name, Lena Cruz, whose portfolio boasted of futuristic designs. Perfect for the high-tech, gaming-inspired vibe he envisioned. He dialed the number, and after a few rings, a confident female voice answered. "Lena Cruz, how can I help you?" "Hi, Lena. My name is Aleman," he began while leaning back in his chair. "I recently acquired amercial space, and I''m looking for someone to handle the interior design. Your portfolio caught my attention." "Thank you," Elena replied with a professional and warm tone. "What kind of space are we talking about?" "It''s a ten-story building, but I''ve got the top floor. I''m starting a business rted to gaming¡ªspecifically a lounge for yers to buy and sell game items." Elena paused, intrigued. "That''s... unique. And exciting. Do you have a specific style in mind?" "Modern with a hint of futurism. Think holographic disys, custom lighting, and dedicated sections for high-value items," August exined while pacing the room. "The branding is ''AM Coven'' so I want it to have a subtle, mystical vibe without going overboard." "I like where this is going," Elena said. "When can I see the space?" "Today, if possible." There was a brief pause, followed by her enthusiastic response. "I''ll move some things around. Text me the address, and I''ll meet you there at two." "Great. Thanks, Lena." After the call ended, August felt a sense of aplishment. One step closer to making his vision a reality. ---n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om The afternoon sun hung low, casting warm golden rays across the ten-story building that August now owned the top floor of. He stepped out of the cab wearing a perfectly tailored business suit. The fabric hugged his lean frame with an elegance that screamed sess. His dark zer was paired with a crisp white shirt, a slim tie, and polished ck shoes. However, what truly made him stand out was the helmet from Disco City, perched securely on his head, concealing his identity entirely. The glowing blue streaks across its matte ck surface gave him an air of mystery, and the faint beeping sounds of its internal systems added to the futuristic aura. As he approached the building, he saw a ck car parked outside. A woman was stepping out with a tablet in hand. She was strikingly professional¡ªher dark, wavy hair fell neatly over her shoulders, and her tailored beige zer paired with high-waisted ck trousers and heeled boots exuded authority. Her sharp brown eyes scanned the building, and when she spotted him, there was a flicker of intrigue on her face. "You must be Aleman," she said while extending a manicured hand. Her tone was confident but polite, with just a hint of curiosity about his helmet. August nodded, his modted voice deep and smooth as he responded. "That''s right. And you must be Lena." "Indeed," Lena replied with a small smile, shaking his hand firmly. "This is the space you mentioned?" "Yes. The top floor is ours for this project," August gestured toward the entrance. "Shall we?" Lena''s sharp heels clicked against the tiled floor as they stepped into the lobby. She nced at him sideways, clearly intrigued by his unconventional appearance but professional enough not toment. Chapter 114 The Apartment Inside, the elevator ride was silent but not awkward. Lena asionally nced at August with a look of curiosity but she kept her questions to herself. As the elevator dinged and opened onto the top floor, Lena stepped out and surveyed the open space. The room was vast, with high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of the city. Sunlight streamed in, illuminating the bare floors and walls. The faint noise of traffic below added a sense of urban dynamism. Lena wasted no time. She walked briskly to the center of the room as her heels clicked against the floor, and began taking photos and notes on her tablet. "This space has potential," she voiced with a thoughtful tone. "Good natural lighting, openyout, and a decent location for foot traffic. What''s the vision?" August walked beside her as the digital interface of his helmet disyed a map of the space while he spoke. "I want a lounge for yers¡ªa sophisticated yet approachable space where they can meet, trade, and showcase game items retrieved to reality. Think futuristic with subtle mystical undertones." Lena paused, looking at him with renewed interest. "Game items retrieved to reality?" "Exactly," he confirmed. "It''s a niche but growing market, and this will be one of the first spaces of its kind. I want it to feel like a cross between a high-end gallery and a tech hub." She smiled with a clearly impressed look. "That''s ambitious. But I like ambitious." August continued, gesturing around the space. "Over there, I want a disy area for high-value items, set apart to feel exclusive. Here, a more casual lounge for discussions and trades. And I want holographic disys¡ªsomething interactive and eye-catching." Lena nodded as her fingers flew across her tablet, taking notes. "I can already see it. And for the branding, if I recall correctly AM Coven''?" "Correct." Lena''s brow arched slightly. "Interesting choice. What''s the significance?" August''s helmet hid the faint smirk on his face. "Let''s just say it ties into the mystical edge I want to capture." They walked through the space, discussing colors, lighting, and furniture. Lena was meticulous, pointing out potential challenges and solutions with the precision of someone who knew her craft. --- As they wrapped up, Lena stood at the center of the room. Her tablet was filled with sketches and notes. "This is going to be a standout project," she said. "I''ll prepare a formal proposal and timeline. We''ll bring this vision to life." August nodded. "I trust you to handle it." She smiled as her professional demeanor softened slightly. "You''re an interesting client, Aleman. Most people don''t show up to these meetings dressed like they''ve stepped out of a sci-fi movie." August chuckled as his modted voice added a mysterious edge to the sound. "Let''s just say I like to stay ahead of the curve." Lena nced at her watch. "I''ll be in touch with the proposal soon. Expect an email by tomorrow." "Looking forward to it," August voiced before extending a gloved hand. As she shook it, she couldn''t help but ask, "Onest thing¡ªwhat''s under the helmet?" August paused, then tilted his head slightly. "A story for another day," he said cryptically before turning toward the elevator. Lena''s curiosity was clearly piqued as she watched him go. "You''re definitely not like my usual clients," she muttered to herself, before leaving to prepare her ns. ... ... Another day had gone by in a sh. August sat at his desk with the morning light streaming through his window as he reviewed the final set of legal documents rted to AM Coven. The business had officially been registered, and now it was only a matter of time before Lena and her teampleted the interior design. With every box ticked and signature made, August felt a growing sense of aplishment. His dream was materializing, but the journey ahead was just as daunting. He leaned back in his chair, thinking about the next steps. The most pressing issue was security. AM Coven wasn''t just a typical business¡ªit dealt with game items, some of which were worth fortunes. Such valuables were bound to attract attention, and not all of it good. He needed guards, but not just any guards. They had to be supernatural yers. Individuals with abilities that could deter potential threats. "Can''t rely on ordinary muscle for this," he muttered to himself while rubbing his temples. "The Oni or anyone else could target us." With a sigh, he stood, heading to hisptop to draft a recruitment ad. He listed the requirements: - Supernatural yers only. - Combat experience preferred but not required. - Trustworthy and discreet. - Payment: $10,000 monthly with added asional bonuses including game items extracted from Enders Light. He hesitated before adding thest line but ultimately decided it was necessary. The sry was steep, but for what he needed, it had to be enticing enough to attract capable individuals. After uploading the ad to several online forums and gamerworks, he leaned back and exhaled. "That should do it for now," he murmured. --- August decided to spend the rest of his day tying up loose ends. After everything that had been happening recently, securing a good apartment for himself and Sophia was a priority. He had enough on his te already without worrying about the current ce''s frequent electricity issues or questionable safety. As the sun began its slow descent, August donned a sharp casual outfit, making sure to look presentable for this meeting. He headed out to Remi''s caf¨¦, where she had asked him to meet up. The aroma of coffee hit him as he stepped inside, and Remi was already at her usual spot behind the counter, chatting with a customer. She spotted him almost instantly and waved. "Right on time," she called out as she moved from behind the counter to greet him. "You doubted me?" August teased while slipping into one of the seats nearby. "Not at all," she replied with a smirk, sliding a steaming cup of coffee in front of him. "ck, no sugar. I remembered this time." "Impressive," August stated before taking a sip. "So, what''s the n?" "Daryl''s moving thest of his stuff out as we speak," Remi said, sliding into the chair across from him. "We''ll head over in about thirty minutes. He''s been clearing the ce all day, so it should be ready for you to check out properly." August nodded, feeling a sense of anticipation. "Tell me more about the ce." Remi leaned back in her chair. "Two bedrooms, good-sized living space, a kitchen that actually has room to cook, and¡ªyou''ll love this¡ªa balcony with a view of the city. The building''s got stable water, electricity, and Wi-Fi. Oh, and the neighborhood is super quiet. Perfect for Sophia, don''t you think?" "That sounds incredible," August admitted. "Honestly, it''s more than I expected." "See?" Remi said with a wink. "I alwayse through." About forty minutester, Remi led August to the apartment building. It was in a clean, peaceful neighborhood with tree-lined streets and modernmpposts that illuminated the area gently as dusk fell. The building itself was well-maintained andpletely differed from the one August currently lived in.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om "Here we are," Remi voiced while gesturing toward the entrance as they walked up the steps. Daryl was standing by the door, a couple of cardboard boxes at his feet. He looked up and grinned when he saw them. "Hey, you must be August. Perfect timing." "And you must be Daryl," August greeted him with a firm handshake. "Thanks for letting me check the ce out." "No problem," Daryl voiced before pulling out a keyring. "Let''s go in." The three of them entered the building and took the elevator to the sixth floor. When they stepped into the apartment, August was immediately struck by how spacious it was. The living room wasrge, with enough room to amodate afortable seating area and a small entertainment system. The kitchen was tucked into a corner but had ample counter space and cabs. The balcony Remi had mentioned offered a stunning view of the city skyline, with the setting sun painting the horizon in hues of orange and pink. Daryl showed him the bedrooms, both of which were generously sized. The master bedroom even had its own attached bathroom. The second bedroom was perfect for Sophia and had arge window that let in plenty of natural light. "Impressed?" Remi asked while leaning against the doorframe with a smug smile. "Very," August admitted as he surveyed the space. "This is perfect." Daryl nodded. "I''m d you like it. I''ve already cleaned most of the ce out, so it''s move-in ready. I''ve got a few boxes left to pick up tomorrow, but after that, it''s all yours." "And the rent?" August asked. "As I mentioned earlier, $4,200 a month," Daryl said. "Which is a steal for this neighborhood. I don''t think they''re trying to rip anyone off." August smirked. "Wonderful." Remi pped her hands together. "Look at you, making big moves. Sophia''s gonna love this." "I think so too," August smiled while envisioning how he''d set up the ce. Chapter 115 Vice Leaders Interest Night had fallen over the Phoenix Celestial Guild''s real-life branch. The building cast its imposing silhouette against the glowing city skyline. Within it members moved through the halls, strategizing over missions or unwinding in the guild''s many lounges. Ariana Carlisle, better known as Aria in Enders Light was seated in one of the guild''s private offices. A thoughtful frown creased her face as she listened to Nathan Hale, one of the guild''s senior officers. "You''ve heard nothing from Aleman since the Swordking Dungeon?" Nathan questioned with both a curious and slightly impatient tone. Aria sighed, leaning back in her chair. "Not a word. I''ve sent messages in-game, but he hasn''t responded to a single one. It''s like he''s disappeared." Nathan rubbed his chin as his blue eyes narrowed. "Strange. Vice Leader herself has expressed interest in recruiting him. She approved Lilo, Boris, and Ezran already, but Aleman is the real prize. A yer with dual sses and that level of skill would be a major asset to the guild." Aria nodded slowly. "I know, but if he''s ignoring me, what am I supposed to do? I can''t exactly drag him here." Nathan''s gaze sharpened. "You know his friends. Talk to them. Someone must know what he''s up to." That idea seemed reasonable enough, and Aria rose to her feet. "I''ll see what I can find out." Leaving the office, Aria made her way to one of the guild lounges, where Rachel Valentine, better known as Lilo, was chatting with a few guild members. Rachel''s light pink hair tumbled down her shoulders in soft waves, and her radiant smile made her the center of attention in any room. She noticed Aria approaching and waved her over. "Hey, Aria!" Rachel greeted brightly with infectious energy. "What''s up?" Aria returned the smile but wasted no time getting to the point. "Have you heard from Aleman recently? He''s been ignoring my messages." Rachel tilted her head with a slightly confused expression. "He''s not ignoring you. He''s just busy prepping for his Tier Two test. He mentioned it in our group chat earlier today." "Tier Two? Oh yes, I remember he got the qualification..." Aria''s eyes widened. "That exins it. I suppose I can''t me him for focusing on that." Rachel grinned. "Exactly. He logged in right after we talked, so he''s probably training like a maniac right now." "Group chat?" Aria''s curiosity deepened. "Mind adding me?" Rachelughed softly while shaking her head. "I''d love to, but it''s not my call. I''d need permission from everyone else, Aleman included." Aria sighed before nodding in understanding. "Fair enough. What''s he like in your group chat, though? I mean, is he different from how he is in-game?" Rachel''s grin widened. "Not really. He''s still smooth, confident, and somehow always knows the right thing to say. Honestly, it''s hard not to admire him." Aria leaned in slightly. "You''ve never seen him in real life, though?"N?v(el)B\\jnn "Nope," Rachel admitted beforeughing. "But judging by his avatar, I''m betting he''s good-looking. You don''t carry yourself like that in-game unless you''ve got something to back it up in real life." A blush appeared on Aria''s face as she giggled. "I almost saw his face once. We were chatting in the elevator and a small disturbance caused his scarf to lower but he pulled it back up just as I was about to get a glimpse. It was so frustrating." Rachel''sughter grew louder. "What a tease! Maybe he''s hiding a terrible secret under that scarf." "Doubt it," Aria replied with a smirk. "A guy like Aleman? He''s probably a total heartbreaker." Their conversation drifted to the Vice Leader''s interest in Aleman, and Rachel''s expression grew thoughtful. "Do you think he''ll ept her offer to join the guild officially?" Aria shrugged. "It''s hard to say. He''s not the type to be tied down, but the Ice Queen can be very persuasive. If he does join, though..." "We''ll finally see his face," Rachel finished, grinning mischievously. "I can''t wait for that day." The two women shared augh, both intrigued by the enigmatic Aleman and curious about the man behind the avatar. While Aria was determined to recruit him, she couldn''t help but wonder what kept him at arm''s length, even from those who seemed closest to him. ... ... Within Enders Light, August leaned back against a boulder spiky protrusion atop. The cool wind of Tagharium''s outer wilds swept past him, rustling the tufts of sparse vegetation scattered across the rocky terrain. The bright glow of his newly unlocked spell flickered in his hands as he extinguished it causing the surroundings to fade into silence. << yer Status Panel >> Name: Aleman ss: Assassin/Mage Title: Sovereign of Anti-Darkness Level: 31 EXP: 320,500/1,350,000 HP: 17,600/17,600 MP: 11,000/11,000 Gold: 30,120 Skills: - Shadow Dance (Assassin) - Stealth (Assassin) - Hidden Strike (Assassin) - Dash (Assassin) [Level 3] - Dual Wielding (Assassin) - Lightning Bolt (Mage) - Arcane Shield (Mage) - Ethereal Storm (Custom Mage) - Phantom Splice (Assassin) - Wind Surge (Mage) - Light Reverie (Mage, Level 2) ...(see more) August nced at the glowing interface and tapped the spell marked Light Reverie, the C-tier magic card spell he had unlocked recently. The spell emitted a burst of light that could confuse and disorient enemies momentarily. It leaves any magical being within a certain radius incapable of using their spells briefly. Its synergy with his Sovereign of Anti-Darkness title gave it an added edge in battles against dark-aligned foes. But for now, it still wasn''t at the level he wanted. "I need this at level three before I can even consider the tier two qualification test," August muttered to himself, dismissing the interface with a flick of his wrist. For the past couple of hours, he''d been grinding relentlessly, targeting creatures on the outskirts of Tagharium to practice his spells. Most were low-level beasts, nothing challenging, but enough to provide experience for his skills. Now, with his MP running low and a dull ache spreading through his fingers from repetitive casting, he decided it was time to take a break. August sat down on a t patch of rock and opened his inventory. His eyes scanned the long list of items he''d umted since his journey began. The sheer number of loot he had bordered on absurd¡ªover thirty items he could extract and sell in real life. As the shimmering inventory interface expanded before him, August felt a sense of satisfaction. These weren''t just random trinkets. Each item was proof of the countless battles he''d fought and the risks he''d taken. "Alright, let''s figure this out," August murmured, scrolling through his inventory. His fingers hovered over some of the highlighted items. --------- Inventory: - Enhanced Dagger - Phantom Boots - Devil Fang Daggers - Cloak of Echoes (Bound) - Mana Crystals ¡Á5 - Health Potions ¡Á7 - Wind-Swept Cloak Fragment - Enchanted Mirror - Aether Ore - Mana-Infused Arrowheads ...(see more) ------ The health potions stood out to him immediately. They were a valuable asset in both the game and real life. The idea of extracting them for AM Coven had crossed his mind before, but today, the thought evolved further. "Health potions¡­ hospitals," August mused aloud. The thought was simple yet brilliant. If hospitals and healthcare centers saw the utility of health potions, he could create an entirely new market in real life. Chapter 116 The Cardinal Health potions weren''t just game items anymore. Their ability to instantly close wounds and heal the injured could revolutionize healthcare, especially in emergency situations. August leaned forward as the faint glow of his interface reflected in his intense gaze. ''Hospitals and clinics... perhaps I should try Faith Specialist Hospital first? Once results are shown from consuming the health potions, it will spread far and wide,'' August decided internally. He continued scrolling through his inventory, noting other items that could have real-world applications. Mana Crystals might be of interest to researchers or tech developers. Aether Ore was rare and could fetch an exorbitant price from collectors. August made mental notes of the most promising items as he plotted his next moves. With his decision made, he closed the inventory and stood up, brushing off dust from his darkbat robes. The wind had picked up, and in the distance, the faint outline of Tagharium''s city gates shimmered under the magical barrier that protected the kingdom. He pulled his hood tighter over his head while heading forward. .... ... A dimly lit enclosed space in the real world reeked of damp earth and stale air. Shadows danced across the stone walls, cast by flickering light bulbs mounted in wrought iron sconces. In the center of the room sat a throne-like chair, hewn from ck stone and adorned with carvings of twisted figures. On it sat the Cardinal, one of the district superiors of the Oni terrorist group. His face was half-covered by an intricately designed mask, revealing only a single piercing eye filled with disdain. His other hand idly peeled a blood-red fruit with a small, glinting de causing juice to drip onto the floor. Before him knelt Drakos, Orlma, and Lyriss but in their real world forms. Their heads were bowed low and their expressions seemed tense. The oppressive silence in the room was broken only by the soft squelch of the fruit being peeled and Drakos''s trembling voice. "I¡ªIt wasn''t my fault, Cardinal," Drakos stammered. "The solo yer¡­ he¡ªhe was too strong. He killed me¡ªagain. I couldn''t¡ª" The Cardinal raised a hand, silencing him instantly. His voice was calm, but it carried a sharp edge that made the three yers shudder. "Drakos," he began with an almost mocking tone. "You are a level 50 yer. A veteran of countless battles. And yet, you lost not just to one ''solo yer'' but also to a group of low-level nobodies. Do you understand how¡­ ipetent you look right now?" Drakos lowered his head even further causing his forehead to touch the cold, damp floor. "I¡­ I apologize, Cardinal. Please, give me another chance. I¡ª" "You apologize?" the Cardinal interrupted with a hardened tone. "Do you think an apology can undo the humiliation you''ve brought upon this district? You failed to secure the Fruit of Sin, and you allowed the world to know of our presence. Apologies are useless." He turned his sharp gaze to Orlma and Lyriss, who knelt beside Drakos. Orlma''s hands were clenched tightly with a pale butposed face. Lyriss, however, couldn''t help but flinch when his attention shifted to her. "And you," the Cardinal continued, pointing the de in Lyriss''s direction, "a trained assassin in the real world, defeated by some¡­ wannabe assassin." Lyriss dared to speak back but her voice was clearly strained. "Cardinal, his name is Aleman. He was¡ªhe was skilled, far more skilled than we anticipated. His¡ª" The Cardinal''s de left his hand before she could finish. The sharp weapon spun through the air and buried itself in her left shoulder with a sickening squelch. "Ugh," Lyriss gasped in pain as blood drizzled out and stained her dark outfit. She bit her lip to stifle a scream. "Did I ask for his name?" the Cardinal''s voice was low but dangerous. "Do not pollute my ears with excuses or the names of useless people." Lyriss, trembling and clutching her bleeding shoulder, kept her head down, not daring to pull the de out. Drakos and Orlma exchanged brief, worried nces but said nothing. The Cardinal took a bite of the fruit in his hand causing the juice to dribble down his chin. The room was silent except for the sound of his chewing. Then, without warning, he dropped the half-eaten fruit to the ground and rose to his feet. His tall, lean frame cast an imposing shadow across the room as he stepped forward. His boots clicked ominously against the stone floor the further he walked. Drakos instinctively bent lower to pick up the discarded fruit. Fwwhii~n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om The Cardinal''s boot connected with his face before his fingers could touch it, sending him sprawling backward. Blood sprayed from Drakos''s nose as he groaned in pain, clutching his face. "You disgust me," the Cardinal spat with a venomous tone. "I trusted you to deliver, Drakos. You were given power, resources, opportunities. And this is how you repay me? With failure?" He advanced on the fallen Drakos with slow steps that echoed ominously across the chamber. Drakos tried to scramble back, but the Cardinal reached him in an instant. His boot came down again, this time on Drakos''s ribs, eliciting a sickening crack. "Please! Cardinal!" Drakos gasped as blood dripped from his mouth. "Give me¡ªgive me one more¡ª" The Cardinal ignored his pleas, grabbing Drakos by the cor and hoisting him off the ground as though he weighed nothing. His masked face was inches from Drakos''s bloodied one as he spoke with a tone of contempt. "I hate ipetence more than anything. If you didn''t still have some use to me, I''d end your miserable existence right now." With that, he activated a strange ability. His fist glowed faintly as a dark aura surrounded it. In the next moment, he punched Drakos in the chest, sending him flying across the room. Drakos mmed into the stone wall with enough force to crack the surface, then crumpled to the ground in a heap. His breathing was shallow as his body turned into a mangled mess of blood and broken bones. The Cardinal dusted off his hands and turned his attention back to Orlma and Lyriss. "You two are just as pathetic. If you wish to avoid ending up like him, I suggest you find the Fruit of Sin." Orlma nodded stiffly with a pale but resolute look. Lyriss, still bleeding, managed to grit out a pained, "Yes, Cardinal." The Cardinal took a deep breath as his cold gaze swept over the three of them. "You will not fail me again. If you do, I promise you, the punishment will be far worse than this." He turned and strode back to his throne-like chair, picking up another fruit from a bowl beside him. As he resumed peeling it with the same nonchnce as before, the three yers dragged themselves out of the room, battered and humiliated but determined not to fail a second time. ... ... Within a room downtown, a young man stood before a ss. The only illumination in the surroundings wasing from the pale glow of the city lights seeping through the wide window. This young man had long white hair cascading over his shoulders, shimmering faintly like moonlight. His nearly slit-like eyes carried an intensity that hinted at an unrelenting determination. In his hands was a ck mask, designed to resemble the visage of a phantom. The static crackle of a police radio on the desk behind him interrupted the silence. "We have a 10-31, robbery in progress. Suspects confirmed to be supernatural yers. Repeat, supernatural yers involved." Kyle tightened his grip on the mask as his jaw clenched. The report was a call to action, one he couldn''t ignore. He pulled the window open, revealing the skyline of the city, with its glistening towers and the constant movement of life below. As he ced one foot on the window frame, a voice stopped him. "Kyle¡­ are you going out to risk your life again?" The voice was calm but carried an undertone of deep concern. Chapter 117 Kyles Conviction The sound of wheels rolling over the hardwood floor followed, and Kyle turned to see his older brother entering the room in a wheelchair. His brother, Ethan, had the same striking white hair but much shorter with streaks of gray that made him appear older than he was. His eyes, deep and weary, looked up at Kyle with a mixture of frustration and sadness. Kyle sighed and stepped down from the window with the mask still clutched in his hand. "You know why I do this, Ethan. They''re using supernatural abilities to hurt innocent people. I can''t just sit here. I stopped the Oni from bringing the fruit of sin to reality but they''re not the only bad supernatural yers. There are others." Ethan''s brows furrowed as he maneuvered his wheelchair closer. The faint creak of its wheels filled the tense silence. "And who''s going to stop them when you''re gone? You think you''re invincible, but you''re not. You''ve already taken enough risks. Let someone else handle it... Like the cops." Kyle''s lips curled into a bitter smile. "Someone else? The cops can''t handle yers from Ender''s Light who have gained supernatural abilities. You''ve seen what they can do, Ethan. They don''t stand a chance." Ethan reached out, grabbing Kyle''s wrist with surprising strength. "You''re going to end up like me, or worse. Do you want to end up in a hospital bed? Or in the ground?" Kyle''s eyes softened briefly upon hearing his brother''s words. But then his gaze shifted to Ethan''s legs, covered in a nket, lifeless and unmoving. A flicker of pain crossed his face. "I can''t let what happened to you happen to someone else." Ethan''s grip on Kyle''s wrist tightened. "What happened to me wasn''t your fault. It wasn''t anyone''s fault. The supernatural yer who did this is already paying the price, remember? You put him in the hospital for life. Isn''t that enough?" Kyle shook his head with a look of sadness. "The damage was already done, Ethan. Your legs¡­ they''re nevering back." He looked down at the floor as his fists trembled. "No one deserves to suffer like you did. And I''ll make sure no one does." Ethan released his wrist, leaning back in his wheelchair with a heavy sigh. "You''ve got a heroplex, Kyle. You think you''re going to save the world. But the world doesn''t want saving, and it doesn''t care what happens to you." Kyle ignored the remark and ced the mask over his face. It fit snugly, and the HUD inside lit up, scanning his surroundings and disying a map of the city. He adjusted the straps as he stepped back toward the window. Ethan''s voice stopped him again. "Don''t forget, you still have someone here who cares about you. If you die out there, all you''ll do is add to the suffering... my suffering..." Kyle hesitated for a moment, gripping the window frame. Without turning around, he replied, "I know. That''s why I won''t die." And with that, he leapt out of the open window. The wind whipped past him as he plummeted toward the city below. Just thirty feet from reaching the ground, hended on an invisible tform in mid-air. The tform was like a bouncy spring that propelled him forward with immense force, sending him soaring to the rooftop of a nearby skyscraper. Hended and barely paused before leaping again as if he had done this a hundred times before. Ethan rolled to the window, watching his younger brother vanish into the night. His hands gripped the armrests of his wheelchair tightly as he muttered to himself, "You bettere back safe¡­" His voice wavered with uncertainty, but his eyes betrayed a sliver of hope. ... ... The following day August stood amidst the towering piles of wreckage in a secluded scrapyard. It had been a long and productive day and he logged out of the game hours ago. The scent of Metallic rust filled the air as the faint noise of distant machinery echoed around him. He steadied his breathing, flexing his fingers as he prepared to test his abilities further. His ck helmet glinted under the harsh sunlight, and the HUD inside disyed his surroundings with precision. "Alright," he muttered to himself while crouching low. "Let''s see how far I can push Dash today." With a thought, he activated the skill. [ System Notification: Dash has been activated. ] The world slowed as the edges of his vision slightly blurred, and he took a step forward. The distance was crossed in a blink. He reappeared thirty feet ahead, next to a massive rusted truck as dust swirled around his boots due to the effect of his speed. A grin spread under his helmet. "Still got it." Although his dash was nerfedpared to in-game where he could cross over forty feet in an instant, this was still pretty good. He pivoted and repeated the process. Each use of Dash drained him a little more. After five consecutive activations, he came to a stop, bracing himself against a steel beam as sweat pooled on his brow. His energy waspletely sapped, and his breaths came in short gasps.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om "That''s my limit," he muttered while straightening after a moment. "Five times¡­ not bad. But I''ll need to improve." Turning to a cluster of abandoned car frames, he raised his hand and activated Lightning Bolt. [ System Notification: Lightning Bolt activated. ] A crackling arc of blue electricity surged forward from his arm, striking the metal and sending sparks flying in every direction as a scrapped car got shoved forward from the hit. The smell of ozone filled the air as the beam left a scorched mark on the frame. He tested it again, hitting another target. By the third use, he dropped to his knee as his vision began to swim. "Damn¡­ three bolts and I feel like I''ve been hit by one myself." He sat on the ground, catching his breath. His exhaustion didn''t diminish the excitement thrumming in his chest. The abilities were real, and the power was exhrating. --- Later in the afternoon, after recovering from his exertions, August sat at his desk, juggling calls and reviewing designs Lena had sent over for AM Coven. His phone buzzed constantly with updates, questions, and confirmations. He approved color schemes, discussed disyyouts, and even coordinated a team to start setting up a lounge area for yers. By the time he hung up thest call, the sky outside had begun to darken. Your journey continues with empire "Time to suit up," he voiced before standing and walking toward his closet. He pulled on a finely tailored business outfit which was ck with a long jacket that added an air of authority. The shoes were polished to perfection, and his glovespleted the look. He grabbed his helmet and slid it over his head causing the HUD toe to life instantly. "Showtime," his voice modted into a deeper pitch by the helmet''s settings. Stepping outside, August activated Dash twice, each time coveringrge distances in a sh beforeing to a halt in a quiet alley. He deactivated the skill and hailed a ride. As the car pulled up, the driver gave a curious nce at the helmet but didn''t ask questions. By the time August arrived at Faith Specialist Hospital, the evening was settling in. The hospital building was over twenty stories, all white and pristine. Its ss exterior reflected the dimming sunlight. Inside as August stood before it. Within his helmet, the HUD activated its recording mode, showing a clear digitalized feed of his surroundings. Without a word, he pushed through the sliding doors, entering the pristine white halls of the hospital. His presence immediately caused heads to turn. A tall figure d in a tailored coat with his facepletely obscured by an intimidating mask was bound to attract attention. The sterile air hummed with quiet whispers. A nurse at the front desk called out. "Excuse me, sir! Can I help you?" Chapter 118 The Showdown At Faith Specialist Hospital August didn''t respond. His stride was deliberate and unwavering as he made his way toward the ICU. The nurse, now rmed, reached for her phone and alerted security. "There''s an unidentified individual heading for the ICU. He looks suspicious. Send security!" --- As August approached the heavy double doors leading to the ICU, a guard intercepted him. "Sir, I need you to stop right there and identify yourself!" Still, August ignored him, pushing through the doors effortlessly. His helmet''s digital view highlighted the way forward, pinpointing the specific operating room he was searching for. The guard followed after him while speaking with a more forceful tone. "Hey! I''m warning you! Stop now, or I''ll¡ª" August turned, barely breaking his stride. With a single shove of his gloved hand, the guard was sent flying backward. He crashed into a nearby gurney, skidding across the tiled floor beforeing to a halt. Themotion had drawn attention, and more staff and guards were now converging on the ICU. The nurse from earlier gasped audibly, speaking hurriedly into the phone. "He''s assaulted a guard! Send backup, now!" --- Inside the operating room, a team of doctors and nurses were mid-surgery. Their hands were covered in blood as they worked to save a critically injured patient. The patient, a young man in his early twenties, had been in a devastating car ident. His abdomen was open, organs exposed, and the monitors disyed dangerously erratic vitals. "What the hell is going on out there?" one of the surgeons asked while ncing toward the door. The door burst open, and August strode in. His presence immediately dominated the room. The medical team froze as their expressions shifted from confusion to rm. "Who are you? What are you doing here?" a nurse demanded. Ignoring the questions, August opened his inventory interface, invisible to everyone else in the room. With a thought, he selected a health potion. [ System Notification: Would you like to extract Health Potion? ] [ Yes ] [ No ] ''Yes!'' The faint shimmer of the extraction process materialized a red vial in his hand. He held it aloft as the liquid glowed faintly under the fluorescent lights. "What is that?" one of the doctors asked, stepping back cautiously. "You can''t be here!" another nurse eximed, moving toward him. Before anyone could act, August moved swiftly, bypassing the surgical instruments and monitors. He gently but firmly grabbed the patient''s head, tilting it back, and poured the entire contents of the vial down the man''s throat. "Stop! What are you doing?" one of the doctors shouted with a horrified look. At that moment, the guard August had shoved earlier burst into the room with a line of blood trickling from his forehead. "I said, stop!" He lunged toward August, but before he could make contact, August sidestepped and shoved him again. The guard was sent flying into a cab causing medical supplies to scatter everywhere. The remaining staff were too stunned to act as they turned their attention to the patient. The monitors tlined for a moment, and everyone froze. Then, miraculously, the readings began to stabilize. The patient''s heart rate normalized as the erratic beeping smoothened into a steady rhythm. Before their eyes, the mangled tissues and exposed organs began to heal at an unnatural speed. Broken bones knitted together seamlessly, and ruptured veins reconnected. Every wound closed with no sign of scarring, as though the injuries had never existed. The medical team stood in silence as a look of disbelief appeared on their faces. The patient who was at death''s door a moment ago opened his eyes and looked around, groggy but alive. "What... what just happened?" one of the nurses whispered. August turned to the staff as his modted voice rang out with a calm but authoritative tone. "You''ve just witnessed something that will redefine medicine. This patient seemed to be beyond saving, yet here he is. Alive,pletely healed." A doctor stepped forward with his voice shaking. "What¡­ what was that vial? Who are you?" August nced at the recording on his helmet''s HUD, ensuring every second had been captured. Then, he spoke. "Who I am is currently unimportant. What matters is that I can provide more of these." Before anyone could respond, the sound of more guards storming the hallway echoed. August stepped back toward the door.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om "This is just a demonstration," he voiced with an unwavering tone. "You''ll hear from me soon." With that, he activated Dash. [ System Notification: Dash Activated ] The world blurred as he disappeared from the room, leaving behind only stunned faces and a miraculous recovery no one could exin. ... The hospital was in turmoil. Nurses bustled down the hallways, whispering to each other about the masked man who had walked into the ICU as if he owned the ce. In the surgery room, a group of surgeons stood frozen around the empty operating table where a patient¡ªwho should have been in critical condition for hours¡ªhad just walked out fully healed. Dr. Harris, the lead surgeon, leaned heavily against the counter as his surgical mask dangled loosely around his neck. "What the hell just happened?" he muttered while pushing his disheveled hair back. "Did we all see that, or am I losing it?" Nurse Carly, who had witnessed the entire thing, nodded vigorously. "He just... he just walked in, ignored everyone, and did that." "Yeah, and shoved me like I was a ragdoll," grumbled the guard who had tried to intercept August. His nose was slightly bruised, and his pride was in tatters. "We need to report this. Whoever he is, he''s dangerous." "Is he?" another nurse interjected. "Or did he just save someone we were struggling to help? Look, we should focus on what matters. The patient ispletely healed. That''s... miraculous." The fuming guard raised his voice. "Miraculous or not, he assaulted me! He can''t just barge in here wearing some sci-fi helmet and act like he''s above the rules!" Discover hidden tales at empire Before anyone could respond, a soft gasp drew their attention to the corner of the room. Nurse Jenna held up a small business card she had just found lying on the floor near the operating table. The card was ck with silver embossed lettering, reading: AM Coven Where Miracles Be Reality Contact: [Details Provided] She turned it around, noting a faint, glowing emblem of a mask engraved on the back. Dr. Harris took the card from her hands and stared at it. "AM Coven? Never heard of it." He tapped the card against his palm thoughtfully. "He left this behind intentionally. I think... he wants us to know where to find him." "Or it''s a challenge," the guard muttered. "I say we call the cops. This guy is ying some kind of game, and we''re just pawns." Dr. Harris shook his head as his curiosity outweighed his skepticism. "No. Not yet. First, we need to figure out who he is and what this Coven is about." --- Meanwhile, August sat in his living room, helmet on, reviewing the footage he had recorded. The video captured everything from his perspective: his entrance into the ICU, the stunned reactions of the surgeons, and the miraculous healing of the patient. He yed it back again, analyzing every moment. "Perfect," he murmured. "Organic, raw reactions. That''ll catch people''s attention." August took off the helmet, letting loose his greenish hair which was slightly damp with sweat. He plugged the helmet into hisptop and began editing the video for a clean upload. Adding just a hint of cinematic ir¡ªa slow-motion effect when the health potion worked its magic and a fade-out at the end¡ªhe ensured the footage would make asting impression. Satisfied, he uploaded the video to multiple online forums frequented by yers of Enders Light and those curious about supernatural phenomena. The title read: "What Happens When Enders Light Bes Reality? Watch a Miracle Unfold." He leaned back in his chair, exhaling. This wasn''t just an ad; it was a statement. The world would start to take notice of what he was building. --- Sophia peeked into the room just as August finished uploading the video. "Dinner''s ready," she called out cheerfully. August smiled, pushing his chair back and stretching. "Coming." The two sat at the table, enjoying a simple but warm meal of grilled chicken and mashed potatoes. Sophia was buzzing with excitement. "So, what crazy stuff were you up to today? You''ve been so secretivetely." August chuckled while cutting into his chicken. "Just... working on something big. Let''s just say you''re gonna see some interesting things soon." Sophia rolled her eyes yfully. "Mysterious as always." She paused for a moment as her expression turned more serious. "By the way, the school sent a message today. Parent-Teacher Meeting ising up." August froze mid-bite. "Parent-Teacher Meeting?" "Yeah," she said, nodding. "They want you toe. I told them you''d be there." "Ahem," August coughed lightly while setting his fork down. "When is it?" "This Friday. Don''t worry, I''ll remind you." She smirked, adding, "It''ll be fun seeing you y the responsible adult role in front of my teachers." "Hey, I am a responsible adult," August shot back with a grin. "Sometimes." Sophiaughed. "Sure, Mr. Secret Project Guy. Just don''t embarrass me, okay?" "Embarrass you? Never." August raised his ss in a mock toast. "Here''s to responsible adulthood and not mortifying my little sister." They clinked their sses andughter filled the room as the struggles of the day momentarily lifted. Chapter 119 Dont Let Me Die Here Victor Whitford sat slumped in the metal chair with his wrists tightly bound to the armrests and the faint glimmer of sweat dripping from his brow. The concrete room around him was only lit by a single flickering bulb dangling from the ceiling. It reeked of mildew and desperation, a space void of hope.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om His eyes darted between the two masked figures standing before him¡ªthe fox-masked woman, d in a flowing Asian robe, and the towering man wearing a demon mask. His muscr frame resembled a silent executioner. Victor''s voice cracked, but he tried to sound defiant. "Do you idiots even know who I am? My father is Victor Whitford Sr.. One of the richest industrialists in the damn city! If you think you can keep me here forever, you''re cooked! The cops are probably already breathing down your necks. You''re going to regret this!" The demon-masked man let out a low, guttural chuckle before it rose into a derangedugh that reverberated off the walls. "Regret?" His voice was deep, mocking, dripping with sadistic amusement. "Kid, you''ve been here three weeks, and no one''s found a trace of you. If they haven''t yet, they never will." Victor''s face fell as his earlier bravado began to crack. "W-what are you talking about? My father will¡ª" "Your father won''t save you," the man cut in as his tone grew colder. "The Oni are untouchable. Even if they find you, all they''ll get is your corpse." Victor''s blood ran cold at those words. His mouth opened to respond, but nothing came out. The fox-masked woman, standing with her hands folded within her robe sleeves, finally spoke. Her tone was casual but devoid of warmth, like a teacher tired of repeating herself. "We don''t need your father. We need Aleman." Her sharp gaze burned through the mask. "You will schedule a meet-up with him again. He trusts you¡ªor so you said." Victor''s anger surged back as he yelled, "I tried! I called him a dozen times! He doesn''t care! He¡ªhe''s busy! I can''t force him to meet me if he doesn''t want to!" The tall man growled impatiently, cracking his knuckles. "Then try harder before you''re no longer useful to us." He leaned in close as his voice turned into a menacing whisper. "You know what happens when you''re no longer useful, don''t you?" Victor''s eyes widened. He tried to pull back, but the restraints kept him in ce. His voice faltered. "Y-you can''t do this to me¡­" Fox tilted her head slightly. "Do as we ask, Victor. If we have to find Aleman ourselves, you''ll serve no further purpose to us." She turned on her heel as her robe swished elegantly while she walked toward the metal door. The tall man followed her with heavy steps that echoed like a death toll. Victor watched them leave with the sound of the door locking behind them sealing his fate. He sat there, panting in panic as his chest grew tighter. He nced at the old, cracked phone they had tossed onto the table earlier. His hands trembled as he reached for it, barely able to hold it steady. His heart pounded as he dialed the number. Ring... Ring... The phone rang endlessly, making every moment feel as though it was stretching into an eternity. Victor''s throat tightened. "Come on, pick up..." he muttered desperately. On the other end, it went to voicemail. Victor mmed the phone onto the table. "Dammit!" He rubbed his hands across his face, feeling immensely frustrated. But he knew what he had to do. He redialed, his voice shaking as he left a message. "Aleman! It''s Victor! Please, man, you gotta call me back. It''s urgent! I¡ªI need to talk to you. I have something for you¡ªjust meet me, alright? Please!" Victor hung up, staring at the phone screen as if it held his only salvation. His voice dropped to a whisper. "Please¡­ don''t let me die here." Experience more on empire ... ... It had already been two days since August posted the video online, and it was blowing up across forums and social media tforms. Everywhere he looked, people were discussing it. Gamers, skeptics, and curious minds alike were caught in a frenzy. Some Enders Light yers spected that the liquid August used was a health potion, recognizing its iconic red glow. But skepticism ran just as high. Many argued that retrieving items like health potions into reality was impossible unless they were legendary-graded or carried the rare Retrieve to Reality function. "Impossible. Potions don''t have that ability. It''s either a hoax or a high-tier yer messing around." "That thing saved a dying man on an operating table! Can a hoax do that?!" "It''s Enders Light, man. Anything can happen these days." "It''s gotta be a yer. Who else would wear something that badass in real life?" Theories spiraled as debates raged on. Who was this mystery man with the sci-fi helmet? Meanwhile, the person August had saved ¨C whose life had quite literally been restored in seconds ¨C became an unexpected voice in the chaos. The patient appeared in interviews and wrote posts online with high enthusiasm. "I don''t care who he is or where he came from ¨C he saved my life! Seven hours of surgery? I might have never made it. But this man did something miraculous. If you''re watching this, whoever you are, thank you. I owe you my life!" Not everyone shared this sentiment. Rumors spread that the hospital administration was considering pressing charges against August for "unauthorized entry" and "interfering with a medical procedure." But the saved man publicly opposed it. "If they try anything against him, they''ll have me to deal with," he said in a video post. "He saved me. Period." August scrolled through the forums, silently watching everything unfold. A faint smile appeared on his face as he leaned back in his chair, satisfied. Everything had gone just as nned. AM Coven would soon be the talk of the town. This was exactly the kind of attention he needed. Still, he thought about what came next. "Alright, AM Coven is going to work out¡­ but man, I need a car. I can''t keep riding buses like this." August grabbed his phone and opened a car sales website, scrolling through listings for second-hand vehicles. The models and prices ranged wildly ¨C some he couldn''t justify even with the money he had, others were too old or unreliable. As he debated between a sedan and a more modestpact sports car, a sudden notification chimed on his phone. [1 Unheard Voicemail] He frowned slightly. "Voicemail?" He rarely got voicemails, let alone missed calls worth checking. He proceeded to tap the y button. The voice that came through made his brows knit together in confusion. It was Victor Whitford. "I need to talk to you. Please call me back, it''s urgent¡­ Please don''t let me die here¡­" August froze. Victor''s voice trembled. The fear was unmistakable in his tone. There was no cocky bravado, no smugness, just raw desperation. "¡­Don''t let me die here." The line went dead. August lowered the phone slowly as a myriad of thoughts ran through his mind. Victor sounded terrified ¨C truly terrified. It wasn''t just some rich kid prank or a ploy. Something was seriously wrong. And why did he sound like he was begging for August''s help? "¡­What the hell is going on?" August murmured under his breath. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 120 Chatting With Victor "Victor¡­ What the hell are you involved in?" August muttered as his fingers tapped against the desk rhythmically.Sophia''s voice broke his thoughts. "August? You''re zoning out again. What''s wrong?" August glanced over his shoulder to see Sophia standing by the door with a curious look on her face. Her green hair was slightly messy. "It''s nothing serious, Soph. Just work-related stuff." Sophia frowned. "Work-related? You''re in full-on brooding mode." She walked closer and peeked over his shoulder at his phone. "What is that? A voicemail? Who''s Victor?" August sighed while brushing her off gently. "Someone I did some business with. Seems like he''s in trouble." "Business? You mean Enders stuff?" Sophia''s eyes narrowed suspiciously, crossing her arms. "You''re not getting dragged into anything dangerous, are you?" August waved a hand nonchalantly. "No, of course not. Don''t worry about it." His tone was dismissive, but his mind was already racing. Sophia huffed. "Fine. But if you''re sneaking off to some shady place..." August chuckled faintly. "Sophia, I''m the least shady person you know." He stood up before walking over to his window to stare out at the dim evening light that blanketed the city. "Just be careful," Sophia said suspiciously before turning around to leave. --- August sat back at his desk again, debating his next move. "Do I call him back?" he asked aloud, as if the walls would give him an answer. On one hand, Victor had been pestering him to meet so he could purchase another Enders item. His desperation then had seemed odd, but August brushed it off. Now, with the voicemail''s ominous tone, it was clear there was something much deeper going on. Finally, August grabbed his phone and dialed the number that called him earlier. It rang three times before a shaky voice answered. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "_Aleman?!_" August''s grip on the phone tightened at the sound of Victor''s voice. It was hoarse, panicked. "Victor, what the hell is going on? I got your message. What''s all this about?" "You finally called back¡ªlisten, listen to me!" Victor''s words were spilling out fast with heavy breaths that seemed as if he''d been running. "They''re going to kill me, man! They''re serious this time! You need to help me!" August frowned. "Slow down. Who''s going to kill you? Where the hell are you?" Victor''s voice cracked. "The Oni! The bad players with supernatural abilities! I don''t know where I am; they blindfolded me and dragged me here. They wanted me to set up a meeting with you, and¡ª" "Wait." August cut him off with a sharp tone. "You''re telling me they are holding you hostage because of me?" "Yes!" Victor practically wailed. "They want to get to you for some reason and they used me due to our past business transaction... And if you don''t show up¡­ they''ll kill me! You''ve got to meet them! Please¡ªplease help me!" August''s blood ran cold, but he forced himself to stay calm. He leaned back in his chair, trying to process the chaos. "Victor, you should''ve never involved me in this shit," he said with a low voice. "Why the hell did you tell them about me?" "I didn''t tell them about you... They already knew you. It looks like they''ve been after you for a while..." Victor was sobbing now. "They are going to kill me! Please, Aleman, you''re the only one who can help me¡­" August pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling slowly. The Oni. That name alone sent a shiver through him. They weren''t just players in Enders Light¡ªthey were an organized, ruthless group in reality who mostly possessed supernatural abilities. "Victor," August said coldly. "Where are they expecting me to meet them?" "I don''t know the exact place," Victor whimpered with a weak voice. "But they said they''d call you. They want you to come to them. Please, man, don''t leave me here. I swear, I''ll do anything¡ªjust don''t let me die!" August''s eyes turned cold. "Fine. If they call me, I''ll deal with it." "Thank you. Thank you, Aleman. Please¡­" August hung up without another word, tossing his phone onto the desk. The situation was quite serious but he wasn''t entirely willing to put himself in harm''s way over Victor. He thought about ways he could help but also silently decided that if he had to choose between himself and Victor he certainly would choose himself. But thinking about it now, a rising anger surged within August''s chest. ''If this can happen to Victor then it can happen to any of my customers... The existence of the Oni threatens my business. I must do something about it.'' --- August sat back at his desk, staring at the dim glow of his computer screen. ''The Oni are after me.'' Victor was caught in their web, and it was all because of him. August''s hand hovered over his helmet. He needed to plan, and he needed to act. The Oni were dangerous, but he didn''t create an entire business enterprise worth hundreds of millions by being gentle. In the right situation, he could be dangerous too... Extremely dangerous... "Time to play this game my way." ... ... ... Find more chapters on empire The scene outside Faith Specialist Hospital was pure chaos. Cars were parked haphazardly along the road, blocking every lane, with crowds of people swarming toward the entrance. Some were holding up photos of their loved ones, others were crying, shouting, or begging the guards. The hospital''s security team stood shoulder to shoulder in front of the entrance, refusing to let any more people through. "Please! You don''t understand, my mother is dying!" a man yelled before shoving a piece of paper in one of the guard''s faces. "I''m sorry, sir," the guard said firmly. "No one is allowed in unless you have a valid appointment or a patient already admitted." A woman cradled a sick child in her arms. "Just let us speak to the man! He can save my baby!" The guards stood their ground, even as tensions escalated. Derrick stood a distance away with his hands shoved deep into the pockets of his worn jacket. His eyes narrowed as he scanned the scene. ''This isn''t good¡­'' He pushed his way through the crowd, ignoring the elbows and shoulders bumping into him. As he approached the guards, they braced themselves, assuming he was just another desperate soul. "Hey, I''m not here to cause trouble," Derrick started while holding his hands up. "My wife is admitted here. Tara Derrickson? Room 217." One of the guards exchanged glances with his colleague before checking a list on his tablet. After a moment, the guard gave a curt nod. "Go in, but don''t cause any issues." Derrick exhaled a sigh of relief as the gates parted for him. Once inside, the chaos of the hospital lobby was even worse. The sounds of crying children, anxious shouting, and ringing phones echoed off the walls. Doctors and nurses rushed past in frustration while security personnel tried to calm the shouting patients. "Where is he?! Where''s the man from the video?!" a man yelled while slamming his fist against the reception desk. "I told you, sir, we don''t have any information about him," the receptionist''s voice cracked under pressure as she replied. "He saved that man''s life! He can save my brother, too!" ########### Merry Christmas Everyone. Wishing you all a lovely Christmas. Would be nice to get a castle as a Christmas present. An author can only dream. Chapter 121 Three Days Derrick weaved through the throngs of people inside. Nurses were overwhelmed as they fielded questions, with some nearly in tears. One doctor stormed down the hallway, shouting into a radio."We need backup here! I don''t care what it takes, just get more security!" Derrick gritted his teeth as he heard a woman''s voice rise in desperation. "I''ll pay any price, anything! Just tell me where he is!" It was clear that everyone who had seen the viral video had flocked here for the same reason as Derrick. But they weren''t his concern. ''Tara¡­ she''s my priority. I need to find this man so he can help my Tara...'' He pushed forward to the reception desk. The woman behind it was pale and visibly shaken with her hair disheveled. She was arguing with someone when Derrick interrupted. "Excuse me, ma''am," Derrick said. His voice, though rough, had a calm steadiness to it. "I need to speak with someone in charge here. Please." "Sir, if this is about¡ª" "It''s not about the video," Derrick cut in firmly. "I just need information on my wife. Tara Derrickson. Please." The receptionist, relieved that someone wasn''t yelling at her about him, quickly typed the name into her system. "She''s stable... You can see the doctor for more recent analysis." Derrick let out a shaky breath and nodded. "Thank you." Before he could step away, he looked around the lobby one last time. People were seated along the floor, leaning against walls, or pacing anxiously. It wasn''t just a hospital anymore¡ªit looked like a war zone. A hushed voice caught Derrick''s ear as he turned to leave. Two nurses were talking near the hallway entrance. "Do you think he''ll come back?" one asked nervously. "That man with the helmet¡­" "I don''t know, but if he does, it''s going to get worse. Did you see how everyone is losing their minds over him?" Derrick''s steps faltered. ''They don''t know where he is either¡­'' He clenched his fists. "But I''ll find him," he muttered under his breath. A doctor brushed past him, arguing with another colleague. "We can''t keep hiding that business card forever. Someone''s going to leak it." "What business card?" Derrick murmured aloud to himself. One of the nurses overheard and shot him a cautious glance. "Nothing, sir. It''s nothing." She turned away too quickly. ''There''s a business card... I have to get it...'' Derrick pretended to be heading back but he followed the nurse. After reaching a particular area in the hospital, Derrick stood by the corner of the hallway as he strained to overhear a pair of nurses talking near the nurse''s station. "Dr. Lowell still hasn''t decided what to do about that card," one nurse said quietly, glancing around as though she feared someone would overhear. "You know the one, from the guy in the helmet. AM Coven or whatever." Derrick''s ears perked up. ''AM Coven? That had to be it.'' He quietly slipped away and made his way to Dr. Lowell''s office, waiting for the doctor to leave. Minutes later, the senior doctor left to attend a meeting, giving Derrick his chance. He slipped into the office when no one was looking and closed the door behind him. The place reeked of antiseptic, and papers were stacked neatly on the large mahogany desk. Derrick''s eyes darted around until they landed on a corner of the desk¡ªa small white card lay there, partially hidden under a folder. ''AM Coven.'' "Gotcha," he whispered while grabbing the card. Before he could turn back to leave, the door burst open. "Hey! What are you doing here?!" a nurse''s voice rang out, sharp and accusatory. Derrick froze as his hand instinctively tightened around the card. He turned to face her with guilt and desperation plastered across his face. The nurse''s eyes widened in disbelief, and before he could explain himself, she bolted from the doorway, shouting, "Security! Get over here! He''s stealing from the doctor''s office!" Chaos erupted as footsteps approached. In seconds, two security guards barreled into the room with stern faces. "What the hell are you doing?" one guard barked, grabbing Derrick roughly by the arm. "I¡ªthis is a mistake! I wasn''t stealing anything! Please, you don''t understand¡ª my wife is sick, I need this card..." Derrick protested, trying to wrench free. "Oh, we understand perfectly," the other guard cut in. "You''re trespassing, and we''ll have you and your wife out of here in no time if you don''t start cooperating." "No!" Derrick''s voice cracked. "You can''t kick us out¡ªmy wife¡­ she''s in critical condition! She needs this place!" sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The nurse crossed her arms while responding with an icy tone. "Then hand over the card you stole." Derrick''s shoulders slumped in defeat. Reluctantly, he reached into his pocket and pulled out the AM Coven card. "I was just trying to¡ª" "I don''t want to hear it," the nurse snapped before snatching the card from his hand. "If you ever pull something like this again, we won''t hesitate to throw you both out." Derrick stood there, defeated, as the guards released him and escorted him out of the office. His chest ached with frustration and helplessness as he returned to his wife''s ward. Sitting by her side, he took her cold hand in his trembling fingers, whispering, "I''ll find a way, Tara¡­ I swear I will." --- Meanwhile at August''s place... August sat at his desk with his helmet resting nearby as the faint glow of his digital interface reflected in his green eyes. His phone buzzed in his hand, and he picked up, answering the unfamiliar number. A chilling voice came through. "Finally," Fox''s smooth, mocking voice echoed through the line. "I was starting to think we''d never get to talk, Aleman. All we''ve always wanted to do was talk.." August''s expression turned cold instantly. His voice dropped. "You''re holding my esteemed customer against his will, jeopardizing his life. Which, by extension, jeopardizes my business. Is this how you try to hold conversations with people? By kidnapping innocents?" Fox''s tone remained nonchalant. "We needed a way to get your attention. It worked." August leaned back as his fingers tapped his desk rhythmically. "So this is how you negotiate. Disgraceful. I hope you know the damage you''re causing¡ªVictor''s father won''t sit quietly for much longer." "And yet, here you are," Fox countered smoothly. "Talking to us. Clearly, our methods are effective." "You''re mistaken if you think I''ll meet you on your terms," August snapped. "Release Victor immediately." Fox''s laughter on the other end was soft and almost mocking. "You''re in no position to make demands. If we wanted to end him, we already would have. But you''re of potential value to us, Aleman. So this is simple: meet with us, or your customer won''t get another sunrise." There was a long pause. August''s knuckles whitened as he gripped the phone. "You must think you''re holding all the cards," August said coldly. "But let me remind you of something¡ª I have no affiliations to Victor so in this case you need me far more than I need you. I am no hero so I could simply decide to be unbothered about this. I have other customers after all. However, the longer you keep Victor, the worse my impression of you becomes. Will you lots keep making desperate moves just to get me? Pitiful." Fox''s tone lost some of its smoothness. "You''ll regret saying that." August let out a humorless chuckle. "Try me." Your journey continues on empire The line went silent for a moment before Fox replied with a sharp tone. "You have three days. If you don''t meet us by then, Victor is dead. Choose wisely." The call ended with a sharp click, and August set his phone down. He stared at his helmet for a long moment before whispering to himself, "Three days¡­ Fine. Let''s play." Chapter 122 A Risky Adventure August paced in his apartment with the helmet in his hands gleaming faintly under the ceiling light. It had been two days since his last call with Fox, the cold-voiced member of the Oni.He hadn''t expected her to call back so soon after their cryptic threat, but she did. The voice message Victor had left echoed in his head: "Please don''t let me die here." That plea haunted him as he prepared himself for what would likely be a dangerous encounter. ''He''s just a kid... Besides... This might be my riskiest venture yet.'' One thing August knew for certain was that he couldn''t afford to be caught off guard. The Oni members were undoubtedly supernatural players, which gave them a significant advantage in any confrontation. But August had made his own preparations. For the past two days, he''d been gathering items in Enders Light and practicing the application of his extracted abilities in the real world. He opened his player interface and reviewed the items he''d specifically purchased for this encounter: - Smoke Bombs ¨C Ideal for creating chaos and vanishing without a trace. - Paralyzing Darts ¨C Small and deadly... these darts could incapacitate even the most agile target. - Kunai Blades ¨C Lightweight and perfect for throwing or close combat. - A Flaming Sword ¨C Though he wasn''t proficient with swords in the game, this weapon wasn''t meant for Enders Light. He intended to use it in the real world. August touched the interface and extracted each item, watching as they materialized one by one. The smoke bombs were small but dense, fitting perfectly into the palm of his hand. The kunai gleamed wickedly, their edges sharp enough to slice through flesh like butter. The flaming sword was heavier than expected, but its hilt fit comfortably in his grip. When he pressed a hidden switch, the blade erupted into flames, casting an orange glow across his apartment. Next, he retrieved the Cloak of Echoes, a treasured item from his inventory. The cloak shimmered as it unfurled. Its fabric rippled like a liquid shadow. He threw it over his outfit, letting the edges of the cloak blend seamlessly with the surroundings. Lastly, he donned his helmet, the final piece of his ensemble. Once fully geared, he activated the helmet''s video recording function, ensuring that everything would be documented. The Oni had warned him not to try anything foolish. Victor''s life hung in the balance, and they made it clear that one misstep would result in his immediate execution. August had agreed to their terms, feigning compliance. But he wasn''t about to walk into a trap blindly. The meeting was set for 8 PM in a quiet coffee shop located in a secluded district. The location itself was suspicious; it provided multiple vantage points for an ambush. August decided to arrive early but not at the shop itself. Instead, he positioned himself on the rooftop of a building across the street, using a specialized Long-Eye function in his helmet. The function allowed him to zoom in and observe the scene with unparalleled clarity. Through the lens, he spotted them. Two figures sat inside the coffee shop, both clad in casual attire but radiating a distinct air of menace. One was Fox, her signature robe absent but her sly, cold demeanor unmistakable with a mask on her face. The other was the tall man who''d been present during Victor''s abduction. His large frame made the chair he occupied seem almost comically small. August''s face sank under the helmet when he realized Victor wasn''t with them. ''Where is he?'' He scanned the surrounding area meticulously but found no sign of the captive. They''d lied. Despite the situation, August forced himself to remain calm. August''s helmet-advanced auditory sensors amplified the voices below. "How much longer do we keep the kid alive?" the demon-masked man growled in impatience. Fox turned her head slightly. "Until Aleman shows. No one will find him here; we''ve hidden him well." The demon-masked man chuckled darkly. "I still say we should''ve just killed him outright. This waiting game is tedious." Fox tilted her head toward him as she repsonded with a warning tone. "We need bait, and he''s the perfect one. Once Aleman comes into the picture, things will be settled." August''s heard them and immediately understood that Victor was probably somewhere in the vicinity. "Who did you pick to guard Victor?" Fox questioned. The demon-masked man responded. "Three of our best. Even if someone suspects, they won''t get past them." Fox let out a satisfied hum. "Good. Make sure everything is in order. The last thing we need is another botched operation." The conversation confirmed August''s suspicions. Victor was somewhere nearby, hidden and probably guarded by a few Oni members. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. August''s helmet visuals immediately began scanning the surroundings. The advanced tech allowed him to assess nearby buildings and even cars parked by the roadside, looking for anomalies. The enhanced interface marked several points of interest¡ªcars parked haphazardly, a warehouse with no activity, and a few dimly lit houses. August toggled through the options, frustration brewing as nothing seemed to stand out. "Where are you, Whitford?" he muttered under his breath. A black van parked a street away suddenly caught his eye. It wasn''t just the vehicle itself; it was how it was parked¡ªtucked into the shadows with its engine running. August''s instincts screamed that this was it. Explore stories on empire He turned around and jumped off the rooftop. When he was a few feet away from reaching the ground, the cloak of echoes suddenly absorbed the air around him, flapping slowly before suspending him in mid-air. The hover function had activated and allowed August to land slowly which prevented him from losing his legs. Afterward, he instantly activated Dash. [ Dash Has Been Activated ] The world blurred briefly, and within moments, he was beside the van. A sharp, almost inaudible hum came from the engine. August reached for the rear doors, but they were locked tight. "Well, we''re doing this the loud way." August pulled his sword from his inventory. The blade gleamed even in the dim alley light. In the next moment, he slashed forward causing the sound of metal tearing apart to split the air as a tongue of sharp flames followed the blade. The van''s doors peeled open like a tin can, leaving a fiery blazing red on their edges. Inside, a stretcher-like contraption held a figure bound tightly. Their head was covered with a cloth. "Victor!" August yelled but before he could step in, movement caught his peripheral vision. Two figures darted out from the shadows within the van. Their speed was far beyond human capability. One was male, stocky and tall, while the other was a lithe, agile female. Both wore Oni masks¡ªtraditional, demonic, and terrifying¡ª The male''s fists crackled with energy, while the female''s hands glowed with a faint blue light that left scorch marks on the van''s metal walls. "You must be Aleman," the male sneered. His voice was distorted, and his stance screamed confidence. "Let''s hope you survive long enough for our bosses to speak to you." August didn''t respond. Instead, he activated Dash. His vision narrowed as the world slowed. He evaded the male''s glowing fist by a hair''s breadth, appearing behind him in an instant and slashing with the flaming blade he had prepared earlier. The strike left brutal gashes across the man''s torso as flames licked his body, causing him to cry out in agony. "Ahh! What the hell?!" Tori was now more cautious. She circled August, observing his movements, then suddenly launched a barrage of glowing, spinning projectiles. August evaded with another Dash as his flaming blade carved through one of the projectiles in midair. However, one spun back around and grazed his shoulder, sending a sharp jolt of pain through his body. Tori smirked. "So you''re not invincible after all." The fight escalated as Zach, the male Oni member, gritted his teeth and unleashed an item retrieved from the game. It was a compact device that glowed ominously in his hands, and when activated, it released a pulse of energy that sent shockwaves through the air. August barely had time to react before he was hit by the pulse of energy. His entire figure was lifted off the ground and sent crashing into a nearby building. Fortunately, no one was in this building or it would have caused a huge ruckus. "Ugh..." August groaned as he forcefully pushed himself up. His joints felt like jelly as he struggled to step forward, fighting the internal disorientation. Up ahead, the two Oni members had the device pointed at him once more, ready to fire. "I can''t let that thing hit me again..." August instantly activated Dash once more, closing the distance between them, and placed his hand on the device. His fingers glowed purple as he activated his Extraction ability. The powerful item, which was likely worth hundreds of millions, began to disassemble before their very eyes. Its components fell apart as if undone at a molecular level. "What¡ª!" Zach shouted in disbelief as the device disintegrated in his hands. Before he could recover, August delivered a powerful punch to his gut, sending him flying across the lot and slamming his head into a concrete barrier. August then turned his attention to Tori, who had leaped into the air to avoid a similar fate. Her movements were swift, but August was faster. He shot one of his tranquilizer darts, which struck her in the shoulder. She staggered midair and collapsed to the ground, unconscious. August stepped into the van, breathing heavily as he pulled back the large cloth covering the figure strapped to the stretcher-like seat. His heart pounded in anticipation, but when the face beneath the straps came into view, it wasn''t Victor. "What the hell¡­?" August muttered, confused. Before he could react, the figure broke through the restraints with unnatural strength and grabbed him by the neck. The grip was like iron, pinning him against the van''s interior wall. August struggled, but the figure didn''t budge. "You walked right into it," a cold, familiar voice said from behind him. Chapter 123 You Think You Have Me? Fox emerged from the shadows with her fox mask glinting under the moonlight. Her graceful, kimono-clad figure exuded a calm yet sinister aura.Beside her, the demon-masked man stepped out with his large frame covering them both "Hello, Aleman," Fox greeted with a chilling and nonchalant tone. "We finally meet." August gritted his teeth, struggling against the grip of the decoy. He shifted his focus to Fox. "So, this is how you operate? Sending your lackeys to do your dirty work?" Fox tilted her head with a look of amusement in her eyes. "Tori and Zach served their purpose. Now you serve yours." "We''ve been waiting for this moment for quite some time." August tried to break free, but the scarred man''s grip was unyielding. The demon-masked man chuckled deeply. "You''ve been a hard one to track down," he said. "But here you are. Right where we want you." Fox stepped closer. Her piercing eyes locked onto August''s visor. "You''ve caused us quite the trouble," she continued. "But don''t worry, Aleman. This is where it ends. You''re going to help us whether you like it or not." The scarred man tightened his grip, and August felt his strength waning. "What do you want?" Fox''s unnerving calmness made her the most dangerous of the trio. "What do we want?" she repeated August''s question, her tone almost playful. "We''ve noticed something extraordinary about you, Aleman. You''ve been selling items that don''t have the retrieve-to-reality function. Items that shouldn''t exist outside of Enders Light." August remained silent. His helmet concealed his expression. He felt her next words would be dangerously close to the truth. Fox tilted her head while smirking under the mask. "That silence confirms it. You can extract anything from Enders Light, can''t you?" "I don''t know what you''re talking about," August responded with a voice modulated by his helmet. The brute holding him tightened his grip, causing August to wince slightly. "Enough games," Fox stated. "We want you to join the Oni. Someone with your ability would be invaluable to us." "I''m not interested," August said firmly. "I''m a businessman, not a terrorist." Fox''s calm demeanor began to crack as her voice turned cold. "Think carefully, Aleman. You have no idea what you''re refusing. The Oni are more than a group¡ªwe are the future pioneers of this world. Refuse us, and you''ll find yourself with nowhere to run. We have you already so it''s up to you to either agree to be one of us willingly or unwillingly..." August smirked beneath his helmet. "You think you have me? Think again." At that moment, a dozen brilliant torchlights flickered on, illuminating the entire alley. Shouts echoed from all directions, and Fox''s group turned sharply to see they were surrounded by law enforcement officers. "Oni terrorists! You are surrounded! Drop your weapons and surrender!" a commanding voice bellowed. The officers emerged from every conceivable hiding place¡ªrooftops, alleyways, flowerbeds, and nearby buildings. Their weapons were trained on the Oni members as their presence overwhelmed the place. The brute released his grip on August, and he fell forward slightly before catching his balance. He stepped away from the brute, brushing off his cloak with deliberate nonchalance. Fox''s eyes darted around, assessing the situation. Her shadowy abilities flickered faintly at her fingertips as she calculated her next move. The brute growled lowly, while the demon-masked Oni member stood quietly in place. His demeanor remained unbothered. Fox glanced back at August as her calm exterior wanned a bit. "You... planned this?" "Let''s just say," August adjusted his helmet, "you''re not the only ones who know how to strategize." --- (Two Days Earlier) In the luxurious Whitford estate, August sat across from Victor Whitford''s father, a blue-eyed man whose presence radiated power and authority. August had his Aleman outfit on so his face wasn''t visible. The plush office reeked of wealth, with mahogany furniture, gold accents, and the soft sound of air conditioning. "You''re telling me my son is being held by the Oni?" Mr. Whitford questioned with a cold tone, masking a storm of emotions. "Yes," August responded firmly. "Victor has been trying to contact me for weeks. When I finally listened to his voicemail, I realized the situation was dire." Mr. Whitford''s jaw tightened. "Why would they abduct him?" "They want me," August admitted. "and they''re using your son as leverage to lure me out." "And you''re willing to help my son?" Mr. Whitford''s gaze narrowed as he asked. August leaned forward. "I don''t appreciate being strong-armed, and I''m not about to let my customer suffer because of me. I have a plan, but I''ll need your resources and connections to pull it off." Mr. Whitford stared at August for a long moment before nodding. "What do you need?" --- (Back in the Alley) "Last chance!" the commanding officer shouted. "Surrender and get on your knees!" The officers stood ready, their weapons trained on the dark van parked in the dimly lit alley. The large man who was initially strapped to the stretcher, slowly stepped out, holding August by the throat like a ragdoll. August gasped for air as his feet dangled while he was brought into the open. Fox stood beside the van with the demon-masked man standing behind her as her sharp eyes darted between the officers and her allies. She whispered hurriedly to the demon-masked man. "We retreat. Now," she hissed. The demon-masked man growled lowly as his eyes suddenly emitted a green glow like an otherworldly flame. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Meanwhile, the large man holding August smirked. Without a word, he hurled August several feet through the air. August crashed onto the pavement, rolling until he stopped near the line of officers. "Open fire!" shouted the commanding officer. The officers unleashed a hail of bullets as Fox and the demon-masked man turned to flee. The demon-masked man stepped in front of Fox with his body undergoing a strange transformation. Greenish scales phased out of his back, neck, and head. The bullets ricocheted off him like pebbles against steel upon collision. He suddenly turned around and sent a punch hurling at the wall on the other end. It instantly blasted open and Fox charged forward, through the hole created. The lights were initially a problem since her supernatural abilities were shadow-related but now that she was in a building, she had enough shadow to work with. Experience new stories on empire Fox smirked as her hands moved gracefully while she began summoning a sea of shadows beneath her feet. The darkness expanded, writhing like living tendrils. "Buy me time," she ordered. The demon-masked man nodded as his towering figure continued shielding her from harm. Behind them, the large man stumbled to follow lumbering slowly, as he approached the hole blasted into the wall. However, before they could fully escape, a bright flash illuminated the alley. "Not so fast!" August yelled before firing a lightning bolt directly at the large man. The bolt struck with precision, lighting up the darkness as it slammed into the large man sending him flying through the hole. He roared in pain as his body convulsed while the electrical surge coursed through him. His left arm was torn from his body as he rammed into the ground. He fell unconscious immediately. Fox froze momentarily as her shadow ability was disrupted by the flash of lightning. "We gotta go!" she snapped at the demon-masked man upon noticing that the officers were closing in fast. The demon-masked man snarled. He turned to face August who was also approaching. "You''re becoming a nuisance, Aleman." He lunged at August with his scaled fist smashing into the ground where August had been standing a moment ago. Using Dash, August evaded the attack, the ability allowing him to move in a blur of speed. "Even my grandma can move faster than that... And guess what? She''s dead," August taunted before firing another lightning bolt. The bolt struck the demon-masked man directly in the chest, cracking the surface of his scales. He staggered briefly but regained his balance as his eyes narrowed. "You''ll regret that," the demon-masked man growled before charging forward. August summoned the fiery sword he had acquired initially. Its blade ignited with a bright, searing flame as he prepared to clash with the demon-masked man. The two clashed causing the sound of metal striking scales echoing through the alley. The demon-masked man''s strength was immense. Each blow forced August to sidestep or block with all his might. Meanwhile, Fox had managed to get far ahead and extended her hands again in a dark environment. Shadows began to crawl around her as she activated her ability. "She''s trying to escape!" one of the officers shouted. "I''ve got her!" August yelled, activating Dash again to close the distance between him and Fox. Before he could reach her, the demon-masked man intercepted him, swinging a heavy-scaled arm. August ducked just in time as the force of the swing grazed the top of his helmet. "Stay out of my way!" August growled before slashing upward with the fiery sword. The blade connected, shattering the demon-masked man''s weakened scales. The demon-masked man roared, stumbling backward as flames engulfed his chest. He dropped to his knees while screaming in agony. "Arrgghh!!" Chapter 124 More Publicity August proceeded to kick the demon-masked man in the chest, sending him sliding across the ground.The officers instantly grabbed him and put him in cuffs. Up ahead Fox let out a frustrated hiss. "You''ll regret this," she muttered with a chilling echo as she melted into the shadows. The officers arrived at the spot where she vanished but there was no trace of her. August deactivated his fiery sword, standing amidst the chaos with his helmet gleaming in the faint light. "Secure the area," the commanding officer barked to his team, but his gaze lingered on August. Find more to read at empire The officers stood around August, their faces lit with gratitude after securing the demon-masked man and his large accomplice. Their squad cars formed a perimeter in the dimly lit alley, flashing red and blue lights painting the walls in alternating hues. The commanding officer approached. "I don''t know who you are under that helmet, but you''ve helped us in ways we can''t even begin to thank you for," he voiced while extending a hand. "Truly, who are you?" August still clad in the cloak of echoes and the sci-fi-inspired helmet concealing his face, shook the officer''s hand briefly. His modulated voice added to his air of mystery. "I''m just a businessman," he replied. "You can call me Aleman." The senior officer frowned slightly. "A businessman, huh? And what kind of business puts you in situations like these?" August gave a small, modulated chuckle. "The kind that deals with extraordinary items and extraordinary situations." He gestured to the subdued masked men being loaded into the police van. "I trust you''ll handle them properly?" The officer nodded. "We will. But¡­ if you know more about them¡ªspecifically about the one who escaped, the fox-masked woman¡ªwe could use that information." "I don''t know who she is under the mask," August replied smoothly. "But if I find out, you''ll be the first to know." Just then, a commotion came from the nearby building. Two officers escorted Victor Whitford out. The young man''s disheveled appearance was completely different from his usual confident demeanor. He spotted August and frowned thinking it was one of the Oni members who got caught. "That is Aleman," one of the officers clarified while pointing at the man who looked like he came out of a Sci-Fi Movie. Victor was in awe. He guessed a lot must have changed since he last saw Aleman. "Thank you!" Victor''s voice trembled as he exclaimed. "I thought I was dead. I thought¡ª" He paused as his hands trembled. "I owe you my life." Victor''s father who was clad in a tailored suit, emerged from a nearby black luxury car surrounded by a few envoys. His eyes burned with restrained fury, but his relief at seeing his son alive softened his features. He walked briskly to Victor, pulling him into a firm embrace before turning to August. "I don''t know who you truly are," the older Whitford said, "but you saved my son. For that, you have my eternal gratitude." August dipped his head slightly. "No thanks necessary. I''m always willing to help a customer." Victor blinked. "Customer?" "Yes," August responded with a deliberate tone. "You''ve bought from me before. And you got pulled into this mess because of me anyways..." The senior officer stepped forward. "Mr. Whitford," he said to Victor, "we''ll need you to come down to the station to write a formal statement, especially regarding this fox-masked individual. She''s still at large." Victor swallowed hard and nodded. "Of course. Whatever you need." The officer then turned back to August. "Are you sure you don''t know anything more about her? You look like you''ve dealt with them before." August tilted his head. "I actually haven''t. If I knew anything more, I''d tell you. But I don''t." The officer sighed but didn''t press further. "Fair enough. If you ever come across more information, don''t hesitate to contact us." As the officers escorted Victor and his father back to their car, the elder Whitford paused one last time to address August. "If you ever need anything, name it. The Whitford family will always remember this." August inclined his head again, then turned on his heel, the faint sound of his helmet''s systems accompanied him as he walked away into the shadows. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As the flashing lights faded behind him, August murmured to himself, "One problem solved¡­ but another always seems to wait around the corner." ... ... The breaking news flashed on every major network and social media platform: "Two Oni Members Captured!" It was a shock to everyone, as the Oni group had been a nightmare for law enforcement for over six months. Their members were always slipping through the cracks. Anchorwoman: "In an unprecedented turn of events, two members of the notorious Oni group have been apprehended by law enforcement, thanks to the aid of an unidentified vigilante who has taken the internet by storm." The screen cut to grainy but clear enough footage of a figure dressed in a futuristic helmet. He moved inhumanly smooth and fast. In the footage, he delivered powerful attacks to the two Oni members, using a sword and an electrical ability that seemed otherworldly. One shot captured him throwing a lightning-like streak at one of the Oni members, stunning them before he incapacitated them entirely. Anchorwoman: "This vigilante, who has come to be known online as the ''Miracle Man,'' has been linked to a previous incident at Faith Specialist Hospital, where he reportedly healed a critically injured patient with what many believe to be a game item from Enders Light. Speculation runs rampant about his true identity, with some calling him a hero and others demanding answers about his methods." --- At the police station, throngs of reporters and curious onlookers crowded the entrance. Placards reading "Who is the Sci-Fi Man?" and "Reveal the Miracle Man!" waved above the crowd as frustrated officers tried to maintain order. One officer stood at a podium during a press conference. Officer Rodriguez: "At this time, we cannot reveal more about the vigilante''s identity or methods. What we can confirm is that his intervention was instrumental in the capture of the two suspects and the rescue of a young college student." --- Meanwhile, at Derrick''s home, he sat in his dimly lit living room, his phone clutched tightly in his hand. His eyes were glued to the news broadcast, the footage of the vigilante replaying over and over again. "...It''s him¡ªit''s the same guy from the hospital." He leaned back in frustration while running his hands through his hair. On the coffee table in front of him lay a crumpled piece of paper with a number scrawled on it: AM Coven. He had memorized the number before the nurse at Faith Specialist took the card back. But every time he dialed it, he was met with silence. He slammed his fist onto the table in frustration, cursing under his breath. ''He''s out there saving people, but won''t answer a damn call. Does he even care? Tara could use someone like him right now... If anyone can heal her, it''s him!'' Derrick usually wouldn''t think like this but he was currently at his wits end. He hadn''t been able to get across to August even after dialing the number many times. This was due to the fact that August had been preparing for this operation for the last two days. Derrick grabbed his phone and dialed the number again. His leg bounced anxiously as he waited. It rang once, twice, and then went straight to voicemail again. --- Elsewhere, at August''s home, he watched the news quietly. The footage of himself in action played repeatedly, and while he knew the helmet obscured his identity well enough, the attention was becoming too much. He only wanted the hospital''s attention not attention from this but he decided not to bother about it. "Well, perhaps more publicity isn''t bad... this should boost AM Coven once the business is fully open." Chapter 125 Parent Teachers Meeting "Well, perhaps more publicity isn''t bad... this should boost AM Coven once the business is fully open..."August leaned back in his chair as his thoughts swirled. The recording from his helmet had served its purpose as an advertisement for AM Coven, but now it had spiraled into something much bigger. People weren''t just curious about his business¡ªthey were curious about him. His phone buzzed, snapping him out of his thoughts. It was yet another missed call from an unsaved number. "Probably the hospital...I should get back to them now that I have time," August muttered. --- Back at the police station, one protester shouted above the noise: Protester: "If this guy is healing people, the world has a right to know who he is! What if we need him too?" Another countered, "Leave him alone! He''s doing more good than the police ever did with the Oni!" The commotion didn''t seem to die down, and even the police were beginning to wonder about the identity of the man who had helped them pull off something they thought was impossible. Experience more content on empire ... ... (The Next Day) August leaned back in the leather chair of the newly furnished office at AM Coven. The room smelled of fresh paint and polished wood. The warm sunlight filtering in through the window gave it a cozy yet professional vibe. The faint sound of activity from the workers in the main space of AM Coven filtered into the office. On the desk before him sat the landline phone he had recently installed. He stared at the list of calls that had come through on the business line. He believed they were from Faith Specialist Hospital which meant they must have seen his card. They were obviously intrigued¡ªcurious about what they had witnessed four nights ago in the ICU. August allowed himself a small smirk; everything was going according to plan. He reached for the receiver, dialed the last missed call on the list, and waited. The line clicked, and a calm, slightly aged voice greeted him. "Hello, this is Dr. Anderson from Faith Specialist Hospital. May I ask who''s calling?" "This is Aleman," August replied. "I believe your hospital has been trying to contact me." There was a brief pause before the man on the other end replied. His tone shifted to one of polite eagerness. "Ah, yes! We''ve indeed been trying to reach you. Regarding the... miraculous incident with one of our patients. We were hoping to learn more about the item you used. It''s unlike anything we''ve encountered." August smirked slightly, tapping a finger on the desk. "I expected as much. It would be foolish not to be curious about something with such capabilities." Dr. Anderson chuckled nervously. "You''re quite right. Frankly, we''re very interested in discussing business possibilities with you. Are you available to meet in person?" August glanced at the clock on the wall. "I''m tied up at the moment. However, I can make time this evening." "That would be perfect. We''ll prepare everything on our end. Thank you for considering." "Don''t thank me yet," August''s tone carried a hint of amusement. "I''ll see you this evening." With that, the call ended. August leaned back with a satisfied look. Things were progressing as he envisioned. His actions had sparked intrigue, and now it was time to see how far he could leverage this opportunity. After giving a glance at the paperwork cluttered on his desk, he stood and walked out of the office. The workers glanced up as he appeared. His sharp gaze and tailored jacket lent an air of authority. One of the contractors, a middle-aged man with a rugged demeanor, approached him with a clipboard. "Mr. Aleman," the man began, "we''ve finalized the shelves for the display area. Now we''re working on the lighting for the showcase section you designed." "Good," August replied with a calm tone. "I want the lighting perfect¡ªeach piece should look like a treasure under a spotlight. Ensure that''s done right before anything else." "Yes, sir," the contractor said, nodding firmly before heading back to his team. August moved towards the main exit. Before he left, he turned back and addressed the group. "I''ll be out for a while. If any issues come up, resolve them, or leave a message. I don''t want delays." S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The workers acknowledged him with a chorus of affirmations. Satisfied, August stepped out into the afternoon sun. He pulled out his phone and scrolled through his schedule. First, he needed to head home and change out of his outfit and helmet. Parent-teacher meetings weren''t exactly the place to make bold business impressions, and he couldn''t very well show up as Aleman. A simple yet refined look would suffice. ... ... At home, August changed into a casual yet polished ensemble¡ªa white button-up shirt paired with dark blue trousers. His shoes gleamed under the light, and his hair was neatly combed back. He wanted to exude responsibility and reliability without drawing unnecessary attention. Little did he know that things wouldn''t go the way he wanted in the slightest... The school grounds were alive with the lively chatter of students and the occasional shout from teachers trying to maintain order. The surroundings hadn''t changed much since August''s high school days. The same brick buildings, wide grassy fields, and faint smell of ink filled the air. Only a few new structures and a fresh coat of paint betrayed the passage of time. August, wearing a casual yet impeccably neat outfit¡ªa white button-up shirt tucked into dark blue tailored trousers, complemented by a pair of clean black loafers¡ªstrode through the gates. His green hair streaked with white patches shimmered under the sunlight, styled to perfection, giving him an effortlessly charismatic aura. His sharp jawline, striking emerald eyes, and perfectly sculpted features turned heads immediately. Female students whispered amongst themselves, giggling and exchanging glances as they speculated who this "walking god" could be. "Is he a model?" one girl whispered. "No way, he must be an actor!" another replied. A bolder student whistled loudly, eliciting laughter and more curious glances. August ignored the attention, focusing entirely on finding Sophia. Still, the corners of his lips twitched upward slightly in amusement. Memories of the original August school days surfaced as he walked down familiar paths, past the large cafeteria and sports grounds, until he reached the Year 2 block. Sophia''s classroom was on the second floor. As August ascended the stairs, the noise from the classrooms quieted. He noticed glances from teachers and students alike. Some of the faculty whispered to each other, speculating if he was a new hire or some alumnus they had missed during their tenure. When August reached Sophia''s classroom and knocked gently, the room went silent. The teacher, a striking woman in her late twenties with caramel-toned skin, wavy chestnut hair, and warm brown eyes framed by stylish glasses, turned toward him. She wore a simple yet elegant green blouse tucked into a knee-length black skirt. Her name tag read Ms. Emilia Weston. "Yes? May I help you?" Her professional demeanor faltered slightly as she took in August''s presence. For a split second, her composed expression was replaced by mild surprise, though she quickly recovered. "Hi," August voiced with a deep yet soft tone. "I''m here for Sophia Clementine." Chapter 126 Were Orphaned Ms. Weston''s brows knitted briefly. "You''re her older brother?" Her tone betrayed her disbelief¡ªAugust looked far too young to be attending a parent-teacher meeting, yet his demeanor carried a maturity that was hard to overlook."That''s right," August replied. "We''re orphaned, so I''m her guardian." Ms. Weston''s expression softened immediately. "Oh, I see. I''m sorry to hear that." She adjusted her glasses. "The parent-teacher meeting will be held in the main hall shortly. Afterward, I''d like to speak with you privately about some concerns regarding Sophia." August nodded. "Of course. Thank you." He glanced over Ms. Weston''s shoulder and spotted Sophia sitting in the second row. Her bright green hair, identical to his, stood out amidst her classmates. Her delicate frame and large, expressive eyes lit up the moment she saw him. "Hey, Soph," August said with a small wave. "Big bro!" Sophia exclaimed, nearly knocking over her desk as she stood up in excitement. Her classmates watched in stunned silence as their heads swiveled between Sophia and August. The girl sitting beside Sophia¡ªher class rival, a haughty brunette named Madeline Price Montgomery, known for flaunting her family''s wealth¡ªlooked utterly smitten as her gaze lingered on August. Her perfectly curled hair and designer uniform accessories did little to hide her sudden nervousness. "Who... who is he?" Madeline whispered with flushed cheeks. Sophia rolled her eyes. "That''s my brother." Madeline''s mouth dropped open. "No way! He looks like... like..." "A model!" another girl chimed in. "A prince," another added dreamily. "He''s so tall..." "Can I have his number?" Madeline pleaded desperately as she tugged on Sophia''s sleeve. Sophia groaned and turned away. "Not a chance." The boys in the class, on the other hand, sat in stony silence. Their expressions ranged from envy to outright resentment. Ms. Weston cleared her throat, snapping the class back to order. "All right, everyone, settle down. Mr. Clementine, you can head to the hall now. Sophia will join the meeting shortly." "Thank you," August said with a polite nod. As he turned to leave, Sophia gave him a quick wave. "See you in a bit, bro!" "See you, Soph," August replied as his lips curved into a gentle smile. The moment he stepped out of the room, the chatter resumed. "He''s so cool!" "Why does Sophia get all the luck?" "Madeline, you''re blushing!" "I am not!" Madeline shot back, though her face was as red as a tomato. Meanwhile, Ms. Weston shook her head with a soft chuckle. She couldn''t deny that August''s presence had shaken the usually rowdy class into a cohesive, albeit lovestruck, group. She made a mental note to address Sophia''s academic performance in the meeting but also to mention the remarkable bond she clearly shared with her brother. - The parents-teachers meeting was held in the spacious main hall of Sophia''s school. Brightly lit and adorned with banners showcasing student achievements, the room was buzzing with conversation as parents trickled in. August walked in quietly and chose a seat toward the back. His presence didn''t go unnoticed. Several young mothers whispered among themselves, glancing at him with curiosity and interest. The vice principal, a stern-looking woman in her late fifties with rimmed glasses perched on her nose, stepped up to the podium. The room settled as she tapped the microphone. "Good afternoon, parents and guardians. Thank you for attending today''s meeting. We''ll discuss some updates about the school, address some concerns, and go over upcoming events." Enjoy new chapters from empire As she spoke, August noticed the stares he was getting. Some were curious, others judgmental, particularly from an older man seated a few rows ahead. His salt-and-pepper hair and stout build gave him an authoritative demeanor, and his sideways glances at August were anything but friendly. When it was time for parents to raise concerns, August, ever calm and collected, raised his hand. He stood, addressing a concern about extracurricular activities. "I believe there should be more emphasis on creative and skill-building clubs. Kids need outlets to express themselves outside academics..." August didn''t know much about being a parent since he never had any interest in bearing kids but he could recall his school days as Reacher. He really hated how he was mostly forced to focus on achieving academic excellence with Maths and other subjects when they never benefited him in real life. Some kids never did well in subjects like this because they were skilled in other aspects. If the school gave kids the opportunity to delve into other aspects besides academics, they would realize that some kids who seemed to be blockheads just haven''t found their talent yet. However, before August could continue, the older man cut him off. "With all due respect, I think this meeting is for adults who understand the weight of responsibility. Maybe you should take a back seat," the man spoke with a condescending tone. The room fell silent, and all eyes turned to August. He didn''t miss a beat. With a faint smirk, he replied, "Thank you for your input. I''m sure you''re speaking from experience since your brain is probably always taking a back seat." A few muffled chuckles echoed through the room, and the older man''s face turned crimson. The vice principal quickly intervened. "Let''s stay on track, everyone. Please remember this is a space for constructive dialogue." The tension diffused, and the meeting continued until the doors swung open dramatically. A poised woman in her late thirties, with black hair tied into an elegant bun and wearing an expensive navy dress, walked in. Her entrance silenced the room as her bodyguards stationed themselves by the door. The vice principal greeted her warmly. "Mrs. Evangeline Montgomery, it''s always a pleasure to have you join us." The parents, visibly more subdued, nodded respectfully as Evangeline took a seat near the front. When it was her turn to speak, her voice was calm yet commanding. "I propose a new funding initiative to expand the school''s technology lab. Our children need to be equipped for the future." The room buzzed with murmurs. While some parents clearly had reservations, no one dared to oppose her¡ªexcept August. Raising his hand, he stood. "While I agree technology is vital, I think equal emphasis should be placed on mental health resources for students. Expanding the counseling program could make a huge difference." Evangeline turned her sharp eyes toward him, clearly not used to being challenged. For a moment, tension rose in the surroundings. ''Does he not know who she is? This young man is trying to put himself in trouble!'' many of the parents and the teachers in the surroundings had similar thoughts as they stared at August with looks of worry. However, Evangeline nodded coolly in response. "A fair point, young man. Perhaps we can explore a balance." The meeting concluded shortly after. As parents filed out, August made his way toward Sophia''s classroom to meet her teacher, Ms. Weston. "Mr. Clementine, thank you for coming. Sophia is a bright and talented student. Her grades are excellent, and she''s a joy to have in class." August smiled. "That''s good to hear. I''m very proud of her." Ms. Weston hesitated for a moment before continuing. "However, I am a little concerned about her emotional well-being. While she''s always polite and hardworking, I''ve noticed she seems... withdrawn at times. She doesn''t interact with the other kids as much as I''d hope." August''s expression grew serious. "I see. Is there anything specific that brought this to your attention?" Ms. Weston nodded. "During group activities, she tends to isolate herself unless specifically paired with someone. It''s not alarming, but I thought you should know. She might need a little more support outside of school." "I appreciate you letting me know," August voiced with a sincere tone. "I''ll make sure to talk to her about it." Ms. Weston smiled. "I''m sure she''s in good hands. You seem like a very attentive guardian." After thanking her, August left the school with a lot on his mind. He was determined to address whatever Sophia was going through and ensure she had everything she needed to thrive¡ªboth in and out of school. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 127 Spotting A Familiar Face August arrived home after attending Sophia''s parent-teacher meeting. The meeting had been eventful, with teachers commending Sophia''s progress and impeccable academic performance.Despite that August knew he''d need to have an important discussion with Sophia later. warm "I have some business to take care of," August said while unbuttoning his shirt. He glanced at Sophia, who was busy sorting her schoolbooks. "We''ll catch up when I get back, alright?" Sophia nodded, though she looked slightly concerned. "Don''t stay out too late, okay?" "I won''t," August reassured her with a small smile. After a quick change into more functional attire, August opened his inventory panel. The luxury of being able to store extracted items had proven invaluable, especially for situations like this. He put in his helmet and a few other items he''d need for the evening. Once ready, August hailed a ride to a secluded area far from home. He needed the space to transform into Aleman. Once there, he donned his helmet and pulled up the hood of his long coat, completing the mysterious sci-fi look. His reflection in a nearby window stared back¡ªcompletely concealed, enigmatic, and formidable. Satisfied with his transformation, he made his way to Faith Specialist Hospital. The building loomed large as he approached. Its glass fa?ade reflected the glow of city lights. The place was buzzing with activity; patients, families, and staff moved about. Word of the "miracle man" had evidently spread far and wide, as the entrance was crowded with people hoping to catch a glimpse of him. As soon as August stepped into the vicinity, murmurs erupted. A sea of people turned in his direction, recognizing the iconic helmet. Before he could take another step, the crowd surged toward him. "It''s him!" "The guy from the video!" "Please, my wife needs your help!" "Over here! My son is sick!" August raised a hand to calm the crowd, but their desperation drowned out his attempts to speak. Hospital security rushed to intervene, forming a barrier around him. "Let us through!" one of the guards shouted. "Step back, everyone!" With considerable effort, August managed to slip inside the hospital, shielded by security personnel. The crowd pressed against the glass doors as he disappeared down a corridor. A nurse escorted him to a boardroom where the hospital''s higher-ups, including Dr. Anderson, awaited him. The room was sterile and minimalist, dominated by a long table at its center. As August entered, the chatter among the board members ceased. Their eyes were fixed on him, some filled with curiosity, others with skepticism. "Welcome," Dr. Anderson said, standing up. He was a middle-aged man with blonde hair and a commanding presence. "We''ve been expecting you." August inclined his head slightly with his helmet obscuring his expression. He took a seat at the far end of the table with a composed yet enigmatic stature. "We''d like to discuss the...incident," Dr. Anderson began, carefully choosing his words. "Your actions saved a life, undeniably. But they also raised questions¡ªquestions about the nature of the substance you used and its implications." Another doctor, a younger woman with a sharp gaze, interjected. "What you did was extraordinary, but it also violated several protocols. We need to understand how this works. Is it replicable? Are there risks? Legalities?" August remained silent for a moment, letting their words hang in the air. Finally, he leaned forward slightly. "I am Aleman. As you all might already know, my business is called AM Coven. The product I demonstrated in the ICU is a healing solution, capable of repairing physical injuries¡ªfractures, lacerations, internal damage. Anything physical in nature. Its effects are immediate and complete," August''s modulated voice rang out. Dr. Anderson raised a skeptical brow. "Immediate and complete? That''s a bold claim. Are there any limitations we should be aware of?" August nodded, anticipating the question. "Yes, it does not cure diseases or viruses. It is strictly for physical injuries. We''ve tested it extensively¡ªbroken bones, punctured lungs, spinal damage¡ªit works across all cases, provided the condition is purely physical." There was a murmur among the board members. Dr. Anderson exchanged glances with his colleagues before turning back to August. "This...solution of yours. What''s the source? How is it manufactured?" August leaned back slightly. "The source is proprietary, and its production method is something I cannot disclose. What I can assure you is that it''s safe, reliable, and capable of saving countless lives." Dr. Anderson nodded, seeming to accept the explanation. "And why did you agree to meet with us today, Mr. Aleman? What do you want from us?" August leaned forward, resting his gloved hands on the table. "It is not what I want from you. It''s what I can do for you. Don''t get it twisted, your establishment has a lot to gain here. I will supply Faith Specialist Hospital with these healing solutions in wholesale quantities. However, there are conditions." Dr. Anderson tilted his head with an intrigued look. "Go on." "First," August said, "the product must not be resold at more than 25% above the price I provide. Second, I expect it to be used equitably. This is not a product to be hoarded for the privileged or wealthy. It must be accessible to those in need." The younger female board member from earlier raised a question. "And what happens if we don''t adhere to these conditions?" August''s voice dropped slightly as his modulated tone carried a subtle edge. "Then our partnership ends. Permanently." The room grew quiet again as his words sunk in. Dr. Anderson nodded thoughtfully. "And the cost of this product?" S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. August paused, carefully choosing his words. "Wholesale price will be set at $1,000 per unit. A unit contains five vials. Considering its capabilities, I believe this is more than fair." The murmurs resumed, louder this time, as the board members deliberated among themselves. Finally, Dr. Anderson spoke. "We agree to your terms, but there''s one more question: Will there be products for diseases or viruses in the future?" August stood with a commanding presence "All in due time, Dr. Anderson. AM Coven will continue to innovate, but for now, this is what I can offer. Save lives with it. That is all I ask." Dr. Anderson rose as well, extending a hand. "Then we have a deal, Mr. Aleman. Faith Specialist Hospital is honored to be your first partner." August shook his hand firmly, sealing the deal. - The corridor outside the boardroom was chaotic. The moment August stepped out, a sea of desperate voices surged toward him. Patients and their families, all pleading for his help, shoved against one another, some clutching medical records, others holding pictures of loved ones. The crowd pressed forward while reaching out their hands, begging for miracles. These people were either patients admitted within the hospital or families of patients already admitted. They had heard of August''s arrival. "Please, sir, my son needs your help!" "My wife has been in a coma for six months. You''re our only hope!" "Save my father, please!" The guards quickly stepped in, forming a barrier around August. Even with their intervention, the desperation was thick. He scanned the faces around him while moving through. He was sympathetic but he already made a deal with the hospital so he was sure that the healing potion would reach everyone as soon as he began distribution. His helmet''s digitalized display enhanced the chaos, picking up the frantic emotions in every face. Then his gaze froze. A familiar figure stood amidst the crowd, pushing and shouting for help. Derrick. His once strong and confident friend was now a shadow of himself. His eyes were bloodshot and his shoulders slumped as he begged for help. Enjoy more content from empire "Please, help her. I''ll do anything!" Chapter 128 On A Personal Quest To Save Tara August''s chest tightened. He pushed past the guards, ignoring their protests.The crowd erupted into gasps and whispers as the man with the futuristic helmet broke through the barrier, heading straight for Derrick. When Derrick saw the man stop in front of him, he hesitated, unsure why he''d been singled out. Before he could react, the muffled, modulated voice spoke. "Derrick." Derrick''s jaw dropped. How did this man know his name? "Come with me," August voiced with a low but firm tone. The guards were confused but obedient. They swiftly flanked them as August led Derrick through the corridors toward the ICU. The murmurs of the crowd followed them, but no one dared block their path. They reached a private ward, and August dismissed the guards. "We need privacy," he stated before locking the door behind them. Derrick''s confusion deepened as August turned to face the bed where Tara lay. Her frail, pale, and motionless body, was hooked to an array of monitors. The rhythmic beeping of the machines filled the silence. "How do you¡ª" Derrick began, but his words caught in his throat as August reached up and removed the helmet. Derrick''s eyes widened. "A-August?" August nodded with a faint smile. "It''s me, Derrick." Derrick stumbled back while covering his mouth in disbelief. "You''re¡­ You''re the miracle man? You''re the one everyone''s talking about?" "I suppose I am," August voiced while setting the helmet on a nearby chair. He placed a reassuring hand on Derrick''s shoulder. "But let''s talk about why you''re here. Tell me everything." Derrick''s emotions spilled out like a broken dam. He explained how Tara had fallen ill months ago with a rare ailment that doctors couldn''t diagnose, how she had deteriorated rapidly, and how her pregnancy had complicated everything further. He spoke of sleepless nights and how he had to pretend like all was fine during shifts at the factory... the unbearable feeling of watching the love of his life fade away. August listened intently as his eyes flicked between Derrick and Tara. "Why didn''t you tell me?" he asked softly. "I didn''t want to burden you," Derrick admitted with tears streaming down his face. "You had your own struggles. I thought¡­ I thought I could handle it." It was the first time August had ever seen Derrick shed tears and it broke something inside of him. Derrick had always been kind to August... had always ignored his own burdens to try and help August, all with a smile on his face and now that he was struggling... August never had an idea... Never dug well enough to figure things out and lend a supporting shoulder to the one person who had always been there... August suddenly felt like a failure of a friend. He couldn''t believe that Derrick had been suffering this whole time. "So all those times you went in a different direction after shifts... This is where you were headed?" August questioned with a look of disbelief. Derrick nodded affirmatively. August clenched his fists. "You''re my friend, Derrick. You should''ve told me." Derrick''s voice cracked. "I didn''t think anyone could help. You also have your issues with the loans and Sophia''s school fees and all that... I''ve prayed to gods I don''t believe in, and begged for a miracle. And then¡­ you walked out of that boardroom." August turned his attention to Tara, inspecting her fragile form. Her condition was worse than he imagined. He touched her hand, feeling the coldness of her skin. "I can''t use a health potion on her... Her condition isn''t merely physical and it doesn''t work on illnesses," August said after a moment. Derrick''s face fell, and he looked like he might collapse. "But," August added quickly, "I have an idea." Derrick looked up with hope flickering in his eyes. "What idea?" August straightened and put a hand on Derrick''s shoulder. "Give me one night. I''ll find a way to save her. I promise." Derrick''s lips trembled, and he gripped August''s arm tightly. "You mean it? You''ll save her?" "I will," August said firmly. "But I need you to trust me." "I trust you," Derrick nearly whispered. August put the helmet back on and turned toward the door. "Stay here with her. I''ll be back." Derrick could only hope and pray that his friend would come back with a solution. ... ... The evening air carried a sense of quiet as August entered his apartment. He set his helmet down on the table and stretched. His mind still processed the events of the day. Meeting Derrick at Faith Specialist Hospital had been a surprise, and the condition of Derrick''s wife was very troubling. August was still disappointed in himself for not knowing that Derrick was going through this. He had been so self-absorbed in his world and behemoth of activities that he didn''t think of reaching out in the past few weeks. Seated on his couch, August stared at the wall, pondering over the possibilities. Health potions were out of the question; they worked wonders for wounds and external injuries but couldn''t mend conditions as complex as what Derrick''s wife was going through. His mind drifted to something he had encountered as a fledgling player in Enders Light¡ªthe fruit of life. The fruit wasn''t legendary or particularly rare, but it was an essential item for new players. It was known for its ability to boost physical and internal systems and also give players access to venture beyond their first spawn point in the game. August remembered the unique tree that bore the fruit, located within the mystical Unhidden Mist village. It was one of the game''s most serene locations, where half-human, half-beast villagers lived in harmony. "I wonder if the chief will even remember me," August mused to himself. He hadn''t been back to Unhidden Mist in what felt like ages. Tagharium, where he was currently based, was a world away. The village was tucked away in the game''s far southeastern corner, and he would need to use the teleportation hub to even get close. He powered up his gaming pod, settling inside. The familiar sweet sounds of the system starting up greeted him, followed by the system notifications filling his vision. Enjoy exclusive chapters from empire A feeling of weightlessness enveloped him as white streaks filled his vision. [ Welcome Back, Aleman. ] [ Player Status Loading¡­ ] [ Synchronization Complete. ] Once in the game, August opened his inventory to ensure he had everything he needed. With 25,120 gold still available, he knew he wouldn''t face any issues. The bustling streets of Tagharium came alive around him. Players hurried past with weapons and items strapped to their backs. Some were discussing guild strategies, while others traded rare goods. August activated his Ogre Tusk artifact to disguise himself, watching as his avatar''s features morphed into the grotesque appearance of an ogre. He navigated his way to the teleportation hub, a massive circular structure at the city''s edge, pulsating with radiant energy. A mage NPC stood at the center, managing the flow of players. "Destination?" the NPC voice resonated with a mechanical tone as he questioned. "Southwest hub," August replied. The NPC nodded, inputting coordinates. [ Teleportation Fee: 10silvers ] August confirmed the deduction, and a bright light engulfed him. Within moments, the futuristic cityscape of Tagharium vanished, replaced by the tranquil, mist-shrouded forest of Unhidden Mist. The difference was striking. Here, there were no castles or throngs of players¡ªonly the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant sound of insects chirping. The village slowly came into view. Wooden huts with thatched roofs lined a winding path. Villagers with animalistic features moved about their daily lives¡ªfox-like ears twitched at sounds, while tails swayed behind them. It was a sight August had nearly forgotten. The serene village was abuzz with activity, from children playing near the shimmering lake to traders selling peculiar goods from makeshift stalls. The soft sounds of the village''s background music created an air of nostalgia, one that August always found comforting. "Look, it''s Aleman!" a child yelled while pointing toward him. The group of children swarmed him with bright, excited eyes. They were mostly NPCs, but their expressions felt so lifelike that August couldn''t help but smile. He knelt down, ruffling one of the boy''s messy hair. "Have you all been behaving?" August questioned with a warm tone. "Yes, Sir Aleman! I promise! Look, I even got a new dagger!" a particularly enthusiastic child replied, showing off a small blade that looked far too oversized for his tiny hands. August chuckled, making a mental note to remind the village chief about NPC child safety mechanics. As he walked through the village square, other NPCs greeted him warmly, with many thanking him for his past deeds. Some handed him fruits, while others offered crafted trinkets. He accepted them graciously, knowing they were simply programmed tokens of appreciation but appreciating the gesture nonetheless. "You''re back, Aleman," a familiar figure approached. It was the chief, a towering man with stag-like features and piercing yellow eyes. His furred ears perked up as he gazed upon August. "It has been a long time. I thought you had forgotten us." August offered a sheepish smile. "I''ve been... busy. How have things been here?" sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 129 The Vanishing August exchanged a few words with the chief, noting the new players around who were still struggling to leave the village. Most had not yet met the requirements to progress to higher-level zones, and a few looked visibly frustrated.One particular player caught his eye¡ªa short, slightly round man with a mop of curly brown hair and glasses that looked out of place in a fantasy setting. He was pacing near the towering Tree of Life, muttering to himself. His avatar name read *GregoriusMaximus*, and his constant failed attempts to get near the tree had gathered a small crowd of amused villagers and players. "Ugh! Why does this game hate me?" Gregorius exclaimed dramatically, throwing his hands in the air. He tried once more to approach the tree, only to be pushed back by its invisible forcefield. He landed flat on his back with a loud thud, groaning. "I''m starting to think this is personal." August smirked, watching the spectacle. He recalled just how many times August himself failed to get past until he came along. "I''ll catch you later chief... That''s why I''m here," August pointed at the tree before heading off. The Tree of Life was as majestic as ever. Its glowing bark emanated a golden light, and its beautiful leaves rustled softly despite the lack of wind. August took a step forward, unaffected by the forcefield that had repelled Gregorius. Each step closer felt like an acknowledgment of his progress in the game, as the tree''s protective aura seemed to part for him. Reaching its bark, he crouched slightly and jumped. His body shot upward, soaring over twenty feet into the air until he grabbed onto one of the lower branches. The Tree of Life didn''t resist him. Its golden fruits hung like jewels, glowing faintly, pulsing with life. August plucked one, examining it. [ System Notification:You have acquired a Fruit of Life. This item restores 100% HP and MP instantly and grants +10 to all stats permanently, boosts internal resistance, and unlocks player perception to other locations. ] With a look of satisfaction, August pocketed the fruit into his inventory. He was about to jump down when he suddenly glanced around and thought, ''Why stop at one?'' With a smirk, he grabbed another and then another, until he had collected five in total. As he leaped gracefully back to the ground, GregoriusMaximus was already at his feet, clinging to his boots like his life depended on it. His avatar''s comical crying animation played on a loop, complete with exaggerated sniffles. "Please! Great, noble hero Aleman! Spare a lowly peasant a single Fruit of Life! I''m begging you! I''ve been trying to get that stupid tree to let me near it for days! My mates are already in Tagharium, and I''m stuck here because I can''t progress! Please, I''ll do anything!" August raised an eyebrow, stifling a laugh. "Anything, huh?" "Yes, anything! I''ll¡­ I''ll carry your bags! I''ll clean your shoes! I''ll call you King Aleman for the rest of my life!" The surrounding villagers and a few players snickered at Gregorius'' antics. August''s expression softened as he crouched slightly. "Alright, alright. No need to humiliate yourself further. Here." He opened his inventory and selected one of the Fruits of Life. A glow surrounded his hand before the fruit materialized in his grasp. He handed it to Gregorius. [ System Notification: You have given GregoriusMaximus a Fruit of Life. ] Gregorius''s avatar froze for a moment before bursting into a series of dramatic bows. "Oh, thank you, King Aleman! You''re a saint among men! A true paragon of virtue! I shall sing songs of your greatness for generations to come!" "You don''t have to really," August replied, rolling his eyes but unable to suppress his grin. Gregorius immediately pointed at Tree of Life, yelling, "I''m finally leaving this cursed village!" As the NPC children laughed and villagers cheered him on, August shook his head, amused. He turned back to the chief, who was also chuckling softly. "You always have a way of bringing life to this place, Aleman. Thank you for that," the chief said warmly. "Oh this it''s not... *sigh* You''re welcome I guess..." August nearly facepalmed. Fortunately, he had gotten what he came here for so it was time to finally leave. "Aleman, I have a favor to ask," the chief suddenly called out to him from behind causing him to pause in his tracks. ... About a couple of minutes later, August was finally leaving. He had received a sudden request from the chief of Unhidden Mist. Stay connected via empire A simple letter delivery to a local baron within the Tagharium¡ªa straightforward E-ranked quest. Barely a challenge so August decided to accept it and get it done before logging out. Before heading out, Gregorious, the man who August handed a fruit of life, caught wind of the quest and insisted on tagging along. "Gregorious, you don''t have to follow me everywhere," August voiced while adjusting his gear. "I know, I know, but I feel like the gods sent you to guide me to greatness!" Gregorious replied, grinning ear to ear. "Besides, a little walk will do me good. My wife and kids need food, and I think I can better myself in Enders Light." August raised a brow. "Wife and kids?" "Yes, yes! Three little ones, and oh, the way they cling to their old man''s legs¡ª" August decided to let Gregorious come with him but the player could not stop talking. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Not two seconds later, Gregorious changed his tune. "Ah, if only I had a wife and kids, life would be much more fulfilling." August stopped mid-step. "Didn''t you just say¡ª" "Never mind that!" Gregorious interrupted. "Have I ever told you about the time I tried fishing, and the fish slapped me straight across the face before jumping back into the water? Never trust a fish, I say!" August sighed. This was going to be a long journey. --- The duo had long arrived in Tagharium and now they were moving through the streets. As they walked through the bustling streets of Tagharium, Gregorious filled the air with endless chatter. "Did I mention I once tried my hand at tailoring? Disaster! The pants I made? They tore apart the moment someone sat down. Can you imagine the embarrassment?" August tried to tune him out, focusing on the road ahead, but it was impossible. Gregorious had a gift for weaving humor into every sentence. By the time they reached the baron''s estate, August was ready to turn in the quest and leave Gregorious behind. --- The baron''s estate was a grand building adorned with pointy roofs and intricate carvings, radiating wealth and authority. The guards at the gate, clad in red armor, eyed them cautiously as they approached. "I have a delivery for Baron Hilderan," August showed them a sealed letter from the chief. The guards nodded and allowed them through. Inside, the baron was seated at a large oak desk, surrounded by shelves filled with books and artifacts. His stern face softened slightly as he saw the seal on the letter. "You come on behalf of the chief?" Baron Hilderan inquired. "Yes," August replied before passing him the letter. The baron broke the seal and read the contents. His eyes narrowed upon comprehending everything written within. After a moment, he looked back at August. "Thank you for delivering this. You''ve done well." [ System Notification: E-Ranked Quest Completed: Deliver the Chief''s Letter ] Rewards: - Gold: 5 - EXP: 5,000 - Reputation in Tagharium +5 As the rewards displayed in his interface, August was about to turn and leave when the baron stopped him. "I have another matter," the baron voiced while setting the letter down. "This concerns what was written in the chief''s message." His expression was one of both concern and frustration. He gazed at August, letting his piercing eyes size up the young adventurer before finally speaking. "You''re capable, aren''t you?" the baron questioned while leaning forward. "Tagharium needs people like you¡ªpeople who can solve problems others cannot. This¡­ issue is beyond the ordinary." "What kind of issue are we talking about?" August inquired with a calm but curious tone. The baron waved his hand, summoning one of his advisors who promptly handed him a scroll. The baron unfurled it, revealing a map of Tagharium''s outskirts. He pointed to a specific area, a dense forest marked with an ominous black X. "Soldiers. Dozens of them," the baron began with a low tone. "Vanished without a trace. This region used to be a routine patrol route, but now¡­ it''s a no-go zone. Every contingent we''ve sent to investigate has disappeared. No remains, no signs of battle¡ªjust gone. The chief had just informed me that he saw an ominous vision and recommended to send a capable person to investigate..." August frowned, leaning closer to study the map. "And you want me to figure out what''s going on?" "Precisely," the baron replied. "We need answers, Aleman. The people are starting to whisper. Some say it''s a curse, others say something sinister lurks there. I''m giving you full permission to take any measures necessary, but I need you to return with information." [ System Notification: New Quest Available ] Chapter 130 Im Going In Alone Gregorious, who had been quietly standing to the side, perked up at this. His stubby legs shuffled forward eagerly as his green face shone with excitement. "We''ll do it!" he piped up before August could respond. "An adventure like this? Count me in!"August glanced at Gregorious with a raised brow but couldn''t help but smirk. "Well, looks like I don''t have a choice," he said to the baron. "Consider it done." [ System Notification: C-Ranked Quest Received ] Quest Title: Vanishing Patrol Objective: Investigate the disappearance of Tagharium soldiers in the designated area and report back. Rewards: EXP +50,000, Gold +20, Item Reward (Unknown). --- The journey to the outskirts began about an hour after the quest was issued. August had gotten all the necessary items needed for this journey before embarking on it. The sun cast a golden glow over Tagharium as August and Gregorious departed from the city gates. The road was bustling with merchants and travelers at first, but the further they traveled, the more deserted the path became. The lively chatter of townsfolk faded, replaced by the rustling of leaves and occasional chirp of birds. Gregorious was practically bouncing with energy. "This is amazing!" he exclaimed while adjusting his tiny backpack. "I''ve never been outside the village before, you know. Always stuck farming or running errands. But this¡­ this is the real deal!" August chuckled. "Glad you''re enjoying it. Just remember, this isn''t a sightseeing trip. We''re heading into potentially dangerous territory." "I know, I know," Gregorious said, waving his hand dismissively. "But still, it''s exciting! Do you think it''s bandits? Or maybe some kind of magical beast? Oh, oh, what if it''s a portal to another dimension?" "Let''s hope it''s not the last one," August muttered. The forest ahead seemed darker than it should have. The trees grew closer together, forming a canopy with their gnarled branches that blocked out much of the sunlight. The air felt heavier here, and an eerie silence replaced the natural sounds of the forest. [ System Notification: Warning! This area has been marked as dangerous. Proceed with caution. ] August halted, scanning the surroundings. "Stay close, Gregorious. Something feels off here." Gregorious gulped as his earlier enthusiasm dampened. "You don''t have to tell me twice." As they ventured deeper, the signs of human presence began to fade. No footprints, no discarded supplies¡ªnothing to suggest the soldiers had even passed through. The silence was oppressive, broken only by the crunch of leaves under their boots. Suddenly, Gregorious froze. His ears twitched repeatedly before he spoke; "Do you hear that?" August strained his ears. At first, there was nothing. Then, faintly, he heard it¡ªa low, rhythmic thrum. It seemed to vibrate through the air, coming from somewhere ahead. "Stay alert," August drew his dagger. He activated [Stealth] causing his form to blend into the shadows as they crept toward the source of the sound. "Y''know, Lord Aleman, this is exactly the kind of place where bad decisions are made. Dark forest, creepy glowing rock, suspicious lack of birds¡ªclassic setup for death. I''m just saying," Gregorious voice nervously. "Keep moving, Gregorious..." The forest opened into a small clearing, and at its center stood a massive stone monolith covered in glowing runes. The hum was louder now, pulsating from the monolith like a heartbeat. Surrounding the monolith were scattered pieces of armor¡ªhelmets, breastplates, and swords, all eerily intact but devoid of their owners. Gregorious whispered, "What the hell is that?" "I don''t know," August replied with a low tone. "But it doesn''t look friendly." As they approached, the runes on the monolith flared brighter, and the thrum intensified. The ground beneath their feet began to tremble, and a chilling wind swept through the clearing. [ System Notification: Defend Yourself! An unknown force is reacting to your presence. ] Before August could react, the shadows around the monolith coalesced into humanoid forms with bodies flickering like static. Their eyes glowed an unnatural blue, and they moved with jerky, inhuman speed. "Oh, great. Shadow people. This is fine. Totally normal. I see this every Tuesday," Gregorious swallowed a lump of saliva after speaking frantically. "Looks like we found what happened to the soldiers... Stay back and support me," August muttered grimly, readying his weapon. ''It''s a bit strange that a troop of soldiers and even the ones after would disappear from an encounter with these weird beings so I need to exercise caution... After all, there''s only two of us...'' August held his dagger forward in thought. "Support? Lord Aleman, I''m a warrior, not a bard! Fine, but if I die, tell the barmaid at the Tavern of Tranquility I had feelings for her!" Gregorious voiced dramatically while brandishing his sword. ''...or one,'' August rolled his eyes. There was no Tavern of Tranquility and there was certainly no barmaid. The shadowy figures lunged toward them at this moment, with unnatural ferocity. August activated [Dash] immediately, weaving between them with speed. August slashed at the first shadow but the blade passed right through it like air. "What the¡ª? My attacks aren''t connecting!" He frowned. Suddenly, the dagger jerked in his hand, pulling him toward the monolith. He struggled against the unseen force, finally yanking it free. ''What the hell was that? There was a pull from the monolith,'' August''s eyes narrowed in thought but he didn''t have time to connect the dots as another shadow lunged at him. He moved out of the way swiftly and as he did, the shadow brushed against a low-hanging leaf. The leaf vanished instantly, leaving only a wisp of smoke. The runes on the monolith flared in response, glowing in an intricate, shifting pattern. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Gregarious! It''s the monolith. When these things make contact with anything, it vanishes, and the monolith reacts. That''s how the soldiers disappeared!" August voiced in realization. "So¡­ we''re fighting touchy-feely shadows that turn you into thin air? Fantastic. You''d think they''d put this on the quest notification," Gregarious backed away cautiously, doing his best to avoid even letting his sword make contact. As he moved backward to evade another of the shadowy figures, he slipped on a small piece of rock and found himself falling forward. One of the shadows surged toward Gregarious whose frame was falling into the arms of the dark creature. "Uh... HELP!" Gregorious cry for help came out like a welp. August dashed forward with lightning speed, grabbing Gregarious by the arm and yanking him out of the way just in time. "We can''t let them touch us. Stay behind me and keep your distance!" August instructed. "I almost became a shadow snack! This better come with hazard pay!" Gregarious panted with a look of relief. The shadows advanced again, and August took a deep breath, summoning his mana. [ System Notification: Spell Activated: Lightning Bolt ] Bolts of electricity arced from his outstretched hand, striking one of the shadowy figures. It shuddered violently before dissolving into nothingness. "Yes! Take that, you smoky creeps! Zap them all, Lord Aleman!" Gregarious cheered from the sidelines. More shadows surged forward, but August stayed calm, firing bolt after bolt. The air crackled with energy as the shadows were obliterated one by one. System Notification: [ Enemy Defeated: Shadow Remnant x1 | EXP Gained: 2500 ] [ Enemy Defeated: Shadow Remnant x1 | EXP Gained: 2500 ] [ Enemy Defeated: Shadow Remnant x1 | EXP Gained: 2500 ] When the last shadow dissolved, the clearing fell silent, and the blue glow of the monolith dimmed slightly. August stood catching his breath. "Well, that was horrifying. Next time, can we take a quest that involves, I don''t know, delivering pies? I''d be great at pie delivery," Gregarious sat on the ground as though he had done all the work. "I''ll keep that in mind. Let''s report back to Baron Hilderan. He''ll want to know what''s been happening here," August stated while straightening himself up. "Good, because after that performance, Lord Aleman, I deserve a medal. Or at least a big drink," Gregarious turned his round-bellied self around and began taking triumphant steps forward. August chuckled a bit while turning around to move when he suddenly sensed something. Continue your adventure at empire There was a strange pulse from the monolith and mana seemed to be stringing from it to another location. "Hold," August called out to Gregarious who stopped in his tracks. "What is it, Lord Aleman?" "Do you sense that?" "Sense what? I think my senses are only attuned to five things, Chicken wings and... I forgot the other four." "Focus," August tapped the back of his head slightly. "Do you sense the pull of mana?" He asked once more. "Not at all," Gregarious shook his head. August realized that this must be due to the fact that Gregarious was a warrior-class player. ''I guess only mages can sense it... And it''s flowing in that direction,'' August turned northeast. (( Fifteen Minutes Later )) "Boss, you sure you don''t need me to come along? I''m real good at being invisible. I mean, not as good as you, but still!" Gregorious whispered while staring at a large ominous-looking castle nestled between a canyon. [ System Notification: Hidden Ruined Castle Unveiled ] "Stay here. I''ll need someone to watch my back," August had replied, more to ensure Gregorious wouldn''t get himself killed since things were starting to look a whole lot more serious now. Gregarious was only at level ten after all. "I''m going in alone." ######### ######### Author''s Note: I apologize for the recent lack of chapters. I didn''t realise that another tier of privilege had been activated and I was required to put ten chapters in it. I have been busy with real life situations these past few days that''s why it took so long. To make up for the inconvenience, I''ll do a mass release of ten chapters next week Thursday. I apologize once again and thank you all for the continued support. Happy New Year. Chapter 131 The Evil Sorcerer The stone walls of the castle were slicked with moss and decay. Thunder rumbled in the distance, adding an ominous soundtrack to the foreboding structure nestled between the canyon cliffs."You''re staying here," August said firmly. "I''ll need someone to watch my back. Besides, you''d stick out like a sore thumb in there." "That''s¡­ fair," Gregarious admitted, though his tone was laced with disappointment. "Fine, but if you die, I''m keeping your boots. They look expensive." "I''ll make sure to haunt you if you try," August shot back before activating stealth. "I''m going in alone," his form shimmered and vanished from view. [ System Notification: Stealth Skill Activated ] [ Duration: 7 minutes. ] With silent steps, August approached the castle. Its dark, towering gates were ajar, groaning softly as the wind pushed them. Something seemed almost amiss like the castle was occasionally flickering. Inside, the air was damp and cold, carrying the faint metallic tang of blood. The corridors stretched endlessly, lit only by flickering torches whose flames cast eerie shadows on the cracked stone walls. It was a labyrinth of silence, broken only by the occasional scurry of rats and the distant drip of water. August moved cautiously while resting his hand lightly on the hilt of his dagger. It wasn''t until he reached a wide hall that he heard them¡ªvoices, faint and whispering, echoing off the walls like ghosts. Peering around the corner, he saw a tall, gaunt man clad in flowing black robes. His pale, sunken face was framed by greasy black hair that fell in uneven strands to his shoulders. Deep-set crimson eyes glowed faintly beneath arched brows, and his thin lips twisted into a permanent sneer. Around his neck hung a talisman shaped like a claw clutching a glowing red gem. [ System Notification: Warning! Level 85 Sorcerer, Malrik detected ] [ Threat Level: Extremely High ] August''s breath hitched as the sorcerer''s voice rang out, clear yet serpentine, dripping with malice. He stood before a ritual circle etched into the stone floor. Its runes pulsated with the same eerie blue light as the monolith. "Fools," Malrik hissed, gesturing dramatically over the circle. His bony hands glowed with black energy, weaving tendrils into the air. "They send their soldiers to the monolith, thinking they are ridding the outskirts of danger. Little do they know they are feeding my power! Soon, Tagharium will bow before me, and this divine artifact weapon will ensure my rule is eternal." A nervous voice answered from the shadows. It belonged to a hunched figure, perhaps one of Malrik''s lackeys. "But, master, what if their superiors grow suspicious? They could¡ª" "Silence!" Malrik''s eyes flared with anger as he snapped. "Let them suspect all they want. By the time they piece together what is happening, it will be too late. The monolith hungers for more souls, and their soldiers will be the perfect offering." August''s mind raced. This was far worse than he had imagined. The monolith wasn''t just a trap; it was part of a ritual to summon an artifact that could turn Malrik into an unstoppable force. And judging by the size of the ritual circle, the sorcerer was nearing completion. [ System Notification: Hidden Quest Completed - The Ritual of Conquest. [ Objective: Uncover Malrik''s Plans. ] [ Rewards: +40,000EXP + All Skills Level Up + 20 Attribute Points ] He leaned back into the shadows with a disturbed look. There was no way he could confront Malrik directly¡ªlevel 85 was leagues beyond his reach. His only option now was to get this information back to Baron Hilderan and hope they could rally forces to stop Malrik before it was too late. Suddenly, a faint pulse of energy rippled through the hall. Malrik paused as his crimson eyes narrowed while he scanned the room. "We are not alone," he murmured with a chilling low tone. August''s blood ran cold. He had to move, fast. [ System Notification: Stealth - 30 seconds remaining ] The orb on the staff in Malrik''s grasp began glowing brighter, and for a moment, he felt the sorcerer''s gaze sweeping the room. "Did you feel that?" Malrik''s head snapped toward the corner. "Something''s here." August''s heart raced. He ducked behind another pillar just as Malrik''s staff unleashed a pulse of energy. [ System Notification: Detection Aura Detected ] [ Detection Resistance: 60% (Stealth Enhanced) ] The pulse washed over the corridor, but due to the pillar he ducked behind and his stealth, Malrik didn''t catch onto him. Malrik frowned but seemed to dismiss it. "Perhaps just the remnants of this accursed place," he muttered. August seized the moment and bolted silently back to where Gregorious was hiding outside the castle. "Greg! We need to move. Now." Gregorious, who had been nervously poking at a loose stone on the floor, jumped. "Boss, you look like you saw a ghost¡ªor ten." "Not ghosts. Worse," August replied. "There''s a sorcerer in there. Level 85. He''s planning something big, and if he gets what he''s after, Tagharium is done for." Gregorious'' eyes widened. "Level 85? Boss, you can''t be serious. We''re¡ªwhat¡ªlevel 30-ish? I mean, I''m 10, but still!" "Exactly why we''re not fighting him. We''re warning the right people," August stated while turning around to leave. As they moved a particular distance away, the ominous castle vanished. It seemed as though it was invisible to everyone until they drew close to its position. August only managed to locate it in the first place due to his attentiveness. The ride back to Tagharium was mostly quiet but August was thinking about what he uncovered. If he decided not to report this information or if he never went back to Unhidden Mist, what would have happened? Would Tagharium be taken over and lost to a villain? The sun was beginning to rise, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple as they approached the Baron''s estate. Gregarious broke the silence first. "I''m just saying, Boss, you''ve got guts. If it were me, I''d have fainted the moment that sorcerer started talking about eternal rule and soul sacrifices." August smirked. "You''re underestimating yourself, Gregarious. I''m sure you would''ve lasted at least two minutes before fainting." "Flattery will get you everywhere," Gregarious replied with a chuckle. "But seriously what kind of name is Malrik?" When they arrived at the estate, the guards let them in without question. Baron Hilderan was waiting in his study. His sharp features and neatly trimmed beard made him look more like a battle-hardened general than a bureaucrat. "Aleman," the Baron greeted with a neutral but expectant tone. "I trust you''ve uncovered something of value." August stepped forward and gave a respectful nod. "Baron Hilderan, the situation is worse than we thought..." August went on to recount everything they had encountered the previous night. "The monolith isn''t just a random anomaly¡ªit''s part of a ritual set up by a sorcerer named Malrik," he concluded the narration with this. The Baron''s expression darkened at the name. "Malrik¡­ That name hasn''t been spoken in years. He''s supposed to be dead." "Well, he''s very much alive," August continued. "He''s using the monolith to trap and absorb soldiers'' souls and bodies. It''s powering a ritual to summon a divine artifact weapon. If he succeeds, he plans to use it to conquer Tagharium." Gregarious chimed in, leaning dramatically against a chair. "And let me tell you, Baron, that guy''s the real deal. Creepy voice, glowing eyes, the whole villain package... even though I didn''t enter the castle, take it from me." Baron Hilderan ignored the commentary, focusing entirely on August. "Did you see the artifact? How far along is the ritual?" "I couldn''t see the artifact," August replied, "but the runes on the monolith and his ritual circle suggest he''s close to completing it. He''s drawing power from every soul that the monolith absorbs. If more soldiers are sent into that area, it''ll only speed up the process." The Baron clenched his fists. "This is dire news. If Malrik gains access to a divine artifact, the entire kingdom will be at risk. I must take this information to the council of royals immediately." August nodded. "That''s the best course of action. He''s beyond anything I can handle at my level. This isn''t a fight I can win, and frankly, it''s not one I should be involved in anymore." The Baron''s expression softened slightly. "You''ve done well, Aleman. Bringing this information back may very well save Tagharium. Your efforts will not be forgotten." [ System Notification: C-Rank Quest Complete - Vanishing Patrol ] Explore stories on empire [ Rewards: 50000 EXP, 20 Gold, Reputation Increase with Tagharium (+10) +Hilderan Estate Token ] As August and Gregarious stepped out of the Baron''s estate, Gregarious turned to him with a wide grin. "Well, Boss, that''s one way to wrap up a quest. We''re not dead, the Baron''s on our side, and I''m slightly richer than I was yesterday. I call that a win." August chuckled, opening his menu to add Gregarious to his friends'' list. "I''ll admit, you made this trip more entertaining than I expected." "Entertaining?" Gregarious scoffed as he accepted the friend request. "I''ll have you know I was invaluable. Who else would''ve stood around making sarcastic remarks while you were being stealthy?" "Point taken," August replied with a smirk. "Till next time, Gregarious. Try not to get yourself killed before I log back in." sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Same to you, Boss. And hey, don''t be a stranger," Gregarious gave a mock salute as August prepared to log out. The world around August began to blur and dissolve as the vibrant colors of Tagharium faded into the soft darkness of the log-out screen. [ System Notification: Logging out¡­ ] "Time to go save Tara," August muttered the moment consciousness returned to his body. ######## Thank you all for the gifts and well wishes. Thanks to GhostRevenant and Abtist, there will be a mass release of five chapters next week Monday. Thank you all once again and season greetings. Chapter 132 Regaining Consciousness The city was silent at 4 a.m.Its streets were bathed in a faint glow from streetlights and the occasional passing car headlights. August pulled his hood tighter as he approached Faith Specialist Hospital. His footsteps muffled against the pavement as he did his best to walk silently. The Fruit of Life which had been blended into a smooth liquid, rested securely in his inventory. He wasn''t here as Aleman today¡ªno extravagant outfit, no mask of confidence¡ªjust August Clementine, a man with a purpose. Slipping through the hospital''s side entrance with a quick dash, he avoided the watchful eyes of the night-shift staff. The cool air of the sterile hallways pricked his skin as he navigated toward Tara''s ward. He moved as quickly as he could, occasionally activating Dash. His figure blurred past multiple staff, keeping him hidden. Soon he arrived at the room. Inside the room, Tara lay pale and motionless. Her chest rose and fell softly beneath the thin hospital sheets. Machines beeped softly around her, increasing the grimness in the atmosphere. August hesitated for a moment, standing at the foot of the bed. "Derrick doesn''t deserve to lose you," he muttered softly. "You''ve got a baby on the way. He needs you. The kid needs you." He pulled out the small container of the Fruit of Life juice. Its contents glowed faintly with a golden light. Sitting on the edge of her bed, he tilted her head gently and placed the container at her chapped lips. "Come on, Tara," he murmured while carefully slipping the liquid past her lips. "Drink up. This isn''t from around here, but I promise it''ll do the trick." As the liquid disappeared down her throat, a faint, golden hue spread across her pale skin. Her breathing soon steadied and her complexion turned warm. Her eyelids fluttered ever so slightly confirming that the liquid had worked. August leaned back with a look of relief. Moments later, her eyes slowly opened, disoriented but undeniably alive. She turned her head and her gaze caught the faint outline of August''s figure as he stepped toward the door. "Wait¡­" Tara''s voice was weak but audible. Her eyes searched the room, locking onto him. "Who¡­?" August paused, his hand on the door handle. He turned slightly, just enough for her to catch a glimpse of his green hair and the faintest smirk on his face. "You''re okay now," he voiced softly. "Rest. Derrick''s will come for you." Before she could respond, the door clicked shut behind him. The nurses had already been alerted by the machine upon Tara''s awakening. Out in the corridor, a nurse rushing by caught sight of him. Her eyes widened as she took in his distinctive hair and the way he moved, almost too fast for her to follow. "Who''s that?" she called out, alerting another nurse. The commotion began to stir. Nurses rushed toward Tara''s room in disbelief. Through the glass panel of the door, they saw her sitting up, confused but unmistakably conscious. "She''s awake!" one of the nurses exclaimed. "She was in a coma for nearly two months¡ªhow is this possible?" Another nurse turned back toward the corridor, catching just the faintest glimpse of August''s retreating figure as he disappeared around a corner. "It''s him," she whispered. "It has to be. The miracle man." August didn''t stop, didn''t look back. His smirk deepened as he rounded the last corner, activating his dash to slip through the shadows of the hospital''s rear exit. The night swallowed him whole, leaving behind only whispers and questions in his wake. ... ... The morning sun was barely peeking over the horizon when Derrick burst into the entrance of Faith Specialist Hospital. His boots echoed loudly against the polished tiles as he rushed through the corridors. His shirt was wrinkled, and his hair was disheveled, as though he had thrown on the first thing he could grab in his rush to get here. His face was a mixture of disbelief, hope, and panic. A nurse at the reception desk looked up, startled by his sudden entrance. "Tara¡ªTara Henderson!" Derrick''s voice cracked as he leaned on the counter, trying to catch his breath. "I just got a call that she¡­ she woke up? Is it true?" The nurse gave him a kind but professional smile, standing to guide him. "Yes, Mr. Henderson. She regained consciousness earlier this morning. She''s stable and alert. Follow me." Derrick barely heard the explanation... His legs already moved before she could finish. When they reached the door to Tara''s ward, Derrick froze, his hand hovering over the handle. Through the small glass window, he could see her sitting up in bed very much hale and hearty. For a moment, Derrick couldn''t breathe. Relief surged through him, overwhelming in its intensity. "She''s¡­ she''s really awake," he whispered in disbelief. The nurse nodded gently, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder before stepping back to give him space. Derrick pushed the door open slowly and hesitantly as if afraid she might vanish if he moved too quickly. Tara''s gaze snapped to him, and her eyes widened with recognition. Experience tales with empire "Derrick?" Her voice was soft, shaky, but unmistakably hers. "Tara!" Derrick crossed the room in a heartbeat, sinking to his knees beside her bed. He took her hand as his fingers trembled upon intertwining with hers. "You''re awake. You''re really awake. I¡ª" His voice caught, and he let out a shaky laugh with tears streaming down his face. "I thought I lost you." Tara''s lips quivered as she squeezed his hand weakly. "I¡­ I don''t know what happened. I was so tired, and then¡­ I just woke up." "It doesn''t matter," Derrick shook his head. "You''re here. That''s all that matters." He pressed her hand to his forehead, as though grounding himself in the reality of her presence. The moment was broken by the sound of the nurse quietly clearing her throat from the doorway. "We''ll need to run some tests later to make sure everything is stable," she said softly. "For now, she needs to rest." ... ... The faint light of dusk filtered through the blinds of August''s small apartment as he sank into his chair with a heavy sigh. The air was still and quiet, giving the surroundings a cool feel. He rubbed his temples with a look of exhaustion. "It worked," he said aloud, almost disbelieving. "The Fruit of Life actually worked." The thought of Tara sitting up, alive and well, brought a faint smile to his face. It confirmed what he had suspected. There were probably more items that could work crazy wonders that he just hadn''t considered yet but this was very good news. "Fruit of Life for diseases," he muttered, leaning back in his chair. "Health potions for physical injuries. And the hospital''s going to love the stash I''m planning to bring. That''s one problem solved, at least." But as he opened his planner and stared at the long list of tasks for the day, his smile faded. "Alright," he said, tapping the edge of the planner with a pen. "Let''s see what we''ve got today." He read through the entries aloud. "First, check the AM coven internal designs. Almost done with that, so hopefully no major revisions." He jotted a note beside the task. "Next up, go through the applications for supernatural players as guards. I swear, if I get one more troll claiming to be a ''level 99 destroyer,'' I''m blocking the whole forum." His eyes drifted down the list. "Hire staff for the business. Accountants, cashiers, and... whatever else I''m forgetting. Right, pay for the new apartment. We''ll need to move soon." He glanced at the last entry. "And, of course, pack up a batch of health potions for Faith Specialist Hospital. Can''t exactly leave them hanging after our agreement." Leaning forward with a distraught look. "How am I supposed to do all this and still find time to grind in Enders Light? Not to mention, I gotta start checking up on Derrick''s regularly, the business... I can''t slack off with that at all and Sophia¡­" His voice softened as he thought of his younger sister. "Sophia''s depending on me too." He straightened, taking a deep breath. "One thing at a time, August. One thing at a time." --- By the time the clock struck 6 a.m., August had packed everything he needed and decided to head to Remi''s Caf¨¦. It was one of his usual spots¡ªa small, cozy caf¨¦ run by a spirited blue-haired and very attractive young lady who had a knack for understanding August''s unusual quirks. The perfect place to check his hiring post and catch a quiet moment. The streets were still quiet as he walked as the city woke slowly under the rising sun. When he reached the Digital Haven caf¨¦, the warm aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods greeted him. Inside, a few early risers were scattered across the tables, sipping coffee and reading newspapers. "Morning, August," Remi called from behind the counter, her smile as bright as ever. "You''re up early. Or haven''t you slept?" "A little of both," August replied with a grin, pulling out a chair at his usual corner table. "The usual, if you don''t mind." "Coming right up," she responded before disappearing into the back. --- August pulled out his laptop and logged into the hiring portal, scanning the responses to the notice he''d posted the previous day. The headline flashed back at him: [ Seeking Supernatural Guards ¨C Enders Light Players with Real-Life Abilities Encouraged to Apply ] The list of responses wasn''t long, but the contents made him groan. "Seventy thousand dollars? Seriously?" he muttered, scrolling through the demands. "I''m hiring guards, not building a football team." One application in particular caught his eye: a self-proclaimed "Shadow Walker" who claimed to have consumed the Fruit of Corruption and could teleport short distances in real life. Their resume was impressive¡ªbackground in private security, combat experience in-game and out¡ªbut their salary demand was absurd. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "I can''t afford this," August muttered while pinching the bridge of his nose. "I barely have enough to pay rent, let alone throw money at supernatural mercenaries... Okay, that''s a lie but still..." Remi appeared at his table, setting down a steaming cup of coffee and a plate of croissants. "Rough morning?" she asked while leaning against the table. "You have no idea," August said, closing his laptop with a sigh. "These people are demanding too much for a new business. How am I supposed to hire anyone when the going rate is seventy grand?" Remi arched an eyebrow. "Seventy grand? What are you trying to hire, superheroes?" "Close," August replied with a wry smile. "Supernatural Enders Light players. You know, the rare ones who got real-life abilities from consuming the Fruit of Corruption." "Ah, that explains it," she said, crossing her arms. "Supply and demand. They''re rare, so they charge a premium. What are you hiring them for, anyway?" "Security for a new business," August said vaguely, taking a sip of his coffee. "It''s¡­ complicated." "Well, good luck with that," Remi said, giving him a sympathetic pat on the shoulder. "Let me know if you need anything stronger than coffee." August chuckled. "I might take you up on that." --- He spent the next half-hour going through the rest of the applications, but the story was the same. High demands, lofty claims, and no one he could reasonably afford. As much as he hated to admit it, he''d have to rethink his strategy. "Not even the bonus of getting in-game items is enough hmm?" August voiced out loud. A sudden thought popped into his mind at this moment causing his eyes to widen in realisation. "That''s it... I''ll just make my own supernatural guards..." Chapter 133 No Mistakes Derrick sat by Tara''s bedside, holding her hand tightly as she rested. The relief of seeing her awake, alive, and speaking was almost too much to bear.He knew exactly who was responsible for this miracle. Only one person could have pulled this off: August. Or, more accurately, Aleman. Derrick leaned back in the chair, careful not to disturb Tara. He slipped his phone from his pocket as he scrolled to August''s number. After a moment of hesitation, he pressed call. The line buzzed a few times before a familiar voice answered. "Derrick. You''re up early," August voiced with a light tone. Derrick''s voice was thick with emotion as he spoke. "August¡­ thank you. I don''t even know how to say this, but¡ªthank you. Tara woke up. She''s¡­ she''s back. I know you''re the reason for it." There was a pause on the other end of the line before August replied. "How''s she doing now?" "She''s tired, but she''s okay. The doctors are running tests, but they''re calling it a miracle." Derrick''s voice softened. "And I know it''s because of you. You did something, didn''t you?" "I don''t know what you''re talking about," August voiced before chuckling lightly. "Maybe she just has a strong will to live." Derrick chuckled softly as his eyes glistened. "You tall bastard. You''ve gone and done something I can never repay. Thank you so much, man." A peal of light laughter rang out from the other end as they both joyously cackled. After a brief silence, August spoke; "You don''t owe me anything, Derrick. Just take care of her and the baby. That''s all the thanks I need." Derrick nodded, even though August couldn''t see him. "We will. I promise." "And don''t let anyone figure out it was me," August added with a serious tone. "You know what''ll happen if people start connecting me to Aleman." "Don''t worry," Derrick assured him. "Your secret''s safe with me. I wouldn''t put you in that position." "Good," August''s voice lightened up again. "I''ll come by and visit once she''s been discharged and you''re all settled back home. But until then, just focus on your family." Derrick smiled as his grip on Tara''s hand tightened slightly. "We will. And August¡­ you''re a good man. Never forget that." There was a soft chuckle on the other end of the line. "I''ll try to remember. Take care, Derrick." The call ended, and Derrick set his phone down, his heart full of gratitude. As he turned back to Tara, he silently promised himself to repay August someday, even if he didn''t know how yet. For now, all that mattered was that his wife and unborn child were safe, and his best friend was still the same selfless man he''d always been. ... Experience tales at empire ... Fox sat in the moderately lit room as a fluorescent bulb flickered overhead. Her hand moved rapidly as she unraveled the blood-streaked bandage wrapped around her upper arm. The wound beneath was clean but deep. It was a sharp reminder of her recent failure. Failure to acquire Aleman which led to the capture of two of her subordinates. She winced slightly, though her expression remained cold and stoic. The sound of heavy boots echoed through the narrow hallway outside. Fox tensed instinctively as her green eyes flicked toward the door. A moment later, it swung open, and a man entered with a presence that suffocated the air in the room. He was tall and his figure was shrouded in a dark coat that seemed to absorb the light around him. A black cloud swirled unnaturally over his face, obscuring his features entirely except for two faintly glowing white eyes that pierced through the haze. This was The Collector... known as the silent but deadly leader of this region of the Onis¡ª "Fox," The Collector''s voice was smooth but carried an edge that sent a shiver down her spine. "You failed." Fox stiffened. Her hands paused mid-motion as she secured a fresh bandage. "Aleman outsmarted us. He was far more capable than we anticipated." "Excuses," The Collector voiced while taking slow, deliberate steps toward her. His presence felt heavier with each step, like a storm pressing down on the room. "You''ve never failed an operation before. But now, you''ve failed a very important one. The higher-ups are¡­ displeased." Fox swallowed hard but kept her tone firm. "We didn''t have enough information on him. All we knew was that he could extract items from Enders Light. We had no idea he had supernatural abilities beyond that. He blindsided us." The Collector''s silver eyes flared slightly, and his voice dropped to a dangerous tone. "That was your job to uncover. You underestimated him, and now we''re in a worse position." Fox''s frustration rose as she jumped to her feet. "This wasn''t underestimation. It was a lack of intel. Aleman isn''t just some gamer with a unique ability¡ªhe''s something else entirely. And now we know that he''s consumed multiple Fruits of Corruption. That alone makes him a priority, but¡ª" "But nothing," The Collector''s voice interrupted like a blade slicing through her argument. "Failure is failure, Fox. And Aleman isn''t just any target. He''s the first confirmed player with more than two abilities acquired in real life. Add to that the fact that he was part of the team that cleared the Swordking Dungeon¡­" Fox''s eyes widened slightly. "The Swordking Dungeon¡­?" The Collector nodded as he leaned closer. "The same dungeon a group of high leveled players from our organization failed to conquer Which means Aleman may possess the Fruit of Sin or at least knows those who do." Fox''s breath hitched. She had heard whispers of the Fruit of Sin. She knew it was even more legendary and rarer than the Fruit of Corruption due to its capability of granting abilities that work both in the game and reality. If Aleman truly had it¡­ "I won''t fail again," she voiced with a resolute tone. "Now that I know what I''m up against, I''ll prepare better. I''ll get him next time." The Collector''s laugh was low and cold. "No, you won''t. Not alone." Before Fox could respond, the door opened again. Three figures entered the room, immediately commanding attention with their presence. Fox recognized them immediately since no ordinary group of people would be given access to this establishment. Drakos was the first, almost blocking the doorway with his large frame. His dark brown skin glistened faintly as if imbued with an inner energy, and his muscular build radiated power. His piercing brown eyes eyes met Fox''s with a flicker of recognition. A massive great axe hung across his back, etched with runes that glowed faintly. Orlma followed closely behind. She was slender and graceful with silver hair that cascaded over her shoulders like liquid moonlight. Her blue eyes gleamed with intelligence and calculation. She was clad in a black gown with a long slit that reached her inner thighs. Her plush snow thighs were visible and would cause any male figure to drool. Lyriss at the rear had emerald-green hair tied in a high ponytail that swayed as she moved. She was shorter than the others, but her deep cold dead amber eyes made her presence quite ominous. She carried twin daggers at her hips. Lyriss was the type of person who could disappear into shadows without warning¡ªa predator waiting for the right moment to strike. Fox''s lips thinned into a hard line. "Drakos, Orlma, and Lyriss. It''s been a while." Drakos folded his arms. "Not long enough. The last time we saw each other, you looked down on us... You thought you were invincible huh...?" "It seems Aleman gave you a hard time," Orlma added icily. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lyriss smirked, leaning casually against the wall. "I''ll admit, I didn''t expect to see you here licking your wounds, Fox. Guess Aleman really is full of surprises." Fox''s glare was sharp, but she bit back a retort. Turning to The Collector, she said, "You''re bringing them in for this?" The Collector''s silver eyes flicked toward her. "Aleman is no longer a single-player problem. If he is the same Aleman in Enders Light, he''s a far bigger priority than we realized. His extraction ability alone was enough to put him on our radar. But now, with confirmed multiple abilities and the possibility of him possessing the Fruit of Sin¡­" He trailed off, letting his words settle over the room. "The four of you will work together," he continued. "Your combined skills will be necessary to capture him. And make no mistake, this is not a kill order. Aleman is far more valuable alive." Drakos cracked his knuckles. "We''re really just after retrieving the Fruit of Sin for the organization... If this Aleman has it then he will get what''s coming to him." Orlma''s eyes narrowed. "He outsmarted Fox. That means he''s clever, not just powerful. We''ll need a strategy." Lyriss tilted her head. "I don''t mind a bit of cat and mouse. The question is, can he keep running? He had the help of other players in the game to defeat us in the past... Unfortunately for him, this time will be different." Fox clenched her fists. "You''re underestimating him. Aleman isn''t like the others we''ve taken down. He''s unpredictable." "That''s why you''re all here," The Collector voiced with a final tone. "No mistakes this time. No underestimating him. Work together, and bring him in." Chapter 134 Welcome To AM Coven The sound of conversation filled Derrick''s modest apartment as August sat comfortably on the worn couch, sipping from a steaming cup of tea that Tara had prepared.The atmosphere was warm and lighthearted. Tara sat across from him in a cushioned chair with her hands resting lightly on her growing belly. Her gratitude was visible and her eyes glistened with emotion as she spoke. "August, I don''t even know how to put this into words. You saved me¡ªsaved us. I don''t know how we''ll ever repay you." Derrick, leaning against the kitchen counter with his arms crossed, nodded fervently. "She''s right. I don''t care what you say¡ªthis is more than we could ever ask for. You gave me my family back, man. That''s something I can''t put a price on." August waved a hand dismissively. "You two really need to stop making such a big deal out of this. I did what anyone else would''ve done." Derrick snorted. "You really think anyone else could''ve pulled off what you did? Come on, August. Don''t downplay this. You''re the reason my wife is sitting here with me, alive and well." Tara nodded with a eyes full of warmth. "He''s right. And I''m not going to stop thanking you, so you''d better get used to it." August chuckled, shaking his head. "Fine, fine. But seriously, you don''t owe me anything. Just focus on getting better, Tara. That''s all I want." The room settled into a comfortable silence for a moment, broken only by the faint clink of Derrick setting down his empty cup on the counter. August glanced at him, then subtly jerked his head toward the hallway. "Derrick, mind giving me a hand with something?" August asked with a casual but pointed tone. Derrick raised an eyebrow but nodded, following him into the hallway. Once they were out of earshot, August leaned against the wall, crossing his arms. "So," his voice dropped into to a more serious tone as he began, "have you thought about what I asked before?" Derrick''s brow furrowed, and he scratched the back of his neck. "You mean about AM Coven? Yeah, I''ve been thinking about it. A lot, actually." August nodded. "And? What''s the verdict?" Derrick let out a slow breath as his expression turned thoughtful. "It''s a big decision. I mean, the pay you''re offering¡ªten grand a month¡ªis insane. Especially for someone like me. But you know how it is. With the baby on the way, I have to make sure I''m making the right call." August leaned forward slightly. "I get it, Derrick. Believe me, I do. But you''re exactly the kind of person I need for this. Trustworthy, resourceful, and someone I know has my back. AM Coven isn''t just a business¡ªit''s something bigger. And I need people I can rely on." Derrick ran a hand through his hair as his eyes narrowed slightly while he considered the offer. "What exactly would I be doing? You''ve mentioned the business, but you''ve been pretty vague about the details." August smirked. "It''s a little unconventional, I''ll admit. But at its core, AM Coven is about bridging gaps. Letting players sell items they have retrieved from the game safely. A place where players can be at ease and meet and discuss and do business together. You''d be helping me manage that¡ªkeeping things running smoothly, handling logistics, and ensuring we''re prepared for¡­ well, anything." Derrick arched an eyebrow. "You mean all this supernatural stuff you''ve been dealing with?" "Exactly," August said simply. "It''s a lot, I won''t lie. But I wouldn''t be offering this to you if I didn''t think you could handle it." The hallway was silent for a beat as Derrick weighed his options. Finally, he nodded slowly. "Alright, August. I''m in. But I''ve got one condition." August tilted his head. "Name it." Derrick''s smile widened. "When this business of yours takes off¡ªand I know it will¡ªI want to be fluid with how I work. If I''m putting my time into this, I want to make sure I also have enough time for Tara and the baby." August grinned, clapping a hand on Derrick''s shoulder. "Deal. Welcome to AM Coven, Derrick." They shook hands, sealing the agreement with a firm grip. "Now," Derrick''s tone lightened as he glanced back toward the living room, "let''s get back before Tara thinks we''re planning world domination in here." August chuckled. "Who says we''re not?" With that, the two men returned to the living room with shared laughter. Tara looked up with a curious smile. For the first time in a long while, the future felt full of possibilities. ... S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ... Later that night, August''s phone lit up the room as he leaned back in his chair, scrolling through his messages. His group chat with Lilo, Boris, and Ezran was buzzing with notifications. Their names kept popping up in rapid succession. Lilo: Guys, I can''t believe we''re actually part of Phoenix Celestial Guild now. It''s still surreal. Boris: Surreal? This is the life, Lilo. Have you seen the perks? I''ve got access to exclusive items, rare loot pools, and weekly bonuses. We''re literally getting paid to play. Ezran: Don''t forget the guild hall parties. I''ve never seen so many people in one place just celebrating after a successful raid. It''s like a second family. August smirked as he read the messages while quickly typing a reply. August: Sounds like you guys are living the dream. Guess I''m the only one still freelancing. The chat bubbled with replies almost instantly. Boris:Come on, Aleman, when are you going to join us? You''re practically part of the guild already. Just make it official. Ezran: Yeah, what''s the holdup? You''d fit right in. Lilo: They''re right, August. The guild''s Vice Leader been asking about you again. Phoenix Celestial Guild is still very interested in having you join. You''d bring so much to the table. August leaned back, rubbing his temple. He''d heard this pitch before¡ªmultiple times, in fact. Not that he didn''t appreciate the thought, but he just didn''t think it was for him. August: I appreciate it, really. But I haven''t made a decision yet. I need to focus on my tier 2 qualification tests first. The chat went quiet for a moment before Lilo replied. Lilo: Fair enough. But after the test, we''re talking about this again. Boris: You''re too good to stay unaffiliated for long, man. Trust me, you''ll thank us later. Ezran: Agreed. In the meantime, good luck with the tests. They''re no joke. August''s lips twitched into a grin. He appreciated their enthusiasm, even if he wasn''t ready to commit just yet. Typing his reply, he kept it simple. August: Thanks, guys. I''ll let you know how it goes. And congrats again on making it into Phoenix Celestial Guild. You''ve earned it. Lilo: Thanks, August. Oh, and don''t forget¡ªPhoenix is watching. No pressure, though.* She added a winking emoji. Shaking his head with a laugh, August typed his final message before setting his phone aside. August: No pressure at all. Talk to you soon. The phone buzzed with one last reply from Boris: Boris: Kick some tier 2 butt for us, Aleman! With that, August dropped his phone onto the desk and reached for his VR pod. He got in, sliding the helmet on and took a deep breath. [ Aystem Notification: Logging into * Enders Light¡­ ] --- The transition was seamless, and August soon found himself standing in his usual spot within the bustling Kingdom of Tagharium. The vivid colors and constant noise of activity surrounded him. [ System Notification: Welcome back, Aleman. Current Level: 32 | Class: Mage/Assassin | Progress to Tier 2 Qualification: Pending. ] August instantly began to make his way toward the designated location for the tier 2 qualification tests. Merchants hawked their wares, adventurers bartered for gear, and NPC guards patrolled the green zone, keeping the peace. Amid the clamor, August walked hastily with his fingers swiping through his skill menu as he reviewed his arsenal. --- Skills: - Shadow Dance (Assassin) [Level 7] - Stealth (Assassin) [Level 6] Stay updated via empire - Hidden Strike (Assassin) [Level 6] - Dash (Assassin) [Level 5] - Dual Wielding (Assassin) [Level 4] - Lightning Bolt (Mage) [Level 3] - Arcane Shield (Mage) [Level 3] - Ethereal Storm (Custom Mage) [Level 2] - Phantom Splice (Assassin) [Level 2] - Wind Surge (Mage)[Level 2] - Light Reverie (Mage [Level 2] ...(see more...) He frowned slightly as he checked through the list. ''Everything will reset to level 1 if I pass this test. I''ll lose all my progress¡­ but the payoff will be worth it.'' The thought didn''t entirely comfort him. Starting over, even at tier 2, was still starting over. "Tier 2 spells are supreme," he muttered to himself. "Even a level 1 tier 2 spell will outshine a level 10 tier 1. I just have to keep reminding myself of that." His train of thought was interrupted when a large figure stepped directly into his path, forcing him to stop. August looked up and immediately sighed. A 6''5 tall warrior stood before him with his broad shoulders blocking the morning sun. "Xyron," he muttered with a flat tone. Chapter 135 Tier 2 Test Registration A new, gleaming sword was strapped to his back. Its intricate designs were clearly meant to show off his recent success.Around him, his usual gang of henchmen flanked him. Their smug grins were as irritating as ever. "Well, well," Xyron''s voice dripped with mockery. "If it isn''t the new superstar of Enders Light. How''s life treating you after clearing the Swordking Dungeon, Aleman?" August stepped forward boldly. "I don''t have time for your nonsense today, Xyron. I''m busy." Xyron''s grin widened. "Too busy to talk to your fans? That''s rude. My boys and I were just wondering how it feels to be in the spotlight. All that fame must get exhausting." "Not as exhausting as listening to you," August shot back. "Now, if you''ll excuse me¡­" He stepped to the side, intending to walk past them, but Xyron''s henchmen quickly moved to block his path. "Come on, Aleman," one of them sneered. "Stay and chat for a bit. We''re curious." August sighed while pinching the bridge of his nose. "You do realize we''re in a green zone, right? Players can''t attack each other here. Whatever you''re trying to pull, I''ll advise you to rethink." "Oh, we''re aware," Xyron''s smirk grew. "But you see, I brought someone new with me today." One of the henchmen dressed In a green robe with runic patterns, stepped forward while raising a hand. Before August could react, a spell circle appeared beneath his feet, and the world around him warped. The streets of Tagharium vanished, replaced by a barren wasteland with pointy rocks and a blood-red sky. [ System Notification: Warning! You have been teleported outside the green zone ] August straightened his hands while instinctively moving toward the daggers at his belt. "Really?" he voiced with a look of irritation. "This is what we''re doing now?" Xyron unsheathed his massive sword, which emitted an ominous red light. "We''re here to have a little chat about the Fruit of Sin. You have it, don''t you?" August tilted his head. "Even if I did, do you think I''d hand it over to you?" Xyron chuckled while tightening his grip on his sword. "You don''t have a choice, Aleman. We''ll take it off your corpse if we have to." The henchmen moved to encircle him, their weapons drawn and spells at the ready. August sighed, rolling his shoulders as he unsheathed his daggers. "You really think this is going to end well for you?" he questioned while shaking his head. "I''ve gained a lot since the dungeon. It will be unwise to cross me." "We''ll see about that," Xyron growled. "Take him down!" The henchmen charged, and August''s smirk widened. [ System Notification: Skill Activated: Shadow Dance (Level 7) ] In an instant, his form blurred, vanishing into a series of rapid shadowy afterimages that left everyone confused. His real form reappeared behind one of the henchmen, slicing cleanly through their defenses with a single swing. The player staggered as their health bar dropped dangerously low before they could even react. "Too slow," August muttered, already moving to his next target. One of the mages attempted to cast a fireball, but August activated Dash, closing the gap in a blink and slamming the hilt of his dagger into their gut. They crumpled to the ground as the spell fizzled. "Get him!" Xyron roared while charging forward with his sword raised. Continue your adventure with empire August raised a hand, summoning a bolt of electricity. [ System Notification: Skill Activated: Lightning Bolt (Level 3) ] The bolt struck Xyron squarely in the chest, sending him flying and crashing into one of his henchmen. [ - 7000HP ] Xyron could barely believe his eyes as a huge chunk of his HP was sacrificed. "You''re better than I remember," Xyron''s voice was strained. "But this isn''t over." "It never is with you," August replied, activating Phantom Splice. Two ghostly versions of himself appeared, darting toward Xyron and his remaining henchmen. The battlefield descended into chaos as August weaved through the melee. His skills and reflexes far outpaced his opponents who were also around level 30 themselves. Within minutes, the last of Xyron''s henchmen fell. Their avatars dissolved into light as they were forced to respawn back in Tagharium with one level less. Xyron, battered and on the brink of defeat, glared at August with his health bar nearly empty. "How are you doing this, Aleman?! I promise to get you back." Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. August sheathed his daggers with a calm but resolute expression. "And I''ll be waiting. But next time, maybe bring a challenge." Xyron growled and rushed towards him with his sword raised. Before he could get close, August fired a bolt of lightning at him causing him to fall to the ground with his HP completely depleted. [ System Notification: PvP Victory -5Players Defeated | EXP Gained: 9800 | August exhaled, rolling his shoulders as he prepared to return to Tagharium. "Well," he muttered to himself, "that was a good warm-up. Now for the real challenge." With that, he opened his map and resumed his journey to the tier 2 qualification site. ... ... The testing grounds for tier 2 qualifications were unlike anything August had ever seen in Enders Light. Set in a sprawling, enchanted valley surrounded by a mountainous region, the entire area seemed alive with magic. Floating platforms hovered above shimmering lakes while glowing glyphs danced in the air. A massive stone archway at the center bore the inscription: "Prove Your Worth, Ascend to Greatness." Dozens of players milled about, each exuding a mixture of confidence and nervous energy. Conversation filled the air as players sized up the competition. Their robes and staves showcased their unique styles and allegiances. August stepped forward to the registration desk, manned by a stoic NPC mage clad in flowing robes as a magic orb floated in between them. "Name?" the NPC voice resonated with an otherworldly echo. "Aleman," August replied. The orb glowed faintly as the NPC waved a hand. "Registration complete. You are participating in the Mage Tier 2 Qualification. Wait for your batch to be called." [System Notification: Registration Confirmed - Mage Tier 2 Qualification. ] Chapter 136 Test Begins August found a spot near the edge of the grounds, leaning against a low stone wall as he watched the other players.The different outfits and gear was fascinating, from a mage wearing a bright neon staff adorned with holographic runes to another carrying a comically oversized book glowing faintly with fire. Nearby, a lanky mage with glasses pushed up the bridge of his nose, muttering to himself. "Three tests... they said the first one is easy. Easy for who? I barely passed my last mana control exam..." August smirked. "You''re overthinking it," he called out. "First test is probably just to weed out the slackers." The mage blinked at him. "And you''re not worried?" August shrugged. "I''ve been through worse. Besides, stressing out now won''t help you." The mage sighed but nodded, seemingly calmed by August''s nonchalant attitude. --- After a brief waiting period, a booming voice called the next batch of mages, and August joined the group as they were led toward a floating platform connected to the ground by a glowing bridge of light. The NPC mage who registered them appeared in a flash of golden light. "Welcome, aspirants. You are here to prove your worth as Tier 2 Mages. There will be three tests. Succeed, and you will ascend. Fail, and you remain as you are." The players nodded with looks of determination. [ System Notification: Trial 1 - Control and Precision ] The NPC waved a hand, and before each mage appeared a small glowing orb, pulsating gently. "Your task is simple: Manipulate the orb''s energy to form a perfect sphere. Those who fail to maintain precision will be disqualified." August focused on the orb before him. It flickered and wavered as he extended his hand, channeling his mana into it. Slowly but surely, the uneven edges smoothed out until it glowed like a miniature moon. Around him, players were murmuring nervously. A mage nearby accidentally overcharged their orb, causing it to explode in a harmless burst of light. "Well, that''s one way to fail," August muttered under his breath. After a few minutes, the NPC inspected each orb, nodding approvingly at August''s work. "Satisfactory. Proceed." System Notification: [ Trial 1 Complete. ] The NPC mage who led the trials floated a few inches off the ground. Their robes billowed as though moved by an unseen wind. Their voice resonated across the platform, authoritative and commanding. "For the second trial, you will demonstrate mastery over your spells," the NPC announced with their glowing staff tapping the ground. "Each of you must select two spells from your arsenal. These spells will be your tools to solve a specific problem I present to you. Mastery, ingenuity, and efficiency will be judged." August''s brow furrowed as he opened his spell menu. --- Spells Available: - Lightning Bolt - Arcane Shield - Ethereal Storm - Wind Surge - Light Reverie (Level 2) --- S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Two spells," he muttered under his breath. His instinct leaned toward Lightning Bolt and Arcane Shield for its utility, but he hesitated. "They want mastery, not just functionality." As he pondered, a massive shimmering dome formed in the center of the platform. Inside it was an elaborate obstacle course: large boulders floated ominously, streams of fire shot across pathways, and shifting platforms created a constantly changing landscape. In the middle of the chaos stood an orb encased in thick ice, glowing faintly. "Your objective," the NPC continued, "is to retrieve the orb from the center of this field. You will rely only on the two spells you select. Once the orb is secured, you will demonstrate the level of mastery you possess over those spells in the follow-up display." Players began murmuring, their excitement and nerves evident. --- System Notification: [ Trial 2: Spell Mastery Initiated. Select Two Spells. ] --- August''s eyes narrowed as he made his decision. Ethereal Storm could disrupt the obstacles, and Lightning Bolt could shatter the ice encasing the orb. "Those two should do the trick," he muttered, confirming his choice. --- One by one, the mages entered the dome. Their progress was visible to the others through a translucent screen. Some faltered early, misjudging their spell usage or failing to anticipate the dynamic nature of the course. A mage ahead of August tripped on a shifting platform causing their Fireball spell to misfire and melt part of their path, which caused them to fall into a pit. "Guess that''s one way to fail," August muttered under his breath, earning a chuckle from the mage next to him. When his name was called, August stepped forward. He entered the dome and the magical energy sealed him inside with a soft hum. --- The course was a whirlwind of chaos. Floating boulders swung in slow arcs, fire streams erupted unpredictably, and gusts of wind threatened to knock him off balance. August moved carefully but this was a walk in the park for him due to his dual class. His assassin perks made it easier for him to transverse such an area. He activated Ethereal Storm, releasing a swirling vortex of elemental energy. The chaotic mix of lightning and wind tore through the first set of obstacles, scattering boulders and disrupting the fire streams. A clear path opened ahead, though the constantly shifting platforms added another layer of difficulty. A gust of wind knocked one of the floating platforms off balance as he approached, forcing him to leap. Discover hidden stories at empire He activated Lightning Bolt mid-air, using it to strike a boulder that blocked his path. The bolt shattered the rock, sending fragments flying harmlessly away. As he landed, the orb encased in ice came into view. The ice was thick, glowing faintly with magical reinforcement. He grinned while extending his hand. "Let''s see how you handle this," he voiced before summoning Lightning Bolt once more. The concentrated energy surged forward, striking the ice. Cracks spiderwebbed across its surface, but it didn''t shatter completely. "Stubborn, huh? Fine." He unleashed Ethereal Storm again, this time focusing its chaotic energy directly on the weakened ice. The storm surged with relentless powere and the combination of elements overwhelmed the magical reinforcement until the ice shattered with a resounding crack. --- System Notification: [ Orb Secured. Proceed to the Display Area. ] --- August picked up the orb, feeling it''s warmness in his hand befor moving to the next section. The other mages watched intently as he approached the display area, where each participant demonstrated their mastery of the spells they had chosen. "Now, Aleman," the NPC mage said, gesturing to the platform. "Your turn." August stepped forward, holding the orb aloft. He began with Ethereal Storm, shaping its chaotic energy into a controlled vortex. Instead of random destruction, the storm followed precise paths, targeting specific points on the platform and avoiding others entirely. The audience murmured in approval. Next, he activated Lightning Bolt, combining it with the remnants of Ethereal Storm. The bolt surged through the vortex, amplifying its power and creating a dazzling display of synergy between the two spells. The NPC nodded with a neutral look while voicing their approval. "Impressive. You have demonstrated not good mastery but also creativity in combining your spells. Step aside." As the trial continued, fewer and fewer mages passed. By the end, only a handful stood victorious. The NPC mage raised their staff. "Congratulations to those who succeeded. You have proven your worth in this trial. Prepare yourselves for the final test." August stepped back with a smile. "Two down, one to go," he muttered. "This is easier than I expected." System Notification: [ Trial 2 Complete. Remaining Players: 7. ] --- The third test was announced with little fanfare, but the tension rose. [ System Notification: Trial 3 - Spell Creation ] Chapter 137 Thunder Spear "For the third and final trial..." the NPC mage began. "You will create a spell from scratch, using the mana streams provided at your stations. You have three hours. Only those who succeed will ascend to Tier 2."System Notification: [ Trial 3: Spell Creation Initiated ] [ Time Limit: 3 Hours. ] August approached his workstation watching the glowing mana streams flow gently like liquid light. He placed his hands over the streams, immediately feeling the raw, unrefined energy coursing through his fingertips. It was both exhilarating and overwhelming. "This is going to be¡­ interesting," he muttered. --- The trial began in earnest, and the arena buzzed with concentration. Mana flickered and sparked as players shaped and reshaped uncompleted spells. "Done," a voice rang out less than an hour into the trial. The players turned, eyes wide with disbelief. A young woman with fiery red hair and a confident smirk stood with her arms crossed. Her workstation shimmered with the aftermath of her completed spell. "I call it Flamewave Cascade. It combines fire and water mana streams for an unpredictable chain of destruction." The NPC mage inspected her work with a flicker of approval. "Impressive. Step aside and await the others." The rest of the aspirants groaned collectively. "Show-off," someone muttered under their breath. August shook his head, chuckling. "Well, that''s one way to set the bar." --- For August, the process was anything but smooth. He focused on the mana streams, trying to shape them into something cohesive, but every attempt fizzled out. His first idea¡ªa defensive barrier¡ªcollapsed before it could stabilize. His second¡ªa chain of green lightning sparks¡ªresulted in a minor explosion that sent him stumbling back. "Damn it," he muttered while wiping sweat from his brow. "This is harder than I thought." The NPC mage''s voice echoed across the arena. "Do not rush. Mana is a living force. Respect it, and it will respond to you." "Respect it," August repeated under his breath. "Right. Easier said than done." Despite his frustration, he couldn''t deny the strange exhilaration coursing through him. For the first time, he felt truly connected to mana, as though it were an extension of himself rather than a tool to be wielded. He let out a breath, refocusing his efforts. --- The second hour passed, and failure remained the theme for most of the aspirants. Sparks, bursts, and fizzling spells littered the arena as players struggled to create something viable. August frowned. "What if I''m thinking about this wrong? Instead of forcing the mana, maybe I should guide it." Closing his eyes, he placed his hands over the streams again. This time, he focused on a concept rather than a specific form¡ªa spell rooted in something that could manipulate objects with pure mana. Slowly, the streams began to coalesce under his guidance, forming an orb of faintly glowing energy. "Come on," he whispered with his fingers swirling. "Hold together." The orb wavered, threatening to collapse, but August''s focus never faltered. Bit by bit, he refined it, shaping the spell into something stable. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the mana settled into a perfect sphere. "Got it," he breathed with a tone of disbelief. --- [ System Notification: Spell Created - Telekinetic Surge | Custom Spell Registered. ] --- August tested the spell on the dummy provided at his station. The orb of mana extended outward, gripping the dummy and lifting it into the air before slamming it back down with force. "Not bad," he muttered with a grin. --- By the time the trial ended, only three players¡ªincluding August¡ªhad succeeded. The NPC mage addressed them with a tone of reverence. "You have proven yourselves worthy. Through ingenuity, patience, and mastery, you have created spells unique to yourselves. Step forward and receive the power of Tier 2." The NPC raised their staff and a golden light flooded the arena as the successful players were enveloped in its glow. The energy coursed through August, a rush unlike anything he had ever felt. His body felt lighter and his mana reserves became vast and untamed. --- System Notification: [ Congratulations! You have ascended to Tier 2. ] [ All spells have been reset and evolved. MP increased by 150%. New tier 2 abilities unlocked. ] --- As the light faded, August opened his spell menu to check the changes. Each of his familiar spells had transformed. Their descriptions now reflected a heightened power. He raised his hand, summoning Lightning Bolt which was now an evolved version called Thunder Spear. The energy coalesced into a crackling spear of lightning. Its intensity was now far greater than before. "Let''s test this out," he said with a grin. He hurled the spear at a mountain in the distance causing the lightning to streak through the air with a deafening crack. The impact obliterated a part of the mountain, leaving a scorched hole in its middle. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "That is insane..." he voiced in disbelief. ''I wonder if this will have the same effect in the real world...'' August recalled how he was already capable of using his lightning. The NPC mage approached with a calm voice. "You have all earned your place among the Tier 2 mages. Use your power wisely, for the challenges ahead will demand nothing less." As August stepped out, he couldn''t help but smile. "One down, one to go," he said to himself, already preparing for the Assassin qualification test. ... ... Out in the real world, a warehouse echoed with the sound of crashing debris as a masked man delivered a brutal punch to the robed figure. His fist glowed faintly with an eerie, bluish energy that radiated power. The impact sent the robed figure flying through a stack of crates and into the brick wall, leaving a large hole as the figure slumped unconscious to the ground. Kyle straightened, dusting off his gloved hands with an aloof look under the mask. "I''m not letting anyone get away," he muttered while stepping over the debris. He reached down and grabbed a phone, thumbing through the screen until he found the emergency dial. Find your next read at empire He was about to call 911 when a slow clap echoed through the warehouse, followed by a familiar voice. "Impressive, Kyle. Very clean. Very efficient. As always." Chapter 138 Stage One Complete Kyle froze instantly.His hand tightened around the phone as he turned slowly. "You again?" A figure stepped out of the shadows draped in a trench coat that swayed slightly with his movements. His expression was calm, but his piercing gaze didn''t waver. "I knew you''d show up here. You always find the trouble before I do." Kyle snorted, shoving the phone into his pocket. "Don''t you have some paperwork to fill out, Detective? Or are you just here to hand out lectures?" Detective Wright smirked. "I''m here to propose something, actually. Something that might finally get you to stop punching first and asking questions never." Kyle''s posture radiated defiance as he crossed his arms. "Not interested." "You don''t even know what I''m offering," Wright replied smoothly. "I''m putting together a team. A team of supernatural players like you, people who can handle the kind of chaos the Oni and their ilk are spreading." Kyle tilted his head slightly. "A team, huh? Sounds like the setup for a bad movie. Let me guess, we all get matching costumes and a cool headquarters?" "This isn''t a joke, Kyle," Wright voiced with a firm tone. "You''ve seen what''s happening out there. The Oni are growing bolder. They''re not the only ones, either. Rogue players with supernatural abilities like the ones you just took down put entire cities at risk. This isn''t something one person can handle alone." Kyle''s eyes glinted behind the mask. "Good thing I''m not one person. I''ve been doing just fine without a team." Wright stepped closer as his tone dropped to a more serious register. "And how long do you think you''ll last, going solo? One day, someone stronger is going to show up. Someone you can''t beat on your own." Kyle''s smirk faded, and his voice turned cold. "Let me make this simple for you, Wright. I don''t do groups. I ride solo. Always have, always will." Wright studied him for a moment. "You''re stubborn, I''ll give you that. But the world doesn''t revolve around your rules, Kyle. You''ve got power, skill, and experience¡ªthings this world desperately needs. But your ego? That''s going to get you killed." Kyle shrugged. "Then I die on my terms." They stood in tense silence for a moment as the sound of distant sirens faintly reached their ears. Wright finally sighed, shaking his head. "You know where to find me if you change your mind. I hope you do. For all our sakes." S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kyle turned on his heel and slowly disappeared into the shadows. "Don''t hold your breath, Detective. And my identity better remains a secret or the Oni won''t be your only problem..." With that, he disappeared. Wright stood alone in the wrecked warehouse with an unreadable expression. "Why are supernatural players always too cocky" Wright muttered as he recalled a certain Ice Queen. He pulled out his phone and dialed his team. "Clean-up needed at the 211A warehouse. And no, I didn''t convince him. Not yet." He hung up as his eyes peered into the distance where Kyle vanished in. "Perhaps it''s time to give that Aleman person a try..." ... ... (( Enders Light )) The assassin''s proving grounds were unlike the Mage trials, designed to test the very essence of what made an assassin. The terrain was a maze of shadowed ruins, moving traps, and deadly obstacles. The air was heavy with tension and hidden mechanisms added to the ominous atmosphere. August crouched low behind a crumbled wall while scanning the area for the next set of traps. This was the first stage of his Tier 2 qualification, testing his speed, agility, and stealth. It wasn''t just a challenge¡ªit was a gauntlet meant to push him to his limits. System Notification: [ Tier 2 Qualification Test ¨C Assassin: Stage 1. Objective: Navigate the course without detection. Time Limit: 20 minutes. ] Find exclusive stories on empire August let out a slow breath. "No pressure," he muttered, activating Stealth. His form shimmered briefly before fading into the shadows. --- The ruins came alive as he moved through them. Pressure plates triggered arrows from hidden alcoves, walls slid open to reveal spinning blades, and roaming constructs patrolled with glowing red eyes. August did his best to weave through the obstacles, rolling under blades and scaling crumbling walls with ease. A construct whirred loudly, scanning the area with its piercing gaze. August froze mid-step, pressing himself against a shadowed wall. The glowing eye passed over his position but didn''t detect him. "Hehehe Enders Light really is the best thrill one could ask for," he whispered. As he neared the end of the course, a series of swinging pendulum traps blocked his path. His eyes narrowed as he calculated their timing. System Notification: [ Skill Activated: Dash ] In a blur, August darted through the pendulums, narrowly avoiding the razor-sharp edges. He landed gracefully on the other side while steadying his breathing. --- System Notification: [ Stage 1 Complete. Time Remaining: 2 minutes. ] August exhaled in relief as the ruins around him shimmered, transporting him to the next trial. "Let''s see what else they''ve got," he muttered. --- Meanwhile, the streets of Tagharium were in chaos. A thick tension hung in the air as knights marched in droves toward the outskirts of the kingdom. Their armor gleamed under the sunlight, and their banners flapped in the wind, bearing the crest of the royal guard. Leading them was a towering warrior clad in silver armor. His presence was immensely commanding. His level¡ª80¡ª was displayed prominently above his head making it clear he was no ordinary NPC. "Move aside!" one of the knights barked at the gathering crowd. "This is royal business. All civilians and players are to stay out of the way!" The crowd buzzed with speculation. Players and NPCs alike murmured amongst themselves with faces of curiosity. "What''s going on?" a player in mage robes questioned as her staff glowed faintly. "Something big," replied another player. "Look at the knights. They''re bringing out the elites. This isn''t some random patrol." Suddenly, a ripple of notifications spread across the player base. --- System Notification: [ Urgent Mission Issued: Stop the Dark Force ] [ Details: A dark sorcerer, Malrik, has been identified at the outskirts of Tagharium. He is using a monolith to gather power and summon a weapon of immense destruction. The kingdom has issued a call to arms to all players and adventurers. ] Chapter 139 Stage Two [ Objectives: ]- Investigate the outskirts of Tagharium. - Assist the royal knights in stopping Malrik. - Optional: Destroy the monolith. [ Rewards: Significant EXP, Gold, Reputation, and Unique Loot. ] --- The notification sparked an uproar. Players scrambled to prepare, shouting over each other as they discussed the best approach. --- At a nearby tavern, Lilo, Boris, and Ezran sat at a table with their eyes glued to the notifications. "Malrik?" Lilo voiced with a frown. "Wasn''t that the name Aleman mentioned in the chats?" "It was," Boris confirmed, leaning back in his chair. "Looks like he wasn''t kidding about this guy being a big deal." sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "World-changing event, huh? Sounds like the kind of chaos we thrive on," Ezran eyes scurried about. Lilo hesitated as her fingers drummed against the table. "This isn''t just another quest. If Malrik''s as powerful as Aleman mentioned, this could get ugly fast." "All the more reason to jump in," Boris said, already opening his inventory. "If we sit this one out, we''ll miss out on the rewards. Not to mention the bragging rights." Ezran laughed tensely. "When''s the last time we were part of something this big? Except for the Swordking''s Dungeon we cleared very erm recently... Besides, we''ve got each other. What could go wrong?" Lilo sighed. "If this goes wrong I''m blaming you two but yaay for a new adventure." --- The trio accepted the mission and their notifications were updated in the logs. System Notification: [ Mission Accepted: Stop the Dark Force ] [ Objective: Head to the Southeast outskirts of Tagharium. ] They stepped out of the tavern, joining the throng of players heading toward the outskirts. The atmosphere was electric as the adventurers armed themselves for what promised to be a defining moment in Enders Light. --- Back at the outskirts, the royal knights marched in formation. Their leader suddenly raised a hand to halt them at a ridge overlooking a vast, desolate plain. In the distance, the monolith stood, pulsing with an ominous blue glow. Surrounding it were hordes of shadowy creatures whose forms flickered like static. The level 80 warrior turned to his men. "Information reaching us warns about direct contact with these shadowy beings. However, we cannot wait for reinforcements. We charge and we charge now! We cannot let Malrik complete his ritual. For the kingdom!" A chorus of battle cries erupted from the knights as they charged forward. --- As Lilo, Boris, and Ezran approached the ridge, they paused to take in the sight. "That''s¡­ a lot of knights..." Boris voiced while bringing unstrapping his Axe. "And a lot of shadowy beings too," Ezran voiced tensely. Lilo readied her bow as she stepped forward; "Well, what are you guys waiting for? We can''t let the others hoard all the glory." ... ... System Notification: [ Tier 2 Qualification Test ¨C Assassin: Stage 2. Objective: Gather accurate information on the target, ''Dakar Marow,'' an illegal weapons dealer. ] [ Warning: The target is surrounded by layers of misinformation. Incorrect information will result in failure. Time Limit: 3 days. ] August sighed while rubbing the back of his neck. "Of course, it couldn''t just be ''stab this'' or ''sneak past that.'' No, let''s turn this into a full-blown detective game." The streets were alive with activity, a chaotic blend of bustling markets, drunken revelers, and shadowy figures lurking in the corners. August had been teleported to this location and he had no idea where he was. One thing for sure was that this wasn''t the bright and orderly Tagharium he knew¡ªit was the underbelly of a city, where deals were struck, lives were lost, and power was traded in whispers. August pulled his hood lower over his face as his footsteps silently blended into the crowd. August''s eyes scanned the streets as he moved. Every corner, every alley, and every shadow was a potential lead or a trap. The first step was finding someone who knew something worthwhile. For a man like Dakar Marow, someone with enough paranoia to surround himself with lies, that meant starting with the small fish. His gaze landed on a group of gamblers huddled around a makeshift table in an alley. Their laughter was loud and their movements sloppy as their eyes darted to the shadows whenever they spoke too loudly. ''Perfect,'' August thought while slipping into the shadows and activating Stealth. He crept closer, positioning himself within earshot. "...Dakar''s got everyone jumpin''," one of the gamblers voiced before slamming a handful of coins on the table. "You heard about the new shipment? Explosives, they say." Another man snorted, taking a swig from a flask. "Nah, you''ve got it wrong. It''s enchanted blades, top-tier stuff. He''s sellin'' to the guilds in Shadowmoor." The first gambler scoffed. "Shadowmoor? Dakar doesn''t go near that place anymore. Too many eyes." August smirked slightly. ''Shadowmoor''s a dead end. That narrows it down.'' --- System Notification: [ Progress: Shadowmoor eliminated as a potential target location. Proceed with investigation. ] --- He slipped away unnoticed, focusing now on following the trail further. The next logical step was the Stonebreak Market¡ªa labyrinth of underground tunnels and hideouts known for harboring illegal activity. If Dakar was still in the city, that''s where he''d be. As he made his way through the streets, he searched and searched for any signs of Dakar but there was none. He had been given a description of how Dakar looked and no one he spotted fit the description. Not to mention that he hadn''t noticed any shady deals going on. There was no mention of Dakar anywhere, no matter what shadowy corner he slipped into. August spent hours moving about till he passed an old woman selling charms. Her voice was low and raspy, but her words caught his attention. "Looking for something special? Maybe information, hmm?" August stopped, making sure his hood was properly obscuring his face as he turned to her. "Depends on the price." She cackled softly. "Oh, I don''t need gold, boy. I need favors. You find what I need, and I''ll tell you what you want to know." Find adventures at empire "What do you need?" "A certain ledger went missing from a trader''s stall near the market. Find it, and I''ll tell you where Dakar''s latest shipment is being held." ''How did she know I was looking for Dakar?'' This woman''s presence raised questions in his head. "How did I know what information you are after? Very easy child. Worry about bringing back what I want instead," the old woman suddenly voiced out loud. "Fine. I''ll get it." Chapter 140 Proceeding To Final Stage The trader''s stall was a fortress disguised as chaos. Crates were stacked high, and armed guards roamed the perimeter with their eyes scanning the crowd.The trader himself¡ª a large man with a scowl carved into his face¡ªstood near the entrance, barking orders to his men. August slipped into the shadows, activating Stealth. He moved like water, weaving through the maze of crates and barrels until he reached the stall''s rear. There, amidst a pile of documents, sat the ledger with its cover bound in cracked leather. As he reached for it, a sudden click echoed beneath his fingers. His eyes darted to the source¡ªa pressure plate concealed beneath the ledger. "Clever," he muttered, yanking his hand back just as an alarm rang out. "Someone''s in the back!" the trader shouted with a booming voice. "Find them!" Guards rushed toward the area, drawing their weapons. August cursed under his breath, activating Phantom Splice. A clone of himself appeared and they split off, dashing in different directions to confuse the guards. In the chaos, August grabbed the ledger and leaped onto a nearby crate, vaulting over the stall''s wall. "Get him!" a guard yelled, but August was already gone, disappearing into the maze of alleys. ... August returned to the old woman, tossing the ledger onto her table. "Here. Now talk." She cackled, clutching the ledger like a prized jewel. "I heard Dakar''s in the tunnels beneath Stonebreak Market, preparing a shipment of explosives. But be warned¡ªhe''s a paranoid one. You''ll need more than this to find him." August frowned. "More?" "He surrounds himself with lies," she said cryptically. "The truth is buried, but you''ll find it if you dig deep enough." Determined to gather more, August moved through the Shadowmarket, tuning to every whisper. He heard conflicting stories: "Dakar''s hiding in a mansion in Shadowmoor," one drunk claimed, slamming his mug on a table. "No, he''s gone underground, hasn''t been seen in weeks," a cloaked figure insisted. "He''s a ghost," another said. "Only his men ever deal with anyone." August knew better than to trust surface-level chatter. His instincts told him the truth lay deeper. --- S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Due to everything he had heard, he was able to pinpoint someone useful. A man named Garren was boasting in a tavern about once working with Dakar. August followed him into the night, waiting until the man was alone in a dark alley before making his move. "Garren," August stepped out from the shadows. The man jumped while reaching for his dagger but August was faster. His figure blurred and he appeared right before Garren. Disarming him, he pressed a blade to his throat. "Talk," August growled. "What do you know about Dakar Marow?" Garren sneered, struggling against August''s grip. "You think you scare me? You''re just another fool chasing shadows." August pressed the blade harder as his voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "I don''t have time for games. Spill everything you know, or you''ll become one with the shadows... permanently." Garren froze as his bravado crumbled. "Alright, alright! He''s a ghost, yeah, but he''s smart. Cunning. He doesn''t trust anyone, not even his own men." "Go on," August loosened his grip slightly. "He tests everyone," Garren''s voice trembled as he continued. "Once, a guild tried to double-cross him. He sent them a crate of gold¡ªonly it was laced with a curse that killed anyone who touched it. That''s the kind of man he is. Always ten steps ahead." "What about his location?" August pressed. "Is he in Stonebreak?" Garren hesitated as his eyes darted nervously. "Yes¡­ but not where you think. He''s using the old smuggler''s route beneath the east tunnels. It''s the only place no one dares to go." Satisfied, August knocked Garren unconscious and left him in the alley. As he pieced together everything he''d learned, August realized the west tunnels made the most sense. The other rumors were distractions¡ªdeliberate lies planted by Dakar to throw people off his trail. Activating Stealth, August slipped into the western tunnels. The air grew colder as he descended. The further he went, the more faint voices he heard. Peering from the shadows, he spotted Dakar at last, standing amidst crates of explosives and barking orders to his men. "Double-check everything," Dakar said, his sharp voice echoing through the cavern. "We move in one hour." August smirked. "Found you." --- [ System Notification: Stage 2 Complete ] [ Objective Achieved: Dakar Marow Located. Proceeding to Final Stage. ] As the world shimmered, transporting him to the next trial, August couldn''t help but feel a hint of pride. This wasn''t just about speed or stealth¡ªit was about outsmarting a master of deception. And he''d done it. ... ... The battlefield near the monolith was a chaotic nightmare. The once barren land between the canyon and the outskirts of Tagharium was now a blood-soaked wasteland, littered with fallen knights, crumbled constructs, and the dissipating remains of shadowy beings. The monolith itself stood ominously at the center. Its runes glowed brighter with each pulse, like every death was feeding its insatiable appetite. The acrid smell of burning flesh and the metallic tang of blood, mingled with the eerie, almost musical sound emanating from the monolith. The shadowy beings that had caused so much destruction were relentless, their jerky, unnatural movements unsettling even to the most hardened players. Yet, things had taken a far darker turn with the appearance of an undead army pouring in from the south. The ground trembled as the dried-up-looking soldiers marched. Among them were hulking undead abominations wielding massive weapons. Each fallen knight was added to their ranks. Lilo fired arrow after arrow as she leaped between the crumbled remains of a wagon for cover. Her playful demeanor had shifted into one of grim determination, though she couldn''t resist shouting over the chaos. "Boris, stop swinging that thing like you''re chopping wood! Aim for the head!" she called, nocking another arrow and letting it fly. Boris, covered in blood and dirt, let out a booming laugh as his massive axe cleaved through a skeletal warrior. "If I aim, I''ll miss! Besides, this is more fun!" ######### Author''s Note: I apologize for the recent lack of chapters. I didn''t realize that another tier of privilege had been activated and I was required to put ten chapters in it. I have been busy with real life situations these past few days that''s why it took so long. To make up for the inconvenience, I''ll do a mass release of ten chapters next week Thursday. I apologize once again and thank you all for the continued support. Happy New Year. Chapter 141 On A Timer Ezran, standing a few feet behind them, muttered nervously as he conjured a fireball in his shaking hands. "This isn''t fun. This is terrifying."The fireball soared, smashing into a cluster of undead and scattering their bones. Ezran sighed in relief but froze as three more skeletons emerged from the shadows with glinting swords. "Uh, a little help here?" he squeaked, retreating hastily. Lilo spun, releasing an arrow that flew into one of the skeletons, shattering its skull. "Ezran, you''re a mage! Start acting like one and less like a scared puppy!" "I''m trying! Do you know how hard it is to focus when everything''s trying to kill you?" The undead pressed closer, seemingly endless in droves. Just as it seemed they were about to be overwhelmed, a deafening explosion of light and heat erupted from the east. A massive wave of fire swept across the battlefield, disintegrating dozens of undead in an instant. When the flames cleared, a tall figure stepped forward. His flowing red robes were adorned with intricate golden embroidery, and a glowing staff crackled with fiery energy in his hand. His stern face bore the depth of countless battles, and his eyes burned with an intensity that commanded immediate respect. It was Dorian Emberfall, a level 75 mage from Tagharium, and one of the kingdom''s most powerful spellcasters. His mere presence seemed to momentarily halt the chaos as the undead recoiled from his aura. "Knights! Players! To me!" Dorian''s voice boomed across the battlefield, infused with mana that made it resonate like thunder. "Hold your ground! We will not let this sorcerer win!" As the remaining knights and players regrouped, Dorian raised his staff high as its tip glowed with a blinding light. "I will cast a spell to unveil the ruined castle''s location," he declared with a loud voice. "It will take ten minutes to complete. Protect me at all costs. Should this spell be interrupted, it will fail. The longer we take trying to find the castle, the more the monolith feeds." A flurry of notifications appeared before the players. --- System Notification: [ Urgent Mission Update: Protect Dorian Emberfall ] [ Objective: Defend Dorian for 5 minutes while he casts the unveiling spell. If he is interrupted, the mission will fail. ] [ Rewards: Significant EXP, Gold, and Unique Loot --- The players barely had time to react before Dorian planted his staff into the ground. A golden circle of glowing runes expanded around him, and he began chanting in a deep, resonant tone. The runes spiraled upward, forming a protective dome, but it was clear it wouldn''t hold indefinitely. The undead surged forward again, as though sensing the threat to their master''s plans. The knights formed a defensive line around Dorian, locking their shields in place as shadowy beings and skeletal warriors crashed against them. "Ten minutes?!" Lilo shouted before loosing an arrow that pierced the eye socket of an advancing skeleton. "That''s practically an eternity in gamer time!" Boris roared as he slammed his axe into a hulking abomination. His muscles strained against its sheer mass. "Quit whining, Lilo! Just keep shooting!" Ezran was sweating bullets as he conjured a frost nova, freezing a group of undead in their tracks. "How is he supposed to cast anything in this chaos?" "You''d be surprised what people can do under pressure!" Lilo retorted, firing two arrows in quick succession. The battlefield was filled with the sound of screams, clashing steel, and spellfire. Players and NPC knights worked together in an unspoken rhythm. Lilo darted across the battlefield with an agility that allowed her to take out enemies from vantage points. Boris carved a path through the undead with sheer brute force, while Ezran alternated between fire and ice to control the hordes. ... ... The world shimmered as August was transported to the third and final stage of the tier 2 test. The air felt different¡ªthicker, heavier, and charged with an unspoken pressure. When his vision cleared, he found himself standing in a dark, hall lit by flickering torches mounted on intricately carved stone walls. The atmosphere screamed secrecy and danger. Around him were other cloaked figures, all moving with their presence hidden. This was an assassin''s world, and he was right in the middle of it. A voice called out to him from the shadows, deep and commanding. "Aleman, step forward." <[ You Are Now A Member Of The Oak Blood Assassin Organisation ]> <[ Your Master Is The Leader Of This Famed Organisation ]> August immediately understood what was going on. The voice that called out to him happened to be the leader of this assassin organization in this world. A tall and slender figure stepped into the light with his face obscured by a hood, but the gleaming eyes beneath it held a sharpness that could cut through steel. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "You have been assigned a mission, one that will test every skill you possess," the leader said, handing him a scroll sealed with a crimson emblem. "The target is a merchant named Lucar Drell. He''s become too troublesome and has information that could threaten our operations. Eliminate him." August nodded, taking the scroll and breaking the seal. Inside were detailed instructions: Lucar was heavily guarded and constantly moving between his warehouses in a nearby city. The location of his next stop was marked, but there was no time to waste. As August turned to leave, the leader''s voice stopped him. "One more thing, Aleman. Lucar is no fool. He''s hired an assassin from the Crimson Fang to take me out in retaliation. That assassin will move swiftly, but you must be swifter. Kill Lucar before the Crimson Fang assassin reaches me. Fail, and you know the consequences." August nodded again with a look of calmness. "I won''t fail." --- System Notification: [ Tier 2 Qualification Test ¨C Assassin: Stage 3. Objective: Assassinate Lucar Drell before the rival assassin eliminates your client. Failure will result in disqualification. ] --- The mission was simple on paper but layered with complexity. August exited the hall swiftly. Outside, the world was a dimly lit city with narrow streets and towering buildings. Every shadow seemed alive, and every corner held a potential threat. He moved swiftly, blending into the darkness as he headed toward Lucar''s marked location. Chapter 142 Goodbye, Old Man As August navigated the streets, he couldn''t shake the feeling of being watched.His instincts screamed at him and he paused, ducking into an alley. A faint glint of metal in the distance confirmed his suspicions. A figure cloaked in black with their face hidden by a mask was stalking him. "So, the Crimson Fang sent someone after me too," August muttered to himself with a smirk. "This just got interesting." He activated Stealth, blending seamlessly into the shadows. The figure moved closer, their August circled around them, using the narrow alleys to his advantage. When he was directly behind the figure, he whispered, "You''re not very good at this, are you?" Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The rival assassin spun, drawing twin daggers in a blur of motion. August dodged the first strike and drew his own dagger before he parried the second. Their blades clashed sending sparks flying in the dimly lit surroundings. "Who are you working for?" August questioned with a calm tone calm despite the intensity of the fight. The rival assassin said nothing and instead responded by pressing further with the attack, forcing August to backpedal. With a flick of their wrist, they threw a dagger at him, which he barely dodged. "Alright, no talking. That''s fine," August voiced while activating Phantom Splice. Two ghostly versions of himself appeared, attacking the assassin from both sides. The rival assassin hesitated for a split second as their focus split between the cooy and the original. It was all the opening August needed. He feinted left and struck right causing his blade to graze the assassin''s arm. They hissed in pain before retreating into the shadows. "Run along," August called after them. "But don''t get in my way again." August couldn''t give chase because he was on a timer. If the one proclaimed as his master in this test died before he could kill the target, he''d fail. --- Lucar''s warehouse was a fortress. Guards patrolled the perimeter with their eyes scanning for any sign of trouble. August perched on a nearby rooftop, studying the patterns of their movements. "No room for mistakes," August muttered while activating Dash. He moved like a blur, silently dispatching the guards one by one. His blade found its mark with each strike as he ended them efficiently. Inside the warehouse, Lucar was surrounded by a dozen heavily armed guards. The merchant himself was a portly man with a nervous energy, pacing back and forth as he barked orders. "Move the crates faster! We don''t have all night!" Lucar shouted. A small parchment materialized in August''s hand. He unrolled it to reveal a sketch of his target: a slim man with a scar running down his cheek and gray eyes. "Lucar," August muttered with a tone of confirmation. His thoughts were interrupted by another system notification. --- System Notification: [ Warning: Rival assassin has begun their mission. ] --- August cursed under his breath. The rival assassin would be gunning for his client, and any delay on his part would ensure failure. He had to move fast. --- August activated Stealth immediately. His form shimmered, and he became invisible, moving silently towards Lucar''s position as he prepared to strike. "Got you," August whispered while creeping closer. --- Just as August prepared to strike, an explosive sound rocked the surroundings. Smoke filled the room, and chaos erupted as an alarm went off. August''s heart sank as he realized the rival assassin had set a trap to delay him. "Intruder! Intruder!" Loud yells rang out as August''s stealthy figure was exposed as a shadow by the smoke. August coughed, covering his mouth as he tried to navigate through the smoke while many guards converged on his location. Some of the guards had Lucas immediately moved out of the surroundings while sounds of battle rang out. Some guards had stayed behind to engage August. August''s arms move speedily in the smoke as he cut them down one after the other but unfortunately, their interference still very much delayed. By the time August reached the exit, they were gone. "Damn it," August growled while scanning the streets for any sign of the target. They were gone and now he''d have to spend time that he didn''t have looking for them. August gritted his teeth but he couldn''t afford to relent. There was no time to waste. ... About thirty minutes later, he traced his target to another location. Upon arriving there, he spotted a trail of fresh footprints in the dirt, leading toward an alley. The alley was narrow and dark. It seemed like the perfect place for an ambush. As August followed the trail, he felt the hairs on the back of his neck rise. Something was wrong. A glint of metal caught his eye just in time. He dodged, narrowly avoiding a tripwire that would have triggered a barrage of darts. "Rival assassin''s handiwork," he muttered. "Smart, but not smart enough." With his path clear, August pressed on, but each step brought new challenges. A collapsed cart blocked one alley; another was filled with guards who had been paid to delay him. Each obstacle ate away at his time. It seemed as though the rival Assassin had everything predicted to the last detail and promptly set things up to delay August till he killed August''s client. This was becoming cumbersome. Seeing how things might continue this way, August decided to do the one thing no one would expect. He turned around and headed back to the assassin organization. The cold air whipped against his face, and the narrow streets stretched endlessly ahead as August dashed forward with incredible speed. Every second counted. His mind raced as he replayed the events leading up to this moment. The target, Lucas, had been slippery, constantly surrounded by guards and hidden behind layers of deceit. Worse still, the rival assassin had laid trap after trap to delay August. Now, with time running out and the rival assassin nearing his master¡ªthe client who had sent him on this mission¡ªAugust''s only option was to intercept and protect the client before it was too late. August leapt across the rooftops toward the hidden base. The shadowy peaks of the organization''s fortress came into view, concealed within a dense forest of twisted trees. As he approached, the air grew dark with the presence of danger. He activated stealth disappearing into the shadows as he moved closer to the entrance. --- Inside the fortress, the rival assassin crouched in a hidden alcove within the council chamber. His target, the leader of the assassin organization, sat on his throne, discussing plans with his subordinates, oblivious to the deadly threat in the shadows. The rival assassin''s hand moved, aiming at the leader with a small poisoned dart loaded into a concealed launcher. His fingers tightened around the trigger. "Goodbye, old man," the assassin whispered. A small whistling sound rang out as the dart was fired. Chapter 143 Objective Complete Just as the dart was fired, a blur intercepted its path. August appeared from the shadows with his dagger slicing through the air and his hands outstretched.His swing immediately deflected the dart mid-flight. The poison-coated tip spun towards the left and embedded itself harmlessly into the stone wall behind the throne. The leader rose to his feet as his eyes narrowed. "Aleman¡­ You''re late." "I had a detour," August replied with a calm tone. He turned toward the rival assassin, who stepped from the shadows with daggers drawn. "So, you made it back," the rival assassin sneered. "I was wondering if you''d be too busy chasing Lucas to save your precious master." "Sorry to disappoint," August held his daggers forward as he took a stance. "But your mission ends here." The rival assassin lunged at him instantly but August dashed towards the side and then behind him, striking with a swift slash. The rival spun, blocking the attack with his daggers, and countered with a flurry of strikes that forced August to retreat. "You''re good," the rival smirked. "But I''m better." "Let''s find out," August replied while activating Shadow Dance. [ Shadow Dance Has Been Activated ] Dark ghostly decoys of himself surrounded the rival, each attacking from a different angle but it was a fluke since only one was real. The rival assassin snarled and slashed through the decoys with expert precision. "Tricks won''t save you!" August used the distraction to close the distance swinging the dagger from a blind spot. The rival assassin surprisingly parried the attack but misjudged August''s speed. A quick feint left him exposed, and August''s blade found its mark, slashing across his ribs. --- System Notification: [ Critical Hit! Rival Assassin takes 3,500 HP damage. ] --- The rival assassin staggered while clutching his side. "You little..." He activated a skill, disappearing into the shadows. August felt the shift in the air and activated Stealth, vanishing as well. The room fell silent, leaving only the sound of faint torch crackles. They circled each other invisibly, each waiting for the other to make a move. August''s keen instincts alerted him just in time as the rival assassin struck from above, aiming daggers at his neck. He rolled to the side and struck out as well. The fight began to drag out, becoming one where a single person couldn''t relent in the slightest or it would lead to their loss. August didn''t try to use his mage abilities or the fight would have long ended. He didn''t want to risk failing the test so he made sure to rely only on his assassin skills but this battle was pushing him to his limits. Finally, August saw his opening. The rival assassin overextended on a strike, giving August the chance to drive his dagger deep into his chest. The rival gasped as blood trickled from his lips while he collapsed to the ground. "Guess¡­ you were better¡­" August knelt beside him before pulling his dagger free. "No hard feelings. You should''ve stayed out of my way." sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. --- System Notification: [ Rival Assassin Eliminated. Objective Complete. Client Secured. ] --- The leader of the organization stepped forward. "You did well, Aleman. But your mission isn''t over yet." August nodded while moving toward the exit. "I know. Lucas is next." --- With the rival assassin out of the way, August''s path to Lucas was clear. He retraced his steps to the last known location of the target. The tavern where Lucas had last been seen was now deserted, but fresh tracks in the dirt told August exactly where to go. Following the trail, August arrived at an abandoned warehouse near the edge of the city. Inside, Lucas paced nervously, flanked by two guards. August activated Stealth, slipping into the shadows as he moved closer. He studied the guards'' movements, noting their patterns. In the next moment, he activated dual wielding, taking them down in a flurry of strikes before they could react. Lucas spun around in fear. "No! Stay back!" August stepped forward with gleaming daggers. "It''s over, Lucas." The target lunged for a hidden blade, but August was faster. He swooshed to Lucas''s back and delivered a hidden strike. His blade pierced Lucas''s heart from behind, causing blood to splurge out like a fountain. The target collapsed. --- System Notification: [ Target Eliminated. Mission Complete. ] [ Tier 2 Qualification Test Passed. ] --- The world shimmered, and August was transported back to the assassin organization''s hall. The leader stood before him with a smile. "You''ve proven yourself, Aleman," he said. "You are no longer Tier 1." A surge of energy coursed through August as his tier 2 transformation began. His abilities evolved and his power surged to new heights. --- System Notification: [ Congratulations! You have ascended to Tier 2: Assassin. Abilities upgraded. Maximum energy pool increased. New abilities unlocked. ] ... ... Meanwhile, in the battle against Malrik, the players were still defending the mage. Midway through the defense, an undead mage appeared. Its skeletal hands were enveloped with dark energy. It raised its staff, aiming a spell directly at Dorian. "Someone stop that thing!" a knight shouted. Ezran''s eyes widened as he realized he was the closest. He gulped, gathering every ounce of courage he had. "Okay, okay¡­ you can do this, Ezran¡­" He conjured a massive fireball... the largest he''d ever attempted, and hurled it at the undead mage. The spell struck, engulfing the creature in flames and reducing it to ash. Lilo whistled from a distance. "Not bad, Ezran! Maybe you''re not completely hopeless after all!" Your next chapter is on empire "Thanks¡­ I think," he muttered while wiping sweat from his brow. As the clock ticked down to the final minute, the undead redoubled their efforts. The monolith pulsed violently, and the shadowy beings grew more aggressive, clawing at the knights and players alike. Dorian''s chanting grew louder and the golden runes spun faster around him. He tried to maintain a calm look but his face betrayed the strain of conjuring such a powerful spell. "Hold the line!" he bellowed. "Do not falter!" Lilo had been firing shots upon shots upon shots but before she knew it, she found herself surrounded by a group of skeletal warriors in a flash. "Boris! A little help here?" She couldn''t exactly deal with targets properly in close-quarter combats. Boris charged in with a laugh as his axe cleaved through the skeletons. "I''ve got your back, Lilo!" Chapter 144 Blood And Death As the final seconds ticked away, Dorian raised his staff one last time, and a blinding pillar of light shot into the sky.--- Continue your saga on empire System Notification: [ Mission Complete: Protect Dorian Emberfall ] [ Objective Achieved: Ruined Castle Location Unveiled ] --- Dorian turned to the gathered players and knights. "The ruined castle has been revealed. We march immediately. The sorcerer''s reign ends tonight." The players erupted in cheers, momentarily forgetting their exhaustion as they prepared for the final confrontation. Lilo grinned while nudging Ezran with her elbow. "See? I told you we''d survive." Ezran gave a shaky laugh. "Barely¡­" Boris hoisted his axe onto his shoulder. "Let''s finish this." The army regrouped and began to march in the direction of the light which was pointing a path to the ruined castle. ... ... (( Thirty Minutes Later )) The ruined castle towers silhouetted against the blood-red sky. The very air around it seemed alive with dark energy, pulsing in rhythm with the monolith far in the distance. The battle outside its gates had already descended into chaos. Knights, players, and mages clashed with Malrik''s summoned undead and shadowy constructs. Standing atop the highest parapet of the ruined castle, Malrik gazed down at the battlefield, shrouded in flowing black and crimson robes. His pale yet sharp face was illuminated by the glowing runes etched into his skin. In his hand, a twisted staff crackled with malevolent energy. "You think you can stop me?" Malrik''s voice echoed with arrogance. "You are mere insects before my power. I have waited centuries for this moment, and nothing will stand in my way!" --- System Notification: [ City Boss Encounter: Malrik, The Dark Sorcerer (Level 85) ] [ Warning: Malrik is protected by an advanced barrier. Reduce his defenses before attempting direct attacks. ] --- The level 75 mage, Dorian Emberfall, and the leader of the army, Sir Verek, a muscular warrior clad in gleaming silver armor, stood at the forefront of the battle. They were the kingdom''s best hope, but even their combined might seemed like a flicker against Malrik''s overwhelming power. Dorian raised his staff, summoning a massive wave of fire, the size of a truck. It surged toward Malrik, consuming everything in their path. Malrik laughed as he raised his staff high. A translucent barrier materialized around him, and the flames shattered against it like glass. "Pathetic," he sneered. "You dare to challenge me with such weak magic?" Sir Verek bellowed while charging forward with his greatsword which emitted a brilliant blue glow. He leaped into the air, bringing the blade down with enough force to shake the ground. The strike connected with the barrier, causing it to flicker for a brief moment, but it held firm. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. --- System Notification: [ Malrik''s Barrier is absorbing energy from the monolith. Disrupt the connection to weaken his defenses. ] --- Meanwhile, Lilo, Boris, and Ezran had joined the fray, fighting through waves of undead and shadow constructs to reach the castle. "Why do the bad guys always have to pick the creepiest places to hang out?" Lilo quipped before firing an arrow that exploded into a cluster of shadowy skeletons. "Couldn''t he have picked a nice beach or something?" Boris swung his massive axe, cutting down another wave of enemies. "Less talking, more smashing!" he shouted with a fierce grin despite the chaos. Ezran stood at the rear, casting frost and fire spells in quick succession. "This is insane," he muttered while wiping sweat from his brow. "Even with all of us, we''re barely holding the line." "Welcome to city-level bosses," Lilo replied before dodging an incoming blast of dark energy. "It''s not supposed to be easy!" --- Malrik raised his staff, chanting in a guttural language. Dark tendrils erupted from the ground, snaring knights and players alike. Those caught in the tendrils cried out as their life force was drained, feeding the sorcerer''s power. Dorian acted quickly, summoning a massive storm of lightning that tore through the tendrils, freeing those trapped. "Keep attacking! We have to weaken him!" Sir Verek nodded before rallying the troops. "Knights, focus on the constructs! Adventurers, disrupt his connection to the monolith!" --- Lilo, Boris, and Ezran fought their way closer to Malrik amongst the multitude of players. Their teamwork shone as they combined their abilities. Lilo''s explosive arrows cleared paths through the undead, Boris tanked the shadow constructs with his sheer brute force, and Ezran''s frost spells slowed their enemies, buying precious time. As they neared the castle, a massive shadow construct emerged¡ªa towering beast of black mist and spiky armor. Its level, 45, hovered above it, marking it as a mini-boss. "Great," Boris grumbled. "Because this wasn''t hard enough already." "Stop whining and hit it!" Lilo shouted while firing a flurry of arrows at the beast''s glowing core. Ezran gulped but steadied himself, summoning a massive fireball. "On it!" The three of them worked together to bring the construct down. Their coordinated attacks finally shattered it into a cloud of black mist. They barely had time to catch their breath before another wave of enemies surged forward. --- Back at the castle, Malrik''s power seemed to grow with each passing moment. His barrier flickered as players targeted the monolith''s connection, but it still held strong. Dorian and Sir Verek pushed forward, using their combined might to force Malrik to go on the defensive¡ªbriefly. "You''ve entertained me enough," Malrik voiced with a low and dangerous tone. He raised his staff, and the sky darkened. Bolts of black lightning rained down, scattering the army and sending players scrambling for cover. Dorian stepped forward with his staff glowing as he began casting a massive spell. "This ends now, Malrik!" he roared. Malrik smirked as his eyes narrowed. "Does it?" "You seem to have overestimated yourself..." With a flick of his wrist, Malrik unleashed a spear of dark energy that tore through the air with unprecedented speed. It arrived before Dorian instantaneously who was still chanting. The level 75 mage gasped as the energy struck him directly, interrupting his chant. He screamed as his body disintegrated into ash. The battlefield went silent for a moment as the realization of what had just happened sunk in. --- System Notification: [ Warning: Dorian Emberfall has been defeated. Threat level increased. ] --- Chapter 145 Necromancers Wrath ---System Notification: [ Warning: Dorian Emberfall has been defeated. Threat level increased. ] --- Lilo, Boris, and Ezran froze in disbelief. "He¡­ he just killed Dorian," Ezran whispered. Lilo gritted her teeth. "He just killed a level 75 mage like it was nothing?" Sir Verek let out a roar of rage, charging at Malrik with renewed fury. "For Dorian! For the kingdom!" Malrik met the charge with a wave of his staff, sending the knight flying as a powerful wave of energy swept across the surroundings. He hit the ground hard causing his armor to get dented and bloodied, but he forced himself back to his feet. The players realized how dire the situation had become now and all charged forward in a bid to chip away at Malrik''s barrier. "We need more firepower!" Lilo shouted while firing another explosive arrow at the barrier. "We''re giving it everything we''ve got!" Boris yelled while activating a powerful Berserker attack. His axe slammed into the ground, creating a shockwave that knocked back a group of undead. Ezran''s hands shook as he summoned another spell. "This is impossible¡­" ... ... Meanwhile, in a different location... S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The cool night air of Tagharium greeted August as he materialized in the middle of a secluded training ground. The courtyard was lit by flickering lanterns, casting long shadows against the tall stone walls. It was a private space, tucked away from the prying eyes of other players and NPCs¡ªa perfect place to test his newly acquired tier 2 assassin abilities. --- System Notification: [ Congratulations! You have unlocked Tier 2 Assassin abilities. Your abilities have evolved, and your maximum energy pool has increased significantly. ] --- August opened his skill menu, scanning the list of his tier 2 abilities. Familiar skills now had entirely new descriptions. Their effects had amplified and transformed. --- [ Evolved Skills: ] - Shadow Dance ¡ú Phantom Blitz: Teleport rapidly between enemies, dealing devastating damage while leaving behind spectral decoys that distract foes. - Stealth ¡ú Perfect Veil: Render yourself invisible and undetectable for a longer duration. Movement speed is increased while stealthed. - Hidden Strike ¡ú Nightfang Execution: Deliver a critical strike from stealth with increased damage. Successful execution refunds energy. - Dash ¡ú Voidstep: Instantly teleport a short distance, leaving behind a shadowy afterimage that can explode, dealing area damage. --- August couldn''t help but grin as he closed the menu. "Alright, let''s see what you''ve got." There happened to be three training dummies in the courtyard. He went ahead to tap an activation button on their foreheads and they emitted a glow. Each one began to simulate moving enemies. They swayed and shuffled randomly, giving him a more dynamic challenge. "Let''s start small," he muttered before activating Perfect Veil. [ Perfect Veil Has Been Activated ] The air shimmered around him, and his form vanished completely. Unlike his previous stealth skill, there were no faint outlines or distortions to give him away. He moved silently with light steps as his speed increased dramatically. Continue reading on empire The dummies continued their random movements, unaware of his presence. August grinned as he approached the closest one and activated Nightfang Execution. From the shadows, his dagger glowed faintly with dark energy as he struck. The hit was swift, it looked like an afterimage as he delivered a critical blow that caused the dummy to shatter into pieces. --- System Notification: [ Nightfang Execution successful! Energy refunded by 50%. ] --- "Smooth," he voiced while moving toward the next target. This time, he activated Voidstep teleporting instantly behind the second dummy. The shadowy afterimage he left behind exploded, sending a wave of dark energy outward that damaged nearby targets. "Not bad but would that affect even my teammates? Is there a way I could control the explosion or prevent it whenever I intend to?" August questioned no one in particular with a thoughtful gaze but he still needed to test the other abilities. For the final dummy, he activated Phantom Blitz. His body flickered and vanished, reappearing in rapid succession around the dummy as spectral decoys slashed at it from every angle. The decoys moved chaotically, confusing the dummy''s sensors before August delivered the final blow himself. The dummy collapsed into splinters, and the decoys faded into wisps of shadow. --- System Notification: [ Phantom Blitz: All targets neutralized. Energy cost reduced by 20% for consecutive uses. ] --- August stood in the courtyard with his daggers in his grasp as he contemplated. The tier 2 abilities were leagues beyond his tier 1 skills¡ªnot just in power, but in how seamlessly they could be chained together. "These aren''t just upgrades," he said to himself as a grin spread across his face. "They''re game-changers." He turned toward the edge of the courtyard, where a lone crow perched on the wall, watching him with its beaded eyes. With a flick of his wrist, August activated Voidstep again, appearing at the wall in an instant. The crow squawked and took flight, startled by his sudden presence. "Well," he sheathed his daggers with a smile. "Let''s see who wants to mess with me now." ... ... The battlefield surrounding the ruined castle was chaos incarnate. The ground was littered with bodies¡ªplayers, knights, and undead alike. The crimson sky reflected the desperation of the fight, as Malrik, the level 85 sorcerer, continued to dominate with his overwhelming power. Players who had respawned repeatedly and lost levels were beginning to question if the battle was worth it. Malrik raised his staff and the runes on his robes glowed brighter. His voice echoed across the battlefield, carrying a sinister tone. "Rise, my servants! Serve me once more!" Dark energy surged outward, spreading across the battlefield and enveloping every fallen body in its path. Dead knights, players, and even fragments of the undead army reassembled into grotesque abominations, fixing their glowing eyes on Malrik''s enemies. --- System Notification: [ Malrik has used Necromancer''s Wrath. All fallen corpses have been revived as undead. ] --- "Are you kidding me?" Lilo shouted as she fired an explosive arrow at a cluster of undead. The explosion tore through the abominations, but more rose to take their place. "This guy just doesn''t quit!" Boris swung his axe, cutting down a reanimated knight. His strength was formidable, but even he was showing signs of fatigue. "We''re getting nowhere! Every time we make progress, he pulls something like this!" Chapter 146 Alemans Arrival ezran stood further back, preparing a powerful spell. his voice trembled as he spoke. "we have to keep going! if we stop now, everything we''ve done will mean nothing!"ezran unleashed a massive wave of frost and fire that surged toward malrik. this was a spell that he had gotten from the sword king''s dungeon. it was no ordinary one. the attack was very powerful and had expended a lot of his mp. it cut through the undead ranks and destroyed the barrier, slamming directly into malrik. the sorcerer staggered slightly as his health bar visibly dropped. --- system notification: [ ezran used dual element surge. malrik takes 10,000 hp damage. ] --- malrik''s glowing eyes turned toward ezran as a twisted grin spread across his face. "you dare wound me, little mage? very well, let me return the favor." a pulse of dark energy formed at the tip of his staff as he raised it. ezran quickly conjured a shimmering shield around himself. "not today!" ezran shouted, but his voice cracked with fear. malrik''s spell, soul rend, shot forward like a black comet. it shattered ezran''s shield instantly and struck him with full force. ezran''s health bar dropped to zero in an instant, and his avatar dissolved into pixels. --- system notification:* [ ezran has been defeated. respawning at tagharium. ] --- lilo''s playful demeanor vanished as she let out a furious cry. "ezran! you bastard!" she fired arrow after arrow at malrik but he immediately conjured a new barrier, causing the arrows to explode against his barrier. boris roared in anger as he activated one of his most powerful skills. he charged toward malrik, swinging the weapon in a wide arc. --- system notification: [ boris used raging cyclone. ] --- his axe slammed into the barrier, cracking it and smashing through it, surprising malrik. but by the time it reached malrik, it was already too weak. malrik merely waved his staff, and a blast of energy sent boris flying backward. he rammed into the ground and ricocheted across its surface uncontrollably. "is this all you can muster?" malrik sneered. "your efforts are meaningless!" the situation seemed hopeless. more knights from tagharium arrived, along with several powerful mages, but they fared no better. every strike against malrik chipped away at his health, but it wasn''t enough. he continued to conjure barriers and his ability to revive the dead kept the battlefield in his favor. "we need a strategy. this isn''t something we can brute-force," lilo voiced in exhaustion. --- across the battlefield, several other players were making their own attempts to take down malrik. a group of players from crimson vanguard, a well-known mid-tier guild, charged toward the sorcerer. "stick to the plan!" their leader shouted while raising his shield to block an incoming wave of dark energy. "tank classes, draw his attention! dps, aim for the gaps in his armor!" one of the dps players, an assassin named krix, grinned as he activated a stealth ability and darted toward malrik''s flank. "he''s not so tough! we''ve got this!" krix''s daggers flashed as he lunged at malrik, but the sorcerer didn''t even turn to acknowledge the attack. with a flick of his wrist, malrik unleashed a surge of energy that disintegrated the rogue instantly. --- system notification: [ player krix has been defeated. respawning in 30 seconds. level -1. ] --- "fall back!" the guild leader shouted as malrik turned his attention to their group. the sorcerer raised his staff, summoning a torrent of shadowy tendrils that wrapped around the guild members, draining their health rapidly. one by one, they fell. "idiots," muttered a lone mage from another group, watching the scene unfold from a distance. he adjusted his robes as his hands glowed with charged mana. "they went in without thinking. amateurs." the mage began casting a massive firestorm spell, aiming it directly at malrik. the skies above the sorcerer darkened and ten massive flames swirled into a vortex before crashing down. for a moment, it seemed as though the spell had landed perfectly. but as the smoke cleared, malrik emerged unscathed within his barrier. "you dare challenge me with such feeble magic?" malrik sneered before hurling a bolt of green energy at the mage. the player barely had time to scream before he was obliterated. --- system notification: [ player zarif has been defeated. respawning in 40 seconds. level -1. ] --- near the front lines, a group of high-level players from the guild eternal flame coordinated their assault. their leader, a heavily armored warrior, barked orders as they tried to pin malrik from the sidelines. "focus on breaking his barrier!" she shouted. "don''t engage directly until we weaken him!" a berserker in their group roared, ignoring the command as he charged straight at malrik with his massive hammer glowing with fiery runes. "i''ll show you how it''s done!" the berserker''s attack landed with a deafening crash, but malrik barely flinched. the sorcerer''s eyes glowed with dark energy as he raised his staff. a dark beam shot out and the berserker was immediately severed in two. his avatar disintegrated into particles. --- system notification: [ player bragg has been defeated. respawning in 60 seconds. level -1. ] find exclusive stories on empire --- amidst the chaos, lilo and boris continued to fight alongside other players, carefully avoiding direct confrontation with malrik. "we''ve got a lot of players here, but they''re dropping like flies," lilo stated. "everyone thinks they can take malrik head-on, but he''s cutting them down left and right." boris gritted his teeth. "we need a plan. a real one. otherwise, this fight''s over." suddenly, a ripple of energy swept through the battlefield. a figure emerged from the shadows, moving with power and speed. a deafening crack of thunder shattered the sound of battle. the sky seemed to tear open as a massive spear of lightning surged from the grasp of this newly arrived person, obliterating over thirty undead soldiers in a blinding explosion of light and sound. the ground where the undead once stood was left a smoldering crater. --- system notification: [ aleman (player: august) has entered the battlefield. tier 2 abilities activated. contribution bonus applied. ] --- from the smoke and debris, a lone figure emerged. clad in a dark cloak and a mage''s staff strapped to his back. august strode onto the battlefield with his twin daggers shimmering with energy and the air around him charged with power. "who¡­ who is that?" one player stammered in disbelief. "is that¡­ aleman?" another whispered. "the one whose name has appeared on the world announcements very recently..." the knights and players paused momentarily as they fixed their eyes on the one whose entrance had caused a commotion. even malrik, hovering above the battlefield, narrowed his glowing eyes. malrik''s voice dripped with disdain as he spoke. "another fool come to die." lilo''s eyes widened as she spotted him. "no way¡­ aleman!" boris was bloodied and battered at this point but he managed a grin. "about time you showed up!" august didn''t respond immediately. his eyes were locked on malrik, assessing the battlefield. the notifications flooding his interface told him everything he needed to know. --- system notification: [ world boss encounter: malrik, the dark sorcerer. hp remaining: 150,000/200,000. ] [ warning: monolith energy reserves at 90%. activation imminent. ] --- "i leave for a few hours, and you lot are already in over your heads," august''s voice was tinged with humor as he spoke. he turned to lilo and boris. "fill me in." lilo pointed at malrik. "that''s the guy. level 85, ridiculous spells, and an infinite supply of undead. ezran hit him hard, but malrik turned him into a pixel puddle for it." august nodded. "makes sense. i never confronted him in the first place because of his power. i''m the one who gave the baron the intel on him. this entire battle started because of me." lilo raised an eyebrow. "so what''s the plan, genius?" august''s eyes flicked to the glowing monolith in the distance. an idea formed in his mind, sharp and clear. "fighting him head-on isn''t working because he is too powerful and the monolith is also feeding him. if we destroy it, he''ll lose his endless army of undead and be unable to summon the divine weapon." boris grinned while hefting his axe. "now *that* sounds like a plan!" august smirked. "good. then let''s finish this." s~ea??h the n?vel(f)ire.¦Çet website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. as he prepared to move, a faint shimmer appeared beside them, and ezran materialized. "you''re back!" lilo exclaimed, pulling him into a brief hug. "we thought you''d rage-quit." ezran chuckled nervously. "not a chance. someone has to keep you two alive." august clapped ezran on the shoulder. "glad you''re here. i''ll need your help for this next part." "what''s the plan?" ezran asked, his voice steadier now. august''s smirk widened. "simple. malrik had to be distracted long enough to take out that monolith. and then we bring him down." with his tier 2 abilities ready august stepped forward, holding his daggers tightly as he activated phantom blitz and vanished into the fray. the battlefield erupted into chaos once as august dashed through the crowd of undead, he raised his hand, summoning the winds around him. wind surge had now evolved to a wind devastation. he activated the tier 2 spell which erupted in a massive aoe burst. [ wind devastation has been activated ] [ - 300mp ] a powerful gale whipped across the battlefield, slicing through scores of undead and scattering them like leaves. shadow constructs wavered as their forms got destabilized by the sheer force of the attack. Chapter 147 Lesser Grade Divine Weapon ---system notification: [ aleman used wing devastation. area of effect: 40 meters. undead soldiers destroyed: 25. shadow constructs weakened. ] --- lilo who had been struggling to fend off a wave of undead, gaped at the destruction. "that''s aleman for you¡ªalways showing off." boris chuckled while cleaving an undead knight in two. "looks like he passed his tier 2 tests. let''s see what he can really do." ezran who was casting a frost spell, froze mid-incantation to stare. "i''ve never seen spells like that¡­" august dashed forward, activating phantom blitz. he summoned thunder spear again, hurling it toward a particularly dense cluster of undead. the resulting explosion left another crater, sending shockwaves across the field. --- system notification: [ critical hit! 40 undead soldiers destroyed. contribution rank increased. ] --- "is he even human?" a player muttered while watching in disbelief as august cleared the field almost single-handedly. they had no idea that august was just a level 32 player or it would have left them discombobulated. august had cleared a path that led back to the monolith and left boris and the others to properly stall malrik while he played the part of destroying it. the air near the monolith crackled with unstable energy as august approached with daggers in hand. the closer he got, the higher the pressure. there was a strange oppressiveness that made breathing feel like a struggle. the runes on the monolith pulsed erratically, glowing brighter with each second. it was on the brink of completing whatever catastrophic purpose it had been designed for. "here we go," august muttered before taking a deep breath. he activated voidstep, instantly closing the distance between himself and the monolith. with his daggers glowing, he slashed at its surface, but the ancient stone seemed impervious to physical attacks. "figures," he said with a smirk. "guess we''re doing this the hard way." he stepped back and grabbed his staff, unstrapping it from his back. channeling mana into his most powerful spells, he cast ethereal storm. sea??h th§× nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. a powerful cyclone burst forth in a chaotic swirl of lightning and elemental energy, slamming into the monolith. the impact sent shockwaves across the battlefield, but the structure only cracked slightly. --- system notification: [ monolith integrity: 90%. keep attacking! ] --- behind him, the battle raged on as malrik''s forces clashed with the combined armies of tagharium and the players. lilo, boris, and ezran fought fiercely, keeping malrik occupied. from his perch atop the ruined castle, malrik suddenly froze mid-incantation. his glowing eyes narrowed as he sensed the disruption. "what is this?" he hissed with a venomous tone. "the monolith¡­ no!" he turned sharply as his staff glowed with energy in preparation to intervene. "you dare defy me, puny insect? i will¡ª" "not so fast!" lilo''s voice rang out as an arrow streaked through the air, slamming into malrik''s barrier. the explosion forced him to stagger back. boris''s axe glowed with fiery energy as he charged forward. "you''ve got us to deal with first, you bastard!" ezran followed, summoning a massive frost wall to block malrik''s path to the monolith. "we''re not letting you stop him!" malrik roared in frustration as his staff emitted dark tendrils of energy that lashed out at the trio. "you insignificant pests! do you think you can hold me?" --- system notification: [ malrik''s hp: 100,000/150,000. ] --- august, unaware of the chaos behind him, focused all his energy on the monolith. he summoned thunder spear, hurling it with precision. the lightning-infused spear struck the monolith dead center, causing a web of cracks to spread across its surface. --- system notification: [ monolith integrity: 50%. keep attacking! ] --- malrik''s voice echoed across the battlefield in anger. "i will not allow this! you will all perish for your defiance!" he unleashed a massive wave of dark energy, scattering the players and knights around him. despite the overwhelming force, lilo, boris, and ezran regrouped quickly. "focus on him!" lilo shouted. "we need to buy aleman more time!" boris nodded, activating raging cyclone and charging at malrik. the whirlwind of his attacks forced malrik to block, giving ezran a chance to summon a rain of fire from the sky. the flames slammed into malrik''s barrier and shattered it once more. --- system notification: [ malrik''s hp: 95,000/150,000. ] --- discover exclusive tales at empire meanwhile, august unleashed phantom blitz, teleporting around the monolith and slashing at its weak points with ghostly afterimages. it looked like fifteen augusts were striking at the monolith at the same time. with each strike, the cracks deepened, and the monolith began to emit a high-pitched whine. "almost there," august muttered as sweat dripped down his face. he raised his staff for one final spell. "let''s finish this." he activated ethereal storm again, pouring every ounce of mana he had left into the attack. [ ethereal storm has been activated ] the swirling elemental energy tore into the monolith, and with a deafening crack, it shattered into countless pieces. the shards disintegrated into nothingness, leaving behind a faint, eerie silence. --- system notification: [ objective complete: the monolith has been destroyed. ] --- on the battlefield, malrik''s forces faltered as the destruction of the monolith severed their connection to his magic. for the first time, the players and knights began to cheer. "we did it!" lilo lit up with relief as she exclaimed. "he destroyed it!" boris grinned while resting on his shoulder. "about time! let''s finish this guy off!" ezran smiled weakly amidst heavy pants. "that was¡­ incredible." but their celebration was cut short as malrik''s laughter rang out with a dark and menacing tone. "fools!" he roared, shaking the very ground beneath them. "did you really think destroying the monolith would stop me?" the runes on his staff glowed with a blinding intensity as he raised it. "the monolith may be gone, but it has absorbed enough power to summon the divine weapon, even in its weakened state. and a divine weapon, no matter its form, is still a force beyond your comprehension!" the sky darkened further, fading into an unnatural black. lightning crackled across the heavens, and a massive tear appeared in the fabric of reality above the battlefield. the air grew heavy, making it hard to breathe. "what is he doing?" ezran shouted with a trembling tone. "it''s not over," august said grimly while stepping forward. "not yet." from the tear in the sky, a glowing object began to emerge. it was a massive, spiky blade, pulsating with divine energy. even in its incomplete state, the weapon radiated a power that made the air vibrate. "this is the end for you," malrik''s laughter echoed like thunder. "kneel before the power of the divine!" the players and npcs stared in horror as the divine weapon descended, causing the battlefield to tremble with its energy. "everyone, get ready!" august''s voice cut through the chaos. "this isn''t over yet!" and as the weapon fully emerged, the next stage of the battle began. ... ... minutes into the summoning, the battlefield near the ruined castle had turned unrecognizable. it was now a hellscape of destruction and chaos. the earth itself had been torn asunder as jagged chasms crisscrossed the once-flat terrain. the sky was a swirling vortex of dark clouds, lit intermittently by flashes of lightning. malrik stood at the center of it all with his staff raised high, channeling the energy of the lesser divine weapon that now hovered at his side. even in its weakened state, it radiated a power that sent shivers through every fighter on the battlefield. --- system notification: [ city boss updated: malrik, the dark sorcerer (level 85) ¨C lesser divine weapon acquired. ] [ malrik''s hp: 200,000/200,000. lesser divine weapon multiplier active. ] --- lilo, boris, and ezran regrouped with august. around them, knights, mages, and players fought desperately to keep malrik''s forces at bay. "this is insane," lilo panted. "he''s unstoppable with that thing." boris wiped blood from his forehead as his grip tightened on his axe. "we''re barely holding the line. that weapon¡­ it''s tearing us apart." ezran hands trembled as he tried to summon enough mana for another frost nova. "a quarter of tagharium is gone! how are we supposed to stop him when we can''t even land a hit?" august''s eyes narrowed as he studied malrik. "we don''t stop. we adapt. if we can''t hurt him, we focus on surviving until we can." --- malrik''s voice boomed across the battlefield as he laughed. "witness the power of the divine, mortals! your struggle is meaningless!" with a wave of the lesser divine weapon, a massive arc of energy surged across the battlefield. entire squads of knights were obliterated in an instant as shields and armors disintegrated. players caught in the blast screamed as their avatars shattered into pixels. --- system notification: [ malrik used heavenly cleave. area of effect: 500 meters. damage: 50,000 hp per hit. ] --- "dodge!" august shouted while activating voidstep to teleport out of the blast radius. the others followed suit, using their skills to evade the attack. "every time he swings that thing, we lose more people!" lilo shouted while firing an explosive arrow at malrik. the explosion barely scratched his barrier, and he retaliated with a blast of dark energy that forced her to retreat. --- system notification: [ lilo takes 3,000 hp damage. ] --- Chapter 148 The Interference ---system notification: [ lilo takes 3,000 hp damage. ] --- despite evading the attack, lilo still took quite the damage. boris roared and threw his mighty axe upwards. his attack connected, but the damage was negligible. "it''s like hitting a mountain! what do we do?" august narrowed his eyes as his staff got enveloped with mana. "let''s see how strong that barrier really is," he muttered. he unleashed a barrage of spells: thunder spear, wind devastation, and the upgraded flame requiem. the combined onslaught struck malrik''s barrier with unrelenting force. cracks began to form, and the sorcerer''s expression shifted from confidence to alarm. --- system notification: [ malrik''s barrier integrity: 0%. barrier destroyed. ] [ malrik takes 12,000 hp damage. remaining hp: 188,000/200,000. ] --- the battlefield fell silent as everyone¡ªplayers, knights, and npcs¡ªrealized what had just happened. "he broke the barrier!" a knight shouted with a loud hopeful voice. malrik''s power had increased since he summoned the weapon so the barrier was a lot harder to break now. even malrik seemed shaken for a moment before his eyes blazed with fury. "you dare?!" he roared while raising the lesser divine weapon. he swung the blade, sending a massive wave of dark energy hurtling toward august. the attack tore through the ground, carving a trench as it sped toward him. august conjured arcane bastion, his tier 2 shield which glowed with celestial light. the wave of energy crashed against it and the impact sent ripples of force across the battlefield. the shield held for a moment before cracks began to spiderweb across its surface. --- system notification: [ arcane bastion durability: 30%... 20%... 10%. shield integrity critical. ] --- "not good," august muttered before activating voidstep just as the shield shattered. he teleported out of harm''s way as the residual energy from the attack scorched the ground where he had stood. malrik laughed with a thunderous tone. "you''re strong, boy. but strength alone will not save you from me." august regrouped with lilo, boris, and ezran. "we can''t stop hammering... defeating him won''t be easy but it''s not impossible." "what now?" lilo questioned while readying another arrow. ezran cast arcane tempest which was a swirling vortex of silver energy that engulfed malrik. it was a spectacular display of power, but the sorcerer shrugged it off. his hp bar barely moved. "i''m running out of ideas," ezran admitted as sweat dripped down his face. "we need something¡ª" "for now, we can only fight..." august told lilo, boris, ezran, and other players to combine their efforts. knights fought valiantly while sir verek, the leader of the knights, barked orders. "sir verek!" august called out as he teleported beside the seasoned warrior using voidstep. his voice was calm despite the carnage. "we need to coordinate. i can always break his barrier, but we''ll need your strongest attack to capitalize." verek''s eyes turned to august. he nodded while tightening his grip on his massive, rune-carved greatsword. "understood. keep him exposed, and i''ll strike." "let''s make it count," august stated before activating perfect veil and disappearing into the shadows. august weaved through the battlefield using phantom blitz to teleport between shadow constructs and undead soldiers. each slash of his daggers left trails of glowing energy, tearing through the constructs and clearing a path toward malrik. --- system notification: [ aleman used phantom blitz. shadow constructs destroyed: 5. energy cost reduced by 20% for consecutive uses. ] --- once in position, august summoned thunder spear and flung it with all his strength. the spear of lightning tore through the air, striking malrik''s barrier with a deafening crack. the barrier wavered and fractured spiderwebs spread across its surface. "now!" august shouted. verek surged forward with his greatsword raised as fiery runes appeared on its blade. he activated one of his ultimate skills, blazing strike. the ground beneath him cracked with the force of his swing as he brought the sword down on malrik''s exposed form. the attack connected, sending a wave of fire and steel into the sorcerer. --- system notification: [ sir verek used blazing strike. malrik takes 20,000 hp damage. remaining hp: 130,000/200,000. ] --- sear?h the ¦Çovelfire.¦Çet website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. malrik roared in rage. "insects! you think you can harm me?" the sorcerer retaliated by swinging the lesser divine weapon. a wave of black energy surged outward, obliterating a dozen players and scattering the knights. august barely managed to avoid the blast, activating wing devastation to push himself out of range while slicing through a wave of undead. --- system notification: [ aleman used wind devastation. area of effect: 40 meters. undead soldiers destroyed: 15. ] --- ezran and lilo worked together to weaken malrik further. ezran cast arcane tempest, summoning a vortex of silver energy that struck the sorcerer while his barrier was still down and lilo fired explosive arrows that detonated with fiery force. --- system notification: [ lilo used explosive arrow. malrik''s barrier integrity: 50%. ] [ ezran used arcane tempest. malrik takes 3,000 hp damage. remaining hp: 125,000/200,000. ] --- at this moment, malrik reactivated his barrier but august wasn''t going to let it stay up. august vanished and reappeared behind malrik before activating nightfang execution. a critical hit from his dagger landed on malrik''s barrier. it shattered completely, leaving the sorcerer momentarily vulnerable once more. "strike now!" august yelled. verek, already in position, activated heavenly cleave. his greatsword glowed with divine energy as he brought it down on malrik. the attack sent shockwaves across the battlefield, forcing the sorcerer to stagger back. --- system notification: [ sir verek used heavenly cleave. malrik takes 25,000 hp damage. remaining hp: 100,000/200,000. ] --- malrik growled in anguish. "enough of this!" he raised the lesser divine weapon high, gathering powerful energy to its surface. with a single swing, he unleashed a devastating wave of power that obliterated two-thirds of the battlefield. skrrrooovvv~ thooommm! players and knights alike were caught in the powerful blast that sent dust and debris scattering across the surroundings. their cries of anguish got lost in the deafening roar of the divine weapon''s power. --- system notification: [ malrik used *divine blade annihilation. area of effect: 300 meters. damage: 80,000 hp per hit. ] [ players defeated: 50. knights killed: 20. ] --- despite his speed and agility, august found himself caught in the path of the attack. he did his best to move, but the energy wave was too fast, too overwhelming. just as the blast closed in, sir verek leaped forward with his greatsword raised... "divine parry!" verek bellowed while activating one of his most powerful skills. his sword clashed with the energy wave, slicing through a massive portion of it and redirecting it away from august and the remaining fighters behind. --- system notification: [ sir verek used divine parry. energy blast partially deflected. ] --- august was momentarily stunned by the knight''s heroism. "sir verek¡­" the knight turned and a sweat-drenched could be spotted under the helm. "finish this¡­ for tagharium." he had run out of energy. before august could respond, malrik raised his staff, summoning a bolt of dark energy that struck verek square in the chest. the knight''s armor shattered, and he collapsed as his hp depleted instantly. his body slowly dissolved into golden particles. --- system notification: [ sir verek has been defeated. contribution rank: heroic. ] --- "sir varek!" lilo screamed. ''damn... even though he was an npc he was pretty cool. too bad,'' august said internally as he turned to malrik. "you''ll pay for that." august may have said this but he knew the battle was about to get much tougher when malrik activated a spell that began to regenerate his hp. and truly things did get tougher. malrik began to use the power of the lesser divine weapon more vigorously, demolishing the battlefield even more. it was even more difficult to get to him compared to earlier. whenever august attacked, he''d used the divine weapon to rip through the attack. it got to a point where august''s thunder spear was getting useless because malrik was now capable of deflecting them. the battle was getting more hopeless by the second and many players were quitting. explore more adventures at empire it wasn''t necessary to save tagharium after all, there were numerous kingdoms to continue grinding from. all of a sudden a system notification appeared before every player that was still present on the battlefield. [ system notification: reinforcement incoming ] a deafening roar cut through the chaos, drawing every eye to the sky. a massive flying shadow swooped overhead, and as it descended, the figure riding atop it became clear. the warrior was clad in shiny silver armor, etched with ancient runes that glowed with red light. his face was partially obscured by a helmet, but his commanding presence was unmistakable. the dragon he rode was equally earth shattering. it''s scales glitterred like molten gold and it''s wings were as wide as three large buses combined. the flapping of it''s wings were so powerful that they sent a wave of wind sweeping across the vicinity. "it''s¡­ it''s him!" a knight gasped. "the silver sentinel! the legendary dragon rider!" another system notification appeared at this moment. --- system notification: [ allied npc summoned: the silver sentinel (level 90). ] --- "a new powerful npc? just like sir varek?" ezran voiced in surprise. "actually, more powerful," boris chipped in from the side. "since the npc knights recognize him, he must be some kind of legend," lilo was just as astonished. Chapter 149 The Defeat the silver sentinel raised his lance, and the dragon unleashed a torrent of golden flames, carving a path through malrik''s forces. the battlefield erupted into cheers as the tide of the battle instantly shifted.--- system notification: s~ea??h the n??el fire.n§×t website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [ the silver sentinel has dealt 17,000 hp damage to malrik. ] --- "reinforcements? how quaint," malrik sneered before raising the lesser divine weapon. "even your so-called legends cannot withstand the power of divinity." the sentinel didn''t say a single word, instead he responded by jumping off his dragon and thrusting his lance downward with great might. the lance and the divine weapon collided with intensity, causing a ear-splitting crack to ring out as a powerful shockwave spread across the vicinity. malrik groaned a bit but before he could react, the sentinel had sent out another blow and they began to clash in a flurry of strikes. each blow sent shockwaves across the battlefield, forcing everyone to take cover. with every blow, malrik was taking damage but the silver sentinel remained unharmed. this was mostly due to their difference in levels. --- "finally, someone who can properly hurt him," lilo said, watching the clash in awe. "don''t get comfortable," august warned. "even he can''t win outright. that weapon''s too strong." as if to prove his point, malrik roared, swinging the lesser divine weapon in a wide arc. the sentinel''s dragon took the brunt of the blow, roaring in pain as it staggered back. --- system notification: stay connected with empire [ silver sentinel''s dragon takes 30,000 hp damage. ] --- the sentinel quickly regrouped and finally spoke. "we cannot overpower the divine weapon directly. it must be separated from him!" august''s eyes lit up upon hearing this. "if we can take it away, he''ll be vulnerable." "exactly," the sentinel replied. "i will create an opening. the rest of you must be ready to strike." --- the sentinel and his dragon charged at malrik again, coordinating their attacks to force the sorcerer to focus entirely on them. with a mighty roar, the sentinel''s dragon unleashed another torrent of flames, temporarily blinding malrik. "now!" the sentinel shouted, using his lance to disarm malrik. the lesser divine weapon flew from the sorcerer''s grip, embedding itself in the ground several meters away. --- system notification: [ lesser divine weapon temporarily disabled. malrik''s barrier has weakened. malrik''s hp has reduced. ] --- "take him down!" august commanded while activating phantom blitz. he teleported rapidly while brandishing his daggers as he struck malrik''s exposed side. each hit chipped away at the sorcerer''s hp. lilo fired a series of explosive arrows, directly aiming for weak spots. "this is for stressing us the fuck out!" ezran summoned arcane tempest once again, tearing into malrik with renewed fury. boris activated raging cyclone, slamming into malrik with relentless force. "this is for everyone you''ve killed!" --- system notification: [ malrik''s hp: 20,000/100,000. ] --- malrik stumbled upon receiving multiple hits. "no¡­ this cannot be! i am malrik! i wield the power of the divine!" he stretched his hand towards the divine weapon causing it to float in the air like it could feel his pull. the weapon streaked towards him but before he could grab it, the silver sentinel''s dragon bolted through the air causing the blade to fall into the silver sentinel''s grasp. the blade struggled to free itself from his grasp but the silver sentinel held it tightly with all his might while commanding his dragon to keep flying away from the scene. malrik turned around and aimed his staff to the sky but before he could unleash a spell, august dashed to his back and activated nightfang execution. in a blur, he thrust the blade into malrik''s back. the blade pierced so deep that it shot out from his chest. --- system notification: [ critical hit! malrik takes 15,000 hp damage. wounding effect active. ] --- malrik fell to his knees as his staff clattered to the ground. his glowing eyes dimmed as he let out a desperate scream. "you¡­ cannot¡­ stop¡­ the divine¡­" with that, his body dissolved into ash, and the battlefield fell silent. --- system notification: [ city level boss defeated: malrik, the dark sorcerer. ] [ rewards: massive exp, unique loot, reputation boost. ] --- cheers erupted across the battlefield as the remaining players and npcs celebrated their hard-won victory. lilo, boris, and ezran ran to august with looks of relief. "you did it!" lilo exclaimed while pulling august into a quick hug. "not just me," august glanced up at the sentinel, who nodded approvingly from atop his dragon. "it was all of us." the battle was finally over. the battlefield soon fell eerily silent as players and npcs alike recovered from the chaos. the faint glow of the shattered monolith and the ashes of malrik slowly dissipated into the night. suddenly, a chime echoed across the server¡ªa system notification that reached every player in the game. --- system notification: [ world announcement: the forces of tagharium, led by knight varek, mage dorian emberfall, silver sentinel and players aleman, boris, ezran, lilo, and others, have successfully defeated malrik the dark sorcerer and his forces. the divine weapon has been neutralized, and the kingdom is safe once more. eternal gratitude and renown are granted to all involved in this monumental achievement! ] --- the notification continued to list player contributions, with august''s name, aleman appearing at one of the top spots. the world chat exploded across the game as players discussed the feat. --- [world chat]: - player1: "aleman did it again! this guy is slowly becoming a legend." - player2: "first the ogres dungeos, second the swordking dungeon, now malrik? does this dude ever sleep?" - player3: "i need to join their group. imagine the loot they scored!" - player4: "phoenix celestial guild was involved, right? they''re just growing more op by the day." boris turned to august while grinning from ear to ear. "you''re becoming the most talked-about player in the game, you know that?" lilo elbowed him playfully. "hey, don''t forget we were part of it too!" ezran chuckled nervously. "yeah, but let''s be honest¡ªaleman carried most of that fight." august shook his head with a smirk. "let''s not forget you saved my back a few times, ezran. and it was only thanks to my tier 2 abilities that i managed to pull off such a performance." "being humble doesn''t suit you," lilo voiced with a sarcastic tone. Chapter 150 Celebration lilo brightened up. "you should come back to the phoenix celestial guild estate with us. it''s about time you met the others.""alright," august responded with a nod. "lead the way." ... ... the transition from the chaotic battlefields of tagharium to the peaceful expanse of gallorn kingdom was like stepping into another world. the road wound through golden fields and tranquil villages as each step took august closer to the fabled phoenix celestial guild estate. as they crested a hill, the estate came into view, spreading across the horizon like a small city. the estate was massive, surrounded by high stone walls and patrolled by elite npc guards. within its borders were multiple buildings, each designed with intricate architecture. training grounds, workshops, mage towers, stables filled with glowing mounts, and even a marketplace dotted the landscape. at the heart of the estate stood the main guild hall, a tall fortress-like structure bearing the emblem of the phoenix celestial guild¡ªa fiery phoenix rising triumphantly. boris grinned as he gestured toward the estate. "welcome to the home of phoenix celestial. impressed yet?" "it''s¡­ bigger than i expected," august admitted while scanning the surroundings. "bigger and better," lilo chimed in with a smirk. "you''re about to see why this guild is one of the top-tier groups in enders light." the gates swung open as the group approached. the guards saluted lilo, boris, and ezran as they entered. inside, the estate was swamped. players trained in the courtyards with npc knights... mages studied ancient tomes in an open library... merchants called out their wares in the marketplace, offering rare items and potions for discounted prices... guild members had gathered in the courtyard to welcome back boris, ezran, and lilo. a table lined with virtual feasts and celebratory drinks was set up as a tradition for welcoming returning victors. "you made it!" a guild member exclaimed while clapping boris on the back. "we saw the world announcement. you three are legends now!" ezran blushed under the attention, muttering, "it was really aleman who did most of the work¡­" lilo raised her glass playfully. "a toast to us¡ªand to aleman, the mvp of the battle!" the crowd turned to august in admiration. though he wasn''t part of the guild, his feats on the battlefield had not gone unnoticed. --- system notification: [ reputation with phoenix celestial guild increased significantly. ] --- they all drank the alcohol together and chatted briefly in high spirits. [ you have consumed grape beer ] [ +2 energy points ] [ you have consumed grape beer ] [ +2 energy points ] [ you have consumed grape beer ] [ +2 energy points ] "oh these are pretty good," august said while downing another glass. "i know right? i can feel the taste in my real mouth," lilo jumped up and down excitedly. a a group of phoenix celestial guild members soon approached the gathering. at the forefront were captain darric, a warrior in dark silver armor, and captain selene, a mage whose shimmering robes seemed to shift colors with every step. "so, this is the infamous aleman," darric voiced with a welcoming tone as he extended a hand. "the man who took down a city level sorcerer. you''ve been causing quite the stir." august shook his hand firmly. "it wasn''t just me." selene smiled faintly while fixing her gaze on august. "aria mentioned you before she left on her mission. she said you''d be¡­ interesting." sea??h th§× n?vel(f)ire.n§×t website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. --- system notification: [ you have entered the phoenix celestial guild estate. reputation with the guild has increased. ] --- lilo leaned over to august and whispered, "aria always asks about you." "too bad she''s not here," august replied. "she''s off with her team¡ªdrask, gareth, and the others¡ªon a high-level mission," darric explained. "but she''ll be back soon." "come with us... we have much to discuss," captain darric called out to august. ... the group entered the main guild hall which was filled with grand halls, meeting rooms, and trophy-lined corridors. at the center of the main hall was a massive circular table, around which several captains and officers discussed strategies. darric gestured for august to sit. "we''ve been watching you, aleman. your feats speak for themselves¡ªthe ogre''s dwelling, the swordking dungeon, malrik, and your very recent tier 2 transformation. you''d be a valuable addition to our ranks." selene nodded. "phoenix celestial offers resources, alliances, and protection. joining us would elevate your game in ways you can''t imagine. not to mention that you will be booted up the ranks immediately and start with a particular sum as salary." august leaned back."i appreciate the offer. really, i do. but i''m not looking to join any guilds right now." darric frowned, clearly displeased. "do you understand what you''re passing up? we''re not just any guild. we''re the top-ranked group in gallorn and among the best in enders light." august nodded. "i know. and i respect what you''ve built here. but i work best on my own. it''s not about the perks or the prestige. it''s about freedom." selene tilted her head, studying him. "even knowing that ice queen herself is interested in you?" "that''s flattering," august replied with a faint smile. "but my answer''s still the same. that doesn''t mean we can''t work together. if you need my help, i''m open to collaborations." stay tuned to empire darric sighed while crossing his arms. "you''re either incredibly bold or incredibly foolish. but i''ll respect your decision¡ªfor now." selene smiled faintly. "it seems you''re not easily swayed. the ice queen will want to speak with you when she returns." lilo nudged boris. "told you he wouldn''t join. he''s impossible to tie down." boris chuckled. "classic aleman. always doing things his own way." ezran simply smiled. "it''s what makes him aleman." --- as august made his way out of the guild hall, darric called after him. "remember, the door''s always open. if you ever change your mind, phoenix celestial will be here." selene added, "and don''t forget, you still owe our ice queen a conversation." august glanced back, giving a casual wave. "i''ll keep that in mind." lilo hugged him briefly at the gates. "don''t be a stranger, alright?" "not a chance," august replied with a smirk. boris clapped him on the back. "stay safe out there, legend." ezran gave a shy wave. "see you soon, aleman." Chapter 151 Making Big Purchases as august exited pheonix celestial, he began to receive messages in form of system notifications.--- system notification: [ guild invitation received: shadow''s covenant. ] [ guild invitation received: crimson vanguard. ] [ guild invitation received: eternal flame. ] ---- august dismissed the notifications with a wave. "i''m not interested. like i said, i work alone." ... ... the streets of tagharium were abuzz with activity as august strolled through. his hood was drawn low but failed to hide his identity entirely. renovations were underway across the city, with scaffolding climbing up damaged buildings and workers¡ªboth npcs and players¡ªbusy repairing what the battle against malrik had destroyed. despite the destruction, a spirit of resilience filled the air. august''s footsteps were measured as he navigated the familiar streets, thinking about the notifications he had received earlier. the sound of hammering and distant chatter blended with the chime of system alerts, pulling his attention back to his interface. he opened his rewards menu, curious to see what had come from his efforts during the battle. --- system notification: [ contribution rank: high. rewards distributed accordingly. ] [ exp gained: 1,500,000. current exp: 570,200/1,750,000. level up! current level: 33. ] [ perks acquired: thunder spear (level up), 10¡Á temporary power boost card (x3), rare item chest (x1). ] [ reputation in tagharium increased by +600. current reputation: 920/1,000 (eligibility for lowest rank of nobility nearing). ] --- august''s brows furrowed in surprise as he blinked at the last notification. "nobility? that''s... unexpected." he chuckled while shaking his head. "i just wanted to get through the fight. now i''m about to get a title?" opening his player status panel, august examined his new stats. --- << player status panel >> name: aleman class: assassin/mage title: sovereign of anti-darkness level: 33 exp: 570,200/1,750,000 hp: 17,600/17,500 mp: 11,000/11,000 gold: 28,120 power level: tier 2 --- his eyes lingered on the new "tier 2" designation. it wasn''t just a symbol of power¡ªit was a badge of distinction. few players in the game could boast about achieving it, let alone at level 33. flipping to his abilities, he noted the thunder spear level-up. "guess i''ve got to test that out soon," he murmured to himself. his fingers hovered over the newly leveled spell, already imagining the devastation it could bring. the streets began to grow busier as he ventured deeper into the city. players and npcs alike bustled about, some carrying supplies, others gossiping about the recent battle. a group of children ran up to him excitedly. "you''re aleman, aren''t you?" one of them questioned with wide eyes. it was a boy clutching a wooden sword. "you were the one who helped save tagharium!" another girl with pigtails tugged at his cloak. "my papa says you''re a hero! is it true you defeated the evil sorcerer?" august crouched slightly as his demeanor softened. "it wasn''t just me," he stated, "there were a lot of brave people fighting that day." "you''re so cool!" the boy exclaimed while holding out his wooden sword. "teach me something, please!" august chuckled before ruffling the boy''s hair. "maybe one day. but for now, you''ve got to keep practicing. even the smallest warriors can grow strong." << general likability increased >> as the children scampered off, a group of older npcs¡ªbeggars clad in tattered clothes¡ªapproached hesitantly. one of them, a frail man with a weathered face, bowed deeply. "thank you, sir," the man voiced in deep appreciation. "for saving our city. we thought... we thought we were done for." august straightened him with an earnest expression. "you don''t have to thank me. it''s my responsibility as much as anyone else''s." the group exchanged grateful looks before retreating, leaving august to continue his walk. the city seemed to notice him more now as players nodded in recognition and npc shopkeepers called out greetings. this much attention was quite new although he almost couldn''t remember the last time he had a peaceful walk since he was always getting recognized for one thing or the other. fortunately, it carried a sense of accomplishment. "guess that''s what happens when your name gets blasted across a world announcement for the third time," he muttered. despite the buzz around him, august''s thoughts wandered to his growth. three months ago, he had barely been scraping by at level 12. now, at level 33 and a tier 2 player, he felt like an entirely different person. the sheer gap in power between his current self and his past self was staggering, and the thought of how much stronger he could become made him smirk. "i''ve come quite a distance," he voiced quietly while glancing at the surrounding npcs and players. "but this is just the start." he stopped by a quiet corner near the market and leaned against a crumbling wall as he opened his inventory. the rare item chest he''d received from the battle rewards shimmered in his hands. "let''s see what you''ve got for me," he said before opening it. a swirl of light filled his screen before a notification popped up. --- system notification: [ rare item acquired: shadow mantle of the raven lord ] --- the description read: *an enchanted mantle that enhances stealth abilities and increases critical hit chance by 10% when attacking from the shadows.* august grinned. "not bad. not bad at all." as he closed his inventory, the streets around him grew busier and footsteps coupled with the clamor of voices pulled him back to the present. s§×arch* the n??el fire.n§×t website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. his in-game clock ticked steadily toward logout time, reminding him that he had already been online for four straight days which was two days in the real world. but there was one more thing he needed to do before logging out. he adjusted his cloak as his eyes scanned the city and he stepped away from the wall. "alright," he murmured to himself. "let''s wrap this up." he proceeded to start moving. soon august arrived at the market district which fortunately wasn''t amongst the destroyed areas. the glow of signs advertising rare items and magical trinkets illuminated the streets. npc vendors shouted their wares while players haggled fiercely over prices. enjoy new stories from empire it was time for him to take the first step in his plan to create his supernatural guards for am coven in the real world. since the prices for hiring supernatural players as guards were too high, he already decided to make his. stopping at a stall manned by an npc blacksmith with bulging muscles and soot-streaked skin, august tapped the edge of the counter. "i''m looking for something that boosts speed. got anything good?" the blacksmith nodded before pulling out a gleaming pair of boots. "these are the fleetfoot greaves. one of my finest works. increases movement speed by 35% and reduces stamina consumption while sprinting. 20 gold." august examined the dark red boots with a keen look. "i''ll take five." --- system notification: [ purchase successful: fleetfoot greaves acquired(¡Á5). -100 gold. ] --- as he slipped the boots into his inventory, august''s gaze moved to another stall. this one displayed an array of traps and mechanical devices. an npc merchant wearing a tinker''s apron noticed his interest and gestured enthusiastically. "ah, a man of taste! may i interest you in these snapbomb traps? perfect for immobilizing enemies. or perhaps a set of motion trigger systems, capable of detecting even the stealthiest of foes and dealing a power attack upon detection." august nodded. "i''ll take five of each." Chapter 152 Extracting It All ---system notification: [ purchase successful: snapbombtraps (x5) acquired. -10 gold. ] [ purchase successful: motion trigger systems (x5) acquired. -10 gold. ] --- his next stop was at an armory where enchanted armors were displayed on mannequins. a large npc armorer greeted him with a booming voice. "looking to fortify yourself, eh? this here is the aegis plate, enchanted to boost physical defense by 100%. a steal at 500 gold." "expensive... i''ll take five," august stated. armor that gave a hundred percent defense to physical attacks would have been way more expensive but in the game, there were a lot more magical attacks than physical so it made sense for it to not be overpriced. august was sure the price would be set up for hundreds of thousands of gold if it was a 100% magical boost. --- system notification: [ purchase successful: aegis plate acquired. -2,500 gold. ] --- satisfied with his purchases in tagharium, august headed toward the portal hub with his gold pouch significantly lighter but his inventory stacked with high-quality items. "destination?" the npc question. "disco city," august replied while handing over the required fee. --- system notification: [ teleportation to disco city initiated. -2 silver. ] --- spatial magic enveloped him as he stepped through the portal while the world around him dissolved into light before reforming into the neon-lit expanse of disco city. skyscrapers adorned with holographic displays could be spotted overhead, and the streets thrummed with the sound of tech and energy. players with tech classes¡ªhunters, cyborgs, forgers, and the like¡ªroamed the area in their futuristic gear. "back here again," august muttered to himself as a hint of nostalgia crept into his voice. his first visit had been brief and helped with his cover as aleman in real life. now it was about to help his business once again. the first shop he entered specialized in tech-enhanced weapons. the npc vendor who was an android with glowing blue eyes, greeted him in a monotone voice. "welcome, traveler. how may i assist you?" sear?h the ¦Çovelfire.¦Çet website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "i need something versatile and powerful," august said. the android gestured to a set of robotic arms mounted on the wall. "these are titan arms mk ii. capable of firing concentrated energy blasts. integrated defense shields included. price: 2,000 gold." "fuck," august cussed a little. "i can assure you, the price is worth it," the android seemed to have read his expression. "*sigh* this is gonna leave me wrecked. i''ll take five," august went on to purchase them. system notification: [ purchase successful: titan arms mk ii acquired(¡Á5). -10,000 gold.] --- next, he browsed through a shop filled with tech-enhanced gadgets. an npc in a lab coat pointed out a small device resembling a cube. "this is the echo core, capable of creating holographic decoys to confuse enemies. a must-have for any strategist. 20 silver." august inspected the device briefly before adding it to his inventory. "i''ll take it." --- system notification: [ purchase successful: echo core acquired. -20 silver. ] --- his final stop was at a gear workshop where a grizzled npc mechanic tinkered with various pieces of equipment. "got anything for mobility?" august asked. the mechanic grunted before reaching under his workbench to pull out a hoverboard-like device. "nimbus glide. boosts speed and allows limited flight. perfect for quick escapes. 20 gold." august grinned before tossing the mechanic the gold. "i''ll take it." --- system notification: [ purchase successful: nimbus glide acquired. -20 gold. ] --- as august stepped out of the workshop, his inventory was packed with weapons, armor, and gadgets... he couldn''t help but feel satisfied. his plan was finally coming together. "time to extract all of this," he muttered while opening his inventory. his fingers were coated in a purplish glow as he selected the items he wanted to bring into the real world. one by one, the items vanished from his inventory, replaced by notifications confirming their successful extraction. --- system notifications: [ extraction successful: fleetfoot greaves (¡Á5). item available in reality. ] [ extraction successful: snapbomb traps (x5). items available in reality. ] [ extraction successful: motion trigger systems (x5). items available in reality. ] [ extraction successful: aegis plate (¡Á5). item available in reality. ] [ extraction successful: titan arms mk ii (¡Á5). item available in reality. ] [ extraction successful: echo core. item available in reality. ] [ extraction successful: nimbus glide. item available in reality. ] --- august closed the interface with a look of satisfaction. "now it''s time to log out." ... the hiss of the pod opening was almost therapeutic as august logged out of enders light after days of intense gameplay. enjoy exclusive content from empire in the real world, only two days had passed, but his body felt the strain of prolonged immersion. he stretched in the process of groaning as his stiff muscles protested the movement. "gotta get a better pod," he muttered to himself while shaking his head. the current model was functional but didn''t allow for a very long immersion and after spending so much time inside, it was starting to show its shortcomings. his gaze fell to the corner of the room where all the items he had extracted from the game lay neatly arranged. the titan arms mk ii shimmered faintly and the fleetfoot greaves looked just as impressive as they had in the game, and the rest of the gadgets and equipment practically radiated potential. "not bad," august said with a smirk before running his hand over the echo core. "these are going to come in handy." leaving the room, he headed to the small living room of the apartment. the faint sound of the city outside filtered through the closed windows. on the dining table, a note sat propped up against a plate of covered food. --- sophia''s note: "you''re finally out of your cave, huh? food''s in the microwave. try not to lock yourself away for days next time, gamer boy. some of us still have normal lives to live. off to school. don''t burn the apartment down!" --- august laughed while shaking his head. "she''s never going to let me live this down." he uncovered the plate to find a hearty breakfast¡ªeggs, toast, and bacon. "thanks, little sis," he murmured even though she wasn''t there to hear him. he quickly warmed the food and sat down to eat, pulling out his phone to scroll through the news. the headlines were the usual bag of world events and sensational stories, but one in particular caught his attention: --- ''breaking news: unknown vigilante takes down oni members in valridge city'' *an unnamed superpowered individual has once again disrupted the operations of the mysterious oni group, this time in valridge city. witnesses report a display of extraordinary abilities, though the identity of the vigilante remains unknown. speculation continues as to whether this individual is part of a larger movement against the onis¡­* --- august sighed before setting his phone down as he chewed thoughtfully. "this world really is turning into a comic book," he muttered. "superheroes and villains running around like it''s a saturday morning cartoon." he shook his head. it wasn''t his problem. his only concern was am coven and ensuring its success. the rest of the world could deal with their masked heroes and shadowy organizations. as for him, he hoped never to have an encounter with any side ever again. once breakfast was done, he cleaned up and headed to the bathroom to freshen up Chapter 153 Supernatural Guards A private room in AM Coven was spacious and lined with reinforced walls that hinted at its purpose: training and preparation.August who was currently fully geared as Aleman with his technological helmet, stood before five men. They were all ruggedly built with muscular frames that attested to years of hard labor at the factory. Derrick had gathered them, vouching for their loyalty and capabilities. Among them was Greg, the man who had once had a scuffle with August back in their factory days. Greg shifted uneasily but kept his composure, glancing occasionally at Aleman as if trying to discern something familiar about him. The rest of the men stood with looks of curiosity as they stole glances at the high-tech figure before them. Derrick stepped forward, breaking the silence. "Alright, listen up, fellas. You''ve been brought here for a reason. This is Aleman, the man behind AM Coven. He''s the one offering you this opportunity." One of the men with a shaved head stepped forward. "Mr. Aleman, sir, Derrick told us about the job. Ten grand a month? We''re all in. Thank you for giving us this chance." The others nodded, murmuring their gratitude. Aleman''s voice came out modulated, cool, and authoritative through the helmet. "This isn''t just a job," he began. "AM Coven is not going to be an ordinary business. What I''m building here will attract attention¡ªdangerous attention. You''re not just signing up to be guards. You''re signing up to protect something much bigger than yourselves." Greg frowned while crossing his arms. "What kind of danger are we talking about?" The glowing visor of Aleman''s helmet cast an eerie light on their faces as he slightly tilted his head. "The kind that doesn''t play by the rules. The kind that could endanger your lives if you''re not prepared." The room fell silent. Derrick gave them a reassuring nod from the side. "That''s why you''ll be trained and equipped properly. Trust me, you''ve never seen anything like what Aleman''s about to show you." Aleman extended his hand and opened his inventory panel. One by one, items materialized in the room. First came the Titan Arms Mk II, gleaming robotic arms that looked like they belonged in a sci-fi movie. Then the Fleetfoot Greaves, the Aegis Plate, and a collection of traps and gadgets, including the Echo Core and Snapbomb Traps. The men stared with both disbelief and confusion. ''Did he just make these things appear out of thin air?'' "What the hell is this?" Greg muttered while stepping closer to inspect the robotic arms. Aleman calmly picked up one of the Titan Arms and slid it onto his right arm. The device latched onto his suit with a satisfying click, glowing faintly with energy cells. Without a word, he raised the arm and aimed at a glass panel positioned in the center of the room. A low vibration filled the air as the arm charged. "Watch closely," Aleman instructed. He fired. A concentrated beam of silver energy shot out, obliterating the glass into a thousand tiny shards. The force of the blast echoed in the room, leaving behind a faint scorch mark on the reinforced wall. "Holy shit!" one of the men exclaimed while stumbling back. Another one of them who was tall with a sleeper build and a tattooed arm, let out a low whistle. "What kind of tech is this?" Aleman turned to face them as the energy from the arm dissipated. "This is the kind of power you''ll wield if you accept this role. You''re not just guards¡ªyou''ll be protectors of something extraordinary. But to use this equipment, you''ll need training. Discipline. And most importantly, trust." Greg, still trying to process what he''d seen, folded his arms. "And what exactly are we protecting?" Aleman stepped closer, silencing any doubt with his imposing presence. "AM Coven is my business, and it will become a hub for things that the world isn''t ready to handle. There will be people¡ªdangerous people¡ªwho will try to interfere. Your job will be to ensure they don''t succeed." Another man, broad-shouldered with a gruff voice, nodded slowly. "So, we''re like... some kind of high-tech security team?" "Think of it as a first line of defense," Aleman replied. "You''ll be equipped to handle threats most people can''t even imagine. But this isn''t for everyone. If any of you feel you''re not up to it, now''s the time to walk away." The men exchanged glances, but none moved to leave. Greg finally spoke up. "I''ve done heavy lifting all my life. I''ve dealt with danger before. If Derrick says this is worth it, I''m in." The others echoed his sentiment, solidifying their resolves. The men eyed the remaining gear August had extracted with curiosity etched into their faces. August stepped forward, picking up the Fleetfoot Greaves. The boot''s smooth design and faint blue glow gave them an otherworldly presence. "These," August voiced while holding them up for the group to see, "are the Fleetfoot Greaves. They''ll increase your movement speed by 35%, and trust me, that makes all the difference when things get chaotic." He handed a pair to each of the men. One by one, they slipped them on with skeptical expressions at first. "Feels like regular boots," Greg muttered while shifting his weight. "Run," August instructed, gesturing toward the far side of the room. Greg exchanged glances with the others before taking off. The moment he started moving, his expression shifted from doubt to exhilaration. His feet moved faster than he thought possible and his body nearly turned into a blur as he crossed the room in seconds. "Holy shit!" he exclaimed before skidding to a halt. "Did you see that? I''ve never moved that fast in my life!" The others quickly followed suit, testing their newfound speed and marveling at the results. Derrick smirked. "Told you guys this wasn''t just some regular gig." August nodded, satisfied. "Now that you''ve seen what these boots can do, let''s move on." He turned to the Aegis Plate armor. "This is the Aegis Plate. It''s designed to increase your overall defense by 100%. Lightweight, durable, and capable of withstanding most conventional attacks." sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The men took turns equipping the armor and quickly adapting to the gear''s lightweight design. One of them tapped the chestpiece. "This feels... weirdly comfortable," he said. "That''s the enchantment," August explained. "It adapts to your body, giving you a full range of motion while still offering maximum protection." He moved to the table and picked up a few smoke bombs and small, circular gadgets. "These are your gadgets. Smoke bombs for instant cover and Motion Trigger Devices to detect movement within a certain radius. Think of these as your eyes and ears when visibility is low." Greg, who had finally recovered from his earlier sprint, picked up one of the devices and turned it over in his hands. "So, how do these work?" "Simple," August replied. "Just place it in an area you want monitored. Any movement triggers a silent alert on these wristbands." He handed out the small devices, which each man secured to their wrists. "You''ll know where the movement is and how close it''s getting." One of the men, clearly skeptical, tossed a smoke bomb a few feet away. The room was instantly filled with a thick, impenetrable cloud. "I can''t see a damn thing!" his voice was muffled in the haze as he yelled. "Exactly the point," August''s voice cut through the smoke. A faint system notification rang out as August activated his Voidstep. [ Voidstep Activated ] Before anyone could react, August was on the other side of the room. "Use the tools wisely, and you''ll always have the upper hand." One of them tapped the motion trigger system and stared at his watch, he saw red glowing moving figures that represented the people in the surroundings. It showed real-time movement but surprisingly only six dots were displayed huddled together while the seventh was on the other end completely. When the smoke cleared, the men looked around in amazement. One of them, still slightly coughing, shook his head. "I didn''t even see you move." "That''s the idea," August stated. "With these tools, you''ll be able to handle most threats. But remember, gear is only as good as the person using it. Your training will ensure you know exactly how to deploy these." "You''ll each have access to these," August spoke with a serious tone. "But only when I''m confident you can handle them responsibly." Greg stepped forward. "You''ve really thought this through, haven''t you?" "I don''t take chances," August replied with his modulated voice emitting a cold pitch. "AM Coven is more than a business. It''s going to attract attention¡ªthe wrong kind. That''s where you come in. I don''t need guards. I need protectors. And with this gear, you''re more than equipped to handle whatever comes your way." The men exchanged serious glances, and then one of them spoke up. "You can count on us, Aleman. Whatever comes, we''ll handle it." Aleman nodded. "Good. Training starts tomorrow. Derrick will oversee the basics. And remember¡ªthis isn''t just a job. It''s a commitment." Chapter 154 AM Coven Opening AM Coven stood as a masterpiece of futuristic design.Every inch of it reflected August''s meticulous planning. The main floor was had been turned into a high-tech environment with glowing panels, holographic displays, and intricate detailing. Each display cases that lined the walls were illuminated by soft ambient light to highlight the items within. The Players'' Lounge was a welcoming area, outfitted with comfortable seating, digital kiosks for transactions, and a central hub where players could gather to discuss trades and strategies. For August, this wasn''t just a business¡ªit was the foundation of something revolutionary. He stood in the main hall as his helmet reflected the light from the display cases while he accessed his inventory. One by one, items began to materialize in the shop. A shimmering Sword of Emberflame uncommon grade weapon appeared first. It''s blade glowing faintly as if still carrying the heat of the flames it was forged in. Next came a collection of Silverfang Daggers. Their edges seemed so sharp like they could cut you just from staring at them. "Let''s start with these," August muttered to himself, carefully placing each item into its designated case. --- System Notification: [ Extraction Successful: Sword of Emberflame. Item available in reality. ] [ Extraction Successful: Silverfang Daggers (x3). Items available in reality. ] [ Extraction Successful: Starweaver Amulet. Item available in reality. ] --- The Starweaver Amulet was one of the items he acquired during the Swordking''s Dungeon clearing. It shimmered like a constellation trapped in glass. It found its place in a case near the front of the shop. It would no doubt command attention when AM coven was fully open. August continued his work, extracting an array of items¡ªenchanted swords, mystical trinkets, protective talismans, and rare artifacts. Each item was positioned to catch the eye, every display meticulously curated to exude both value and power. As he worked, his thoughts drifted to the Fruit of Sin, safely stored in his inventory. For a moment, he considered extracting it. The item was priceless, a treasure sought by players and collectors alike. But he shook his head. "Not yet," he muttered. "Too much risk right now." The fruit would remain a secret for now. He intended to reserve it for a later time when the right opportunity arose. Once all the items were displayed, August turned his attention to the shop''s security. The traps and motion detection attack systems he had extracted from the game were essential to ensuring AM Coven''s safety. He activated the Motion Trigger Devices first, strategically placing them throughout the shop. Next, he set up the Snapbomb Traps near the most valuable items. Their mechanisms were concealed but ready to spring into action if needed. Finally, he linked the motion detection systems to an Echo Core, which would alert him and the guards to any unauthorized activity. August stepped back with a look of satisfaction whe admiring his work. The shop felt alive now as every detail fell into place. It wasn''t just a marketplace¡ªit was a sanctuary for players who wanted to trade their hard-earned treasures without fear of theft or interference. ... ... The private training room of AM Coven became a battleground of progress over the past week. The five guards¡ªGreg, Marcus, Eliot, Terry, and Darnell¡ªwere no longer just factory workers. Under Aleman''s guidance, they had transformed into a well-coordinated team, each man mastering the gear and gadgets he had extracted from Enders Light. Day in and day out, August, disguised as Aleman, drilled them relentlessly, ensuring they could handle any situation that might arise. "Again!" Aleman barked as Greg, wearing the Titan Arms Mk II, fired a powerful energy blast at a moving target. The blast hit its mark, shattering the reinforced dummy into pieces. Greg lowered the robotic arm, grinning despite the sweat dripping down his face. "I think I''m getting the hang of this, boss." "You''re improving," Aleman acknowledged while stepping forward. "But don''t get cocky. In a real fight, you won''t have time to celebrate." Meanwhile, Darnell, equipped with Fleetfoot Greaves, darted across the room with speed as he set up traps. "Done," he called out, skidding to a halt. Aleman activated the Motion Trigger Device, and a faint ping echoed through the room as the traps sprang to life. "Good timing," he said. "But try to shave off half a second. That could be the difference between catching an intruder and losing them." Darnell groaned but nodded. "Got it, boss. Half a second faster, coming right up." Terry and Eliot were on another side of the room, practicing with smoke bombs and decoys. Eliot activated the Echo Core, which projected a holographic duplicate of himself. "This thing''s crazy," Eliot watched the decoy mimic his movements in amazement. "Good for confusing enemies," Aleman replied. "But don''t rely on it too much. Always have a backup plan." Marcus, ever the powerhouse, was testing the durability of the Aegis Plate. Aleman tossed a smoke bomb at him, then dashed in using Void Stepper, reappearing right in front of Marcus and slamming a training staff into his chest. The armor absorbed the impact with a faint glow. Marcus staggered back while grinning. "That''s all you''ve got?" Aleman tilted his head. "You want more?" Raising his hand, Aleman charged a Thunder Spear. [ ThunderSpear Has Been Activated ] sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The air vibrated with electrifying energy as snaky blue light gathered in his palm. The guards froze as their eyes widened. "Boss, wait¡ª" Marcus called out and fortunately Aleman fired the spear at a reinforced wall instead. The blast was deafening as the spear exploding on impact and leaving a scorched crater. Everyone stared at the destruction with stunned looks. "And that," Aleman said calmly while lowering his hand, "is why I only use that outside. Let''s stick to the basics for now." ''How can he even do that?'' the guards were starting to realize that despite their powerful equipments, they still weren''t the strongest in the room. While the guards continued practicing, Derrick stepped forward. "You know I''m not really a game guy, right?" "You''re still going to learn," Aleman replied while tossing him a set of lightweight gear. "Even if you''re running things most of the time, you need to know how to use these equipments to defend yourself... The world is changing, you never know who you might run into." Derrick sighed while slipping on the gear. "Fine, but if I break something, it''s on you." The two worked through drills, with Derrick focusing on using the same robotic arms with the others and testing out the durability of the armor. --- Outside the training room, AM Coven was bustling with activity. August had hired a team of staff to handle the day-to-day operations. Customer service representatives who would greet clients at the front desk, accountants managed the financials, and cleaners ensured the building remained pristine. Each person had been carefully vetted before getting picked. The aesthetic of the place was astonishing. Display cases lined the walls, each housing an item extracted from Enders Light. Swords with glowing runes, daggers imbued with shadowy energy, and trinkets that seemed to exuded magical energy. Magic staffs, Berserkers axe, and even arrows were in the mix... Every corner of AM Coven exuded a futuristic, almost magical charm, leaving visitors in awe the moment they stepped through the doors. --- The day of the grand opening had arrived. The entire staff, guards included, stood assembled in the main hall. Aleman stood before them with his helmet glowing faintly as he addressed the group. "Welcome to AM Coven," he began with a commanding tone. "What we''ve built here isn''t just a business¡ªit''s a sanctuary. A place where players can safely trade their treasures, extracted from the game into reality. A place where innovation meets security." He gestured to the guards. "These men are the first line of defense. They''ve trained tirelessly to ensure this place remains safe. And every one of you¡ªcustomer service, accountants, cleaners¡ªyou''re all part of something bigger. Together, we''re setting a new standard." The staff applauded with enthusiasm. They couldn''t wait to see what this new journey had to offer. Derrick stepped forward, grinning. "Let''s get to work, people!" As the doors opened to the public, the first wave of customers entered. These were people that had already heard of it online since August had used the video of saving the patient at Faith Specialist Hospital as a form of promotion. He posted a video online a few days prior to this mentioning AM Coven and how it will be a place for gamers. He also displayed items extracted and the video blew up online so the turn out wasn''t unexpected. The expressions of the ones who had just arrived immediately shifted to awe as they took in the displays. A young player gasped as he spotted the Sword of Emberflame while another pointed excitedly at a glowing amulet. "This place is insane," one customer whispered. "It''s like something out of a movie," another added. Aleman observed from a distance, satisfied. Everything had fallen into place, and AM Coven was already starting to make it''s mark. As the day progressed, August slipped into a quiet corner to observe the activity. AM Coven was officially open for business. Chapter 155 Creating A Buzz The buzz about AM Coven soon spread across specific parts of the city. The name Aleman was once again on people''s lips, sparking conversations and debates.--- In a crowded caf¨¦, a group of gamers hunched over their phones, watching the promotional video Aleman had released a few days prior. "Wait a second," one of them said while pointing at the screen. "Did he say his name is Aleman? As in *the* Aleman?" Another leaned in, squinting at the figure in the futuristic helmet and suit. "You mean the guy who was selling extracted game items months ago? I thought he disappeared." "Apparently not," the first one replied. "He''s probably been busy building this place, AM Coven. Makes sense now. He''s always been ahead of the curve." A third chimed in, grinning. "I heard he''s the same Aleman from *Enders Light*. You know, the guy who helped take down Malrik in Tagharium." "Wait, *that* Aleman? The one who destroyed the monolith and blasted through Malrik''s barrier?" "Could be. Or it could be someone else just using the name for clout. Either way, I''m checking this place out. They''re saying it''s got items from the Swordking Dungeon on display." "Count me in," another added. "If it''s legit, I''m not missing out." --- Elsewhere, in a brightly lit office space, a woman scrolled through her phone during her break. Her eyes widened as she saw Aleman''s video trending online. "This can''t be real," she muttered. "The Miracle Man?" Her colleague looked over her shoulder. "Miracle Man?" "Yeah, don''t you remember? A few weeks ago, someone dressed exactly like this helped save a patient during surgery at Faith Specialist Hospital. He somehow worked with the police to also save a college student and caught two Oni terrorists. Everyone called him a hero back then." Her colleague frowned, leaning closer. "You think it''s the same guy?" "He''s dressed exactly the same. AM Coven is definitely worth checking out." --- Meanwhile, in the slums, a group of teenagers crowded around a beat-up laptop in a makeshift gaming den. They had stumbled upon the promotional video by chance and were now thoroughly intrigued. "Yo, this place looks insane!" one of them exclaimed. "Yeah, but Aleman? That''s the guy from *Enders Light*, right?" "Maybe. Or maybe someone''s trying to cash in on the name. Either way, I''m saving up to go there. Imagine getting my hands on some of that gear." --- In the heart of the city''s underground, a lavish private office buzzed with activity. Sir Flookz, a dangerous looking man with a sharp suit and a sharper mind, sat in a high-backed chair as one of his underlings placed a tablet on the desk before him. The screen displayed Aleman''s video, the helmeted figure standing confidently in the interiors of AM Coven. "Boss, you''re going to want to see this," the underling voiced while stepping back respectfully. Sir Flookz leaned forward while narrowing his beady eyes as he watched the video. When it finished, he let out a low chuckle. Continue your adventure at empire "So, that''s where he''s been," Flookz''s voice with a deep and gravelly tone. "I haven''t heard from Aleman in over a month. I thought he''d run out of tricks. But no¡ªhe was building this." The underling nodded. "Looks like he''s upgraded. New gear, new look, new business. What do you want us to do?" Flookz leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "Nothing for now. Let''s see how this plays out. If Aleman''s involved, there''s bound to be profit. But keep an eye on him. If AM Coven becomes a problem¡ªor an opportunity¡ªI want to know immediately." "Yes, boss," the underling replied while bowing slightly before leaving the room. Flookz stared at the screen for a moment longer as a sly smile appeared on his face. "Looks like you''ve stepped up, Aleman. I might be paying you a visit soon." His eyes drifted to the glowing sword placed on the left side of the wall momentarily while he let out a chuckle. ... ... In a particular building on the west side of the city, the elevator groaned softly as it ascended to the twelfth floor of the building. Inside, a group of Enders Light players and traders exchanged glances with excited looks. AM Coven''s reputation had grown rapidly over the past week, and whispers of its cutting-edge designs, rare items, and elite security were enough to draw in both the curious and the ambitious. When the elevator doors slid open, the visitors stepped out into another world. The expansive hall of AM Coven shimmered with a futuristic brilliance as the walls glowed faintly with embedded neon strips. Display cases lined the room, showcasing an array of dazzling artifacts from Enders Light. Each item seemed to pulse with an otherworldly energy, drawing gasps from the newcomers. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Yet, it wasn''t just the treasures that stopped them in their tracks¡ªit was the guards. Standing tall at strategic points around the floor, the five men looked more like futuristic warriors than security personnel. They weren''t just guards¡ªthey were a presence. Each of them wore a smooth black modular armor plate. The armor was etched with glowing runes that pulsed rhythmically, and the insignia of AM Coven¡ªa pair of intersecting blades forming an "A"¡ªwas emblazoned proudly on their chests. Over the armor, a flowing black coat added an air of menace, and its edges were trimmed with silver threads that shimmered in the light. But what truly set them apart were the Titan Arms Mk II, robotic arms fused seamlessly with their armor. The arms glowed faintly with red energy lines tracing intricate patterns along the matte black surface. The guards moved with a mechanical precision that hinted at their enhanced capabilities. --- One of the newcomers froze mid-step. "Holy crap," he muttered while nudging his friend. "They look like something out of a cyberpunk movie." His friend nodded slowly. "I feel like I shouldn''t even breathe too hard in here." Marcus, the towering powerhouse of the group, stood near the entrance with his robotic arms crossed over his chest. A faint red glow illuminated his visor as he scanned the newcomers. "Welcome to AM Coven," Marcus said with a smile. "Behave, and you''ll enjoy your time here." The young player swallowed hard, offering a nervous laugh. "Y-yeah, of course." --- Further inside, Darnell was patrolling the central area as his Fleetfoot Greaves left faint blue streaks on the ground as he moved. His speed was mesmerizing, and he seemed to appear and disappear between displays like a ghost. A group of traders near the Starweaver Amulet watched him with unease. "Did you see that?" one of them whispered. "He''s fast. Like, *really* fast." Another person nodded. "And those arms... Are they even human?" As if hearing them, Darnell paused near the amulet as he tilted his head toward the group. They froze, unsure whether they had crossed some invisible line. But Darnell merely chuckled. "Relax," he said. "I''m just doing my rounds." --- At the far end of the hall, Greg was stationed near the high-value displays. His Titan Arms were fully extended with their glowing lines casting an ominous light across the cases. When one of the visitors leaned a little too close to a display, Greg took a single step forward and the faint clink of his boots on the floor was enough to make the man back away. "Enjoy the view," Greg voiced with a calm but firm tone. "From a distance. Let the cashier know if you''re interested in purchasing it." Terry and Eliot were positioned near the motion detection systems, monitoring the subtle pings from their wristbands. Terry''s sharp eyes flicked from one display to the next. Eliot, ever curious, was fine-tuning a Snapbomb Trap. Its mechanisms clicked softly as he worked. "This is next-level security," another customer murmured while glancing at Eliot. "I''ve never seen anything like it." "You''re looking at the future," Eliot replied without looking up. "AM Coven doesn''t cut corners." --- Near the central lounge, Derrick was overseeing operations. He was dressed in a professional black suit that contrasted with the guards'' heavy gear. While not as physically imposing, his calm demeanor and sharp gaze carried an authority of its own. "Mr. Derrick," a customer approached cautiously, "are these guys... always like this?" Derrick smiled faintly while folding his arms. "They''re just doing their job. We take security seriously here. If you''re here for business, you''ve got nothing to worry about." The customer nodded before glancing back at the guards. "Still, they look like they could take on an army." "They could," Derrick replied simply. --- From his vantage point in a hidden alcove near the back, Aleman watched the scene unfold. His helmet''s visor glowed faintly as he observed the customers and guards alike. After observing for some time, Aleman stepped forward and his presence immediately drew everyone''s attention as the customers noticed him for the first time. Whispers spread quickly. "That''s him," someone murmured. "That''s Aleman." "Is it the same Aleman from *Enders Light*?" another asked. "The one who helped save Tagharium?" "Or maybe it''s just someone using the name. Either way, this place is insane." Chapter 156 A Lesson Aleman stopped near the center of the hall as his voice cut through the murmurs. "Welcome to AM Coven. Our mission is simple: to provide a safe haven for players to trade their game items that have been retrieved to reality. Whether you''re here to browse, buy, or trade, you''ll find what you need. But remember¡ªthis isn''t just a business. It''s a revolution."The room fell silent for a moment as his words sunk in. Then, one by one, the customers nodded. Their respect for AM Coven grew with each passing moment because they understood the dangers of selling game items and what had happened to many real life players when they tried to do so in the past. This was a perfect location for protection. ... ... The cafeteria at Asterisk High School buzzed with chatter and laughter as students gathered in their usual groups. The air smelled of cafeteria pizza and fried chicken, and the clatter of trays echoed through the wide hall. In one corner, Sophia Clementine sat alone at a table near the window with her long green hair pulled into a loose ponytail. She idly poked at her food with a fork while her eyes were fixed on the schoolyard outside. Despite the lively atmosphere around her, Sophia was disconnected. She had always been that way¡ªdistant, guarded, and unapproachable. She didn''t exactly know when it started but she didn''t want friends. Her brother was enough for her. She felt that most people were better kept at arm''s length. Her personality at school was completely different from the one she showed August at home. This was because she was only ever herself when she was around her brother. As she took a sip of her juice, a voice interrupted her solitude. "Well, well, if it isn''t Sophia Clementine." Sophia sighed, not bothering to look up. She already knew who it was: Madeline Price Montgomery, the queen bee of the school and her personal tormentor. While Sophia was amongst the most popular girls in the school due to her beauty and brain, Madeline was mostly popular due to her parents'' wealth. Clad in some designer jewelry that probably cost more than most people''s rent, Madeline stood with her arms crossed and a smug smile plastered on her face. "What do you want, Madeline?" Sophia asked flatly, still staring out the window. Madeline pulled out a chair and sat down uninvited, flipping her perfectly styled hair over her shoulder. "Relax, I''m not here to ruin your day. Not entirely, at least. I just came to ask for your brother''s number again." Sophia''s hand froze over her tray. Her voice was calm, but there was an edge to it. "I told you last time. No." Madeline leaned forward as her smile turned into a pout. "Come on, Sophia. Your brother''s hot, and I''ve been thinking about him since that parent-teacher meeting. Help a girl out." Sophia finally turned to look at her while narrowing her emerald eyes. "I''m not giving you his number, so stop asking." Madeline''s expression hardened. "You know, for someone who doesn''t have any friends, you sure act high and mighty. Maybe you should stop being so bitter and actually do something nice for once." Sophia clenched her fists under the table. "Get lost, Madeline." But Madeline wasn''t done. "You know, if I were you, I''d be grateful someone like me even bothers to talk to you. You''re just a poor little charity case, aren''t you? No father, no mother eugh. I could never relate." That was the last straw. Sophia stood up so quickly that her chair scraped loudly against the floor, drawing the attention of nearby students. "Say that again," she said through gritted teeth. Madeline smirked, unfazed. "I said, you''re a¡ª" Before she could finish, Sophia shoved her tray aside and lunged. The cafeteria erupted into chaos as the two girls started fighting, pulling hair, and shouting at each other. Teachers rushed in to break them apart, and within minutes, both were escorted to the principal''s office. --- Stay connected through empire Later that afternoon, August arrived at the school in a black suit making him stand out among the parents in the waiting area. His green hair, streaked with white patches, caught fluttered as he ran a hand through it before sighing deeply. When the principal finally called him in, August entered the office to find Sophia sitting with her arms crossed and Madeline dabbing at a scratch on her cheek. "Mr. Clementine," the principal began while adjusting his glasses, "your sister was involved in a physical altercation during lunch. This behavior is unacceptable." August turned to Sophia while raising an eyebrow in surprise. "Sophia?" "She started it," Sophia glared daggers at Madeline. "I did not!" Madeline protested. "All I did was ask for his number, and she lost it." August blinked with a look of confusion. "Wait... my number?" Madeline perked up, smiling sweetly. "Hi, Mr. Clementine. You probably don''t remember me, but we met during the parent-teacher meeting. I just wanted to talk to you, that''s all." August sighed before pinching the bridge of his nose. "Right. Look, Principal Jones, can we just handle this quickly? Sophia''s not exactly the fighting type, but I''ll make sure it doesn''t happen again." The principal nodded, though he looked skeptical. "Very well. Sophia, you''re suspended for two days. And Madeline, I suggest you stop provoking your peers." S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Madeline gasped, indignant. "But¡ª!" "That''s final," the principal said firmly. "Two days? When she started it?" Sophia was finding it difficult to accept this. "You should count yourself lucky the Montgomerys are not pressing charges," the principal statement caused August''s eyebrows to narrow. As August and Sophia walked out of the building, Sophia muttered, "She''s such a brat." "You shouldn''t let people like her get under your skin," August shook his head. "Fighting doesn''t solve anything." August knew damn well that this wasn''t always accurate but nevertheless, he couldn''t encourage such a behavior. Parenting 101. "She called me a charity case with no father or mother," Sophia snapped. "What was I supposed to do, just sit there?" August sighed but didn''t reply, ''That was definitely too far... Maybe I''m not really bothered because I''m not the real August but any orphaned child would certainly be triggered... Kidss...'' As they approached the parking lot, August noticed a group of boys leaning against a nearby fence. They were older students and their uniforms were slightly disheveled. Their postures exuded unbridled arrogance as well. At their center was a tall boy with a scar running across his cheek. His arms were crossed as he watched August and Sophia approach. "That''s him," the boy said with a loud voice. "The guy Madeline won''t shut up about." August''s face displayed a neutral expression as he came to a stop. "Can I help you?" The boy stepped forward with his gang trailing behind him. "Name''s Zack. You''ve got Madeline all worked up, and I don''t like it. She''s my girl." August raised an eyebrow. "Then maybe you should talk to her about that." Zack''s jaw tightened, and his gang laughed behind him. "You think you''re funny, huh? Walking around like you''re better than everyone else. Maybe someone needs to teach you a lesson." August tilted his head. "I don''t have time for this, kid. Move." Zack smirked while stepping closer. "Or what?" Before August could reply, Sophia snapped, "Get lost, Zack. You''re embarrassing yourself." Zack''s smirk faltered, and he glared at her. "Stay out of this, Sophia. This is between me and your lover boy brother here." August sighed while taking a step forward to shield Sophia. "You''ve got about three seconds to back off before this gets ugly. I don''t like getting anywhere close to kids but if you keep misbehaving I''ll have to teach you the lesson your parents failed to give you at home." The gang laughed again, but there was hesitation in their movements. Zack''s confidence wavered as August''s eyes bore into him, cold and unyielding. "Let''s go, Zack," one of the boys muttered. "This isn''t worth it." Zack scoffed. "No!" He brandished a dagger out of nowhere and rushed forward with a shout. Sophia gasped. "Augie!" From August''s point of view, the world seemed to slow down a bit. With his in-game avatar getting more powerful also meant he was getting more powerful in the real world. The dagger''s movement was sluggish and every twist of Zack''s wrist was clearly visible to him. August raised his hand smoothly and slapped the dagger out of Zack''s grasp, sending it clattering to the pavement. Zack barely had time to process what happened before August placed a firm hand on his chest and gave him a gentle shove. The gentle shove didn''t feel gentle to Zack... Fwhii~ He was sent flying backward as his body crashed into the fence with a loud clang. His gang froze in place as their eyes widened and darted between August and their fallen leader. August''s voice with a cold authoritative tone as he stepped forward. "Last warning. Leave." The gang didn''t need to be told twice. They scrambled to their feet, dragging Zack along as they fled, disappearing into the shadows. Sophia stood rooted to the spot with her mouth slightly open. "Augie... what was that?" He turned to her with a smile. "A lesson. Let''s go home." --- Chapter 157 Reunion The drive back was quiet and Sophia sneaked glances at her brother, trying to process what she''d just witnessed.When they arrived home, August dropped his bag on the couch and gestured for Sophia to sit down. "We need to talk," he voiced with a serious but not harsh tone. Sophia hesitated, then plopped onto the couch, crossing her arms. "About Madeline? She deserved it." August shook his head while sitting beside her. "Not about Madeline, About you." She raised an eyebrow. "Me?". "Yeah." He leaned forward before resting his elbows on his knees. "When I came to your school for that parent-teacher meeting a while back, your teacher told me something. She said you don''t talk to anyone. You push people away." Sophia''s expression darkened, and she looked away. "So what? People suck." August sighed. "Not all of them. Soph, you''ve been like this ever since... you know." She frowned, refusing to meet his gaze. "Ever since Mom and Dad died? Yeah, because people don''t get it. They act like they care, but they don''t. They just want to feel good about themselves." "That''s not true," August said gently. "I get that you''re scared. I was, too. I still am sometimes. But pushing people away isn''t going to make things better." Her voice cracked as she snapped, "You don''t understand! You''re not the one who has to go to school every day and deal with people like Madeline." "Madeline''s a spoiled brat," August rolled his eyes, which earned a small, reluctant smile from Sophia. "But not everyone''s like her. There have to be a few normal kids in your class, right?" Sophia huffed. "Doubt it." August nudged her playfully. "Come on, not everyone can be a stuck-up rich kid with zero personality." That finally got a laugh out of her. She shook her head while smiling uncontrollably. "I guess not." He leaned back and looked at her seriously again. "Soph, I''m not saying you need to make best friends with everyone. But you deserve to have people in your corner. Friends who care about you, who can make you laugh, who can help you when I can''t." Sophia bit her lip as her eyes glistened. "What if I don''t know how? I''ve been on my own for so long." August reached out, pulling her into a hug. "You''re not on your own. You''ve got me, always. But I want you to try, okay? Just one person at a time." She nodded against his chest in a muffled voice. "I''ll try." They sat like that for a moment as unspoken emotions lifted slightly. Then August pulled back, grinning. "Besides, it''ll be easier to make friends at the new place." Sophia blinked. "New place?" "We''re moving tomorrow," he said before ruffling her hair. "Better apartment, better neighborhood. No more weird neighbors who blast country music at 3 a.m... no more leaking roof and bad service..." Sophia''s eyes lit up. "Wait, really? Like, for real?" "For real," August smirked. "And you''ll have your own room and bathroom." Her jaw dropped. "No way." "Yes way." Sophia laughed while throwing her arms around him again. "You''re the best, Augie." "Don''t I know it," he teased before wrapping her in a hug. "Now, go pack. I don''t want to hear any whining tomorrow about lost stuff." She rolled her eyes but couldn''t hide her grin as she headed to her room. ... ... The glow of the Enders Light login screen illuminated August''s face as he settled into his gaming pod. He cracked his knuckles, feeling the familiar rush of excitement. After a long week of grinding and climbing levels, he was ready to push himself even further tonight. --- System Notification: [ Welcome back, Aleman! You are now Level 34. Keep up the grind! ] --- The virtual world materialized around him. August, as Aleman, stood in the middle of a dense jungle grinding zone. The air was humid, filled with the distant cries of magical beasts lurking among the trees. His ever-cloaked avatar blended into the surroundings and his boots added a touch of menace to his aura. Without hesitation, he pulled up his status screen. --- << Player Status Panel >> Name: Aleman Class: Assassin/Mage Level: 34 EXP: 200,400/2,000,000 HP: 19,000/19,000 MP: 14,000/14,000 Title: Sovereign of Anti-Darkness Gold: 12,400 --- "Let''s get to work," August muttered to himself. -- The jungle was soon loud with activity as Aleman sliced through mobs of beasts, hunting them one after the other. A pack of level 20 Shadow Panthers leaped out from the underbrush, fixing their glowing red eyes on him. August smirked while raising his hand. "Let''s see how you like this." He conjured a Thunder Spear, illuminating the dark foliage with electrifying energy. In the next instant, he hurled the spear into the middle of the pack. --- System Notification: [ Thunder Spear (Tier 2) used. Damage dealt: 12,400 to multiple targets. Critical hit! ] --- The resulting explosion shattered the beasts, leaving behind charred remains and glowing loot. "Too easy," August dashed forward to collect the spoils. His Void Stepper skill activated, making him vanish and reappear near a treasure chest hidden among the trees. --- System Notification: [ Treasure found: Rare Mana Stone (x2), Toxic Fang Dagger, 5 Gold. ] --- Before he could celebrate, a familiar voice boomed behind him. "LORD ALEMAN!" August groaned while turning to see Gregarious barreling toward him with a massive two-handed sword slung over his back. Despite his heavy armor, Gregarious moved with surprising speed. "Gregarious? Where were you when Tagharium was getting obliterated?" August raised an eyebrow. Gregarious waved a hand, grinning. "Ah, my lord, a most tragic tale. I was¡­ uh¡­ otherwise occupied." "By what, exactly?" "Important warrior business!" Gregarious declared. "Very classified. You wouldn''t understand." August rolled his eyes. "You mean hiding in a tavern, don''t you?" "I''ll have you know," Gregarious said while puffing out his chest, "I am now Level 15! That''s right, my lord, fifteen. A true warrior of legend." Before August could respond, three more players emerged from the trees: Lilo, Boris, and Ezran. "Look who we found!" Lilo voiced with ¨¤her bow slung over her shoulder. Her bubbly energy was contagious, and she flashed a grin at August. "Grinding alone again, huh?" Boris gave August a pat on his back heartily. "Thought you''d be ahead of us by now." "Technically, he is ahead, but not because of levels," Ezran chuckled. "I wasn''t expecting company," August voiced with a smile. "Don''t guild players usually stick with their own?" "Pfft," Lilo scoffed. "Phoenix Celestial doesn''t mind. Besides, you''re way more fun than some of those stiff guildmates. No offense to them." "None taken," Boris shrugged. "But she''s right. We''d rather team up with you." Ezran nodded. "You''re efficient and unpredictable. It''s¡­ interesting." The group decided to tackle a nearby area infested with Emerald Manticores. The beasts prowled in a clearing with their emerald scales shimmering and their tails tipped with deadly stingers. "Formations," August took charge. "Lilo, keep your distance and take out the stingers. Boris, you''re on crowd control. Ezran, focus on area damage. Gregarious¡­" Experience new tales on empire "Yes, my lord?" Gregarious asked eagerly. "Don''t die." "Understood!" The group burst into action. August dashed forward, activating Phantom Blitz. Many shadowy forms of himself scattered around as he landed a series of precise strikes on a manticore''s legs. --- System Notification: [ Phantom Blitz (Tier 2) used. Damage dealt: 8,900. Target movement reduced by 25%. ] --- Lilo''s arrows zipped through the air, pinning down the creatures'' tails, while Boris swung his massive axe in wide arcs, keeping the beasts at bay. "Coming through!" Gregarious bellowed, charging headfirst into a manticore with his sword raised. The impact sent the beast staggering, but Gregarious ended up flat on his back. "Still a work in progress," August muttered, casting Ethereal Storm spell. The storm of mana shards rained down, tearing through the manticores and leaving glowing craters in their wake. --- System Notification: [ Ethereal Storm (Tier 2) used. Damage dealt: 15,200 to multiple targets. ] [ Target defeated: Emerald Manticore(¡Á10). EXP gained: 42,000. ] The group stood victorious among the piles of loot and glowing EXP orbs. System Notification: [ Loots: Rare Gem Cluster, 50 Gold, Party EXP Boost (x1). ] --- "Not bad for a night''s work," Boris wiped sweat from his brow. "Not bad?" Gregarious huffed. "That was a masterpiece of warrior teamwork!" Lilo giggled. "You mean a masterpiece of you falling on your butt." August opened his status screen, grinning as his EXP bar ticked upward. He was just getting started. "Good work, everyone," he said. "Let''s keep grinding." "How about we take on a party quest?" Boris suggested. "I would have said okay but TG guild was taken down during Malrik''s assault so I don''t necessarily know where to head to for quests," "We can go to Gallorn Kingdom. There are a ton of party quests over there," Lilo Suggested. ... sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ... The party arrived at Gallorn Kingdom, entering a bustling quest hub at the heart of the city. The building was massive, lined with gilded pillars and glowing sigils marking the entrance. Inside, players gathered in groups, poring over quest boards and strategizing. "Place is packed," Lilo remarked while scanning the crowd. "Guess everyone''s out for the big rewards tonight." August approached a large board marked with quests ranging from low to high ranks. He gestured toward the section labeled C-Ranked Quests then proceeded to go through the options until one caught his eye. --- [ New Quest Accepted: Royal Rescue ] Quest Rank: C Objective: Rescue an abducted royal, Lord Cavriel, held hostage by rogue mercenaries in the Abandoned Caverns. Rewards: 1000 Gold, Royal Favor, Rare Equipment Chest --- "Rescue mission," August turned to face the others. "Looks like this will be fun." Chapter 158 The Rescue Mission "Rescue mission," August turned to face the others. "Looks like this will be fun."Boris peered forward with a look of interest. "Abandoned Caverns huh? That''s rogue mercenary territory. Should be fun." "Fun for you, maybe," Ezran muttered. "For the rest of us, it''s going to be dangerous." "I''m in!" Gre garious declared loudly. "A royal rescue is a mission worthy of a true warrior!" "Right," August said while smirking. "Just try not to get yourself killed." --- The party stood at the edge of the Abandoned Caverns. It was an eerie expanse that stretched out before them. The entrance was like a yawning mouth, with jagged stalactites and stalagmites forming sharp, toothlike structures. Faint whispers of wind echoed from within, carrying an otherworldly sound that sent chills through the group. "Before we go in... I''ve heard about the Abandoned Caverns before," Lilo lowered her voice to nearly a whisper. "Oh, why are we whispering? Is it a secret?" Gregarious voiced with a hushed tone causing the others to give him strange stares. "So apparently, the Abandon caverns are mostly avoided because there are certain areas with reverse gravitational force... It could put anyone in danger if they stepped into it. Only the mercenaries know the layout of the caverns in and out that''s why it''s the perfect hiding spot for them," Lilo explained with a low tone. "So we just have to be careful and stick together," August pointed out. "Haha a little gravitational pull cannot stop this great warrior," Gregarious puffed his chest with a look of confidence. "Let''s just be careful," Ezran stated. The group exchanged nods before stepping inside. The air grew heavier with every step, as latent magic mingled with the drip of water and distant growls that echoed ominously. The Abandoned Caverns were as beautiful as they were dangerous. The walls shimmered with veins of glowing blue minerals, and patches of bioluminescent moss provided dim light. Crystals jutted out of the floor and ceiling, some pulsating faintly. But the beauty was deceptive¡ªthis was no place for carelessness. "Stick together," August voiced with a low tone. "This place is alive in more ways than one." They moved cautiously, navigating narrow paths and avoiding treacherous-looking ground. At one point, Gregarious stepped onto an innocuous patch of rock. The moment his foot landed, the gravity in that area reversed, pulling him violently toward the ceiling. "HELP!" Gregarious shouted while flailing as he ascended. "Of course, you''re the first person to get into trouble," August let out a sigh before raising his hand. His custom telekinetic spell, Phantom Grip, activated. The air around Gregarious tightened as he felt an invisible hand envelop him. In the next instant, he was yanked back down and set safely on the ground. --- System Notification: [ Custom Spell: Phantom Grip used. Target secured. MP Cost: 120. ] --- "Thanks, my lord!" Gregarious panted, looking sheepish. "That could''ve been bad." "Could''ve been?" Lilo quipped with her eyebrows raised. "You almost became a ceiling ornament." "I''ll be careful next time ahem..." Gregarious coughed twice. The group pressed on, encountering a few lone magical beasts along the way. A Crystal Fangwolf lunged at them from the shadows with its translucent body refracting the light. "Get back!" August shouted while conjuring Phantom Blitz and vanishing into the shadows. He reappeared behind the beast and slashed at it. --- System Notification: [ Phantom Blitz (Tier 2) used. Damage dealt: 4,400. Target slowed by 40%. ] --- Lilo''s arrows found their mark, pinning the wolf''s legs as Boris brought his axe down with a thunderous swing. --- System Notification: [ Heavy Cleave used. Damage dealt: 2,300. Critical hit! ] --- "Down," Boris said simply, wiping blood off his axe. After several skirmishes and hours of cautious exploration, they reached a large chamber with three distinct tunnels branching out in different directions. The air grew colder, and the concentration of mana was stronger here. "Three paths," Ezran muttered while studying the tunnels. "Splitting up is risky." "We don''t have much of a choice," August replied. "The caverns are too vast. If we stick together, we''ll waste too much time." He turned to the group. "Ezran, you''re with Gregarious. Lilo, go with Boris. I''ll take the third path. If anyone finds anything, use the party chat to let us know." "Understood," Lilo said while notching an arrow and stepping through the middle tunnel. Gregarious saluted dramatically. "A warrior''s duty is clear!" Ezran sighed. "Great. I''m babysitting." "Good luck," August voiced while chuckling as they split up. --- As August moved down his tunnel, the light grew dimmer, and the air became heavier. The path twisted and turned, narrowing in some places and opening into small chambers in others. He encountered nothing but silence. The faint crunch of his boots on gravel was the only sound. Meanwhile, Lilo and Boris moved cautiously down their path, encountering a few traps that they managed to disarm without incident. Even after moving for over twenty minutes, they still hadn''t come into contact with anything as well. But it was Gregarious and Ezran who found trouble first. Their tunnel opened into a small chamber lit by glowing red crystals, and standing in the center was a figure in black armor. His face was obscured by a hood. "Well, well," the man''s voice dripped with mockery. "Looks like your luck''s run out, lads. I''m the one on patrol today." Before Gregarious or Ezran could react, the mercenary lunged, drawing twin daggers that gleamed with a deadly aura. --- System Notification: [ Rogue Mercenary (Elite) encountered. Level 40. HP: 32,000. ] --- Ezran barely raised his staff in time to cast Mana Shield, but the mercenary''s strike shattered it instantly, sending him stumbling back. --- System Notification:* [ Mana Shield (Level 3) broken. Ezran HP -2,400. Remaining HP: 9,600. ] --- Gregarious roared, charging forward with his sword raised. He swung with all his might, but the mercenary sidestepped effortlessly and retaliated with a spinning slash. --- System Notification: [ Spinning Slash used. Damage dealt: 3,800. Gregarious HP: 3,200. ] --- S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Ezran! A little help here!" Gregarious shouted, barely parrying another attack. "I''m trying!" Ezran yelled before casting Arcane Bolt. The spell struck the mercenary who had raised his arms in a crossed format at the last second. He slid backwards by a few feet while staggering but this attack only did a little damage. --- System Notification: [ Arcane Bolt used. Damage dealt: 1,200. Target HP: 30,800. ] --- The mercenary laughed while twirling his daggers. "Is that all you''ve got? This is going to be fun." Sweat dripped down Ezran''s brow as he opened the party chat. "We need backup. Now." ---- August was moving swiftly through his own side of the cavern when he received Ezran''s message in the party chat. --- [ Party Chat: Ezran ] Ezran: We need backup. Now. --- August pulled out his daggers as he pivoted on his heel, ready to sprint back to Ezran and Gregarious when a monstrous spider-like creature descended from the ceiling. Its legs were long and spindly, covered in dark, chitinous armor, and its glowing red eyes locked onto him. "Fuck! Bad timing!" August hissed as he skidded to a halt. The creature''s mandibles clicked as it hissed and reared its head back. August should have known that something was coming when it took this action... Because in the next moment, it suddenly shot out massive webs infused with a greenish, corrosive liquid. The sticky strands covered the entire width of the tunnel in seconds, cutting off any chance of retreat. "Of course.... just perfect..." August groaned while activating Phantom Blitz. --- System Notification: [ Phantom Blitz (Tier 2) used. Target: Void Spider. MP Cost: 800. ] --- He vanished into a shadowy blur, reappearing behind the beast with his daggers raised. His attack was swift, slashing into its thick armor and landing a clean hit. --- System Notification: [ Critical Hit! Damage dealt: 1,800. Target HP: 43,200/45,000. ] --- The spider screeched in pain as its long legs flailed while it turned to counterattack. August was forced to leap back as the creature swiped at him. Its claws sliced through the ground, creating an instant crevice --- Meanwhile back in the other tunnel, Gregarious was running for his life. "MUMMY! MUMMY! AHH! DON''T KILL ME! I WANNA LIVE!" his voice echoed through the caverns as he screamed. His health bar was barely hanging on, sitting at a perilous 100 HP. Continue reading stories on empire Behind him, the rogue assassin was relentlessly chasing him. Moving like a blur, the assassin darted between rocks and formations while brandishing his daggers. Ezran cast a spell from a safe distance in an attempt to draw the assassin''s attention away from Gregarious. "Over here!" he shouted while launching a firebolt toward the rogue. --- System Notification: [ Firebolt used. Damage dealt: 2,300. Target HP: 29,700/32,000. ] --- The rogue staggered slightly but recovered quickly, vanishing in a puff of black smoke before reappearing right in front of Ezran. "Nice try, mage," the rogue said coldly while slashing with one dagger. Ezran barely managed to raise his staff in time, activating Mana Shield to block the assault. --- System Notification: [ Mana Shield broken. Ezran HP: -3,000. Remaining HP: 3,600/12,000. ] --- Greg, still hiding behind a rock, peeked out cautiously. "Should I help¡­ no, he''ll kill me¡­" he whispered to himself while clutching his sword nervously. But when the rogue raised both daggers to strike Ezran again, Gregarious knew he couldn''t stay idle. "Alright, here goes nothing!" Chapter 159 The Abandoned Caverns "Alright, here goes nothing!" Greg shouted, charging forward. He activated his most powerful skill, swinging his glowing sword down with a roar.--- System Notification: [ Warrior Skill: Crashing Blow Has Been Activated ] --- A silver glow coated his sword as it turned into a blur, slicing across the back of the assassin. ---- [ Damage dealt: 1200. Target HP: 27,700/32,000. ] ---- The Assasin staggered forward due to the attack but recovered quickly, his eyes narrowing. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "You shouldn''t have done that." The assassin spun around and counterattacked. His dagger swung toward Gregarious in a speed that his eyes could not follow. --- System Notification: [ Assassin Skill: Venom Strike used ] --- Before the killing blow could land, a glowing arrow streaked through the air, colliding with the mercenary assassin''s dagger and sending it flying. "What the¡ª" the assassin muttered, only to be hit by another glowing arrow that buried itself in his shoulder. He hissed in pain while leaping back to avoid the rest of the volley of arrows streaking across the air. "Looks like you needed some help," Lilo voiced while stepping into view with her bow drawn. Boris appeared behind her with his massive axe resting on his shoulder. The assassin chuckled darkly while his eyes darted between the newcomers. "More of you, huh? This just got interesting." Boris charged forward without hesitation, swinging his axe with immense force. "Try dodging this!" But the assassin turned into a wisp of black smoke, evading the attack effortlessly. He reappeared a few feet away, smirking. "You''ll have to do better than that." "You''ll have to take on all of us together," Lilo fired another volley of arrows as Boris followed up with a wide swing. The rogue blocked and dodged with smooth movements. Realizing he was outnumbered, he turned and fled deeper into the cavern. "Coward!" Boris roared while giving chase. "Wait for me!" Gregarious shouted before downing a health potion as he stumbled after them. Ezran sighed, casting a quick healing spell on himself. "This is going to be a long night." --- Back in another part of the caverns, August was locked in a deadly dance with the Void Spider. The creature''s dark webs made the air sticky and heavy, and its movements were unpredictable. "Just die already," August muttered before hurling a Thunder Spear directly at its head. --- System Notification: [ Thunder Spear used. Damage dealt: 9,200. Target HP: 28,000/45,000. ] --- The spider screeched while thrashing it''s legs as it lunged at him, fangs bared. August dodged to the side, activating Phantom Blitz to appear behind the creature. --- System Notification: [ Phantom Blitz Used. MP Cost: 500. ] --- He drove his daggers into the beast''s back causing it to shriek in pain once more. As he battled the beast, the nagging feeling that the others were in trouble grew stronger. He gritted his teeth while dodging another swipe of the spider''s legs. "I need to end this now," he muttered while preparing his next attack. Elsewhere, the rest of the group pursued the rogue assassin. Their chase led them into a new tunnel way where gravity suddenly shifted. Without warning, Lilo and Gregarious were pulled upward, floating toward the ceiling as Boris clung to the ground. "WHAT IS HAPPENING?!" Gregarious screamed while flailing as he drifted upward. "Welcome to the Abandoned Caverns," the rogue''s voice echoed as his laughter chilled them to the bone. ... ... The spider reared up and it''s glowing red eyes narrowed as it prepared to lunge again. August''s eyes darted to the glowing webs encasing the area. He needed to end this quickly. "Alright, you ugly bastard. Let''s finish this," he growled. Raising his hand, he began to channel mana into a spell that shimmered with destructive power. The air around him crackled as arcs of electricity gathered, coalescing into the form of a massive spear crackling with raw energy. [ Thunder Spear Activated ] The cavern lit up as August hurled the electrified weapon directly at the spider''s head. --- System Notification: [ Thunder Spear (Tier 2) used. Damage dealt: 13,800. Critical Hit! ] --- The spear pierced the spider''s body, and the resulting explosion of lightning sent shards of exoskeleton flying alongside black blood. The creature let out a deafening screech as the blast reduced it to nothing more than a twitching husk. The acidic webs disintegrated in the shockwave, leaving the cavern eerily silent. --- System Notification: [ Void Spider defeated. ] [ EXP gained: 30,500. ] [ Loot acquired: Black Widow''s Crossbow. Shoots toxic webs ] --- August stood over the smoking remains of the Void Spider as mana dissipated around him. He crouched down to retrieve the Black Widow''s Crossbow. It had a dark design that exuded an ominous aura and faint traces of green venom pooled around its string. He inspected it briefly before strapping it to his back. "Finally another type of weapon an assassin can equip," he muttered with a smirk. Just as he turned to head back to regroup with his party, something caught his eye¡ªa faint glow deeper within the tunnel. It Along with it came faint shouts. pulsed rhythmically, as if beckoning him. "What now?" August sighed as his instincts immediately went on high alert. Without hesitation, he activated Phantom Blitz. His body turning into a shadowy streak that teleported forward in rapid bursts, each time appearing two hundred feet deeper into the cavern. --- System Notification: [ Phantom Blitz used. Distance covered: 1,200 feet. MP Cost: 240. ] --- --- Meanwhile, in another part of the cavern, the chaos had reached its peak. Ezran, Lilo, and Gregarious dangled helplessly from the ceiling due to the reverse gravity keeping them pinned. "Help!" Gregarious bellowed while flailing wildly. "I''m too handsome to die up ere! Also, my back hurts¡ªthis armor isn''t ergonomic!" "Will you shut up?" Lilo hissed with a look of frustration. "We''re trying to think!" Ezran, squinting through the dim light, adjusted his staff. "I''ve got an idea," he muttered with a strained voice. Continue your journey at empire "Oh, wonderful!" Gregarious exclaimed. "We''re saved! What is it, dear mage? A teleportation spell? A gravity nullifier?" Ezran ignored him before casting Gale Force, a powerful wind spell. The gust blasted the three of them out of the affected area, sending them hurtling toward the floor below. --- System Notification: [ Gale Force used. MP Cost: 180. Targets dislodged from gravity anomaly. ] --- They crashed to the ground in an ungraceful heap. Gregarious groaned loudly as he pushed himself up. "Remind me never to do that again." "No one told you to step into the gravity field in the first place," Lilo shot back before brushing dirt off her armor. Before Gregarious could retort, a loud clang echoed from deeper in the tunnel. The three of them froze while exchanging glances. "That''s Boris," Ezran used his staff to get up. "He''s fighting the assassin alone." "Of course he is," Gregarious grumbled while unsheathing his sword. "Well, let''s not keep him waiting." --- Up ahead Boris was locked in an intense battle with the rogue assassin. Despite his sheer strength and durability as a Level 37 berserker, the assassin''s speed and precision were relentless. Boris swung his massive axe in a wide arc, aiming to cleave the assassin in two, but the rogue dissolved into a wisp of black smoke, reappearing behind him to strike. --- System Notification: [ Assassin Skill: Wraith Step used. Damage evaded. MP Cost: 150. ] [ Target struck: Boris. Damage dealt: 3,400. Remaining HP: 8,200/14,600. ] --- "Stand still, you slippery bastard!" Boris growled before spinning around and swinging again. The assassin smirked as he darted out of reach. "You''re strong, I''ll give you that. But you''re too slow." Before the rogue could press his advantage, a flaming arrow streaked past his head, grazing his hood. --- System Notification: [ Flaming Arrow used. Damage dealt: 200. Target HP: 26,500/32,000. ] --- "Back up''s here!" Lilo nocked another arrow. Ezran raised his staff, launching a Surge of wind that collided with the rogue''s chest, forcing him back a few steps. "About time!" Boris barked, grinning despite the sweat pouring down his face. Gregarious charged in next, swinging his glowing sword with reckless abandon. "FOR HONOR! FOR GLORY! FOR MY NEXT MEAL!" The assassin dodged the first swing, but Gregarious managed to clip him with the second due to getting hit in the thigh by an arrow from Lilo. --- System Notification: [ Crashing Blow used. Damage dealt: 1200. Target HP: 21,200/32,000. ] --- The rogue snarled as he found himself outnumbered once more. "Enough of this," he muttered before turning into black smoke once again. "He''s running!" Lilo shouted while firing a string of arrows. "Not for long," Boris have chase. "Be careful about areas with the reverse gravity effect," Lilo yelled. "Yeah let''s just follow his steps," Boris yelled knowing that they wouldn''t get caught up in one if they closely executed the same movements with the mercenary assassin. The group followed the rogue through a twisting tunnel that eventually opened into a vast chamber. The ceiling stretched high above them, jagged and uneven, with glowing crystals embedded in the walls. As they entered, the sound of boots hitting the ground surrounded them. One by one, figures dropped from the ceiling and stepped out from the shadows. ----- They were instantly surrounded. System Notification: [ Mercenary Reinforcements Detected. ] [ Total Hostiles: 12 ] ----- Chapter 160 Saving Lord Cavriel ----System Notification: [ Mercenary Reinforcements Detected. ] [ Total Hostiles: 12 ] --- "Well, this is cozy," Gregarious said while gripping his sword tightly. "I hope you all wrote your wills." The rogue assassin reappeared at the front of the group, smirking. "Welcome to our little party. I hope you didn''t think you''d leave here alive." Boris raised his axe, glaring at the mercenaries. "Bring it on." "Ezran," Lilo whispered, "any big spells left?" "Barely," Ezran admitted as sweat pooled on his forehead. Gregarious smirked despite the tension. "Well, good thing I''m here. I''ve got enough hot air for all of us." "Well, well. You''ve made it far, but this is where your luck runs out," the assassin said while stepping forward. "Luck?" Gregarious quipped while raising his sword. "My lord says I make my own luck!" "Your lord?" The assassin''s smirk deepened. "Do you mean the clumsy berserker, or the mage who looks like he might faint?" "Neither," Gregarious shot back. "I mean Lord Aleman! And when he gets here, you''ll wish you''d stayed home with your mommy!" Ezran groaned. "Can you focus, Gregarious?" The assassin''s smirk faded into annoyance. "Kill them all." The mercenaries charged with weapons raised. Boris roared while swinging his massive axe in a wide arc. --- System Notification: [ Heavy Cleave used. Damage dealt: 2,200 to multiple targets. ] --- Several mercenaries staggered back, but others pressed forward as their swords clashed with Boris''s axe. Lilo unleashed a volley of arrows, each glowing with enchantments, pinning enemies in place and slowing their advance. --- System Notification: [ Enchanted Volley used. Damage dealt: 1,200 to multiple targets. Effect applied: Slow (-20% movement). ] --- Ezran cast Wind Surge, sending a blast of wind into the crowd which knocked several mercenaries off their feet. --- System Notification: [ Wind Surge used. Damage dealt: 3,000 to multiple targets. ] --- But the mercenaries weren''t ordinary foes. Their coordination and individual strength were overwhelming. One mercenary¡ªa towering brute with a spiked mace¡ªbroke through and swung his weapon at Gregarious. Gregarious yelped, barely dodging the attack. "Mummy! This is not how I planned my day!" Lilo shouted, "Greg, stop whining and fight!" He swung his sword wildly, landing a glancing blow on the brute''s shoulder. --- System Notification: [ Basic Attack used. Damage dealt: 600. Target HP: 20,400/21,000. ] --- Meanwhile, the assassin reappeared behind Ezran like a phantom and swung his dagger. --- System Notification: [ Assassin Skill: Shadow Strike used. Ezran HP: -2,200. Remaining HP: 9,800/12,000. ] --- Ezran staggered forward before casting a desperate Mana Shield to hold off the next attack. "Hold on, Ezran!" Boris charged toward the assassin while yelling. He axe swung down, but the assassin turned into black smoke, evading the strike. "You''re going to have to do better than that," the assassin sneered. The fight got chaotic and desperate as the group tried to hold their ground. --- Meanwhile, August had delved deeper into the cavern, following the glow and faint voices he''d noticed earlier. The tunnels grew darker as the scent of damp stone and something metallic wafted through the air. He moved silently with his Tier 2 Shadow Veil activated, rendering him nearly invisible. --- System Notification: [ Shadow Veil (Tier 2) activated. Duration: 3 minutes. MP Cost: 350. ] --- Ahead, he spotted several mercenaries patrolling the area. They were spread out methodically like guards. August observed them from the shadows, calculating his next move. He darted forward, sticking close to the cavern walls, but then his foot accidentally brushed against a faintly glowing stone. The air shifted immediately as the found himself in a reverse gravity zone and got pulled upward. "Not today," August instantly activated Phantom Blitz to teleport out of the zone. --- System Notification:* [ Phantom Blitz (Tier 2) used. Distance covered: 200 feet. MP Cost: 800 ] --- He landed silently on solid ground, resuming his approach. His daggers glinted faintly as he crept closer to the central chamber. As he moved deeper, the cavern opened into a wide room illuminated by glowing blue crystals embedded in the walls. In the center, bound to a chair and surrounded by chains, was Lord Cavriel. The royal''s once-pristine robes were tattered, and his face bore signs of exhaustion and bruises. Explore more at My Virtual Library Empire Two mercenaries stood guard near him with their swords drawn and their eyes scanning the area. "Great," August whispered. "More company." He activated his telekinetic spell, Phantom Grip, targeting a loose stalactite above one of the guards. The spell yanked it free, sending it crashing down onto the unsuspecting mercenary. --- System Notification: [ Phantom Grip used. Target defeated. ] --- The remaining guard spun around, raising his sword. "Who''s there?!" August stepped forward still cloaked in shadows and unseen. The guard barely had time to react before August appeared behind him and slashed at his neck. --- System Notification: [ Shadow Strike (Tier 2) used. Damage dealt: 7,800. Critical Hit! Target defeated. ] --- Lord Cavriel''s head lifted weakly as August approached. "Who¡­ who are you?" "Someone who doesn''t have time for introductions," August replied while slashing repeatedly at chains binding the royal. The damage was reflecting from his strikes but the chains were getting a bit difficult to get rid of. August channeled mana like he was going to activate thunderspear, allowing a crackles of electricity to run through his fingers. The electric arcs then were then transmitted towards his dagger''s blade which he proceeded to raise with all his strength and hack down at the chains. With a single strike, the chains snapped in half and even emitted a burning stench where the dagger had made contact. ''Hmm that was an interesting experiment,'' August muttered internally before getting the rest of the binds off the royal. "Can you walk?" "I think so," Cavriel winced as he stood. "Good. Stick close to me. Things are about to get messy," August stated. He activated Shadow Veil again, pulling Cavriel into the shadows with him as he began to lead the royal toward safety. .... The eerie silence of the cavern shattered as a loud, blaring alarm echoed through the tunnels. The deep, reverberating sound jolted August and Lord Cavriel as they crept toward the exit. "Great," August muttered under his breath. "Looks like the party''s just getting started." "An alarm?" Lord Cavriel asked with a weak tone. "What does that mean?" "It means we''ve got company," August reactivated Shadow Veil to obscure their presence further. "Stick close, and try not to get yourself killed." Meanwhile, in another part of the cavern, the group of battling the mercenaries paused as the alarm rang out. The rogue assassin gestured for half his men to split off. "Go check it out," he barked. "Someone''s meddling with the royal. The rest of you, stay here. These fools aren''t going anywhere." The remaining six mercenaries spread out as they advanced on Ezran, Lilo, Gregarious, and Boris. "Finally," Boris muttered while hefting his axe. "Even odds." Ezran adjusted his staff. "Still dangerous." Lilo notched another arrow as her eyes narrowed. "Dangerous but manageable. Let''s end this." Gregarious twirled his sword theatrically. "Don''t worry, my lord will be back soon to save us! Until then, I''ll graciously allow you all to bask in my glory." Boris rolled his eyes. "Just fight, Greg!" --- The mercenaries charged, and the battle resumed. Lilo released a string of arrows, pinning one of the enemies in place. --- System Notification: [ Enchanted Volley used. Damage dealt: 2,100. Effect applied: Root (-30% movement). Target HP: 5,400/17,500. ] --- Ezran raised his staff and channeled Wind Surge, sending a wave of wind that sent two mercenaries flying. Boris leapt into the air while raising his axe with both hands and hacked at one of them, sending him crashing into the ground. A loud thud reverberated across the surroundings but he didn''t stop there. He charged after the second one while roaring and swinging his axe in a wide arc. The sheer force knocked the other mercenary into the cavern wall, leaving them motionless. --- System Notification: [ Heavy Cleave used. Damage dealt: 4,800. Target defeated. ] --- Gregarious, meanwhile, was in a precarious duel with a dual-wielding swordsman. "Mummy! Why are they always so fast?" he yelped as he narrowly dodged a strike. "Greg!" Lilo shouted before firing an arrow that grazed the swordsman, giving Gregarious a chance to counterattack. --- System Notification: [ Basic Attack used. Damage dealt: 450. Target HP: 2,500/18,000. ] --- As the battle on this side raged on, August and Lord Cavriel moved through the shadowy tunnels. The alarm had mobilized more mercenary guards and now they could hear the sound of heavy boots echoing behind them. "We''re not going to make it at this pace," Cavriel voiced amidst heavy breaths. "Relax... We''ll make it," August assured him. The shadows rippled around him as he activated Phantom Blitz, teleporting them forward in rapid bursts. The pursuing mercenaries struggled to keep up as their shouts grew more distant with each jump. --- System Notification: [ Phantom Blitz (Tier 2) used. Distance covered: 400 feet. MP Cost: 1400. ] Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. --- ''I''m burning a lot of MP... I''ll need to be careful,'' Just as they seemed to gain ground, a crossbow bolt whizzed past August, embedding itself in the wall inches from his face. "Guess they''re catching up," he muttered while spinning around to hurl a Thunder Spear down the tunnel. Chapter 161 The Escape The spear crackled with energy as it exploded in a burst of lightning, forcing the mercenaries to dive for cover.--- System Notification: [ Thunder Spear (Tier 2) used. Damage dealt: 8,000 to multiple targets. ] --- "Keep moving!" August barked while grabbing Cavriel''s arm and pulling him forward. Even though August was incredibly fast, he couldn''t share his speed with Cavriel. He could only take Cavriel on the same pace when he was using Phantom Blitz but with regular movement, he had to slow down because Cavriel pace was much slower. One mercenary soon managed to catch up. He swung a heavy sword at August the moment he was within sight. August raised his dagger to block the hit causing sparks fly due to the intense collision. "Stay back!" August growled before teleporting behind the mercenary and driving his second dagger into the mercenary''s side. ------ System Notification: [ Dual Wielding (Tier 2) used. Damage dealt: 9,500. ] ------ Before the mercenary could follow up with a counterattack, August used Nightfang Execution to finish the job. His dagger turned into a dark streak as he slashed at the mercenary''s neck, instantly decapitating him and causing a shower of blood to jet upwards. [ Nightfang Execution Successfully Activated ] [ -14,000 HP ] [ +2000 Energy Points Stolen ] [ Target defeated ] Cavriel stumbled but kept pace as his eyes widened in shock. "You''re... not an ordinary rescuer, are you?" August smirked. "Let''s just say I''m thorough." --- Back in the main chamber, the tide was finally turning. With only six mercenaries to face, Boris and Lilo had managed to thin their numbers further down to three. Lilo fired a Piercing Shot, hitting two targets in a line. --- System Notification: [ Piercing Shot used. Damage dealt: 2,400 to multiple targets. Targets HP: 2,800/22,000, 4,300/18,000. ] --- Ezran mana was starting to run low so he cast a weaker Firebolt, striking one of the mercenaries in the chest. --- System Notification: [ Firebolt used. Damage dealt: 1,000. Target defeated. ] --- Gregarious, emboldened by the dwindling odds, lunged at the assassin. "FOR GLORY!" Gregarious shouted. The assassin deflected the blow with ease, countering with a quick slash that knocked Gregarious back. --- System Notification: [ Shadow Strike used. Gregarious HP: -2,400. Remaining HP: 3,600/6,600. ] --- "You idiot!" Boris shouted whe stepping in to shield him. He swung his axe with a roar, forcing the assassin to retreat. At this point only two of the six mercenaries were left. "Let''s finish this," Lilo voiced confidently. "You think Aleman''s okay?" Gregarious questioned while glancing toward the tunnel. "He''s fine," Ezran replied. "He said he has Lord Cavriel... We just have to get out of here and regroup with him." Apparently August had already sent a message on the party chat. The group focused on dealing with the enemies in front of them and soon got rid of another mecenary. Lilo, Boris, Ezran, and Gregarious stood around the last mecenary which was the assassin from earlier. He was battered, bleeding, and on his last legs, with his health bar hovering at a dangerous 3,000 HP. "Alright, alright!" the assassin rasped while holding his daggers up in a gesture of surrender. "No need to finish me off. I can give you information. Valuable stuff. Just let me walk out of here." "Spare you?" Boris scoffed while his axe rested on his shoulder. "You''ve been trying to kill us for the past hour. Not a chance." "Let''s get rid of him," Lilo notched an arrow. "This guy''s caused enough trouble." Ezran nodded. "We end this now." "Wait, wait, wait!" the assassin backed up slightly. "Think about it. You kill me, you lose any chance of finding out who hired us. I''ve got connections¡ªuseful ones. I can help." "You''re not in a position to negotiate," Boris growled before stepping closer. Gregarious, who had been standing with his sword out, finally spoke up. "You know, I was going to write you a touching eulogy. Something like, ''Here lies the most annoying assassin we''ve ever met.'' But you''re not even worth the words." The assassin''s smirk faded and soon was replaced with desperation. "Fine, have it your way." Before the group could make their move, the sound of boots echoed through the tunnels. From the shadows emerged a fresh group of mercenaries, all armed. At their center stood a 7 feet figure clad in spiked armor. A massive battleaxe rested in one of his hands and his health bar revealed his formidable status: Level 50 Berserker. "Well, well," the leader voiced with a deep and menacing tone. "Looks like you''ve been busy with my men. I hope you''ve still got some fight left in you." "Crap," Lilo muttered as her eyes darted to the newcomers. "This just got worse." The assassin''s lips curled into a smug smile. "Looks like my backup''s here. Now, who''s surrounded?" Boris tightened his grip on his axe as he spotted the level 50 Berserker. He was only level 38 so he knew he stood no chance against him. "We''re not fighting this. Not with him leading them." Ezran glanced at the others. "Then we run?" "Run!" Lilo confirmed. Discover more stories at My Virtual Library Empire The group didn''t hesitate. They turned and bolted down the nearest tunnel whe the mercenaries roared behind them and gave chase. Spells and arrows flew, lighting up the cavern as the chase turned chaotic. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. --- System Notification: [ Party Chat: Aleman ] Aleman: I''ve got the royal. Where are you? Ezran: Fleeing. Big boss on our tail. ETA: A few minutes. August: I''ll be waiting. --- Meanwhile, outside the cavern, August stood with Lord Cavriel. The royal looked pale but otherwise unharmed. The sound of battle echoed faintly from the cavern''s entrance. "Looks like your rescue team is running late," Cavriel said while trying to catch his breath. "They''ll make it," August stated calmly. From the shadows of the cavern, the faint sound of yelling grew louder. Moments later, blasts of magic and the clanging of weapons echoed out, growing more distinct. "They''re here," August stepped forward. The first to emerge was Gregarious, who stumbled out of the cavern with his sword flailing. "MUMMY! THEY''RE RIGHT BEHIND ME!" Next came Ezran and Lilo, both panting as they cast spells and loosed arrows to slow their pursuers. Finally, Boris burst out with his axe raised as he charged forward hurriedly. Behind them, the mercenaries, including their berserker leader, were closing in fast. "RUN!" Lilo shouted as they sprinted toward August. August didn''t wait. He surged forward while raising his hand. Mana swirled as he channeled his most destructive spell. His Thunder Spear began to form as arcs of lightning swum around him and the energy coalesced into a massive, glowing weapon. "Get clear of the entrance!" August barked as he tightened his fist around the thunder spear. The group barely managed to scramble past him as he hurled the spear at the cavern''s ceiling. --- System Notification: [ Thunder Spear (Tier 2) used. Damage dealt: 12,500. ] --- The spear struck the rock with a deafening explosion causing the impact to shake the ground as shockwaves got sent through the area. The ceiling of the cavern collapsed with massive chunks of stone crashing down and sealing the entrance just as the mercenaries reached it. The leader of the mercenaries shouted in frustration. "You won''t get away with this!" His voice was muffled by the collapsing rocks. Dust and rubble filled the air as the cavern entrance got completely blocked. Silence fell, broken only by the group''s heavy breathing. --- System Notification: [ Quest Objective Complete: Royal Rescued. Escape Successful. ] [ EXP Gained: 120,000. Party EXP Distributed. ] [ Rare Loot Acquired: Thunder Core Shard. ] --- Gregory collapsed onto the ground, gasping. "Sweet¡­ merciful¡­ mummy. I''m alive!" Ezran leaned against his staff with a dazed expression. "That was¡­ way too close." Boris, still gripping his axe, gave August a weary grin. "Good timing as always." Lilo smiled while brushing dirt off her armor. "I have to admit, that was pretty epic." August turned to the group. "Let''s get out of here before they dig their way out." ... ... The sprawling estate of Lord Cavriel was a sight to behold. Surrounded by lush gardens and towering marble walls, the estate shimmered under the golden glow of the evening sun. Intricate fountains adorned the beautiful pathways leading to the grand entrance, where royal guards stood at attention. August and his group stood inside, still covered in dirt and grime from their harrowing adventure. Lord Cavriel, now dressed in pristine robes with the emblem of his lineage, greeted them with a relieved smile as they approached. "Heroes," Cavriel said warmly while spreading his arms. "Words cannot express my gratitude. I owe you my life." "It''s all in a day''s work," August replied calmly. Gregorious puffed out his chest. "Indeed, my lord! Your rescue was conducted by none other than the legendary Lord Aleman and his gallant companions! Truly, a tale for the ages." Boris smirked. "Gallant? You screamed for your mummy half the time." "Strategic screaming," Gregarious shot back while wagging a finger. "It''s a time-honored warrior tactic." Lilo rolled her eyes. "Keep telling yourself that." Ezran, as usual, stayed quiet while scanning the elaborate architecture of the estate. --- Chapter 162 Moving In System Notification:[ Quest Complete: Rescue Lord Cavriel. ] [ Rewards Distributed. EXP Gained: 180,000. Party EXP Distributed. ] [ Hidden Quest: Royal Assistance. Objective Completed. Additional Rewards Granted. ] --- August''s read the notification with a look of confusion. "Hidden quest?" he murmured. "Looks like we stumbled into something bigger than we thought." Lord Cavriel motioned for a steward, who approached carrying a polished wooden box. Inside were five tokens that glowed faintly with magic and had some strange carvings. "These," Cavriel handed one to each of them, "are Tournament Qualification Badges. You may not know what this means now, but soon you will. Hold onto them. They signify your eligibility to participate in a grand event that is unlike anything you''ve experienced before." Gregorious held his badge up to the light, squinting at it. "A tournament, huh? Does it involve free food? I fight better on a full stomach." "You fight better when someone''s saving your sorry hide," Lilo teased before tucking her badge into her inventory. "What kind of tournament?" Boris questioned with a skeptical expression. Cavriel smiled knowingly. "All I can say is that it is an event steeped in tradition and mystery, and the rewards are beyond imagination. You have proven your worth by saving me, and now you have the chance to prove yourselves even further." Ezran frowned slightly while studying the badge. "A mystery tournament¡­ I don''t like the sound of that." "Relax, Ezran," Gregarious slapped him on the back lightly. "We''ve got Lord Aleman on our side. What could possibly go wrong?" "That''s exactly the kind of comment that makes things go wrong," Lilo muttered. --- System Notification: [ Tournament Qualification Badge Received. ] [ Additional EXP Gained for Hidden Quest: 50,000. ] --- As they finished their conversation, the steward reappeared with pouches of gold and rare materials as additional rewards. Cavriel bowed deeply. "May fortune favor you all in your future endeavors. If you ever need assistance, know that you have a friend in this house." "We appreciate it," August inclining his head as well. As they turned to leave, Gregarious whispered loudly, "Do you think the tournament has a pie-eating contest? I''d win that for sure." Lilo groaned. "Why do I even bother?" They walked away from the estate, thinking about the strange token they had received and what it might mean. The streets of Gallorn Kingdom stretched out before them as they stepped forward together. "This tournament," Boris broke the silence. "Do you think it''s a worldwide phenomenon?" "We''ll see," August glanced at his badge again. "For now, let''s focus on leveling up. Whatever this is, we need to be ready." "Right," Ezran agreed. ... ... As August pulled off the VR headset and stepped out of the gaming pod, the cool morning light seeped through the worn-out curtains of their old apartment. He stretched and cracked his neck with a satisfied sigh. It had been another long night in Enders Light, and the mention of a tournament still lingered in his mind. But reality called, and today was a big day¡ªmoving day. He stepped out of his room and found Sophia already dressed and sitting cross-legged on the couch, scrolling through her phone. Her green hair, usually neat, was slightly tousled, and she looked up with a sleepy expression. "Finally logged out, huh?" she teased with a smirk. "I was starting to think you''d just upload yourself into that game permanently." August rolled his eyes playfully. "You''d like that, wouldn''t you? No one around to remind you to eat vegetables." Sophia stuck out her tongue. "I survive on ramen and determination." He glanced around their small, cluttered living room. The walls were cracked in places, and the old carpet had seen better days. It wasn''t much, but it had been their home for the past three years. The thought of leaving brought a strange feeling of nostalgia. "Truck''s coming in thirty minutes," Sophia reminded him before standing up and stretching. "Are you excited or what?" August grinned while ruffling her hair. "Of course. I can''t wait to finally have enough space to walk without stubbing my toe on something." He gestured at the cramped room, cluttered with their few belongings. Sophia''s eyes sparkled. "And a kitchen that isn''t basically inside the living room." --- Soon enough, the moving truck rumbled into their street, which was lined with small, aging apartment complexes and noisy vendors hawking their goods to early morning passersby. Their neighbors, some familiar, watched as the movers¡ªtwo muscular men¡ªbegan loading their modest collection of boxes and furniture onto the truck. Mrs. Patel from next door peeked out from her window and waved. "Leaving us, August?" "Yeah, Mrs. P," August replied with a small smile. "Moving to somewhere a little better." "Don''t forget the little people when you''re rich and famous," she teased, making Sophia giggle. As they finished loading, August took one last look at the building. It had been tough but they''d made it work. "Let''s go," he nudged Sophia gently. "New beginnings." --- Their new apartment was located in a much better neighborhood, a place with tree-lined streets, cleaner sidewalks, and a general sense of safety they hadn''t felt in a long time. The building itself was modern¡ªglass panels, neatly painted walls, and a spacious lobby with a smooth marble floor. Sophia''s jaw practically hit the floor when they walked into their new two-bedroom apartment. The living room was massive compared to their old place, with large windows that let in plenty of natural light. The kitchen was fully equipped and separated from the living area. Their bedrooms were spacious, each with built-in closets. "Wow," Sophia breathed while spinning around with wide eyes. "You really went all out." August suppressed a proud grin as he shrugged. "Told you I wanted us to live comfortably." Sophia walked around the place in awe, touching the new furniture August had arranged earlier. "How did you afford all this? I mean, I know you''ve been making some money, but¡­" August smirked. "Let''s just say business is booming." "AM Coven is really paying off, huh?" she said before flopping onto the new plush couch. "Not bad, big bro." He grinned. "And now we make this place ours." --- With a quick nod, August rolled up his sleeves and got to work. Furniture was still wrapped in protective plastic, boxes were stacked in the corner, and there was a lot to do. However, he had a secret weapon. With a quick breath, he activated Phantom Blitz causing his body to flicker as he appeared across the room in rapid succession, grabbing chairs, unboxing items, and placing furniture with supernatural speed. --- System Notification: [ Phantom Blitz (Tier 2) Activated ] --- In the blink of an eye, a coffee table was set up, the TV stand was perfectly positioned, and the bookshelf filled. He zipped from one end of the apartment to the other, arranging everything in record time. Sophia stood at the kitchen doorway with her mouth agape. "Okay, that''s just unfair. You have literal superpowers, and I''m over here unrolling carpets like a peasant." August paused mid-teleport with a grin on his face. "Hey, gotta put those in-game skills to good use. You should be glad I didn''t just leave you to do everything." She crossed her arms. "One day, I''m going to get supernatural abilities too, and then we''ll see who''s laughing." "Keep dreaming, kid," he chuckled before placing the final piece of furniture. Sophia smirked. "You know... you should offer this moving service as part of AM Coven. You''d be rolling in cash." August groaned. "I''m not a glorified moving company." Before they could continue their banter, there was a sudden knock at the door. Both of them froze mid-action, exchanging a curious glance. "Who could that be?" Sophia whispered. "We don''t even know anyone in this building yet." August''s eyes narrowed as he turned into a blur and instantly arrived before the door. Peeking through the peephole, he could see a feminine figure standing just outside. "Expecting anyone?" Sophia whispered. "No," August murmured but then smiled. "But it is a familiar face," The knock on the door echoed again but this time it was followed by a cheerful voice. Your journey continues with My Virtual Library Empire "Helloooo? I know you''re in there, handsome!" August exchanged a glance with Sophia. "Only one person knocks like that." He opened the door to reveal Remi, standing with a bright smile and her signature blue hair tied in a playful ponytail. She wore a casual pastel sweater over jeans, looking effortlessly stylish as always. "There you are!" Remi grinned and stepped inside without waiting for an invitation. She looked around with widened eyes as she took in the fully arranged living space. "Whoa. You''ve barely moved in, and everything''s already perfect. I thought I''d be helping you set things up." Sophia perched on the couch with her arms crossed while grinning. "Yeah, my brother''s got skills." S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. August shrugged while leaning against the wall. "I work fast." Remi narrowed her eyes at him. "Uh-huh. Fast, huh? You sure you didn''t summon some magic butlers to do the heavy lifting?" Chapter 163 The New Discovery Sophia perched on the couch with her arms crossed and smirked. "Yeah, my brother''s got skills."August shrugged while leaning against the wall. "I work fast." Remi narrowed her eyes at him. "Uh-huh. Fast, huh? You sure you didn''t summon some magic butlers to do the heavy lifting?" Sophia snorted. "Something like that." sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Remi gave Sophia an affectionate squeeze around the shoulders. "Look at you, Soph. Growing up so fast! How''s life treating you?" Sophia smiled shyly due to Remi''s attention. "It''s better now that we''re here. Thanks again for helping us find this place, Remi." "Anything for my favorite people." Remi winked and then turned back to August. "Speaking of favorite people¡­" Her eyes twinkled mischievously. "You still owe me a date, mister." August laughed before shaking his head. "You never forget, do you?" "Not when it comes to handsome guys," she shot back playfully, nudging him. "But hey, seriously, I''m glad you guys are here. I live just next door, you know. If you need anything¡ªsugar, coffee, life advice¡ªyou know where to find me." Sophia''s eyes widened. "Wait, you live in this building?" Remi grinned. "Yup! Apartment 3C, right down the hall. Didn''t I tell you?" August blinked in surprise. "No, you didn''t." "Well, surprise!" Remi giggled. "Now you''ve got me as your neighbor. You''re welcome." Sophia leaned in with a smirk. "Wow, August. Looks like someone''s got a stalker." "Hey, hey," Remi held up her hands in protest. "I prefer the term friendly, conveniently located acquaintance." August chuckled. "Convenient is right." Remi placed her hands on her hips and surveyed the apartment again. "Seriously though, this place looks amazing. The high ceilings, the lighting¡ªugh, I might have to crash here when I get tired of my place. My cousin always did have a good eye." Sophia nodded in agreement. "It does feel nice." Remi smiled warmly. "You both deserve it." Then she clapped her hands together. "Okay, since I clearly have no job left here, how about you both come over for dinner tonight? I''ll make something nice." August raised a brow. "Are you cooking or ordering takeout?" She pouted. "Rude! I can cook, you know." Sophia giggled. "We''d love to come." "Awesome." Remi glanced at her watch. "I better get going. Got a few errands to run before dinner." She ruffled Sophia''s hair playfully. "You behave now, young lady." Sophia rolled her eyes but smiled. "I''m not a kid anymore, Remi." "You''ll always be my little Soph," Remi teased. As Remi made her way to the door, she pointed a finger at August. "You, mister, don''t go disappearing into that game of yours all day. Come over or I''ll drag you out myself." August grinned. "Alright, alright. We''ll be there." Remi gave him one last playful wink before slipping out the door, leaving a trail of her usual vibrant energy in her wake. As soon as the door shut, Sophia folded her arms. "So¡­ she''s got a thing for you." August sighed dramatically. "Thanks, Sherlock." "She''s nice," Sophia said thoughtfully. "You should give her a shot." August smirked. "I''ve got enough on my plate, Soph. Running AM Coven, grinding in Enders Light, making sure you don''t destroy our new apartment... it''s a lot." Sophia rolled her eyes. "Excuses." August chuckled, but as he glanced around the apartment, a feeling settled in the pit of his stomach. Something was missing. The place was set up, they were in a new, better environment, but he felt like he was forgetting something. "I''ll be back," August said suddenly before grabbing his jacket. Sophia blinked. "Where are you going?" "There''s something I need to get," he headed for the door upon responding. Sophia raised a brow. "Is it furniture? More snacks?" August grinned. "Something more important." With that, he stepped outside, leaving Sophia curious as he disappeared down the hallway. ... ... Over thirty minutes later, August stood in the middle of his now-empty old apartment as the faint scent of dust and lingering memories filled the air. The place felt smaller now, lonelier without Sophia''s usual chatter in the background. With a sigh, he walked over to the small cracked desk by the window, where his Aleman helmet rested. "There you are," he muttered while picking it up. The helmet''s futuristic design reflected the dim light filtering through the cracked blinds. He tapped a few buttons along the visor, watching as the interface briefly flickered to life before storing it safely into his inventory with a thought. --- System Notification: [ Helmet stored in Inventory. ] --- As the helmet vanished into the void of his inventory space, a thought creeped into his mind. He had only ever stored game-related items¡ªloot, weapons, potions. But what if...? His eyes scanned the room until they landed on a discarded empty soda can resting on the floor near the kitchen counter. He walked over, picked it up and turned it over in his hands. It was just an ordinary can, dented slightly, with a faded logo from some energy drink he''d consumed during late-night grinding sessions. "Alright," August muttered to himself. "Let''s see if you make the cut." With a focused look, he willed the can into his inventory the same way he did with his game items. In an instant, the can vanished, dissolving into thin air like a digital artifact being uploaded. August quickly accessed his inventory interface, scrolling through the neatly categorized tabs¡ªWeapons, Consumables, Miscellaneous¡ªand there it was, sitting under a newly created "Real-World Items" tab. --- System Notification: [ New Category Unlocked: Real-World Items ] [ Empty Soda Can stored successfully. ] --- His heart skipped a beat. "No way¡­" he whispered while rubbing his chin in deep thought. If it worked one way, did that mean¡­? A crazy idea formed in his head. If he logged back into Enders Light, would he still be able to access this real-world item? And if he could¡­ could he bring it out? Could he potentially carry things between both worlds? "This is a crazy discovery," August murmured while pacing the small apartment. The possibilities were mind-boggling. He could transport anything¡ªmoney, technology, even weapons¡ªbetween the game and reality. What if he took a bazooka into the game and fired it at enemies? What if he could take jewelry into the game? What if he could store a vehicle in his inventory and use it in the game world? Maybe that was too far but the possibilities were endless. If he could confirm this worked, he could so much with it. A slow, excited grin spread across his face. "Looks like I''m about to become more than just a businessman," he voiced as he headed towards the door. As he walked out, his mind raced with ideas. Since he could also store game items in his inventory, he could bring food from the game world into this world and probably never need to spend a dime again. ... ... Four days passed in a blur of unpacking, adjusting, and adapting to their new surroundings. August and Sophia had made a conscious effort to blend into the new neighborhood, meeting their neighbors and familiarizing themselves with the area. The two-bedroom apartment felt more like home now, with pictures hung on the walls, the smell of Sophia''s cooking in the air, and the sound of city traffic outside their window. --- In the apartment hallway, August was leaning against the wall, chatting with Mrs. Langston, an elderly woman who lived next door. She was short and plump, with a penchant for floral dresses and endless stories about her grandchildren. "You know, young man," she voiced while wagging a wrinkled finger at him. "It''s nice to see polite boys like you still exist. My grandson, bless his heart, barely looks up from his phone when I talk to him." August chuckled before adjusting the bag of groceries he held. "Well, Mrs. Langston, I guess I''m just old-fashioned like that." She smiled approvingly. "And handsome too! If I were fifty years younger¡ª" Sophia popped her head out from their apartment door. "Don''t encourage him, Mrs. Langston. His ego''s already too big." Find more chapters on My Virtual Library Empire Mrs. Langston laughed before patting Sophia''s head before shuffling back into her apartment. "You two behave yourselves now." As August turned to head back inside, a voice called from the opposite end of the hall. "Yo, new guy!" August looked up to see Kane, their neighbor from across the hall. Kane was in his early thirties, muscular, with a sleeve of tattoos running down one arm and an easygoing smirk always present on his face. He was shirtless, leaning against his doorframe with a protein shake in hand. "You''re the one in apartment 2A, right?" Kane took a sip of his shake in between speeches. August grinned. "Guilty as charged." Kane whistled. "If you ever wanna hit the gym, let me know. I also offer boxing training." Sophia rolled her eyes. "He doesn''t need any more muscle. He''s already unbearable." August smirked. "I''ll think about it, Kane." "Anytime, man." Kane grinned before heading back inside, leaving August shaking his head with amusement. Chapter 164 The Politicians Daughter Later that afternoon, Sophia and August were having lunch at a nearby joint when their neighbor, Emily, joined them. Emily was a young artist, always covered in paint stains and with an air of chaotic energy."You two are seriously the most interesting people to move into this neighborhood," Emily voiced before sipping her iced coffee. "Like, you look normal, but there''s something extra about you. I can feel it." She squinted at August suspiciously. August chuckled. "We''re just trying to live quietly, Em. Nothing special." Emily leaned in closer. "Liar. I saw those crazy reflexes the other day when you caught that falling vase. You do taekwondo or something?" Sophia groaned. "Emily, you''re embarrassing him." Emily smirked. "If I were younger, I''d totally be crushing on you." Sophia shot back, "You''re literally the same age." August shook his head with a laugh. "I think I need to find less observant neighbors." --- By the end of the fourth day, AM Coven was thriving more than ever. Players flooded the futuristic store, browsing the impressive collection of extracted game items and rare artifacts displayed elegantly in glass cases. The five guards clad in their super soldier gear, stood at key points with their robotic arms gleaming under the lights, adding a layer of intimidation to the already impressive establishment. That day, however, things took an interesting turn when the arrival of a notable guest caused a buzz around the area. A long line of black SUVs pulled up outside the building. The convoy drew instant attention from passersby and store visitors alike. Bodyguards in crisp suits stepped out first, scanning the surroundings with military gaze before opening the doors for their charge. Out stepped a young woman dressed in a designer outfit that screamed wealth and power. Celeste Montgomery, daughter of a prominent politician, walked with an air of entitlement as her heels clicked against the pavement. She was stunning¡ªlong dark hair cascading in waves, designer sunglasses perched perfectly on her nose, and an expression that suggested she was used to having things handed to her on a silver platter. Inside AM Coven, Greg who was stationed near the entrance was at loss on how to handle the situation. "Uh, Boss Aleman?" he whispered over the comms. "We''ve got a walking, talking diamond rolling in with an entourage. Should I polish my armor?" August, who was behind the counter inspecting a new batch of enchanted daggers, glanced at the entrance. His visor flickered faintly as he scanned the crowd. "Play it cool, Greg. She''s probably here to browse." Greg arched a brow. "Yeah, because rich heiresses totally waltz into game stores with convoys just to browse." Terry who was lounging near one of the displays, let out a low whistle. "Oh boy, it''s Celeste Montgomery. I''ve read about her online. You know she''s obsessed with anything unique and expensive, right? We better not mess this up." Darnell cracked his knuckles. "She can bring all the guards she wants, but if she touches anything she shouldn''t, they won''t be able to stop me." Celeste stepped inside with an air of authority, scanning the displays with interest. Her eyes eventually landed on August, who remained behind the counter with his futuristic helmet masking his face. "You," she approached him with slow steps. "You''re Aleman, right? The one everyone''s talking about?" August nodded. "That''s me. Welcome to AM Coven. What can I do for you?" Celeste studied him through her sunglasses. "I''ve heard a lot about you. A businessman, a player, a miracle worker." Her lips curled into an intrigued smile. "I want to see if you live up to the hype." August tilted his head. "Depends on what you''re looking for." She gestured at the displays. "Something rare. Something powerful. Something... exclusive." August crossed his arms. "We''ve got plenty of rare items, but exclusivity comes with a price." Celeste smirked while snapping her fingers. One of her bodyguards approached and she opened a briefcase packed with stacks of cash. "I''m not worried about price," she said confidently. "Show me what you''ve got." Greg practically drooled at the sight of the money. "Boss Aleman, can we keep her? Please?" August sighed. "Let''s see if she''s serious first." With a gesture, he led her deeper into the store to check out a variety of items. "This is the Emberflame Sword, priced at about four hundred thousand dollars..." "This is the Devil Fang Dagger... Contains a dark toxin that can spread through touch... Priced at two hundred thousand dollars..." "This is the fruit of life...can heal any disease... Priced at Two million dollars..." August continued to show her around the place, giving a brief explanation on every item behind the display cases. After taking her around, they returned to the first counter August was behind and then we he asked her if she had made her pick. Celeste Montgomery leaned on the counter with an expectant smile as her designer perfume lingered in the air. "You know," she said while twirling a lock of her perfectly styled hair, "I''ve seen your videos, Aleman. You''re quite the... impressive figure." August stood with his arms crossed behind the counter, remaining unfazed under his futuristic helmet. "Appreciate the compliment, Miss Montgomery. Have you decided on something specific, or...?" S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She waved a manicured hand dismissively. "Straight to business, huh? I like that. But I''ll be honest¡ªI''d consider patronizing this place if you agreed to go on a date with me." Greg standing off to the side, nearly choked on his water. "Boss Aleman, did you hear that? A *date*! Imagine the potential connections!" August ignored him. His voice remained calm and professional as he responded. "I''m flattered, but I don''t mix business with personal matters. AM Coven is about game items, not dates." Celeste pouted before leaning closer. "Come on, just one date. Dinner, drinks... I promise I''m very persuasive." August shook his head. "I appreciate the offer, but my answer is still no." Celeste narrowed her eyes playfully. "You''re a tough one. Most people crumble the moment they hear my last name. Do you even know who my father is?" August didn''t flinch. "I''m aware. But it doesn''t change my answer." She crossed her arms and smirked. "You''re really going to refuse me?" "I already have," August replied. Celeste''s smile faltered, and frustration seeped into her tone. "Fine. Maybe I''ll have my father shut this place down, then. I have connections, you know." August''s visor gleamed ominously as he stood straighter. The air around him grew heavier, and even Greg took a step back. "Threats don''t work here, Miss Montgomery. Either you''re here to buy something, or you''re not. If not, I suggest you leave and come back when you''re serious about business." Celeste blinked in surprise. People rarely talked back to her¡ªespecially not with that level of calm confidence. A slow grin spread across her face. "Interesting... you''re really not afraid of my father, are you?" "No," August replied simply. She tilted her head, still intrigued. "Well then... I guess I''ll be back." She turned on her heel dramatically and strutted toward the exit with her convoy of guards trailing behind her. "Don''t miss me too much, Aleman!" August sighed as he watched her leave. Greg whistled low. "Boss, you really have a way with the ladies." "Focus on work, Greg," August shook his head as he walked toward the display cases. --- Outside AM Coven, minutes later... Celeste walked toward her car with the convoy of black SUVs parked along the curb and her guards flanking her on both sides. The sun reflected off the tinted windows, casting sharp glares. From a rooftop across the street, hidden behind the towering buildings, a shadowy figure adjusted the scope of a sniper rifle. A red dot locked onto Celeste''s chest. Just as her heels clicked closer to the car door, a voice called out from behind. "Miss Montgomery! You forgot this." Celeste turned and blinked in surprise as Aleman approached, holding her phone and briefcase full of money in his gloved hand. She grinned while brushing her hair back. "Oh, how sweet of you¡ª" Suddenly, the reflection of the sniper''s scope caught in August''s helmet visor. Time seemed to slow down as his instincts kicked in instantly. **BANG!** In a split second, August activated Phantom Blitz causing his body to dissolve into a straight purple line as he grabbed Celeste and teleported several meters to the side. Fhrrewwwww~ They landed behind one of the SUVs just as the bullet pierced the air where she had been standing. --- System Notification: [ Phantom Blitz (Tier 2) Activated ] --- Screams erupted from the crowd. Bystanders ducked, and Celeste''s bodyguards scrambled to draw their weapons. Celeste clung to August as her eyes widened with shock and admiration. "You... you saved me." "Are you hurt?" August questioned with a calm tone despite the adrenaline coursing through him. Celeste shook her head while staring up at him with a newfound glow of admiration. "I''m fine... but, wow." He gently pushed her toward one of the guards. "Get her inside. I''ll handle this." Chapter 165 I Just... Like My Job One of the bodyguards stammered, "Wait, sir¡ª"But August was already gone. --- Leaping twelve feet into the air, he activated Phantom Blitz again and teleported in mid-air before appearing on a building''s window. He began to Phantom Blitz from window to window in the same building gaining higher ground rapidly. The shooter on the other hand was moving fast, jumping between rooftops in an attempt to escape. "Not happening," August muttered as his visor locked onto the figure in black tactical gear. As he closed the distance, the shooter spun around, aiming another shot at him. August dodged to the side with his movements enhanced by the agility of his assassin class. Bang! The moment the shot was fired and the bullet grazed past him, he activated Phantom Blitz again. The shooter hadn''t even finished dealing with the recoil when August appeared before him with his fist hurling forward. Bam! August landed a swift jab on the chest of the shooter, sending him staggering backward in pain. "Ugh!" The shooter hissed in pain and pulled out a knife, ready for close combat. August''s automated voice rang out; "You picked the wrong day, buddy." The shooter ignored August''s remark and dashed forward while slashing at his face. August swerved to the side, easily evading the swing but the shooter kept slashing at him repeatedly. He took multiple swings as he moved rapidly and even tried to stab August occasionally but August''s superior speed overwhelmed the shooter. He kept evading easily since he could see all the strikes coming. As the shooter swung at him again, August ducked and countered with a sharp uppercut before he could retract his arm. The sound of teeth grinding together rang out as the shooter spat out a bunch of teeth but August didn''t stop there. Find exclusive stories on My Virtual Library Empire He began to repeatedly land hits on the shooter who was already starting to run out of stamina due to the continuous missed attacks. The shooter stumbled back under the relentless assault. Finally, with a sharp kick to the chest, August sent him sprawling across the rooftop. The shooter tried to crawl away, but August pinned him down with his foot. "Talk," he ordered. "Who sent you?" The shooter groaned as blood spurted out of his mouth but said nothing. August applied a little more pressure. "I don''t have all day." Before the shooter could answer, sirens blared below. The authorities had arrived. August sighed while stepping back. "Guess I''ll let them handle you." He vanished with Phantom Blitz, leaving the shooter to the cops. --- Back on the street, Celeste was still shaken but smiling when August reappeared. "You''re seriously full of surprises," she said. August handed her the phone and the briefcase. "I suggest you stay out of trouble." Celeste smirked. "Not a chance." She took the phone but ignored the briefcase, "You can keep that... consider it a thank you and the start of a long future partnership." "No, I don''t take free money," August proceeded to place the briefcase in the hands of one of her guards. A look of surprise crossed her face as she watched him walk away. Her interest in him had only deepened. "I''ll be back, Aleman," she whispered to herself before slipping into her car as the convoy drove off. August exhaled while walking back into the building. "Just another day at AM Coven." ... ... The next morning, news flashed across multiple channels, all focused on a single story: **"Attempted Assassination on Politician''s Daughter Foiled by Mysterious Supernatural Figure who is also believed to be the same miracle man who saved a patient about a month back."** Footage from various angles played in a montage¡ªCeleste Montgomery stepping out of AM Coven, the sudden gunshot, and the astonishing moment where a blurred streak, later identified as **Aleman**, appeared and teleported her out of harm''s way. The clip slowed down to show his split-second reaction and the faint blue glow of his abilities illuminating the chaos. "Sources confirm that the assailant has been apprehended thanks to the swift intervention of the masked figure known as Aleman," the news anchor reported with a tone of intrigue. "This incident has sparked widespread speculation about the connection between Aleman and the popular VRMMORPG *Enders Light,* where he is also known as a top player... And our very own miracle man in the city..." Online forums exploded with discussions: - "Aleman in real life? Is he the same guy from Enders Light?" - "I knew it! AM Coven is run by a supernatural player!" -"How does he have powers IRL?! I need answers!" -"He must have consumed the fruit of corruption!" -"That item is worth hundreds of millions!" Meanwhile, at the Phoenix Celestial Guild''s real-life Headquarters, a towering skyscraper an hour away from August''s city, the discussion about Aleman had reached a fever pitch. Inside the guild''s lavish lounge, a group of players crowded around Lilo, Boris, and Ezran, bombarding them with questions. The massive windows overlooked the futuristic cityscape, but all eyes were focused on the large holographic display playing the news on repeat. "So," one of the guild members leaned forward with a smirk, "you guys play with Aleman in Enders Light, right? Is he the Aleman?" Rachel Valentine (Lilo), lounging with her legs up on the armrest of the couch, twirled a lock of her short brown hair and shrugged. "I mean¡­ we''ve never asked him about AM Coven. It''s not like we talk about our real lives that much in the game." Drake (Boris) who was munching on a protein bar, added, "Yeah, and besides, I don''t think our Aleman has superpowers IRL... Right?" He glanced uncertainly at Ezran. Jin Yun (Ezran), adjusted his glasses and sighed. "It''s hard to say. Aleman''s always been secretive. Even if it was him, I doubt he''d tell us." "Come on, Ezran," another guild member pressed. "The timing, the name, the *helmet*¡ªit''s too much of a coincidence! Last time Aleman was here in person, he hid his face!" Ariana entered the lounge with her arms crossed. She listened for a moment before speaking. "You''re all speculating without proof." She turned to Lilo. "But I am curious. You guys should add me to your chat group. Maybe I''ll figure out if he''s the same Aleman." Lilo groaned while swinging her legs off the couch. "You keep asking me that, too. I said later." Aria smirked. "You always say later." Boris leaned in with a grin. "Admit it, Aria. You just want to know if Aleman is single." Aria rolled her eyes as a blush appeared on her face. "I don''t mix business with pleasure." Ezran muttered while sipping his tea, "Sure." Lilo stood up. "Alright, I''m out. Got work." Ezran blinked. "Work? Lilo, why are you still working a regular job when we''re getting paid to be in Phoenix Celestial? You realize we make more than enough now, right?" Lilo laughed lightly while ruffling Ezran''s hair. "You wouldn''t understand, Yun. I like keeping busy." As she walked toward the elevator, Boris called after her, "Lilo, come on. We all left our day jobs for this. You should too!" She paused at the elevator doors as her playful smirk faltered for just a second. A shadow of something deeper crossed her face¡ªsomething even Ezran noticed. "I just¡­ I like my job," she said softly before stepping into the elevator. "Catch you guys later." As the doors closed, her smirk faded, and she stared at the descending floor counter, lost in thought. --- Meanwhile, back in the lounge, Aria watched the elevator doors with a thoughtful expression. "She''s hiding something." Ezran nodded. "Yeah. She''s never been one to keep secrets, but she''s been acting weird ever since we joined Phoenix Celestial." Boris leaned back with a sigh. "Whatever it is, she''ll tell us when she''s ready." Aria glanced at the news screen one more time, watching the footage of Aleman saving Celeste. "And what about him? If he really is *the* Aleman, we need to know. He could be a major asset to the guild." Ezran adjusted his glasses, deep in thought. "Well¡­ let''s just say that if it is him, we should probably respect his privacy. I get the feeling Aleman isn''t the type to share unless he wants to." S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Aria crossed her arms. "Maybe. But I still want answers." Boris grinned. "Let''s just wait and see. Besides, if he''s the same Aleman we know, he won''t be able to stay out of the spotlight for long." The room fell into thoughtful silence as the news replayed the moment Aleman saved Celeste and his figure teleported in and out of danger. The mystery only deepened. ... ... Hours later, Lilo sat at her desk in the dimly lit office as the soft buzz of fluorescent lights overhead mixed with the rhythmic clicking of her keyboard. The clock on the wall read 11:43 PM and the building was nearly empty, save for a few other employees working late shifts like her. Papers were stacked high on her desk... reminders of deadlines and tasks that never seemed to end. She sighed and rubbed her temples, trying to shake off the exhaustion creeping in. Her phone vibrated beside her, and she glanced down to see a message from Ji Yun Ezran: "You still at work?" Chapter 166 Upcoming Tournament Rachel rubbed her temples, trying to shake off the exhaustion creeping in. Her phone vibrated beside her, and she glanced down to see a message from Ji Yun.Ezran: You still at work? Rachel smirked and typed back a quick response. Lilo: Obviously. Some of us have bills to pay, Yun. Before she could send a witty follow-up, the landline on her desk buzzed. She frowned and picked it up. "Rachel speaking," she said tiredly. The gruff voice of Mr. Grayson, her overweight, balding superior, came through the receiver. "Rachel, bring me the Sutton file. Now." Rachel sighed again, barely concealing her irritation. "Yes, sir. Right away." Hanging up the phone, she grabbed the thick folder from the stack and made her way down the dim hallway to Mr. Grayson''s office. The plush carpet muffled her footsteps, but she could hear the faint sounds of the city outside¡ªthe distant honks of cars and murmurs of night owls roaming the streets. As she reached the heavy wooden door, she hesitated for a moment before knocking lightly. "Come in," Mr. Grayson''s voice rumbled from inside. Taking a deep breath, Rachel pushed the door open and stepped into the office. The scent of cheap cologne and cigar smoke waffed into her nostrils immediately. Grayson, a rotund man in his mid-50s with thinning hair and a greedy smile, sat behind his mahogany desk. His small beady eyes scanned her from head to toe as she approached. "Here''s the Sutton file, sir," Rachel kept her voice professional as she extended the file toward him. Instead of taking it, Grayson''s thick fingers wrapped around her wrist, gripping her tightly. Rachel froze. "Sir...?" Without warning, he yanked her forward and spun her around before pressing his bloated frame against her back. Rachel''s breath hitched as she felt his warm, greasy hands snake up her thighs, slipping under her skirt with ease. "You know, Rachel," Grayson whispered as his hot disgusting breath brushed against her ear. "You can''t quit on me. Not until you pay back what you owe." Rachel grimaced while gritting her teeth as her heart pounded in her chest. She wanted to shove him off, but she knew better. This wasn''t the first time he''d done this, and if she pushed back too hard, she knew the consequences. "I... I''m working hard to pay it back, Mr. Grayson," she responded with a strained voice. Stay tuned to My Virtual Library Empire He chuckled darkly as his fingers traced slow, deliberate circles on her hip. "I think we both know there''s easier ways to settle debts, sweetheart." Rachel''s stomach churned with disgust. She clenched her fists at her sides, immediately understanding what he meant. If she made a scene now, she could lose everything. This job, as much as she hated it, was her lifeline besides the game. "Please, sir," her voice was barely above a whisper. "I''m here to work. Nothing more." Grayson sighed while dragging his lips close to her ear. "Tsk. Always so stubborn. That''s why I like you, Rachel. You''ve got fight in you... I can''t deny the urge to pin you to this table and taste that honey pot you guard so jealously..." His grip loosened just enough for her to step forward and out of his grasp. Rachel took a deep breath and turned around before holding the file between them like a shield. "Here''s the Sutton file, sir," she repeated while meeting his eyes with a cold glare. Grayson stared at her for a long moment, then leaned back in his chair with a smirk as he took the file. "You''re lucky I''m in a good mood tonight," he stated while flipping through the pages. Rachel didn''t respond. She turned and walked briskly toward the door as her pulse hammered in her ears. As she reached the threshold, his voice called out again. "Don''t forget, Rachel," he said with a sickening smile. "You belong here until I say otherwise." She didn''t look back. Her knuckles were white as snow as she pushed the door open and stepped back into the hallway. Her legs felt weak, but she forced herself to keep walking, past the empty cubicles, past the judgmental stares of the janitor wiping the floor, and finally back to her desk. Dropping into her chair, she exhaled shakily. Her hands trembled as she grabbed her phone. Ezran: Still alive? Rachel stared at the screen for a moment before typing back: Lilo: Yeah. Just living the dream. She swallowed hard and leaned back in her chair, staring at the ceiling. The debts, the powerlessness, the pressure and everything she kept hidden from her friends in Enders Light... It all felt suffocating. But she wasn''t going to break. Not yet. ... ... The bustling streets of Tagharium were more alive than ever, buzzing with excitement over the upcoming tournament. Players and NPCs alike filled the taverns, alleyways, and market squares, all speculating and scheming about how to secure their place in the mysterious event. August walked through the streets with his dark assassin attire blending effortlessly into the night. He could see adventurers scrambling to curry favor with the royals, desperate to obtain the elusive Tournament Qualification Token. Inside The Golden Flask Tavern, the scent of roasted meats, spiced wine, and the rich, intoxicating aroma of Elven Firebrew, a strong amber liquid that promised to revitalize energy while dulling pain for a short while, wafted through the air. August sat at a corner table, swirling the glowing drink in his hand. It''s faint chill spreading through his fingertips. --- System Notification: [ Elven Firebrew Consumed: +5% Energy Regeneration | Duration: 15 minutes ] [ Minor Debuff: Slight Dizziness | Duration: 10 minutes ] --- He leaned back in his chair, listening to conversations from across the room. "I swear, the only way to get in is to earn a royal''s trust," a broad-shouldered warrior in silver-plated armor boomed from the next table. "I''ve tried everything¡ªfavors, bribes, even poetry! Nothing works!" His rogue companion scoffed while twirling a dagger between his fingers. "Poetry? No wonder you failed, Brann. The royals want action, not sweet words. I''m telling you, it''s all about proving your worth." A mage seated across from them leaned in conspiratorially as his purple robes glittered glamorously. "I heard," he whispered, "that some players managed to gain a token by rescuing a royal''s pet dragonling. Apparently, they risked their lives to bring it back." August smirked upon hearing the conversations; ''Good thing we already took care of that with Lord Cavriel.'' He absentmindedly scrolled through his system interface, glancing at the small golden badge tucked within his inventory. --- Inventory: [ Tournament Qualification Token ¨C Acquired via Royal Favor: Lord Cavriel ] Description: Proof of favor granted by royalty. Grants access to the tournament once the date is announced. --- August closed the interface and sipped his drink. Across the tavern, the talk about the tournament continued to grow louder. "I''m telling you," a lanky bard with a feathered hat proclaimed dramatically. "The rewards for this tournament are going to be legendary! I''ve heard whispers of secret quests tied to it... and even ancient relics hidden within the prize pool!" "Yeah, yeah," grumbled a burly fighter beside him. "If you can even get in. I''ve seen guys literally polishing a duke''s boots just to get noticed!" At another table, a group of younger players were frantically whispering among themselves. "I saw someone offer to personally escort a princess on her shopping trips," one said, shaking his head. "It''s getting ridiculous." "Ridiculous or not," another interjected, "without that token, you''re not getting in. We need to figure out something before it''s too late." August couldn''t help but chuckle quietly. He imagined the sheer desperation of players running errands for royals just to get a shot at the tournament. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Some would stop at nothing¡ªhe wouldn''t be surprised if someone had already resorted to pretending to be a royal''s long-lost relative. As he drained the last of his Firebrew, his party chat suddenly blinked open. --- Party Chat: Gregorious: *"Lord Aleman! Have you heard? The whole kingdom is in an uproar over the tournament! It''s all anyone talks about!" Aleman: "I''ve noticed. Where are you?" Gregorious: "Oh, just... running a few errands for a certain noble lady. I may or may not be carrying her twelve fluffy cats around town in a golden chariot." Aleman: "Twelve... cats?" Gregorious: "Royal favor comes in many forms, my friend!" Ezran: "Please tell me you''re joking, Greg." Gregorious: "Not at all! I''m a man of duty. These felines have never been safer!" --- August shook his head in amusement but he wasn''t surprised. Gregorious had a way of finding the most absurd tasks and making them sound like noble quests. Just as he was about to respond, a notification of a public announcement flashed before him. --- System Notification: [ Attention All Players: The Grand Tournament location has been confirmed to take place in the Kingdom of Everwyn. The date will be announced soon. Only those with a royal qualification token may enter. Seek royal favor to obtain entry. ] --- The tavern fell into a stunned silence as the notification spread through the crowd. Murmurs quickly rose in intensity. "Everwyn, huh?" August muttered. Chapter 167 Sir Dumblores Disappearance "Everwyn, huh?" August muttered.Everwyn was apparently a kingdom that didn''t allow entry to anyone, players included unless they had a certain pass. It was shrouded in mystery. The fact that they were hosting meant the competition would be something to watch out for. Boris suddenly dropped a message in the party chat. Boris: "Everwyn! That''s across the Eastern Plains. We''ll need to prepare, stock up, and train more." Ezran: "Guess we better get grinding, huh?" Aleman: "I''ll meet you all soon. Let''s get ready." They decided to meet up here in the Golden Flask Tavern within the next thirty minutes so all August had to do right now was wait. August remained seated at a corner table with his hood drawn just enough to partially conceal his face as he sifted through his inventory screen. The familiar transparent blue menu hovered in front of him, listing his items neatly. Weapons, potions, crafting materials, and then¡ªhis eyes froze on something unusual. [ Inventory: Empty Soda Can (Non-Game Item) ] August blinked. ''No way... it''s actually here?'' He thought back to when he''d tried testing if real-world items could be stored within his game inventory. He had almost forgotten about it and since it worked he hadn''t tried to check if it would be displayed in his inventory within the game as well but there it was¡ªclear as day. With a tap of his finger against the air, he selected the can and clicked [ Retrieve ]. --- System Notification: [ Do you wish to interact with this item? ] [ YES / NO ] --- His facial expression was one of intrigue as he selected [ YES ], half-expecting an error or some message stating it wasn''t compatible with the game world. Instead, a soft glow shimmered above his open palm, and a small silver soda can materialized out of thin air, landing with a soft clink on the wooden table. August''s mouth went slightly ajar as he stared at it. "No freaking way..." he whispered under his breath. The can felt solid in his grip, cool against his fingers. He turned it over, running a thumb across the faded brand logo, exactly how it had been when he picked it up in reality. It wasn''t just an illusion¡ªit was real. This confirmed it... He could bring real-world items into the game as well. August was geeking out of his mind right now thinking about the multiple ways this could be beneficial to him. However, before he could contemplate any further, a sharp ding echoed in his ears, and a new system notification appeared before him. --- System Notification: [ The Silver Sentinel Summons You ] You are summoned by the Silver Sentinel. Refusing will forfeit potential opportunities. --- August leaned back into his chair with a look of surprise. ''Silver Sentinel...?'' The name stirred vivid memories of the battle against Malrik, the formidable level 85 dark sorcerer who had been a city-level boss. The Sentinel had arrived at the perfect moment, clad in silver armor, riding atop a fearsome dragon, and turned the tide of battle. Without his intervention, they might not have survived. ''If the Silver Sentinel is summoning me, it means something might have happened or maybe it''s related to the battle?'' August wondered if he was the only one who got this. --- System Notification: [ Quest Accepted: The Sentinel''s Call ] Reward: ??? --- August barely had time to react after accepting the quest as the world around him warped in a cascade of azure light. The tavern, the lively chatter, the distant sound of Tagharium''s streets¡ªall of it disappeared in an instant. A rushing wind roared in his ears, and when the light faded, he found himself standing in the middle of an enormous hall. The air here was vibrated with power. Massive stone pillars with ancient carved runes lined the room. At the far end of the grand chamber sat the Silver Sentinel, clad in full silver armor that gleamed under the golden glow of floating chandeliers. His helm obscured his face, but the sheer presence he exuded was suffocating. In his grasp rested a towering silver lance, etched with inscriptions that radiated ancient power. Behind him, sprawled across the back of the throne-like seat, lay his dragon¡ªa monstrous beast with gleaming obsidian scales and piercing silver eyes. Its massive head rested close to the floor and its nostrils flared as it lazily exhaled, sending out a low, rumbling growl that vibrated through the entire hall. The dragon''s head alone nearly touched the ceiling, which soared over forty feet high. August swallowed as his gaze flicked between the dragon and the armored figure. "Welcome, Aleman," the Silver Sentinel''s voice boomed, echoing through the vast chamber. His tone was regal, yet tinged with something heavier¡ªexpectation. "We meet again." August took a careful step forward, offering a respectful nod. "Yeah, I remember you. We wouldn''t have won the battle against Malrik without your help." The Sentinel let out a low chuckle, tapping his lance against the floor. "Indeed. I was summoned by the King of Tagharium to help. That was but a glimpse of the battles to come. But I did not summon you here to reminisce about victories past." --- System Notification: [ Quest Accepted: The Sentinel''s Summons ]** Objective: Listen to the Silver Sentinel''s request. Reward: ??? --- August crossed his arms. "So why did you summon me, then?" The Silver Sentinel leaned forward with his silver-plated gauntlet pointing directly at August. "I summoned you here because I sense the mark of the Legendary Forger upon you." August blinked. "The mark of the Legendary Forger?" "Sir Dumblore," the Sentinel said gravely. "A master craftsman of unmatched skill. His mark lingers on those who have wielded his creations." The mention of the name struck August immediately. He reached behind him, unstrapping his custom mage staff from his back, and held it up for the Sentinel to see. The intricately designed staff pulsed with a familiar energy as he displayed it. "Oh yes, Sir Dumblore made this for me," August said. "I met him in a mining cave months ago, did a quest for him, and he rewarded me with this staff." The Silver Sentinel''s hands gripped the armrests of his throne-like seat. "You mean to tell me Sir Dumblore personally forged a weapon for you?" August nodded, recounting the memory. "Yeah. It wasn''t an easy task, but I managed. He also gave me this." He pulled a blank letter from his inventory and placed it on the table in front of the throne. The parchment bore no visible markings, yet the magic within it shimmered faintly. "He said it will make sense when the time comes." The Sentinel''s dragon stirred behind him. Its silver eyes narrowed as it stared at the letter. The Sentinel leaned forward, running a gloved hand over the parchment but not touching it. "This... is most concerning," the Sentinel said after a pause. "Sir Dumblore does not forge weapons lightly, nor does he hand out objects without purpose. That letter¡­ it''s meant for something beyond your current understanding." August frowned. "Why does it concern you so much?" The Sentinel exhaled slowly. "Because Sir Dumblore forged my lance, Aleman. And the materials you gathered for him to forge the sword¡­" He stood to his feet, towering over August with his shadow. "That sword was meant for the Second Hero." August arched an eyebrow. "Second hero?" "Yes," the Sentinel stated while pacing slowly. "There are five known heroes across the magical kingdoms, chosen to combat the great calamity that will soon descend upon this world. Their strength is mighty, but they cannot reach their full potential without Sir Dumblore''s weapons. My lance was the first. The sword you provided materials for was the second. He still intends to make three more for the others." August listened intently while gripping his staff tightly. "Erm so... I still don''t see how this concerns me?" The Sentinel''s voice grew grim. "Sir Dumblore set out to deliver it to the chosen second hero. But..." he turned to face August with a deep burning gaze; "he went missing." --- System Notification: [ New Quest Unlocked: The Missing Forger ] [ Objective:Track down the whereabouts of Sir Dumblore and recover the Second Hero''s sword. ] [ Reward: ??? ] sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. --- August rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "And you think I might know something just because he gave me a staff?" The Sentinel nodded. "Yes. I hoped perhaps he left you a clue, something we could follow. If he entrusted you with one of his weapons, then surely he must have seen something in you." August shook his head. "I haven''t seen him since the day he forged this staff. I have no idea where he could be now." The Sentinel sighed "In as much as I would have preferred to search for him myself, my domain cannot be left so casually. Enemies will strike if I am gone for too long since I protect the border. But Aleman... keep that letter safe. It holds power beyond what you can comprehend now." August glanced down at the mysterious letter once more before tucking it back into his inventory. He nodded. "I''ll keep it safe." Chapter 168 The Elven Kingdom Sylvalis The Silver Sentinel stepped closer before resting a gauntleted hand on August''s shoulder. "You have done well thus far, Aleman but we have to find Sir Dumblore, and soon or all might be lost when the calamity arrives.""Is this your way of asking me to find him?" August requested with a smirk. The air inside the grand castle hall felt heavy, almost as if the weight of destiny itself loomed over them. Behind the silver sentinel, his enormous dragon stirred as its eyes locked onto August as if assessing his worth. The Sentinel''s voice cut through the silence like a blade. "Yes, I am Aleman. I have reason to believe that Sir Dumblore''s last known whereabouts were within the borders of the Elven Kingdom of Sylvalis." His tone turned grave as he continued. "He was seen crossing into their lands, but after that... nothing. No reports, no sightings. It''s as if he vanished into thin air." August frowned before crossing his arms. "Sylvalis, huh?" He rolled the name over his tongue. "I don''t know much about it, but from what I know, elves have a reputation for being peaceful and fair. It doesn''t make sense that something would happen to him there." The Silver Sentinel nodded. "Indeed, the elves are known for their wisdom and diplomacy. However, even the purest lands can be tainted by shadows." His armor clinked as he took a step forward. "Your mission is simple¡ªtravel to Sylvalis, seek out their royal court, and uncover any trace of Sir Dumblore''s passage. Find out if something¡ªor someone¡ªwas responsible for his disappearance." --- Explore stories on My Virtual Library Empire System Notification: [ B Rank Quest Accepted: The Forger''s Trail ] Travel to the Elven Kingdom of Sylvalis and investigate the whereabouts of Sir Dumblore. Primary Objectives: - Speak with the elven royals - Track Sir Dumblore''s movements - Uncover any hidden threats Rewards: ??? --- August smirked under his hood. "Sounds like a challenge I can''t refuse. I''ll get it done." The Sentinel''s dragon let out a low, rumbling growl stirring mild winds. The Sentinel himself took one last look at him, then nodded. "Then may the winds of fate guide you. Do not underestimate the hidden forces at play, Aleman." Before August could say another word, his vision blurred and the hall around him vanished in a swirl of shimmering light. Moments later, he found himself standing outside the towering gates of Tagharium with a new quest to complete. August Swiftly sent a message to the party chat, informing them that he had something to attend to and would tell them about it later. --- Tagharium''s Portal Hub was buzzing with players. Crystalline archways pulsed with mana, allowing travelers to warp across the realms. August navigated through the crowd, heading toward the portal that led to Sylvalis. The architecture here was blistering with arcane inscriptions and humming softly with latent energy. A nearby player who happened to be a heavily armored warrior with a long cape, overheard his inquiries at the portal attendant. "Sylvalis, eh? Watch out for the elves, mate. They smile nice, but they''re sharp as a blade under it." August shrugged. "Sounds like a fun trip." The portal attendant, a robed NPC with emerald-green eyes, handed him a small glowing rune. "One portal to Sylvalis. Travel fee: 50 silver." --- System Notification: [ Portal Fee Deducted: 50 Silver ] [ Remaining Gold: 4,140.50 gold] --- With a flick of his wrist, August activated the rune and stepped through the glowing gateway. A familiar sensation of weightlessness enveloped him, and the city of Tagharium dissolved in a swirl of colors. --- When he emerged, the air smelled different. Crisp, fresh, and filled with the scent of blooming flowers and beautiful greenery. The Elven Kingdom of Sylvalis was breathtaking, unlike anything he had ever seen before. Towering trees with crystalline leaves stood in place of buildings, carved into elegant homes. Bridges of woven vines stretched across shimmering rivers that reflected the golden sunlight filtering through the dense canopy above. Elven NPCs, tall and slender with flowing robes and unrivaled beauty, moved gracefully across the city paths. Their voices were like a melody in the wind. August whistled. "Well, damn. This place is straight out of a fairytale." August had always wanted to visit an Elven Kingdom but he never knew that a B-ranked quest would be his reason for coming here. A soft chuckle behind him made him turn. A female elf with silver hair and piercing emerald eyes approached with fluid movements. She wore an intricately embroidered cloak adorned with silver leaves and assessed him curiously. "You must be new here," she said with a playful smile. "You wear the scent of a foreigner." August smirked. "You could say that. Name''s Aleman. I''m looking for information on someone who might have passed through recently. An old man, kind of grumpy, goes by Sir Dumblore. Heard of him?" The elf''s smile faltered slightly, and she exchanged a glance with a nearby male elf, who was clearly eavesdropping. "Sir Dumblore?" she repeated slowly. "That... is a name we have not heard in some time." August caught the hesitation in her voice. ''Interesting... She knows about him but her facial expression is quite strange...'' "But I have friends who might know more," she added while scanning him with intrigue. "Why don''t you join me for a drink? We can talk in more... private surroundings." August nodded cautiously. "Lead the way." --- As they walked through the serene pathways, August''s instincts remained sharp. Something about this situation felt too smooth, too rehearsed. His assassin instincts warned him that not everything was as tranquil as it seemed. Eventually, they reached an outdoor tavern nestled within the roots of a colossal tree. Elves sipped glowing drinks from crystal goblets as their soft and melodic waves of laughter rang out. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The elf woman gestured for August to sit, and as he did, she leaned in. "I will tell you this¡ªsome among us believe Dumblore was meddling in things he shouldn''t have. There are forces here that do not take kindly to outsiders, even if they are peaceful." August raised an eyebrow. "You''re saying someone in Sylvalis wanted him gone?" She hesitated. "Not everyone... but a faction, perhaps. A misguided few." Before August could press further, the sound of distant footsteps caught his attention. He turned, spotting a group of elven guards walking toward them with stern expressions. "Oh, great," August muttered under his breath. "This just got complicated." The female elf stood quickly with a troubled expression. "You must leave. Now." August stood but wasn''t quick enough¡ªone of the guards gestured toward him with a glowing hand, and before he could react, an invisible force gripped him, holding him in place. --- System Notification: [ Status Effect: Arcane Bind | Movement Restricted ] --- "The hell?" August cursed under his breath as the guards closed in. One of them addressed him with a firm tone. "You have been asking the wrong questions, outsider. You will come with us." "I literally just got here..." Despite the situation, August smirked beneath his hood. "Well, this trip just got interesting." ... ... Minutes Later, August found himself in a confined space. It was practically a damp cell carved into the roots of an enormous tree. The walls glowed faintly with arcane runes that pulsed with an ominous light. The magic bound August''s movements, limiting any attempt to use his abilities. Chains of silvery metal wrapped around his wrists and ankles, vibrating softly. "Well," August muttered to himself with a sarcastic tone. "I''ve seen cozier accommodations. Guess hospitality isn''t an elven specialty after all." The guards who had escorted him there stood silently outside the cell with impassive faces, betraying none of the grace or kindness elves were famed for. Instead, their expressions carried judgment, as though August''s very presence was an affront. Moments later, an older elf entered, draped in mythical green and gold robes. His stern face was weathered but noble, and his piercing blue eyes radiated authority. Behind him followed a group of elven clerics, each bearing a staff topped with glowing crystals. They stood in a half-circle, regarding August with contempt. The older elf spoke first with a cold tone. "You, outsider, have trespassed into Sylvalis under false pretenses. Your inquiries into Sir Dumblore and your ties to his forbidden practices mark you as a servant of corruption." August raised an eyebrow. "Servant of corruption? That''s a bit of a leap, don''t you think? I don''t even know what you''re talking about." One of the clerics stepped forward as her staff glowed with intimidating light. "Do not play coy, outsider. Sir Dumblore''s craft defies the will of our goddess, Lyranara. His weapons disrupt the balance of magic, and you carry the mark of his handiwork." "The staff?" August questioned while nodding toward his back. "Yeah, he made it for me. I didn''t exactly force him into it. Last I checked, he seemed pretty happy to help after I completed his quest." The older elf''s expression darkened. "You admit your guilt openly. That staff is a testament to Dumblore''s crimes. His creations defile the natural order, twisting mana into tools of destruction. For this, he was dealt with." August''s eyes narrowed. "Tools of destruction? You all literally have magical staffs... are elves usually this dumb?" "Watch your tone, you corrupt low life!" The older elf slammed his staff onto the ground with a triggered expression. August paused with a look of suspicion as their earlier words replayed in his head; "Wait, dealt with? What does that mean?" Chapter 169 Learning Of Sir Dumblores Whereabouts August paused with a look of suspicion as their earlier words replayed in his head; "Wait, dealt with? What does that mean?"Silence ensued briefly as the air grew heavier. The clerics exchanged glances, and the older elf turned away with a scowl. "You will face judgment for your association with Dumblore. Your execution is set for dawn in two days. The goddess demands penance." "Execution?" August barked with an incredulous tone. "You can''t be serious. Let me guess¡ªthat''s what you did to Dumblore too? Because he didn''t align with your beliefs?" The older elf paused with his back turned toward August. "Sir Dumblore defied our laws and meddled in forces he could not control. His fate is no concern of yours." August leaned back against the glowing wall of his cell with a smirk. "Right, because silencing anyone who doesn''t agree with you is the hallmark of justice. Real divine of you." One of the clerics stepped closer and shot him a glare; "You will hold your tongue, outsider! You are fortunate we are granting you a formal judgment at all." August unflinchingly met her gaze. "Fortunate? Sure, that''s one way to spin getting executed for asking a few questions." The older elf turned back to face him while voicing with an icy tone. "Mock us all you wish. The truth will not change. Your presence here is a threat to Sylvalis, and we will not allow our sacred lands to be corrupted further." --- System Notification: [ Quest Updated: The Forger''s Trail ] Objective: Escape your confinement and uncover the truth behind Sir Dumblore''s fate. --- The elves filed out, leaving August alone in the glowing cell. He sat down and rested his back against the cold, rune-covered wall. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Two days until my head''s on a chopping block," he muttered to himself. "Well, I could always log out and it''s not like I''d really die if I got executed but that''d mean mission failed. Guess I better figure something out fast." He began to survey the magical bindings and the glowing chains around his wrists, looking for a means of escape. He tried to activate a magic spell but it was immediately cut off. [ Unable To Use Magic Power ] [ Hint: Escape The Bindings ] "Oh thank you, I really had no idea that I needed to escape the bindings to use magic," August voiced sarcastically while getting to his feet. August paced in the limited space while thinking of possible escape strategies. He glanced at the silvery bindings around his wrists and ankles, which effectively nullified his magic. He had tested it a few times already¡ªno spell, no staff, no mana. ...But what they didn''t know was that he was also an assassin... He smirked to himself. The elves had made a fatal mistake thinking he was just another mage. August focused his breathing and activated Phantom Blitz... [ Tier 2 Skill Phantom Blitz Activated ] A flicker of shadow enveloped him briefly as he turned translucent and vibrated at a very fast frequency. His form shimmered as he phased through the restraints, slipping free in an instant. The moment his feet touched the floor, he dropped into a crouch and waited. After about thirty seconds, he activated Phantom Blitz again. --- System Notification: [ Skill Activated: Phantom Blitz (Tier 2) ] Cooldown: 30 seconds Effect: Allows the user to teleport short distances through obstacles. --- He reappeared silently outside the cell''s bars still crouched low and surveyed his surroundings. Two guards stood at the entrance with twitching pointed ears, clearly in tune with the natural sounds of the world around them. "Stay calm, Aleman," August muttered to himself. "Don''t get cocky just because you''re a tier 2 player." He activated Perfect Veil skill allowing him to blend into the dimly lit corridors and increasing his speed by 1.5¡Á. The elven guards exchanged quiet words, unaware of his presence as he slipped past them. --- System Notification: [ Skill Activated: Perfect Veil (Tier 2) ] Duration: one minute Effect: Reduces detection chance by 90% in low light conditions and increases movement speed by 1.5¡Á --- As August darted through the winding passageways of the elven stronghold, the alarm suddenly blared. Green vines unfurled from the walls, and magical barriers burst to life in an attempt to trap him. "Crap." August sprinted down the corridor swiftly. He could hear footsteps closing in as the elves'' voices rang out in their melodic but urgent tongue. "Don''t let him escape!" one of them yelled. "The heretic must be stopped!" August cursed under his breath as an arrow whizzed past him, embedding itself into the wooden wall beside him. He turned a sharp corner, leaping over a tangle of roots that suddenly sprang from the ground, trying to ensnare him. Just when he thought he''d be cornered, a figure dropped from the treetops above and grabbed his arm, pulling him into the shadows of a hollow tree. "You''re lucky I was watching," a soft voice whispered in his ear. August looked up to see an elf with striking silver hair and piercing emerald eyes staring at him. Her leather armor was adorned with delicate green patterns that blended into the foliage. A dark hood was pulled over her head, and a thin, curved dagger rested at her hip. "Who are you?" August inquired with a wary tone. "Name''s Sylwen," she said. "And if you want to survive, you''d better come with me." Without waiting for his answer, Sylwen led him deeper into the forest through the trees, leaping from branch to branch with an agility that made August feel like a clumsy amateur in comparison. Once they reached a secluded glade far from the elven guards'' reach, Sylwen stopped and turned to him. "You''re here for Sir Dumblore, aren''t you?" August''s eyes narrowed. "You know where he is?" Sylwen sighed before leaning against a tree. "Yes. They''ve imprisoned him in the lowest depths of Sylvalis, in the underground prison known as the Hollow Dusk. It''s where they keep their worst enemies¡ªnefarious criminals, beasts that defy nature, and apparently, legendary forgers who don''t align with their beliefs." August''s eyes narrowed. "Why did they do it?" Sylwen''s face darkened. "Because the high priestess and a faction of the council believe his craft meddles with the balance of magic. They''re wrong, of course, but they refuse to see reason. I tried convincing them, but they wouldn''t listen. I suspect there is more at play than merely just that." August nodded in understanding. "How do I get in?"* Sylwen gave him a measured look. "You''ll need to go through the Nightshade Grove, where the Hollow Dusk entrance is hidden. But listen to me, Aleman..." she hesitated. "Once you''re in, there''s almost no way out. The place is warded with the strongest of elven magic." Explore more adventures at My Virtual Library Empire August smirked. "Don''t worry, I''m pretty good at breaking out of places." Before heading off, August reached into his inventory and pulled out something he''d been keeping for a while¡ªa Beacon Gem. It was a small crystalline stone that pulsed with an eerie blue glow. --- System Notification: [ Beacon Gem Placed ] Allows the user to set an emergency recall point. --- He knelt and tucked the gem behind a thick root, ensuring it was hidden well. If things went south, this would be his ticket out. Sylwen observed him curiously. "Smart. Let''s hope you won''t need it." August straightened and adjusted his gear. "Alright, lead the way to this Hollow Dusk. I''ll get Dumblore out for sure¡ª Thanks for your help." Sylwen smiled faintly while sheathing her dagger. "Brave words. Let''s hope your skills match them." As they moved swiftly through the moonlit forest, August couldn''t help but grin. "They usually do," he muttered. ... ... About twenty minutes later, August crouched at the edge of the cavernous pit that led down into Hollow Dusk. It was like he was staring into a bottomless abyss. The air had an eerie stillness, punctuated only by the occasional sound of dripping water and the distant wails of unseen creatures. The descent looked endless like the darkness swallowed everything in its path. "No turning back now," he muttered before strapping his staff to his back and preparing to jump. "I can''t come with you so I can only hope you remain safe," Sylwen stated "Thanks once again... I''ve got it from here," With a deep breath, he leaped into the abyss. --- System Notification: [ You have entered: Hollow Dusk - Danger Level: High ] Warning: The area is teeming with hostile creatures far above your level. --- He plummeted down causing wind to roar in his ears as his cloak flared behind him. When it seemed like he was getting closer to the ground, he activated Phantom Blitz to prevent fall damage. In the next moment, the descent that had lasted for too long finally ended when he landed on a damp, uneven surface. "Well, that wasn''t so bad¡ª" his voice trailed off as he surveyed his surroundings. The underground vicinity stretched out before him in an unnatural sprawl of pointy rocks and large twisted formations. Strange, luminescent fungi clung to the walls, casting eerie lights across the area. Pools of thick, black liquid dotted the ground, giving off a putrid stench. "Yeah... this place is definitely hell." Chapter 170 The Hollow Dusk "Yeah... this place is definitely hell.His boots made faint squelching sounds on the slick terrain as August advanced cautiously. He pressed forward, navigating through narrow tunnels and strange, vine-like growths that seemed to twitch as he passed by. His heightened senses were at high alert and every step felt like he was walking into a trap. Then it happened. A low growl echoed through the cavern. August froze. From the shadows emerged two humanoid beasts with grotesque forms that were illuminated by the faint glow of the fungi. Their eyes glowed crimson, and their grotesque, elongated limbs twitched unnervingly. They were both towering over him with their levels flashing ominously above their heads. --- [ Void Hounds ] Level: 55 HP: 75,000/75,000 Threat Level: Fatal --- "Oh, shit." August didn''t hesitate... He bolted. The creatures lunged after him, moving their heavy grotesque forms with alarming speed. [ System Notification: Phantom Blitz on Cooldown ¨C 28 seconds remaining. ] "Come on, come on!" August muttered under his breath as he sprinted through the uneven terrain. The Void Hounds snarled behind him with their footsteps pounding the cavern floor. August ducked under a low-hanging stalactite, only to see the creatures tear right through it with frightening ease. Suddenly, a chorus of eerie, guttural voices filled the air. "FRESH MEAT!" S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. August''s eyes widened as other figures emerged from the shadows¡ªnightmarish creatures of various shapes and sizes, all locked onto him with hungry expressions. "You have GOT to be kidding me!" he groaned while sprinting faster. He zigzagged through the cavern, narrowly avoiding snapping jaws and outstretched claws. A vine-like appendage lashed out, nearly catching his leg, but he somersaulted over it at the last second. --- System Notification: [ Environmental Hazard Avoided ¨C Toxic Whiplash ] +5 Dexterity Experience --- A large, boulder-like creature rumbled after him, sending tremors through the ground with every step. August swiftly turned down another narrow tunnel, but just as he thought he might escape, he hit a dead end. "Damn it!" he hissed while spinning around. The beasts were closing in. Just when he thought he was done for, a hand shot out of the darkness and yanked him sideways. He was dragged through a concealed opening into a side cavern, and the passage sealed behind him almost instantly. August landed hard on the ground, gasping for breath. A cloaked figure stood before him. Their face was obscured by a dark mask with weird engravings. The figure crossed their arms, observing August with interest. "Well," the voice was deep, neutral, and calm. "That was quite the entrance." August coughed before wiping sweat from his brow. "Yeah, I like to make an impression. Who the hell are you?" The masked figure leaned against the wall, watching him carefully. "I''m someone who knows better than to run headfirst into the jaws of death. Unlike you." "What?" "From the looks of things, you weren''t thrown in here like the rest of us since you apparently still have weapons in your possession. It was foolishness to come here." August rolled his eyes while pushing himself up. "Look, thanks for the save, but yes I did come here of my own volition. I''m looking for an old man, a forger named Sir Dumblore. Have you seen him?" The figure''s body language stiffened slightly. "Whoever that is¡­ he''s probably dead." August frowned. "Probably? That''s not a great answer." The figure sighed and walked over to a small pile of supplies tucked in the corner. "Hollow Dusk isn''t a place for the living. Anyone thrown down here is left to rot. Beasts don''t just roam here; they thrive. If your friend is still alive, he''s in the deepest, darkest part of this place. But getting there¡­" The figure shook its head. "It''s suicide." August clenched his fists. "I don''t have a choice." The figure studied him for a moment before sighing. "Then you''re either very brave or very foolish." August squared his shoulders, adjusting his gear, and met the masked figure''s gaze. "Regardless of what you think, I''m going to find Sir Dumblore," he said firmly. "Dead or alive, I need to know what happened to him." The masked figure sighed while shaking his head slightly. "You''ve got guts, I''ll give you that. But guts won''t keep you alive down here." He glanced towards the tunnel ahead which was filled with darkness yawning like a beast waiting to swallow them whole. "Look, there are a few so-called ''safe zones'' in this hellhole¡ªfortresses of sorts, built by those who''ve managed to carve out some semblance of order. But getting to them..." He trailed off with a grim look. "It''s not as simple as walking in and saying hello." August narrowed his eyes. "Let me guess¡ªwhoever rules over these places isn''t exactly welcoming?" The masked figure let out a dry chuckle. "Welcoming? No. Brutal? Absolutely. The strongest run the show, and everyone else? Slaves. Entertainment. Or worse." He crossed his arms and sized August up. "If you''re hell-bent on going there, you better be ready to fight. And I mean fight to survive, not just to win." August smirked. "I''ve been in tough spots before." "Not like this," the figure replied sharply. "There''s no coming back in here if you screw up. You fall, and you''re done. The monsters aren''t the worst of it¡ªit''s the people. People who''ve been trapped here for years, who have no intention of letting someone like you walk out alive." August''s smirk didn''t falter. "Then it''s a good thing I don''t plan on walking. I''ll be running circles around them before they even know I''m there." The masked figure tilted his head in amusement. "You talk big. Let''s see if you can back it up." He turned towards a narrow passageway that wound into the deeper shadows. "Follow me, and whatever you do¡ªdon''t make a sound." --- System Notification: [ Quest Objective Updated: Reach one of the Safe Zones of Hollow Dusk ] Objective: Follow the stranger without being detected. --- August fell into step behind him, activating Perfect Veil. His body blended into the darkness seamlessly as they began their journey through the twisting labyrinth of Hollow Dusk. They stepped forward carefully, avoiding the crumbling bones, sharp pointy rocks, and the twitching vines that reached out from the walls as if sensing their presence. --- Their path wound deeper, and the air thickened with the stench of decay. Low growls echoed through the tunnels, and distant wails reminded August that this place was alive in the worst ways possible. As they crept forward, the masked figure gestured for August to stop. He pointed ahead, where a crude barricade of bones and tattered cloth blocked their path. Two massive humanoid figures stood guard with their eyes glowing faintly in the gloom. One of them was gnawing on something¡ªsomething that looked suspiciously human. "Scavengers," the masked figure whispered. "They patrol these parts. Their senses are sharp, but they rely too much on their eyes. Stay close, move slow." August nodded while creeping forward carefully. The guards sniffed the air, grunting in guttural tones, but the pair managed to slip past unnoticed. As they pressed on, August exhaled slowly. "Smooth," he whispered. "Not yet," the masked figure shot back. "The real fun starts ahead." ... ... Hours later, an underground settlement of sorts stretched out before them like a grim caricature of a city. The walls of the cavern glowed faintly from the bioluminescent fungi clinging to the rocks, giving the entire place an eerie green hue. Crude structures, carved from stone and assembled from debris, dotted the landscape. The air was heavy with the stench of sweat, blood, and desperation. The entrance gate was made of twisted metal and reinforced with boulders. Guards armed with crude spears and spiky blades stood watch with faces that had been hardened by years of survival in this forsaken place. As August and the masked figure approached, one of the guards barked, "Halt! New arrivals, eh? State your business." The masked figure stepped forward. "We''re here for sanctuary. We mean no harm." The guard''s eyes narrowed as he scrutinized them. His gaze lingered on August. "We don''t trust outsiders. Got any proof you''re not here to stir up trouble?" Before August could respond, the masked figure pulled a small, glowing shard from his pouch¡ªa token of sorts. The guard eyed it suspiciously before nodding. "Alright, you can enter. But cause any trouble, and you''ll end up in the fighting pit¡ªor worse." --- System Notification: [ You have entered: Hollow Dusk Settlement 1 ¨C Restricted Zone ] --- The gate creaked open, and August and the masked figure stepped inside. The sight before them was both fascinating and horrifying. Tents made of rock and tattered cloth sprawled across the cavern floor, forming haphazard alleys where emaciated figures scrounged for scraps. Fires burned in small pits, casting flickering shadows over the grimy faces of the inhabitants. Some people bartered with strange items¡ªbones, glowing stones, and even what looked like chunks of flesh. But the most prominent feature was the fighting ring at the center of the settlement. A crowd had gathered, cheering and jeering as two bloodied figures exchanged savage blows. Find more to read at My Virtual Library Empire Chapter 171 The Monarch A crowd had gathered, cheering and jeering as two bloodied figures exchanged savage blows.The fighters were bare-handed since magic was suppressed by the Hollow Dusk''s unique aura. The brutality of their combat was shocking incredibly shocking to witness. One of the fighters who was a bulky man with a scarred face, landed a devastating punch that sent his opponent crashing to the ground. Enjoy new tales from My Virtual Library Empire The crowd erupted in cheers as the fallen fighter tried to crawl away, only to be grabbed and have his neck snapped with a sickening crack. "And that''s the end of him!" a grizzled man in the crowd shouted with a burst of laughter as two larger figures dragged the corpse away and dumped it unceremoniously into a dark pit nearby. The dark pit was filled with mangled corpses as well and had developed a nauseating smell. The masked figure turned to August. "Told you this was a bad idea. This place is madness." August''s expression remained calm. "Madness or not, I''m not leaving without finding Sir Dumblore. He''s gotta be here somewhere¡ª" The masked figure sighed. "Suit yourself. But don''t say I didn''t warn you." They moved through the settlement with August keeping his hood low to avoid drawing unnecessary attention. He approached several people, asking about Sir Dumblore and giving descriptions of his facial appearance but the responses ranged from suspicious glares to outright hostility. At one point, a gaunt man with hollow eyes sneered at him. "Dumblore? Ain''t heard that name before. And if you''re smart, you''ll stop asking before someone decides to shut you up for good." August ignored the warning and continued his search. The masked figure stayed close, scanning the crowd for potential threats. Suddenly, a wiry man with a knife lunged at August from a shadowy corner. "You''ve got a death wish, asking too many questions around here!" August swerved towards the left, evading the attack with ease, and grabbed the man''s wrist. He twisted it until the knife clattered to the ground and then shoved the man against the wall, pinning him there. "I don''t have time for this," August growled. "If you want to keep that hand, you''d better start talking. Where''s Sir Dumblore?" The man whimpered in fear as his bravado crumbled. "I¡ªI don''t know! I swear! But if he''s still alive, he''d be in the lower levels. That''s where they keep low-numbered prisoners." August released him, causing him to slump to the ground. "Thanks for nothing." The masked figure chuckled softly. "You''re making a lot of enemies fast, Aleman." "It''s part of the job," August replied while brushing off his cloak. "Let''s keep moving." As they made their way deeper into the settlement, the oppressive atmosphere grew heavier. The shadows seemed to stretch longer, and the air was thick with tension. Eventually, they came to a small open area where a crude stage had been set up. A group of enforcers stood guard with weapons in their grasp. A man with an imposing presence, clearly one of the settlement''s leaders, addressed the crowd. "All new arrivals will assemble here tomorrow morning!" he declared. "The monarch has business to discuss, and you will listen. Disobedience will not be tolerated." One of the enforcers handed August and the masked figure strange metal tags, which they were instructed to wear at all times. "Lose these, and you''ll regret it," the enforcer growled. August pocketed the tag for now, still focused on the task at hand. As they moved away from the crowd, his attention was drawn back to the fighting ring, where another brutal match had just concluded. The victor stood bloodied but triumphant, while the corpse of the loser was dragged away. "This place is truly a nightmare," August muttered. "And yet you''re still here," the masked figure shook his head. "You''ve got more guts than sense, I''ll give you that." August ignored the comment. "Sir Dumblore has to be here somewhere. I just need to figure out where." The masked figure sighed. "Well, don''t get yourself killed before morning. You''ll want to hear what their monarch has to say." S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ... ... The underground settlement was eerily quiet at night as the raucous energy of the day faded into a tense silence. Fires burned low, casting flickering shadows across the rough, rocky walls. August sat near one of the makeshift stone structures with his back against the cold surface while scanning the surroundings. Even in this moment of quiet, danger seemed to lurk around every corner. The masked figure leaned against a nearby pillar with crossed arms. "You''ll need rest if you plan on leaving tomorrow. This place doesn''t forgive tired mistakes." August smirked faintly. "I''ve been through worse." He rested his head against the wall, staring up at the glowing fungi on the cavern ceiling. "But thanks for the concern." The figure chuckled. "Don''t mistake it for concern. Just don''t want to see you get yourself killed before you prove me wrong about this whole Dumblore business." August didn''t respond, instead, he closed his eyes. His mind swirled with thoughts of Sir Dumblore, the strange hostility of the elves, and the dangers of this place. There was definitely more at play than they were letting out. --- Morning came abruptly with the harsh clang of metal on metal. August jumped to his feet with his hand instinctively going for the dagger hidden beneath his cloak. Meanwhile, the settlement was alive with activity once more. The masked figure nudged him lightly with a boot. "Time to move. Looks like they''re gathering the lower-numbered prisoners." August stretched out his stiff muscles. "Lower numbered prisoners? Like what that dude mentioned yesterday?" "Yes, the ones at the very bottom of the hierarchy," the figure explained. "They''re paraded around every morning, a show of power from the higher-ups. Keeps everyone in line." The two of them moved towards the edge of the crowd gathering near the center. Guards were dragging out prisoners who were in chains. The prisoners looked dirty and their clothes had been reduced to tatters. Some had bruises or cuts, evidence of the harsh treatment they endured. August''s eyes widened when he spotted a familiar figure among them. "No way..." He muttered under his breath. At the back of the line, was Sir Dumblore. His once-proud posture was now hunched. His beard looked tangled and his robes had been reduced to rags. His wrists were bound with thick chains, and his expression was one of weary resignation. August clenched his fists. "That''s him." The masked figure followed his gaze. "The old man? That''s who you''re looking for?" "Yes. That''s Sir Dumblore," August replied with a low tone. "But why is he here, like this?" The figure shrugged. "Looks like he pissed off the wrong people. If you''re planning to save him, you''d better tread carefully. The guards don''t take kindly to heroics." August took a deep breath. "I can''t do anything now. Not here. I''ll need to bide my time." The masked figure nodded. "Smart move. For now, let''s focus on surviving this assembly. The monarch doesn''t tolerate insubordination, and you don''t want to draw her attention unnecessarily." --- The central plaza had been transformed for the assembly. A large platform made of dark stone stood at the center, and atop it sat a makeshift black throne, carved with designs resembling twisted vines. The makeshift throne was flanked by two massive guards clad in heavy, spiked armor. It was unknown how they had gotten armor but their faces were hidden behind menacing helms. The murmurs of the crowd of prisoners and residents died down as they gathered around the platform. The monarch of this settlement was a dark elf with an overbearing presence and unnervingly cold beauty. Her long, silver hair flowed down her back, contrasting sharply with her jet-black skin. Her crimson eyes scanned the crowd with a mixture of disdain and amusement, and she wore a flowing gown adorned with metallic plates. In her hand, she held a staff tipped with a glowing crimson crystal. --- System Notification: [ NPC Encounter: Dark Elf Melanthis, Monarch of Hollow Dusk Settlement 1 ] Level: ??? --- Melanthis spoke with a menacing tone. "Welcome, loyal subjects... and those who cling to survival by my mercy." Her gaze swept over the crowd, silencing even the faintest whispers. "You are here because you understand one thing: power belongs to those who take it." The crowd shifted uneasily as her words hung in the air. "Some of you are new arrivals, thinking you can escape this place or rise above it. Let me remind you¡ªHollow Dusk is my domain. Your lives, your actions, your very thoughts belong to me." August glanced around, noting the fear etched on the faces of those around him. Even the masked figure beside him seemed tense. Melanthis lips curled into a faint smile as she continued. "Now, to address the... newcomers." Her gaze landed briefly on August, and he felt a chill run down his spine. "Prove your worth. Serve me, and you may find favor. Fail, and you will join the others in the pits of despair. It is simple really, you just have to obey my every command to show you deserve my protection from the wild beasts out there." Chapter 172 Acquiring A Higher Tag The Monarch gestured towards the prisoners lined up behind her, including Sir Dumblore. "These are examples of what happens to those who defy me. Learn from them, or share their fate."August''s eyes narrowed into slits. He needed to find a way to free Sir Dumblore, but any wrong move could spell disaster. For now, he had no choice but to play along. Melanthis raised her staff, and the crystal at its tip glowed brighter. "Remember, you live by my grace. Do not forget it." With that, she turned and exited the platform with her guards following closely behind. The crowd began to disperse as pressure lingered like a heavy fog. August turned to the masked figure. "I need to figure out how to get him out of here." The figure nodded. "Whatever your plan is, you''ll need to act fast and be careful about it." August''s gaze drifted back to the retreating form of Sir Dumblore alongside other prisoners. "I''m not leaving him here." One of the settlement leaders who was a subordinate of the monarch stepped forward to address them. "The numbers on the tags in your possession represent your ranking. Those with the last twenty numbers will be treated like the prisoners on chains..." The crowd immediately erupted in gasps of shock and disbelief upon hearing this. "You have twenty-four hours to change your tag number before this rule kicks in. Good luck and break a leg," the subordinate walked away after disseminating this information. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chatter! Chatter! Chatter! -"What does this mean?" -"It means we have to take tags from the higher numbers!" -"But no one will willingly give up their tags!" -"Then we just have to take them... By force!" As the crowd erupted with panicking voices, August stared down at the crude metal tag in his hand. The number etched into it glowed faintly... **199** His eyes shifted to the masked figure beside him, who held up his own tag. **200** "Looks like we''re dead last," the masked figure said with an exasperated sigh. "Great. Just fantastic." August rolled his shoulders as his gaze flicked to the others in the area. "We''re not staying that way." --- System Notification: [ Quest Updated: Prove Your Worth ] [ Objective: Increase your rank by acquiring a higher-numbered tag. ] [ Time Limit: 24 hours] [ Failure Condition: Fall into the lowest 20. ] --- They stood in the heart of the settlement, where the chaos doubled as a gathering spot for bets and challenges. There was only one way newcomers could acquire higher numbered tags... And that was through fights. Word of upcoming fights spread quickly, and the more brutal figures in the community were already salivating at the thought of breaking the newcomers in. A large makeshift arena had been set up in the center. It was a ring of rough stones and metal walls enclosing the fighting area. There were no formal rules¡ªonly survival. August knew he had no choice. He had to fight. And win. --- Your next journey awaits at My Virtual Library Empire August wasted no time scoping out potential targets. He listened carefully to conversations, observed fights, and subtly asked questions without drawing too much suspicion. After some digging, he discovered the name of the person he''d need to fight... The person with the tag number that was just right above the last twenty. ~ Dornak the Butcher. ~ August watched from the shadows as Dornak currently held a man by the throat, lifting him off the ground with a single hand. The unfortunate fighter struggled with his legs flailing as he gasped for breath. Dornak''s muscles budged as he let out a deep chuckle. He had the physique of a warlord¡ªhis entire upper body covered in grotesque tattoos, his face marred by deep cuts that never seemed to heal properly. With a casual squeeze, the man''s neck snapped. Dornak tossed the body aside like garbage and turned to the roaring crowd. "Who''s next?!" he bellowed. "I''ll take any of you worthless scum and feed your bones to the dirt!" August smirked. "Perfect." He stepped forward, flipping his tag between his fingers. "I challenge you, Dornak." The murmurs in the crowd turned into a low roar of excitement. "That newcomer''s lost his damn mind." "Dornak''s killed dozens of newcomers. Look at him¡ªhe''s built like a monster." "Hope this kid''s got a burial plan." Dornak turned his gaze to August as his thick brows rose in amusement. "You? You''re serious?" August nodded. "Your tag. I want it." Dornak laughed so hard that his massive chest shook. "Fine, little man. But when I break you in half, I''ll make sure to mount your skull as a warning for the next idiot who steps up." --- System Notification: [ Duel Initiated: August vs. Dornak the Butcher ] Objective: Defeat Dornak and claim his tag. Location: Blood Ring Time: Scheduled in 2 hours ---- August leaned against a pillar, watching the fights that came before his. Newcomers battled desperately to increase their ranks and unfortunately, most failed miserably. Some were beaten unconscious. Others weren''t so lucky. His masked companion sat next to him, arms crossed. "You sure you don''t wanna reconsider? Dornak''s a beast. I''ve seen him crush men twice your size with his bare hands." August smirked. "Good thing I don''t plan on letting him grab me then, huh?" "Cocky. I like it." "It''s only cocky if I lose," August replied. The minutes ticked by, and then finally¡ª "Dornak! August! Get your asses in the ring!" The crowd erupted into cheers as the two of them stepped forward. August entered the ring with very silent steps. Dornak, in contrast, stomped forward like a predator claiming his territory. The announcer called out, "A challenger against the Butcher! Place your bets, and let the blood spill!" Dornak cracked his knuckles with a grin. "I''ll give you one chance, kid. Lay down, and I won''t make it hurt." August tilted his head. "That''s kind of you. But I prefer my fights the old-fashioned way." The announcer raised his arm. "BEGIN!" --- System Notification: [ Battle Commenced ]* Opponent: Dornak the Butcher HP: 26,000 Status: Uninjured --- Dornak lunged first, swinging a fist the size of a boulder at August''s head. August dodged with a sidestep, barely avoiding the massive blow as the wind howled in his left ear due to the powerful force of the punch. Dornak''s fist collided with the ground, cracking the stone. "Fast little bastard," Dornak grunted. August smirked. "You have no idea." He activated Phantom Blitz, teleporting behind Dornak instantaneously with a burst of shadow. His dagger flashed as he slashed at Dornak''s ribs. --- System Notification: [ Skill Activated: Phantom Blitz (Tier 2) ] [ Attack Successful! ] Damage Dealt: 3,500 HP --- Dornak snarled before spinning around with a backhanded swipe. August ducked, narrowly avoiding the strike, but Dornak was faster than expected. The butcher slammed his foot into August''s chest, sending him skidding backward. --- System Notification: [ You have taken damage! ] Damage Received: 2,200 HP --- August winced while rolling to his feet. "Not bad. But still too slow." He activated Perfect Veil, vanishing into the shadows before striking from above. His dagger plunged into Dornak''s shoulder. Dornak roared in pain as he stumbled back. --- System Notification: [ Critical Hit! ] Damage Dealt: 5,800 HP --- The crowd gasped. "No way¡ªhe actually hurt Dornak!" "Who the hell is this guy?" Dornak''s rage boiled over. "You''re DEAD!" He charged again, barreling toward August with his massive frame. But August was prepared. He feinted left, then used Phantom Blitz again, appearing behind Dornak and stabbing his dagger into the back of his knee. Dornak howled before collapsing to one knee. August seized the opportunity, driving his blade into the back of Dornak''s neck. A final notification rang out. --- System Notification: [ Enemy Defeated: Dornak the Butcher ] XP Gained: 22,500 HP Remaining: 13,500/17,600 New Rank: 179 --- The crowd fell into stunned silence before erupting into deafening cheers. August stood over Dornak''s motionless body, breathing steadily. The announcer declared, "Aleman is the winner! Dornak''s rank now belongs to him!" August retrieved the fallen tag, holding it up for all to see. "Who''s next?" ... The aftermath of the battle was unlike anything August had expected. Word of his victory against Dornak the Butcher spread like wildfire across the Hollow Dusk settlement 1. Conversations in the alleys, whispers between prisoners, and even loud discussions by the guards all revolved around him. It wasn''t just that he had won¡ªit was that he had done so convincingly, without a single wasted movement, against an opponent who had long been considered untouchable. The masked figure, who had been leaning against a makeshift pillar while watching the fights, smirked as August approached. "Congratulations. You just became famous in the worst possible place." August exhaled while rubbing his neck. "Yeah, I noticed. That was¡­ louder than expected." The masked figure laughed. "Well, enjoy the attention. It seems someone else has taken an interest in you." He nodded toward a group of heavily armed guards standing near the entrance to the settlement''s central plaza. One of them who was clad in dark metal armor, stepped forward. His voice was sharp and commanding. "Aleman. The Monarch requests your presence immediately." --- System Notification: [ New Event Triggered: The Monarch''s Summon ] [ Objective: Audience with Dark Elf Melanthis. ] Failure Condition: Refusing the invitation. --- Chapter 173 Entering The Inner Circle August tilted his head. "Didn''t think I''d get summoned this quickly." The masked figure patted him on the shoulder. "You just dismantled a legend in this place. Of course, the queen is curious. She rarely calls new blood this fast." "Good," August muttered. "I was looking for an opportunity anyway." Without hesitation, he followed the guards through the settlement. The crowd parted for them with envy reflected in some of their eyes. Some people murmured about his battle, others glared at him with open resentment. August ignored it all¡ªhis focus was solely on the task ahead. As they passed by the lower prisoner sector, his eyes subtly flickered to where the prisoners were kept. Among them, still shackled and hunched, was Sir Dumblore. He had clearly heard the commotion but didn''t look up. August knew he couldn''t act now, but at least he was getting closer to the moment he needed. Soon, they arrived at a massive stone staircase that led into an ominous underground chamber. The guards flanked him as they entered a grand room¡ªif it could even be called that. The room was vast and illuminated by dim, ghostly blue torches along the walls. Carvings of ancient battles decorated the stone pillars, depicting elves standing victorious over their enemies. This made August wonder about the true origin of the hollow dusk. At the far end of the chamber sat Dark Elf Melanthis on her makeshift throne of obsidian and bone. Behind her, a massive dark elf warrior stood in a better-looking armor than the others. His cold gaze fixated on August as he entered. --- System Notification: [ NPC Encounter: Dark Elf Melanthis, Monarch of Hollow Dusk ] Level: ??? Title: Ruler of the Underworld Domain --- Melanthis studied him for a long moment before speaking. "You are not what I expected." August inclined his head slightly. "I get that a lot." A hint of a smirk curled at the edge of her lips. "You are amusing. Tell me, Aleman, what brings you to this place? You have no chains on your wrists, and yet you are here, fighting for your life like the rest of them." August met her gaze calmly. "A simple answer would be survival. But I doubt you''d believe that." Melanthis chuckled. "You are right. I do not believe in simple answers. You have drawn my attention, Aleman. A newcomer who bested Dornak the Butcher in his own game¡ªquite the feat. My people demand entertainment. Perhaps you can provide it for them further." "I didn''t come here to be someone''s amusement." S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Melanthis raised an eyebrow. "Didn''t you? You issued a challenge, you fought in the ring, you won, and now everyone in Hollow Dusk speaks your name. If that is not a performer, then what is?" August shrugged. "Well, I wouldn''t have exactly needed to fight if my tag number wasn''t at the very bottom now, would I?" Continue reading at My Virtual Library Empire Melanthis leaned forward slightly, resting her chin on her hand. "And what exactly is it that you want? To just exist?" August knew he had to tread carefully at this point. "Power. Influence. The same thing that drives most people." Melanthis''s gaze darkened. "How bold of you to admit that so openly." "You don''t respect weakness," August replied evenly. "Neither do I." For a moment, the room was silent. Then, to his surprise, she laughed lightly. "How refreshing. You may have potential yet." The dark elf warrior beside her shifted slightly. "Shall we test him further, my Queen?" Melanthis raised a hand. "No, not yet." She turned back to August. "Tell me, Aleman, if I were to offer you a place in my court, would you take it?" August pretended to consider it. "Tempting offer, but I prefer to keep my options open." Melanthis smiled knowingly. "A diplomat as well. Very well, I shall not press you... for now. But understand this¡ªif you remain here, your survival depends on proving your worth. Today, you have done that. But tomorrow?" She leaned back, waving a dismissive hand. "Go. Enjoy your moment of fame. It will not last." August gave a respectful nod. "We''ll see about that." As he turned to leave, his mind was already calculating the next steps. He had successfully gotten close to the monarch''s circle. Now, he just needed to leverage this position to get to Sir Dumblore. Time was running out. ... ... The confined space where Sir Dumblore and the others were held was worse than August had imagined. The stench of sweat, filth, and despair clung to the damp air like an unshakable fog. The prisoners were shackled and starved as they shuffled around the chamber. Their once-proud eyes were now hollow from the torment of servitude. Some were forced to carry heavy loads, others beaten for mere amusement. August had noticed that they were being forced to work around the settlement whenever they weren''t kept in the confines. ''They treat them like animals,'' August took note of this. He had spent the past two days earning trust within the settlement, performing small yet necessary tasks that ingratiated him with the higher-ups. It was all a front, of course. A ploy to get to where he was now. He headed for the structure that led to the underground area where he had been summoned to just two days ago by the monarch. "What are you doing here?" One of the guards questioned upon spotting him approaching the area where the prisoners who last twenty on the rankings were kept. "Krusk tasked me with checking for a particular prisoner. Asked me to bring him," August answered with a convincing tone. Due to his rising popularity in the last couple of days, it wasn''t uncommon to find him wandering around these parts so they believed him and let him in. Immediately August got in, his eyes swept over the pitiful figures until they landed on a familiar, albeit withered, face¡ªSir Dumblore. The old forger''s usually sharp eyes flickered with exhaustion, but they widened in shock when they settled on August. He instantly recognized him. "What in the void¡­?" Sir Dumblore rasped. "You are the young Lad from before... what are you doing here?" Chapter 174 Getting Sir Dumblore Out "You are the young Lad from before... what are you doing here?" August wasted no time. He strode forward and crouched beside him. "I came to get you out of here. The Silver Sentinel sent me to find you." Sir Dumblore scoffed. "Foolish boy, you shouldn''t have come. There''s no leaving the Hollow Dusk." August smirked before pulling a small glowing crystal from his inventory. The beacon gem''s other half hummed softly in his grasp, pulsing with a strange mythical energy. "I beg to differ." The moment he activated the beacon, a System Notification flashed before his eyes. --- System Notification: [ Beacon Activated: Teleportation Sequence Initiated ] Time Until Extraction: 5:00 --- Sir Dumblore''s eyes widened. "By the gods¡­ is that a beacon gem? You mad bastard!" August tightened his grip on the old man''s arm. "Hold on. We need to stay together until it activates." But just as he prepared to defend their position, a rough voice called out from the chamber''s entrance. "Oi! Aleman! Get your ass out here! You''ve been in there for too long..." August turned visibly tensed. He knew he couldn''t leave, not until the countdown hit zero. Another voice chimed in from within the confines. "¨C¨Che''s got a beacon!" A moment of stunned silence. Then¡ª "They''re trying to escape the Hollow Dusk!" August immediately punched the loud-mouthed inmate in the face and slammed his back against the door of the confines to prevent the guards from coming in. "Quick, shift those blocks over here!" August yelled to Sir Dumblore who reacted quickly. The forger pushed some large pieces of rocks at the side towards the entry point to block it as well. However, the alarm spread like wildfire. Chaos erupted as guards swarmed toward them with crude weapons drawn and began battering the door. There was no doubt that it wouldn''t be long before they infiltrated the confines. The prisoners, sensing an opportunity, either scrambled for cover or stirred into a frenzy. Some, too beaten down by years of suffering, simply watched in silence. Boom! The door came blasting down in a bit causing August to grit his teeth. "Of course, it couldn''t be easy." Sir Dumblore let out a dry chuckle. "Aye, lad. Nothing ever is." --- [ 4:01 Remaining¡­ ] --- The first wave of guards charged forward. August flicked his wrist, summoning his daggers in a flash. "Stay close to me." One of the guards lunged forward with a curved blade, aiming for his throat. August spun around and vanished before reappearing behind the attacker, slashing across his back. --- System Notification: [ Skill Activated: Phantom Blitz (Tier 2) ] Instantly teleport behind your target within 15 meters. [ Critical Hit! ] Damage Dealt: 9,600 HP --- The guard collapsed with a grunt causing blood to splatter across the cold stone. More came. Five at once. August dodged a spear thrust, twisted midair, and slammed his boot into the attacker''s head, sending them crashing onto the ground with their jaw. He flipped backward just as another guard tried to grab him, slicing the man''s wrist before embedding it into his rib cage. --- [ 3:19 Remaining¡­ ] More guards flooded the chamber. There were becoming too many. August activated hurled his dagger forward and it turned into three spectral blades. This was the advanced form of dagger throw. Each of them struck three, causing brief paralysis as they emitted crackling arcs of darkness. Sir Dumblore grunted. "If you''ve got any more magic tricks up your sleeve, lad, now would be a good time." "Working on it!" August hissed while spinning on his heels to deflect a strike from a broadsword-wielding guard. --- [ 3:00 Remaining¡­ ] A deep bellow echoed through the chamber, shaking the walls. August glanced up to see a monstrous, battle-hardened enforcer emerge. A towering dark elf, clad in heavy armor, wielding an executioner''s axe. --- System Notification: [ Elite NPC Encounter: Gorvak, Enforcer of the Hollow Dusk Settlement 1 ] Level: 45 HP: 55,000 --- S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. August cursed under his breath. "Of course, there''s a mini-boss." The enforcer sneered. "You think you can escape?" His voice rumbled like distant thunder. "No one leaves the Hollow Dusk alive!" --- [ 2:30 Remaining¡­ ] Gorvak charged forward. The sheer force of his movement sent prisoners scattering. His axe swung downward with brutal force. August barely dodged, rolling to the side as the blade shattered the ground where he had stood. He countered immediately, dashing forward and slashing across Gorvak''s side. The attack barely left a dent. Gorvak was undoubtedly incredibly sturdy. Gorvak grinned. "Weak." He backhanded August with terrifying speed. --- System Notification: [ You have taken damage! ] Damage Received: 4,200 HP --- August slammed into the wall with a grunt. Sir Dumblore cursed. "You good, lad?!" August wiped blood from his lips. "Yeah. Just pissed." --- [ 1:45 Remaining¡­ ] August activated Thunder Spear in the next instant. "You may be freakishly strong... But..." The electric weapon crackled to life in his grasp causing the air to vibrate with energy. "I am a tier above you!" He spun the thunder spear in his hands before hurling it directly at Gorvak''s chest. --- System Notification: [ Skill Activated: Thunder Spear (Tier 2) ] [ Direct Hit! ] Damage Dealt: 14,500 HP --- Gorvak roared as the spear exploded on impact, sending arcs of electricity rippling across his armor. He slid backward with smoke rising from his body. August capitalized on the moment and phantom Blitzed behind him before driving both daggers into the enforcer''s exposed neck multiple times. --- System Notification: [ Fatal Strike! ] Damage Dealt: 7,000 HP, 2,000HP, 3,200HP, 4,000HP --- However, August noticed that the enforcer still had up to nearly half of his HP left after dealing multiple strikes. He couldn''t afford to allow Gorvak to rise or it would further cause trouble for him so he had to end it now. [ Tier 2 Nightfang Execution Activated ] August''s daggers emitted a dark haze as he swung them toward the giant elf''s neck. Discover exclusive content at My Virtual Library Empire Screevvv~ Gorvak''s head was immediately lopped off, causing ash blood to jet out like a fountain. His headless body collapsed and twitched before going still. --- [ 0:30 Remaining¡­ ] August pulled himself to his feet, panting. The remaining guards hesitated as they glanced at their fallen enforcer. August grinned. "Still wanna stop me?" Chapter 175 The Final Escape August grinned. "Still wanna stop me?" No one moved. They weren''t sure stopping August from leaving was worth their lives at this point. --- [ 0:10 Remaining¡­ ] Sir Dumblore pressed a hand to his chest. "Lad¡­ it''s time." August activated the beacon''s final sequence. The air around them warped, twisting in a shimmering vortex of light. Guards shouted, but it was too late. --- System Notification: [ Beacon Activated: Extraction Commencing¡­ ] [ 3¡­ 2¡­ 1¡­ ] As the beacon''s light consumed them, August felt a strange pull¡ªlike reality itself was bending around him. Time seemed to slow as the sounds of chaos faded into an eerie silence. Just as his body felt weightless, an overwhelming presence surged toward them. A dark blur moved across the terrain, faster than anything August had ever seen. "What the¡ª?"* His thoughts barely had time to register before a gust of force shattered the surroundings. BOOM! Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A shockwave blasted outward causing the stone walls to crumble as the confined space shook violently. August barely caught sight of a figure slicing through the air like a living shadow¡ªan afterimage of black and violet streaks. His instincts screamed danger but before he could react¡ª A hand lunged forward. It reached for him and Sir Dumblore, just as the beacon''s teleportation activated. And then¡ª The light engulfed all three of them. --- System Notification: [ Beacon Extraction Commencing¡­ ] [ Unexpected Force Detected! Teleportation Surge Activated! ] --- August stumbled as they materialized above the surface, blinking rapidly to adjust. The fresh air hit him instantly as the crisp, green landscapes of the Sylvalis Elven Kingdom stretched before them. Sir Dumblore collapsed to his knees, coughing. "By the forge, we made it!" But August''s stomach twisted. Something was wrong. A sinister laughter echoed beside them. Slowly, he turned. The Monarch of Hollow Dusk settlement 1, stood just a few feet away¡ªfree. Her dark elven form was bathed in writhing shadows as power radiated off of her in waves. The very air trembled around her presence. She spread her arms as if feeling the wind for the first time in centuries. Her laughter was rich, almost musical, but dripping with malice. "Oh, what a generous little rat you are." She turned her violet gaze toward August as her lips curled into a smirk. "You''ve done me a great service, young one." August''s eyes narrowed in disbelief. "You¡­" He spoke slowly. "You got caught in the teleportation." Her smirk widened. "No, boy. I made sure I got caught." -------- (( One Day Ago )) Back in the hollow dusk settlement 1, Faint flickers of torchlight struggled against the gloom, casting eerie shadows that danced like restless spirits along the cracked and uneven walls within a particular space. The metallic scent of blood, sweat, and decay¡ªan unmistakable signature of the Hollow Dusk''s cruelty wafted across the air. At the heart of this forsaken underground labyrinth was a vast, cavernous chamber carved from black stone. Crude banners of tattered cloth, embroidered with strange, ancient symbols, hung like forgotten relics from the spiky outcrops. At the far end of the chamber stood a makeshift throne made of twisted bone and obsidian. Seated upon it was Melanthis, the Monarch of this settlement. Her eyes burned with an unnatural violet glow, sharp and filled with seething hatred. Her once radiant features, remnants of her elven heritage, were now marred by the corrupting touch of dark magic¡ª Veins of black crept up like tendrils beneath her pale skin. The faint shimmer of spectral runes etched across her collarbone pulsed with an ominous light beneath the thin fabric of her cloak. Before her knelt a figure clad in dark, tattered robes¡ªa masked man whose identity was obscured beneath an iron mask. His posture was one of reverence as he spoke. "It is done, my queen. I''ve brought the one you saw in your premonition," his head remained bowed as he spoke. Melanthis''s lips curled into a faint, sinister smile as her fingers lazily traced the sharp edge of a dagger resting on the armrest of her throne. Her voice was a silky whisper, dripping with venom and triumph. "I knew it was him the moment he set foot in this pit of despair," she voiced while leaning forward slightly. "The stench of fate clings to him like rot to a corpse." The masked figure rose slightly from his kneeling position, though his head remained bowed in deference. "He is strong¡­ clever, even. But not strong enough to see through the threads of destiny woven around him. He believes he''s here to rescue some old fool, blind to the true purpose of his arrival," the masked figure glanced up slightly. "You will finally be free, my queen." A dark laugh escaped Melanthis''s lips, reverberating through the hollow chamber like a serpent''s hiss slithering over stone. "Free¡­ Yes, free to reclaim what was stolen from me by those self-righteous hypocrites of Sylvalis," she stood from her makeshift throne causing her dark robes to cascade like a shadow''s breath. Her aura flared with an oppressive energy that made even the masked figure shift uncomfortably. "They thought burying me in this abyss would silence me. But they only delayed the inevitable." She strode forward and stopped just inches from the masked figure. Reaching out, she traced a sharp, blackened nail along the edge of his mask. "When I rise again, Sylvalis will drown in darkness. Their sacred groves will burn, their temples will crumble, and their gods will weep for their failure," she lowered her tone to a venomous whisper. "They will know fear¡­ true fear." The masked figure straightened, emboldened by her words. "The elven elders grow complacent, blinded by their own arrogance. They won''t anticipate your return until it''s too late," the masked figure paused briefly. "And with the boy''s unwitting help, you''ll escape this light-forsaken dwelling and regain your true power." Melanthis''s grin widened with malevolent satisfaction. "Now all I have to do is wait for him to try rescuing that old fool." --------- (( Present )) "What the fuck? The masked dude was your underling this whole time?" August voiced in disbelief after Melanthis recounted the chain of events to him. "I knew of your coming before you even bore the thought in your mind. Your destiny had always been to free me and now you have fulfilled it," Melanthis smirked with a look of satisfaction. --- System Notification: [ ALERT! High-Level Entity Released! ] [ NPC Encounter: Queen Melanthis, Monarch of the Hollow Dusk ] Level: ??? ~Glitch~ ~Glitch~ Level: 170 Title: Mistress of the Abyss --- Sir Dumblore''s face drained of color. "Oh¡­ oh, lad, what have you done?" The realization hit August like a hammer. ''I just freed a monster.'' He whirled toward her as daggers appeared in his hands in an instant. "You''re going back." Melanthis tilted her head with a look of amusement. "And how, exactly, do you plan on making that happen?" Before August could act, she moved. A blur...? A shadow...? A phantom...? Her speed was inconceivable. Her hand was on his throat before he could even blink. --- System Notification: [ WARNING: Speed Difference Too Vast! Escape Impossible! ] --- August couldn''t move. Her grip was like iron as her fingers pressed into his skin, crushingly cold. He tried to use Phantom Blitz¡ªbut nothing happened. "Such potential," she mused with a look of intrigue. "You are¡­ interesting." He activated Thunder Spear at point-blank range. Letting the lightning explode since he couldn''t hurl it at her¡ª Melanthis barely reacted. The energy around her simply¡­ absorbed it. Sir Dumblore tried to lunge at her with what little strength he had left. "Get away from him, you wretched¡ª!" She merely flicked her wrist. BOOM! An invisible force blasted Sir Dumblore off his feet, sending him crashing into a tree on the other end like a ragdoll. August gritted his teeth, feeling completely powerless for the first time in a long while. It was supposed to be a game and yet everything felt so real... This feeling was undeniably terrifying. She leaned in closer and whispered in his ear. "Your magic is powerful, but it pales in comparison to mine." And then¡ª She released him. August stumbled backward, gasping for air. "Why are you letting me go?" he hissed. Melanthis laughed again before stretching her arms toward the sky. "Because I am free and it was your doing. I have you to thank pretty boy." She threw her hands upward¡ª And the sky cracked like glass. A wave of darkness surged into the heavens, spreading like an infection. --- System Notification: Continue reading stories on My Virtual Library Empire [ Major Event Triggered! ] [ Calamity of the Hollow Dusk Begins! ] --- All across the Sylvalis Elven Kingdom, alarms sounded. Elven archmages and warriors turned their gazes skyward as their expressions twisted in horror. The forest trembled. The rivers darkened. The air itself shuddered. Melanthis smirked while stepping backward. "Run, little rat." And with that¡ªshe vanished. A streak of black light tore through the sky and a shuddering sonic boom followed in her wake. The air rippled and distorted violently before settling once more. She was gone. And August? He just became the reason the entire elven kingdom was in chaos. Sir Dumblore groaned as he sat up, rubbing his aching head. "¡­Well, lad, I''d say that went about as bad as it possibly could''ve gone." August let out a long breath. "You think?" Chapter 176 Borders Of Slveryin Continent The alarms of Sylvalis Elven Kingdom blared across the treetops, reverberating through the dense forest canopy. The sky, still fractured from Melanthis'' escape, shimmered with unnatural darkness, a mark of the calamity August had unwittingly unleashed. From all directions, elven guards, mages, and rangers surged forward, with righteous fury. They weren''t here to ask questions. They were here to execute. Find Melanthis and her companions and obliterate them before she regains her full power back. August stood beside Sir Dumblore while scanning the surroundings. His cloak of echoes rustled slightly in the wind. ---- System Notification: [ ALERT! Your Reputation in Sylvalis has Dropped to Hostile! ] The Elven Kingdom of Sylvalis now considers you an enemy. Guards, elders, and powerful warriors will attack on sight. --- August sighed upon noticing this notification; "A hero in Tagharium, but branded a devil in Sylvalis. Just my luck." Sir Dumblore grunted. "I warned you, lad. Nothing good comes from meddling with the Elves." August shot him a glare. "You were the one locked in chains, old man." Dumblore raised an eyebrow. "Aye, and you could''ve left me there." August rolled his eyes. "Right. Now how do we get out of here?" A blast of wind magic suddenly hurtled toward them. August grabbed Sir Dumblore by the arm and Phantom Blitzed backward, reappearing fifty feet away just in time to see a high-ranking elven elder step forward. He was dressed in resplendent green robes with golden trims and his emerald eyes burned with wrath. His long silver hair was tied back and his pointed ears twitched with disdain. Around him, other elven warriors stood ready with bows and swords drawn. "Outsiders," the elder spat. "You''ve doomed our lands by releasing that wretched creature. Did you truly think you could escape retribution?" Another elf who happened to be a high priestess, raised a glowing staff. "Surrender, and we may grant you a swift death." Sir Dumblore nudged August. "They''re not big on negotiations." "No shit." --- System Notification: [ WARNING! A High-Ranking Sylvalis Elder Has Marked You as a Criminal! ] --- August glanced at their levels. --- [ Sylvalis Elder ¨C Level 72 ] [ Sylvalis High Priestess ¨C Level 80 ] [ Sylvalis Elite Guards ¨C Level 65 ] --- ''Nope. Nope. Nope. I''m not fighting these fuckers!'' August and Sir Dumblore were so outclassed that fighting wasn''t even a consideration. Sir Dumblore grabbed August''s arm. "There''s another way out. We won''t survive getting to the usual teleportation portal¡ªit''s too well-guarded." August narrowed his eyes. "Then what''s our option?" The old forger hesitated. "The unstable rifts." August blinked. "The what now?" Before he could get an answer, the elves launched their attack. A barrage of arrows and elemental spells rained down. August threw up a tier 2 Arcane Barrier just in time to deflect an ice spear. But he could feel the pressure immediately¡ª --- System Notification: [ Arcane Barrier (Tier 2) Activated! ] Damage absorbed: 32,500 HP [ WARNING! Arcane Barrier Integrity at 63%! ] --- August gritted his teeth. The arcane Barrier was very powerful but it wasn''t going to hold under the face of these relentless attacks because they were too powerful. Sir Dumblore grabbed his wrist and yanked him backward. "No time to explain, lad. Run!" The two of them bolted through the dense foliage, dashing between ancient tall trees. The Elven warriors pursued them relentlessly, leaping through the treetops as their arrows whistled through the air. Sir Dumblore shouted between breaths. "The rifts are unpredictable! They could drop us anywhere in the world¡ªor kill us outright. But it''s better than dying here!" August grimaced. "Yeah, it''s great you left out that piece of information earlier, because that sounds way better!" Ahead of them, four hundred feet away, the landscape shifted. A section of the forest floor was split by swirling anomalies¡ªunstable rifts in reality. The air around them howled violently, flickering like a distorted dream. The ground cracked open, revealing pulsating voids of glowing blue and purple energy. Some of them imploded into nothingness, while others sent tendrils of distorted magic outward, consuming nearby trees. It looked like pure chaos. --- System Notification: [ WARNING! Unstable Dimensional Rifts Detected! ] Entering a rift will teleport you to an unknown location. Survival chance: ??? --- August barely had time to react before an explosion of vines surged toward them. The elven high priestess raised her hands. "You will not leave this land!" The vines lashed forward, glowing with celestial power. ''No time left.'' Sir Dumblore grabbed August by the cloak and hurled both of them toward the rift. They dove in instantly. And the world shattered into a blur of chaos. ... The sensation of drifting through the unstable rift was unlike anything August had ever experienced. Reality itself felt twisted¡ªshifting in and out of focus... warping like reflections on water. They floated aimlessly, surrounded by countless fragments of broken landscapes, and shattered pieces of different worlds that had been caught in the swirling void. Massive chunks of rock, ruins of ancient cities, and even strange, pulsating creatures moved through the rift''s currents... Some were being ripped apart by unseen forces as their remnants vanished into the abyss. --- System Notification: [ WARNING! Unstable Rift Dimensional Travel! ] [ Spatial Integrity: Collapsing ] Your adventure continues at My Virtual Library Empire [ Duration of Travel: ??? ] [ Survival Chance: Uncertain ] --- August''s expression was one of astonishment as his body was pulled and stretched by the chaotic forces around them. "This is getting real old, real fast!" Beside him, Sir Dumblore grumbled, barely keeping himself together as his robes fluttered wildly in the turbulence. "Quit whining, lad. You''re not dead yet." August scoffed, then quickly cast an Arcane Bubble¡ªa protective sphere of glowing, translucent energy enveloped the two of them, shielding them from the worst of the rift''s effects. --- System Notification: [ Arcane Bubble (Tier 2) Activated! ] Damage Mitigation: 95% Duration: Until Spell Disruption -300MP Per Ten Minutes --- With the shimmering barrier in place, the howling winds muted, and the chaotic energy around them was reduced to a distant vibration. Finally able to breathe, August leaned back and exhaled. "Alright, we''re in a bubble. Now what?" Sir Dumblore rubbed his beard while glancing around at the fragmented space. "Now? We wait." August shot him a look. "Wait for what? A sign from the gods?" The old forger chuckled before adjusting his tattered sleeves. "Lad, sometimes life puts you in places where all you can do is be patient. Ain''t no use fighting time itself." August frowned but said nothing. Minutes passed. Then hours¡ªor at least what felt like hours in this endless drift. With nothing but the hazy abyss stretching infinitely, August decided to ask something that had been bugging him. "Back in the forge, the Silver Sentinel said a great calamity was coming. What did he mean?" Sir Dumblore''s expression darkened slightly. "You ask too many questions, lad." S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Yeah, well, I just risked my life saving you, so I think I deserve a few answers." The old man let out a long breath as his eyes turned distant as if staring into the past. "The world isn''t as stable as people believe, August. Long ago, there were things called Gates. Portals to places that should have never been touched. They were sealed away, locked for eternity¡­ or so we thought." August narrowed his eyes. "And now?" Sir Dumblore''s face turned serious. "Now, I fear they may reappear. The signs have returned. This is why I got set up by one of the Sylvalis Elven councils... They somewhat believe I will be responsible for it and by sealing me away in the hollow dusk it''ll never happen." --- System Notification: [ Hidden Lore Unlocked! ] [ Calamity of the Ancient Gates ] --- August stiffened. "What exactly comes out of these Gates?" Sir Dumblore hesitated before shaking his head. "You wouldn''t understand even if I told you. Just know this¡ªwithout the Five Heroes and their weapons, we''re all doomed." August still had a look of confusion on his face. "And who are the five heroes?" Sir Dumblore chuckled bitterly. "That, lad, is another question for another time." August gritted his teeth. "You''re really not gonna give me a straight answer, huh?" "Nope." "Figures." Silence settled between them again. Then suddenly¡ª A violent pull yanked at them. The rift quaked and reality twisted once more. The bubble around them flickered as they were dragged toward an opening¡ªa tear in space-time. --- System Notification: [ B-RANK QUEST COMPLETED! ] [ Mission: Find and Rescue Sir Dumblore ] Rewards: - EXP: 580,000 - Gold: 1,000 - Mystic Forged Bracers (Unique - Bound Item) - Arcane Essence x3 - Increased Reputation with the Silver Sentinel --- August grinned. "Oh, finally, something good!" [ You Have Leveled Up! ] Sir Dumblore snorted. "Don''t celebrate yet, boy. We''re still falling through the unknown." Before August could respond, they were hurled through the rift''s opening and tumbled forward¡ª Before crashing onto solid ground. BOOM! Dirt and debris flew into the air as they landed hard. August rolled over while coughing as he shook the dust from his cloak. "Ugh. I swear, if I have to fall through one more damn portal¡ª" Then he froze. The terrain around them was familiar. A dense, ominous fog lingered in the air as the eerie darkness stretched out beyond the horizon, splitting the land apart like a scar across the planet. Chapter 177 Real World Interference A great, unending void, darker than the night sky, swallowed everything beyond the line. It was a sight unlike anything August had ever seen in the game. --- System Notification: [ WARNING! You have entered the Borders of Slveryin Continent ] -A region of immense magical significance. Proceed with caution. --- August scanned his surroundings and realization struck. He knew this place. His eyes snapped to the right, following the outline of a tall fortress built atop a plateau. A massive dragon lay curled around its peak with its silver scales reflecting the distant light. It was the Silver Sentinel''s Domain. August exhaled sharply. "You''ve gotta be kidding me." Sir Dumblore rubbed his temples and let out a low groan. "Aye¡­ looks like this is where the rift brought us, lad." The old forger''s gaze traced the dark divide that separated the continent from whatever lay beyond. Even he seemed unnerved by it. August turned to him. "What exactly is beyond that line?" Sir Dumblore shook his head. "Nothing we should concern ourselves with right now." August narrowed his eyes but didn''t push further. There were far more pressing matters at hand. Without another word, the two moved toward the fortress, stepping onto the smoothly paved black stones leading up to the entrance. The moment they approached, the elongated dark gates groaned open, as if expecting them. They entered. --- The grand hall was exactly as August remembered¡ªthe high, vaulted ceiling lined with banners of forgotten wars, the stone walls carved with glowing runes, and the massive silver seat, sitting at the far end. And then he saw something that had him taken aback... ...He saw himself. Another August stood there, dressed identically in his dark assassin''s gear, standing before the Silver Sentinel. The armored warrior, still clad in his full silver battle regalia, was speaking to the other August. His deep voice echoed through the chamber. "Sir Dumblore has gone missing. I need you to find him before it is too late." August froze in place upon witnessing this. His stomach twisted in knots. ''What. The. Hell.'' Sir Dumblore stopped beside him as his brows furrowed. "Lad¡­ tell me you''re seeing this too." Before August could respond, the Silver Sentinel turned his head sharply, locking onto them with his piercing gaze. The other August flickered like a mirage¡ªthen vanished entirely.* A cold silence settled in the chamber. The Silver Sentinel rose from his seat as the massive dragon behind him stirred. Its golden eyes locked onto August and Sir Dumblore as well. "You already did it?" His deep voice carried a tone of disbelief. "You already saved Sir Dumblore?" August exchanged a bewildered glance with Sir Dumblore. "Wait, what?" The Silver Sentinel''s armor clanked as he took a step forward. "This shouldn''t be possible." Sir Dumblore stroked his beard. "Ahh¡­" His voice was slow as a look of realization dawned in his eyes. "It was the rift." August snapped his head toward him. "What do you mean, ''It was the rift''?" The old man sighed heavily. "Temporal shifts, lad. The rifts don''t only bear the capability to displace people across space¡­ on rare occasions, it can displace people across time as well." August stared at him. "You''re saying we time-traveled?!" The Silver Sentinel nodded. "If you already saved Dumblore, then that means¡­ you have already accepted the quest to save him." August shook his head, trying to wrap his mind around this. "But that''s impossible! I already did it, so how can I still accept it?" Sir Dumblore chuckled bitterly. "Because time isn''t linear when it comes to unstable rifts." The realization hit August like a truck. The other August wasn''t an illusion. It was him from before. A version of him that was about to accept the quest. And now¡­ he was back here before he had even taken it. --- System Notification: [ Temporal Rift Disturbance Detected! ] -You have traveled to a moment in time before you accepted your last mission. This may lead to paradoxical consequences. --- August let out a slow exhale while gripping the bridge of his nose. Continue your saga on My Virtual Library Empire "Alright. This is officially the weirdest thing that''s ever happened to me." The Silver Sentinel''s gaze remained sharp beneath his helmet. "The rifts are more unstable than I feared. If you have already completed this quest, then we must assume the past and present are now overlapping. Time is unraveling." August stood with his arms crossed and his brows furrowed in deep thought. Sir Dumblore sat on a stone bench nearby, stroking his beard thoughtfully, while the Silver Sentinel stood by the side. "So, let me get this straight," August muttered while pacing. "The rift didn''t just toss us back in time¡ªit changed the flow of time itself." Sir Dumblore nodded. "Temporal rifts are unpredictable. They don''t just affect the timeline of one place¡­ sometimes, they ripple outward." The Silver Sentinel''s booming voice echoed through the hall. "The question isn''t *if* something changed, but *what* has changed." A myriad of thoughts raced through August''s mind. ''Did freeing the Monarch still happen? If the timeline had reset, did that mean she was still trapped in the Hollow Dusk? Or had his actions already set things in motion that couldn''t be undone?'' His system notification chime suddenly pulled him from his thoughts. --- [Party Chat Notification] S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Gregarious: "Lord Aleman! Where are you? We''re already at the Golden Flask tavern in Tagharium. Don''t tell me you''re sleeping!" Boris: "Oi, you said you were here but you are nowhere in sight. We''re waiting!" Ezran: "Don''t be late like last time. Gregarious is already trying to drink the tavern dry." --- August''s eyes widened. "What the hell?" he muttered. He vividly remembered this. It was the exact same message they''d sent him after he suddenly got teleported to the Silver Sentinel''s fortress. He hadn''t accepted the mission with the Silver Sentinel yet and he had left to begin the quest to find Sir Dumblore because it was only after he left that he messaged them saying he was on a mission. His pulse quickened. "No way¡­ this already happened." Sir Dumblore glanced up. "What''s wrong, lad?" August didn''t answer. "Wait¡­ they''re real players. The rift shouldn''t have affected them, right? This was just part of the game''s storyline¡­ right?" But something didn''t add up. He needed answers. Real-world answers. Without another word, August logged out. --- <[ System Notification: "Logging Out... Please Wait." ]> --- The familiar cool air of his apartment greeted him as he emerged from the pod. The faint sound of electronics buzzed softly in the background as he stumbled out of the gaming pod. Sophia was sitting at the dining table with her textbooks spread out in front of her, and a cup of coffee steaming beside her. She looked up in confusion and surprise as August walked into the living room. "You''re already out?" she questioned while raising an eyebrow. "Didn''t you just start playing?" August blinked. "What¡­? No, I''ve been in the game for almost six days which should mean over two days in reality." Sophia snorted. "Uh, what? You''ve been in there for like¡­ I don''t know, a few hours?" His chest tightened. "What day is it?" She gave him an odd look. "Tuesday." August''s breath caught. "No. That''s impossible." He stumbled toward the clock on the wall. **2:07 AM.** But that couldn''t be right. He''d logged in late Monday night. After everything¡ªthe mission, the Hollow Dusk, the battles, the escape, the time rift¡ªit should be Thursday by now. "No¡­ no, no, no." He voiced in disbelief as he grabbed his phone to check the date. **Tuesday. 2:07 AM.** His knees felt weak, and he sat on the couch, staring at nothing in particular. Sophia set her mug down and walked over, crossing her arms. "Are you okay? You''re acting weird." August stared at her. "Sophia, listen to me. I swear I was in the game for days. I fought, I leveled up¡ªI even completed a B-ranked quest." She frowned."Maybe you dreamed it?" "No!" August stated. "I have the rewards. The EXP. The system logs. It all happened." Sophia''s expression shifted from confusion to concern. "Are you sure you''re okay? Like, mentally? Maybe take a break from the game for a bit." August didn''t respond. He stormed back to his room and connected the gaming pod to his laptop, accessing his Enders Light account logs. There it was. - B-Ranked Quest Completed: "Rescue Sir Dumblore" - EXP Gained: 582,000 - New Items Added: [Arcane Beacon Shard], [Elven Relic], [Gold Treasure Chest] It was real. He stared at the screen as his heart pounded with both exhilaration and horror. "What the hell is happening?" August clenched his fists. "The rift propelling us back in time also affected reality..." This should have been impossible but could one really question what should be possible with a game like Enders Light that could give real-life supernatural abilities? ... August soon materialized back into the world of Enders Light, reappearing within the Silver Sentinel''s domain. The chilling realization from the real world lingered in the back of his mind¡ªtime manipulation, real-world consequences, and dimensional rifts. It was overwhelming, but he shoved those thoughts aside. ''Focus.'' Chapter 178 Riding The Dragon Sir Dumblore was still there with his long dusty and tattered outfit. Beside him stood the ever-intimidating Silver Sentinel. His massive lance rested beside him, and behind the throne, an enormous dragon stirred. Its golden eyes narrowed slightly as if acknowledging August''s return. The moment August approached, system notifications flashed across his vision. --- [System Notification] B-Ranked Quest Complete: "Rescue Sir Dumblore" - EXP Gained: 582,000 - Reputation with Silver Sentinel: +500 - Reputation with Slveryin Continent: +300 - New Item Acquired: [Dragon Crest Badge] - Bonus Reward: [Mystic Relic Fragment] --- ''The new notification has some adjustments...'' August''s lips quirked up slightly despite the lingering unease. The Silver Sentinel took a step forward with his booming voice resonating throughout the hall. Experience tales at My Virtual Library Empire "You''ve done well, Aleman. Sir Dumblore is safe, and for that, I am indebted to you." August gave a slight nod. "Wasn''t exactly a walk in the park, but yeah¡­ mission accomplished." Sir Dumblore chuckled softly while stroking his beard. "If not for your intervention, I might still be rotting in that cursed place¡ªor worse." The Silver Sentinel gestured towards the towering dragon, whose scales shimmered like molten silver. "I will grant you a ride back to Tagharium¡­ on Zephyros." August blinked. "Wait, seriously? On the dragon?" Sir Dumblore chuckled again. "Consider it a royal escort." --- [System Notification] New Temporary Mount Acquired: Zephyros, The Silver Sentinel''s Dragon. - Duration: Until Arrival in Tagharium - Special Buffs Active While Mounted: - Flight Speed: +1000% - Aerial Defense Boost: +500% - Intimidation Aura: -80% Enemy Morale in Nearby Radius --- "Oh hell yes!" August grinned, momentarily forgetting his earlier worries. August watched as the colossal dragon stepped out into the courtyard and spread its wings with an ear-splitting roar that shook the very ground. August climbed onto Zephyros''s back with a look of exhilaration. The dragon''s silver scales felt warm under his touch. The Dragon Crest Badge shimmered on his chest, automatically pinned there as part of the quest reward. "Hold tight," the Silver Sentinel said with a rare smirk beneath his helmet. "Zephyros isn''t fond of gentle take-offs." Before August could respond, Zephyros lunged into the air with a powerful beat of its wings, sending a gust of wind crashing through the surroundings. The wind rushed past, carrying the scent of distant forests and mountain peaks. The continent''s border soon disappeared into the distance as they soared into the clouds. August now understood why the Silver Sentinel was able to respond immediately after he was summoned. With this speed, was there anywhere one couldn''t get to quick enough? From this height, the world of Enders Light stretched out beneath him¡ªendless rivers, towering cities, ancient ruins. He''d fought in some of those places and bled in others. ''And now I''m flying over them on a goddamn dragon.'' Sir Dumblore, who rode comfortably behind August, spoke over the roar of the wind. "Is this your first time flying?" "No, it is my last... Just kidding. Now I certainly will do everything I can to acquire a dragon mount," August chuckled in excitement. Soon Tagharium Kingdom came into view... --- [System Notification] Awe Effect Activated: - Nearby Players and NPCs are Intimidated and Impressed. - Reputation in Tagharium: +100 (Due to Public Display of Prestige) --- Down below, players pointed and shouted. "Is that¡­ is that ALEMAN?!" "That''s the Silver Sentinel''s dragon!" sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "How the hell did he score a ride like THAT?!" "Must be some insane quest reward!" "ALEMAN! YOU LUCKY BASTARD!" August couldn''t help but laugh as his cloak billowed dramatically while they soared higher. "Eat your hearts out," he muttered, enjoying the envious looks. Zephyros let out another powerful roar, which echoed loudly across the skies, stirring winds. The dragon dipped slightly, beginning its descent towards Tagharium¡ªthe kingdom glinting like a jewel on the horizon. --- As Zephyros swooped low over Tagharium, the city erupted into chaos¡ªnot from fear, but awe. NPCs and players alike stopped what they were doing, pointing toward the sky. Children (NPCs) cheered, while even the seasoned players gawked. The dragon landed with a thunderous impact in the city''s central plaza, causing tremors to ripple through the stone streets. The crowd that had gathered parted in awe as August dismounted gracefully with his cloak trailing behind him. --- [System Notification] Achievement Unlocked: - "Dragon Rider of Tagharium" - Perk Gained: +5% Reputation Gain in Tagharium for All Future Activities +10 Beast Taming Aura --- August gave Zephyros a final pat on the snout. "Thanks for the ride, big guy." The dragon huffed, letting out a warm gust of air which ruffled August''s hair before it took off again, vanishing into the clouds like a myth reborn. August turned to see a small crowd gathered, including some players whispering excitedly. "ALEMAN! Can I get a screenshot with you?" "What quest was that?! PLEASE tell me!" "Dude¡­ are you, like, a secret NPC or something?" August chuckled and waved them off, making his way toward the Golden Flask Tavern. He had stories to tell¡ªand levels to grind. But more importantly, he had a newfound realization. The game was beyond what anyone thought it was. And now his mind was open to literally anything... ... ... The dim glow of enchanted lanterns illuminated the rustic wooden interior of the Golden Flask tavern, casting shadows against the stone walls. The scent of roasted meat and aged ale wafted through the air as lively chatter and bursts of laughter filled the room. August stepped through the entrance smoothly and scanned the surroundings. At their usual table, Gregorious, Boris, and Ezran were seated, indulging in drinks and a plate of seasoned meat skewers. Gregorious was the first to notice him. He shot up dramatically, slamming a fist onto the table. "Lord Aleman! At last, you return from your grand adventures! Did you go on a secret mission? Slay a hidden dragon? Romance an elven queen?" August chuckled as he took a seat, waving off a tavern maid who attempted to offer him a drink. "Something like that." Ezran, who was more observant than the loud warrior, narrowed his eyes. "No, seriously, where have you been? We waited for you after you said you were gonna be here and then you vanished off the face of the game." Chapter 179 Montgomery Household Boris grunted while tearing a piece off a skewer with his teeth. "Yeah. And then suddenly you show up riding a damn dragon through the city. Care to explain?" August smirked and leaned back in his chair. "If I told you, you wouldn''t believe me." Gregorious gasped. "Is it a legendary quest?! You are a protagonist! I knew it!" August shook his head and changed the subject. "Where''s Lilo?" Ezran sighed while pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose. "She''s working late again. Probably won''t be on tonight." August frowned slightly but nodded. "Alright, let''s not waste time. We need to grind. The tournament isn''t far off, and we''re still way below the top-tier players." Gregorious rubbed his chin. "Yeah¡­ I checked the leaderboards earlier. Some of those bastards are already past level 60." Boris snorted. "The Ice Queen is already level 58. That woman''s a monster." Ezran tapped his fingers against the table. "And we''re still hovering around the late 30s. If we don''t step it up, we won''t last long in the tournament." August pulled up his interface, checking his current Player Status Panel --- [Player Status Panel] - Name: Aleman - Class: Assassin/Mage - Title: Sovereign of Anti-Darkness - Level: 39 - EXP: 120,400/2,550,000 - HP: 22,600/22,600 - MP: 15,800/15,800 - Gold: 6,420 - Power Level: Tier 2 --- He was progressing, but the gap between the top players was too wide. If he wanted to compete, he needed to grind harder. "Alright, let''s go," August got to his feet. "I know the perfect spot." Gregorious clapped his hands together. "Ah, yes! Time to remind the world why we are the greatest adventurers!" Ezran sighed. "You mean time to scream like a lunatic while nearly dying?" "Same thing!" ... ... The party arrived at a dark, foreboding expanse known as the Obsidian Scar Wildlands. It was a region formed from the remnants of an ancient battlefield where powerful creatures roamed. It had only been unlocked recently so it was still a fairly new grinding spot. Tall spiky black spires loomed overhead, crackling with dormant energy. Patches of luminescent blue plants grew along the fractured ground, casting eerie glows amidst the darkness. The land was home to creatures known as Void Howlers¡ªfour-legged monstrosities with obsidian-like bodies and pulsating violet veins of energy running along their forms. Their mouths split apart in unnatural ways, lined with fangs that gleamed like glass. The moment the party stepped forward, multiple system notifications appeared. --- [ System Notification: You have entered the Obsidian Scar Wildlands ] - Warning: Monsters here range from Level 40-58. Proceed with caution. - Bonus EXP Gain: +10% Due to the ''Night Prowler'' Title Effect. --- Gregorious drew his sword with a grin. "Perfect. Let''s get some kills." Ezran was already channeling a protective spell. "Let''s not get overconfident." The Void Howlers began to take notice of their presence. Their violet eyes burned as they released guttural screeches. August activated Phantom Blitz and dashed forward before reappearing a distance away with his twin daggers drawn. "Let''s do this." As August appeared behind one of the Void Howlers he drove his dagger into its obsidian hide. The creature shrieked as August activated slash and struck at the creature repeatedly, drawing blood. --- [ System Notification: Critical Strike!] - You dealt 9,200 Damage! - Void Howler HP: 32,000 ¡ú 22,800 sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. --- Another Void Howler lunged at him, but he activated Phantom Blitz again, flickering out of existence for a split second before reappearing behind the creature. Meanwhile, Boris slammed his battle-axe into the previous howler''s skull, shattering its head after Ezran chipped away at its health with multiple spells activation. --- [ System Notification: You have slain a Void Howler (Level 41). ] - EXP Gained: 5,600 - Loot: [Void Residue] x1, [Obsidian Fang] x2 --- Gregorious wasn''t far behind... he charged straight into the fray with a battle cry as his sword cleaved through one of the creatures. -500HP Although he did little damage compared to the others, there was no doubt that he was slowly improving. Ezran cast Fire Barrage, bombarding the beasts with orbs of condensed flames, making sure they couldn''t surround August. --- [System Notification: You have slain a Void Howler (Level 42) ] Read exclusive content at My Virtual Library Empire - EXP Gained: 7,000 - Loot: [Void Core] x1, [Luminous Hide] x1 --- August proceeded to conjure a Thunder Spear and launched the electrified weapon straight through the last Void Howler. BOOM! The explosion lit up the wildlands as the creature disintegrated, leaving nothing but a crater in its wake. --- [ System Notification: You have slain a Void Howler (Level 44) ] - EXP Gained: 10,000 - Loot: [Shadow Essence] x1, [Howler''s Claw] x3 --- Gregorious wiped sweat from his forehead. "Well¡­ that was exhilarating." Ezran adjusted his glasses. "That was exhausting." Boris cracked his knuckles. "That was just the warm-up." August smirked while checking his EXP bar¡ªthe numbers climbing steadily. "Let''s keep going... We''re not stopping until each of us reaches level 45..." ... ... (( The Real World )) The morning sun poured through the massive glass windows of the Montgomery Mansion, casting golden hues across the lavish floors. The expansive dining room was adorned with crystal chandeliers, sparkling silverware, and a table long enough to seat twenty, though only five seats were occupied. Mr. Philip Montgomery, a man with round-faced features and a neatly trimmed beard, sat at the head of the table. His tailored navy suit was impeccable, even this early in the morning. Across from him sat his elegant wife, Victoria Montgomery. Her posture was as straight as an arrow and she was clad in a pristine cream blouse and pearls that gleamed as coldly as her sharp gray eyes. On either side of the table sat their children: Celeste Montgomery, the poised college-aged eldest daughter, scrolling idly through her phone; Madeline Montgomery, the fiery, bratty teenager and the youngest, Dennis, a ten-year-old terror in the body of a smug aristocrat, sipping orange juice like it owed him money. The soft clinking of silverware against fine china filled the air as breakfast was served¡ªan assortment of fresh croissants, scrambled eggs with herbs, sausages, and an array of tropical fruits. Bodyguards in black suits stood like statues near the entrances. Their presence seemed as casual as the family dog lounging near the balcony. Mr. Montgomery cleared his throat while setting down his fork. "So, Madeline, any trouble at school lately?" His tone was neutral, but the subtle raise of his brow hinted at expectation. Madeline stabbed a strawberry with unnecessary aggression and rolled her eyes. "Nope. Just the usual. Oh¡ªthough I am going to ask Sophia for August''s number again today." The fork in Mr. Montgomery''s hand paused mid-air. "Madeline, for the last time, focus on your studies. You''re in school to learn, not chase after some¡ª" He waved his hand dismissively. "¡ªrandom boy." Madeline huffed before crossing her arms. "You don''t get it, Dad. August isn''t just some boy. He''s tall, super handsome, and probably the man of my dreams." She sighed dramatically while staring off as if picturing a fantasy wedding in her head. Mrs. Montgomery nearly choked on her tea. "The man of your dreams? You''re fifteen." "So? Age is just a number." Madeline shrugged defiantly. Across the table, Celeste let out a scoff as she finally looked up from her phone. "Pfft. Your ''dream man'' probably can''t even hold a candle to Aleman." Chapter 180 40% Overall Stats Integration Across the table, Celeste let out a scoff as she finally looked up from her phone. "Pfft. Your ''dream man'' probably can''t even hold a candle to Aleman." Her eyes gleamed slightly as she leaned back with a smug smile on her face. "Now that''s a real man." Madeline whipped her head around and shot her sister a glare. "Aleman? The guy with the weird helmet? You don''t even know what he looks like!" Celeste''s expression turned dreamy as her fingers brushed against her cheek. "I don''t need to. The way he saved me from that assassination attempt? The confidence, the power¡­ Ugh, he''s definitely handsome under that helmet. Probably mysterious and brooding too." Mr. Montgomery sighed heavily while pinching the bridge of his nose. "You''re both being ridiculous. Aleman or August, I don''t care. You girls need to focus on your futures, not¡ª" "Oh, please, Father," Celeste cut in sharply with a sarcastic tone. "You''re only annoyed because Aleman makes you feel irrelevant. He literally saved my life, while your security team stood around like statues." The temperature at the table seemed to drop by ten degrees. Even the bodyguards shifted uncomfortably. Mr. Montgomery''s gaze turned intense as his knuckles whitened around his coffee cup. "You''re forbidden from visiting that so-called AM Coven again. That place put your life in danger." Celeste narrowed her eyes before slamming her cup down. "Wrong. You put me in danger because you have enemies. AM Coven didn''t shoot at me¡ªyour political rivals did. If anything, Aleman saved me from your mess." The room went deathly silent. Mrs. Montgomery''s spoon froze mid-stir in her teacup. Mr. Montgomery opened his mouth to retort, but no words came out. He simply grunted and returned to his coffee with a glare dark enough to wilt flowers. Madeline broke the silence with an obnoxious laugh. "Ha! You''re just mad because I''m right. August is way better than Aleman anyway." Celeste glared daggers at Madeline. "Impossible. Aleman is a hero. August is probably just some scrawny schoolboy who thinks he''s cool because he''s tall." "Take that back!" Madeline shrieked while standing up dramatically. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Make me." Celeste''s chair scraped loudly against the floor as she stood sharply. Mrs. Montgomery slammed her hand on the table with a look of annoyance. "Enough!" Both girls froze mid-bicker with their mouths still half-open. Mrs. Montgomery shot them both a deadly glare. "Madeline, get your things and head to school. Celeste, if I hear one more word about Aleman today, I swear I''ll have your credit cards frozen." Both girls groaned in unison but scrambled to their feet. As Madeline grabbed her bag, she muttered under her breath, "August is still hotter." Celeste who was already halfway out the door, whipped around. "Says the girl who couldn''t even get his number." "Ugh, shut up!" Mrs. Montgomery massaged her temples with a look of frustration as the front door slammed behind them. "I don''t know which is worse¡ªteenage hormones or your political scandals." Mr. Montgomery muttered into his coffee, "At least my scandals don''t yell back." Dennis who had been silent the whole time, finally chimed in smugly, "I think I''m the best-looking person in this family." Both parents stared at him. Mrs. Montgomery sighed again. "I need stronger tea." ----- Madeline strutted through Asterisk High School with her designer bag slung over one shoulder after getting out of the car. She spotted Sophia sitting alone under a tree, flipping through a textbook. Madeline marched straight up to her and planted her hands on her hips. "Hey, Sophia. I''m not here to fight, okay? Just give me your brother''s number, and we''ll be cool." Sophia didn''t even look up. "No." Madeline groaned dramatically. "Why are you like this? Don''t you want your brother to find love?" Sophia finally glanced up with a flat expression. "With you? Not particularly." Madeline gasped as if mortally wounded. "Wow. Rude." Sophia smirked slightly before flipping a page. "I''m just being honest." Madeline stomped her foot. "Fine! But you''ll see. One day, he''ll be mine, and you''ll regret being such a brat." Sophia''s smirk widened. "Sure. Right after pigs fly." Madeline stormed off, fuming, while Sophia chuckled softly to herself. ... ... August emerged from his gaming pod, stretching with his joints making satisfying pop sounds. The cool, sterile air of his room greeted him, but what truly caught his attention was the translucent notification hovering right in front of his face. [ +10% Increase In Level Of Overall Power ] [ 40% Overall Stats Integration With Real World Avatar ] His eyes widened in confusion. "What the hell¡­?" He muttered under his breath while swiping at the notification, but it remained stubbornly in place until he dismissed it with an intentional blink. The realization soon hit him as he realized that this wasn''t some random glitch. His power from Enders Light was now more integrated with reality at a much higher rate than ever before. "Forty percent? That''s¡­ insane." Sure, he''d always felt stronger since consuming the Fruit of Corruption, gaining the extraction ability, and manifesting some of his in-game strength. But now? He could practically feel the substantial increase. --- Determined to put this newfound strength to the test, August hit the pavement. The usual jog he did around the block felt laughably easy. His feet barely kissed the ground as his strides devoured distance like a predator. Stay tuned to My Virtual Library Empire He sprinted faster, turning into a bit of a blur as he dashed past startled pedestrians. Old Man Jenkins, the neighborhood''s grumpy dog-walker, nearly dropped his coffee, watching August zoom by like a blur. "What in the¡ª? That boy''s got rockets for legs!" ---- August soon stopped in front of the neighborhood gym and decided to give it a try for once. The gym was filled with grunts as usual as the faint scent of sweat, metal, and cheap protein bars filled the air. Upon strolling in, August spotted his neighbor Kane, a broad-shouldered guy with mocha skin, a shaved head, and tribal tattoos running down his biceps like rivers. Kane was mid-rep, benching a ridiculous amount of weight when he spotted August. "Yo, August! Thought you were allergic to sunlight, man. You finally crawled outta that cave of yours?" Kane threw a lighthearted friendly jab at him. August smirked. "Figured I''d give these muscles some fresh air." Kane''s gym buddies, Jaxon and Leo, wandered over. Jaxon had a lean muscular build with a full sleeve tattoo running down his right arm, while Leo was shorter and stockier with a buzz cut. Jaxon gave August a quick once-over before snorting. "Bro, you don''t even look like you lift." Leo chuckled. "What''s the plan? Curling the yoga mats?" August rolled his eyes while walking past them toward the dumbbell rack. He picked up a pair of 100-pound dumbbells with ease as if they were filled with feathers. His form was perfect, controlled, and effortless as he started doing clean shoulder presses. Jaxon''s laughter died mid-chuckle. "Wait, what?" Kane''s grin widened. "Alright, August. Let''s see what you''ve got." They started stacking the weight. August moved from 100s to 120s without breaking a sweat. Then to 150s. His face remained calm as he breathed steadily. "Okay, now you''re just showing off," Kane muttered with a genuinely impressed expression. By the time August pressed the 180-pound dumbbells overhead with perfect form, a small crowd had gathered. "Dude¡­ that''s 360 pounds combined," someone whispered. August set the weights down gently, not even breathing hard. Jaxon''s jaw hung open. "No way¡­" Leo wiped sweat from his forehead. "Alright, fine. Maybe he does lift." But Kane wasn''t done yet. Kane led August to the squat rack. "Alright, let''s see if that strength holds up under real weight." Starting with 225 pounds (two 45-pound plates on each side), August squatted it like it was nothing. They added more¡ª315 pounds, then 405. At 495 pounds, August still showed no signs of struggle. "Dude, that''s nearly 500 pounds!" Kane shouted with a look of disbelief. August smiled faintly. "Add more." They loaded the bar up to 585 pounds. August positioned himself, gripped the bar, and squatted¡ªdeep, controlled, effortless. Gasps echoed around the gym. A loud voice suddenly cut through the commotion. "What''s all this noise about?" Tyrell the gym''s self-proclaimed alpha, strutted over. He was built like a truck, with veins bulging from his arms and a smug grin plastered across his face. His reputation as the strongest lifter in the gym was well-known¡ªand well-fed by his own ego. Kane smirked. "Hey, Tyrell. Think you''ve got competition." Tyrell stared at August like he was an insect. "Him? Please." August raised an eyebrow. "Wanna put it to the test??" The gym erupted in cheers and jeers, with bets quickly being placed. Most sided with Tyrell, confident in his record lifts. "I placed my bets on you man, don''t embarrass me..." Kane whispered into August''s ear while patting his back encouragingly. They started with deadlifts. The bar was loaded to 495 pounds¡ªTyrell''s warm-up weight. Tyrell grunted dramatically as he lifted it with veins popping. He dropped it with a loud clang and flexed for the crowd. "Yeaaahhhh!" Chapter 181 Perfect Veil August stepped up and lifted the same weight with ease before quietly setting it down. They decided to up the weight to 585... Then 635... Tyrell managed it, though his face turned bright red. ''Let''s test the full extent of my current strength... Hopefully, this dude will be able to keep up,'' August said internally as he moved to lift the same set of weights. He lifted them effortlessly. Tyrell''s frustration grew. They hit 675. Tyrell barely managed the lift and wobbled as he set it down. August approached with a calm look. ''Perhaps this will be my limit.'' He gripped the bar, breathed in, and pulled¡ªsmooth as silk. The crowd roared. ''Oh that was easy too hmm,'' August thought internally with a slightly confused expression. Kane shouted, "Add more!" They reached 725 pounds. Tyrell attempted it and failed miserably, collapsing to his knees. August approached with his hands chalked. The gym fell silent in anticipation as they kept their eyes locked in his direction. With one swift motion, he lifted the 725-pound barbell like it was nothing and held it for a full five seconds before setting it down gently. The crowd erupted in cheers while Tyrell slunk away, humiliated. Kane patted August on the back while laughing. "Bro, you''re not human." Even Jaxon and Leo looked starstruck. A few women approached, offering flirty smiles. "Hey, August..." August just grabbed his water bottle, grinning. "Guess I''ll be here more often." --- sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Back home, August summoned the game system interface and watched as his status panel appeared like a hologram before his eyes. Most of his game stats were grayed out, as usual. Except now¡­ one more wasn''t. [ Skill Available: Perfect Veil (Tier 2) ] August blinked in disbelief. The Perfect Veil¡ªhis upgraded stealth ability. It was no longer greyed out. "No way... The last time this happened was at level 30... Does this mean that every time I cross ten levels, a new ability or skill will be available for me to use in reality?" August felt this was the only plausible explanation at this moment. However, he''d have to wait for another ten levels to properly confirm it. He activated Perfect Veil instinctively. [ Perfect Veil Has Been Activated ] A dark shimmer washed over him, distorting the air like heat waves. Then¡ªnothing. He looked down. His hands were gone. "I''m invisible... And this time, in real life..." He moved silently across the room, soundlessly even on creaky floorboards. The Perfect Veil wasn''t just cosmetic¡ªit was flawless. He reappeared with a thought, grinning like a kid who''d just found a hidden treasure. "This¡­ is great... now I can get into anywhere without being noticed." But something at the back of his mind whispered¡ªreminding him of the rifts, time anomalies, and the darkness he''d accidentally unleashed. It felt like there was more to the game than what they knew about... Who really were the creators and why are they still unknown till now? August couldn''t put his thumb behind it but he felt that uncovering the dynamics of Enders Light would definitely shock the whole world. A faint buzz vibrated against his thigh, pulling him out of his thoughts. He reached for his phone lazily, expecting a notification about AM Coven or maybe Sophia sending a meme. But it wasn''t Sophia. [I hope you didn''t forget about our date today.] ¨C Remi August blinked. ''Date?'' His mind scrambled through the dusty corners of his memory, and then it hit him¡ªRemi. Remi somehow roped him into agreeing to a date after weeks of playful banter, half-hearted flirting on his part, her helping them get an apartment and so a bunch of other things. "Oh¡­ crap," August muttered while sitting up straight. He glanced at the time¡ª4:35 PM. ''What time was it again? Seven? Eight?'' He couldn''t even remember. Dropping his phone on the couch, he immediately dialed Derrick. The phone rang twice before Derrick picked up. "Yo, boss. What''s up? Finally decided to check in on us mortals?" August rubbed his forehead while pacing the length of his apartment. "Not now Derrick. Cut the crap. How''s AM Coven doing? Everything cool?" Derrick''s chuckle echoed. "Oh, you mean the empire you left me to rule while you went to la-la-land in that game pod of yours?" August rolled his eyes. "Derrick, focus." "Alright, alright. Chill." Derrick''s tone shifted slightly to business mode. "Things have been smooth, surprisingly. We had a major influx of customers the last couple of days. Guess saving a politician''s daughter and going viral helps business." August smirked slightly. "Go figure." "We''ve sold a few high-tier items. The guards are doing great¡ªsuper intimidating, by the way. You should''ve seen the looks on people''s faces when Terry flexed those robotic arms. Classic." August chuckled lightly. "Good to hear." "Oh, and uh¡­ there was a minor incident." That snapped August''s attention back like a whip. "What incident?" "Well," Derrick began by dragging the word out like he was trying to figure out how to soften the blow, "some idiot tried to steal an item." August froze mid-step. "What?" "Relax, August. It''s under control. The guy didn''t even make it five feet from the display before Terry took him down. Quick reflexes. The guy''s still recovering from the¡ªuh¡ª''gentle'' takedown." August sighed while scrubbing a hand over his face. "And you''re just telling me this now?" Derrick snorted. "Because it''s handled. You shouldn''t have to worry when you leave things to me. That''s why you made me your right hand, no? But we''re good. No damages. No missing items. Just one very bruised thief and an increase in customer respect for our security." August shook his head but felt relieved. "Alright. Good job handling it." There was a brief pause before Derrick''s voice came back. "So¡­ what''s up? You sound tense. More than usual." August groaned. "I''ve got a date." ~ Dead silence on the other end. ~ Then Derrick burst into laughter. "You? A date? Since when do you¡ªwait, is this with Remi? The cyber girl you told me about?" August rolled his eyes so hard he thought they might fall out. "Yes. Remi." "Oh, this is rich." Derrick''s laughter didn''t subside. "I thought you were immune to romance. What happened? Did she hack your brain?" "She forced me into it." "Sure she did." August pinched the bridge of his nose. "I''m hanging up." "Wait, wait!" Derrick''s voice turned mock-serious. "Just remember, don''t do the whole awkward, ''I-don''t-know-how-to-date'' routine. And for god''s sake, don''t talk about your game character like he''s a real person." August smirked despite himself. "Noted. Goodbye." "Enjoy your date, lover boy¡ª" August ended the call. He had forgotten that Derrick could be such a tease and didn''t always sound so serious all the time. Explore hidden tales at My Virtual Library Empire He tossed his phone onto the couch and marched straight into his bedroom. Standing before the mirror, he assessed himself critically. His usual black hoodie and jeans screamed ''guy who lives off instant noodles,'' which wasn''t the look he was aiming for today. Usually, he only mostly dressed in business attire when he had to become Aleman and he wanted Aleman to give off a different vibe from August. It was necessary so people would never be able to put two and two together. ''Okay, Reacher. You''ve bedded numerous women ranging from secretaries to models to celebrities to MILFs. A date is nothing. You haven''t lost your charms.'' He pulled out a dark, fitted button-down shirt and paired it with slim black jeans. Simple, no effort¡ªyet somehow effortlessly cool. He even ran a comb through his messy hair, though it stubbornly fell back into place like always. After a final glance in the mirror, he sighed. "Alright, Casanova. Let''s do this." --- The city lights glinted off towering skyscrapers as August pulled up near AM Coven, deciding to check in briefly before heading to his date. The guards at the entrance nodded at him, standing tall in their high-tech gear, looking as formidable as ever. They had no idea August was the boss, they just greeted him as usual. Inside, the place was completely filled. Derrick was at the front, chatting with a couple of customers. He spotted August and immediately a smug grin appeared on his face. "Well, well, look who''s here. Shouldn''t you be rehearsing pickup lines?" August flipped him the finger discreetly and did a quick walk-through of the shop. Everything seemed in order¡ªitems displayed neatly, customers browsing, and the guards stationed strategically. With a satisfied look, he gave Derrick a thumbs-up. "Looks good. I''m heading out." Derrick couldn''t resist. "Don''t forget¡ªeye contact, light jokes, and for god''s sake, no talking about your XP gains." August shook his head while laughing as he walked out. - Derrick leaned casually against the counter, scrolling through the latest sales report on a tablet after August left. Greg approached with a curious look plastered across his rugged face. His buzz-cut hair and sharp jawline gave him an intimidating presence, but his curiosity softened that exterior. "Hey, Derrick," Greg crossed his arms. "Why was he here?" Derrick didn''t even glance up. "He who?" "August," Greg pressed while nodding toward the exit. "You know, the guy we used to bust our asses with back at the factory? Kinda odd seeing him stroll in here like he owns the place." Chapter 182 The Date Derrick smirked while continuously tapping his tablet. "Maybe he''s just nostalgic. Misses the smell of grease and cheap cafeteria food." Greg squinted, not buying it. "C''mon, man. I know he is your friend but that guy was always a loner. Now he''s showing up here like this? You sure he''s not into some shady stuff?" Derrick finally looked up. "Relax, Greg. August helps out with some logistics stuff behind the scenes. You know how it is¡ªconnections, errands, the usual. He''s just¡­ a guy who knows a guy." Greg shrugged, though his curiosity wasn''t fully satisfied. "Huh. Weird, though. Feels like there''s more to it." Derrick chuckled. ''Yeah, more than you''d ever guess,'' he thought, but said aloud, "Dude, you think too much. Go patrol or something." --- August arrived at Luna Ember, a cozy yet upscale restaurant nestled between towering city buildings. The warm glow from the hanging lanterns outside greatly differed from the glassy architecture around it. Inside lighting was dim but inviting, casting a florescent hue on the surroundings. He spotted her instantly¡ªRemi. Her vibrant blue hair gently brushed against her shoulders, contrasting beautifully against the dark crimson dress she wore. It was simple yet elegant, hugging her curves in all the right places and her neckline was daring enough to catch attention but tasteful enough to leave things to the imagination. August approached with hands tucked casually into his pockets, suppressing the slight jolt in his chest. ''She cleans up nice.'' Remi looked up and grinned mischievously. "Wow, you''re not late. I''m shocked." sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. August pulled out a chair and sat opposite her. "Had to show up on time. I heard rumors you bite." Remi leaned forward and rested her chin on her hand. "Only if I like you." August smirked. "Good thing I''m a fan of danger." The conversation flowed smoothly like rivers merging without resistance. They joked about everything¡ªbad coffee at random cafes, August''s tendency to vanish for days (which he blamed on ''business''), and even reminisced about their first meeting at her cyber cafe store, where August had been awkwardly trying to fix a computer issue. "Remember that time you saved me from those idiots working for my ex?" Remi said suddenly, invoking laughter as she sipped her wine. "God, the way you dealt with those guys like some martial arts lord... You were so cool." August chuckled while shaking his head. "I wasn''t even trying to be heroic. I just wanted to get my key and leave. But no¡ªyou just had to be a damsel in distress." Remi leaned back while still chuckling. "Hey, I didn''t ask them to be creeps. Besides, admit it¡ªyou enjoyed playing the hero." August shrugged with a playful grin. "Maybe. But your taste in men is horrible, by the way." Remi dramatically gasped before placing a hand over her heart. "Says the man who hasn''t dated in¡ªoh wait, ever." August rolled his eyes, but his smile remained. "I''ve got a lot on my plate, Remi. Relationships aren''t exactly on the priority list right now." Remi''s gaze softened for a split second before the familiar smirk returned. "Good. I''m not asking for your heart. Just your time." They ended up at a lively bar later in the night. Lights flickered as music thumped softly in the background. Remi had successfully convinced August to join her for drinks, challenging him to a shot contest. "Alright," Remi declared before slamming two shot glasses on the table. "If I win, you come back to my place and you can''t say no to whatever happens." August raised an eyebrow. "And if I win?" Remi tilted her head, pretending to think. "I''ll still take you home." August chuckled. "Sounds like a scam." They started with tequila shots. Remi downed hers like a champion, slamming the glass with a victorious grin. August followed, unfazed. Four shots in, Remi''s cheeks flushed a rosy pink. Her words slurred slightly, and her giggles grew louder. However, August remained steady. His metabolism had most likely benefited from his Enders Light stat integration. "You''re cheating," Remi pouted while pointing an accusing finger. "No one''s this sober after five shots." August leaned back with a smirk. "Maybe I''m just built differently." As Remi got up to stretch¡ªshe stumbled and fell forward¡ªa man from across the bar reached out and grabbed her waist inappropriately. "Hey there, sweetheart," the guy slurred with a slimy and unwelcome grin. "Why don''t you ditch the pretty boy and come sit with me?" His right hand reached down and groped her soft buttocks. Remi yanked herself from him but his grip tightened. Before August even processed it fully, he was on his feet. His hand shot out, gripping the man''s wrist. "Let go," August voiced coldly. The creep sneered. "Or what, pretty boy?" August didn''t bother with another warning. In the next instant, his fist shot upwards, delivering a clean uppercut that struck precisely at the creep''s chin. The guy''s feet left the floor as his body arched backward and swept across the air before crashing onto a nearby table with a sickening *thud*. Splinters got sent flying everywhere as the table came crumbling down. The bar went silent for a beat before gasps and murmurs erupted. August stood over him with cold eyes. "Touch her again, and you''ll leave here in pieces." He turned back to Remi, who stared at him, wide-eyed¡ªthen she burst into laughter, drunk and completely unbothered. "Damn, you''re hot when you''re violent." August sighed while shaking his head with a smirk. "Let''s get you home." And with that, they left the bar... August supported Remi''s wobbly frame as they got into a taxi. ... ... August got Remi home, supporting her unsteady steps as they stumbled into her apartment. The blue light in her cozy space gave it a warm, inviting ambiance, with soft cushions strewn around and faint music playing from a forgotten speaker. "You''re not leaving," Remi slurred slightly while gripping his wrist with surprising strength for someone who could barely walk straight. "You''re staying until I fall asleep. That''s the rule." August chuckled before shaking his head. "Since when did we agree on that rule?" "Just now," she replied while tugging him towards her bedroom. Deciding it wouldn''t hurt to stay for a little while, especially since his own apartment was just a few floors away, August relented. They collapsed onto her soft bed and Remi spread her arms out with a dramatic sigh. August sat at the edge, glancing around her room¡ªphotos from her college days pinned on the walls, little trinkets, and books stacked haphazardly on her nightstand. "You know, I miss college," Remi mumbled with her voice muffled against a pillow. "Those were the days¡ªparties, freedom, bad decisions. Like dating my ex. Ugh." Read new adventures at My Virtual Library Empire August leaned back slightly with a smile. "Yeah? I barely got to enjoy college myself. Dropped out after... well, life happened." Remi turned her head and her blue hair fell messily over her face, giving her an incredibly attractive look. "You should go back. You''re smart, August. You''d kill it." He shrugged. "Got too much on my plate now. Life doesn''t exactly pause so I can get a degree." Remi huffed while rolling over to face him fully. "You''re always so serious. Lighten up, Mr. Mysterious. Life''s short." Eventually, her words grew softer, and her eyelids drooped. August figured she''d finally dozed off. Carefully, he shifted, trying to slide off the bed without waking her. But the moment he moved, Remi''s arm shot out like a reflex, wrapping tightly around his torso and pulling him back down with surprising force. "Nope," she mumbled and buried her face against his chest. "Remi, c''mon¡­" August sighed with an amused and slightly exasperated expression. Before he could protest further, she shifted and straddled his waist before dropping her face till it was inches from his. Her eyes fluttered half-open, glassy with sleep and residual alcohol. "You''re kinda hot, you know that?" she whispered as her fingers traced the line of his jaw. "Scratched that... You''re not kinda hot, you''re really hot." Before he could respond, she leaned in and pressed her lips against his in a brief, unexpected kiss. Her warmth lingered for a moment before she slumped against him completely, falling asleep right there with her arms still tightly wrapped around him. August stared at the ceiling as his heart raced slightly¡ªnot from the kiss, but from the sheer awkwardness of the situation. He tried to gently peel her off, but her grip was ironclad. "You''ve got to be kidding me," he muttered to himself and resigned to his fate. He knew if he used any more force she''d wake up and he didn''t want to struggle with how she might act under the influence so he let things be. Her soft breathing eventually lulled the room into silence. Despite the awkwardness, there was something comforting about the warmth of another person. August sighed as his thoughts drifted to everything¡ªhis life, the game, Sophia, AM Coven. But at that moment, none of it seemed as pressing. Eventually, his own eyes grew heavy, and he drifted off to sleep with Remi still nestled against him. Chapter 183 Coincidence? In the late nights, the moon hung high above the city illuminating the structures with its silver glow. Perched atop one of these steel giants, four figures crouched in the shadows with their eyes locked onto the twelfth-floor penthouse of a nearby building¡ªAM Coven. The one leading the operation, Drakos, stood at the edge with his thick arms crossed over his chest. Discover exclusive content at My Virtual Library Empire He had deep scars across his knuckles and his reputation in the Oni terrorist network was as solid as his muscle-bound frame. Orlma who stood right beside him, adjusted her night-vision goggles and took a deep breath. Her silver-blond hair was tied into a tight ponytail and she bore a calm expression. Unlike Drakos, she was methodical, favoring intelligence over brute force. Lyriss, clad in an all-black bodysuit, leaned against a steel beam, casually flipping a throwing knife between her fingers. Being a trained assassin with multiple confirmed kills, she was efficient and deadly¡ªwords were often a waste of her breath. The fourth figure, Fox, was the most composed, yet the most cautious. She wore a demonic fox mask that concealed most of her features but her alert posture showed her experience. Her previous encounter with Aleman had left her wary¡ªsomething the others failed to understand. "He''s just a player, Fox," Drakos scoffed while cracking his knuckles. "One guy against the four of us? This shouldn''t take anything." Fox let out a sigh before turning to face him. "You weren''t there," she stated. "I was. You think I came back in one piece by luck?" Drakos waved her off. "Tch. Your team was weak." Fox''s fingers curled slightly, but she held her temper in check. "You don''t know what you''re talking about," she snapped. "Aleman isn''t normal. I don''t know how or why, but I watched my subordinates get obliterated when we engaged him. We underestimated him, just like you''re doing now. And if you go in thinking this is a walk in the park, you''ll be the next one to lose your head." Silence settled between them for a brief moment, broken only by the distant sounds of the city traffic. Orlma decided to step in. "She has a point," Orlma mused. "We know that AM Coven is a business front, but it''s more than that. Aleman''s popularity has skyrocketed, and with it, his resources. What if he has security measures in place?" Drakos frowned, unwilling to back down. "We''ve taken down bigger threats. What could he possibly have?" Fox scoffed. "How about cybernetic bodyguards?" Lyriss, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke. "I did my research," she voiced with a low tone. "There are five heavily armed guards in AM Coven. They don''t just stand around looking pretty. I watched footage¡ªone of them took down a thief in under two seconds. We don''t know what else they''re capable of." Drakos exhaled through his nose with irritation but listened. "Fine. Then what do you suggest?" Fox folded her arms. "We have to be strategic. Rushing in won''t work. We need to lure him out, away from his base." Orlma smirked slightly. "And how do you propose we do that?" Fox tilted her head. "Easy. We hit something he values." Drakos'' brows furrowed. "AM Coven?" Fox shook her head. "Too risky. His security is tight there. But he has connections¡ªpeople he trusts." Lyriss caught on immediately. "His companions?" Drakos'' grin widened. "That''s cold. I like it." Fox turned to glare at him. "We did abduct a previous buyer of his and while it worked at the time, he still managed to outsmart us so no..." Drakos scowled. "Why not? It''s a surefire way to get him where we want." Fox shook her head. "It would bring too much heat down on us. If we go after civilians, the feds will get involved. And trust me, we don''t want that." Orlma nodded in agreement. "Fox is right. We need a target that matters to him but won''t send every law enforcement agency our way." Lyriss smirked. "His business partner? The guy who runs things when he isn''t around?" Fox''s expression remained neutral. "What did I just say about going after his companions?" Drakos cracked his knuckles. "If you don''t have a plan, then keep quiet, Fox." Lyriss turned back to AM Coven, watching the building''s security feed through her linked visor. "We monitor for now. We track his movements, his habits. We find the moment when he''s most vulnerable and strike when he least expects it." Drakos grinned. "Now you''re talking my language." "You guys better not come crying to me when this fails," Fox stated with a cold look. "Lighten up Fox. We''ll be saving your reputation as well when we have Aleman where we want him..." ... ... August had barely stepped into his apartment when Sophia turned from the couch with her arms crossed, and a knowing smirk on her face. She had been watching a drama on her tablet, but the moment her brother entered, all her attention shifted to him. "So," her eyes sparkled mischievously as she began. "How was your date?" August sighed while rolling his shoulders as he walked toward the fridge. "It wasn''t a date," he replied before grabbing a bottle of water and taking a long sip. "Mhm, sure." Sophia leaned back on the couch, clearly enjoying herself. "Did you guys kiss? Wait, wait¡ªdid you end up at her place?" She gasped dramatically. "August, don''t tell me you¡ª" "We drank, we talked, and she got drunk." He cut her off. "That''s it." "That''s it?" Sophia raised a brow. "You expect me to believe that you spent the night with a gorgeous blue-haired woman and nothing happened?" August sighed again while rubbing his temples. "Sophia, I''m too tired for this conversation." "Translation: ''I totally got laid, but I don''t want to admit it,''" she teased before flipping back to her tablet. Before August could shoot back a response, his phone vibrated in his pocket. He pulled it out, noticing a message from Derrick. Derrick: _Hey, bro. You might wanna get to AM Coven ASAP. A detective is here asking for Aleman._ August frowned. That was unexpected. He had no reason to have law enforcement sniffing around. AM Coven was legitimate. He wasn''t doing anything illegal¡ªwell, nothing that the authorities knew about, anyway. "What''s up?" Sophia noticed his change in expression. "Something at AM Coven," he grabbed his Aleman helmet from the nearby shelf and kept it in his inventory. "I''ll be back later." "You sure you''re not just running away from my questions?" she called after him as he headed for the door. "Absolutely," he said dryly before stepping out. --- By the time August arrived at AM Coven, he immediately noticed a different energy in the air. The usual vibe of business was still present¡ªcustomers browsing through displayed game items, discussing trades, and extracting new things from Enders Light¡ªbut there was a subtle shift in tension among the employees. They were stealing glances toward the main lobby, where a man in a dark trench coat stood speaking with Derrick. August adjusted his posture into something more assertive as he took on Aleman''s persona. "Something I can help you with?" his voice carried the same confidence he always projected as Aleman. The detective turned and scrutinized him. "Aleman, I presume?" His voice was deep, and there was a hardened look in his eyes, the type only someone who had seen too much of the world possessed. "That''s me," August replied. "And you are?" "Detective Marcus Wright," the man introduced himself while pulling out a badge and flashing it briefly before tucking it back into his coat. "Mind if we have a chat?" "That depends." August tilted his head slightly. "Is this about business? Because if it is, I''d prefer to keep things out in the open." He gestured at the surrounding employees and customers. Wright smirked. "Let''s just say it''s about something a little... bigger than just business. Somewhere private would be preferable." August exchanged a glance with Derrick before nodding. "Follow me." He led the detective into one of the soundproof meeting rooms he had installed for private dealings. It was a bit dark and professionally designed to fit the futuristic aesthetic of AM Coven. He gestured for the detective to take a seat across the metal table before sitting himself. Wright wasted no time. "You''ve been making waves, Aleman. Not just in Enders Light, but out here in the real world too." August leaned back in his chair, feigning indifference. "I run a business. It''s bound to get attention." "This isn''t about business." Wright clasped his hands together. "It''s about the way you''ve been involved in some... unusual incidents." August remained silent, waiting for the detective to elaborate. "A few months ago, a certain hospital patient miraculously survived a fatal wound after an unknown individual interfered with a surgery. That same unknown individual also helped track down two Oni-affiliated criminals a little while later." Wright''s gaze sharpened. "And more recently, there was an attempted assassination on Celeste Montgomery, where a mysterious figure in high-tech gear intervened at just the right moment." August barely blinked. "That''s quite the coincidence." "Coincidence?" Wright chuckled before shaking his head. "I don''t believe in coincidences, Aleman. And here''s what''s got me really interested¡ªyou seem to have access to things no one else does. Tech beyond what should be possible. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 184 Car Hunting "I don''t believe in coincidences, Aleman. And here''s what''s got me really interested¡ªyou seem to have access to things no one else does. Tech beyond what should be possible... Weapons, armor, enhancements that aren''t commercially available anywhere else." August stayed composed. "I run a business that deals in advanced game-extracted items. It''s all perfectly legal and registered." "Maybe." Wright nodded. "But what happens when items from Enders Light start making their way into hands they shouldn''t be in? What happens when an unregistered, untraceable weapon gets used in a crime? Do you think the authorities are just going to sit back and let it happen?" August exhaled through his nose. "I don''t sell to criminals." "Not intentionally." Wright narrowed his eyes. "But the bigger you get, the harder it''ll be to control who gets what." Explore stories at My Virtual Library Empire August folded his hands on the table. "So what exactly are you here for, Detective? Because I doubt you came all this way just to give me a morality lecture." Wright smirked. "You''re right. I''m here to make you an offer." August frowned. "An offer?" "Join us. Work with the task force we''re putting together. We need people with abilities like yours to help keep the supernatural threats in check. The Oni aren''t the only ones playing around with things they shouldn''t be. And I have a feeling you''d rather be ahead of the curve rather than behind it." August chuckled while shaking his head. "Yeah, sorry. I don''t do ''teams.'' I ride solo." Wright wasn''t surprised. "Didn''t think you''d agree right away. But think about it, Aleman. The world is changing faster than you realize. And sooner or later, you''ll have to pick a side." He stood up before adjusting his coat. "If you ever change your mind, contact me." He dropped a card before turning around to leave. August watched him leave, deep in thought. The detective''s words lingered in his mind, but he wasn''t about to let himself get roped into whatever organization Wright was working for. He had enough on his plate already. ... ... (( Many Hours Later )) The night sky above the endless expanse of Shadowvale Ravine was illuminated by bursts of magical energy, streaks of light, and occasional explosions. August¡ªAleman in the game¡ªswiftly dodged the swipes of a towering Shadow Goliath, a Level 50 monster with thick tar skin that absorbed most physical attacks. His Phantom Blitz activated, teleporting him behind the beast as his Dual Crescent Daggers carved through its defenses with each strike. [Critical Hit! -3,620 HP] The Shadow Goliath howled and staggered forward as Boris came crashing in with his massive battle axe, cleaving through its side with a mighty swing. [Boris activates: Berserker''s Wrath!] [+30% Attack Speed, +20% Damage for 15 seconds] The monster reeled, but before it could recover, Lilo fired an arrow crackling with electric energy, piercing straight into its exposed eye. [Lilo activates: Thunder Fang Arrow!] [Weakness Exploit! -5,200 HP] The creature let out a final roar before collapsing in a heap and disintegrating into shadowy wisps. Loot notifications filled their vision. --- August flicked open his Player Status Panel, checking out his stats. << Player Status Panel >> Name: Aleman Class: Assassin/Mage Title: Sovereign of Anti-Darkness Level: 42 EXP: 1,490,500/3,250,000 HP: 26,500/26,500 MP: 17,300/17,300 Gold: 6,720 Power Level: Tier 2 "Damn, still a ways to go," August muttered with a sigh. Ezran had also just checked his stats. "You''re catching up, though. At this rate, you''ll hit 45 before the tournament." Greg pounded his chest. "Lord Aleman! I have officially hit Level 25! Witness my growth!" August chuckled before sheathing his daggers. "Proud of you, Greg. But maybe let''s celebrate when you stop screaming and running every time you get hit." Greg gasped. "How dare you! That''s called tactical repositioning." S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lilo snorted, but her laughter quickly faded as August glanced at her. He recalled how she''d been keeping busy outside the game. Work had been weighing her down, yet she never talked about it. "You''re falling behind a bit, Lilo. Everything okay?" August asked casually. Lilo stiffened for a moment before shrugging. "Just busy with¡­ things. Nothing major." Boris gave her a sideways glance. "You sure? You used to be ahead of us all." "I said I''m fine," Lilo insisted, forcing a grin. "Besides, it''s not like you guys don''t slack off." Ezran adjusted his glasses. "I take offense to that. I am never slacking. I simply optimize my efforts." Before August could push further, a world notification appeared before them. [World Notification: The Grand Tournament of Astralis will commence in two weeks (game time)! Seek out your qualification token from the royal courts if you wish to participate!] A murmur passed between the players in the grinding zone. August narrowed his eyes, recalling that he and his group already had qualification tokens, courtesy of Lord Cavriel. But what truly caught his attention was a subsequent notification. [Tournament Grand Prize Announced!] [Amongst the rare treasures up for grabs, the legendary artifact ''Fruit of Death'' will be awarded to the victor!] The entire zone exploded into a frenzy. "The Fruit of Death?" Ezran repeated in shock. Lilo''s eyes widened. "I thought that was a myth." Greg was already shaking August''s arm like an excited child. "LORD ALEMAN, DO YOU KNOW WHAT THIS MEANS?" August let out a low whistle. "A fruit that grants unlimited HP if consumed in the game but if extracted into reality¡­ rumored to grant eternal life?" Boris clenched his fists. "Every top-tier player is going to be after this." August''s smirk deepened. "All the more reason to grind harder." The group shared determined nods. The stakes had just skyrocketed, and they were about to push themselves harder than ever. ... ... (( Later In The Morning )) The city bustled with life as August stepped out of his apartment, dressed casually in a black hoodie and ripped jeans. His sister, Sophia, had already gone to school, leaving him free for the day. He checked his phone, scrolling through AM Coven''s financial reports once again. The numbers were staggering¡ªover three million dollars in revenue within a month. His previous savings of six hundred thousand dollars felt like pocket change in comparison. "Alright," he muttered to himself. "Time to get a car¡­ or two." He called a ride and headed toward one of the largest luxury car dealerships in the city. When he arrived, the vast showroom caught his eye. Rows of high-end vehicles lined the space, all looking enticing. A sharply dressed salesman with neatly slicked-back hair approached him with a professional smile. "Good afternoon, sir! Welcome to Imperial Motors. Looking for something in particular today?" August returned the smile. "Yeah, I need two cars." The salesman raised an eyebrow but maintained his composure. "Two? Well, you''ve come to the right place. May I ask what kind of vehicles you''re looking for?" August pocketed his hands as he walked past a black sports car. "One needs to be something modest but stylish. Comfortable, not too flashy. The other¡­" His lips curled into a small smirk. "The other needs to be something that turns heads." The salesman''s eyes lit up with interest. "I see. Well, let''s start with the modest one. May I suggest this Audi A6? It has a luxurious feel but doesn''t scream, ''look at me.'' Great for blending in, but still a car that speaks of success." August walked around the Audi, running his fingers along its polished frame. "I like it. Black or navy blue?" "We have both in stock," the salesman replied smoothly. August nodded. "I''ll take the navy blue one." The salesman''s eyebrows shot up slightly, impressed by the immediate decision. "Excellent choice! Now, for the second car¡­ I assume something a little more¡­ dramatic?" August chuckled. "Very. Show me the best high-performance cars you''ve got." The salesman led him further down the showroom, where the true beasts were displayed. August''s eyes landed on a metallic silver Lamborghini Aventador. The sharp angles, the aggressive stance, and the sheer presence of the car were exactly what he wanted. Something that made an undeniable statement. "That one," August pointed to the Lamborghini. The salesman grinned. "Ah, excellent taste! This is the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, one of the most powerful supercars available. V12 engine, 770 horsepower, and an exterior that practically demands attention." August smirked. "Perfect." The salesman nodded and gestured toward the main desk. "Shall we proceed with the paperwork?" August followed him, knowing that for this purchase, he''d have to use two different identities. For the Audi, he''d register under his real name, but for the Lamborghini, he''d have to use his shadow identity¡ªAleman. He already had the necessary arrangements in place, a secure offshore account under Aleman''s name, making the purchase seamless and untraceable to August Clementine. As he sat in the leather chair, finalizing the deals, the salesman chuckled. "Most people hesitate or take weeks to decide on a purchase like this. You seem to know exactly what you want." August shrugged. "When you know what fits you, there''s no point in delaying." The salesman nodded in agreement. "Very well said, sir." Chapter 185 The Heist After an hour of paperwork and processing, August finally stepped outside to see both of his new cars lined up side by side. The Audi A6 for his everyday self, and the Lamborghini Aventador for his alter ego, Aleman. The salesman handed him both sets of keys. "Congratulations, sir. Enjoy your new rides." August grinned as he took the keys. "Oh, I will." He climbed into the Audi first, making sure it was registered in his name and everything checked out before taking it for a short spin around the city. Once he was satisfied, he returned to the dealership, switched to the Lamborghini, and revved the engine. The deep, thunderous roar sent a thrill down his spine. He smirked to himself. "Yeah¡­ this is the one." With both vehicles acquired, August now had the perfect cover. One car for his normal life, and one that fit his more infamous persona. He had made the car dealer sign an NDA concerning this transaction so he was sure this could never come back to be a problem in the future. ... ... The morning air was still crisp and the roads were only beginning to see the day''s traffic as a large truck rumbled down the highway, en route to Faith Specialist Hospital. The vehicle, heavily secured, carried an invaluable cargo¡ªfresh batches of health potions, a vital supply that had become a staple in the medical field due to their ability to expedite healing at an astonishing rate. Of course, they had just acquired this from AM coven since August had a deal with the hospital where he sent out batches of Health Potions weekly and this was yet another week. The driver, a burly man named Carl, whistled a tune as he navigated through the roads, while his co-driver, a leaner man named Jonah, sat beside him, sipping a lukewarm coffee. Jonah exhaled while stretching his arms. "Man, this is the easiest gig ever. Drive a truck, drop off some items, get paid. If only every job were this simple." Find your next read on My Virtual Library Empire Carl chuckled. "Yeah, easy money. Long as we don''t get jumped by some crazy assholes looking to make a quick buck." Jonah scoffed. "Come on, who in their right mind would try to rob a truck filled with healing potions? It''s not like we''re hauling gold or anything." Unbeknownst to them, a set of motorcycles and a pair of tinted SUVs had begun tailing them, weaving through traffic as they gained ground. The riders, clad in black with helmets concealing their faces, signaled to each other with subtle gestures. The lead rider, a woman with a distinct red dragon emblem on her shoulder, gave the final cue. A sharp rev of the bikes echoed through the air as they suddenly surged forward, closing in on the truck with alarming precision. Carl caught the movement in the side mirror. "Jonah¡­ tell me I''m just being paranoid." Jonah''s relaxed posture stiffened. He turned his head and saw the swarm of masked bikers rapidly approaching. "Uh¡­ Carl, we got company." The first strike came quickly¡ªone of the bikers swerved dangerously close and launched a small, metallic device onto the truck''s rear. It latched onto the doors with a magnetic grip before sparking to life. A loud hiss filled the air as the electronic lock mechanism began to fry. "Shit! They''re trying to breach the truck!" Carl slammed his foot on the accelerator, attempting to outmaneuver them. "Hold on, this ride''s about to get bumpy!" The bikers adjusted immediately. Being on two wheels allowed them to keep pace. Jonah fumbled for the radio, trying to call for help, but before he could get a word in, a black SUV cut in front of them and slammed on the brakes. "Son of a¡ª" Carl yanked the wheel, barely managing to keep the truck from flipping as he swerved off-road onto a rough dirt path. The hijackers weren''t done. A man from the SUV leaned out of the passenger window with his face covered by a black skull mask. He raised a gloved hand, and suddenly, an invisible force yanked the driver''s side door clean off the hinges, sending it tumbling into the brush. "They got a goddamn super on their side!" Jonah yelled. Carl barely had time to react before another unseen force wrapped around him, pulling him right out of his seat and slamming him onto the road with a harsh grunt. The truck which was now out of his control, skidded to a halt as Jonah scrambled for the emergency brake. The hijackers wasted no time. The red-emblemed biker swung onto the side of the truck and pried open the already-compromised lock. With a swift yank, the doors flew open, revealing the cargo of health potions packed in reinforced cases. "Bingo," the biker muttered under her breath. She hopped into the truck''s cargo space, signaling her crew to start unloading. Jonah, now shaking with adrenaline, lunged for the glove compartment, where he kept a small firearm. But before he could pull it free, the skull-masked man appeared at his door, reached in, and yanked the gun away with telekinetic ease. "Nice try," the man voiced with a smooth yet chilling tone. He then slammed his fist into Jonah''s face, knocking him unconscious. As the hijackers worked fast to transfer the potions into their vehicles, the red-emblemed leader pulled out a comms device and spoke into it. "Target secured. Extraction in progress. ETA: Five minutes." The wind picked up as the chaos unfolded. Birds scattered from the trees, and dust swirled in the morning light. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The hijackers moved with speed and smooth teamwork. It was clear they had done this before, and they were damn good at it. But they had no idea who they had chosen to rob this time. --- Back at AM Coven, an alert blared across the private security feed. Aleman, watching from his office, immediately noticed the emergency notification flashing on the display. His eyes narrowed beneath the helmet. Derrick cursed with a troubled expression. "Looks like we got trouble." Aleman cracked his knuckles. "Then let''s make sure they regret it." ... The streets of the city roared with the blaring of sirens and the screeching of tires as police vehicles desperately chased after the hijackers. The stolen truck initially carrying AM Coven''s health potions weaved through traffic, guided by the skilled hands of the masked criminals. The operation had been meticulously planned¡ªthe thieves moved in synchronized patterns, blocking the pursuing officers with decoy vehicles and strategically placed obstacles. Among them, a single figure with a skull mask stood out. Dressed in a dark combat suit, the super being moved with unnatural agility, leaping from one getaway car to another. His eyes glowed a faint violet, a clear sign of his awakened abilities. With a single hand, he created an energy wave that sent one of the police cruisers crashing into a street lamp, forcing the others to swerve and slow down. "Damn it! We''re losing them!" one of the officers growled into his radio. Another officer cursed. "The suspects are using superhuman abilities! We need reinforcements now!" But despite their efforts, the hijackers executed a flawless escape maneuver. The remaining police vehicles were caught in a bottleneck of civilian traffic, allowing the criminals to slip into the labyrinth of the city''s industrial sector. Within moments, the cops had completely lost track of the stolen truck. However, the thieves had underestimated one thing¡ªAleman''s foresight. --- A few miles away, seated inside a black Lamborghini, Aleman watched everything unfold on a display projected from his wrist device. "Predictable," he muttered to himself. With a flick of his fingers, he zoomed in on the blinking red dot marking the truck''s location. They were heading towards the city''s eastern sector¡ªan abandoned warehouse district notorious for black market deals. "They''re making it too easy," Aleman mused before gripping the wheel. The engine of the Lamborghini roared to life as he shifted gears and floored the accelerator. The vehicle shot forward like a bullet, swerving through lanes at breakneck speed. Neon lights streaked past him in a blur as he navigated the streets with accuracy. This was like giving the new sports car a test drive. Within minutes, he had already closed the distance. The police had lost track of them¡ªhe wouldn''t. Aleman''s eyes narrowed beneath his helmet as he accelerated, and approached the blinking dot on his GPS. The truck was slowing down near an abandoned industrial park. Classic. A group of masked men and women gathered outside the truck, unloading the stolen cargo into different vehicles. Their movements were precise and well-rehearsed. Not amateurs. But Aleman wasn''t here to admire their efficiency. He parked a short distance away, stepping out as his futuristic suit glinted under the dim streetlights. The wind howled through the empty space between them, but his footsteps were silent as he moved forward. One of the masked thieves, a burly man holding an assault rifle, suddenly tensed. "Yo, who the hell¡ª?" Aleman vanished. He reappeared behind the man in an instant, using Phantom Blitz to close the distance. A sharp elbow to the back of the head sent the thug crashing to the ground, unconscious before he could react. The others snapped into action, raising their weapons. "It''s... Aleman!" one of them shouted. Chapter 186 Successful Retrieval A tall figure stepped forward from the group. Unlike the others, this man wasn''t masked. His bald head gleamed under the flickering warehouse lights, and his eyes burned with an unnatural glow. "Well, well¡­ I was wondering when you''d show up," the man cracked his knuckles while speaking. "Name''s Scythe. And you? You just walked into your grave." Aleman tilted his head slightly. "Is that so?" Scythe grinned before lunging forward. His speed was unnatural and his movements seemed quite inhuman. ''A super-powered individual for sure...'' August said internally as he watched his fist shoot out like a bullet, aimed straight at his head. But Aleman wasn''t an ordinary man either... And now they could confirm the rumors themselves. He activated Perfect Veil in an instant causing his body to fade into the darkness as he evaded the punch easily. Scythe''s punch connected with nothing but air, his smug expression replaced with surprise. Then, Aleman struck. A precise strike to Scythe''s ribs sent the man skidding back, but he barely seemed fazed. His enhanced physiology allowed him to tank hits that would have shattered normal bones. "Cute trick," Scythe smirked. "My turn." His entire arm glowed as he swung his arm. An invisible powerful force swept forward, cracking the pavement beneath them. Aleman ducked to evade the telekinetic surge, but the air pressure alone sent him sliding back. He immediately appeared visible again. "Guns up! Take him down!" one of the goons shouted. The other hijackers opened fire. Bullets whizzed through the air, flashing like tiny comets. Aleman darted through the chaos, teleporting short distances with Phantom Blitz to avoid the hailstorm of lead. He leapt onto the side of the truck, using it as cover before launching into action once more. It was time to end this. Aleman lifted his hand with mana crackling between his fingertips. The air around him buzzed with electricity as he summoned his most devastating real-world ability¡ªThunderspear. Lightning gathered, forming into a massive javelin of pure destruction. The sky rumbled ominously as he hurled it with pinpoint accuracy toward the incoming goons. The impact was cataclysmic. A blinding explosion of light illuminated the day as the Thunderspear crashed into the pavement, sending shockwaves rippling outward. Vehicles flipped, metal screeched, and bodies were flung back by the sheer force. The few hijackers still standing quite a distance from the point of impact, gaped in horror. Scythe groaned while trying to pull himself up from the debris as his body still vibrated with residual energy. His cocky demeanor was gone. Like many others, his body was scorched and lightning arcs occasionally ran across his physique. "You¡ª" he coughed. "You''re a damn monster." Aleman stepped forward, unfazed. "You picked the wrong target." Scythe snarled while charging forward once again. Aleman thrust his leg forward, landing a heavy kick on his chest that sent Scythe flying. He immediately passed out. Sirens wailed in the background. The police had finally caught up. The remaining hijackers were left scattered across the area, moaning in pain as the flashing red-and-blue lights flooded the scene. Aleman took one last glance at the vehicles in the surroundings, making sure the health potions were intact. Mission accomplished. As the police swarmed the area, he turned away and slipped back into the shadows. ... ... The news was abuzz once again with headlines plastered all over media outlets. "Masked Vigilante Aleman Takes Down Criminal Group Hijacking Medical Supplies" "Who is Aleman? The Mysterious Miracle Man Strikes Again!" Footage of the high-speed chase and Aleman''s precise takedown of the criminals played repeatedly on TV and social media platforms. Turns out CCTV was everywhere. Many were hailing him as a guardian of the city, while others debated if he was a dangerous individual operating outside the law. Either way, his name had gained even more traction. At Faith Specialist Hospital, Aleman sat across from the board of directors in their modern conference room. The atmosphere was tense but not hostile. Dr. Lyle Harrington, the hospital''s director, leaned forward with fingers interlocked as he studied Aleman''s masked figure. "While we deeply appreciate your swift action in recovering the stolen health potions, we can''t ignore the fact that our supplies were nearly lost to criminals. This is a multi-million-dollar operation, Aleman. We need assurance that such an incident will not happen again." Aleman nodded slightly, fully expecting this conversation. "I understand your concerns, Dr. Harrington. That''s why I propose a new security measure." The room went silent as everyone focused on him. "From now on," Aleman continued, "one of my elite guards will accompany every delivery from AM Coven to Faith Specialist Hospital. They''ll ensure that the supplies arrive without a hitch." Dr. Harrington exchanged glances with the other board members before exhaling in relief. "That sounds like a reasonable solution. We don''t want another incident, and this additional measure will provide some much-needed reassurance." A few murmurs of agreement circulated around the table before Dr. Harrington nodded firmly. "Alright, we''ll implement this immediately." With that settled, Aleman left the hospital and returned to AM Coven. Business had to go on, and he had no intention of letting the robbery disrupt the day''s operations. --- (( Later That Evening )) The day was winding down, and AM Coven was as lively as ever. Players were exchanging game-extracted items, negotiating deals, and browsing the ever-growing collection of game artifacts. Aleman was overseeing the operations when Derrick approached him. "Aleman," Derrick said in a low voice. "Detective Wright is here again. He''s waiting in the private lounge." Aleman sighed. He had a feeling Wright wasn''t here for pleasantries. He made his way to the lounge and stepped inside to find Detective Wright sitting casually on one of the leather couches, sipping from a small glass of water. He had the air of a man who was about to make another offer that Aleman wouldn''t want to accept. "Detective Wright," Aleman greeted while closing the door behind him. Wright looked up with his usual composed expression in place. "Aleman. Quite the eventful morning, wasn''t it?" Aleman sat across from him. "If you''re here to talk about the robbery, I already have new security measures in place. It won''t happen again." Wright smirked. "Oh, I''m sure it won''t. But that''s not why I''m here." He set the glass down on the table. "This city has been facing an increase in supernatural-related crimes. The robbery today was just another sign that things are escalating." Aleman remained silent, waiting for him to get to the point. Wright leaned forward. "We need someone who understands supernatural elements to lead the Supernatural Task Force. And we believe you''re the right person for the job." Aleman let out a dry chuckle. "Let me get this straight. You want me, someone who operates independently, to work directly with law enforcement? To take orders?" Wright smirked. "Not exactly. You wouldn''t be taking orders. You''d be leading. We''d give you resources, classified intel, and a team. But you''d run it your way." Aleman leaned back and crossed his arms. "And what makes you think I''d agree?" Enjoy new tales from My Virtual Library Empire "Because," Wright leaned in closer, "you''re already doing it. You took down the Onis before, helped in critical situations, and now you just prevented millions of dollars worth of health potions from falling into the wrong hands. You''re already protecting this city. I''m offering you the means to do it more effectively." S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Aleman remained silent for a moment. It was an interesting offer, but he wasn''t the kind of person to be tied down to an organization. After a pause, he finally spoke. "I''ll think about it." Wright smirked. "That''s all I ask." He stood up and adjusted his coat. "We''ll be in touch." As he walked out, Aleman exhaled deeply. It seemed like his actions were drawing more and more attention, and not just from the public. The game he was playing in real life was becoming just as dangerous as the one in Enders Light. ... ... Rachel Valentine shuffled through the stacks of files in her small, dimly lit cubicle. The clock on the wall read past midnight, and most of her colleagues had long since gone home, but she, as usual, had nowhere to go. The city outside pulsed with night lights, but she remained trapped in this corporate cage, paying off a debt that never seemed to shrink. Her ears perked up when she heard voices drifting from the executive offices at the far end of the hallway. She recognized one immediately¡ªMr. Grayson Calloway, her direct superior, the balding man with fox eyes and a cruel smirk that never seemed to fade. "The AM Coven deal is still stuck. Aleman isn''t biting," a gruff voice muttered. Rachel froze. ''AM Coven?'' "We keep offering shares, but he''s turning us down every damn time," another voice chimed in. "I don''t get it. We could make a fortune investing in that place. If he opens up, the revenue would be astronomical." "Aleman''s too smart to just sign a deal that benefits us more than him," Grayson said dryly. "He knows his worth. Unlike most people." Chapter 187 Taming Failed! Rachel''s heart pounded. ''Could this Aleman be the same Aleman from Enders Light?'' She wondered if it was the one she had been gaming with for months now... The very same person who had become a close friend in-game. She clenched her fists. If it was the same Aleman, then this was her chance. Her only chance. Summoning every ounce of courage, she straightened her blazer and walked toward Grayson''s office. She knocked twice, then pushed the door open without waiting for a response. Grayson looked up from his desk with an arched brow. The other executives in the room eyed her with disinterest until she stepped forward and spoke. "I have a proposal." Grayson leaned back in his chair. "Valentine, it''s late. What could you possibly have to say that''s worth my time?" Rachel took a deep breath. "I heard you talking about AM Coven. You want Aleman to accept the deal and open up for shares. I can make that happen." A smirk curled Grayson''s lips. The other executives chuckled dismissively. "And what makes you think you can succeed where our professionals have failed?" one of them sneered. Rachel met Grayson''s gaze with unwavering determination. "That''s not your concern. What matters is the deal gets done." Grayson studied her for a moment, then leaned forward before tapping his fingers together. "And what do you want in return, Valentine?" Read exclusive chapters at My Virtual Library Empire She exhaled. "My debt. Erase it. Let me go." The office fell silent. The other executives exchanged glances, and Grayson''s smirk deepened into something more predatory. "That''s a bold request," he murmured. "And what happens if you fail?" Rachel forced herself to keep standing tall, even as every instinct screamed at her to run. Grayson pushed himself up from his chair and rounded the desk, stopping directly in front of her. He reached out and brushed a finger down the lapel of her blazer. "If you fail¡­ then you pay me another way." Rachel''s stomach turned, but she didn''t flinch. She had always known what kind of man Grayson was. She had always known what kind of power he wielded. But she also knew one thing for certain¡ª She could not fail. She lifted her chin and met his gaze. "I won''t fail." Grayson chuckled. "Then we have a deal." Rachel turned sharply on her heels and walked out, keeping her breath steady until she was clear of the office. Once she was back in the empty hallway, she pressed her palm against the wall, trying to calm the tremor in her hands. ''Aleman¡­ whoever you are, wherever you are¡­ you''re my way out of this hell.'' ... ... August swung his blade through the thick underbrush of the Verdant Wilds, slicing away thick vines as he and his team ventured deeper into the wilderness. The jungle air was dense and thick with humidity, and the distant growls and howls of various beasts echoed through the trees. It had been two days since the World Announcement had declared a player had tamed a permanent mount, and now, everyone was out hunting. ------- [WORLD ANNOUNCEMENT: Player GaleStorm has become the first to tame a mount! Infernal Sabercat has been subdued and permanently bound!] ------- Ezran wiped the sweat off his brow while glancing at August. "Remind me again why we''re doing this? We''ve fought through packs of Feral Clawbeasts, a whole den of Razorfang Wolves, and a ridiculously aggressive Forest Stag, yet not a single taming attempt has worked." "Because, my dear Ezran, a mount might be the edge we need for the tournament," August responded while scanning the surroundings. "Besides, imagine how cool we''ll look riding into battle." "Yeah, real cool," Boris grumbled while cracking his knuckles. "If we don''t get trampled by another pissed-off bear first." [System Notification: A wild Steelhide Boar (Lv. 41) has appeared nearby!] The rustling of leaves was quickly followed by a deep snort. A Steelhide Boar which was a massive beast with dark grey armor-like skin and crimson tusks, stomped into view. It was at least seven feet tall at the shoulder, its breath steaming in the cool night air. Lilo would have loved this, August thought briefly before shaking his head and getting focused. "Alright, guys," August pulled out his daggers. "We need a plan." "Yeah, here''s the plan," Gregarious said, grinning as he pointed his sword at the beast. "I hit it, it gets mad, and we tame it. Simple." Ezran groaned. "You''re an idiot." Before anyone could object, Gregarious charged with his sword raised. The Steelhide Boar roared and kicked up dirt as it charged at him with terrifying speed. [System Notification: Gregarious has lost 3,800 HP!] Greg slammed into a tree with a loud thud after a powerful collision. "Ow," he muttered while sliding down the bark. "Well, that worked perfectly," Ezran deadpanned. "Shut up," Greg muttered. Boris didn''t wait. He leaped forward with his Berserker Axe glowing as he brought it down on the boar''s thick hide. [System Notification: Boris has dealt 2,200 damage! The Steelhide Boar''s HP is now at 88%.] The beast bellowed in rage but was still standing strong. August analyzed the situation and dodged as the boar rampaged around, swiping its tusks at Ezran and Gregarious. Attacking it alone wouldn''t work. They had to weaken it further, and then find a way to subdue it. He was about to suggest a strategy when a World Chat Notification appeared. [Player ''Riven'' has successfully tamed a Lightning Strider! The first player to acquire a C-Rank mount! Congratulations!] The group collectively froze. "A Lightning Strider?" Ezran''s eyes widened. "Those things can move at insane speeds! He''s definitely gonna be a monster in the tournament!" "We need a mount," Boris muttered before dodging another tusk swipe. August sighed. "Yeah, but we can''t just punch the boar into submission." Gregarious who was still brushing himself off from his failed attack, raised a finger. "Actually¡­ maybe we can." The group turned to him. "I read somewhere that some beasts will only recognize you as their master if you dominate them in combat. If we get its health low enough, we can trigger the Submission Prompt." Boris cracked his knuckles. "Now that I can do." Ezran sighed. "Of course, the only way to tame a beast is to beat the crap out of it first." August smiled. "Alright, let''s do this." They surrounded the boar and worked together, whittling down its health bit by bit while dodging its fierce charges. [System Notification: Steelhide Boar HP at 18%! Initiating Submission Phase...] A glowing Tame Prompt appeared before August. [Would you like to attempt taming the Steelhide Boar?] [Success Rate: 22%] [Failure will result in enraging the beast further.] [Confirm?] "Well, that''s a shit percentage," Gregarious stated. August exhaled. "Here goes nothing." The boar''s red eyes locked onto his the moment he pressed confirm. It growled as its form trembled between submission and defiance. The system rolled. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Taming Failed! The Steelhide Boar resists and enters Frenzy Mode!] The boar roared in fury. "Great," Boris muttered. "Now it''s mad." The boar''s muscles bulged, and it charged straight at August with terrifying speed. "Time to move," August activated Phantom Blitz. [ Phantom Blitz Has Been Activated ] In an instant, he disappeared and reappeared several feet away, causing the boar to slam into a tree. [Steelhide Boar HP -500 from impact.] Ezran shot a firebolt. "Let''s just kill it." August sighed. "Agreed." And so, they fought until the boar was finally defeated. "That''s the third failed taming attempt today," Gregarious muttered. Boris wiped the sweat off his forehead. "This is going to take a while." Ezran let out a sigh. "We need a new approach." August looked around at the wilderness and muttered, "Or a new target." He glanced at the mountains in the distance, where larger, more intelligent beasts were rumored to dwell. ... ... The morning sun was already peeking through the blinds of August''s bedroom when he finally stepped out of his gaming pod. His muscles were still tense from the previous night''s grinding session in Enders Light. Despite all their efforts, he and his party still hadn''t acquired a mount. He exhaled deeply while rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "Another time," he muttered. After a quick shower and breakfast, he grabbed his phone and checked for updates. No urgent messages. That meant AM Coven was running smoothly¡ªat least for now. With a glance at the time, he stood, stretched his arms, and grabbed his keys. But first, there was a little detour to make. August drove through the quieter parts of the city, cruising through streets until he reached a secluded, abandoned parking structure... his hidden storage for his other car. Stepping out of his current vehicle, he approached a covered section of the lot and pulled away the protective tarp. The matte-black Lamborghini sat beneath it like a predator waiting to pounce. The polished surface was so smooth that he could clearly see the reflection of everything in its surroundings, including the dim light. August smirked as he pulled open his inventory and retrieved his Aleman gear¡ªhis tailored business blue suit and signature helmet. Slipping into it, the disguise felt second nature now. He was no longer August Clementine. Chapter 1 - 1: The Fatal Adventure A dark haired man in his late twenties stood on the precipice of the cliff with numerous protrusions as his heart pounded with the familiar thrill that only danger could bring. The wind whipped around him, carrying the scent of salt from the sea below. He looked down at the waves crashing violently against the rocks and grinned. This was what he lived for¡ªthe edge of life and death. Behind him, his two closest associates, Marcus, a gruff man with sharp blue eyes, and Elena, a young blonde-haired lady with a petite figure, watched in admiration and concern. Marcus, his trusted bodyguard, always had a stoic expression but was silently ready to jump in if things went awry. However, Elena who was his personal assistant, was more vocal about her worries. "Are you sure about this, Reacher?" Elena called out in a barely audible voice due to the roaring wind. "This cliff is known for its unpredictable gusts. One wrong move and¡ª" "That''s the point, Elena," Reacher interrupted while flashing a confident smile. "Where''s the fun if there''s no risk?" Elena shook her head in defeat. Her eyes were filled with exasperation and worry while Marcus simply nodded, ready to support whatever decision Reacher made. Reacher tightened the straps of his backpack, feeling the reassuring weight of his climbing gear and emergency supplies. He had made a fortune in business, amassed wealth beyond imagination, and enjoyed the company of countless women, but none of it compared to the rush of his high-risk adventures. Each one was more dangerous than the last, leaving him wanting more. Taking a deep breath, Reacher savored the moment. The adrenaline surged through his veins, heightening his senses. He glanced back at Marcus and Elena, giving them a reassuring nod before stepping closer to the edge. He peered over the cliff, briefly staring at the jagged rocks below that looked like the teeth of some monstrous creature. "You know, sir," Marcus finally spoke up with a deep but steady voice; "one day, your luck might run out." Reacher laughed as the wind carried the sound away. "Maybe, but until then, I''ll keep pushing the limits." Without another word, Reacher leaped off the cliff. The air rushed past him as he fell. His body sliced through the wind, giving him a thrilling feeling of weightlessness. Upon reaching a particular point, he pulled the ripcord of his parachute, feeling the sudden jolt as it deployed, slowing his descent. Below, the narrow landing zone¡ªa small, rocky outcrop barely visible amidst the swirling sea mist¡ªdrew closer. He landed with a roll, expertly absorbing the impact. Standing up, he quickly gathered his parachute and looked around. The isolated cliffside was treacherous, but it was the perfect place for his latest endeavor: a hidden cave rumored to hold ancient proof of a past civilization. "Stay alert," he instructed Marcus and Elena as they descended after him. "This isn''t going to be a walk in the park." Climbing down the rock face was grueling. Each handhold and foothold had to be carefully chosen. They moved with the confidence of seasoned adventurers, but as they neared the cave entrance, a loose rock gave way under Reacher''s foot. He slipped as his grip faltered. For a heart-stopping moment, he dangled precariously. "Hold on!" Marcus reached out to grab him, but it was too late. Reacher lost his hold completely and plummeted towards the rocks below. Time seemed to slow as the pointy rocks rushed up to meet him. The last thing he saw was the panic in Elena''s eyes as she screamed his name... "Reeeaaaccchherrrr!" her voice was a haunting echo in the rushing wind. --- Reacher gasped as he suddenly jolted awake with his body drenched in sweat. The pain he expected to feel from the fall was absent. Instead, he found himself lying on a rough, wooden floor in a dimly lit room. Disoriented, he struggled to sit up while his head pounded with a strange pressure. He looked around, trying to make sense of his surroundings. The room was small and sparsely furnished¡ªa single bed, a wooden chair, and a desk cluttered with papers and books. In the corner, a high-tech pod of sorts that one would only see in science fiction movies, stood out. It looked completely out of place in the otherwise shabby room. It was covered in a thin layer of dust, indicating it hadn''t been used recently. "Where am I?" he muttered with a voice that sounded unfamiliar to his own ears. Reacher forced himself to his feet, swaying slightly as he adjusted to the new sensations. His limbs felt different, lighter somehow. He stumbled to the desk, catching a glimpse of his reflection in a cracked mirror on the wall. The face staring back at him was not his own. It was younger, softer, with long green hair streaked with white patches, and eyes filled with confusion. The face was undeniably handsome, borderline beautiful, with delicate features that could easily belong to a model. His new body seemed to exude a natural allure that was hard to ignore. "What the hell...?" he whispered, touching his face as if to confirm the reality of what he was seeing. This was not his body. The door creaked open, and a young girl peeked in. She had the same striking green hair and large eyes full of worry. Her beauty was angelic, with an ethereal quality that made her look almost otherworldly. "August? Are you awake?" she asked softly. Reacher¡ªno, August Clementine¡ªblinked, trying to reconcile the two identities swirling in his mind. "Sophia?" he said the name coming to him from memories that weren''t his own. Sophia stepped into the room, her eyes filled with relief. She was about fourteen but looked seventeen, with a delicate frame and a gentle demeanor. Her hair was tied back in a messy ponytail, and she wore an oversized hoodie that made her look even smaller. "You had me worried. You''ve not been out for a while." Memories not his own began flooding his mind¡ªsnapshots of a life filled with hardship and sorrow. Dropping out of college, caring for his sister, and the crushing weight of debt. He saw Sophia''s face, smiling up at him with innocent eyes. "Sophia," he repeated, this time with more certainty. "I''m...I''m okay. Just a bit disoriented." Sophia sat down beside him, taking his hand. Her small and cold hand trembled slightly. "You''ve been under a lot of stress. Maybe you should rest a bit more." August squeezed her hand, feeling a strange mixture of protectiveness and fondness. "No, I''m fine. Really." He looked at her, absorbing the reality of his new life. "I just need to get my bearings." Over the next few hours, August pieced together his situation. He was Reacher a few minutes ago, but he was now August Clementine, a young man burdened with responsibilities and debts. He learned about the factory job that barely paid enough to keep them afloat and the relentless debt collectors. The VR pod in the room had cost a fortune, adding to the debt, but it was also his only escape from the grim reality. "Sophia, what day is it?" he asked, trying to piece together the timeline. "It''s Tuesday," she replied with a puzzled look. "You don''t remember?" August shook his head, trying to clear the fog. "I just had a weird dream, that''s all." Sophia nodded, though it was clear she was still concerned. "Do you want me to make you something to eat?" sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "That would be great," he said while giving her a reassuring smile. As she left the room, he took a deep breath, trying to calm the turmoil inside him. He noticed how frail she looked, the shadows under her eyes betraying sleepless nights and worries far beyond her years. The reality of his new life was beginning to settle in. He was no longer Reacher, the thrill-seeking businessman. He was August Clementine, a young man with a sister to care for and a mountain of debt to overcome. But despite the challenges, he felt a strange sense of excitement. This was a new adventure, a chance to start over. ''What better thrill is there than this?'' Despite looking like August, he was still Reacher deep down. "Alright, August," he said to himself. "Let''s see what this new life has in store." Just then, Sophia returned with a bowl of soup; "Here, I made your favorite," she said while handing him the bowl. August took the bowl, feeling a lump form in his throat. "Thanks, Sophia," he said softly. ''I''ve never had a sister... Is this what true companionship feels like?'' As he ate the soup, he glanced at the VR pod in the corner. The memories in his head couldn''t be a lie, right? Was there truly the existence of a VRMMORPG that granted players the chance to gain wealth, fame, and most shocking of all... Real-life supernatural abilities? ############### Author''s Note: I think it goes without a saying that I want you guys support so please, make sure you support this novel. I put a lot of effort into it''s creation. Chapter 2 - 2: Enders Light This parallel world bore many similarities to the world Reacher once knew, but it had its own unique differences. The most notable of these was the sudden appearance of a VRMMORPG called Enders Light. This game had taken the world by storm just a few months ago, seemingly out of nowhere, with no information about its creators. It was unlike any game ever seen before. Enders Light offered players the chance to gain fame and wealth, but more importantly, it allowed them to acquire real-life abilities and strength from their in-game avatars. Players could bring specific game items into reality, a phenomenon that had never been possible before. This blending of virtual and real worlds created a frenzy, with people from all walks of life diving into the game, hoping to change their destinies. For August, the game was more than just an escape; it was a lifeline. He had dropped out of college to take care of his younger sister, Sophia, after their parents passed away. Struggling to make ends meet, he had taken on various jobs, but the money was never enough. Debts began to pile up¡ªmedical bills, rent, and a hefty loan he took out to buy a high-end gaming pod, his last-ditch effort to turn their fortunes around through Enders Light. The gaming pod sat in the corner of his small room. It was a reminder of his gamble. It had cost him half a million dollars, the majority of which he still owed. The loan shark who provided the money was relentless, and the looming threat of debt collectors added to his daily stress. Despite his dire financial situation, August was determined to protect Sophia and provide her with a better life. She was still in high school, and he wanted to ensure she had every opportunity he missed out on. The bond between them was strong, and her unwavering support was one of the few bright spots in his life. The backstory of August''s debts was a painful one. The purchase of the gaming pod was a desperate move, one that he believed could finally turn the tide in their favor. Enders Light offered a glimmer of hope. August knew that if he could advance far enough, he might be able to bring valuable items into the real world and sell them for a significant profit. But his progress in the game was slow due to a challenging aspect he hadn''t managed to overcome in months. August approached the high-tech VR pod that stood in the corner of the room. The polished surface gleamed under the dim light. "What in the world of Terminator is this shii?" He took a deep breath as recalled Sci-Fi movies from his previous world. This was August''s lifeline but also one of the major causes of his death. It carried the highest debt but Reacher still saw it as the gateway to a world where he could potentially change their fate. "I must say... I have never tasted poverty. Doesn''t taste good but this could be an adventure like none other," August smirked as he opened the pod''s hatch and carefully lay down inside. The contoured surface felt cool to the touch of his body. He reached for the helmet as his fingers trembled slightly in excitement. This was Reacher''s first time in Enders Light, but for August, it was a familiar escape from his harsh reality. As he placed the helmet over his head, a soft, mechanical voice greeted him. [ Welcome, August Clementine. Initializing system... ] A series of lights flickered inside the helmet, and he felt a gentle vibration as the pod powered up. The world around him began to fade, replaced by a swirling vortex of colors and lights. His heart raced with both excitement and nervousness. [ Neural synchronization complete ] the voice announced. [ Preparing to transport to Enders Light. Please remain calm and enjoy your journey. ] The swirling lights intensified, enveloping him in a variety of colors. He felt a brief moment of weightlessness as if he were floating in a void. Then, with a sudden jolt, he was pulled into the virtual world. The vibrant landscape of Enders Light materialized before his eyes. He found himself standing on a hill, overlooking a sprawling medieval village... The Village of Unhidden Mist. The air was crisp and clear. The sky was a brilliant blue that seemed to differ from the usual color and clarity. The village below bustled with activity¡ªmostly NPCs, going about their business, trading, and chatting. A familiar notification popped up in his field of vision: [Welcome to Enders Light, Player Aleman] Aleman. That was the name of his avatar, a strikingly handsome young man with long green hair streaked with white patches. His in-game appearance mirrored his real-life looks but with a touch of fantasy that made him even more captivating. He was dressed in a black cloak and leather pants, making his face a little obscured. <[ Welcome back, Aleman ]> a soothing female voice chimed in his ear. It was the system AI, designed to assist players. <[ You have three new messages and two pending quests ]> <[ Would you like to review them now? ]> August, now Aleman, took a moment to orient himself. He opened his menu with a thought and the interface seamlessly appeared before him. He quickly scanned his stats and inventory: ¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û Name: Aleman Level: 12 Title(s): Nil Class: Assassin EXP: 7890/25000 HP: 1600/1600 Gold: 150 Skills: Shadow Dance, Hidden strike, Slash, Dash, Dual wielding Inventory: Basic Dagger, Leather Armor, Healing Potion x3 ¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û The familiar surroundings and interface were comforting, grounding him in this new reality. He navigated to his messages and quests, eager to see what awaited him. Message 1 From System: [ Welcome back, Aleman. Your next main quest is to reach the Tree of Life. Good luck! ] Message 2 From: Village Chief [ Thank you for helping us with the recent tasks. We have a special request for you. ] Aleman closed the messages and thought about his pending quests. The Tree of Life quest was crucial; he had been stuck on it for months. However, without the proper armor to withstand the tree''s magical aura, he had died repeatedly, unable to progress further. So he decided to handle the other quest instead. "Alright," he muttered to himself. "Time to get to work." He walked down the hill with smooth and fluid movements thanks to the VR pod''s advanced haptic feedback system. Reacher couldn''t believe just how real everything felt. The wind on his skin, the scent in the air, the visuals, and every impact he felt while moving his feet. The village came to life around him with NPCs greeting him warmly. Their faces were full of character and detail. They almost didn''t feel like NPCs due to their interactions with him. They conversed like they were very real and never repeated certain phrases like how he remembered games to be back on his earth. These villagers were half-beast, half-human, their bodies a blend of fur, scales, and human features. The system translated their language, Acheron, into something he could understand. "Hello, Aleman," greeted a villager with the head of a fox and the body of a man. "Good to see you again." Aleman nodded, smiling at the familiar face. "Good to see you too, Fenrik." A system notification appeared: [Quest Updated: Help the Village Chief] (( Assist the village chief with his special request to receive a unique reward. )) August made his way to the village chief''s house, a modest wooden structure adorned with various herbs and talismans. The chief was an elderly man with the head of a stag and the body of a human. He greeted August at the door. "Ah, Aleman," the chief said with a warm and welcoming tone. "Thank you for coming. We have a pressing matter that needs your attention." "What do you need, Chief?" Aleman asked, his curiosity piqued. "We have been troubled by a surge of low-level beasts in the nearby forest. They''ve been attacking our villagers and damaging our supplies. We need someone skilled to deal with them." A new quest notification appeared: [ New Quest: Beast Control ] < Objective: Defeat the beasts in the Forest of Shadows and protect the village > [ Reward: Unique Armor Piece. ] August''s heart raced. This could be the breakthrough he needed. "I''ll take care of it," he said confidently. The chief smiled, his eyes twinkling with gratitude. "Thank you, Aleman. The village is in your debt." ''But why does this seem... familiar? Like I''ve taken care of such a quest before?'' August wondered internally. He decided to throw that to the back of his mind in the meantime and set off towards the Forest of Shadows. The system notifications continued to guide him, marking the location on his map and providing real-time updates. As he ventured deeper into the forest, the lush greenery and dappled sunlight gave way to a darker, more foreboding atmosphere. The sounds of nature were replaced by the eerie silence, broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves and distant animal calls. He activated his stealth abilities causing his form to blend seamlessly with the shadows. The forest became his playground as he moved with intricate calculations. As he approached the area where the beasts were known to roam, he paused, assessing the situation. There were several low-level beasts known as Skrawlings¡ªsmall, ferocious creatures with sharp claws and teeth. Their bodies were a mix of reptilian scales and mammalian fur with their eyes glowing a menacing red. Another common beast in the area was the Thornback, a spiny creature with a hard shell and venomous bite. Aleman drew his dagger as the familiar weight and design felt comforting in his hand. < Player Has Activated Hidden Strike > < ¡Á3 Damage Amplified for every successful hidden attack > S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He moved silently, taking out the first Skrawling with a swift, lethal strike. [Level 4 Skrawling Defeated: +15 EXP] The remaining beasts turned, their eyes wide with alarm. August had used the element of surprise to his advantage but hidden strike could no longer work since they all had their eyes on him now. Fortunately for him, they were low-level creatures. < Player Has Activated Dash > Chapter 3 - 3: Unable To Reach The Tree Of Life Taking one step forward, August appeared ten paces away with his dagger raised. He stabbed the eye of one of the creatures and proceeded to use slash to dispatch them one by one. Each kill brought a new wave of notifications as the thrill of the fight coursed through him. ''This is amazing! Hahaha!'' [Level 2 Skrawling Defeated: +8 EXP] [Level 3 Thornback Defeated: +13 EXP] [Level 3 Skrawling Defeated: +12 EXP] S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After a few minutes, the corpses of the beasts lay before him, slowly dematerializing. Despite the satisfaction of defeating the beasts, August noticed that the experience points were meager. It would take countless kills to make any significant progress. Thinking about it now he understood that this was due to the fact that he had outgrown this village and the level of beasts here. He proceeded to loot the area, finding some basic supplies and a small chest containing a piece of armor. [ Quest Complete: Beast Control ] [ Reward: Unique Armor Piece (Shadow Cloak)] He equipped the Shadow Cloak, feeling its protective magic envelop him. He hoped this would give him the edge he needed to finally reach the Tree of Life. As he made his way back to the village, the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the landscape. The villagers greeted him with cheers and gratitude as their faces beamed with hope. August felt a sense of accomplishment. "Maybe dying isn''t such a bad thing after all," He chuckled. With the new armor, he was one step closer to overcoming the challenges that lay ahead. He opened his menu and checked his progress: ... Level: 12 EXP: 7990/25000 Gold: 175 ... "Time to head for the tree of life," he murmured with a tone of determination. August made his way forward down a long winding path that led towards the outskirts of unhidden mist. Since it was really a small village with short commercial pathways, it didn''t take him long to reach a particular exalted landscaped area. Just right ahead, was the tree of life... The key to unlocking other regions beyond this village. From August memories, once a player was ten paces from the tree, the system would carry out an analysis check. < Conducting Player Analysis... > < Calculating Strength Of Player''s Resistance... > < Player''s Resistance Is 0% > < Calculating Strength Of Player''s Basic Armor Resistance... > ''This is it...'' From what August could recall, this is what would determine whether or not he could get close and finally touch the tree. < Player''s Resistance Has Been Increased To 2% > "Shit!" August cursed. < Calculating Strength Of Player''s Unique D Tier Shadow Cloak Armor Resistance... > August''s eyes lit up with hope again. < Player''s Resistance Has Been Increased To 15% > < It Has Been Determined That Player Will Be Unable To Reach The Tree Of Life > "Fuck!" August spat before letting out a sigh. He had thought that this would be enough. A couple of memories suddenly flashed in his mind at this moment. "Oh?" He touched the cloak draped around his frame. "Ohhh," he immediately understood why the quest felt familiar earlier. He had been repeating the same type of quests endlessly and had gotten this unique cloak multiple times. August always sold it in frustration, trying to scrap up enough coins to buy an armor that could actually be of use in this situation. Unfortunately, such armors cost an arm and a leg. They were incredibly expensive and August was incapable of incurring another debt. Being confined in this village meant he couldn''t visit other regions: Cities, Kingdoms, Magical Caves, and the like, where he could grind to make progress. Players had left this place a long time ago while he was still stuck there. This was a huge problem. "There must be a way to leave..." August recalled his past as Reacher. He was never one to back down. Finding solutions to a problem was a major specialty of his. But could he truly find a solution to a problem that the real August had battled with for months? --- August stood at the edge of the village as his eyes scanned the horizon for any hint of the path he needed to take. Despite his best efforts over the past two days, he hadn''t been able to find a way out of the Village of Unhidden Mist. The Tree of Life quest continued to elude him, and the magical barrier around the tree remained impassable. He sighed, feeling both frustrated and exhausted. His not-so-new armor, the Shadow Cloak, had given him hope, but it hadn''t been enough to solve his problem. A system notification suddenly appeared: [Reminder: You have been logged in for an extended period. It is recommended to take breaks for your health and well-being.] August knew he couldn''t ignore the real world any longer. It had been a full day in the outside world since he had logged into Enders Light, and responsibilities awaited him outside the game. With a heavy heart, he opened the system menu and selected the log-off option. "See you soon, Enders Light," he muttered, watching as the vibrant world around him dissolved into darkness. He felt a gentle jolt as he was pulled back into reality. The pod''s hatch opened with a soft hiss, and he removed the helmet, blinking as his eyes adjusted to the dim light of his apartment. The familiar sounds of the real world¡ªtraffic outside, the buzz of the refrigerator¡ªwere proof that he had returned to reality. He glanced at the clock on the wall. It was early morning, and he had just enough time to get ready for work. He stood up, feeling the stiffness in his muscles from lying in the pod for so long, and stretched. As he made his way to the kitchen, he saw Sophia still asleep on the couch, curled up under a thin blanket. Her angelic face looked peaceful in sleep causing August to smile faintly. "Time to face reality," August whispered to himself. He quickly prepared a simple breakfast and left a note for Sophia, reminding her to take care of herself. Dressed in his worn work clothes, August left the apartment and headed to the factory. The walk was familiar... It was the same route he had taken countless times before or rather accurately, August had. He boarded a bus and dropped at a particular station. The factory loomed ahead. It was a large, grimy building that seemed to swallow the morning light. August proceeded to head in. Inside, the air was thick with the smell of oil and metal. The constant vibrations of machinery and the clatter of tools created a disturbing noise that filled the space but such was the space of hard honest day-to-day work. August made his way to his workstation, where his friend Derrick was already hard at work. "Morning, Derrick," August greeted, trying to muster some enthusiasm. Derrick looked up with a weary smile on his face. He was a burly man with calloused hands and kind eyes. "Morning, August. You look like you haven''t slept in days." August chuckled even though there was little humor in it. "Feels like it. Been trying to make some progress in Enders Light. It''s been a rough few days." "I thought you quit?" Derrick questioned with a slightly surprised tone. "Well, I got back into it. It''s pretty fun," August replied while clearing his throat. Derrick nodded with a look of understanding; "Let''s get through this day first and you can tell me all about it later." The workday began in earnest. August and Derrick were part of the assembly line crew, responsible for lifting heavy crates of raw materials and feeding them into the machines that processed and shaped them into various components. It was grueling work that required both strength and endurance. Despite August''s slim and delicate appearance, he was pretty fit. August gritted his teeth as he lifted a particularly heavy crate with strain evident in his muscles. He carried it to the conveyor belt, nearly buckling from the weight pressing down on him. Derrick beside him was effortlessly handling his own load. August might be a little fit but Derrick was a whole different beast. "Here, let me help," Derrick said upon noticing August''s struggle. Together, they managed to place the crate on the belt, the machinery whirring to life as it processed the contents. "Thanks, man," August panted while wiping sweat from his brow. "These things seem to get heavier every day." Derrick chuckled. "Or maybe we''re just getting weaker." The factory was a harsh environment. The noise was deafening, and the air was filled with the acrid smell of molten metal and lubricants. Workers moved in a constant rhythm with groggy faces set as they toiled away. Breaks were few and far between, and the supervisors were always watching, ensuring that everyone kept up the pace. By mid-morning, August''s muscles were aching, and his hands were raw from handling the rough crates. He glanced at the clock, counting down the hours until their lunch break. Each minute felt like an eternity. When the lunch bell finally rang, August and Derrick headed to the small break room, where they sat down with their packed lunches. The room was filled with the low murmur of exhausted workers, all trying to recover some energy before the afternoon shift. Derrick sat beside August with a look of seriousness. "How is Sophia?" Chapter 4 - 4: Welcome Back, Player Aleman "She''s trying her best in school," August replied. "But the debt and everything else... It''s starting to bother her. She knows I''m late with her school fees payment." Derrick placed his hand on August''s shoulder. "You know, if there''s anything I can do to help, just say the word." August felt a surge of gratitude. "Thanks, man. It means a lot but you have your own troubles. I''m going to figure out how to balance everything. Although the factory job isn''t enough, I will definitely find a way," August thought about the game at this moment. "I''m sure you will but still, don''t hesitate to ask if you need any help." ---- The factory whistle blew, signaling the end of another grueling workday. August wiped the sweat from his brow as he felt his muscles ache. ''I can''t recall the last time I felt physically fatigued,'' A creepy smile appeared on August''s face at this moment. He seemed to have enjoyed this. He and Derrick soon made their way to the office to collect their paychecks. The small, cramped room was filled with tired workers waiting their turn. When August received his envelope, he opened it and nodded. ''So this is what poverty looks like,'' The amount was meager, barely enough to cover the basics. He knew that once he paid for food, and Sophia''s high school fees, and scraped a little off the mountain of debt, there would be almost nothing left. As they walked out of the office, Derrick glanced at August''s paycheck and frowned. "That''s not enough to live on, man," he said with a concerned voice. "I know," August replied, stuffing the envelope into his pocket. "But it''s all we''ve got right now. It''ll be fine." They headed to a nearby park, a small patch of green amidst the urban sprawl, to catch their breath before heading home. Derrick sat down on a bench and pulled out his own paycheck. He looked at it for a moment, then handed August a portion of the cash. "Here, take this," Derrick said. "It''s not much, but it should help a bit." August shook his head while pushing the money back towards Derrick. "I can''t take your money, man. You have your pregnant wife, Tara, to take care of. You need it more than I do." Derrick''s eyes softened as he thought of Tara, his love, and the reason he had left everything behind. "I know, but I can''t just stand by and watch you struggle like this. I know what it''s like to lose a support system." August looked at Derrick, recognizing the genuine concern in his eyes. ''Looks like August has people who genuinely care for him...'' Except for Elena and Marcus, he didn''t think anyone truly cared about him in his past life. All people wanted was to get close to him for his money, not necessarily to build any genuine connections with him and this was why he never considered marriage. He didn''t even let Elena and Marcus get too close to him because he also felt they were just doing their job and there was nothing else to it. However, now that he was broke and back to square one, it was easier to tell who the genuine ones were. After all, a poor person had nothing to offer. He felt a surge of gratitude but also a deep sense of responsibility. "I appreciate it, really, but I can''t take your money. We''ll find a way, I promise." Derrick sighed and nodded, respecting August''s decision. "Alright, but if you ever need anything, don''t hesitate to ask." Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As they sat in the park, the sun began to set behind the buildings. Derrick opened up about his past. "You know, I didn''t always have to worry about money," his voice tinged with nostalgia. "I come from a pretty wealthy family. My parents are big in the business world. They wanted me to follow in their footsteps, but I had other plans." August listened intently, curious to learn more about his friend''s background. Derrick rarely spoke about his past. "When I met Tara, everything changed," Derrick continued, a soft smile playing on his lips. "My parents didn''t approve of her. They thought she wasn''t ''good enough'' for me, whatever that means. But I loved her. I couldn''t imagine my life without her. So, we ran off together." "That''s rough buddy," August muttered in sympathy although he couldn''t relate. "It was," Derrick admitted. "We had to start from scratch, just like you and Sophia. But we''ve made it work. And now with the baby on the way... it''s scary, but it''s also the best thing that''s ever happened to me." The two friends sat in silence for a moment before August broke the silence. "You''ve got a good heart, Derrick," August stated. "Thanks for being there for me." He was thanking Derrick on behalf of the old August. Derrick was definitely one of the people that kept him going for so long. Derrick smiled and clapped August on the back. "Same to you, buddy. We''ll get through this, one way or another." As the night began to fall, they both stood up, ready to head home. - When August arrived back at the apartment, Sophia greeted him with a tired but warm smile and a hug. "How was work?" she asked. "Exhausting, as always," August replied, returning the hug as a smile appeared on his face. "But things are gonna be fine... I have your school fees payment ready," He added. "Really?" Her face beamed up in joy. "Yes," August nodded. She jumped into his embrace once again before hopping like a joyful bunny. "Thanks for all you do, big brother," She voiced with a face full of smiles. August patted her head in acknowledgment. ''She''s a good kid. I don''t think I''ve ever been this excited about school,'' August chuckled internally. -- After a simple dinner with Sophia, August made sure she had everything she needed for the night. He hugged her goodnight. "I''m going to log into the game for a while," he informed her with a gentle tone. "Get some rest, okay?" Sophia nodded, her eyes filled with trust. "You too, August. Don''t stay up too late." He smiled at her in appreciation. "I''ll try." As she settled in for the night, August went to his room and turned to the corner where the VR pod stood. He opened the hatch and lay down inside as the cool surface molded to his body. Placing the helmet over his head, he felt a familiar rush of anticipation. [ Welcome back, August Clementine. Initializing system... ] The soft, mechanical voice greeted him as the pod powered up. Lights flickered, and the room around him began to fade. A swirling vortex of colors enveloped him, pulling him into the immersive world of Enders Light. [ Neural synchronization complete ] [ Preparing to transport to Enders Light. Please remain calm and enjoy your journey. ] The sensation of weightlessness washed over him, followed by a sudden jolt. The virtual world soon materialized around him, vibrant and alive. He stood once again on the hill overlooking the Village of Unhidden Mist with crisp and clear air under the night sky. [ Welcome to Enders Light, Player Aleman ] The notification that floated in front of him was a familiar sight that brought a sense of comfort. He took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the real-world worries momentarily lift. Here, in this virtual world, he could find the strength to face his challenges... He literally had strength. August took a moment to orient himself. His long green hair, streaked with white patches, fluttered in the breeze. He opened his menu, checking his stats and inventory: ¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û Name: Aleman Level: 12 Title(s): Nil Class: Assassin EXP: 7890/25000 HP: 1600/1600 Gold: 170 Skills: Shadow Dance, Hidden strike, Slash, Dash, Dual wielding Inventory: Basic Dagger, Leather Armor, Healing Potion x3 ¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û "Time to get to work," he muttered to himself. He made his way down the hill and into the village. The half-beast, half-human villagers greeted him warmly, and as usual, the system translated their language, Acheron, making their words clear to him. "Good evening, Aleman," said Fenrik, the fox-headed villager he had met earlier. "Back for more adventure?" "Always," August replied with a smile. As he walked through the village, he headed towards the Forest of Shadows, where he had spent countless hours hunting low-level beasts. The forest was his training ground, the place where he honed his skills and gathered resources. Tonight, he needed to focus on leveling up and finding a way to overcome the barrier around the Tree of Life. The familiar sounds of the forest greeted him as he stepped into the shadowy woods. The rustling of leaves, the distant calls of nocturnal creatures, and the soft crunch of his footsteps on the forest floor all created an immersive experience. As August moved deeper into the Forest of Shadows, he took a moment to reflect on the world of Enders Light and its intricate mechanics. The game was a marvel of virtual reality, designed to immerse players fully into its fantasy setting. Every detail, from the rustling of leaves to the distant calls of nocturnal creatures, was crafted to create a seamless and engaging experience. Enders Light was set in a vast, magical world four times the size of Earth and divided into various regions. Each of these regions had its own unique environment and challenges. The world was populated by diverse species and inhabited by both NPCs and players. There were many popular regions ranging from: Elven Forests: Lush, mystical woodlands where elves lived in harmony with nature. The trees were ancient and towering, with hidden paths leading to secret groves and enchanted clearings. Dwarven Mountains: Rugged, mineral-rich mountains where dwarves mined precious metals and crafted legendary weapons. The mountains were full of caves, tunnels, and hidden treasures. Human Kingdoms: These were divided into several types: Tech Cities: Advanced urban areas where technology reigned supreme. These cities were filled with skyscrapers, neon lights, and cutting-edge machinery. Players in these cities were often tech classes like Hunter, Forger, and Cyborg. Magical Kingdoms: Enchanting realms where magic was the cornerstone of society. Grand castles, arcane libraries, and mystical academies were common sights. Players that frequented here were typically those of magic classes such as Mage, Cleric, Summoner, and the like. Hybrid Cities: Fusion of both magic and technology. These cities offered the best of both worlds. They were hubs of innovation, with steam-powered machinery running alongside magical artifacts. Players could choose from a wide range of classes, reflecting the city''s diverse culture. All of these were information that was widely known in the real world since a lot of players had explored far beyond the reaches of their initial spawn point, unlike August. Chapter 5 - 5: Damon And Goons Players could choose from a variety of classes, each with its own unique abilities and skills. The classes were broadly divided into two categories: Magic and Tech. Magic Classes: - Swordsman: Skilled in melee combat, using swords and shields to protect themselves and their allies. - Berserker: Fierce warriors who excel in close-range combat, dealing massive damage with their brute strength. - Mage: Masters of elemental magic, casting powerful spells to attack enemies from a distance. - Cleric: Healers who use divine magic to mend wounds and protect their companions. - Assassin: Stealthy fighters who excel in ambushes and critical strikes, using daggers and light weapons. - Ranger: Long range archers who mostly possess very good eyesight and can take precise arrows arrow shots. - Summoner: Magic users who can call forth creatures to fight on their behalf. Tech Classes: - Hunter: Equipped with powerful high-tech weaponry, capable of taking down enemies from afar with precision. - Forger: Engineers who create both magical and technological weapons and tools. - Cyborg: Enhanced with cybernetic implants, combining physical prowess with advanced technology. The game''s mechanics were designed to be both challenging and rewarding. Players earned experience points (EXP) by completing quests, defeating enemies, and exploring new areas. Leveling up increased their stats and unlocked new abilities. The virtual world was dynamic, with events and challenges that changed over time. August was very much knowledgeable on the aspect of video games and had even once dived into a business relating to it in his original world but this was unlike anything he had ever seen before. He couldn''t imagine the buzz such a game would have created if it had been on his earth. August decided to stop thinking about this in the meantime and focus. Activating his stealth abilities, August blended into the shadows and moved silently through the underbrush. He encountered the first group of Skrawling with reptilian bodies that glistened in the moonlight. Drawing his dagger, he dispatched them swiftly with lethal strikes. The system notifications popped up, confirming his progress: [ Level 2 Skrawling Defeated: +10 EXP ] [ Level 2 Skrawling Defeated: +10 EXP ] [ Level 2 Skrawling Defeated: +10 EXP ] Despite the small increments of experience points, he knew that every bit counted. As he moved deeper into the forest, he came across a Thornback. << Level 4 Thornback Engaged >> Its spiny shell glinted ominously as the creature hissed, revealing its venomous fangs. August circled it cautiously, waiting for the right moment. When the Thornback lunged, he dodged to the side and struck with his dagger. The blade instantly found a weak spot in its armor. The creature collapsed, and another notification appeared: [Level 4 Thornback Defeated: +15 EXP ] He continued his hunt, taking down more Skrawlings and Thornbacks. The repetitive nature of the task soon turned exhausting. Each kill brought him closer to his goal, though the progress felt painfully slow. As the hours passed, he decided to take a break and review his strategy. He sat down on a fallen log, opening his menu to check his current status: _________ Level: 12 EXP: 8215/25000 Gold: 185 August sighed; ''Manual labor sure is difficult.'' However, he very much welcomed the challenge. Since the game seemed to be the best chance at changing their fate, he wouldn''t give up. "Alright, let''s keep going," he said while standing up and stretching. "There''s got to be a way." --- Every day, August ventured into the Forest of Shadows, fighting the same low-level beasts: Skrawlings and Thornbacks. The repetitive nature of the tasks weighed on him. He felt like he was going in circles, unable to break free from the confines of the village. The Tree of Life quest, which required him to reach the mystical tree protected by a magical barrier, seemed unattainable. He had tried countless times to approach the tree, but each attempt ended in failure. As August prepared to set off into the forest once more, a sudden notification appeared before him, accompanied by a trumpet fanfare: [World Announcement: Congratulations to the party of five for being the first to complete the C rank Sweryvn Lord Quest!] [Players: Ice Queen, Lustful Fairy, Demon Blade, Soaring Eagle] August paused and stared at the notification with a look of awe. World announcements like this happened whenever a party or a player was the first to achieve something significant. [System Notification: Ice Queen, Lustful Fairy, Demon Blade, and Soaring Eagle have been awarded unique items and titles for their achievement.] ''Some of the top players in the game uh?'' August wasn''t surprised by the announcement, but it did serve as a reminder of the vast world beyond the village. While he was stuck here, other players were making groundbreaking progress, achieving feats that seemed out of reach. The names of the players echoed in his mind, especially Ice Queen. Her reputation as one of the top players in Enders Light was well known. "Challenge on..." August smiled before proceeding further. He would turn his envy for their achievements into fuel to push forward and attain unprecedented heights... Or so he thought. - Hours later, August stood at the edge of the forest, staring at the Tree of Life in frustration. He had tried again after getting some armor and yet he failed to gain enough resistance to reach the tree. A system notification suddenly appeared: [Reminder: You have been logged in for an extended period. It is recommended to take breaks for your health and well-being.] August let out a sigh, knowing it was time to log off. He couldn''t afford to neglect the real-world responsibilities waiting for him. He opened the system menu and selected the log-off option. "See you soon, Enders Light," he muttered while watching the vibrant world around him dissolve into darkness. He felt a gentle jolt as he was pulled back into reality. The pod''s hatch opened with a soft hiss, and he removed the helmet. It took a while for his blinking eyes to adjust to the dim light of his room. The moment he stepped out of the pod, he heard a commotion coming from the living room. "Stop it!!!" Sophia''s loud scream drifted into his ears. His heart raced as he rushed out to see what was happening. The living room was in disarray. Sophia stood by the doorway with a frightened look. Two burly men were overturning furniture and shouting threats. A man in an expensive-looking blue suit and a spider tattoo on his neck stood in the center of the room. His expression was cold and calculating. The man who was known as Damon turned to face August with narrowed eyes upon his entry. "August Clementine. You owe a significant amount of money, and it''s time to pay up." August felt a surge of anger upon witnessing this sight. He stepped forward, trying to shield Sophia from Damon. "I''m working on it. I just need a little more time." Damon''s eyes glinted with malice. "Time is a luxury you no longer possess. You''ve been given plenty of chances, and now it''s time for consequences." Sophia clung to August''s arm with terror filled eyes. "Please, we just need a bit more time," she pleaded. Damon smirked as his gaze shifted to Sophia. "You see, your lovely sister here could make for some valuable compensation if you can''t pay. Being a slave to one of my wealthy associates who prefer girls of certain ages would certainly help take care of the debt." August''s blood ran cold. The thought of Sophia being taken away was unbearable. He didn''t know if these were his emotions or that of the real August but he was not going to sit back and let this happen. He clenched his fists while trying to keep a steady voice. "You can''t do that. I''ll get the money, I promise. Just give me a little more time." Damon''s expression hardened. "You have one month. If you don''t have the money by then, I''ll come back. And believe me, you won''t like what happens next." With that, Damon punched August hard in the gut, causing his knees to buckle over in pain. "August!" Sophia screamed while kneeling to hold her big brother. August looked up with a defiant and icy expression; ''I''m going to make you regret that.'' Damon''s goons continued their rampage, trashing the living room before finally leaving. As the door slammed shut behind them, August clutched his stomach. The pain from the punch was sharp, but the fear for Sophia''s safety was even more overwhelming. Tears were streaming down her face as she kept holding onto him. "August, are you okay?" she asked with a trembling voice. Although the pain made it hard to speak, August nodded. "I''ll be fine," he reassured her. "I''ll figure this out." S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 6 - 6: You Have Consumed The Fruit Of Life August sat at the small kitchen table as his mind raced with thoughts. The threats from Damon and his goons had lit a fire under him, pushing him to think strategically. Reacher''s business acumen began to surface as he considered various ways to tackle the mounting debts. He needed to generate income quickly and efficiently, leveraging any resources he could find. He pulled out a notepad and started jotting down ideas. His thoughts ranged from leveraging his skills in Enders Light to finding additional sources of income in the real world. The key was to diversify his efforts, ensuring he had multiple streams of revenue to pay off the particular debt he owed Damon within the month. First, he decided to explore the possibilities within Enders Light. The game offered numerous opportunities for profit, from completing high-reward quests to trading valuable items. The major problem remained getting past the village. An issue he had yet to tackle. Next, he turned his attention to the real world. August decided that he would search online for other jobs he could take on that would not affect his current one and the time he put into the game. He considered freelance work, odd jobs, and even selling some of their belongings, but nothing seemed appealing or lucrative enough to make a significant dent in their debt. Frustration mounted as he realized how limited his options were. The factory job was barely enough to cover their basic needs, and there were few opportunities for advancement or higher pay. He knew he needed a breakthrough, something that could provide a steady and substantial income. ''If I could acquire something that was highly desired by society... Half of my problems will be solved.'' As he pondered his next steps, August''s thoughts drifted to the broader context of this parallel Earth. The world bore many similarities to the one Reacher had known, but there were notable differences that shaped the daily lives of its inhabitants. August lived in a poor neighborhood which was quite different from the affluent areas he had once frequented. The streets were narrow and crowded, lined with dilapidated buildings and small shops struggling to stay afloat. Trash littered the sidewalks, and the air was filled with stench as well as activities. Despite the hardships, there was a sense of community among the residents. Graffiti-covered walls told stories of rebellion and hope, while children played in makeshift playgrounds. Their laughter was a rare but welcome sound. The local market was also similar to his previous earth with vendors calling out their wares and haggling with customers over prices. It was a place where every penny counted, and people worked hard to make ends meet. But a lot of locations were vastly different as well as notable people in this world. In stark contrast, the wealthy districts were a world apart. High-rise buildings gleamed in the sunlight with their polished glass facades reflecting the city''s skyline. Luxury cars glided smoothly down wide, clean streets and well-dressed individuals moved with an air of confidence and purpose. These areas were marked by manicured parks, high-end boutiques, and gourmet restaurants. Public transportation was a common mode of travel for many in the poorer neighborhoods. The skyway system which was more efficient, was often overcrowded and in need of maintenance. Technology played a significant role in this parallel Earth, much like in Reacher''s original world. Smartphones, tablets, and computers were ubiquitous, connecting people across vast distances and providing access to information and entertainment. However, the quality and accessibility of these devices varied greatly between the rich and the poor, further exacerbating the divide. August at this moment was navigating through his neighborhood, taking note of the blend of old and new. Although the memories of the original August served him well and he could vividly recall all of these, he wanted to see it with his own business lenses. He needed proper insights. Traditional markets operated alongside modern convenience stores, and street vendors sold everything from handmade crafts to the latest gadgets. It was a place where tradition met innovation, and people adapted to the changing times in creative ways. Returning to his small apartment, August sat back down at the kitchen table and reviewed his notes. He would need to push harder in Enders Light, exploring every possible avenue for profit. In the real world, he would continue searching for any opportunities that could help them. --- { Hours Later Within Enders Light } August walked through the dense forest with quiet and deliberate steps. The familiar path to the Tree of Life was etched into his memory as well as the failures of the past but there was a flicker of hope that urged him to try again. The moonlight filtered through the canopy of trees casting a soft glow on the path ahead. As he approached the clearing where the Tree of Life stood, he felt a strange sense of calm. The Tree of Life''s colossal trunk was covered in intricate, glowing runes that pulsed with a gentle light. Its bark was a shimmering silver that radiated brightly with a divine aura. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Its branches stretched high into the sky, laden with leaves that glowed in varying shades of emerald and gold. At its base, roots twisted and intertwined, forming natural arches and pathways. The air around the tree was filled with a subtle, melodic buzz, and the faint scent of blooming flowers and fresh earth permeated the atmosphere. It gave off a sense of profound peace and ancient magic. August couldn''t help but remember all the times he had tried to approach the tree in the past. Each attempt had ended in frustration. His armor was never resistant enough despite everything he tried. However, for the first time, he didn''t care. He wanted to try going close regardless of what might happen. ''Maybe I can analyze better by feeling it''s repulsion myself.'' As he took another step closer, August braced himself for the expected resistance. But instead of being pushed back, he felt...nothing. The barrier didn''t hinder him. He continued to move forward as each step brought him closer to the tree. His eyes widened in disbelief. "Why am I not being repelled?" August muttered to himself. "What has changed?" He reached out cautiously with his hand slightly trembling as he touched the bark of the tree. The moment his fingers made contact, a wave of warmth spread through him. The tree seemed to pulse with energy, responding to his touch. He took another step, placing both hands on the trunk and feeling the vibrant life force within. The bark of the tree was smooth and warm, almost as if it were alive. August felt a connection to it... a sense of harmony that he had never experienced before. ''Is this still a game?'' Suddenly, a small, golden fruit appeared on one of the lower branches. It glowed softly in the moonlight as if beckoning to August. August stared at it in awe, realizing that this was it... His access to other regions beyond the village was staring at him. With a smooth leap, he plucked the fruit. The fruit was about the size of an apple but more rounder. Based on what August knew, the moment he consumed the fruit, the barrier around the village would dissipate for him and he would finally have access to go wherever he wanted. "Thank you," he whispered with a tone of gratitude to no one in particular. Without hesitation, he took a bite of the fruit. The taste was unlike anything he had ever experienced¡ªsweet, tangy, and imbued with a sense of vitality. It really felt like he was truly eating. Like this wasn''t a game. As he swallowed, he felt a rush of warmth spread through his body. A series of system notifications appeared before him: [Congratulations! You have consumed the Fruit of Life!] [Congratulations! You have gained a level!] [Level: 13] [EXP: 0/30000] [Congratulations! Player now has access to other regions!] [ Agor Kingdom Unlocked! ] [ Disco City Unlocked! ] [ Tagharuim Kingdom Unlocked! ] [ Ether Breath Town Unlocked! ] [ Midday Star City Unlocked! ] More and more notifications of multiple cities unlocking continuously appeared. August felt a surge of accomplishment and relief. The fruit had not only given him a level but also a renewed sense of purpose. The problem that was a major hindrance was now gone. He sat down at the base of the tree, taking a moment to reflect on what had just happened. The realization that he had never truly tried to approach the tree since becoming August dawned on him. Perhaps the change had something to do with it. The evaluation always told him he didn''t have enough resistance and this time was no difference and yet when he drew close, he wasn''t repelled. He couldn''t understand why this happened. "Oh well, it doesn''t matter. This is good," August muttered while getting to his feet. Chapter 7 - 7: Hidden Special Quest Unlocked Today was the day August would leave the Village of Unhidden Mist and venture into the wider world of Enders Light. The Tree of Life had granted him access to new regions, and with it, a chance to find the strength and resources he needed to change his and Sophia''s fate. "Time to say goodbye," August voiced with a smile. He didn''t care that the villagers were NPC. They felt like real people to him and this was just another way of enjoying the adventure. As he walked through the village, the morning sun cast a warm glow over the familiar surroundings. The villagers, with their unique blend of beast and human features, went about their daily routines. August felt a pang of nostalgia, knowing that this place had become like a second home to him. His first stop was the market, where he had spent countless hours gathering supplies and talking to vendors. Fenrik, the fox-headed merchant, greeted him with a wide smile. "Aleman! Good to see you. Heard you finally got past the Tree of Life. That''s quite the accomplishment!" Fenrik said as his eyes twinkled with adoration. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Thanks, Fenrik. I couldn''t have done it without the support of everyone here," August replied while shaking Fenrik''s hand. "I''ll be heading out soon, but I wanted to say goodbye and thank you for everything." Fenrik''s smile faltered slightly. "We''ll miss you around here, Aleman. But I know you''ll do great things out there. Just remember to visit us when you can." "I will," August promised. He purchased some last-minute supplies, knowing that every bit would help in the challenges ahead. August then proceeded to make his way to the village blacksmith, a burly man with the head of a bull. The forge was hot and noisy, filled with the sound of hammering and the scent of molten metal. The blacksmith, known as Thorek, looked up from his work as August approached. "Aleman, what brings you here today?" Thorek asked while wiping sweat from his brow. "I''m leaving the village," August explained. "I wanted to thank you for all the help and equipment you''ve provided. Your weapons have saved my life more times than I can count." Thorek nodded as a proud smile appeared on his face. "I''m glad to hear that. You''ve been one of my best customers, Aleman. Take this as a parting gift." He handed August a finely crafted dagger, its blade gleaming in the light. "May it serve you well in your travels." << Player Has Received An Uncommon Toxic Dagger >> August accepted the dagger with gratitude. "Thank you, Thorek. I''ll make sure it does." August made his way to the village healer''s hut after leaving the forge. The healer was a gentle-looking woman with the head of an owl. She had provided him with potions and patched him up more times than he could remember. She greeted him with a warm smile as he entered. "Aleman, it''s good to see you. How are you feeling today?" she asked with a soothing and melodic voice. "I''m feeling great, thanks to you," August replied. "I''m leaving the village, and I wanted to thank you for all the care you''ve given me." The healer''s eyes softened. "You''ve always been a brave and determined soul, Aleman. The world out there can be harsh, but I know you''ll face it with courage. Take this potion with you." She handed him a small vial filled with a glowing liquid. "It will heal you in times of need." << Player Has Received A Tier 2 Healing Potion >> August accepted the vial with a deep sense of gratitude. "Thank you. I''ll make sure to use it wisely." Finally, August made his way to the village chief''s house. The chief, with his regal stag-like appearance, stood at the doorway as if anticipating Aleman''s visit. "Aleman," the chief said, his voice filled with warmth. "I heard you were leaving us. You''ve done well here, and the village will miss you." "I couldn''t have achieved what I did without your guidance, Chief," August replied while bowing respectfully. "Thank you for everything." The chief nodded with a proud smile on his face. "You have the heart of an adventurer, Aleman. The world out there is vast and full of challenges. Take this amulet with you," He handed Aleman a small, intricately carved pendant. "It will protect you on your journey." << Player Has Received Danting Pendant >> << Offers +5 Physical Damage Resistance, +10 Magical Resistance, upon Equipping >> Aleman accepted the amulet; "Thank you, Chief. I''ll carry it with me always." ''I didn''t even know this could happen... It was never mentioned that one could get gifts this way. It''s good that I decided to say goodbye to them all before leaving.'' As August was about to leave, the chief called out to him. "Aleman," his voice warm but serious. "Before you leave, I have one final request for you. It is something only a capable adventurer like you can handle." August felt a surge of curiosity while turning around; ''This is new...'' "Of course, Chief. What do you need?" The chief led August inside and sat down, motioning for August to do the same. "There is a corrupted stem that has taken root near our village crops. It poses a significant threat to our harvest and must be uprooted. This task requires strength and caution, as the stem is protected by dark magic." August listened intently with even more assurance that this had never happened to other players because he had never seen any news or online information about such an occurrence. "I''ll take care of it, Chief. Where can I find this corrupted stem?" The chief nodded appreciatively. "It is located in the northern fields, near the edge of the forest. Be cautious, Aleman. The dark magic can be unpredictable." A system notification appeared before August: [ New Quest: Uproot the Corrupted Stem ] Objective: Uproot the corrupted stem near the village crops and secure the area. Reward: Dark Loots and special hidden quest unlock. August accepted the quest immediately. "I''ll be careful chief. You have my word." The chief smiled with a look of relief on his face. "Thank you, Aleman. May the spirits guide you." August left the chief''s house and made his way towards the northern fields. The path was lined with healthy crops, but as he approached the edge, he could see the corrupted stem. It was a twisted, gnarled thing, pulsating with dark energy. The air around it felt heavy and oppressive. Drawing his newly gifted dagger, August moved cautiously toward the stem. He could feel the dark magic radiating from it, spreading a certain corrosive aura. <[ Alert: Player Will Lose 10 HP For Every Second Spent Within The Corrosive Range Of The Corrupted Stem ]> [ -10 HP ] "Damn, I better complete this quickly then," He immediately drifted into the shadows and reappeared right behind the stem. With a deep breath, he plunged his dagger into the ground around the stem, cutting through the roots that anchored it. "Kiioorrrrhhhh!" A loud dark magic-filled screech reverberated from the stem immediately, sending August staggering backwards while holding his head. [ - 50 HP ] <[ Alert: Player Has Received Corrosive Flare And Will Lose Extra 10 HP Every Second ]> [ - 20 HP ] [ - 20 HP ] "You little shit!" August cursed upon noticing how quickly his HP was draining. However, now wasn''t the time to worry about that. He stabbed his blade at the root once more. The stem resisted as its dark magic flared up in an attempt to protect itself. August was no longer taken by surprise since the fist attack so he gritted his teeth and continued to work. He bore the pain and stinging vibrations in his head while using his strength and determination to overcome the dark energy. After a fierce struggle, he managed to uproot the stem, severing its connection to the dark magic. [Task Complete: Uproot the Corrupted Stem] As the stem withered and died, Aleman noticed a few items left behind: Dark talisman (+5 Resistance To Dark Magic), Cursed finger (Contains dark properties that can be added to weapons), Dark seeds (Sows Corruption). He collected them, knowing they could be useful in his journey ahead. Returning to the village, August handed the withered stem to the chief. The chief''s eyes widened in surprise and gratitude. "You have done well, Aleman," the chief said with a voice full of admiration. "As promised, you have earned your reward and unlocked a hidden quest." A new system notification appeared: [Hidden Special Quest Unlocked: The Purification Ritual (Rank D)] Objective: Retrieve the purification stone from the river in the next town, filled with magical aqua beasts. Use the stone to purify the ancient altar located in a hidden location within Unhidden Mist. Rewards: Fruit of Corruption, 10000 EXP, Unique Weapon. August read the details of the hidden quest with widened eyes. "The fruit of corruption? Is this real?" He muttered in disbelief. Chapter 8 - 8: The Fruit Of Corruption The Fruit of Corruption was a legendary item, known for its power to grant a random incredible ability. However, it wasn''t just legendary for granting a random supernatural ability... It was legendary because it was an item that could be retrieved to reality. This was an opportunity August couldn''t afford to miss. ''I''m guessing none of the players that spawned here at the starting ever got this because they didn''t wait to say goodbye after reaching the tree of life,'' August was glad he considered this. Special hidden quests were usually a one-time quest. Once it was completed, that was it. No one would ever be able to engage in the quest again unlike many other quests that could be continuously repeated by different players. The chief explained the significance of the quest. "The purification stone is a sacred artifact, and it is guarded by magical aqua beasts in the river of the next town. Once you retrieve the stone, you must return here and use it to purify the ancient altar, which is hidden within our village." August nodded, ready for the challenge. "Understood, Chief. I will complete this quest and return with the purified stone." The chief placed a hand on August''s shoulder with a solemn expression; "May the spirits protect you, Aleman. This is a dangerous task, but I have faith in your abilities." With this, August prepared to venture to the next town. August stood in the center of the village, checking his inventory and making sure he had everything he needed for the journey ahead. He had gathered all the supplies he could find: healing potions, rations, and the dark loots he had earned from uprooting the corrupted stem. His newly gifted dagger was securely fastened to his belt, and the pendant from the village chief hung around his neck. August proceeded to set out from the Village of Unhidden Mist. As he walked, the familiar sounds of the village faded behind him, replaced by the rustling of leaves and the distant calls of wildlife. He checked his map, noting the route to the transportation point. It wasn''t too far. Once he got there he would just need to spend a few bronze coins to travel with a cart to the next town. After some minutes of walking, a system notification appeared: [Reminder: You have been logged in for an extended period. It is recommended to take breaks for your health and well-being.] August realized that he had already spent two days within the game, which was equal to one day in the outside world. He checked the time and sighed. It was time for work in the real world, and he had no choice but to log out. "Guess it''s time to face reality," he muttered to himself. He opened the system menu and selected the log-off option. The world around him dissolved into darkness, and he felt a gentle jolt as he was pulled back into reality. The morning light filtered through the thin curtains of the apartment as August prepared for another day at the factory. It was around 6:00 A.M. He moved quietly, not wanting to wake Sophia, who was still asleep on the couch. Her usual wake time was 6:30 A.M. After a quick breakfast, he grabbed his worn work clothes and headed out the door. - Upon arriving at the factory, he spotted his closest buddy, Derrick, waiting for him near the entrance. Derrick''s face lit up when he saw August, and he gave him a hearty clap on the back. "Morning, August! Ready for another fun-filled day?" Derrick joked with a voice full of sarcasm. August chuckled, feeling a bit of his tension ease. "As ready as I''ll ever be. How''s Tara doing?" "She''s doing well," Derrick replied with a smile. "We''re both excited for the baby. It''s tough, but we''re managing." The two friends made their way inside the factory. The familiar sounds of machinery and the smell of oil and metal greeted them. They clocked in and headed to their stations, ready to start their shift. As they worked, lifting heavy crates and feeding materials into the machines, their conversation flowed naturally. They talked about various topics, finding humor and camaraderie in their shared experiences. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "So, how''s the game going?" Derrick asked with a barely audible voice due to the buzzing pieces of machinery in the surroundings. August paused for a moment while wiping sweat from his brow. "It''s going well. I finally got past the Tree of Life quest and unlocked a hidden quest. It''s tough, but I''m making progress." Derrick''s eyes widened in surprise. "That''s awesome! You must be getting pretty good." August smiled, feeling a sense of pride. "I don''t know about that haha. I''m still behind. It''s been a lot of work, but it looks like things are going to start paying off soon. Although the hidden quest is going to be a real challenge. I need to retrieve a purification stone from a river guarded by magical aqua beasts." Derrick let out a low whistle. "Sounds intense. I''ve never heard of that one before." As they continued to work, their conversation shifted to popular gamers and the impact of virtual reality games on the real world. "Have you heard the news about the supernatural players recently?" Derrick asked while lifting a heavy crate onto the conveyor belt. "Yeah, I have," August replied with a serious tone. "There''s been a rise in crime linked to those abilities." Derrick nodded with a thoughtful expression; "It''s crazy how much things have changed. People with powers from a game using them in real life... Of course, a lot will have ulterior motives after achieving such. It''s like those sci-fi movies haven''t taught us anything. How do the authorities intend to keep up?" They both laughed, finding humor in the absurdity of their reality. Their conversation took a lighter turn as they talked about superstars and celebrities. "Did you see the latest movie with Jenna Star?" Derrick asked as a grin spread across his face. "She''s amazing. I heard she''s also a top player in Enders Light." August shook his head with a light chuckle; "Now now Mr Derrick, don''t forget that you are a married man?" "She''s Tara''s favorite too... I''m just admiring her talents," Derrick raised his hands innocently. "She is pretty impressive no doubt. She''s got skills both on and off the screen," August admitted. They joked about becoming famous themselves, dreaming of a life far removed from the grueling work of the factory. The camaraderie and humor they shared made the long hours more bearable. As the day wore on, the work remained physically demanding, but their banter kept their spirits high. They teased each other, shared stories, and found moments of laughter amidst the noise and toil. By the time their shift ended, both men were exhausted but in good spirits. August bid Derrick farewell and headed home, ready to log back into Enders Light and continue his quest. --- By nightfall, August had returned home, fatigued but in high spirits. As he stepped inside, the familiar warmth of the apartment greeted him. Sophia was at the small kitchen table, surrounded by books and papers. She looked up with a bright smile as he entered. "Hey, August! How was work?" she asked, her voice filled with genuine curiosity. "It was okay," August replied, trying to sound upbeat. "Same old stuff. How about you? How was school?" "It was good," Sophia said with a smile that faltered slightly. "But I have this assignment, and I''m kind of stuck. Can you help me?" August felt a sudden big brother affection and pride at this moment. Despite everything, she always tried her best and looked up to him. "Of course, I''d love to help. What''s the assignment about?" Sophia pushed a book towards him as her eyes beamed up with hope. "It''s about business strategies. I need to write a report on different approaches companies use to stay competitive." August pulled up a chair and sat beside her, looking over the assignment details. "Alright, let''s see what we can do." For the next hour, they worked together on her assignment. August explained various business strategies, drawing from Reacher''s extensive knowledge as a former businessman. He discussed concepts like market analysis, competitive advantage, and innovative business models. Sophia listened intently, her eyes widening with surprise at his insights. "Wow, August," she said with a voice full of admiration. "You know so much about this. I had no idea." August smiled, feeling a sense of pride. "Well, I did study a bit of business in my spare time. Plus, I''ve always been interested in how companies operate." Sophia took notes diligently as her face lit up in understanding. "This makes so much more sense now. Thank you, August. I couldn''t have done this without you." August ruffled her hair affectionately. "You''re welcome, Soph. You''re really smart, you know that? You just needed a little help." Sophia blushed and giggled before leaning over to kiss him on the cheek. "You''re the best brother ever. Goodnight, August." "Goodnight, Sophia," he replied, feeling a warm glow in his chest. "Sleep well." As Sophia headed to her room, August watched her go with a sense of pride and affection. ''Hmm, now I have a family of my own. I thought I''d hate it but... I don''t dislike this feeling at all,'' August recalled how the concept of family had always eluded him. Being orphaned from childhood back in his previous world and swearing to himself that he would never build a family out of fear... He had never experienced what it was like to truly feel the desire to protect someone. He stood up and stretched, feeling the day''s fatigue, but he knew he had to continue his quest in Enders Light. He walked to his room and closed the door behind him. The VR pod awaited... A gateway to adventures and thrill he had always been fond of. "Time to complete the hidden quest." Chapter 9 - 9: Reaching Swerling Town August climbed inside and placed the helmet on his head, feeling the familiar rush of anticipation. [ Welcome back, August Clementine. Initializing system... ] The soft, mechanical voice greeted him as the pod powered up. Lights flickered, and the room around him began to fade. A swirling vortex of colors enveloped him, pulling him into the immersive world of Enders Light. [ Neural synchronization complete. Preparing to transport to Enders Light. Please remain calm and enjoy your journey. ] The sensation of weightlessness gave him a rush of dopamine as the virtual world materialized around him. He spawned at the point where he logged out previously. [ Welcome back, Player Aleman ] The notification floated in front of him as he took in a deep breath of fresh air. It was time to continue the hidden quest to retrieve the purification stone. He made his way to the transportation hub, a bustling area filled with various modes of travel. He approached a large, covered cart, which was pushed by an impressive beast resembling a cross between an ox and a rhino. It was known as a Raxor. The creature had thick, armored skin and massive horns, and it snorted impatiently as it waited for passengers. August handed a few copper coins to the cart driver, a grizzled man with the head of a ram and a friendly smile. "One ticket to the Swerling town, please." The driver nodded and gestured for August to climb aboard. "Hop in. We''ll be leaving shortly." August settled into the cart, which was already occupied by a few other travelers. He observed his fellow passengers¡ªa mix of humans, elves, and other half-beast, half-human hybrids. The diversity of the game''s inhabitants never ceased to amaze him. The cart soon began to move and for the very first time... August took a trip outside of the Village of Unhidden Mist. - The journey was long and arduous, but the scenery was breathtaking. They traveled through dense forests with leaves and colors that August didn''t even know existed and across rolling hills dotted with wildflowers. Occasionally, they passed by streams and rivers with waters that sparkled like diamonds under the sunlight. August struck up conversations with the other passengers, learning about their own quests and adventures. An elven archer named Lira shared stories of her travels through enchanted forests, while a dwarf named Thrain recounted his time mining in the Dwarven Mountains. August realized that certain NPCs could go on quests. He wondered if this was a challenge to players. After about two hours of travel, the cart approached the outskirts of the next town. August leaned forward, eager to take in the sights. The town known as Swerling, was built along the banks of a wide river that shimmered with an almost magical glow. The buildings were a mix of sturdy stone structures and elegant wooden houses, their architecture reflecting a blend of human, elven, and aquatic influences. As they entered the town, Aleman marveled at the bustling marketplace. Stalls lined the streets, selling everything from fresh produce and exotic spices to finely crafted weapons and magical artifacts. The air was filled with the aroma of cooking food, the chatter of merchants, and the laughter of children. The town was populated by a diverse mix of species. There were humans and elves, of course, but also merfolk with shimmering scales and webbed hands, and amphibian-like creatures known as Nereids, who moved gracefully between land and water. The town''s inhabitants wore a variety of clothing styles, from simple tunics to elaborate robes adorned with shells and pearls. This town was almost three times larger than Unhidden Mist. August stepped off the cart and stretched, feeling the stiffness in his muscles from the long journey. It was still insane that the game considered this aspect as well. Things were as realistic as they could ever be. August thanked the driver and took a moment to take in his surroundings. The river flowed through the center of the town with clear waters, teeming with fish. Bridges arched gracefully over the river, connecting different parts of the town. His first stop was the local inn, where he rented a room and dropped off his belongings. The innkeeper, a cheerful woman with the head of a fish, welcomed him warmly and provided him with a map of the town. "Welcome to Swerling Town," she said with a smile. "If you need anything, just let me know." August thanked her and took a seat in the inn''s common room, where he reviewed the details of his quest. He needed to retrieve the purification stone from the river, but with the number of magical aqua beasts within, he knew it was going to be tough. After being fully prepared, August stood up and made his way to one of the riverbanks. --- August stood at the edge of a riverbank, taking in the sight of the shimmering waters. The purification stone was somewhere beneath the surface. Originally, he would have a very long range to cover but the chief had handed him something that made it easier to locate the stone. So long as he was close, he would be able to tell where its exact position was. The river was clear, allowing him to see the creatures swimming below. He could make out various forms moving gracefully through the water. Some were small and agile, while others were large and imposing. Taking a deep breath, August dove into the water causing the coolness of the river to send a shiver up his spine. As he moved deeper, he kept his eyes peeled for any signs of the stone. Despite being able to tell that he was drawing close he knew it wouldn''t be easy to find, especially with the creatures patrolling their territory. The first creature he encountered was a Serpentine Eel. Its long, sinuous body was covered in colorful scales, and it moved with extra fluidity. The eel''s eyes glowed with an eerie light, and it hissed as it approached, its sharp teeth bared. << Level 6 Serpentine Eel Approaching >> August drew his dagger and prepared to defend himself. The eel lunged at him, immediately coiling around his leg. He slashed at it with his dagger, cutting through its scales. The eel screeched in pain and released him, but not before biting his leg. [ - 10 HP ] [Serpentine Eel: A fast and agile predator, known for its ability to constrict and bite its prey with venomous fangs.] << Venomous Effect Initiated >> <[ Player Resistance Is Too High ]> << Venomous Effect Cancelled >> Despite not leaving Unhidden Mist town for months, August was still way higher than the level of this aqua creature so it was no surprise that the effect was canceled. < Player Has Activated Slash > August slashed repeatedly at the eel, leaving deep gashes across its body and cleaving down its HP. - 200 HP - 170 HP - 210 HP The eel tried to retreat after its HP was reduced to around ten percent of its original state. However, August wasn''t going to let it. He lunged forward with speed and grabbed the creature before stabbing his dagger into both its eyes. - 250 HP - 250 HP [ Level 6 Serpentine Eel Defeated ] [ +400 EXP ] August sighed in relief. For the first time in a long time, he finally got an amount of EXP higher than twenty. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He swam up to catch his breath since he was incapable of breathing underwater. After a few seconds, he dove back in and pressed on. August''s eyes scanned the riverbed for any signs of the stone. Suddenly, a second creature appeared¡ªa Luminescent Piranha. Its body was small but packed with muscle, and its scales glowed with a bright, bioluminescent light. The piranha darted towards him with incredible speed. Its razor-sharp teeth were ready to tear into his flesh. << Level 7 Luminescent Piranha engaged >> August barely had time to react before the piranha bit into his arm causing pain to sear through him. [ - 40 HP ] He struck back with his dagger, managing to wound the creature enough to drive it away. - 150 HP [Luminescent Piranha: Small but deadly, these fish are known for their rapid attacks and sharp teeth, which can cause severe damage in a matter of seconds.] The creature spun back around and came for August again. He repeatedly swung out his dagger but missed due to the speed of the Luminescent Piranha. [ - 45 HP ] [ - 50 HP ] [ - 40 HP ] Each bite from the fish would take around forty to fifty HP from August, causing him to seethe in frustration. < Player Has Activated Shadow Dance > ''I hope this still works underwater,'' August prayed internally as he moved towards the side. Almost immediately, lots of shadows that looked like afterimages appeared beside him. This caused a disorientation in the fish, causing it to miss August after another lunge. August rejoiced internally as he began to swim from side to side and in circles around the Luminescent Piranha. The shadow dance amplified his speed and also made it seem as though August was an illusion of shadows. Every movement left after images of shadows dancing around and this really helped with confusing the creature. The piranha was still faster than August but since it couldn''t tell which one was him exactly, it continuously missed. Every missed lunge gave August the opportunity to land a strike on it. - 200 HP - 170 HP August constantly landed hits, leaving injuries on the creature until he completely depleted its HP. [ Level 7 Luminescent Piranha Defeated ] [ + 600 EXP ] August surfaced for air once more, not waiting to go for the little loot the creature dropped. After gathering his breath, he dove back into the water, determined to find the stone. Chapter 10 - 10: Purification Complete August activated his Shadow Cloak ability, creating a double of himself that materialized in the water. The double began to thrash about, drawing the attention of the creatures. The water grew turbulent as the creatures focused on the shadow, giving August the opportunity to dive forward from a different position. As the shadow double continued to trouble the waters, August swam quietly and quickly towards the area where he had seen the glow earlier. He moved with caution, knowing that the distraction wouldn''t last forever. After several dives, Aleman finally spotted the stone. It was nestled beneath a rock formation. The purification stone was about the size of a fist, with a translucent, crystal-like appearance. Its glow was soft and radiant, casting an otherworldly light around it. August reached out carefully and grabbed the stone, feeling its cool surface in his hand. Just as he secured it, the creatures began to realize the deception. The shadow double dissipated, and the creatures turned their attention back to a particular direction in the water... August''s location. With the stone in hand, August swam upwards, using all his strength to evade the creatures. The turtle lunged at him again, but he managed to dodge it, barely escaping its powerful jaws. Breaching the water, August gasped for air with the purification stone clutched tightly in his hand. He scrambled to the riverbank, pulling himself onto dry land. The creatures did not follow. They retreated into the depths of the river. Panting heavily, August looked at the stone in his hand. It was beautiful and its surface glowed with a soft, radiant light. He had succeeded in retrieving it, but the battle had left him exhausted with half of his HP gone. ¡ú¡ú¡ú¡ú¡ú¡ú HP: 840/1600 ¡ú¡ú¡ú¡ú¡ú¡ú [Quest Update: Retrieve the Purification Stone] Objective Complete: Return to the village and use the stone to purify the ancient altar.* August knew the next step was to return to Unhidden Mist and complete the purification ritual. He grabbed a healing potion and immediately consumed it just in case. < Player Has Consumed Healing Potion > [ +200 HP ] [ +200 HP ] [ +100 HP ] He immediately gained 500 HP back. He consumed another bottle and his HP rose back to its peak state. - With the purification stone safely in his possession, August set off back towards the Village of Unhidden Mist. The journey back felt quicker as he boarded another cart His mind was filled with thoughts of the next steps the moment he arrived at the outskirts of the village. As he entered the village, he headed straight for the chief''s house. The villagers greeted him warmly as usual as he made his way through. The village chief, with his regal stag-like appearance, was waiting for him at the entrance. "Aleman, you have returned. Did you find the purification stone?" August nodded and held up the glowing stone. "Yes, Chief. I have it here." The chief''s eyes widened with relief and excitement. "You have done well, Aleman. Now, we must hurry to the ancient altar. It is in a hidden location undiscoverable to all. Follow me." The chief led August through the village, taking a path that wound through the densest part of the forest. They moved quickly but carefully, avoiding areas that were overgrown and difficult to navigate. After a few minutes, they reached a secluded clearing. The chief held up a ring and the surroundings immediately transformed. It was like a veil suddenly fell off, revealing a large stone structure in the center, partially covered by vines and moss. "This is the ancient altar," the chief explained. "It has been hidden for centuries, protected by the magic of the forest. But now, it has become corrupted, and if we do not purify it, the corruption will spread throughout the village." August could indeed see the signs of corruption on the altar. Dark, twisted roots had begun to encircle it, and the air around it felt heavy and oppressive. He could feel the dark magic emanating from it. This was similar to the corrupted stem and it made his skin crawl. "How do we purify it?" August asked while gripping the purification stone tightly. The chief pointed to a small indentation in the center of the altar. "Place the stone there. It will activate the purification process. But be careful¡ªthe corruption will resist, and you may have to fend off its influence." August nodded while stepping forward. If it was anything like what happened with the corrupted stem then he knew what to expect. Surprisingly, the oppressiveness and corrosive atmosphere seemed to part as he drew closer to the altar. He stared at the purification stone and immediately understood why. August proceeded to place the purification stone into the indentation, and immediately, the stone began to glow brighter. The air around the altar shimmered with energy as the purification process started. [Quest Update: Purifying Ancient Altar] As the purification stone activated, the dark roots around the altar began to writhe and lash out, as if trying to protect their territory. August drew his dagger, ready to defend himself against whatever came next. The ground shook as the corruption fought back. Dark tendrils reached out to strike at August but he slashed at them with his dagger, cutting through the twisted roots. Each strike seemed to weaken the corruption, but it was a relentless foe. - 5 HP - 7 HP S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. His dagger was barely causing damage but fortunately, the purification stone was working. The purification stone continued to glow with its light growing stronger with each passing moment. The dark magic around the altar began to wane, but the fight was not over. More tendrils appeared, thicker and more aggressive. August continued to attack them and stopped the roots from swiping the stone off the altar. The purification stone''s light grew blindingly bright, and the air was filled with the sound of cracking and snapping roots. Finally, with one last surge of energy, the purification stone emitted a powerful burst of light. The dark roots around the altar recoiled and then disintegrated into dust. The oppressive atmosphere instantly lifted, and the air became clear and fresh. [ Quest Complete: Purify the Ancient Altar ] August stepped back with a look of relief. Now that the altar was free of corruption, its surface began glowing with a serene light. The chief approached him, a look of profound gratitude on his face. "You have done it, Aleman. The altar is purified, and the village is safe from the spread of corruption." A system notification appeared before Aleman: [Congratulations! Hidden Quest Complete: The Purification Ritual (Rank D)] Rewards: Fruit of Corruption, 5000 EXP, Unique Weapon. August felt a surge of joy as he received the rewards. The chief smiled warmly. "You have proven yourself to be a true hero, Aleman. The village is in your debt. May your future adventures be filled with success and honor." "Thank you chief," August said with a hearty smile. The chief patted his back twice before walking away. August looked at the rewards he had received. << Player Has Received Unique Runic Sword >> The beautifully crafted sword with runes etched into the blade was a unique weapon, but as an assassin, he couldn''t equip it. Just staring at it, August already had plans to sell it for a good profit. His attention then turned to the Fruit of Corruption. The legendary item was priced at tens of millions of dollars. It was quite rounded at the bottom but flat at the top and it emitted a translucent glow that almost seemed evil. At first glance, one would think it was glass due to its crystal-like surface. The temptation to sell it for a substantial amount of cash was strong, but he also knew the potential it held if consumed¡ªgranting a random ability in the real world. The question was, what decision would August take? As he contemplated his next move, a system notification appeared before him: <[ Do you wish to retrieve the Fruit Of Corruption to reality? ]> Aleman hesitated for a moment. The fruit could change everything, either by providing the financial stability he desperately needed or by giving him a powerful ability. However, he couldn''t decide right now. He would make his decision after retrieving it. "Yes," he said firmly. The fruit began to glow, and a soft vibration filled the air as it started to vanish. The process took only a few moments, and then the fruit was gone. <[ The Fruit Of Corruption Has Been Retrieved To Reality ]> August decided to log out of the game to confirm this. As he removed the VR helmet and climbed out of the pod, he looked around the room. There it was... Sitting on the edge of the game pod, was the Fruit of Corruption. It looked exactly as it had in the game¡ªtranslucent, crystal-like, and glowing with a soft, radiant light. August stared at the fruit as his mind raced with possibilities. The excitement of having such a valuable and powerful item in reality was overwhelming. He picked it up, feeling its cool surface in his hand. The potential it held was immense, and he couldn''t help but feel a surge of adrenaline. But now came the hard part. What should he do next? The fruit could be sold for tens of millions of dollars, providing financial security for him and Sophia. It would solve their immediate problems and give them a comfortable future. On the other hand, consuming the fruit would grant him a random ability in the real world, something that could potentially be even more valuable in the long run. He sat down on his bed with the fruit still in his hand and weighed his options. Selling it would be a safe and practical choice, but the allure of gaining a supernatural ability was hard to resist. The decision was not just about him; it was about their future and what would be best for both of them. August was a risk taker but right now he had to think because whatever decision he made wouldn''t affect just him... It''d affect Sophia as well. "As a businessman... I need to go with the best decision to maximize profit." Chapter 11 - 11: Robbery In The Neighborhood After retrieving the Fruit of Corruption from the game, August carefully placed it in a small, sturdy box. He slid the box under his bed and locked it securely, making sure it was well hidden. The fruit''s glow faded as it disappeared beneath the bed, but August still hadn''t made his decision yet. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It was nighttime, and August had another shift at the factory. This time, he was on a different schedule from Derrick, which meant he would be working alone. After checking on Sophia, he finally headed out for the night. -- The factory was as loud and bustling as ever, even at night. August focused on his tasks, trying to keep his mind off the fruit hidden back at home. He moved quickly and efficiently, lifting heavy crates and operating machinery. Yet, his thoughts kept drifting back to the Fruit of Corruption and the life-changing decision he needed to make. During a particularly strenuous task, one of his colleagues bumped into him roughly. "Watch it, pretty boy," he sneered with disdain-filled eyes. This colleague was a burly man named Greg with a bald head and visible vein lines on his forehead. August, already on edge, felt his temper flare. "Maybe you should watch where you''re going, Greg," he shot back in a tone dripping with sarcasm. "Or are your muscles too big for your brain to handle?" Greg''s face turned red with anger. "What did you say?" "You heard me," August retorted while meeting Greg''s glare. "Just because you look like a gorilla doesn''t mean you have to act like one." The other workers around them began to murmur, sensing the rising tension. Greg took a step forward, fists clenched, but before he could do anything, several other workers intervened. "Hey, calm down, you two," one of them said, pushing Greg back. "We''re here to work, not fight." "Yeah, save it for after the shift," another chimed in. Greg glared at August one last time before backing off, muttering under his breath. August returned to his work while calming himself. He wasn''t intimidated in the slightest about Greg''s size. He believed strength wasn''t all that mattered in a fight. - As the night wore on, August overheard a conversation among some of his colleagues during a break. They were talking about a former factory worker who had recently gained a supernatural ability in real life from Enders Light and had now moved on to a much better job. "Did you hear about Tom?" one of them said. "He got some kind of power from the game. Now he''s working for that high-tech firm downtown, making serious money." "Yeah, I heard he''s got telekinesis or something," another added. "Can you imagine? From working here to making six figures, just like that." "Apparently, there are a couple of high-paying jobs now that specifically look for people with these abilities," a third worker said. "If only we could all be so lucky." August listened intently as multiple thoughts ran through his mind. The idea of gaining a supernatural ability and using it to secure a high-paying job was incredibly appealing. It could solve all his problems and give him and Sophia the life they deserved. But the risk of consuming the fruit and the uncertainty of the ability he might gain kept him in a state of indecision. By daybreak, the shift finally ended. August was exhausted but his mind was still buzzing with what he''d heard. He clocked out and stepped into the fresh morning air with a fatigued expression. As he walked home, he replayed the night events in his mind again. Selling the fruit would bring immediate financial relief, but gaining a supernatural ability could open doors he never imagined possible. With the morning sun rising behind him, August continued his walk home, his mind set on finding the best course of action for their future. --- As August neared his neighborhood, the sound of sirens pierced the early morning air. Police vehicles were everywhere with their lights flashing ominously. The usual quiet of the street was replaced by the urgent chatter of officers and the murmur of concerned residents. The tension in the air was high, and a knot of dread tightened in his stomach. "What happened?" August asked a nearby neighbor, who was watching the commotion with wide eyes. "A group of players with supernatural abilities robbed a house," the neighbor replied while shaking his head. "They made off with something someone brought into reality from Enders Light." Fear gripped August''s heart. His thoughts immediately flew to Sophia and the Fruit of Corruption hidden under his bed. Without another word, he broke into a run, pushing through the growing crowd of onlookers. The sight of an ambulance speeding past and sirens blaring, only heightened his anxiety. As he ran, he overheard snippets of conversations that fueled his panic. -"Someone got seriously hurt in the robbery..." -"They say it was a high-grade item from the game..." -"Why would anyone announce something like that?" August''s breath came in ragged gasps as he finally reached his street. The knot of dread in his stomach tightened into a fist as he saw the increased police presence near his home. He pushed harder as his legs burnt with effort. He had to get to Sophia. Fumbling with his keys, he burst through the front door. His voice echoed in the small apartment. "Sophia! Sophia, where are you?" The living room was empty, and his heart pounded in his chest as he rushed toward the kitchen. He found her there, standing by the table with a look of confusion and concern on her face. Relief flooded through him, and he pulled her into a tight hug. "Thank God you''re okay," he breathed heavily while holding her close. Sophia hugged him back with her voice muffled against his chest. "August, what''s wrong? What happened?" "There was a robbery nearby," he explained with a shaky voice. "Players with supernatural abilities from the game. They stole something valuable." Sophia pulled back with a look of understanding; "Oh yeah that." "Did they come here?" August inquired. "No," she shook her head. "It was a couple of houses away." August sighed in relief after hearing that. Although it was someone else''s misfortune, he was glad that he wasn''t the victim. "I need to check something." He rushed to his room and pulled out the box from under his bed, unlocking it with trembling hands. Within the box was the Fruit of Corruption, glowing faintly. He let out a sigh of relief as his tension completely eased. He secured the box and returned to the living room. "Good thing it was a different house," he said while trying to calm his racing heart. August proceeded to analyze the situation. "The victim must had a similar experience to mine¡ªbringing something valuable from the game into reality. But instead of keeping it quiet, he told everyone he was going to be a millionaire and ended up getting robbed and seriously hurt." Sophia''s face paled as she realized that August brought something from the game into reality. " I''m so glad you didn''t do the same." "Me too," August admitted, feeling a shiver of fear at how close he had come to a similar fate. "Well, it''s not like there''s really anyone I can tell anyways." August was glad that he happened to be a very cautious person. "Make sure to keep this a secret Sophia," August warned her. Sophia nodded with a serious expression. "I understand. We need to be cautious." August sat down with the box still in his grasp. The sound of police sirens still echoed in the distance and the choice of what to do with the Fruit of Corruption weighed even heavier now. Selling it could bring immediate relief, but it could also make them a target. Who knows if he might get robbed the instant he put the word out there that such an item was for sale? There was no telling what could happen when he currently didn''t have the strength to protect them both. Consuming it could give him the power to protect them and potentially change their lives for the better. But it still bore risks. He needed more information. He stood up and walked over to the window, looking out at the chaotic scene unfolding outside. ''People are gaining abilities and it''s making things dangerous. I can''t afford to compare this world to the one I came from. Whatever action I take, I need to give it at least ten thousand thoughts first.'' Sophia joined him at the window as her small hand slipped into his. August squeezed her hand, feeling a rush of warmth and resolve. "I promise I''ll keep us safe," he said while turning to look at her. Sophia smiled at him with a look of complete trust; "I know." Chapter 12 - 12: Losing Consciousness August had the rare luxury of an entire day off today. The factory wouldn''t need him until the following day, giving him ample time to rest, think, and make plans. The events of this morning still lingered in his mind, and the decision he had been postponing now demanded his full attention. After a quiet breakfast with Sophia, who left for school with a promise to be careful, August found himself alone in the apartment. He had hidden the Fruit of Corruption beneath his bed again. He decided to head out to a nearby cyber cafe to do more research. The cafe, "Digital Haven," was a small but popular spot frequented by gamers and tech enthusiasts in the area. The sound of clicking keyboards and the soft vibrations of computers filled the air as he entered. He could smell the faint aroma of coffee lingering in the background. He approached the counter, where Remi, the cafe''s owner, was busy serving another customer. Remi was a young woman with bright blue hair and an infectious smile. She had always been friendly with August, and he sometimes noticed her lingering looks. "Hey, August! Long time no see," Remi greeted him warmly as she handed the customer their change. "Hey, Remi. Yeah, been a bit busy," August replied with a smile. "I need to use one of the terminals for some research." "Sure thing! Your usual spot is free," she said, pointing to a corner terminal. "Anything special you''re looking into?" "Just trying to figure out some things about a game item I came across," August said, trying to keep it vague. Remi''s eyes sparkled with curiosity. "A game item, huh? Sounds interesting. Let me know if you need any help." August nodded and made his way to the terminal. He logged in and began searching for information on the Fruit of Corruption. Numerous articles and forums discussed its incredible value. According to the most reliable sources, a single fruit cost around twelve million dollars. However, in an auction, the price could skyrocket due to the demand from wealthy individuals eager to gain real-life abilities. August scrolled through testimonials and news articles about people who had sold or consumed the fruit. Those who sold it often became instant millionaires but were also targets for theft and kidnapping. There were countless stories of individuals who had to go into hiding or hire extensive security just to stay safe. The other option, consuming the fruit, was equally transformative but carried different risks. The abilities gained were random, but they often provided significant advantages. One would also gain 25% strength from their in-game avatar. Although there was the possibility of it being lower. Some people gained enhanced strength, others telekinesis, and a few even developed the ability to manipulate elements. These abilities allowed them to secure high-paying jobs or protect themselves from threats. August leaned back in his chair, weighing his options. Selling the fruit would provide immediate financial relief, enough to pay off all his debts and secure a comfortable future for him and Sophia. But the danger of becoming a target was too great. If he put the fruit up for auction, its existence would no longer be a secret, and he wouldn''t be able to hide it effectively. On the other hand, consuming the fruit would grant him a random ability that could significantly increase his options, especially outside the game. He would be able to protect himself and Sophia better, and if he ever acquired another fruit, he would have the strength to guard it should he choose to put it up for sale. The decision became clearer as he thought about the future. As he was engrossed in his research, Remi approached him with a cup of coffee. "Thought you might need a little boost," she said while placing the cup on the table next to him. "Oh I don''t have any money for that," August said with a wry smile. "It''s on the house," Remi replied with a gentle gaze. "Thanks, Remi. This is perfect," August responded while receiving it and taking a sip. The coffee was rich and flavorful, exactly what he needed to stay focused. A customer from the side made a low "Tch!" While internally screaming about how much of a lucky bastard August was since he happened to be so good-looking. Remi pulled up a chair and sat down next to August not paying any heed to the surroundings. "So, what''s this game item you''re looking into?" August hesitated for a moment, then decided to share a bit more. "It''s called the Fruit of Corruption." Remi''s eyes widened. "That game item that grants real-world abilities?" "Yes, that..." August replied. "I have heard it is incredible. Are you thinking about selling it?" Remi stared at the screen that displayed price points. "Oh no no, I heard a person came into possession of it in the game and wanted to see just how much money they could make," August immediately denied. "How lucky. I would immediately buy the spa downtown if I gained such a sum," Remi held her cheeks in delusional delight. August chuckled slightly as they kept discussing until a new customer came in and she had to go attend to them. August later left the cafe to head back home. The instant he returned, he headed to his room and retrieved the box from under his bed. He unlocked it and took out the Fruit of Corruption. The fruit glow seemed to pulse in response to his touch. He sat on the edge of his bed with the fruit cradled in his hands. This small object held the potential to change everything. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for what he was about to do. "I hope this is the right choice," he murmured to himself. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With a decisive motion, August bit into the fruit. The taste was unlike anything he had ever experienced¡ªsweet and tangy, with a burst of energy that spread through his entire body. He continued to eat, finishing the fruit in a matter of moments. As he swallowed the last bite, a warm sensation filled him, followed by a rush of sharpness. Almost immediately, a wave of dizziness overwhelmed him. The room began to spin, and he struggled to keep his balance. The sensation grew stronger, and he felt his consciousness slipping away. He managed to stumble to his bed before everything went black. --- August awoke hours later, feeling groggy and disoriented. He sat up slowly with his mind still foggy from the intense experience. He looked around the room, trying to piece together what had happened. The memory of consuming the Fruit of Corruption came rushing back, and he felt a thrill of anticipation. "I ate it... What ability did I gain?" August wondered out loud while the image of a man in a red cape and blue tights appeared in his mind. "I guess that would be too much?" He jumped out of bed and began to test himself, hoping to discover his new ability. He tried lifting objects with his mind, focusing on manipulating elements and even attempted to move at superhuman speed. But no matter what he tried, nothing happened. He felt normal, just as he always had. "What is going on?" Frustration began to set in. Had the fruit not worked? Was there something he had done wrong? He paced around the room, growing more agitated with each failed attempt. The anticipation he had felt earlier was quickly turning into disappointment. He stared at the clock and noticed it was already morning. He really slept for a long time and missed logging into Enders Light. He had work this morning so he wouldn''t be able to play till he got back from work later in the evening. August sighed and headed to the kitchen to fix himself breakfast. He took a few items out of the refrigerator and In a moment of anger closed the door hard. "Why didn''t it work?" he shouted as his voice echoed in the small apartment. He stormed out of the kitchen afterward not noticing the faint purple glow that began to envelop the fridge. Moments later, a loud crash echoed through the apartment. August turned back to see the refrigerator in pieces, its parts scattered across the floor as if it had been taken apart by an invisible force. His heart raced as he took in the scene. "What... what just happened?" he muttered to himself while walking back into the kitchen. Chapter 13 - 13: Would You Like To Extract Item? The sight of the disassembled fridge left August stunned. Despite his initial frustration, a slow realization began to dawn on him. Did his new ability have something to do with the fridge coming apart? As much as he wanted to think so, he didn''t have the time to figure it out. Work awaited... August went on to prepare to head to the factory for his morning shift. -- As August arrived at the factory, he noticed Derrick waiting for him near the entrance with a familiar grin on his face. "Morning, August. Ready for another day of fun?" August chuckled, feeling a sense of normalcy. "Always, Derrick. Always." They made their way inside, clocked in, and began their shift. The usual vibrations of machinery and the clang of metal filled the air. August couldn''t help but notice the way one particular colleague, Greg, seemed to be avoiding him. Sure they had a scuffle days earlier but hadn''t he told August he''d deal with him? August leaned over to Derrick with a tone of curiosity; "What''s up with Greg? He looks like he''s seen a ghost." Derrick''s grin widened. "Oh, that. I had a little chat with him. Told him to stay away from you after what happened last time." August raised an eyebrow. "You know about that? That wasn''t necessary, Derrick." Derrick shrugged. "Maybe not, but I wasn''t about to let him mess with my buddy. Besides, he needed to learn a lesson about being nice and polite." August felt a warm sense of gratitude. "Thanks, Derrick. I appreciate it." The morning passed in a blur of activity. August found himself filled with an unusual amount of energy. Tasks that normally left him exhausted seemed effortless. He lifted heavy crates, operated machinery, and completed his duties without breaking a sweat. His movements were precise and efficient, and he didn''t need any help from Derrick with a single task. Whispers and murmurs followed him as he moved through the factory. "What''s with pretty boy today?" one worker muttered. "He hasn''t even taken a break," another pointed out. Even Derrick seemed amazed. "Man, you''re on fire today," he said during lunch. They sat together in the break room, surrounded by the noise of other workers chatting and eating. "What''s your secret? New workout routine?" August laughed, shrugging it off. "Just feeling good, I guess. Maybe I finally got a good night''s sleep." But deep down, August knew it had to be something more. The Fruit of Corruption had to be responsible for this newfound energy, even if he hadn''t discovered the exact nature of his ability yet. As the afternoon wore on, the hours flew by. August moved from one task to the next with ease. He hefted heavy barrels onto shelves, maneuvered machinery with precision, and tackled assignments that usually required teamwork all by himself. Sweat glistened on the brows of his coworkers, but August remained remarkably composed. At one point, Derrick watched in amazement as August single-handedly lifted a massive crate that usually required two people. "You''re a beast today," Derrick said, shaking his head in disbelief. "I don''t know what you''re doing, but keep it up." Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. August smiled, feeling a swell of pride. "Thanks, Derrick. I''ll do my best." -- After the shift ended, August and the other workers, including Derrick, headed to the factory bathrooms to take their baths. The small, utilitarian bathroom cubicles were a familiar part of their routine, providing a brief respite after a long day of hard labor. As August stepped into one of the cubicles, his mind was still racing with thoughts of the recent ordeals. The Fruit of Corruption, his strange energy levels at work, and the mysterious ability he seemed to possess all swirled in his head. Lost in thought, he turned on the shower and absentmindedly reached out to touch the faucet. His fingers emitted a purplish glow as they made contact with the metal. The glow spread rapidly across the faucet and then to the entire shower system. It wasn''t until the shower began to come apart, piece by piece, that August realized something was happening. The tiles on the wall cracked open, the showerhead detached, and the pipes disassembled themselves in a seemingly orchestrated manner. August stared in disbelief as the shower dislodged before his eyes. His heart pounded in his chest, and he took a step back, trying to process what he was seeing. The tiles fell to the floor, the showerhead and faucet components clattered down, and water spurted from the exposed pipes before stopping altogether. The small cubicle was now a chaotic mess of parts and debris. "What''s happening?" August muttered with a voice barely above a whisper. He reached out to touch the disassembled parts, hoping to reverse the process, but nothing happened. The pieces remained scattered, defying any attempt to reassemble them with his hands. Then, something even more shocking happened. A game-like system interface appeared before him, hovering in mid-air just like it did in Enders Light. ¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û Name: Aleman Level: 13 Title(s): Nil Class: Assassin EXP: 11,000/30,000 HP: 2000/2000 Gold: 200 Skills: Shadow Dance, Hidden Strike, Slash, Dash, Dual Wielding Inventory: Basic Dagger, Leather Armor, Healing Potion x4, Uncommon Toxic Dagger, Danting Pendant, Runic Sword ¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û The familiar sight of his game stats was now present in reality. The panel displayed various sections, but most of them were greyed out, including his EXP and other attributes. However, his inventory was fully visible, showcasing an array of weapons and potions. August''s eyes widened in astonishment. "How is this possible?" he thought. He reached out to touch the panel, and his fingers passed through it as if it were made of light. He could see detailed descriptions of the items in his inventory, including their stats and uses. This was exactly like the interface in the game, but how was it possible here, in the real world? The noise from the disassembling shower had caught Derrick''s attention. "Hey, August! You okay in there?" he called from outside the cubicle. August quickly tried to compose himself, but his heart was still racing. "Uh, yeah! Just a little... plumbing issue," he replied, his voice shaky. He glanced around the cubicle. The disassembled parts of the shower were still scattered around him. Panic set in as he realized he couldn''t reverse what he had done. The parts remained stubbornly disassembled, and the mess was unmistakable. "I need to get out of here," he thought. "I can''t explain this." With his mind racing, August stepped out of the cubicle, careful to avoid the scattered debris. He quickly dressed and made his way out of the bathroom, avoiding eye contact with Derrick and the other workers. He felt their curious glances but kept his head down, determined to leave without raising any more suspicion. Derrick called out again with concern evident in his voice. "August, what''s going on? You look pale." August forced a weak smile, trying to mask his anxiety. "I''m fine, Derrick. Just feeling a bit off. I''ll catch up with you later." Without waiting for a response, August hurried out of the factory. The cool evening air hit him as he stepped outside. He walked quickly, almost jogging, desperate to get home and away from the prying eyes and questions. As he made his way through the familiar streets, the events replayed in his mind. The purple glow, the disassembly, the game interface¡ªnone of it made sense. What exactly was his new ability? When he finally reached his apartment, he let out a sigh of relief. He unlocked the door and stepped inside, feeling the relative safety of his home. Sophia was already back from school, sitting at the kitchen table with her homework spread out before her. She looked up and smiled as he entered. "Hey, August. How was work?" she asked, her voice filled with genuine curiosity. "It was... interesting," August replied, trying to keep his tone light. He ruffled her hair as he walked by, but his mind was still preoccupied with the day''s events. Her eyes blinked with even more curiosity upon taking note of August''s expression but before she could ask, he headed to his room. August needed some time alone to process everything. As he sat on the edge of his bed, the weight of his new reality began to settle in. He had gained a supernatural ability, but it seemed complicated. August closed his eyes while taking a deep breath. "I need to figure this out," he thought out loud. Taking a deep breath, he focused on thinking about the interface that had appeared earlier. To his astonishment, it materialized once more before his eyes, exactly as it had in the bathroom. ¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û Name: Aleman Level: 13 Title(s): Nil Class: Assassin EXP: 11,000/30,000 HP: 2000/2000 Gold: 200 Skills: Shadow Dance, Hidden Strike, Slash, Dash, Dual Wielding Inventory:Basic Dagger, Leather Armor, Healing Potion x4, Uncommon Toxic Dagger, Danting Pendant, Runic Sword ¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û August stared at the interface as his heart pounded in thrill. Everything except the inventory was greyed out, rendering his stats and skills inaccessible. The only interactive part was his inventory. He hesitantly reached out and touched a particular item in his inventory¡ªhis Basic Dagger. As his finger made contact, a system notification appeared before him: <[Would You Like To Extract Item: Basic Dagger ]> <[ YES ]> <[ NO ]> Chapter 14 - 14: Dual Class Unlocked August pulled back as his eyes widened in disbelief. The notification was vibrantly stationed before him waiting for him to make a decision. His heart couldn''t help but race in excitement. The ability to bring items from the game into the real world was unprecedented. It opened up possibilities he hadn''t even considered. He sat on his bed, contemplating the choice before him. With a mix of excitement and trepidation, he finally made up his mind. "Yes," he whispered, his voice barely audible. The system displayed a progress bar labeled... <[ Extraction Process ]> <[ ====== ]> August watched in fascination as the bar slowly filled. After about a minute, the process was completed, and to his astonishment, the Basic Dagger materialized before him, solid and real. The dagger was a simple but elegant weapon. The blade was about eight inches long, made of polished steel, with a sharp, tapered edge that gleamed in the light. The hilt was wrapped in black leather, providing a firm and comfortable grip. Despite its simplicity, the dagger exuded a sense of lethal efficiency. He picked up the dagger, feeling its weight in his hand. It was exactly as it appeared in the game, from the design to the texture of the handle. To test its sharpness, he reached for a piece of paper on his desk. With a swift motion, he sliced through the paper. The blade had cut through cleanly and effortlessly. August''s eyes widened in amazement. He moved to the yard and picked up a small twig from a houseplant to try again. The dagger sliced through it as if it were nothing. Even a thick piece of cardboard posed no resistance; the blade cut through with a smooth, precise motion. Thoughts raced through August''s mind as he realized the full extent of his new ability. He could extract game items into reality without the necessary specifications and requirements typically needed in the game. August''s mind buzzed with possibilities. He could extract powerful weapons, healing potions, and various items that could give him an edge both in and out of the game. The potential applications were endless, but so were the risks. He needed to be cautious and deliberate about how he used this newfound power. As he placed the dagger on his bed, he couldn''t help but think about the future. This ability could change everything for him and Sophia. It could provide the means to protect themselves and improve their lives. However, it also meant that he needed to be more vigilant than ever. The world was becoming increasingly dangerous, and there were others who would go to great lengths to obtain such power. For now, he decided to keep this discovery to himself. He needed time to explore the limits of his ability and understand how to control it effectively. As the sun set outside, casting a warm glow through the window, August sat on his bed, deep in thought. The Basic Dagger lay beside him, a tangible proof of his newfound ability to extract items from the game into reality. He began to make plans, considering the possibilities. The potential business opportunities were endless. He could sell rare items, provide services based on game mechanics, or even start a new venture entirely based on the extraction ability. However, he knew that he still didn''t understand the limitations and properties of this power well enough. He needed to perform experiments to properly grasp its full potential. Determined to uncover more, he decided that the first step was to log back into the game. He needed to understand this ability better, and the best way to do that was to continue his journey in Enders Light. It was time to finally move beyond the Village of Unhidden Mist. He walked over to the VR pod and climbed inside. Placing the helmet on his head, he took a deep breath and initiated the login sequence. << "Welcome back, August Clementine. Initializing system..." >> The soft, mechanical voice greeted him as the pod powered up. Lights flickered, and the space around him began to fade. A swirling vortex of colors enveloped him, pulling him into the immersive world of Enders Light. << "Neural synchronization complete. Preparing to transport to Enders Light. Please remain calm and enjoy your journey." >> The sensation of weightlessness washed over him, followed by a sudden jolt. However, Instead of finding himself back in the Village of Unhidden Mist, he found himself floating in an all-white space with his game character completely unclad. A sense of disorientation gripped him as he looked around, trying to understand what was happening. <[New Player Characterization Required]> <[Dual Class Unlocked]> A notification appeared before him, adding to his confusion. Before he could fully comprehend it, a voice emanated from a glowing orb that materialized in front of him. < "Welcome, Player Aleman," > the voice said, calm and authoritative. < "You have achieved a heightened level of synchronization with Enders Light. As a result, you have unlocked the Dual Class system, a rare feature available only to certain players." > "This is..." August couldn''t believe his ears. ''Could this be due to my newly attained extraction ability?'' The orb''s light pulsed gently as it continued, < "Dual Classes allow players to combine the strengths of two different classes, enhancing their abilities and providing new strategic options. You are now required to choose an additional class to complement your existing Assassin class. This choice will influence the modification of your stats and skills." > As the voice finished speaking, a series of options appeared before August in the familiar system notification style, each accompanied by a brief explanation: <[Choose Your Additional Class]> 1. Mage: Enhance your combat abilities with powerful spells and elemental magic. Gain access to a wide range of offensive and defensive spells. 2. Cleric: Support your allies with healing and protective spells. Gain abilities to purify and bolster your own defenses. 3. Berserker: Unleash raw physical power and combat prowess. Gain enhanced strength and resilience in battle. 4. Summoner: Call forth creatures and spirits to aid you in combat. Gain the ability to summon and control powerful allies. 5. Hunter: Utilize advanced ranged weaponry and traps. Gain abilities to track, ambush, and deal critical damage from a distance. August studied the options carefully, considering how each would complement his Assassin skills. The potential combinations were intriguing, and he knew this choice would significantly impact his journey in Enders Light. As he pondered the decision, the orb spoke again, < "Take your time to consider each option. Your choice will shape your path forward and unlock new potentials within you." > August took a deep breath as he pondered. Each class offered unique advantages, and he needed to choose the one that would best enhance his abilities and strategy. Finally, he made his decision. "I choose..." Finally, he made his decision. "I choose Mage." The orb glowed brighter for a moment, then dimmed as the system acknowledged his choice. <[Mage Class Selected]> <[Dual Class Unlocked: Assassin/Mage]> The orb spoke again, < "Your choice has been registered. You now possess the combined strengths of the Assassin and Mage classes. Your stats and skills have been updated accordingly. Prepare to re-enter the game world." > The all-white space began to dissolve, and August felt a familiar sensation as he was transported back to the world of Enders Light. Moments later, he found himself standing in the Village of Unhidden Mist once more. The bustling activity of the villagers continued around him as if nothing had changed. Eager to see the results of his decision, August opened his player database to review his updated stats. ¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û Name: Aleman Level: 13 Title(s): Nil S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Class: Assassin/Mage EXP: 11,000/30,000 HP: 2000/2000 MP: 1500/1500 Gold: 200 Skills: Shadow Dance, Hidden Strike, Slash, Dash, Dual Wielding, Fireball, Arcane Shield Inventory: Leather Armor, Healing Potion x4, Uncommon Toxic Dagger, Danting Pendant, Runic Sword ¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û He noticed several new additions. His HP remained the same, but a new stat, MP (Mana Points), had been added, indicating his ability to cast spells. Additionally, two new magic skills, Fireball and Arcane Shield, appeared alongside his existing Assassin skills. Excitement bubbled within him as he read the descriptions of his new skills: Fireball: Cast a ball of fire at your enemies, dealing significant damage. Arcane Shield: Create a magical barrier that absorbs incoming damage for a short period. August couldn''t wait to test his new abilities. The combination of his stealth and combat skills with powerful magic made him feel more formidable than ever. As he closed his player database, he felt a rush of energy. The dual class of Assassin and Mage opened up new strategies and possibilities for him. Deciding that the village forest would be the perfect place for some experimentation, he set off toward the dense woods on the outskirts of Unhidden Mist. The path to the forest was familiar, but it felt different this time. He was no longer just an Assassin; he was also a Mage. The combination of stealth and magic filled him with a sense of untapped potential. Chapter 15 - 15: Arriving At Tagharuim Kingdom As August entered the forest, the canopy of trees overhead filtered the sunlight, casting dappled shadows on the ground. The air was fresh, filled with the scent of pine and earth. Birds chirped in the distance, and the rustling of leaves added a sense of tranquility to the surroundings. August found a secluded clearing and decided it was a good spot to start his tests. He took a deep breath and opened his player database once more to review his new skills. Fireball: Cast a ball of fire at your enemies, dealing significant damage. Arcane Shield: Create a magical barrier that absorbs incoming damage for a short period. Eager to see the Fireball spell in action, August focused on a nearby tree. He raised his hand, channeling his Mana into the spell. <[ Player Has Activated Fireball ]> [ - 50MP ] A ball of fire formed in his palm, growing brighter and hotter with each passing second. With a flick of his wrist, he hurled the Fireball at the tree. The spell shot forward, leaving a trail of heat in its wake. It collided with the tree trunk, exploding on impact and sending shards of bark flying. Flames licked at the wood, charring it and leaving a blackened scorch mark. August couldn''t help but smile in satisfaction. The Fireball was powerful and precise, just as he had hoped. Next, he decided to test the Arcane Shield. He imagined the magical barrier forming around him, visualizing its protective energy. <[ Player Has Activated Arcane Shield ]> [ -70 MP ] Countdown > 00:30:00 As he focused, a shimmering, translucent shield materialized, standing in a curve format before him. He felt a sense of security as the shield absorbed the ambient energy around him, reinforcing its strength. He couldn''t properly test its durability without being in a battle but he decided to unsheath his dagger and struck the shield. The impact was absorbed effortlessly as the barrier held firm. August nodded, pleased with the results. The Arcane Shield would provide excellent defense in battle, allowing him to withstand attacks while he planned his next move. With both spells successfully tested, August turned his attention to combining his magical abilities with his Assassin skills. He moved stealthily through the forest, practicing his Shadow Dance to blend into the surroundings while preparing Fireball spells. The combination of stealth and surprise attacks made him feel incredibly powerful. He imagined scenarios where he could use his dual class to outmaneuver and overpower his enemies. The possibilities were endless, and each new strategy filled him with excitement. After an hour of rigorous testing, August felt confident in his new abilities. The forest had proven to be the perfect training ground, allowing him to explore the limits of his power without interruption. He took a moment to sit on a fallen log so as to reflect on the journey ahead. With his new dual-class abilities fresh in his mind, August decided to further explore his player database. He wanted to ensure he was fully prepared for the challenges ahead. Opening the player interface, he navigated to the sub-stats section, which displayed detailed information about his various attributes and skills. A familiar system panel appeared before him: ¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û Sub Stats: Strength: 50 Speed: 45 Agility: 48 Endurance: 40 Intelligence: 60 Mana Regeneration: 30 Skill Levels: - Shadow Dance: Level 3 - Hidden Strike: Level 2 - Slash: Level 4 - Dash: Level 3 - Dual Wielding: Level 2 - Fireball: Level 1 - Arcane Shield: Level 1 Weapon Proficiency: - Basic Dagger: Level 5 - Uncommon Toxic Dagger: Level 3 Accumulated Points Available: 150 ¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û August reviewed his current sub-stats and skill levels, noting areas that could use improvement. He had accumulated 150 points, which he could allocate to enhance his attributes. Given his recent experiences and the need for a balanced approach, he decided to focus on increasing his speed, agility, and strength. [Would you like to allocate points?] <[YES]> <[NO]> August selected yes and a new panel appeared, allowing him to distribute the points. [Allocate Points: Strength] Current Value: 50 Points to Add: 30 New Value: 80 [Allocate Points: Speed] Current Value: 45 Points to Add: 40 New Value: 85 [Allocate Points: Agility] Current Value: 48 Points to Add: 40 New Value: 88 [Remaining Points: 40] Usually players wouldn''t have so much points but August has accumulated plenty from numerous repeated missions and grindings where he remained at the same level. Not to mention his recent successful quests. Satisfied with his choices, August confirmed the allocation: [Confirm Point Allocation?] S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. <[YES]> <[NO]> After selecting yes, he watched as his sub-stats updated in real-time: ¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û Updated Sub Stats: Strength: 80 Speed: 85 Agility: 88 Endurance: 40 Intelligence: 60 Mana Regeneration: 30 Skill Levels: - Shadow Dance: Level 3 - Hidden Strike: Level 2 - Slash: Level 4 - Dash: Level 3 - Dual Wielding: Level 2 - Fireball: Level 1 - Arcane Shield: Level 1 Weapon Proficiency: - Basic Dagger: Level 5 - Uncommon Toxic Dagger: Level 3 Accumulated Points Available: 40 ¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û August felt a surge of energy as the points took effect, enhancing his physical attributes significantly. He flexed his muscles, feeling the newfound strength coursing through him. His movements felt lighter and more precise. "Time to put these upgrades to the test," he thought while his excitement built up. With his new dual-class abilities fresh in his mind and his sub-stats enhanced, August felt more prepared than ever for the challenges ahead. It was finally time to leave the Village of Unhidden Mist and join other players in more populated areas where he could grind and progress better. He made his way to the teleportation hub just outside the village. The teleportation hub was a quiet, almost serene area. The circular platform was adorned with glowing runes and arcane symbols, pulsing with magical energy. In the center stood a tall obelisk, covered in intricate carvings and radiating a soft, blue light. Only a few players were present, each standing silently as they prepared for their own journeys. August approached the obelisk in anticipation. This was his gateway to the broader world of Enders Light. He examined the list of available coordinates displayed on a floating screen next to the obelisk, searching for his destination. After a moment of consideration, he selected one of the most popular places frequented by players: Tagharuim Kingdom. Known for its vast resources, challenging quests, and vibrant player community, Tagharuim was the perfect place for August to continue his journey and further hone his skills. He reached out and touched the coordinate on the screen, and a system notification appeared before him: [Confirm Teleportation to Tagharuim Kingdom?] <[YES]> <[NO]> August selected [YES], and the obelisk began to chime with energy. The runes and symbols on the platform glowed brighter, and a swirling vortex of light enveloped him. The sensation of weightlessness washed over him as the teleportation process began. The world around him blurred and twisted, the familiar surroundings of the Village of Unhidden Mist fading away. Moments later, the light dimmed, and he found himself standing in a bustling plaza at the heart of Tagharuim Kingdom. Tagharuim Kingdom was a sight to behold. The city was a sprawling metropolis, filled with towering buildings, majestic castles, and bustling marketplaces. The streets were alive with activity, players and NPCs moving about with purpose. The air was filled with the sounds of merchants hawking their wares, blacksmiths hammering at their forges, and adventurers discussing their latest quests. As soon as August materialized in the plaza, a system notification appeared before him: [Congratulations! You have entered Tagharuim Kingdom for the first time.] [Rewards: 1000 EXP +50 Gold +Map of Tagharuim Kingdom] He felt the weight in his coin pouch increase, and a detailed map of the kingdom appeared in his inventory. With a look of satisfaction, he began to walk around the kingdom, eager to take in the sights he had only read about in articles online. The plaza was surrounded by grandiose architecture, with intricate details and vibrant colors. Banners fluttered in the breeze, bearing the emblem of Tagharuim¡ªan elegant dragon intertwined with a crescent moon. Cobblestone streets wound their way through the city, leading to various districts and landmarks. As August wandered through the streets, he observed his surroundings. Players loitered about, their levels displayed above their heads, ranging from 20 to 32. Some players had hidden their levels, adding an air of mystery. He couldn''t help but notice a few players snickering and pointing in his direction. "Look at that noob, only level 13," one player said with a tone of mockery. "How did he even make it here?" another added, laughing. August ignored their comments and focused on exploring the city. He walked past the grand marketplace, where vendors sold a variety of goods, from exotic weapons and enchanted armor to rare potions and magical trinkets. The air was filled with the scent of spices and the sound of lively haggling. He continued on to the Questing District, where adventurers gathered to take on missions and challenges. Bulletin boards were plastered with quest notices, each promising rewards for various tasks. The Combat Arena loomed in the distance, a place where players tested their skills against one another in friendly duels or organized tournaments which brought about mouth watering rewards. The city was wonderful and filled with so many options. He knew that grinding monsters in this region would provide much better EXP than the low-level creatures near Unhidden Mist. His next goal was clear: to increase his levels and become stronger. Chapter 16 - 16: The Western Woods With his plan in mind, August opened his map and located a nearby information hub. He knew that a careful and strategic approach was necessary to maximize his progress without risking unnecessary deaths, which would cost him valuable experience points and potentially a level. August headed towards the Adventurer''s Guild, a large building near the Questing District that served as a hub for players seeking information, quests, and companionship. The guild hall was a lively place, filled with adventurers of all levels discussing their latest exploits, forming parties, and exchanging tips. He approached the information desk, where a helpful NPC named Clara greeted him with a warm smile. "Welcome to the TG Adventurer''s Guild. How can I assist you today?" "I''m looking for information on grinding areas suitable for my level," August replied, trying to keep his voice steady amidst the excited chatter around him. "For non-members of the Guild, a payment of five silver coins is required," Clara immediately charged him. "Erm... And what about members?" August inquired. "Information is free for members," Clara stated. "Then how do I become a member?" August wasn''t really interested in joining Guilds, much less an NPC-owned type but information was very much a currency so it piqued his interest. "Player must be level 20 first," Clara revealed. August sighed and handed her five silver coins. Clara received it and pulled out a more detailed map of the surrounding areas than the one August had. "Let''s see... You''re currently level 13, correct? There are several areas within the kingdom that would be ideal for you. The monsters here start at level 10 and go up to level 15. You''ll find a variety of creatures, each with unique abilities and strengths." She pointed to several spots on the map. "The Western Woods are a good starting point. You''ll find level 10 minions there, along with a few level 12 - 17 arch lords who lead monster packs. The drop rates and loot in these areas are quite high, so it''s a great place to farm both experience and items." "Thank you, Clara," August said, memorizing the locations and details she provided. "Be careful out there," she advised. "And remember, it''s always wise to avoid monsters that are significantly higher in level. The penalty for dying can set you back quite a bit." With this valuable information, August left the guild and made his way to the Western Woods. ==== The Western Woods were home to a wide variety of monsters, vastly different in physical appearance and strength compared to those near Unhidden Mist. August moved cautiously, scanning the area for potential threats. His first encounter was with a group of level 10 goblin minions, small but vicious creatures with sharp claws and teeth. The goblins'' green skin glistened in the dim light filtering through the canopy as their yellow eyes gleamed with malice. They moved quickly, darting between the trees with surprising agility and crude weapons in their grasp. As they spotted August, they let out guttural growls and charged at him. August engaged the goblins, using his Shadow Dance skill to distort their senses and strike from unexpected angles. [ - 150HP ] He moved fluidly as his newly acquired dagger slashed through the skin of the closest goblin, leaving a fiery gash on its back. The goblins were quick and aggressive, but August''s agility allowed him to dodge their attacks and counter with lethal precision. [ - 200 HP ] [ - 220 HP ] He targeted the goblins'' vital points, aiming for their throats and hearts. With multiple successful strikes, satisfying system notifications appeared: [You have defeated Goblin Minion. +1200 EXP] [You have defeated Goblin Minion. +1200 EXP] [Item Drop: Goblin Tooth, Minor Health Potion] The goblins dropped various items, including goblin teeth, minor health potions, and scraps of armor. The higher drop rate and valuable loot made each encounter rewarding, and August felt his confidence growing with every victory. Moving deeper into the forest, he encountered more challenging foes. Packs of thunder wolves, led by level 12 arch lords, roamed the area. These creatures were larger and more coordinated, requiring a more tactical approach. The wolves had smooth silver fur and glowing red eyes. Their howls echoed through the forest. As the pack approached, August quickly assessed the situation. One of them spread its dangerous mouth open and spat an electric bolt at August. <[ You Have Activated Arcane Shield ]> [ - 70 MP ] He immediately activated his Arcane Shield, creating a shimmering barrier to protect himself. The wolves circled him, snarling and snapping their jaws. The arch lord, a particularly large and menacing wolf, led the charge. <[ You Have Activated Fireball ]> [ - 50MP ] August cast a Fireball spell, launching a blazing orb of fire at the arch lord. The spell hit its mark, scorching the wolf''s fur and causing it to yelp in pain. However, the arch lord quickly recovered and tried to continue its attack but the flames had created a sort of demarcation on the ground. August made use of this opportunity to deal with the others since he had to be careful... these wolves were not as easily defeated as the goblins. He swung his dagger at the one closest to him, taking a huge chunk from its health points. Another one leapt at him from his blind spot but thanks to his heightened speed and agility, August was able to swerve sideways quick enough. He raised the dagger and stabbed it at the left eye of the creature, causing a fountain of blood to spill out. [ -300HP ] [ Wounding Effect Has Taken Root ] Due to the toxic nature of the dagger, the wolf acquired the wounding Effect which caused it to lose 50HP per second. [ You Have Defeated Thunder Wolf Minion. +1500 EXP ] August turned to face the others and dealt with them while the arch Lord Thunder wolf found a way around the flames. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [ You Have Defeated Thunder Wolf Minion +1500 EXP ] It lunged at August while he was dealing with one of its minions. August dodged to the side, using his Dash skill to create distance. He followed up with a series of quick slashes, aiming for the wolf''s legs to hamper its mobility. The arch lord retaliated with a powerful swipe of its claws, breaking through the Arcane Shield and sending August sprawling. -200 HP August felt a sharp pain as his health dropped, but he quickly regained his footing. He couldn''t afford to let his guard down. He cast another Fireball, this time targeting the other smaller wolves to reduce their numbers. The spell exploded on impact, sending two of the minions flying. [You have defeated Thunder Wolf Minion. +1500 EXP] [You have defeated Thunder Wolf Minion. +1500 EXP] With fewer wolves to deal with, August focused his efforts on the arch lord. He activated Shadow Dance again, slipping into the shadows and striking from unexpected angles. The arch lord''s movements became more sluggish as its health dwindled, but it remained a formidable opponent. Finally, with a well-timed Hidden Strike, August drove his dagger into the arch lord''s heart. The wolf let out a final, pained howl before collapsing to the ground. [You have defeated Thunder Wolf Arch Lord. +7500 EXP] [Item Drop: Wolf Pelt, Iron Claw, Mid-tier Mana Potion] [ You Have Leveled Up ] August surveyed the battlefield after clearing the surroundings. The loot from these higher-level monsters was even more impressive. Chapter 17 - 17: Testing Extraction Within Enders Light August surveyed the battlefield after clearing the surroundings. The loot from these higher-level monsters was even more impressive. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Wolf pelts, iron claws, and mid-tier mana potions were just some of the valuable items he collected. The experience points gained from these battles quickly added up, pushing him to the next level. ¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û Name: Aleman Level: 14 Title(s): Nil Class: Assassin/Mage EXP: 200/50,000 HP: 2500/2500 MP: 1700/1700 Gold: 210 Skills: Shadow Dance, Hidden Strike, Slash, Dash, Dual Wielding, Fireball, Arcane Shield Inventory: Leather Armor, Healing Potion x4, Uncommon Toxic Dagger, Danting Pendant, Runic Sword, Goblin Tooth, Minor Health Potion, Wolf Pelt, Iron Claw, Mid-tier Mana Potion ¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û August was sure that if he kept up the pace, he could increase his level by a whole lot more to prepare himself for future quests since quests in this location of the game were most likely going to be more difficult. --- Hours went by and August kept grinding nonstop. Despite the victories, not all battles were easy. August encountered a level 16 forest troll, a massive creature with thick, stone-like skin and a club the size of a tree trunk. The troll''s bellow echoed through the forest as it swung its club at August, who barely managed to dodge the blow. -100 HP The impact sent shockwaves through the ground, and August knew he had to be strategic. He used his agility to stay out of the troll''s reach, casting Fireballs to chip away at its health. The troll roared in frustration due to its slow movements and how it was unable to evade... nonetheless, it was still powerful. Each swing of its club was a potential death sentence. [ - 250 HP ] August took advantage of the troll''s slow recovery time, darting in to deliver a bunch of quick strikes before retreating. [ -200 HP ] [ - 180 HP ] [ - 220 HP ] The battle was grueling, and he had to use several health potions to keep his HP from dropping dangerously low. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he managed to bring the troll down with a series of well-placed strikes to its head. [You have defeated Forest Troll. +3500 EXP] [Item Drop: Troll Club, Thick Hide, High-tier Health Potion] The loot from the troll was substantial, but the effort it took to defeat the creature showed him how much different the beasts were in strength compared to the ones back in Unhidden Mist. After a grueling session of monster hunting in the Western Woods, August decided to take a break. He had gone up by three levels already so it had been a completely fruitful time for him. He made his way back to Tagharuim Kingdom and headed towards one of the popular taverns where players often hung out. The tavern, named "The Drunken Dragon," was a lively place filled with the sounds of laughter, chatter, and clinking mugs. It was decorated with wooden beams, cozy fireplaces, and tables bustling with adventurers. August found a quiet corner and sat down, pulling up his player inventory to review the loot he had collected. The items varied in rarity and usefulness, and he knew he would have to sell some of them, especially those he couldn''t use due to his class. ¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û Inventory: - Leather Armor - Healing Potion x4 - Uncommon Toxic Dagger - Danting Pendant - Runic Sword - Goblin Tooth x10 - Minor Health Potion x5 - Wolf Pelt x3 - Iron Claw x2 - Mid-tier Mana Potion x3 - Troll Club - Thick Hide - High-tier Health Potion ¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û Examining the items, August realized that some of them could fetch a good price at the auction house. He decided to sell the Wolf Pelts, Iron Claws, and Goblin Teeth, as they were valuable crafting materials but not particularly useful for his Assassin/Mage build. He was still on tenterhooks as to whether or not to sell the runic sword because even if he couldn''t use it due to his class, the option of extraction was still on the table. So he decided not to add it until he was ready to make his final decision on what to do with it. He made his way to one of the auction houses which was a grand building filled with players and NPCs looking to buy and sell items. The structure was impressive, with tall pillars and intricate carvings depicting various heroic feats. Inside, the atmosphere was one of focused energy, with players huddled around terminals, checking bids and listing items. The process of listing items was straightforward, and August quickly adapted to the auction house''s user-friendly interface. He listed his items for sale, setting reasonable starting bids and buyout prices based on the current market trends. [Items Listed for Auction: Wolf Pelt x3, Iron Claw x2, Goblin Tooth x10] Satisfied with his listings, August returned to the tavern and ordered a drink. As he sipped his ale which boosted his energy, he thought about his next steps. The break was a good opportunity to test out his extraction ability within the game. He needed to know if it was only limited to activation in real life or if it would work in the game as well. With his curiosity piqued, August headed to a blacksmith''s forge shop. The surroundings were filled with the sounds of hammering and the heat of molten metal. The shop was spacious, with weapons and armor displayed on wooden racks. The blacksmith, an obese man with a thick beard and soot-covered apron, was hard at work crafting a new sword. August approached the shop, eyeing a particularly well-crafted sword displayed on the wall. It was an embellished Sword with a beautifully etched blade and a hilt encrusted with gems. Without saying a word, he reached out for the sword and tried to extract it. [Would you like to extract item: Ornate Sword?] [YES] ¡Á [NO] His eyes lit up the moment it displayed this even within the game. August immediately selected [YES], but nothing happened. The system remained unresponsive, and the sword stayed firmly in place. ''Is it just a fluke then?'' August frowned, realizing that there were limitations to his extraction ability. He was about to leave after witnessing the failure but a thought suddenly crossed his mind. ''Would it even display any notifications at all if it wouldn''t work in the game world?'' Determined to test this further, he decided to buy the sword. He approached the blacksmith, who paused his work and turned to greet him. "Good day, traveler. Interested in that fine sword, are you?" the blacksmith asked with a deep rumbling but warm tone. "Yes, how much for the Sword?" August inquired, trying to gauge the price. The blacksmith rubbed his beard thoughtfully. "That''ll be 20 gold pieces. It''s a fair price for a blade of this quality." ''Damn it... That''s quite pricey. Let me get something else,'' August immediately withdrew and moved to a much less impressive-looking blade. Although he currently possessed over 200 gold coins, he knew the conversion rate of a gold coin was twenty dollars to one. He couldn''t be spending anyhow for an experiment. "How about this one?" He pointed at a curved blade that was only a little over two feet in length. "That''s 55 silver coins," The blacksmith answered. ''Much better,'' August nodded and handed over the silver coins. The blacksmith took the blade off the display and handed it to him. <[ You Have Acquired A Bronze Shortsword ]> With the Short sword now in his inventory, August tried the extraction process again. [Would you like to extract item: Bronze Short Sword?] [YES] ¡Á [NO] "Yes," August stated. This time, the progress bar appeared, and after a minute, the sword vanished from his inventory. August immediately felt a surge of exhilaration. He had successfully extracted the item, proving that he needed to own the item before he could extract it. He couldn''t extract items that were not in his possession. He thanked the blacksmith and left the shop, eager to see if the items he had extracted had materialized in the real world. His discovery of the extraction ability''s limitations was valuable information, and he knew it would help him make more strategic decisions in the future. ___ Returning to his reality, August couldn''t wait to see the results of his extractions. To his delight, the Bronze Short sword was sitting there beside him in the pod. He picked it up immediately and it felt wickedly sharp blade, with a faint green tint. The basic dagger he had extracted that could easily slice through anything didn''t feel anywhere as sharp as this. He tested its sharpness on a piece of cloth, and it sliced through effortlessly, even before the blade made direct contact. This was to say that the higher the grade of a blade, the more powerful they''d be in the real world. If he started bringing items like this into the real world from the game, even if they were the lowest of the lowest grades, they''d still be immensely valuable. He could really sell any of these items for a substantial profit or use them to gain an advantage in the real world. Chapter 18 - 18: Business Acumen With a renewed sense of clear understanding of his abilities, August returned to the Western Woods to continue grinding. He methodically hunted down groups of goblin minions, wolf packs, and the occasional forest troll, using his enhanced Assassin/Mage skills to dispatch them efficiently. Hours passed as he repeated the process, each encounter bringing him closer to his goal. His systematic approach paid off as he carefully chose his battles, avoiding monsters that were too high-level and focusing on those he could handle. The goblins were relentless but predictable, their green skin and yellow eyes making them easy to spot amidst the foliage. August utilized his Shadow Dance skill to blend into the shadows, striking with lethal precision. The goblins'' guttural growls were silenced one by one, and each defeat brought a satisfying system notification: [You have defeated Goblin Minion. +1200 EXP] [You have defeated Goblin Minion. +1200 EXP] [You have defeated Goblin Minion. +1200 EXP] [You have defeated Goblin Minion. +1200 EXP] As he moved deeper into the forest, he encountered more packs of thunder wolves, their silver fur glinting in the sunlight. These creatures were led by formidable arch lords since they were of higher levels. Nonetheless, August was relentless in the face of confrontation. August cast Fireball spells to weaken the pack, the explosions of flame scattering the wolves and singeing their fur. The arch lords retaliated with fierce swipes of their claws, but August''s agility allowed him to evade their attacks. He used Arcane Shield to block incoming blows and followed up with precise dagger strikes. The battles were intense, and the notifications kept coming: [You have defeated Thunder Wolf Minion. 1500 EXP] [You have defeated Thunder Wolf Arch Lord. +3500 EXP] [You have defeated Thunder Wolf Minion. 1500 EXP] [You have defeated Thunder Wolf Minion. 1500 EXP] [You have defeated Thunder Wolf Minion. 1500 EXP] [You have defeated Thunder Wolf Arch Lord. +3500 EXP] Each encounter tested his skills and pushed his limits. The forest trolls were especially daunting, their massive stone-like bodies resistant to most attacks. August had to rely on his agility and magic, casting repeated Fireball spells to chip away at their health. The trolls'' heavy clubs sent shockwaves through the ground, but August danced around them, landing critical strikes whenever an opening presented itself. [You have defeated Forest Troll. +5500 EXP] [You have defeated Forest Troll. +5500 EXP] Finally, after hours of relentless combat, a system notification appeared: [Congratulations! You have reached Level 17!] [Rewards: 3000 EXP, 10 Gold, Skill Point +1 added to all skills +Fireball level up ] August sighed with relief, knowing he had made substantial progress. He was now level 17, and it was time to log out. He had already been in the game for too long, and his body needed rest. He opened his player database and checked his new stats and skills: ¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û Name: Aleman Level: 17 Class: Assassin/Mage S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. EXP: 3000/100000 HP: 3500/3500 MP: 2200/2200 Gold: 250 Skills: Shadow Dance, Hidden Strike, Slash, Dash, Dual Wielding, Fireball, Arcane Shield ¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û Satisfied with his progress, August logged out and removed the VR helmet. The real world came into focus, and he stretched, feeling a surprising amount of energy coursing through his body. He felt physically stronger and more invigorated, but he couldn''t quite understand why. August stood up and looked around his room, spotting the items he had extracted from the game. The Basic Dagger and the Bronze Short Sword were both there, neatly arranged. He picked them up and carefully placed them in a secure hiding spot, knowing he needed to come up with a plan to sell them in the real world. As he pondered his next steps, August made a mental note to reach level 20 by the end of the week. He created a schedule to ensure he had enough time for both grinding in the game and managing his responsibilities in the real world. He took a moment to assess how he felt. Despite the long hours spent in the game, he felt surprisingly energized. His muscles were not sore, and his mind was sharp. It was as if the physical exertion in the game had translated to real-world benefits. This newfound energy would be a tremendous advantage, especially given his demanding schedule. August made his way to the small desk in his room, opening a notebook where he jotted down his plan. He detailed the time he would spend in the game, the areas he would focus on for grinding, and the specific monsters he would target. The goal was clear: reach level 20 by the end of the week. He also outlined his strategy for dealing with the extracted items. Selling them could bring in significant money, but he needed to do it discreetly to avoid attracting too much attention. Perhaps he could find a reputable pawn shop or an online marketplace that dealt in rare and unique items. Once he had his plan laid out, August glanced at the clock. It was time to go to work. He quickly changed into his work clothes, grabbed a quick breakfast, and headed out the door. August arrived at the factory, greeted by the familiar sights and sounds of his workplace. The clanging of machinery, the groaning of conveyor belts, and the chatter of his colleagues filled the air. He met up with Derrick, who was already hard at work, and they exchanged nods of acknowledgment. "Morning, August. You look surprisingly energized today," Derrick remarked, noticing the spring in August''s step. "Yeah, I guess I had a good night''s sleep," August replied with a smile. As they got to work, August''s mind wandered back to his plans for the extracted items. He needed to find a way to sell them without attracting too much attention. The potential for profit was immense, but so were the risks. He would need to be cautious and strategic in his approach. Throughout the day, August worked diligently, but his thoughts kept drifting back to the game and his goals. The adventure in Enders Light had become a significant part of his life, and he was determined to make the most of it. The factory work was physically demanding, but August found that he had more stamina than usual. Tasks that once left him exhausted now felt manageable, even easy. He moved with a confidence that caught the attention of his coworkers. "Hey, August, you''re on fire today," one of his colleagues remarked during a break. "What''s your secret?" "Just trying to stay focused and keep moving," August replied, keeping his answer vague. Derrick noticed the change too. "You''ve really stepped up your game, man. Keep it up," he voiced while patting Derrick''s back. "Thanks, man. Just trying to do my best," August said, appreciating the support. As the shift ended, August felt a sense of accomplishment. He had balanced his responsibilities well and was ready to dive back into the game when the time came. For now, he would focus on his immediate tasks and prepare for the challenges ahead, both in the real world and in Enders Light. Returning home, he retrieved the extracted items from their hiding place to confirm that they were still where he left them. He carefully examined each one, marveling at the quality and potential value. The Basic Dagger was razor-sharp than any blade that existed in this world and the Bronze Shortsword was a masterpiece of craftsmanship. August placed the items back in their hiding spot, resolving to find a safe and profitable way to sell them. He sat down to update his schedule, making sure to allocate time for both work and gaming. Reaching level 20 by the end of the week was ambitious, but he was determined to achieve it. He entered Enders Light once more and moved to the western woods to grind. The adventure in Enders Light had become more than just a game. It was a path to a better future, both in the virtual world and in reality. ... The next morning, August decided to visit the cyber cafe not too distant from his house. The cafe, "Digital Haven," was a small but popular spot frequented by gamers and tech enthusiasts. The sound of clicking keyboards and the soft vibrations of computers filled the air as he entered. The faint aroma of coffee also lingered in the background. He found an empty terminal, logged in, and began his search for work opportunities that could assist with his debt. Selling the items he had recently extracted would no doubt help but it wasn''t something he could go about recklessly. Getting a better job was much safer while he worked on trying to deal with the sales. His first query was about high-paying jobs, especially those related to supernatural abilities. As he scrolled through various listings, he noticed several job postings for players with supernatural skills, but none seemed suitable for his current status. Switching gears, he started looking for ways to sell the items he had extracted from the game. He came across various online marketplaces and forums dedicated to the sale of game-related items. However, as he delved deeper, he discovered numerous warnings about the dangers involved. Stories of players getting robbed or scammed were alarmingly frequent. The high value of these items made them prime targets for criminals. Despite the risks, August saw a business opportunity. He began to formulate a plan in his mind: creating a company that specialized in the safe sale of extracted items from games. This company would offer secure transactions and protection for sellers, significantly reducing the risk of theft and fraud. It was an ambitious idea, but one that could potentially revolutionize the market. ''August Coven would be a good name, right?'' Chapter 19 - 19: C - Tier Mage Card Realizing the enormity of such a venture, August knew it wasn''t something he could achieve overnight. It would require careful planning and orchestration, not to mention significant resources. For now, he needed to focus on more immediate concerns¡ªlike paying off his debt to Damon. He had a little over two weeks left to come up with over half a million dollars. The clock was ticking, and he needed to act fast. He bookmarked several job listings and forums for future reference and decided to check back later when he had more to offer. Before leaving the cafe, August joined a popular social media platform for players called "Player Haven." It was a hub for gamers to connect, share tips, and trade items. He placed an ad for one of the items he had extracted, specifically the Basic Dagger, hoping to attract potential buyers. **Ad Posted:** "Basic Dagger for Sale - Extracted from Enders Light. Extremely sharp with slight magical properties. Serious inquiries only. Contact for details." sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Satisfied with his efforts, August logged out and left the cyber cafe, feeling a rush of anticipation. He knew the dangers of selling these items, but he also saw the immense potential for profit. His mind buzzed with possibilities as he made his way back home. Back at his place, August reviewed his notes and started to map out a more detailed plan. He listed the steps he would need to take to establish a secure trading company, including potential partnerships, security measures, and marketing strategies. He also made a list of immediate tasks, such as finding trustworthy buyers for his extracted items and exploring more job opportunities. He checked his Player Haven account and saw that his ad had already received a few views and one inquiry. Excited, he quickly responded to the potential buyer, providing more details about the Basic Dagger. With that settled, August decided to log into Enders Light once more. He still had a goal to reach level 20 by the end of the week, and he couldn''t afford to waste any time. As he donned the VR helmet and the familiar world of Enders Light materialized around him, August re-entered the game with renewed vigor, determined to make significant progress. He continued his systematic approach to grinding, focusing on the same types of monsters that had brought him success before. Each battle honed his skills further, and the experience points piled up. The familiar system notifications became a comforting rhythm: [You have defeated Goblin Minion. 800 EXP] [You have defeated Wolf Minion. 800 EXP]** [You have defeated Wolf Arch Lord. 1800 EXP] [You have defeated Forest Troll. 2500 EXP] His strategy remained the same: target monsters he could handle efficiently, avoid unnecessary risks, and maximize his experience gains. With each battle, he grew closer to his goal. Hours passed, and the experience bar steadily filled. Finally, another system notification appeared: [Congratulations! You have reached Level 18!] August allowed himself a moment of satisfaction before diving back into the fray. He knew he needed to keep pushing if he wanted to reach level 20 by the end of the week. After logging out, August once again felt the physical benefits of his time in the game. He was energized and clear-headed, ready to tackle the next set of challenges. He checked his Player Haven account and saw several more inquiries about the Basic Dagger. One offer seemed particularly promising, and he arranged a meeting in a very open location with the buyer for the next day. With the Basic Dagger potentially sold, August turned his attention to the other item. He carefully examined the Bronze Shortsword considering how best to market them. It was unknown if these weapons were even legal to have so there was no doubt that most buyers would just want them as some sort of props. Which was why he would have to market them in a way that would be appealing to the rich. As the day drew to a close, August reviewed his schedule and made adjustments based on his progress. He set specific goals for each day, balancing his time between grinding in the game, managing real-world tasks, and planning for his future business venture. August re-entered the game with renewed vigor, determined to make significant progress. He continued his systematic approach to grinding, focusing on the same types of monsters that had brought him success before. Each battle honed his skills further, and the experience points piled up. The familiar system notifications became a comforting rhythm: [You have defeated Goblin Minion. +500 EXP] [You have defeated Wolf Minion. +700 EXP] [You have defeated Wolf Arch Lord. +1000 EXP] [You have defeated Forest Troll. +1500 EXP] His strategy remained the same: He grinded for over a day and the experience bar steadily filled. It was the same rinse and repeat actions but he couldn''t care less since they brought results. During one of his battles with a group of goblins, a system notification appeared: [Congratulations! You have obtained a Tier C Mage Card!] August picked up the card, examining it closely. The card shimmered with magical energy, and as he activated it, another notification appeared: [You have learned a new spell: Lightning Bolt] The spell immediately added to his magical arsenal, giving him another powerful tool for combat. August smiled in excitement at the new discovery. He decided to test the Lightning Bolt spell on the next group of enemies. <[ Lightning Bolt Is Being Casted ]> - 500 MP ''Wow... It takes up so much Magical Power...'' August watched as bolts of electricity arced through the air, striking multiple targets with precision. [ -3000 HP ] [ -3200 HP ] [ -4000 HP ] [ - 3600 HP ] The damage done by a single lightning bolt was so immense that it had August''s jaw agape. The spell was incredibly powerful. [You have defeated Goblin Minion. +500 EXP] [You have defeated Goblin Minion. +500 EXP] [You have defeated Goblin Minion. +500 EXP] [You have defeated Goblin Minion. +500 EXP] Taking out over five enemies with a single attack was quite substantial. As he continued grinding, August noticed that his experience gains were starting to slow down. Despite his efforts, the experience points from killing the same monsters were diminishing. Finally, after another few hours of intense grinding, a system notification appeared: [Congratulations! You have reached Level 19!] August allowed himself a moment of satisfaction before seeking out another group of beasts However, he quickly noticed a problem. The experience points he was gaining from the monsters in this area had dropped significantly. While this amount of EXP would still be substantial for other players at his level, it wasn''t enough for him due to his overall higher power from the dual-class avatar. [You have defeated Goblin Minion. +100 EXP] [You have defeated Wolf Minion. +150 EXP] The drastic reduction in experience points was a clear sign that it was time to move on to more challenging grinding areas. Staying here any longer would be a waste of time and effort. August opened his player database and reviewed his current stats and skills: ¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û Name: Aleman Level: 19 Class: Assassin/Mage EXP: 0/350,000 HP: 4500/4500 MP: 3200/3200 Gold: 215 Skills: Shadow Dance, Hidden Strike, Slash, Dash, Dual Wielding, Fireball, Arcane Shield, Lightning Bolt ¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û Satisfied with his progress, he decided it was time to seek out more challenging areas that would offer better experience gains. One of the reasons August needed to reach level 20 as soon as possible was that, players couldn''t take on quests in the Tagharuim Kingdom until they became a level 20 player. ''If I head back to that TG Adventurer''s Guild, I''ll have to pay money again... I''ll just check for one myself,'' August decided. He opened his map and studied the surrounding regions, looking for places known for their high-level monsters and lucrative rewards. One area that caught his eye was the Cave of shadows, a notorious region filled with powerful creatures and dangerous terrain. It was well-known among players as a high-risk, high-reward area, perfect for those seeking to level up quickly. The monsters there were rumored to be at least level 20 and above, making it an ideal place for August to continue his journey. Before heading out, August made a mental note to prepare thoroughly. He checked his inventory to ensure he had enough potions and supplies for the journey: ¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û Inventory: - Leather Armor - Healing Potion x4 - Uncommon Toxic Dagger - Danting Pendant - Runic Sword - Goblin Tooth x10 - Minor Health Potion x5 - Wolf Pelt x3 - Iron Claw x2 - Mid-tier Mana Potion x3 - Troll Club - Thick Hide - High-tier Health Potion ¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û ''This should be enough.'' With that, August set out towards the Cave of shadows. As he made his way through the trees and shadowy underbrush, he felt a rush of anticipation. Based on the timing of Ender''s light, he had been grinding in the western woods for nearly two weeks alone. He had gotten used to it already and now that he was headed for a different area, he didn''t know what to expect. Chapter 20 - 20: The Cave Of Shadows August arrived at the infamous Cave of Shadows, an area well-known among players for its high-level monsters, lucrative loot, and dangerous terrain. As he approached, he noticed the bustling activity around the entrance. Groups of players were scattered about, some examining their equipment, others chattering amongst themselves, and a few standing by the cave entrance, recruiting players for their grinding parties. Most of the players were high-level, ranging from level 23 to level 30. Their equipment gleamed with enchantments and upgrades compared to that of August''s. August still at level 19, stuck out like a sore thumb. He observed the players, noticing that many of them had formed cliques, only looking for others at level 22 or above. He approached a group standing near the entrance, overhearing their conversation. "Looking for level 24 and above! We need a tank and a mage for crowd control!" shouted a knight, his shield radiating with a faint blue glow. "I''m a mage," August interjected, trying his luck. "But I''m only level 19." The knight gave him a quick once-over, then snorted dismissively. "Level 19? Don''t waste our time, kid." A few other players nearby started to laugh. "What''s a lowbie like him doing here anyway? Thinks he can survive in the Cave of Shadows?" "Maybe he''s looking for someone to carry him," another player jeered, his friends joining in with mocking chuckles. August ignored the taunts and moved further along the entrance, evaluating his next move. His eyes scanned the various groups, all bustling with activity, and then landed on a towering figure approaching him¡ªa giant of a man, clad in heavy armor with a massive, glowing club slung over his shoulder. His avatar looked as if it had been carved from rock, each muscle exaggerated to an almost cartoonish degree. His username floated above his head: **Grudgmar**. Grudgmar''s eyes narrowed as he spotted August. "Well, well, what do we have here?" he boomed, his deep voice echoing. "A little level 19 all alone, trying to sneak into the big leagues?" "Just here to test my luck," August replied calmly, meeting his gaze without flinching. Grudgmar grinned, revealing a row of pointed teeth. "How about you test your luck with me? Be my slave for the night, and I might let you tag along. You can carry my loot," he said, leaning in menacingly. August looked up at the towering berserker, his massive club glowing ominously with an enchantment. "Sorry, I don''t usually work with cavemen," August retorted with a smirk. "But I hear there''s a museum looking for missing links. Maybe they''ll be interested." The crowd around them erupted into laughter. Grudgmar''s face flushed red with anger. "You little¡ª" Before he could finish his sentence, Grudgmar swung his massive club down towards August''s head. But August was quicker. <[ Dash Skill Activated ]> Using his dash skill, he swiftly evaded the strike as a burst of speed propelled him past the hulking player. He slipped through the crowd, weaving between the other players as Grudgmar''s club smashed into the ground, cracking the stone floor beneath. "Hey! Get back here!" Grudgmar roared as his eyes blazed with fury. August, now past the crowd and at the mouth of the cave, glanced back over his shoulder with a grin. "I''d love to, but I''m allergic to stupid. See ya!" He turned and dashed into the darkness of the Cave of Shadows, leaving behind the echoes of his mocking laughter. As he vanished into the cave''s depths, he could hear Grudgmar''s frustrated shout reverberate behind him. "I hate assassins!" "Oh well, he''ll die in there and lose a level anyway." ##### Once inside, the atmosphere shifted immediately. The Cave of Shadows was immense, with towering ceilings and winding tunnels that twisted deeper into the ground. The walls were lined with bioluminescent crystals that gave off an eerie glow, casting long shadows that seemed to move of their own accord. The layout was unlike any regular cave; it felt almost otherworldly, with metallic structures fused with natural rock formations and ancient carvings etched into the walls. <[ Shadow Stealth Skill Activated ]> August activated Shadow Stealth, blending into the darkness and moving silently through the vast corridors. He was going at it solo, relying on his assassin skills and stealth to navigate the cave''s dangers. Knowing that he wouldn''t stand a chance against the powerful beasts here in a direct confrontation, he concocted a plan. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He tailed a group of four players from a distance, keeping to the shadows. They were well-equipped¡ªa warrior, a mage, a ranger, and a cleric¡ªall of them at least level 25. They moved cautiously through the cave as their eyes scanned for threats. Ahead of them, a rumbling growl resonated through the cave. A hulking beast emerged from the shadows¡ª << Engaging Level 22 Umbra Stalker >> It was a quadrupedal creature with jet-black fur that blended well with the surroundings. Its eyes were a piercing yellow, and its elongated limbs ended in razor-sharp claws that could rip through armor. The Umbra Stalker had the ability to meld into the shadows, becoming nearly invisible, and it could strike from any direction with its **Shadow Leap** ability. It was typically an assassin on steroids. August watched carefully as the group engaged the beast. The warrior charged forward, drawing its aggro with a series of heavy strikes, while the mage launched fireballs to chip away at its health. The ranger kept his distance, firing glowing arrows at its weak points, while the cleric provided healing and buffs to the party. << Umbra Stalker Has Used Shadow Leap >> The Umbra Stalker roared and unleashed its Shadow Leap, disappearing into the darkness before reappearing behind the mage, slashing with its claws. -1300HP The mage''s health dropped dangerously low, but the cleric quickly cast a healing spell to keep him in the fight. The battle dragged on, and the group''s teamwork slowly wore down the beast. Its health bar dropped to a sliver, barely hanging on. August saw his chance. With the beast distracted and weakened, he drew his toxic dagger and activated Hidden Strike. <[ Hidden Strike Skill Activated ]> August appeared from its blind spot and pierced the Umbra Stalker''s side. [ -3500HP ] [You have dealt the finishing blow to Level 22 Umbra Stalker. +2400 EXP] The beast let out a final, agonized roar before collapsing to the ground. Its body slowly dissipated into black mist. The group turned toward the source of the attack with furious expressions. "Who the hell¡ª?" the warrior yelled while scanning the shadows. "He stole the kill!" the mage shouted, enraged. But August was already gone. He had slipped deeper into the cave using Dash and Shadow Stealth to avoid getting caught. The shared EXP was divided among the group members, but August, as the one who landed the finishing blow, received the largest portion. ''Since they can''t be considerate enough to let a level 19 join their ranks... I won''t be showing any consideration as well.'' This wasn''t going to be the last time August employed this strategy. Over the next hour, he continued to tail different groups, staying just out of sight and waiting for the right moment to strike. Each time a group battled a high-level beast, he waited for the creature''s health to drop to a critical level before delivering the final blow from a distance. Another group was battling a Cave Mauler which happened to be a massive, six-legged beast covered in rocky armor plates. Its primary attack, << Earthquake Slam >>, could send shockwaves through the ground, destabilizing players and causing area-wide damage. The beast was relentless as its thick tail smashed through anyone in range, while it used its << Stone Hide >>ability to deflect most physical attacks. The group fought valiantly, chipping away at the beast''s health as the cleric worked overtime to heal the party. August, hidden in the shadows above on a rocky ledge, watched closely. The Cave Mauler''s health was down to a few thousand HP. He carefully took aim and launched a Lightning Bolt spell. <[ Lightning Bolt Spell Activated ]> The bolt of electricity arced down, striking the beast directly in the head, and it collapsed with a thunderous crash. [ - 4700 HP ] [You have dealt the finishing blow to Cave Mauler. +3500 EXP] "Are you kidding me?!" the ranger from the group shouted as his eyes scanned the darkness. "Where is that damn thief?!" another player yelled in anguish. Chapter 21 - 21: Kill Stealing Ghost August made his escape by darting through the twisting tunnels of the cave. He could hear the curses and shouts of frustrated players behind him. He was quickly earning a reputation as a kill-stealing ghost, a shadow that appeared out of nowhere to claim the final hit and vanish before anyone could catch him. But the players were growing wise to his tactics. They began to form hunting parties, setting traps, and patrolling the areas where August had last been seen. August had to stay on his toes, constantly moving, and changing his strategy to stay ahead of the hunt. He tailed a group fighting a level 27 Shadowfang Drake. It was a serpentine creature with dark scales that shimmered like oil. It had a pair of leathery wings and a mouth filled with venomous fangs. Its attacks included <>, which coated the ground with toxic acid, and << Tail Whip >>, a sweeping attack that could knock multiple players off their feet. August was biding his time, waiting for the perfect moment, but he noticed the other group members glancing around more frequently. They were on edge, aware that something was off. Just as the level 27 Shadowfang Drake''s health was about to reach the threshold, one of the players shouted, "There he is! I see him!" A flash of bright light was cast on the surroundings which immediately exposed August''s position. <[ Dash Skill Activated ]> August cursed under his breath and activated Dash, moving swiftly through the cave as arrows and spells whizzed past him. He sprinted deeper into the cave, dodging traps that had been laid out, and used his Shadow Dance to create myriads of shadow clones so as to confuse the players. As he reached a quieter area of the cave, August took a moment to catch his breath. His strategy had worked so far, but he knew he couldn''t keep this up forever. The deeper he went into the cave, the stronger the beasts would become, and the more vigilant the groups would be. But for now, the EXP gains were worth it. August smirked to himself, knowing that the deeper he went, the greater the rewards. He''d just have to be more careful. With his eyes set on the next group of players, August continued his descent into the Cave of Shadows, ready to push the boundaries of what a solo player could accomplish. ... ... While August continued his daring solo exploits in the Cave of Shadows, the real world was far from quiet. In the dimly lit streets of his neighborhood, a lone figure stood atop a rooftop. Her alluring silhouette was framed eloquently by the moonlight. She wore a black outfit that clung to her athletic frame, and her face was concealed behind a fox mask with intricate red and gold markings. The mask''s expression was almost mocking, the eyes narrowed and a sly grin spread across its lips. She scanned the quiet streets below, her posture tense and alert. A soft buzzing broke the silence¡ªa call coming through her earpiece. She tapped a finger to her ear, answering it. "Report," a raunchy voice came from the other end. The woman''s gaze remained focused on the rows of houses below, her eyes lingering on August''s neighborhood. "I''m at the location," she replied with a smooth voice that happened to be edged with frustration. "I definitely picked up on the readings of another legendary item the last time we were here. It was brief, but there''s no doubt about it." A scoff came from the other end. "I told you it was a wild goose chase. You''re wasting time on a false lead." The woman''s lips tightened beneath her mask. "No," she insisted. "I know what I saw. The energy signature spiked for just a moment. It was here. I''m certain of what I detected." The voice on the other end sighed in irritation and skepticism. "Fox, you''re clearly confused. Maybe you''re picking up residual signals from the last item you stole." She glanced over the edge of the roof, eyeing the spot where the first robbery had occurred over a week ago. The house was still cordoned off by police tape, and a patrol car was parked nearby with its lights flashing in the distance. "We barely had time to get away with the first item," she voiced with a tinge of regret. "If we weren''t fleeing because of the incoming police after the heist, we could''ve gone after the second one. But it was real. I''m sure of it." The person on the other end didn''t seem convinced. "Listen, we''ve got bigger priorities. Stop wasting your time there and return. There''s no point in sticking around for a phantom signal." Fox remained silent for a moment, her gaze still fixed on the neighborhood. She didn''t like being doubted, especially when she was so certain. "Fine," she replied finally, a hint of annoyance in her tone. "I''ll pull out. But I''m keeping an eye out. If that signal reappears, I''ll be ready." "Do what you want," the voice muttered. "Just don''t get caught. The Oni can''t afford any more mistakes." The line went dead, and she tapped her earpiece off. She took one last look at the neighborhood, her eyes narrowing behind her mask. "I''m not wrong," she murmured to herself. "I know I''m not." In the next instant, she leaped off the rooftop, landing silently in the alleyway below. She pressed her hand against the wall, and a faint blue glow emanated from her fingertips. In an instant, she vanished from sight, using a supernatural ability to meld into the walls. The only sign of her presence was the faint rustle of the wind as she disappeared into the night. Fox may have been ordered to leave, but she wasn''t the type to let a lead slip away. She would keep watching, waiting for the signal to reappear. She was certain another legendary item had been in this area, and if it resurfaced, she intended to claim it¡ªno matter what it took. ... ... Deep within the winding corridors of the Cave of Shadows, August continued his journey alone, relying on stealth and cunning to navigate the labyrinthine tunnels and evade the hunting parties still seeking revenge for his kill-stealing tactics. The cave was filled with dangers, and without a team, he knew he had to be careful. His shadowed footsteps echoed faintly in the dimly lit tunnel as he made his way deeper into the cave, where stronger beasts were said to roam. As he turned a corner, he heard the sounds of battle¡ªa fierce clash of metal against bone, followed by desperate shouts. -"It''s too strong!" -"I don''t think our HP can hold out!" -"Damn it! We should have gone for a weaker beast!" August crept closer, keeping to the shadows, and peered around a spiky rock formation. In the open cavern ahead, three players were locked in a desperate struggle against a massive beast. The creature was unlike anything August had seen before¡ªa level 28 Shadowmaw Brute. It was a monstrous hulking beast with obsidian-like scales covering its body. It stood on two legs like a gorilla but had the elongated snout of a dragon, dripping with venom. Its eyes glowed a deep crimson, and its claws which were as sharp as daggers, tore through the cavern floor with every swipe. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The beast''s maw was lined with razor-sharp teeth, capable of crushing armor with ease. Its abilities included Venomous Breath, which released a toxic cloud that constantly drained HP over time, and Sonic Boom which could knock back and stun multiple players making their movements sluggish. The three players were clearly struggling. Their avatars were battered, their armor dented and cracked. Their HP bars hovered dangerously low, and August could see the worry etched on their faces. They had run out of healing potions, and the level 28 Shadowmaw Brute still had a substantial amount of HP left¡ªenough to kill all of them and cause them to drop a level. "Hold on, just a bit longer!" one of them, a tall female ranger with short green hair, shouted as she fired a volley of arrows at the beast. Her username, Lilo, hovered above her head in a soft pink hue. Chapter 22 - 22: Getting Acquainted "We''re not going to make it," a stocky knight stated while raising his shield to block a powerful swipe from the beast''s claws. His username read Boris, and his voice was strained with exhaustion. The third player, a slim mage with blue robes, frantically cast spells to try and keep the beast at bay. His username was Ezran. "I''m out of mana!" he gasped while his hands trembled as he tried to summon even the weakest of spells. Seeing their dire situation, August decided not to just stand by. These players were about to be wiped out, and while he had no reason to interfere, something compelled him to act. "Hey! Need a hand?" August called out as he dashed forward from the shadows with his daggers drawn and glowing with dark energy. Lilo''s eyes widened in surprise. "Who¡ª?" "No time for that! Keep hitting it with everything you''ve got!" August interrupted while moving swiftly to the beast''s flank. <[ Lightning Bolt Spell Activated ]> He activated Lightning Bolt, sending a crackling arc of electricity into the beast. The spell stunned the Shadowmaw Brute momentarily, giving the group a brief respite. [ -1900 HP ] ''A mage?'' Lilo fired more arrows into the beast''s hide while Boris charged forward with his shield, bashing it against the beast''s side to keep its attention away from the others. Ezran managed to muster the strength for one last fireball spell, aiming for the creature''s head. The beast roared in fury and retaliated with its Venomous Breath, releasing a cloud of toxic fumes that began to drain the group''s HP. August rolled out of the way just in time, then used Dash to close the distance and deliver a swift Hidden Strike to the beast''s exposed side. <[ Hidden Strike Skill Activated ]> S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [ -1000 HP ] Seeing its health bar drop, the group went all in. "Raining Stars!" Lilo fired more empowered shots, causing glowing arrows to rain down on the beast. [ -400HP ] [ -350HP ] [ - 420 HP ] [ - 380 HP ] Boris used a powerful << shield bash >> skill as well, cornering the beast. [ - 1200 HP ] Although their health bars were dangerously low and the beast''s next attack would have wiped them out, August''s appearance had changed everything. August used Shadow Stealth to appear behind the beast and delivered another deadly << Hidden Strike >> to its neck. [ - 1600 HP ] ''Tch... Just 1600 damage points?'' Hidden Strike multiplied the force of his attack four times so if this had been another creature, the damage would have been way worse. However, August was unaware that the damage his attacks were dealing shocked the others who were level 23 - 25 players. The HP bar displayed above the beast''s head showed that it still had over four thousand HP left. If it wasn''t defeated now, this would be the end for the other players. The Lightning Spell had gone into one-minute cooldown mode and around thirty seconds were left before he would be able to use it again. The level 28 Shadowmaw Brute began to push back against Boris''s shield in order to free itself. August wasn''t about to let this happen, he continuously slashed at the Beast with his toxic dagger to chip as much as possible from its HP before he could use the Lightning Spell again. [ - 200 HP ] [ - 150 HP ] [ - 170 HP ] [ - 210 HP ] He realized that his regular attacks were barely causing any damage. Lilo had run out of energy points, the mage had run out of mana and Boris was being pushed back already. There were still twenty seconds left on the clock and August had barely taken out a thousand out of the beast''s HP. With a mighty shove, Boris got sent flying with his shield while the Shadowmaw Brute''s draconic like mouth opened wide. It took in a large amount of breath, causing the surroundings to start quaking. August immediately knew that this was a bad sign. He kept slashing and slashing at the beast but at this moment not even a single HP was being deducted from its health. << Shadowmaw Brute Is Activating Sonic Boom >> << Immune To All Damage Until Attack Is Completed >> The notifications appeared in each player''s line of sight. "We''re dead," the mage voiced with a look of defeat. "Get behind me!" August appeared between them and the beast in a flash. <[ Arcane Shield Activated ]> A translucent shield suddenly appeared before them. Its edges curved to accommodate them as they nestled behind August. In the next instant, a guttural screech shot forward in circular droves, causing the walls of the cave of shadows to tremble vibrantly. The Sonic boom of the Shadowmaw Brute struck the surroundings fiercely, causing many rocks to burst into pieces. Cracks appeared in the surroundings as it carried on for a good fifteen seconds. -100MP -100MP -100MP -140MP August watched his MP go drain by the second due to the amount of damage reflected from the attack. The arcane Shield would most likely disintegrate if he ran out of mana. Fortunately, the Sonic Boom attack came to a finish before that. August immediately deactivated the shield and noticed that the cooldown mode of his lightning spell had ended. <[ Lightning Spell Activated ]> [ - 500 MP ] Aiming the lightning at the beast''s head to achieve maximum damage, August fired with reckless abandon. The bolt collided with the beast who was currently in a weakened state, chipping away a substantial amount of health points. [ - 2700 HP ] The beast still had around 700HP left so August activated Dash and with a single step appeared behind it before it could even attack. <[ Hidden Strike Has Been Activated ]> With a stab to the back, the beast instantly lost all of its HP. [ - 1200 HP ] [You have defeated Level 28 Shadowmaw Brute. +5000 EXP] [Item Drop: Brute Fang, Venom Gland, Shadow Hide, Shadow Crystal Shard] The beast collapsed with a heavy thud as its massive body dissipated into the darkness. The four players breathed a collective sigh of relief, their avatars visibly relaxing as the tension melted away. "Thanks for the help, man!" Lilo exclaimed, her face breaking into a bright grin. "We would have been toast if you hadn''t jumped in!" Ezran nodded, still catching his breath. "Yeah, seriously. I thought we were done for." Boris grunted but managed a nod. "Not bad for a solo player." August sheathed his daggers and shrugged. "You were doing most of the work. I just gave it a push." They decided to share the loot equally, each taking something valuable. August took the Shadow Crystal Shard, while the others divided the remaining items. The atmosphere was much different than his previous encounters¡ªthere was no resentment or anger, only camaraderie born from a shared struggle. As they rested for a moment to recover from the battle, Lilo, who seemed to be the most talkative of the group, started chatting excitedly. "So, are you in a guild?" she asked August as her eyes sparkled with curiosity. "No, I''m more of a solo player," August replied while scanning his surroundings. "But I''m not completely averse to joining one." Lilo''s excitement visibly grew. "You should totally check out the Phoenix Celestial Guild! They''re one of the most influential guilds in Enders Light. I''m trying to join them too!" "Phoenix Celestial?" August repeated with a look of intrigue. "What makes them so special?" Lilo beamed with pride, eager to share. "They''re one of the top guilds in the game, known for their coordinated raids and powerful players. And their leader, the Ice Queen, is a legend. She''s said to rival the top five strongest players in the entire game!" August raised an eyebrow. "Ice Queen, huh? Sounds impressive." ''Wasn''t that one of the players from the Global announcement the other time?'' "Oh, she is! She''s got this crazy powerful frost magic, and she''s unbeatable in both PvP and PvE," Lilo continued. "She''s like a celebrity among the players. Everyone wants to be in her guild." Ezran chimed in, a bit more reserved. "Phoenix Celestial Guild isn''t the only powerhouse, though. There''s also Dragon''s Fang, a guild known for its brutal tactics and elite fighters. I personally prefer them. They don''t mess around." Boris nodded. "And let''s not forget about Stormbringers. They''ve got some of the best strategists in the game. Their leader, Tempest Lord, is rumored to be the best tactician in Enders Light." August took in the information, mentally noting these key guilds. "Sounds good..." "Definitely!" Lilo agreed. "There are also strong solo players like The Shadow Reaper, who is feared for his stealth kills, and Blade Dancer, who is famous for her unmatched swordplay." "What level are they at?" Chapter 23 - 23: Was He An Assassin Or A Mage? "The Ice Queen is rumored to be around level 48 although we really wouldn''t know. Some say she is beyond level 50 already and is just hiding it to take her enemies by surprise," Lilo voiced like an excited fan girl. "It''s suspected that The Shadow Reaper is already a tier 2 player but it''s impossible to confirm really. Big players always have many enchantments to hide their levels," Boris pointed out as well. "Tier 2?" August voiced in confoundment. "Evolved players who have reached a higher realm of their class. You need have achieved a specific set of goals before you can reach Tier 2 but usually you can''t be less than level 45," The talkative Lilo swiftly explained to August. ''Oh, I see... I guess we''re all still Tier 1 until we meet the necessary requirements,'' August noted internally. Ezran added, "There are also powerful teams, like The Iron Vanguard, known for their tanking skills, and The Arcane Order, a group of high-level mages who can decimate entire armies with their spells." August nodded, processing everything he''d learned. "Seems like there''s a lot to explore here." August decided to ask a question that had been on his mind since he first spotted them. "Hey, if you don''t mind me asking, why''d you guys come into the Cave of Shadows without a fourth party member? A cleric would have made things a lot easier against that brute," August said, glancing between Lilo, Boris, and Ezran. Lilo sighed as her cheerful demeanor momentarily dimmed. "Yeah, we usually have a cleric, but our friend had some real-life stuff come up and couldn''t get into the game today. We didn''t want to waste the day, so we decided to grind on our own. Figured we could handle it... but that didn''t go as planned." Ezran chuckled weakly. "Clearly, we overestimated ourselves. We were in way over our heads." Boris grunted while leaning back against the cave wall. "We thought we could manage, but without our healer, we were just getting hammered. I hate relying on potions." August nodded, understanding their predicament. Real-life issues often interfered with game plans, and grinding without a complete team could be dangerous, especially in a place like the Cave of Shadows. "Well, you guys did well considering the circumstances," he said. "I''m glad I stumbled upon you when I did." Lilo grinned. "Yeah, no kidding! We owe you one for sure." With the tension from the battle easing, they decided it was time to part ways for now. The three of them had clearly been in the game for a long time already, and it showed in their weary expressions and the way they stretched their in-game avatars as if their real bodies were aching. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Hey, we''re logging out for now," Lilo said as she opened her player menu. "We''ve been in here for too long, and we need a break. But we should definitely team up again sometime." Ezran nodded, adding, "Yeah, it''d be great to have you on our team. You''re pretty handy with those daggers and spells." Boris, always the more reserved one, nodded as well. "You held your own. Not bad." August opened his menu, accepting the friend requests from the three players. He wasn''t against the idea of teaming up with them again. It could be beneficial to have allies, especially in tougher areas where solo play wasn''t always viable. "Sure, hit me up anytime," he said with a small smile. With that, Lilo, Ezran, and Boris left the cave of shadows while selecting their logout options. As they logged out of the game, their consciousnesses returned to the real world, but the conversation about their mysterious new ally continued in their group chat. Lilo was the first to speak up. "Hey, what do you guys think about Aleman? Was he an assassin or a mage? I saw him use both types of abilities." Ezran, now back in his room and stretching his real limbs, replied, "Yeah, that was weird, right? At first, I thought he was an assassin with those quick moves and that stealthy attack, but then he started casting spells like a mage. Can you even do that?" Boris, sitting in his gaming chair, chimed in, "I did hear about dual classes one time but they''re supposed to be impossible to unlock. At least, that''s what everyone says. But he definitely used both a Shadow skill which is privy to assassin class alone and a Lightning Bolt spell in that fight. It doesn''t add up." Lilo nodded in curiosity. "And did you see his level? He''s only level 19, but the amount of damage he was dealing to that Level 28 Shadowmaw Brute... that wasn''t normal. He hit harder than some of the level 25 players I''ve seen." Ezran agreed. "It makes no sense. Either he''s got some insane gear we don''t know about, or there''s more to him than meets the eye." Boris scratched his chin thoughtfully. "If he''s really dual-classed, that could explain the power discrepancy. He might have access to a wider range of skills that enhance his combat abilities." Lilo leaned back, a grin spreading across her face. "Well, whatever it is, I''m glad we ran into him. Having someone like that on our side could be a game-changer." Ezran chuckled. "Yeah, but we should keep an eye on him. If he''s got some secret trick or strategy, we might be able to learn a thing or two." Boris nodded in agreement. "Agreed. Next time we team up, let''s see if we can get more information out of him." Lilo added with a wink, "Maybe I''ll do a little digging of my own. He seems like a nice guy, but a little mystery doesn''t hurt." The three friends decided to rest for now, but the intrigue surrounding their new ally, Aleman, lingered in their minds. In a game filled with secrets and hidden mechanics, anything was possible. And it seemed that Aleman was a player worth watching closely. ~~ Back in the game, August took a moment to consider the events of the day. Teaming up with other players wasn''t usually his style, but today had proven that there could be benefits. They hadn''t gotten mad at him for landing the final blow; instead, they were grateful for his help. It was a refreshing change from the usual hostility he faced. He glanced at his player menu, seeing their usernames now listed under his friends'' tab. It felt strange, seeing that list no longer empty. "Not bad," he murmured to himself. He decided he''d be open to grinding with them again. After all, they seemed competent, and he could use more allies in this unpredictable world. After parting ways with Lilo, Ezran, and Boris, August delved deeper into the Cave of Shadows. The dimly lit tunnels twisted and turned like a labyrinth, illuminated only by the eerie glow of bioluminescent crystals embedded in the walls. August moved with stealth, sipping from shadow to shadow with his << Shadow Stealth >> ability. The Cave of Shadows was notorious for being unforgiving to solo players, but August still had no intention of joining any groups¡ªnot when he could use his unique skills to gain experience at others'' expense. He continued his assault on the creatures within the cave, targeting groups of players who were already engaged in fierce battles with the beasts. His strategy was the same: wait for the monsters'' health to drop to critical levels and then deliver the final blow from a distance. By dealing the killing strike, he would reap the largest portion of the EXP, while the other players were left with only a fraction of the EXP and loot as a reward for all their hard work. Ahead of him, he spotted a group of six players¡ªtwo separate teams had banded together to grind in an area densely populated with a pack of Cave Fangfiends. These monstrous, canine-like creatures had dark, sinewy fur and glowing blue eyes. Their fangs dripped with venom, and their claws could tear through even the sturdiest armor. Chapter 24 - 24: Reaching Level 20 The Cave Fangfiends were known for their << Venomous Howl >> which reduced player defenses, and their << Lunging Bite >> which was a high-damage attack that could knock players to the ground. The combined group fought furiously, trying to keep the beasts at bay. The tanks in the front lines took the brunt of the attacks while the mages and rangers rained spells and arrows from the back. It was a well-coordinated effort, but the Fangfiends were relentless. One of the creatures, a Fangfiend Alpha, towered over the others with twisted horns protruding from its head. Its HP was dropping steadily, but it still had enough to wreak havoc. August watched carefully from the shadows, calculating his next move. He was well aware that he was becoming infamous within the cave. The nickname "Kill-Stealing Ghost" was starting to spread among the players in these parts. Some had assumed he was a high-level player, given his ability to move in and out of sight and his high-damage strikes. They would have been furious to learn he was still only level 19, inching his way up by taking calculated risks. The Fangfiend Alpha''s HP dropped to a sliver. Now was his chance. He readied his Lightning Bolt spell, aiming it directly at the alpha. <[ Lightning Bolt Spell Activated ]> [ - 500 MP ] The bolt shot through the air, crackling with electric energy, and struck the Fangfiend Alpha right between the eyes. [You have dealt the finishing blow to Fangfiend Alpha. +4500 EXP] [ Congratulation! You Have Leveled Up ] [Item Drop: Alpha Fang, Venom Sac, Shadowsteel Claw] The alpha let out a deafening howl before collapsing into a heap of fur and muscle. The players in the area turned their heads in shock, realizing what had just happened. "Are you kidding me?!" a mage shouted, her eyes wide with disbelief. "Not again! It''s that damn Kill-Stealing Ghost!" another player yelled, his voice echoing through the cave. The group that had just lost the kill began shouting at each other, trying to coordinate a search. August smirked to himself, but he knew better than to stick around. He dashed back into the shadows, using << Dash >> to gain some distance from the angry players. He weaved through the twisting tunnels of the cave with light and quick steps. But this time, his pursuers were hot on his trail. "Spread out! Don''t let him escape!" a warrior ordered while leading the charge. More than a dozen players were now on the hunt, determined to catch the notorious "Kill-Stealing Ghost." August could hear their footsteps and shouts closing in from multiple directions. They were casting light spells to keep him from using the shadows as cover. He could usually log off and disappear, but he wasn''t in a safe zone, and logging out here would leave him vulnerable for several seconds¡ªa death sentence with this many players on his tail. He had to think fast. He darted around a corner, only to find himself in a narrow tunnel with pointy rocks lining the walls. The pathway was tight, but it would force his pursuers to funnel in a single file. He could hear them approaching, their armor clanking and weapons drawn. "Come out, you coward!" a ranger shouted, his bowstring pulled back. August took a deep breath and prepared himself. He activated << Arcane Shield >> to give himself a buffer and readied his daggers. As the first player¡ªa rogue¡ªrounded the corner, August sprang into action. With a swift movement, he struck with << Hidden Strike >> catching the rogue off guard and sending him sprawling back. [ - 1100 HP ] <[ You Have Attacked A Player In The Red Zone ]> <[ No Penalties Meted ]> August immediately followed up with a << Lightning Bolt >> causing the spell to arc down the tunnel and forcing the others to halt their advance. Multiple more notifications like the ones prior appeared once more but August didn''t pay them any heed. "Get him! Don''t let him get away!" A tank barked while pushing forward with his shield raised. August retreated further down the tunnel, using the narrow space to his advantage. He knew he couldn''t take on this many players head-on, but he could slow them down and buy himself some time. He activated << Shadow Dance >> creating multiple dark afterimages that spread out, making it difficult to locate the real one. "Where is he?!" another player shouted, panic starting to creep into their voices. The group began to spread out, inching forward cautiously. August silently moved along the edge of the tunnel, careful not to make a sound after activating Shadow Stealth once more. The group cautiously advanced, weapons ready for any sudden attack. August could see their nervousness¡ªthey were on high alert, but they were also becoming impatient. He spotted an opening and decided to exploit it. He launched another << Lightning Bolt >> from his concealed position, striking a mage in the back. The mage stumbled forward, his HP dropping significantly, and the group erupted into chaos. "He''s over there!" a player screamed, pointing in August''s direction. But August was already moving. He used << Dash >>to burst out of the tunnel and into a larger cavern, where the ceiling stretched high above and massive stalactites hung like sharp teeth. He kept running, weaving between rock formations and leaping over crevices. The group was still in hot pursuit, but the cavern''s size gave him more room to maneuver. He could see a faint light ahead, indicating an exit to another section of the cave. If he could reach it, he might be able to lose his pursuers or find a place to hide and log off. He pushed forward, his stamina draining quickly, but he knew he couldn''t afford to slow down. Behind him, arrows and spells flew, narrowly missing him and exploding against the cavern walls. The sound of footsteps grew louder. "Don''t let him escape!" Another player shouted while rallying the group. August gritted his teeth, focusing on the path ahead. He activated << Dash >>one more time and just by taking two steps, he appeared twenty paces away. The exit was just within reach at this moment. If he could make it through, he''d have a chance. He sprinted toward the exit, his heart pounding in his chest. The light grew brighter, and he could feel the cool air of a new section of the cave. He was almost there. Suddenly, a massive explosion of fire erupted behind him, sending shockwaves through the cavern. August was thrown forward, skidding across the ground as the exit loomed just ahead. -800HP He rolled to his feet, ignoring the pain, and dashed through the narrow opening. August arrived in another chamber of the cave. He didn''t stop to catch his breath; he immediately found a spot behind atop with a strange slanted protrusion. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He proceeded to run up the wall and leap from it before grabbing a piece of a protrusion. The shadows here were much darker. The instant he arrived there, he activated << Shadow Stealth >> again to blend into the shadows. The pursuing players stopped briefly at the entrance, scanning the chamber for any sign of him. They were hesitant to enter, wary of traps or ambushes. "Let''s spread out and search the area," one of the players suggested but there was uncertainty in his voice. August watched them from his hiding spot as they stepped in cautiously and began to scan the surroundings. He would wait them out, let them tire themselves searching. For now, he was safe, hidden in the shadows like a ghost. The legend of the "Kill-Stealing Ghost" would only grow after today, and August was just getting started. --- August felt a rush of relief as he finally logged out of Enders Light. He opened his eyes and removed the VR helmet, his body feeling stiff after the long session in the game. A tired smile crept onto his face. Reaching level 20 was a significant milestone. His hard work¡ªgrinding, stealing kills, and evading enraged players¡ªhad paid off. The next time he logged in, he could focus on taking on quests to gain even more experience and loot. He stretched his limbs, feeling the familiar ache in his muscles from spending too much time in the game pod. "Finally," he muttered to himself. "Level 20." But he couldn''t dwell on it for long. Time was slipping away, and he needed to get ready for work. August glanced at the clock¡ªhe had just enough time to change and grab a quick breakfast. As he changed into his worn-out factory uniform, he thought about his sister, Sophie. She was already up, sitting at the small kitchen table with her books spread out in front of her. She looked up as he walked in, her green hair catching the morning light. "Morning, Auggie," she greeted him with a soft smile, her angelic face radiating warmth. "Morning, Soph," he replied, tousling her hair as he passed by. "You''ve got a lot of studying to do, huh?" "Yeah, big test coming up," she said, a hint of nervousness in her voice. "You think I''ll do okay?" August grabbed a piece of toast from the counter and gave her a reassuring smile. "You''ll do great. Just keep at it. You''re way smarter than I ever was." Sophie chuckled. "Well, that''s not saying much." He laughed. "Hey, I''m the one keeping a roof over our heads, remember?" She rolled her eyes playfully. "Yeah, yeah. Just don''t overwork yourself, okay?" "I won''t," August said, but they both knew it was a promise he couldn''t keep. "I gotta head to the factory now. Don''t forget to eat something other than just cereal." Chapter 25 - 25: Looks Like Weve Got Company "I will. Take care, Auggie," Sophia said as her smile faded slightly with concern. She always worried about him, especially with the long hours he worked. August grabbed his bag and rushed out the door after rubbing her hair affectionately in a final farewell. ... ... The factory was loud and chaotic as usual. August joined the line of workers, his friend Derrick giving him a nod as he arrived. They fell into their usual routine, moving crates and operating machines, each task a mind-numbing repetition of the last. But today, August''s mind was elsewhere. His thoughts kept drifting back to the potential sale he had set up after his shift. The Bronze Shortsword he had extracted from the game had garnered some interest. After posting an ad online, he''d received a message from a prospective buyer who seemed willing to pay the price he''d set¡ªone hundred thousand dollars. If he could sell it, he''d have 20% of the money he needed to pay off Damon. It wasn''t enough to get rid of the debt collector completely, but it was a start. Derrick noticed his friend''s distraction. "You alright, man? You''ve been kinda quiet today," he said, wiping sweat from his brow. August nodded. "Yeah, just... thinking about something. I might have a way to make some decent money soon." S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Derrick raised an eyebrow. "Oh yeah? Not some shady deal, I hope." August chuckled. "No, nothing shady. Just a business opportunity. If it goes well, it''ll help with the debt." Derrick gave him a knowing look. "Well, I hope it works out, man. You deserve a break." The hours dragged on as they continued their grueling work, but August''s mind stayed focused on the meeting after his shift. He had arranged to meet the potential buyer at a neutral location¡ªa small caf¨¦ on the other side of town. He chose the place carefully, somewhere public enough to avoid trouble but quiet enough to discuss business. The minutes seemed to crawl by as the day went on. August''s hands moved mechanically, lifting heavy crates and operating machinery, but his thoughts were miles away. He couldn''t shake the sense of unease that came with dealing with strangers for large sums of money. He had been in the business world for decades so there usually was no nervousness attached to it, being a seasoned businessman. However, this world was more dangerous than his previous. There were always risks when it came to game items brought into reality. Some buyers were genuine, but others could be dangerous¡ªplayers with supernatural abilities looking to rob him or worse. Still, he couldn''t afford to be paranoid. This was a chance he had to take. He needed the money, not just for himself but for Sophie. She deserved a better life than this¡ªbetter than scraping by and constantly looking over their shoulders for debt collectors like Damon. August glanced at the clock on the factory wall. Just a little longer. He had spent hours planning every detail of the meeting, going over possible scenarios in his head. If the buyer was legit, this could be a game-changer. If not... well, he''d have to be ready for that too. Derrick nudged him as their shift neared its end. "You''re looking pretty intense, man. Got a hot date or something?" August smirked. "Something like that. Just gotta be on my toes." Derrick chuckled. "Alright, just don''t forget to breathe." As the final whistle blew, signaling the end of their shift, August felt a rush of anxiety but calmed himself quickly. He grabbed his bag and gave Derrick a nod. "Catch you later, man." "Yeah, take care, and good luck with that ''business opportunity'' of yours," Derrick replied, giving him a thumbs-up. August left the factory, his heart beating a little faster with each step. The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the streets. The meeting time was drawing closer, and he knew he had to be prepared for anything. He took a deep breath and started making his way toward the caf¨¦. ... ... The caf¨¦ was quiet, with only a few customers scattered around, sipping coffee or absorbed in their own business. It was a small place, the kind where one could have a discreet conversation without drawing too much attention¡ªor at least that was what August had hoped for. He had chosen this location carefully, but the unease in his stomach didn''t go away. He''d never dealt with selling a game item in reality before, and he knew there were risks. His contact had arrived earlier and sat in the corner with his hood pulled up slightly over his face. The man looked unremarkable¡ªmid-30s, with an average build and nothing particularly intimidating about him. His gaze darted around the room, his body language radiating nervous energy. August, with part of his face obscured by a scarf, approached the table slowly, eyeing the man critically. ''Is this the guy?'' August thought to himself as he took the seat across from him. ''Doesn''t look like much... but who knows?'' The man''s eyes shifted to August, giving him a quick once-over before he sat up straighter, attempting to hide his own nervousness. In his mind, doubts swirled¡ª ''Is this a hoax? No one actually sells real items retrieved from Enders Light for a hundred thousand dollars. They go for millions.'' "Are you the one selling the Bronze Shortsword?" the man finally asked with a low and cautious tone. August nodded slightly, not wanting to reveal too much. "You''re here to see it, right?" The man hesitated but nodded. "Yeah, but... honestly, I wasn''t sure if this was real. A bronze-grade weapon from Enders Light... well, you know it usually sells for way more than what you''ve listed." "That''s because it''s bronze," August replied, his voice calm but firm. "It''s rare, sure, but it''s not one of the high-tiered items like silver, gold, or anything higher. A hundred thousand dollars is fair for something like this." The man''s eyes narrowed slightly, still unsure. "I''m just scouting for my boss. He''s the real buyer, but he needs to know if this is legitimate before we move forward." August reached into his bag slowly, his senses on high alert as he pulled out the bronze Shortsword. The moment the blade caught the dim light of the caf¨¦, the other man''s eyes widened in shock. He leaned forward, clearly taken aback by the sight of the real game item. The bronze sword was incredibly smooth. Its metallic sheen glinted with the faintest trace of magical runes etched into the blade¡ªa typical feature of even the lower-tiered items from Enders Light. The weight of it, the way it subtly radiated power, made it unmistakably authentic. August kept his grip firm on the sword as he allowed the man to inspect it from a distance. He knew the game too well to let anyone else handle the item¡ªthings could go sideways in an instant. "It''s real..." the man muttered, astonishment creeping into his voice. "I can''t believe it..." August nodded. "Now that you''ve confirmed, I expect payment. A hundred thousand dollars¡ªclean and quick." The man pulled his gaze away from the sword, his mind still reeling. "Like I said... I''m just the scout. My boss is the one with the cash. Once I tell him this is real, he''ll definitely want to buy it." August''s expression remained neutral, but inside, a wave of suspicion washed over him. ''Just a scout? Why isn''t the buyer here himself?'' He pulled the sword back, stowing it carefully in his bag. "I can''t guarantee I''ll still have the sword by the time your boss is ready to buy. There''s a lot of interest, and I''m not holding onto it for anyone." The man''s eyes widened in panic. "Wait, please! Give me a little more time. I swear, once I tell him, he''ll be here with the money. He''s serious about this¡ªhe''ll pay." August stood up calmly but decisive. "I''ll be around. But I''m not making any promises. If I get another buyer, the deal''s off." The man scrambled to his feet in desperation and anxiety. "Please, just a little time! I''m telling you, my boss will definitely buy it!" August simply nodded once, giving a curt farewell before heading toward the door. He could feel several eyes on him as he walked through the caf¨¦. The glint of the sword had attracted more attention than he had wanted. He didn''t need to look around to know that people were already speculating about the weapon. ''This isn''t good,'' he thought to himself. ''Too much attention.'' As August exited the caf¨¦, the cool night air hit him, but it did little to ease the tension building in his chest. He kept his head low and made his way toward the train station, quickening his pace as the uneasy feeling from earlier returned. Something felt off¡ªmore than just the suspicious behavior of the buyer''s "scout." He casually glanced over his shoulder as he walked, his eyes scanning the darkened streets. That''s when he noticed them¡ªtwo shadowy figures lingering in the distance, their pace mirroring his own. They weren''t obvious, but they weren''t exactly subtle either. ''Great,'' August muttered under his breath. ''Looks like we''ve got company.'' Chapter 26 - 26: Cornered At The Subway The figures followed him at a steady distance, neither speeding up nor slowing down, just keeping a consistent pace. They were clearly tailing him, waiting for the right moment to act. August''s mind raced as he considered his options. He could easily lose them if he ducked into an alleyway and used his wits, but he also knew that whoever was after him wouldn''t stop once they lost sight of him. His hand instinctively went to the bag slung over his shoulder where the Bronze Shortsword was safely stored. He needed to be smart about this. He couldn''t afford to get into a confrontation right now¡ªespecially with a game item worth over a hundred thousand dollars on him. August''s heart pounded in his chest as he darted through the narrow alley and sprinted toward the train station. His pursuers weren''t far behind, and every second counted. The distant rumble of a train arriving on the platform filled the air, and August quickened his pace, barely sparing a glance over his shoulder. The shadowy figures were still on his tail, closing in fast. He leaped up the stairs two at a time, slipping past the turnstile just as the train doors opened. Without hesitation, he jumped into the train, hoping the doors would close before the others could follow. But they were fast. Too fast. The two figures dashed through the station and jumped onto the train while the doors were still wide open. August''s pulse quickened as they cornered him from both sides. There was no turning back now¡ªconfrontation was inescapable. "Hand over the item," one of them demanded with a threatening tone as he stepped forward. "Yeah, we know you''ve got a game item," the other chimed in, positioning himself behind August, blocking any escape route. August''s eyes narrowed as he weighed his options. Giving up the sword was not on the table, and now that he was more physically adept than before, thanks to his newfound abilities, he wasn''t about to let himself be cornered so easily. "Not gonna happen," he replied with a calm but cautious expression. The first figure lunged at him, trying to grab August by the collar, but August was ready. He moved smoothly and dodged the attack, pivoting to the side before charging at the man. They soon exchanged fists in a flurry of punches. August''s reflexes were sharp, and he expertly dodged the man''s wild swings. For some reason, he could see every swing coming. He saw his opening and landed a clean uppercut directly under the man''s chin. The force of the hit sent the man flying backward, crashing into the row of seats with a loud thud. The passengers screamed in shock and the train car erupted into chaos as people scrambled to get away from the fight. August didn''t have time to breathe. The second assailant was already closing in on him from behind. Before August could react, he felt the cold, unmistakable sensation of a gun pressed against his back. "Last chance," the second man growled. "Hand over the sword, or I''ll pull the trigger." August clenched his teeth in annoyance. He could feel the tension in the air, and the growing panic of the passengers as they realized how dire the situation had become. But he wasn''t about to give in. His fingers twitched, and a thought crossed his mind. ''Maybe I can try that...'' With a calm voice, he replied, "Alright. I''ll give it to you." Slowly, he turned around to face his attacker with his hands raised as though he was surrendering. The man kept the gun aimed at him. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Just when it seemed like August was about to comply, he suddenly executed a different action. The assailant eyes widened as August reached out and grabbed the gun by the barrel. [Extraction Has Been Activated] A purple gleam emitted from August''s fingers as soon as they made contact with the gun. The man''s expression displayed a visibly shocked look as the weapon immediately began to disassemble in his hands. He tried to pull the trigger but the gun was already coming apart. Piece by piece, it clattered uselessly onto the train floor before the assailant. "What the hell?!" the man shouted while backing away in disbelief. The passengers gasped in horror. Their whispers quickly turned to frantic yells as they realized that August was a supernatural player. The tension in the train car skyrocketed, but August took full advantage of the chaos. Without missing a beat, he swung his fist and landed a solid punch right across the man''s face, sending him sprawling to the floor. The man groaned in pain, dazed from the unexpected hit. In that instant, the train doors began to close as it prepared to leave the station. The opportunity to escape was now or never. With quick thinking, August darted toward the nearest door and leaped off the train just as it started to move. The doors slid shut behind him, locking the assailants inside. He landed on the platform and spun around to see the train pulling away with his two attackers trapped inside and glaring furiously at him through the glass windows. They pounded on the doors, but it was too late¡ªthe train had left the station, and they were being carried further and further away. August took a deep breath, steadying his pulse. The tension from the chase and the fight still clung to him, but he couldn''t help the small smirk that tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Nice try," he muttered under his breath as he straightened up and adjusted the bag containing the bronze Shortsword. He quickly disappeared into the shadows of the station, blending in with the crowd as he made his way toward the exit. Though he''d narrowly escaped this time, he knew this wouldn''t be the last time he experienced such a situation. Word was spreading fast about supernatural players and the rare game items being brought into reality. And now, more than ever, the stakes were higher than ever before. Chapter 27 - 27: The Boss August finally arrived home after the intense events of the day. He was exhausted, both mentally and physically, but as he sat down on his worn-out couch, his mind raced with everything that had happened. The meeting at the caf¨¦, the confrontation on the train, and the strange figures following him¡ªhe couldn''t shake the feeling that he had just narrowly escaped something far more dangerous than he''d initially thought. He leaned back, closing his eyes for a moment, replaying the events in his mind. "This whole endeavor is more dangerous than I anticipated," he thought out loud. The reality of selling game items brought into the real world was no longer just an exciting venture for quick cash; it was a perilous game, where trust was a rare commodity and danger lurked in every transaction. "This is something I won''t be able to keep up alone," he already knew this which was why his thoughts drifted to the idea of creating a business once more¡ªa legitimate company that could handle situations like these, with protocols in place for protection, trust, and verified transactions. But the capital wasn''t there yet. He was starting from scratch, and he needed more than just ideas. He needed people¡ªreliable people¡ªbut being new in this world meant he had no connections to build such a team. He sighed while running a hand through his long green hair, streaked with the familiar white patches. "I need a plan... but first, I need to figure out who I can trust." With that thought in mind, August turned to the one place he knew could offer some insight: the forums. Logging onto the site where he had posted the Bronze Shortsword for sale, he quickly noticed something that made his eyes widen¡ªhis post had exploded. The number of potential buyers had surged to over a hundred, all eager to purchase the rare game item. "This is good... but it''s also a problem." He scrolled through the flood of messages. His brows furrowed as he read some of the offers. There were legitimate-sounding buyers, offering to pay the full amount up front, but just as many shady-sounding inquiries filled his inbox, filled with vague promises and strange demands. "I don''t know which ones are real and which are just waiting to rob me," he thought while rubbing the back of his neck in frustration. One idea kept appearing at the back of his mind¡ª"I''ll have to be very careful... maybe even hire some bodyguards." But even that came with risks. What if the bodyguards turned out to be the ones to double-cross him? The more he thought about it, the more he realized how dangerous every move could be. One wrong step and he could get himself in trouble. As he scrolled further down the forum, he noticed a message from the same man he had met earlier that night. August sent a message saying the deal after mentioning everything that went down. The man then sent him a long apology, swearing that he had nothing to do with the ambush on the train. He insisted that his boss was still very much interested in purchasing the item and begged August to reconsider. "Not interested," August thought while shaking his head as he typed a curt response. He wasn''t about to put himself at risk again, especially after what had happened tonight. "Sorry, after getting jumped I''m not interested in selling anymore," he typed. The man''s response came almost immediately, pleading again that they had no involvement in the attack, but August was already done with the conversation. He closed the chat window and leaned back as his thoughts spun. What made it worse was that the fight on the train had been captured by bystanders. Within hours, videos of the battle had surfaced online, with people debating what had happened. Some discussions focused on how supernatural players, like the ones in the video, were becoming more dangerous. Others used the video to claim that players with supernatural abilities needed to be curbed before things got out of control. Thankfully, August''s face had been obscured, and no one knew it was him. But this was a warning. The world was watching, and people were paying attention to those who wielded abilities from Enders Light. "I need to be smarter about this," August told himself, knowing he couldn''t afford to get reckless. ~ Three Days Later Three days had passed, and August found himself once again preparing to meet another buyer. This time, he had chosen a more secure location, and he had done his research on the buyer beforehand. The person seemed more reliable, with a legitimate online presence and a history of purchasing game items without any trouble. Still, August couldn''t shake the lingering doubt in the back of his mind. He knew he had to stay on guard. As he checked over the details of the meeting one last time, a notification popped up on his phone¡ªa message from the same man he had met earlier that week. "Hey, please reconsider. My boss is really interested in the item. He doesn''t want someone else getting it." August sighed while reading the message. He didn''t reply this time, but a feeling of unease settled over him. Something about this situation still didn''t sit right. Why was this boss so desperate to get his hands on a bronze-grade weapon? ... S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ... Far away, in a luxurious mansion surrounded by high walls and heavily armed guards, the man who had met August paced nervously in front of a massive desk. Seated behind the desk was a figure¡ªa man in his late forties, with slicked-back black hair and a sharply tailored suit. His eyes were dark and calculating, and his presence dominated the room. His name was Floozk, but in the underworld, he was known simply as "The Boss." Floozk was a man of considerable wealth and influence, with ties to both legitimate and less-than-legal enterprises. He had built an empire on power and fear, and he was always looking for ways to gain an edge¡ªespecially in the emerging market of game items brought into reality. The man standing in front of him¡ªFloozk''s subordinate¡ªspoke nervously. "Boss, it looks like August is about to sell the Bronze Shortsword to someone else. He''s meeting with another buyer soon." Floozk''s sharp eyes narrowed as he listened while his fingers tapped rhythmically on the desk. He was a tall man with broad shoulders, and even though he wasn''t standing, there was an aura of menace around him. His jaw was square, and a scar ran from his left cheekbone down to the corner of his lip, giving his otherwise composed face a hint of violence. He leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled as he considered the situation. "He''s selling it to someone else, is he?" "Yes, Boss. He said he''s no longer interested in our offer, but I know he''s meeting with a new buyer soon. I¡ªI think we can still get it if we move fast." Floozk''s expression darkened. He wasn''t a man who liked being refused. The Bronze Shortsword might have been a bronze-grade item, but Floozk knew its true value lay beyond its classification. It was a rare artifact from Enders Light, and possessing such items meant power¡ªpower that could be used in the real world. "You''re telling me someone else is going to get their hands on that sword?" Floozk''s voice was low, but there was a dangerous edge to it. The man swallowed nervously. "Yes, Boss, but we can intercept¡ª" Floozk raised a hand, silencing him. He stood up from his desk causing his tall frame to cast a long shadow across the room. "Find out where the purchase is going to take place. I want that sword. We''ll make sure the buyer never gets their hands on it." "Yes, Boss," the man stammered and bowed slightly before hurrying out of the room. Floozk turned toward the large windows of his office, focusing his gaze on the city beyond. His mind was already working out the next steps. He had dealt with plenty of sellers like August before¡ªpeople who thought they could control the terms of a deal. But in the end, Floozk always got what he wanted. And he wasn''t about to let some kid with a game item sell what he wanted to someone else. "Let''s see if this August is as clever as he thinks he is," Floozk muttered under his breath as a sinister smile spread across his face. Chapter 28 - 28: Menial Quests As night settled in, August finalized his plans for the next day''s meeting with a potential buyer. Tomorrow was his day off from the factory, and he''d use every minute to ensure the deal went smoothly. But for now, his focus shifted to something he was equally passionate about¡ªgrinding in Enders Light. He proceeded to log into the game, feeling the immersive pull of the virtual world wash over him as his avatar, Aleman, materialized in Tagharuim Kingdom. He quickly accessed his player stats causing a soft glowing interface to appear before him. ¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û Name: Aleman Level: 20 Class: Assassin/Mage EXP: 7300/520,000 HP: 6000/6000 MP: 4300/4300 Gold: 250 Skills: Shadow Dance, Hidden Strike, Slash, Dash, Dual Wielding, Fireball, Arcane Shield, Lightning Bolt ¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û August smirked in satisfaction. His dual class and increased level had made a visible impact on his stats, and now he was ready to explore the quests available in Tagharuim Kingdom. August moved swiftly through the streets of Tagharuim, searching for any indication of available quests. The kingdom was alive even at night, with NPCs going about their routines and fellow players haggling at merchant stalls or preparing for raids. Eventually, he arrived at the Tagharuim Adventurers Guild. Inside, the wooden hall was buzzing with activity; adventurers crowded around bulletin boards, checking the posted quests or bragging about their recent victories. August approached one of the boards and his gaze swept over the list of available quests. Unfortunately, nothing particularly challenging caught his eye. Most of the quests were either way above his level or seemed too basic to provide worthwhile rewards. "No tough quests for level 20 players? Guess I''ll have to settle for menial work tonight," August thought with a sigh. Now that he could finally accept quests here, there didn''t seem to be much that caught his interest. He finally settled on a series of delivery quests, transporting valuable items from one city to another within Tagharuim Kingdom. [ Deliver A Darklin Root From The Magic Bureau to Old Man Tim ] [ Deliver The Magic Stopwatch To Sir Fergus ] ... The quests were labeled "menial" but offered modest rewards in gold and EXP, enough to keep him progressing until something better came along. The first two delivery quests proved simple. August traveled across the kingdom''s winding roads, moving from city to city with ease. His skills allowed him to evade minor threats on the path, and he quickly dispatched any low-level beasts that wandered into his way. Each successful delivery earned him small, incremental rewards¡ªgold coins in his inventory, along with a minor boost in EXP. But as he accepted his third quest of the night, the stakes shifted. The third delivery was slightly different, involving the transport of a rare artifact from one of the kingdom''s cities to another. August carefully loaded the item onto a horse-drawn cart and began his journey along the winding dirt roads that connected the cities. As he rode along, the ambient sounds of Enders Light filled his ears¡ªnature mixed with the rhythmic clatter of the cart''s wheels on the path. He was halfway through his journey when a system notification popped up, its message catching his attention. <[Warning: Hostile NPCs Detected Ahead]> Ahead, a group of NPCs materialized on the road, blocking his path. They were armed and armored. Their stances radiated menace as they eyed the cart. August narrowed his eyes as he took in their details. Each of the NPCs had visible class markers hovering above their heads¡ªtwo rogues, a swordsman, and a mage. Their levels weren''t displayed, but their appearances indicated they were no pushovers. One of the rogues sneered in arrogance. "Hand over the goods, and we won''t have to hurt you. Make it easy on yourself." August wasn''t about to back down. He cracked his knuckles as his lips curled into a smirk. "I don''t think so. If you want it, come and take it." The NPCs exchanged glances, clearly amused by his defiance. They drew their weapons and closed in, their intent clear. <[Quest Updated: Protect the Delivery from Hostile NPCs]> The first rogue lunged forward with his dagger gleaming under the moonlight as he aimed for August''s chest. August sidestepped while activating Dash. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [ Dash Has Been Activated ] A single step made him appear more than fifteen paces away from his initial position. His movements turned into a blur as he countered with Slash, letting his dagger carve through the air. The attack landed, slicing through the rogue''s armor. [ -800 HP ] The rogue staggered while gritting his teeth in pain, but quickly recovered. His companion, the swordsman, charged in from the side, raising his massive broadsword with a roar. August reacted instantly, activating Arcane Shield to absorb the blow. A transparent barrier flared around him, absorbing the impact of the sword''s heavy swing. [Arcane Shield Activated. MP -300] The swordsman''s attack rebounded off the shield, and August seized the opportunity. He leaped forward, delivering a powerful Hidden Strike to the swordsman''s exposed side. The blow landed hard, and the swordsman stumbled back, clutching his side. [Critical Hit! -1400 HP] The mage, stationed a few feet back, began chanting. His hands glowed with fiery energy depicting an incoming spell. August quickly countered with Fireball, launching a blazing sphere of flame directly at the mage. [Casting Fireball. MP -350] The two spells collided in midair, creating a burst of flames that lit up the dark road. The force of the explosion sent the mage sprawling to the ground, temporarily stunned while August slid ten feet backwards. [Mage -700 HP] Just as August turned to focus on the second rogue, he felt a sharp pain as the rogue''s dagger sliced across his shoulder, a sneak attack that landed cleanly. -400 HP Gritting his teeth, August retaliated with a swift Lightning Bolt, sending a crackling arc of electricity toward the rogue. The bolt struck him squarely, electrocuting him with a surge of energy. "Aahhhhhhhhh!" [Lightning Bolt Activated. MP -500] [ -900 HP ] The rogue let out a strangled cry as he fell to the ground. His HP drained to almost nothing. August didn''t waste time and proceeded to finish him off with a quick dagger thrust. [Enemy Defeated: Rogue. +2000 EXP] The swordsman and the mage were still standing, both looking visibly weakened but unrelenting. The swordsman roared while charging forward once more. On the other hand, the mage began chanting another spell. A sinister red glow surrounded his hands. August kept his cool and activated Shadow Dance. [ Shadow Dance Activated ] His form turned into a myriad of shadows that seemed to blend with the night as they moved like phantoms. The swordsman looked around wildly, while swinging his sword but it constantly through intangible shadow afterimages. He was unable to pinpoint the real August location. August appeared behind him in an instant, delivering a deadly Dual Wielding attack. Both his daggers cut into the swordsman''s back. [ Dual Wielding Attack! -1500 HP ] The swordsman collapsed in defeat as his form flickered briefly while disappearing. [ Enemy Defeated: Swordsman. +3000 EXP ] Now only the mage remained. His eyes widened with fear as he realized he was outmatched. He attempted to cast another spell, but August was faster. He unleashed Dash, closing the distance in a heartbeat, and finished the mage off with a well-aimed Slash. [ Enemy Defeated: Mage. +2700 EXP ] The road fell silent as the dust settled. August let out a sigh of relief, wiping the sweat from his brow. His HP and MP had taken a hit, but the encounter had gone better than expected. As the final NPC collapsed, a system notification popped up, confirming his success. [Side Quest Completed: Protect the Delivery from Hostile NPCs] [ Reward: +15000 EXP, +20 Gold, Item Drop: Mana Potion x2] August smiled, feeling the satisfaction of a job well done. He glanced back at the road now that the fallen enemies were nothing more than flickering shadows in the distance. With the cart secured once more, August continued along the road. Chapter 29 - 29: The Old Forger After completing a series of menial delivery quests, August felt the rewards were starting to look meager compared to the effort he was putting in. He knew that higher-paying quests with worthy rewards existed, but most of them required a team to tackle. Unfortunately, none of his newfound friends were online, and he was left to search solo. Forming a temporary team wasn''t convenient either, as players usually avoided teaming up with a level 20 unless they were in the same range. Determined to find something more substantial, August scoured the streets of Tagharuim Kingdom, looking for any hint or rumor about solo quests. After almost an hour of fruitless searching, he overheard a group of players chatting excitedly nearby. "...yeah, a new hidden passageway was found in the mining tunnels," one of them voice brimmed with excitement. "An NPC forger is there," another player added. "People say he might give out some kind of unique quest, but no one''s been able to make him talk yet." August''s ears perked up. ''A hidden passageway? An NPC with potentially high rewards? This could be it.'' The players continued, "Apparently, there''s a specific action that triggers dialogue with the NPC, but no one''s figured it out yet. He just sits there, ignoring everyone who tries to talk to him." With his curiosity piqued, August decided to head to the mining tunnels and try his luck. If it meant a chance at a quest with decent rewards, he was willing to experiment with any action that might prompt the NPC to respond. ... ... The mining tunnels which were usually not so crowded happened to be bustling today. Players gathered at the entrance to a hidden passage that led to a dimly lit forge where the elusive NPC was said to dwell. It was an old man with a long white beard and a muscular build. He sat hammering away at a piece of metal. His face was covered in soot, and his clothes were worn but sturdy, typical of a seasoned blacksmith. Above his head hovered the name, Sir Dumblore, indicating he was no ordinary NPC. Players stood around, trying different actions in a desperate attempt to get him to respond. One player waved his arms animatedly, trying to catch the NPC''s attention. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Another player dropped valuable items on the ground in front of him as an offering, hoping it might trigger a response. A third player tried something more aggressive, swinging his sword as if to provoke him. Sir Dumblore didn''t flinch. His steely gaze was fixed on the task at hand, hammering and crafting as though the players didn''t exist. But when one player got too close and attempted to strike him, the NPC turned and gave a withering glare that sent the player stumbling back, intimidated by the NPC''s sheer presence. August observed the chaos for a moment, amused by the variety of tactics players were trying. But he quickly realized that no one was making progress, and even after testing a few actions himself, he was left as clueless as the rest. For over an hour, August tried everything he could think of. He waved, he called out, and he even attempted to mimic some of the forging movements he had seen other players do. Nothing worked. Gradually, players began to give up, grumbling as they left the passageway one by one. In time, only a few players remained, each equally frustrated. August sighed, feeling a wave of disappointment settle over him. "What am I missing?" he wondered while glancing at Sir Dumblore, who continued his work in silence. Frustrated and feeling a little defeated, August decided to relax for a bit. He walked over and sat down beside Sir Dumblore with a sigh but soon his gaze was drawn to the old forger''s hands as they skillfully hammered the metal. August didn''t say a word; he simply watched. As time passed, he noticed small details in the way Sir Dumblore worked. The man''s movements were deliberate, especially with how he carved magic symbols into certain tools. August realized that Dumblore wasn''t just hammering away at random¡ªthere was a rhythm, a deep focus that bordered on meditation. The NPC was entirely absorbed in his craft, almost as if it were a ritual. With nothing else to try, August continued to watch the blacksmith''s work. Over the next hour, he found himself strangely fascinated. The repetitive clang of metal became almost hypnotic, drawing him deeper into a quiet understanding of the forging process. Slowly, he started to feel as if he was learning, simply by watching. He noticed the way Sir Dumblore would examine the metal, pausing occasionally as if considering each step with care. It was as if Dumblore respected the material he was working with, treating each piece as something precious. After a few more minutes, a notification popped up in his line of sight, making his eyes widen. <[ Congratulations! You Have Paid Heed To Sir Dumblore''s Work ]> <[You May Now Interact With Sir Dumblore]> August blinked while feeling a rush of excitement. "So that was it... just sitting and watching?" He suppressed a grin, realizing that sometimes, it was about more than flashy actions or aggressive gestures. It was about respect and understanding¡ªa nuance not every player would notice in a game like Enders Light. He took a deep breath and clicked on the dialogue option, feeling a thrill as Sir Dumblore finally looked up from his work, his eyes sharp and piercing. "Well, lad," Dumblore spoke with a gruff but warm voice. "Took ya long enough. Not many have the patience to simply watch and learn these days." August nodded, still taken aback by the NPC''s sudden acknowledgment. "I¡­ didn''t know this would happen. I just thought¡ªwell, maybe I could learn something by watching." The old forger chuckled. "Aye, that''s the spirit. Craftin'' is more than hammerin'' and heatin''. It''s understandin'' the material, respectin'' it." He paused, assessing August with a keen eye. "Yer not like most of the ones who come here, wantin'' quick riches and glory. I can tell ye have potential." August remained silent, allowing Dumblore to continue. "I''ve got a task, if ye be up for it," Dumblore''s tone grew more serious. "Something that requires a careful hand and a quick wit." [ Quest Available: Sir Dumblore''s Request ] [ Quest Difficulty: C-Rank] [Quest Description: Assist Sir Dumblore in retrieving rare materials from a dangerous location to craft a unique weapon. Reward: Gold, EXP, and a custom weapon tailored to your class.] August''s heart raced as he read the details. A C-Rank quest, one that would likely yield far better rewards than anything he''d taken on before¡ªand a custom weapon suited to his class? This was exactly the kind of opportunity he had been hoping for. "I''m in," he replied without hesitation. Dumblore gave a slight nod of approval as his eyes gleamed with a hint of satisfaction. "Good lad. Here''s what ye need to do¡­" Chapter 30 - 30: Corrosive Climbers August listened closely as Sir Dumblore outlined the details of his unique C-ranked quest. The location was an ancient, floating city known as Tavirah, a place shrouded in mystery and danger. Situated over two hundred feet above the ground, Tavirah was abandoned and desolate, overrun by ghostly creatures that had made it inhospitable to any who dared venture there. Fortunately, no one could venture there because the great wizards of the kingdom had sealed it off years ago to prevent any of the darkness in there from spreading further. <[You Have Been Granted A Pass Stone By Sir Dumblore ]> << Pass Stone Will Grant Access To Tavirah >> <[ You Have Been Granted A Map ]> << Map Will Direct You To The Locations Of The Materials In Tavirah >> The old forger''s instructions were clear: retrieve three rare minerals hidden within Tavirah, essential for the unique weapon he was forging. August knew this would be no simple task, but the allure of a custom weapon and the rare rewards drove him forward. Soon, he found himself boarding a cart that would take him to the eastern outskirts of Tagharuim Kingdom. The journey was quiet, with only the sounds of the wooden wheels creaking over rough terrain and the distant hum of wildlife. As they approached, August spotted the floating city of Tavirah in the distance¡ª It was a massive mythical structure shrouded in a ghostly mist, hovering over the ground like a mysterious sentinel. August''s eyes narrowed as he gazed up at the floating city in excitement. "This is going to be one hell of a climb," he thought out loud while getting off the cart. As the cart rolled away to transport the rest of the passengers elsewhere, August gripped his gear tightly as he approached the vines and roots extending from Tavirah down to the ground. He took a deep breath and began his ascent. He grasped the thick vines and pulled himself up, one hand after another. The vines were tough and sturdy. Their gnarled texture offered a firm hold as he climbed higher. Despite the height, August''s focus remained sharp with his gaze fixed on the floating city above. ''Don''t look down... Don''t look down...'' he told himself. Even though this was a game, everything remained extremely realistic. It was as though he was truly climbing. The wind bit at this skin and he felt strange sensations. As he climbed, a system notification appeared, breaking his concentration momentarily: [Warning: You are entering a hostile area. Proceed with caution.] He continued as each pull brought him closer to the abandoned city. But before he could gain much altitude, another notification flashed: [Hostile Creatures Detected] August glanced around, immediately alert. From the corner of his eye, he saw movement¡ªa cluster of strange, six-limbed creatures clinging to the vines and roots. Their bodies were silky smooth and covered in dark, scaly armor with each limb ending in clawed appendages perfect for climbing. Their eyes glowed a sickly green, and a faint, acidic hiss emanated from their bodies. [Corrosive Climber - Level 18] [HP: 6500/6500] The creatures emitted an unsettling, acidic aura, and their limbs dripped with a corrosive slime that hissed on contact with the vines. One of the Climbers lunged at August with claws extended, aiming to knock him from his precarious perch. August gritted his teeth while gripping the vine with one hand and using his other to draw his dagger. He swung at the creature, managing to land a solid hit on its side. [ -500 HP ] The creature screeched, retreating momentarily, but three more Climbers were already closing in. Their limbs clawed at him from all angles. [ -100 HP: Contact with Corrosive Substance] One creature latched onto his leg, and the corrosive touch ate through his armor, searing his skin and reducing his HP. August quickly kicked it off, struggling to maintain his grip on the vine. In the next moment, he activated Shadow Dance. [ Shadow Dance Activated ] Surprisingly, it still worked even though he was in mid-air. Multiple shadowy afterimages of him appeared all over. August began leaping from vines to vines to further confuse the creatures. The creatures hesitated. Their beady eyes darted around as they searched for their target. Taking advantage of his temporary stealth, August climbed higher, only to find two more Climbers waiting for him above. He had no choice but to fight. He struck at the nearest one with Hidden Strike, aiming for a critical hit. [Critical Hit! -1800 HP] The creature reeled back, screeching in pain, but quickly retaliated with a swipe of its corrosive claws, catching him across the arm. [ -250 HP: Contact with Corrosive Substance] August winced as the acid burned through his armor. Gritting his teeth, he activated Lightning Bolt, sending a crackling arc of electricity directly at the creature. The bolt struck, causing it to convulse and release its hold on the vine before plummeting downwards. [Lightning Bolt Activated. MP -250] [ -2600 HP ] Two more creatures lunged at him while flashing their claws. August quickly activated Dash and with a single pull up, he arrived fifteen feet above them. He made use of this opportunity to attack them from above while doing his possible best to maintain his grip. But with every dodge and every strike, he could feel his stamina draining. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [ -220 HP: Contact with Corrosive Substance] Another creature managed to latch onto his shoulder, hissing as its acidic body burned through his armor. In a desperate move, August twisted and drove his dagger into its eye, forcing it to release him. [ -1200 HP ] The creature hissed in pain as purple blood jetted out of its eye like a fountain. August raised his left leg and thrust it downwards. It landed square on the face of the creature, sending it spiraling towards the ground. The last two Climbers clung to the vine below, blocking his path up. August took a deep breath and delivered a powerful Slash to one of the creatures, then quickly followed up with Fireball, sending a blazing sphere of flame directly at the second one. [Slash Activated. -1600 HP] [Fireball Activated. MP -200] [ -2400 HP ] The Fireball exploded on contact, consuming the creature in flames and sending it tumbling down the vines. Finally, the last creature released its grip, defeated. Breathing heavily, August clung to the vine as his body ached from the intense battle. Keeping his grip on the vines while battling the creatures was no easy feat. Since the game made things realistic, it was normal for him to feel fatigued. [Enemy Defeated: Corrosive Climber x5. +22250 EXP] [Current EXP: 72,550/520,000] He checked his HP, noticing it had dropped significantly from the corrosive attacks. [HP: 2900/6000] Gritting his teeth, he opened his inventory and selected a health potion. <[Would you like to use Health Potion?]> [YES/NO] "Yes." August proceeded to drink the potion. He felt a warm sensation as his HP gradually began to restore. [ +2000 HP] [HP: 4900/6000] He took another HP potion and consumed it. [ +2000 HP] [HP: 6000/6000] With his health replenished, he took a moment to gather his bearings. The climb to Tavirah was proving to be far more treacherous than he''d anticipated. "If just getting there is this hard, I can''t imagine what the city itself holds." But despite the dangers, a thrill surged through him. This was what he had come here for¡ªthe challenge, the adventure. August proceeded to resume his climb to Tavirah, the lost city floating in the mists above. Chapter 31 - 31: Boss Creature Approaching August reached the top of the vine-laden climb, pulling himself onto a vast stone platform. His breath caught as he took in the sight before him¡ªTavirah the lost, floating city, shrouded in an atmosphere of eerie darkness. Heavy, dark clouds hung over the city, blocking any hint of sunlight and casting everything in an oppressive gloom. The air was thick with an unnatural chill, and the faint sound of echoing whispers drifted through the wind, carried like ghostly murmurs. Ahead, phantom-like beings drifted aimlessly. Their bodies were translucent and shadowy, swirling in and out of form as if caught between existence and oblivion. Abandoned buildings lined the streets¡ªhouses with shattered windows, crumbling statues of forgotten heroes, and towers that leaned precariously under the weight of time. In certain areas, swirling mists of ash formed ominous clouds that obscured the path forward. Their slow, swirling movements added to the city''s haunted feel. [Warning: You are in a highly hostile area. Proceed with caution.] August ducked behind a broken stone wall, eyeing the ghostly figures that roamed nearby. Taking a deep breath, he reached into his inventory and pulled out the map of Tavirah that Sir Dumblore had provided. He unfurled it carefully, glancing over the landmarks and markings that indicated the locations of the three rare minerals he needed to retrieve. The first location was marked as the Treasury¡ªformerly the household of the city''s lord. August memorized the route, tucked the map away, and began moving cautiously through the desolate streets, avoiding the wandering phantoms as he crept toward the treasury. The treasury was a grand building, albeit in ruins, with towering columns that had partially collapsed, and a once-magnificent doorway now barely hanging by its hinges. It seemed to be the least populated with these phantoms, making it his safest initial target. August slipped inside with light footsteps as he moved through the sparsely lit hall. Inside, he found rows of treasure chests stacked neatly against the walls, covered in dust and cobwebs. Their contents seemed to be untouched for centuries. Ancient gold coins, artifacts, and jewelry glinted faintly in the darkness. The lost city was no doubt one of past wealth. [Quest Update: Retrieve Material 0/3] August proceeded quietly, searching through the treasury. His eyes landed on a shimmering, dark crystal nestled within a chest¡ªit was the first mineral on his list. [Item Acquired: Dark Shard (Quest Item)] [Current Objective: 1/3 materials retrieved] Satisfied, he carefully closed the chest. But as he glanced around, his gaze caught sight of other valuable items¡ªa sapphire pendant, a finely wrought silver dagger, and a golden idol encrusted with gems... These were just a tiny lot in the pool of treasures stored here. His fingers twitched in temptation. The urge to take something extra was almost overwhelming. He considered his options, reasoning that no other players had ever been able to enter Tavirah due to the protective barrier surrounding it. Without the enchanted stone Sir Dumblore had given him, he wouldn''t have been able to bypass the barrier either. This was definitely a rare opportunity. Just as he reached for a small jeweled box, an intense chill swept over him, and he froze. The faint sound of footsteps¡ªslow, deliberate, and heavy¡ªechoed through the hall. He quickly ducked behind a pile of broken stone, holding his breath as a towering figure entered the room. The creature was massive and its form was darker than the phantoms he had seen outside. Its head was crowned with sharp pointy horns, and tendrils of shadow flickered around its hulking frame. Above its head, glowing red letters floated ominously: [Dark Vulkan Beast - Level 45] August''s heart pounded. There was no way he could fight a creature of that level and survive so confrontation was out of the picture. He gripped his dagger tightly, willing himself to stay perfectly still. The Dark Beast prowled the room with its piercing red eyes scanning the area, but it eventually turned and lumbered away, disappearing into the shadows. Letting out a quiet breath of relief, August remained hidden for a few moments longer before carefully making his way back out of the treasury. Once outside, he took one last look at the building before hurrying toward his next target. The second location, according to the map, was a pond nestled within an overgrown garden, choked with twisted trees and thick brambles. The water was dark and murky, almost black, and ripples moved across its surface, though no wind disturbed it. August crouched by the pond, scanning the area for the second mineral. His eyes landed on a faint glow emanating from beneath the water¡ªa deep red crystal lodged in the pond''s bed. He took a deep breath and reached into the water with his fingers closing around the crystal. [Item Acquired: Bloodstone (Quest Item)] [Current Objective: 2/3 materials retrieved] Just as he pulled the crystal from the water, a strange, ghostly creature floated out from behind a tree. It was smaller than the Dark Beast but had a menacing aura. Its shadowy form was vaguely humanoid, with long, sharp claws and hollow, glowing eyes that locked onto August. [Dark Phantom - Level 22] The creature hissed while lunging at August. He quickly drew his dagger, ready for a fight. August activated Shadow Dance to blend with the surroundings and confuse the creature. As it flailed, looking for him, he darted to its side and struck with Hidden Strike. [Critical Hit! -1750 HP] The Dark Phantom shrieked as its HP bar dropped, but it retaliated swiftly, swiping at him with its claws. [ -200 HP ] August winced as the claws grazed him, but he steadied himself and activated Lightning Bolt, sending a crackling arc of electricity through the phantom. [Lightning Bolt Activated. MP -250] [ -2600 HP ] The phantom let out a final shriek and dissolved into a wisp of smoke. [Enemy Defeated: Dark Phantom +2500 EXP] August straightened up after winning the fight fairly easily, but then, unexpectedly, a system notification appeared in front of him. [1/100] It seemed to be a progress bar of sorts since it appeared in the corner of his screen. "One of a hundred? Is it counting my kills?" August wondered, not fully understanding what this was about since there was no further information. Soft hissing sounds drew his attention. More Dark Phantoms materialized from the shadows as their eyes fixed on him with murderous intent. [Dark Phantoms - Levels 20-23] ''One, two... Seven... Thirteen, twenty... Thirty-nine...'' August counted with a look of disbelief. Realizing he couldn''t take them all on at once, August turned and fled, sprinting through the overgrown garden as the creatures pursued him. Occasionally, he glanced over his shoulder, and whenever one got too close, he''d strike with a quick Slash or Fireball. [ -2600 HP ] [4/100] [ -1750 HP ] [7/100] He continued battling and evading, watching as the progress bar slowly climbed. At this point, he was sure the system was counting his kills but he had no idea why. He didn''t intend to stick around and battle a hundred of them to find out. Eventually, after a grueling escape, he managed to lose the phantoms by slipping through a narrow passageway between two large boulders. The hissing faded as he put distance between himself and his pursuers, finally allowing him to catch his breath. [10/100] Satisfied for now, he checked his map once more. Only one location remained¡ªthe last mineral was hidden in an underground mining tunnel. August cautiously made his way toward the final marked spot on the map. The tunnel entrance lay on the outskirts of Tavirah, concealed by dense growth of bush and fallen stone. As he pushed through the vegetation and stepped inside, he felt the temperature drop even further. The scent of damp earth and decay drifted into his nostrils. The walls of the tunnel were lined with ancient mining equipment, most of which were rusted and broken. Faint glimmers of silver and iron veins sparkled in the walls, hinting at the city''s former wealth. [Quest Update: Locate the Third Material] August scanned the area, searching for the telltale glow that would indicate the final mineral. He ventured deeper into the tunnel, careful not to make a sound, knowing that any noise could draw unwanted attention. After several minutes, he spotted it¡ªtucked away in a small alcove, surrounded by broken pickaxes and scattered stones, was the third mineral, a crystal that shone with a dark green hue. [Item Acquired: Jade Shard (Quest Item)] Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Current Objective: 3/3 materials retrieved] August let out a sigh of relief. He''d successfully retrieved all three items. But just as he turned to leave, the ground shook, and a deep, guttural growl echoed from the darkness further down the tunnel. He froze in disbelief as another notification appeared: [Warning: Boss Creature Approaching] [Dark Golem - Level 34] Chapter 32 - 32: A Thousand Now? August''s eyes widened as he saw the monstrous form lumbering toward him. Its massive, rocky body scraped against the tunnel walls, causing a metallic shriek to reverberate across the surroundings. Its rocky skin glowed with fiery cracks, and its hulking form seemed to radiate malice and power. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. August knew he didn''t stand a chance in a direct fight. This was a level 34 creature while he was still level 20. [Warning: Boss Creature - Dark Golem] August''s instincts screamed at him to run, but before he could act, the golem''s massive arm swung forward, nearly catching him as he threw himself to the side. Dust and debris exploded into the air as the golem''s fist smashed into the wall, leaving a crater in its wake. Knowing he couldn''t escape the fight since he was literally trapped between a rock and a hard place, August unsheathed his dagger and activated Lightning Bolt, sending a crackling arc of electricity toward the golem''s exposed core. [Lightning Bolt Activated. MP -250] [ -900 HP ] The golem barely flinched as the lightning struck. Its HP bar barely budged and the attack clearly did less damage compared to normal. August gritted his teeth¡ªthis was going to be a brutal fight. He activated Shadow Dance to weave in and out of the shadows. His form turned into shadowy afterimages to confuse the golem as he struck with Slash and Hidden Strike. He tried to aim at the vulnerable cracks in its rocky surface. [Critical Hit! -950 HP] The golem roared, slamming its massive arm down. August barely dodged, but the force of the impact sent a shockwave through the ground, nearly knocking him off balance. [ -500 HP from Shockwave] August attacked again, mixing different attacks and doing his best to evade the strikes of the Dark Golem but no matter how best he evaded, certain strikes still a large AOE. [ -300 HP ] [ -450 HP ] [ -350 HP ] The Golem smashed its massive fist downward once more, causing a dark ripple to sweep across the surroundings. August was sent flying once more but he twisted in mid-air when he was close to colliding with the rough walls and then kicked his feet off the walls to propel himself forward. With his blades unsheathed, he slashed the neck of the massive Dark Golem. [ -1200 HP ] He then landed on its shoulder and proceeded to deliver continuous attacks until the creature grabbed him and rammed him into the ground. August felt like he was hit by the whole force of a moving train as blood spluttered out of his mouth. [ Critical Hit! -3000HP ] His vision blurred momentarily but he managed to spot the Dark Golem''s foot descending from above with intensity. At the last moment, he rolled over to the side while the leg crashed onto the ground with a resounding boom. August proceeded to activate Dash and moved twice to keep a substantial distance between himself and the Golem. [ Dash Activated ] He quickly downed a health potion to recover, feeling the familiar warmth as his HP ticked back up. But the fight dragged on, and with each minute, August found himself running low on both health and mana potions. Despite his relentless attacks, the golem''s HP still showed over 8,000, while August''s resources were nearly depleted. "I can''t keep this up¡­ not like this," he thought while breathing heavily. He took one last look at the golem before making a decision. "I have to get out of here." Turning on his heel, August sprinted through the tunnel, hoping to outrun the monstrous golem. Behind him, he could hear its heavy footsteps pounding against the stone floor as it gave chase. Each thud sent tremors through the tunnel. In his frantic dash, he found himself attracting the attention of several dark phantoms hovering nearby. Their eerie, hollow eyes turned toward him, and they drifted closer with their ghostly claws reaching out to snatch at him. With no choice but to fight while fleeing, August took quick slashes at the creatures whenever they got too close, dispatching them with his dagger. [ Enemy Defeated: Dark Phantom +2500 EXP] [15/100] "What does that mean¡­ 100?" August wondered but his thoughts were interrupted as another phantom lunged at him. He quickly parried and countered, slicing through it before moving on. The more he fought, the higher the count rose. [18/100] [24/100] The phantoms came in waves, and as he defeated them, the count continued to climb. August''s body moved on instinct. Every step was a combination of attack and evasion as he balanced fighting the phantoms with escaping the relentless Dark Golem. His HP dwindled with each hit he took, but he kept pushing forward, using every ounce of skill he had to survive. Eventually, as he defeated his hundredth phantom, a system notification flashed before him. [Side Quest Completed: Defeat One Hundred Dark Phantoms] [Reward: Health Potion x5, Mana Potion x5, Enhanced Dagger, Gold +100] Without hesitation, August grabbed the potions from his inventory and downed them, feeling the relief of his health and mana refilling as he prepared himself for the golem once more. With renewed energy, he turned back to face the hulking creature, determined to end the fight once and for all. With his health and mana replenished August lunged at the golem, striking with Dual Wielding as he slashed across the golem''s cracked surface, focusing his attacks on the weak points he had identified. [Dual Wielding Activated. -850 HP] The golem retaliated, swinging its massive arm. August activated Arcane Shield, absorbing the impact, though the shield shattered under the force. [Arcane Shield Activated. MP -300] He jumped back, creating distance before casting Fireball, launching the blazing sphere toward the golem''s core. The explosion rocked the creature, and its HP dropped further. [Fireball Activated. MP -200] [ -1200 HP ] After a grueling series of attacks, dodges, and potions, August finally struck the Dark Golem''s core with a powerful Slash. The golem''s HP dropped to zero, and with a final roar, it crumbled into pieces as its body disintegrated into dust. [Boss Defeated: Dark Golem +60,000 EXP] Breathing heavily, August took in the victory as another series of notifications flashed. [Loot Obtained: Golem Core Shard, Gold x200, Health Potion x2, Mana Potion x2] Exhausted yet triumphant, he knew it was time to leave Tavirah. But as he made his way out, more phantoms began drifting toward him, drawn by the recent battle. As he defeated the first few phantoms, August noticed the system notification tracking his kills had reset. [1/1000] "A thousand now?" Chapter 33 - 33: Receiving A Custom Weapon "A thousand now?" he voiced in realization. Unlike before, he felt prepared. He knew what he was up against and possessed a new stack of health and mana potions so he decided to give it a try. One by one, he dispatched the phantoms with each defeat adding to the count. Stronger phantoms began appearing, each requiring a more strategic approach. August encountered one particularly large phantom. Its name floated above in blood-red letters. [ Dark Phantom Magus - Level 28 ] The Magus cast spells that exploded with shadowy energy, forcing August to dodge and weave as he countered with his own magical abilities. He cast Lightning Bolt stunning the Magus momentarily before closing in with Shadow Dance to strike unseen. [Lightning Bolt Activated. MP -250] S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [ -1000 HP ] The Dark Phantom Magus retaliated, sending a volley of dark orbs his way. August ducked and rolled, dodging two, but a third grazed his arm. [ -300 HP ] With a quick step forward, he delivered a critical Hidden Strike, piercing the Magus''s back and watching as it dissipated into wisps of darkness. [Critical Hit! -1500 HP] [Enemy Defeated: Dark Phantom Magus +7000 EXP] [Progress: 250/1000] His kills steadily increased, and as the final count approached, he felt his strength and skills sharpening with every battle. After over an hour of relentless fighting and consuming potions, a new system notification appeared. [Side Quest 2 Completed: Defeat One Thousand Dark Phantoms] [Side Quest 3 Completed: Defeat A Dark Phantom Lord] [ Rewards: Health Potion x10, Mana Potion x10, Dark Orb, Gold +200 + Rank Up Card] ''Whoa... dark orb and rank-up card?'' August felt the dark orb was probably going to be a mage-based item or at least something he could auction. As for the rank-up card, he wasn''t so sure. But before he could check their information, another notification flashed before him. [Congratulations! You Have Been Granted A Title: Sovereign Of Anti Darkness] The title, shimmering in a regal gold hue, added a boost to his stats against all dark-type creatures. <[ New Title Acquired: Sovereign Of Anti Darkness - Grants +20% Damage Against Dark-Type Enemies +40% Resistance against dark type enemies + Intimidation ]> "Well damn... this was unexpected," August smirked upon noticing this. When he thought more about it, he felt this made sense. It wasn''t the first time he was going against Dark Typed creatures or enemies. Even back at Unhidden Mist village, he had to purify an ancient altar that had been corrupted by darkness. With the reward notifications and new title secured, August finally turned to make his way out of Tavirah. More Dark Phantoms were approaching and he decided he had enough already. "Now¡­ let''s get back to Dumblore," he murmured, ready to return and claim the rewards for his harrowing quest. ... ... August made his way back to Sir Dumblore''s forge after the grueling battle in Tavirah. He clutched the three rare materials tightly, knowing the rewards awaiting him would make it all worthwhile. As he approached, Sir Dumblore''s keen eyes met his, and a glint of approval crossed the old man''s face. "Well done, lad," Dumblore said while nodding as he accepted the materials from August''s outstretched hands. "You''ve done a service not many would dare attempt." [Quest Completed: Sir Dumblore''s Request] [Reward: +200,000 EXP, Mage Staff (Custom) to be forged, Gold x500, Mana Potion x5, Health Potion x5] August''s experience bar shot up as he absorbed the substantial EXP reward. [Current EXP: 298,300/520,000] He watched as Sir Dumblore set to work with the materials. The old forger''s movements were precise and methodical as he heated, hammered, and shaped the metals. Sparks flew from the forge, and the ringing of metal filled the air as the legendary blacksmith brought his creation to life. Piece by piece, a majestic weapon began to take shape. It was a gleaming sword, adorned with intricate runes and a faint, ethereal glow. The weapon radiated power, and August could feel its aura even from where he stood. Dumblore looked up with reflective eyes as he admired his work. "This here," he voiced with reverence, "is a weapon meant for a great hero. Its destiny isn''t yet clear, but one day it''ll find its true wielder." August nodded, trying to understand the magnitude of what he was witnessing. But soon, Dumblore turned his attention back to him, setting aside the legendary sword and gathering fresh materials for a new piece¡ªthis one specifically crafted for August. Dumblore took a dark metal rod, embedding it with pieces of the rare minerals August had collected. With smooth movements, he fused each material into the rod, muttering incantations that made the weapon pulse with arcane energy. Sparks of blue and green flashed as he infused it with spells and boons, carefully etching runes along the staff''s length. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Dumblore held out the completed weapon to August¡ªa Mage''s staff, uniquely tailored to his dual-class abilities. [New Item Acquired: Arcane Infusion Staff (Custom)] As August took the staff, a flood of information filled his screen, detailing its properties: --- Arcane Infusion Staff Class Restriction: Mage/Assassin (User-bound: Aleman) Attributes: - MP Increase: +50% - Spell Potency: x2 - Special Effect: Grants unique effect to spells (e.g., poisonous fireball, gravitational lightning) - Custom Spell: (Unlocked) - Ethereal Storm: Unleash a storm of energy that deals massive damage to all enemies within a radius. - Unique Bond: Cannot be equipped by any other Mage or player. --- August''s eyes widened as he read through the stats. The staff was beyond anything he''d imagined, amplifying his powers in ways that would make him a force to be reckoned with. "Thank you," his voice was filled with genuine gratitude. Dumblore simply nodded as a slight smile crossed his face. "A weapon is only as great as the one who wields it. Use it wisely." With the quest complete, Dumblore handed August a bundle of rewards, which included additional gold, health, and mana potions. August accepted them, feeling a sense of accomplishment wash over him. [Additional Rewards: Gold x500, High Tier Health Potion x5, High Tier Mana Potion x5] Just as August was about to leave, Dumblore reached into his satchel, pulling out a small, folded letter. He held it out to August with a solemn expression. "This here is for you," he said. "It''s blank now, but when the time comes, it''ll guide you. There''s a storm brewing, lad, something big. And I reckon this kingdom will need someone like you in the days ahead." August accepted the letter, glancing at its blank surface before tucking it away carefully. [Quest Reward: Blank Letter (Unique Item)] He looked up at Dumblore, nodding respectfully. "I''ll keep it safe." The old forger gave him a last, approving look as he began to pack up his forge. "Good. Then I''ll take my leave now. But don''t forget, Aleman¡ªthe paths we walk may seem uncertain, but they''re meant to lead us somewhere. Be ready for what''s to come." With that, Dumblore shouldered his bag and walked off into the misty woods, leaving August alone with his new powers and the knowledge of a looming fate. After an intense and rewarding journey in Enders Light, August realized that a lot of time had passed His adventure in Tavirah and the battles he''d faced had kept him in-game for over a day. In the real world, an entire night had already passed. Knowing he had a meeting with a second potential buyer later in the day, he decided it was time to log out and return to reality. With a final look around the quiet streets of Tagharuim Kingdom, he summoned the logout screen and selected his option. The familiar sensation of detachment enveloped him as his consciousness left the game. Moments after August logged out, a large party entered the abandoned tunnel on the outskirts of Tavirah. The group consisted of skilled players from Phoenix Celestial, one of the most famous guilds in Enders Light. The leader of this particular party was a tall striking figure with short silver hair and an aura of authority. He was known across the player community as Vandross, the Stormbringer. A level 35 player. However, the group with him was not as high in levels. They seemed to be around levels 25 to 27. As Vandross and his party descended deeper into the tunnel, whispers erupted among the few players nearby. "Hey, isn''t that Vandross?" one player murmured, eyeing the party leader with awe. "Yeah, it''s him¡ªthe Stormbringer. I heard he''s ranked among the top one thousand players in the game!" Vandross didn''t pay attention to the chatter, his intense gaze focused on the path ahead. He moved with purpose, as if tracking something elusive, until he reached the spot where Sir Dumblore''s forge had once been. He looked around with brows furrowing when he saw nothing but an empty space. Turning to a player nearby, he asked, "The old forger called Sir Dumblore. Was he here?" The player nodded, glancing nervously at the famous party leader. "Yeah, he was here¡­ but he left just a while ago." Vandross''s eyes narrowed. "Did anyone get him to respond?" The player hesitated, then answered, "A guy named Aleman finished his quest before he left. Apparently, he got the rewards and everything." For a brief moment, Vandross looked taken aback, clearly not expecting someone else to have beaten them to it. He repeated the name under his breath, "Aleman¡­" His eyes took on a contemplative look. The wheels turned in his mind as he processed the information. After a long pause, he nodded slightly, as if making a silent decision. "Aleman, huh? I won''t forget that name." Chapter 34 - 34: Ten Thousand Messages The morning sunlight filtered through the bathroom window, casting soft shadows on the tiled walls as August stood under the warm spray of the shower. He let the water wash away the fatigue from his night in Enders Light. Using a low-grade pod was usually more tasking on the body and mind when one lingered for longer than six hours in the game. August savored the rare moment of peace. He had pushed himself hard in the game, from battles with shadowy creatures to tense encounters in Tavirah. As the steam filled the small bathroom, he closed his eyes and mentally sorted through the plans he''d need to tackle for the day. A sudden voice pulled him from his thoughts. "Auggie, I''m heading out!" Sophia''s cheerful tone drifted through the door, cutting through the sound of running water. August smirked, calling back with a warm edge of teasing, "Don''t cause any trouble, you little genius!" Sophia laughed with youthful confidence. "No promises! And maybe get a haircut while you''re at it. You''re starting to look like a cave troll!" August rolled his eyes and chuckled to himself, "A king, you mean." He could practically hear her roll her eyes through the door. "Sure, whatever helps you sleep at night, Your Majesty," she called back. He could imagine her playful smirk and raised eyebrow. "Don''t get yourself kicked out for speaking to royalty like that," he added while chuckling. Her laugh faded as she made her way toward the front door. "See you later!" As the door closed behind her, August stood there for a moment, smiling to himself. Having a sibling was pretty heartwarming. Especially little moments like these. With one last rinse, he turned off the shower, dried off, and headed to the kitchen. The small kitchen bore signs of use but was cozy, a place they often found themselves gathering in the mornings, sharing quick breakfasts, laughs, and the occasional sibling bickering. He grabbed a piece of toast, spread some peanut butter on it, and took a few bites, already feeling his mind clear and sharpen as he prepared for the day. Today was important; he''d arranged to meet with the second buyer interested in the Bronze Shortsword he''d extracted from the game. While the meeting wasn''t until later in the afternoon, he wanted to get an early start and make sure everything was in order. After grabbing his jacket and a quick look around the apartment, he stepped outside, feeling the chill of the morning air against his face as he made his way to Digital Haven, the neighborhood internet cafe he''d grown fond of. It was only a short walk from his apartment, and as he walked, he noticed familiar faces¡ªneighbors, shopkeepers, and the early-morning crowd bustling about their routines. "Hello August." "Hi, Mrs Bennett." "Hey August." sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Sharon, what''s up?" Greetings were exchanged at certain intervals on his way to his destination. The bell above the door chimed as he entered Digital Haven, and immediately the familiar clicking of computers, the soft rustle of papers, and the warm aroma of coffee greeted him. The cafe was a simple setup, with rows of computers and a few cozy seating areas. Its atmosphere was friendly and welcoming. August''s entrance didn''t go unnoticed; a few heads turned his way. His appearance, with striking features and a presence that somehow stood out, seemed to attract attention effortlessly. He was used to it by now, but today he noticed the curiosity in people''s eyes was a little more pronounced. From behind the counter, Remi spotted him and lit up with a bright, almost mischievous smile. She sauntered over, wiping her hands on a towel with her eyes twinkling as she took in his arrival. "Well, well, look who''s back so soon," her voice carried a playful note as she leaned over the counter. "Couldn''t get enough of my company, huh?" August chuckled, matching her teasing tone. "What can I say? Good coffee and even better company. How could I stay away?" Remi raised an eyebrow. Her smirk widened as she leaned a bit closer. "Careful, with words like that, I might start charging you extra just for the pleasure of being here. You keep driving my regulars away with those looks." He laughed, brushing off the compliment with a mock expression of modesty. "You mean it''s not just my sparkling personality?" She laughed, giving him a gentle push toward the computers. "Go on, your fan club awaits. Just don''t break too many hearts while you''re at it." With a smirk, August settled down at one of the computers and logged in. He appreciated the banter; it added a touch of normalcy to his life in this strange world. He had always been smooth with his words since he was a businessman in his previous life but he subconsciously toned it down since he arrived here. After a few clicks, August navigated to his inbox to check on the arrangements he''d made with the potential buyer. The buyer had already confirmed their meeting time for later in the afternoon, and August''s satisfaction grew. He was looking forward to the sale, knowing it would help chip away at his debts. But as he turned to his inbox, he was immediately greeted by a massive notification count¡ªover ten thousand messages. He clicked it open, scrolling through the endless stream of messages that flooded his screen. Many were from people eager to buy the Bronze Shortsword, each with their own offers. Some messages asked how he had managed to extract such a mid-level item which wasn''t eligible for extraction and others were blatantly intrusive, demanding to know if he had more items up for sale. He found himself smirking at some of the more ridiculous offers. Among them, he noticed a familiar name¡ªthe buyer from the last time, the one whose boss had shown intense interest in the sword. This buyer had sent him multiple messages, each one more insistent than the last, explaining that his boss was willing to pay even more than the listed price. August felt a moment''s hesitation but ultimately decided to ignore it. He didn''t want a repeat of the chaos he had encountered during his first attempt to sell the item. Better safe than sorry. After sorting through a few more messages, responding to some genuine inquiries, and ignoring others, he closed his inbox, feeling a mixture of amusement and relief. The attention his item was receiving showed just how much value extracted items held in this world¡ªbut it also highlighted the risk and dangers that came with it. Satisfied that he had made the necessary arrangements, he logged off and left the cafe. Chapter 35 - 35: The Unexpected Arrival With the whole morning still free, August decided to explore the city. Since his arrival in this world, his life had been consumed by the immediate demands of survival, his debts, and the game. Rarely had he found the time to actually take in the city around him. He strolled down the bustling streets, passing shops filled with goods ranging from trinkets and hand-crafted artifacts to the latest in affordable tech. Vendors lined the sidewalks, calling out to passersby to check out their wares, and the scent of street food wafted through the air, mingling with the fresh morning breeze. The city itself was an intriguing blend of old and new. Its older, worn-down buildings stood side by side with more modern, renovated structures. Tarred streets twisted and turned in certain areas, leading to small alleyways and hidden courtyards where life seemed to thrive in its own quiet way. There was a charm here that, despite the poverty of his own neighborhood, reminded him of what he had come to appreciate about this world. August found himself pausing by a small square where children were playing. Their laughter filled the air as they ran around in circles, chased by a friendly dog. The sight brought a rare, genuine smile to his face. "Not bad but I''m still never having a kid. Those little miscreants will make my life a living hell... Anyways... I have much more important things to focus on," As he moved on, passing stalls and shops, he couldn''t help but think about the potential his extraction ability held. Perhaps, one day, he could bring more to this world¡ªitems that might help others beyond himself. For now, though, he focused on his immediate plans, glancing at the time and mentally preparing for his upcoming meeting. Today held the potential to bring him one step closer to his goals. ... ... The late afternoon sun cast a warm glow over the bustling open-air restaurant, where people sat at tables chatting over steaming plates of food. It was a place that felt familiar yet lively. The noise and movement provided a sort of comfort. The restaurant was strategically chosen¡ªbusy enough to deter any mischief and close to a police station, just in case anything went sideways. August sat at a small table with a cup of coffee cooling in front of him. His scarf was wrapped loosely around his face, obscuring his identity just enough to avoid drawing unnecessary attention. He leaned back with a casual yet alert posture while scanning the crowd for his buyer. Soon, a man in his early forties, dressed in a well-tailored dark suit, approached the table. His features were sharp but friendly, with an air of professionalism that suggested he wasn''t new to such transactions. As he reached the table, he extended a hand with a warm smile. "Mr. Aleman, I presume?" he greeted with a respectful tone that exuded a hint of enthusiasm. August rose slightly, reaching out to shake the man''s hand. "That''s me. And you must be the buyer." The man chuckled, nodding as he adjusted his glasses. "Indeed. I am Henry Whitford. I work as an independent appraiser and buyer for certain¡­ clients with specific tastes." He gave August a knowing look as his eyes gleamed with interest. "And when I heard about the Bronze Shortsword, well, let''s just say I couldn''t resist." August smirked under his scarf, nodding. "Well, Mr. Whitford, let''s take a look and make sure it''s everything you hoped it would be." He carefully reached into his bag, pulling out the Bronze Shortsword. Its blade caught the sunlight, shimmering as he withdrew it partway from its sheath. The bronze alloy glowed with a faint magical aura. Henry''s eyes widened as he took in the sword''s details, clearly impressed. His hand extended toward it almost reverently. "May I?" he inquired while glancing at August for permission. August nodded, releasing the sword into Henry''s hands. Henry grasped the hilt, feeling the weight and balance of the weapon. He held it up, admiring the craftsmanship while his eyes traced the subtle runes etched into the blade''s edge. "This is¡­ remarkable," he murmured, almost to himself. "The artistry, the balance¡­ I''ve seen my share of fine weaponry, but this is beyond expectations. Definitely not of this world." He gave the sword a light swing, testing its grip, then swung it a bit more boldly. To his and August''s surprise, the blade sliced cleanly through the wooden table beside them, severing it with such precision that the two halves split apart as if they''d been cut by a master craftsman. Gasps erupted from the nearby diners, and heads turned as people stared at the shattered table. "What the...?" Many looked in shock, and a couple of restaurant staff hurried over, alarmed. Henry looked horrified, quickly holding up his hands in apology. "My deepest apologies, everyone! I''ll cover the damages," he called out, flustered but reaching into his coat pocket and pulling out a black credit card. He handed it to one of the staff members, who looked at him warily but nodded, evidently satisfied with the assurance of compensation. The staff gathered the broken pieces of the table and left the two men to their business, though the lingering attention from other diners was hard to ignore. Once the small scene settled, Henry cleared his throat, giving August a sheepish smile. "I may have underestimated its sharpness." August chuckled. "That happens more often than you''d think with items from Enders Light." Henry composed himself, returning to the matter at hand. "Right, well, we agreed on one hundred thousand dollars, yes?" He retrieved his phone, glancing at August for confirmation. August nodded, keeping his tone steady but watchful. "That''s right." After a few quick taps, Henry confirmed the transfer, and August''s phone buzzed with a notification. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He glanced at the screen, verifying that the funds had successfully landed in the account he''d designated. The deal was going smoothly, almost too smoothly, and just as he was about to hand the sword over to Henry, the faint sound of engines filled the air. The sound grew louder, accompanied by murmurs from nearby diners as people looked toward the street. A convoy of black SUVs pulled up to the restaurant with tinted windows and polished exteriors. There were four vehicles in total, each one exuding an aura of power and authority. At the center of the convoy was a final SUV, slightly larger than the others. It radiated with wealth. The restaurant became noisy with hushed conversations as people watched in curiosity and confoundment. It was a dramatic arrival, one that signaled the presence of someone important¡ªor dangerous. One by one, the SUV doors opened, and men in dark suits emerged. Their expressions were stern and vigilant as they scanned the area. They formed a protective line around the largest SUV, which remained closed for a few tense moments. Finally, the door opened, and a figure stepped out¡ªa man in his thirties, with sharp, angular features, slicked-back hair, and a suit that looked like it cost as much as a car. His presence was commanding, exuding an air of cold authority and self-assured power. This was Floozk, a name whispered in the underground circles, the man known as The Boss in certain parts of the city. Henry''s face blanched as he recognized Floozk. His hands tensed slightly as he clutched the sword''s hilt. He leaned closer to August as his voice dropped to a whisper. "Is that¡­ Floozk?" Henry''s voice was filled with disbelief as his eyes darted nervously toward the approaching entourage. August kept his expression calm. This was not the kind of interference he needed and he hoped to God that whatever this was, had nothing to do with him. However, that hope was soon dashed as Floozk strolled toward them. His bodyguards flanked him, displaying intimidating auras that kept people away. Among them was the same man who had met with August during his previous attempt to sell the sword. His gaze lingered on August with a mixture of recognition and satisfaction, as though he had been anticipating this moment. Floozk''s gaze landed on August, assessing him with a look that was both calculating and amused. It was a look that suggested he knew exactly who he was dealing with, and that this was more than just a chance encounter. "So, you''re the infamous Aleman," Floozk''s smooth voice carried a subtle edge. "I understand you''re in possession of something¡­ rather special." "And I guess you must be the infamous boss," August responded calmly as his eyes darted between the former buyer and Floozk himself. Chapter 36 - 36: Ill Double The Amount August''s hand tightened on the sword''s hilt as he met Floozk''s gaze. "It was agreed upon by this gentleman here," he replied, nodding slightly toward Henry. "I don''t think we need to complicate things." Floozk chuckled as his gaze flicked to Henry with a faint look of disdain. "Oh, I specialize in complications, Aleman. And when I want something, I don''t care who stands in the way." He looked back at August while speaking with a tone that carried a warning. "I''ve come to acquire that sword, one way or another." The color drained from Henry''s face as Floozk''s words resounded in his ears. It was clear he didn''t want any part of a confrontation with someone like Floozk, and he glanced anxiously at August, as though silently asking him to reconsider. But August''s gaze remained steady. "We already had a deal. I''m not interested in renegotiating." Floozk raised an eyebrow. "Bold. I respect that, Aleman. But respect only goes so far." He gave a slight nod to one of his bodyguards, a signal that made August''s hand instinctively tighten on the sword''s hilt. Floozk''s men began to step forward, surrounding the table in a loose circle. The tension in the air grew thick, and nearby diners began to whisper. Some even rose from their tables to move away from the impending confrontation. August remained seated with a calm posture. There was no fear in his gaze, just a steady, unyielding resolve that seemed to unsettle even the hardened men around him. Henry, on the other hand, was anything but calm. He stood beside August as beads of sweat formed on his forehead. His hands trembled slightly as he glanced between Floozk, his bodyguards, and August. Henry had heard the stories of Floozk, stories that painted him as ruthless and unforgiving, a man whose power in the underground world rivaled that of any influential figure. Recalling those stories made his voice waver as he glanced uneasily at Floozk. "Perhaps¡­ maybe we should reconsider¡­" Henry whispered with an almost pleading tone. August, however, remained unfazed. "No. It is a done deal." He kept his eyes on Floozk while exuding a quiet confidence that spoke of experience. In his previous world, he had dealt with men like Floozk¡ªpowerful figures who thrived on intimidation, using fear as their weapon of choice. He knew their tactics all too well, and he knew one golden rule: never let them see you hesitate. Floozk''s gaze, sharp and piercing, bore into August''s as if trying to read the man before him, to understand why this young player would dare to defy him. After a moment, Floozk''s lips curved into a faint, calculating smile. "Very well, Aleman," Floozk voiced with a smooth yet deceptively friendly tone. "Let''s talk numbers, then. I''ll double the amount. Two hundred thousand." Henry''s eyes widened in relief as he looked at August, practically willing him to accept. The deal seemed more than fair, especially with the added danger of defying Floozk hanging over them. But August barely reacted. His calm gaze never left Floozk. "Not interested," his tone was calm and casual. A flicker of irritation crossed Floozk''s face. His friendly facade slipped ever so slightly. He took a step forward as his voice grew colder and unmistakably threatening. "Think carefully, Aleman. I don''t usually extend a second offer, let alone double it. Accept, and you''ll be in my good graces. Refuse¡­ and I can''t guarantee this won''t end badly for you." Beside Floozk, the lackey who had first met with August during his initial attempt to sell the sword took a step forward, offering a forced smile as he tried to interject. "Mr. Aleman, please. This is a rare chance. Mr. Floozk isn''t a man to turn down lightly," the lackey said carefully, hoping to reason with August. But August''s expression didn''t waver. He met Floozk''s gaze with unwavering confidence, as though he were completely immune to the threat being levied against him. "If you really want to stay in *my* good books," he said calmly, "you''ll let me complete my deal here with Mr. Whitford. There''ll be other opportunities for us to work together, Mr Floozk. The Bronze Shortsword is just the beginning. You''ll miss out on much more if you ruin this for me now." Henry gaped at August. His eyes widened in shock. He had never seen anyone speak to Floozk this way, let alone stand up to him without the slightest trace of fear. The other diners watched in silent fascination, their eyes darting between August and Floozk, caught in the tension of the moment. One of Floozk''s bodyguards, clearly aggravated by August''s unyielding stance, clenched his fists and took a menacing step forward. But Floozk raised a hand, signaling him to stand down while his gaze was still centered on August. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. For a long, heavy moment, Floozk studied him. Then, slowly, a smirk began to form on his lips, one that spoke of both amusement and a grudging respect. "You''re a rare one, Aleman. Very few people talk to me like that, and even fewer walk away intact." August''s lips curved into a faint smile. "Good to know I''m making an impression." Floozk''s eyes glinted with something that might have been admiration, or perhaps just intrigue. After a moment''s pause, he reached into the pocket of his tailored suit and withdrew a black business card before extending it to August. "Here," Floozk voiced. "When you have something else to sell, contact me first. Let''s make sure I''m your top client." August took the card, glancing down at it briefly before meeting Floozk''s gaze once more. "Of course. No problem, Mr. Floozk." Floozk gave a slight nod, as though granting August a small measure of respect. Without another word, he turned on his heel. His bodyguards fell in step around him, forming a protective barrier as they made their way back to the waiting convoy. The tension that had held the restaurant in a stranglehold slowly began to dissipate, and the diners resumed their conversations, albeit in hushed tones, casting curious glances toward August. Once Floozk and his entourage were out of sight, Henry let out a shaky breath. He looked at August in shock, awe, and relief. He shook his head as a faint smile formed while he tried to process what had just happened. "How¡­ how did you manage to pull that off?" Henry questioned in disbelief and admiration. "That was Floozk, Aleman. People like him¡­ they don''t just back down." August gave a nonchalant shrug with a calm and confident tone. "Experience, Henry. Men like Floozk? They feed off fear. Don''t give it to them, and you''re already one step ahead." Henry let out a low chuckle, still in awe about how August had handled the encounter. "You''re either incredibly brave or incredibly reckless. Either way, you''ve got my respect. Thank you¡­ for finishing the deal." August gave a nod, glancing down at Floozk''s business card before tucking it away in his pocket. "Glad we could wrap this up. Enjoy the sword, Henry. I don''t think I''ll be taking refunds." They shared a brief laugh, the last traces of tension finally dissipating as Henry grinned. "I''ll take good care of it, don''t worry. And¡­ if you ever need anything, you know where to find me." With a final handshake, Henry took his leave. ... ... As the convoy made its way down the city streets, the atmosphere inside Floozk''s luxurious SUV was thick with unspoken tension. Floozk sat in the back seat with a distant gaze as he replayed the encounter with August in his mind. The defiance, the lack of fear¡ªit was rare for someone to stand up to him so openly, and rarer still for that person to walk away unscathed. Beside him, the lackey who had first tried to negotiate with August shifted uncomfortably, casting nervous glances at Floozk as though trying to gauge his mood. Finally, unable to contain his confusion, the lackey spoke up, his tone hesitant. "Sir, if I may¡­ why did we let him get away with it?" The lackey''s voice wavered slightly as he glanced at Floozk. "We could have taken the sword by force. No one would have dared to stop us." Floozk''s gaze remained fixed out the window. After a long pause, a faint smile appeared at the corner of his lips alongside a glimmer of amusement in his eyes. "Aleman¡­ he''s an interesting one," he responded with a contemplative tone. "It''s rare to meet someone who doesn''t flinch in my presence." The lackey frowned, clearly not understanding. "But¡­ he refused your offer, sir. He showed you no respect." Floozk''s smirk widened slightly. "Respect isn''t always earned by fear alone. Aleman''s confidence¡ªhis audacity¡ªthat''s something I don''t encounter often. It''s refreshing. Besides, people usually don''t act that way unless they have something up their sleeves. He might prove useful¡­ more valuable as an ally than as an enemy." The lackey shifted uncomfortably as he struggled to comprehend his boss''s perspective. "But, sir, what if he¡ª" Without warning, Floozk''s hand lashed out, delivering a sharp slap across the lackey''s face. "Know your place..." Chapter 37 - 37: Five Star Rating The sound of the slap echoed through the car, and the lackey flinched, clutching his cheek as he bit back a gasp of pain. "Know your place," Floozk said coldly with a icy gaze as he fixed the lackey with a withering stare. "Aleman might have earned a sliver of my fondness, but you are not in a position to question my decisions. Remember that." The lackey nodded quickly with reddened face as he muttered with a strained tone, "Yes, sir." As the SUV continued its journey, Floozk leaned back in his seat. For the first time in a long while, he had met someone who didn''t buckle under his presence, someone who saw value in integrity even when facing someone as powerful as himself. It was a rare quality, one that intrigued him. "Aleman," he murmured to himself. ... ... As the late afternoon melted into a soft, golden evening, August found himself back at Digital Haven, the neighborhood internet cafe he had come to think of as his unofficial office. The cafe buzzed with its usual eclectic crowd: gamers hunched over keyboards, students with textbooks open, and a few freelancers quietly focused on their screens. The background murmur and the faint aroma of coffee mixed with a sense of community, giving the place an ambiance of familiarity and calm that felt comforting to him. August stepped inside, glancing around as he adjusted his scarf, and made his way to the counter. Now that he was back in his neighborhood, he didn''t need to hide his face anymore. Remi, the cafe''s owner, looked up from her spot behind the counter and immediately lit up with a warm, playful smile. "Back again?" she teased with a twinkle in her eye. "At this rate, I''ll have to start charging you rent." August chuckled with a relaxed expression as he approached the counter. "Wouldn''t be the worst thing in the world. At least it''d come with free coffee, right?" Remi leaned forward, resting her elbows on the counter. "Depends on how many deals you''re closing in my cafe," she joked. "Seems like business is booming for you these days, Mr. Mysterious." "Something like that," August replied with a smirk. "Today was¡­ interesting." He kept his words vague, but the memory of his earlier encounter with Floozk still lingered, giving his statement an edge of excitement. Remi gave him a curious look as her smile widened. "Interesting, huh? Well, glad you seem alright, whatever ''interesting'' means." They shared a laugh, and August found himself grateful for her easygoing presence. With a nod, he headed toward one of the computers in the back corner, settling down in the chair and logging into his account on the game-related social platform. As his profile loaded, he was greeted with a new notification: his profile had received a five-star rating from Mr. Whitford, the buyer of the Bronze Shortsword. August''s lips quirked into a satisfied smile, feeling a sense of accomplishment. It was his first successful sale in this world¡ªa significant milestone and a reminder that he was finding his footing here. Just then, a steady stream of messages began flooding his inbox. Prospective buyers, gamers, and collectors all sent inquiries, some asking if the Bronze Shortsword was still available, others simply wanting to know if he had more items to sell. With a quick flick of his mouse, August updated the sword''s status to "Sold," smirking as he watched the messages continue to pour in despite the change. A hundred thousand dollars. The thought rolled around in his mind with a sense of satisfaction. In his previous life, it would have been a trivial amount, but here, it felt like a step in the right direction. August had always known how to handle money and it felt invigorating to build something from scratch again. But he couldn''t bask in the success for long. The looming deadline with Damon hung over him like a shadow. He needed four hundred thousand more in less than two weeks. As he pondered his next move, August''s gaze drifted over to the message board. Damon had told him to pay five thousand dollars for now even though August owed way more so he obviously needed to make more money. But August didn''t plan to stop there. Enders Light had become more than just a game for him; it was a means to build an empire. Determined to capitalize on his recent success, August decided to list more items for sale. Unlike other players, who could only extract Legendary-grade items to reality, August''s unique ability allowed him to materialize anything from his inventory, regardless of grade. This gave him an edge few others could match. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In Enders Light, item grades were strictly organized by rarity and power: - Common - Iron - Uncommon - Bronze - Unique - Diamond - Rare - Legendary - Mythical These grades represented a spectrum from basic, everyday items to the god-like power and scarcity of Mythic items. For most players, even obtaining a Legendary item was a feat worth boasting about. Only a handful number of players had ever achieved this and these were the same players who had acquired real-life abilities. Its rarity wasn''t just in-game but also allowed it to be extracted into reality. The higher the grade, the greater the demand and value, and the more impactful it was when used in real life. But August''s extraction ability broke the rules, granting him the power to bring out anything¡ªregardless of grade¡ªinto the real world, a privilege that gave him both versatility and control. With this advantage in mind, August leaned back in his chair, focusing his thoughts as he summoned the familiar system interface. A transparent screen materialized before him, showing his in-game inventory in vivid detail. Each item was listed in neat rows as though he were still inside the game. --- [Inventory] - Golem Core Shard - 1500 Gold - Health Potion x12 - Mana Potion x10 - Enhanced Dagger (Bronze) - High Tier Health Potion x5 - High Tier Mana Potion x1 - Dark Orb - Rank Up Card - Leather Armor - Uncommon Toxic Dagger - Danting Pendant - Runic Sword (Unique) ... --- August''s eyes skimmed over the items thoughtfully, assessing each one''s potential. Some were too valuable or useful to part with, but others held a value that was more financial than practical to him. He quickly zeroed in on a few items that he knew would appeal to collectors and power-seekers alike. He first recalled the Basic Dagger, a simple Common-grade weapon he''d extracted in an earlier experiment. While unremarkable by in-game standards, it was still a fully functional blade with a sharp edge and sturdy construction. Even at the lowest grade, he knew it would be worth something in the real world, especially to those who wanted a taste of in-game weaponry. He decided to list it for twenty thousand dollars¡ªan accessible price point that would still bring him a tidy profit. Then, his gaze fell on the Runic Sword, a weapon of the Unique grade that he had earned from the village chief after completing a rare quest. This wasn''t just any weapon; it was one that grew in power alongside its wielder. The sword''s true allure lay in its ability to send out a powerful reddish arc of magic with each swing¡ªa feature that, while impressive in the game, would no doubt be just as striking in reality. After some deliberation, he set the price at five hundred thousand dollars. He knew the price was high, but he was confident it would catch the attention of the serious collectors and high rollers out there. He could almost envision the way this weapon would look when wielded in the real world. Its magical glow casting a mythical light and the red arc slicing through the air. The thought sent a thrill through him. He then moved on to the Uncommon Toxic Daggers. These dual daggers had a mild poison effect¡ªa unique trait that slowed and weakened opponents without causing lethal harm. They also reduced HP consecutively. They''d served him well in the early stages of his gameplay but had been replaced by his new Enhanced Dagger, which was of Bronze grade. He listed the Uncommon daggers for eighty thousand dollars, knowing that their poison effect would make them attractive to potential buyers interested in their strategic advantage. Satisfied with his selections, he began drafting detailed descriptions for each item: - Basic Dagger (Common): A reliable, sharp dagger suitable for defense or practical use. Durable and easy to handle. - Uncommon Toxic Daggers: Dual daggers laced with poison. These daggers weaken and slow enemies with each strike. - Runic Sword (Unique): A legendary blade capable of leveling up alongside its user. Emits a powerful red magical arc with each swing. In the game, it requires one to be of the warrior or knight class but in real life, you have nothing to worry about. With each description, August could practically envision the appeal of these items, especially the Runic Sword, which he knew would be the centerpiece of his sales. As he hit "Submit," he watched with satisfaction as the items went live, immediately attracting the attention of curious gamers. As he leaned back, a sense of accomplishment filled him. Not only was he leveraging his extraction ability to build wealth, but he was tapping into an unexplored market, a place where virtual value translated into real currency. After one last check of his messages, August logged out, closing down the computer and standing up. He cast a glance around the cafe, his gaze landing on Remi, who was busy serving a customer but caught his eye, giving him a cheerful smile and a wave. "You leaving so soon?" she called out with a playful tone. "Yeah, but don''t worry, I''ll be back to raise the rent soon," he replied, flashing a grin. Remi laughed, shaking her head as she returned to her customer. Her eyes lingered on him with an unspoken warmth while he waved goodbye. It was already late in the night. Due to his rush, August didn''t notice that he''d left something on the desk where the computer he just used was positioned. Chapter 38 - 38: Possessive Ex ... ... As August made his way home, he checked his watch and noticed it was around 9:30 pm. The streets were sparely lit and a quiet settled over the city as most people headed home for the night. Suddenly, he stopped in his tracks, patting his pockets with a growing realization¡ªhe''d left his house keys back at Digital Haven. "Damn," he muttered under his breath, briefly considering if he could just get them in the morning. Sophia was definitely home so he wouldn''t have to worry about getting into the apartment. But with his early shift tomorrow, he decided it was better to go back and get them now rather than risk a chaotic morning. Turning on his heel, he retraced his steps, heading back toward the cafe. When he arrived, he found the front door locked. The "Closed" sign hung on display. He sighed, ready to head home without the keys, when he spotted a familiar figure at the edge of his vision. It was Remi, walking down a narrow alleyway near the cafe. Her silhouette was outlined by the faint glow of a streetlamp, and August squinted, about to call out when he noticed two men flanking her¡ªone on each side, moving in unison with her steps. A feeling of unease crept into him. He watched as the men leaned in close to Remi. Their shadows shifted as they cornered her in the narrow path. August''s instinct kicked in. His eyes narrowed as he decided to follow, careful to stay out of sight as he approached. The closer he got, the clearer their voices became. "Look, sweetheart," sneered one of the men with a menacing tone, "you know how it is. De Grande isn''t happy about the way you left things." Remi''s voice trembled with irritation. "Tell De Grande to get over himself. I''m done with him and his games." The man to her left chuckled darkly, pressing something¡ªlikely a knife¡ªto her side. "I''d keep that pretty mouth shut if I were you. Just behave, and this''ll go smoothly." His tone turned lewd as he added, "Besides, I''m sure the boss won''t mind if we¡­ have a little fun first." August clenched his fists, disgust welling up inside him as he listened. He couldn''t stand by any longer. He stepped out from the shadows. "Hey! Why don''t you leave her alone?" The two men turned in surprise. Their expressions quickly twisted into sneers as they took in August''s unassuming appearance. "And who the hell are you?" one of them spat. August took a step forward with a cold gaze. "Just someone who doesn''t appreciate scumbags like you harassing women." The thug closest to Remi smirked, gripping his knife tighter as he gestured at August. "Looks like we''ve got ourselves a hero, huh? Too bad for you, hero. We don''t take kindly to people sticking their noses where they don''t belong." Before August could respond, the man lunged at him with a snarl while his blade was pressed forward. August sidestepped, grabbing the thug''s wrist and twisting it sharply. The man yelped in pain, dropping his knife with a clatter. Without missing a beat, August threw a punch, connecting his fist squarely with the thug''s jaw and sending him sprawling to the ground. Remi gasped with widened eyes as she backed away, but the second thug moved in fast, slipping his own knife from his pocket. He swung at August, aiming to slash at his side, but August was quicker. He dodged repeatedly as he realized he needed a weapon¡ªsomething to give him an edge. In that moment, he remembered his extraction ability. "Remi, stand back," he warned while calling on his inventory. A screen invisible to all except himself appeared before him and he instantly reached out to touch one of the weapons. With a thought, he activated the extraction. [ Will You Like To Extract Basic Dagger ] [ Yes ] ¡Á [ No ] "Yes," August muttered. Almost instantaneously, a faint glow materialized in his hand, solidifying into the Basic Dagger. The man''s eyes widened in confusion as they saw the blade appear seemingly out of thin air. The second thug sneered, assuming the dagger was just another street blade. He lunged forward, swinging his knife in a broad arc, but August met his attack head-on, raising his Basic Dagger. The two blades collided, and to the thug''s shock, August''s dagger cleaved cleanly through his own, slicing it in half with a smooth, almost effortless motion. The thug staggered back in utter disbelief. "What¡­ what the hell kind of knife is that?!" August smirked, gripping the dagger tightly. "A special one." Without giving the thug a chance to recover, August swung his fist, catching him across the face with a powerful right hook that sent him stumbling back into the alley wall. The thug crumpled to the ground, clutching his face as a dark bruise began to form. Remi rushed over with a look of both concern and astonishment. "August, are you okay? That was¡­ insane!" He nodded while giving her a reassuring smile. "I''m fine. Just wanted to make sure you''re safe." The thugs lay groaning on the ground. One of them nursed a busted lip while the other stared at August''s blade in fear. August pocketed the dagger, deciding he''d dealt enough damage for the night. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He took Remi by the arm, leading her away from the alley and putting distance between them and the fallen men. As they reached the end of the street, Remi''s hand clung to his arm. "Thank you, August. I don''t know what would have happened if you hadn''t been there." August offered a slight smile. "No one deserves to be treated like that. Especially not by some scumbags sent by an even bigger scumbag." They walked toward the nearest police station so she could file a report, and on the way, Remi filled him in on the details about her ex. "De Grande was charming at first but turns out he''s just a jealous, possessive bastard. When I found out he''d been cheating, I ended it, and he didn''t take it well." August shook his head, casting a sidelong glance at her. "You sure know how to pick ''em, don''t you?" Remi laughed, nudging him playfully. "Well, maybe you can help change that. Ever considered being a knight in shining armor full-time?" August raised an eyebrow, smirking as he replied, "Business before pleasure, Remi. I''ve got some debts to handle first." Remi chuckled, nodding. "Fair enough, Mr. Responsible. Guess I''ll have to wait until you''re debt-free." She winked at him, and they both shared a laugh. Once they reached the station, Remi filed her report, recounting the harassment and the confrontation with August by her side. After finishing up, they left together, and August retrieved his keys from Digital Haven. As they walked toward the bus stop, Remi kept glancing at him with a playful smile. Who knew the pretty boy wasn''t just a pretty face? When they reached her bus stop, she paused, looking at him with a mixture of gratitude and warmth. "Thanks again, August. You really saved me back there. I owe you one." August shrugged with a smirk. "All in a day''s work." Before he could say goodbye, Remi leaned in, pressing a soft peck to his cheek. "Consider that a down payment on the favor I owe you," she whispered before giving him a playful wink. He chuckled while watching as she boarded the bus. He waved as it pulled away. ... ... In an unknown location, a room was cloaked in shadows, except for the moonlight filtering in through the tall, narrow windows. From this tower''s vantage point, the city below sprawled out like a sea of lights, distant and flickering in the midnight haze. The walls of the room were lined with rows of glass cases, each containing an artifact of a peculiar, otherworldly nature. Weapons, trinkets, shimmering stones, and relics rested on display, sealed behind tempered glass. Some items glowed faintly, casting eerie reflections that danced across the room''s dark walls. Near the farthest window stood a tall figure in a dark robe. His gaze was fixed intently on the cityscape. His face was hidden. Only his sharp jaw and the faint outline of a scar happened to be visible beneath the hood that shadowed his features. This was The Collector, a man whose infamy was as potent as the leader of a faction of the Onis, a group of superpowered players who robbed other players. Behind him, the faint buzz of a concealed security system vibrated. Suddenly, the door to the chamber creaked open, and a group of figures entered. Leading them was a woman wearing a fox mask. Her silhouette was slender and agile. Behind her were three others, dressed in traditional, kimono-like robes, but unlike her, their faces were bare. "Another successful heist!" one of them announced with pride as he stepped forward. In his arms was a small case, which he gently placed on a pedestal in the center of the room. Chapter 39 - 39: Who is Aleman? Inside the small case, a glimmering amulet rested. Its blue and silver hues caught the moonlight. The Collector''s face remained obscured in shadow as he turned. His eyes glinted in approval. "Well done," he murmured. He looked at the amulet with mild interest before his gaze shifted to Fox. "Fox," he called with a soft yet commanding tone. She approached him silently with measured steps. Even with the mask on, her focus and readiness were clear. She stopped a few steps before him, bowing slightly as a show of respect. "Yes, sir?" she replied with a respectful tone. The Collector gestured to the glistening city below. "Have you heard the recent news?" he voiced in curiosity. Fox tilted her head. "I''ve heard snippets. The police chatter has been louder than usual, but that''s not unusual given our activities." The Collector shook his head slightly. "No, not about our recent exploits. There''s a name surfacing in certain¡­ circles. The name Aleman." The other members of her group shifted, listening closely as the conversation turned to something unexpected. Fox''s eyes sharpened behind the mask. "Aleman?" The Collector nodded, returning his gaze to the cityscape as he spoke with a tone of intrigue. "Reports say this individual managed to sell an in-game item that wasn''t of Legendary grade. A Bronze-grade item." Fox''s eyes narrowed. "Impossible. Only Legendary items can be extracted out of Enders Light." "That''s the rule," the Collector agreed with a thoughtful tone. "But somehow, he did it. The sale went through, and the item was verified as authentic. Bronze grade." One of the other men in the group scoffed quietly, crossing his arms. "There must be a catch. Perhaps he found some loophole, some glitch?" The Collector shook his head slowly with a resolute tone. "No. This isn''t a common glitch. It''s either a unique property of the item itself¡­ or something about this Aleman." Fox crossed her arms, considering his words carefully. "What if it''s the latter? If he''s capable of extracting items at any grade¡­" The Collector''s voice dropped to a whisper, laden with anticipation. "Then we may have stumbled upon someone with a power far beyond our current understanding. It is too much to comprehend. And if that''s true, then he could be the key to acquiring things we''ve only dreamed of." The idea seemed to catch like wildfire among the others in the room. Their faces shifted from skepticism to interest. They all turned their eyes to Fox as she spoke up. "What would you have me do, sir?" she questioned, awaiting orders. The Collector''s gaze hardened. "Find him. Find this Aleman. Gather any information you can on him. I want to know who he is, how he does it, and how we can use him to our advantage." Fox nodded in understanding. "Consider it done." The Collector took a step closer, lowering his voice to almost a hiss. "And, Fox¡­ be cautious. If this Aleman really can extract any item, he may be more powerful than we think." A faint, humorless smile tugged at the corner of Fox''s lips beneath the mask. Her confidence remained unwavering. "If he proves dangerous, I''ll handle it." The Collector let out a low chuckle of approval. "I trust you will." With a slight bow, Fox turned and gestured to her team, motioning for them to exit the chamber. As they moved toward the door, she could hear the whispers of her colleagues behind her, murmuring about this new player on their radar. As they left, Fox''s mind was already working through her next steps, calculating her approach. This Aleman had piqued her curiosity, and while her orders were clear, she couldn''t deny a thrill of excitement at the prospect of tracking him down. After all, anything rarely ever escaped her watchful eyes once they had her attention. ... ... It had been four days since August had posted his items for sale, and the response had been nothing short of overwhelming. His inbox overflowed with messages, each one a new inquiry from people all over the internet. Some were eager to buy, willing to pay top dollar without hesitation, while others were more skeptical, questioning the authenticity of his items and how he had managed to extract weapons and tools below Legendary grade out of Enders Light. In gaming communities, forums buzzed with debates, theories, and speculations about Aleman. Some claimed he was a genius hacker who had somehow bypassed the game''s rigid extraction laws; others theorized he had found a rare item with special properties that allowed him to break the usual rules. A few bold voices even suggested Aleman might have connections within the game''s mysterious development team, giving him insider access to abilities unavailable to the general player base. For August, however, all this talk was nothing but background noise. His focus was straightforward: clear his debts and maintain a low profile in real life. He didn''t need fame or attention from the online community¡ªjust the right buyers and enough sales to reach his target so he could finally move on to the next phase... Starting a business. In the meantime, he had been steadily progressing in Enders Light, grinding his way up to level 23. His combat skills were sharper, his magical abilities more refined, and he''d even made a handful of connections with players in real life, one of whom had recently purchased the Basic Dagger. The buyer, ecstatic to get his hands on a genuine weapon from the game, had even exchanged in-game names with August, promising to stay in touch and possibly grind together sometime. August smirked as he thought back on it. "The more connections, the better," he mused to himself. Even though he had no intention of becoming a social figure in the gaming world, building a network in Enders Light couldn''t hurt. It would definitely help his business. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. His next appointments were lined up over the coming days: tomorrow, he would be meeting a buyer for the Toxic Daggers, a sale he''d carefully vetted. The demand for the daggers was intense, and sifting through the thousands of interested buyers had taken time, but he felt confident he had found the right person. As for the Runic Sword, he had secured an appointment with a wealthy client who had expressed serious interest. The agreement was clear¡ªany deviation, and he''d sell it to someone else. Satisfied with his progress, August settled into his daily routine at the factory. However, as he went about his tasks, he couldn''t help but notice the absence of Derrick. This was the second day his friend hadn''t shown up for his shift. A sense of worry tugged at him. Derrick was reliable, and for him to miss two days in a row without notice was out of character. "Where the hell are you, Derrick?" August muttered under his breath as he hoisted a heavy crate onto a conveyor belt. August resolved to call Derrick after work. Chapter 40 - 40: The Forgotten Ruins After his shift, August joined the line of workers collecting their weekly pay. The usual chatter of tired workers filled the room. As he waited, August couldn''t shake his growing concern for Derrick. His friend''s unexplained absence for two consecutive days was unlike him, and a nagging feeling told August that something was off. Just then, he overheard one of the supervisors grumbling near the front of the room. "Where the hell is that Derrick guy? Missing two days without a single word¡ªdo people just think they can come and go as they please?" Another supervisor chimed in, clearly annoyed. "This is a factory, not a free-for-all. Might as well let him go if he''s going to start slacking off." August felt a spark of anger rise within him. Before he knew it, he stepped forward, addressing the supervisor directly. "With all due respect, sir, Derrick has never done this before. He''s been one of the most reliable workers here. Something''s probably come up, and I''m sure he''ll explain as soon as he can." The supervisor, a stocky man with a permanent scowl, gave August a hard look. "Well, he''d better have a damn good reason. We''re not running a charity here. You''d do well to get your friend in line." August forced a polite nod, though irritation simmered beneath the surface. "I''ll check in on him, sir. Thank you for understanding." The supervisor gave a dismissive grunt, waving him off. "Fine, fine. Just make sure he shows up tomorrow¡ªor he might not have a job to return to." August bit back a retort as he collected his pay. He left the factory, grateful to finally be out of the supervisor''s presence. Pulling out his phone as soon as he stepped outside, he immediately dialed Derrick''s number. The phone rang several times and he waited patiently for an answer. When it eventually went to voicemail, he sighed and tried again. And again. No answer. After his tenth attempt, he let out a frustrated breath, shoving his phone back into his pocket. ... The walk home felt longer than usual as he thought about possible reasons for Derrick''s absence. ''He can''t be in trouble, right?'' August could only hope. He never really kept friends in his previous world but Derrick was actually a very likeable dude. He stood up for August a number of times in the past and even offered part of his pay whenever August was having difficulties taking care of Sophia''s school fees. He really was a stand-up guy. As soon as he reached his apartment, August took out his phone and tried again. Once more, there was nothing but the automated voicemail. He set his phone on the table, pacing the small space as thoughts tumbled through his mind. Derrick had always been the responsible one, someone who took his job seriously, especially given his situation with Tara and their upcoming baby. Missing work for two days without a word was completely out of character. Late in the evening, he picked up his phone again, dialing Derrick''s number with the hope that this time, there''d be an answer. But once more, only the steady tone of unanswered rings filled his ear, ending with the voicemail message he''d heard far too many times that day. ~ "Hey it''s Derrick, I can''t come to the phone right now. Do leave a message." ~ August set the phone down with a frustrated sigh, muttering to himself, "Looks like I''ll have to visit to find out what''s going on." Determined, he decided he''d visit Derrick in person if he didn''t show up at the factory tomorrow. Glancing at his phone again, he reminded himself of his upcoming meeting with the buyer for the Toxic Daggers scheduled for tomorrow evening. His schedule was tight, but he''d make time. Derrick was his only friend in this world, and he had to make sure he was alright. As the night settled outside his window, August prepared himself for a full night of gaming, eager to put his real-world worries aside. With a deep breath, he logged into Enders Light, feeling the familiar rush as the world around him transformed into the digital realm he''d come to know so well. His avatar, Aleman, materialized in front of the bustling TG Adventurers Guild, where he saw his in-game friends¡ªLilo, Boris, and Ezran¡ªwaiting for him. Lilo spotted him first, waving excitedly as he approached. "Aleman! Glad you could make it," she grinned while giving him a friendly salute. "Wouldn''t miss it for the world," August replied with a faint smile. He was genuinely glad to see them; they had only grinded together twice and he wanted to increase that number to get a feeling of what it was like to be in a party. "Man, what a day," Boris groaned, stretching as though he could shake off the fatigue that still clung to him even here in the game. "Work is no joke. My arms are sore just thinking about it." Lilo nodded with a look of sympathy in her eyes. "Tell me about it. Worked a double shift, and all I could think about was getting back here to blow off some steam." Ezran smirked, folding his arms as he looked at the two of them. "Guess I can''t relate. College might be rough, but at least I''m not breaking my back all day." August chuckled, giving Ezran a playful nudge. "I remember college. It''s no walk in the park either." Lilo snorted, nudging Ezran. "College boy thinks he''s got it rough. Just wait until you have to pay your own rent." Ezran laughed, throwing up his hands in mock defense. "Hey, I''m just here for the free grind therapy session. You can lecture me about life skills later." They shared a round of laughter, easing away the stress they carried from their daily lives. August took a deep breath, feeling the troubles of his real-world concerns lift, even if just for a moment. The game offered them an escape, a place to focus on the thrill of battle and the reward of leveling up without the burdens of real-world responsibilities. "Alright," Boris said, rolling his shoulders and gripping his sword with renewed energy. "Let''s put the daily grind behind us and dive into some monster hunting." Lilo nodded eagerly. "I''m ready. Let''s hit something hard." August grinned. "So, what''s the plan? Where are we grinding tonight?" Boris pulled up the map, his finger tracing over a region on the outskirts of Tagharuim Kingdom. "I was thinking we''d head over to the Forgotten Ruins. The monsters there scale with group size, so it''s perfect for a team like us. Plus, I heard the loot is pretty good if we make it through a full clear." Ezran raised an eyebrow. "Forgotten Ruins, huh? I''ve heard that place can get intense at night. Monsters hit harder, but the loot doubles." Lilo clapped her hands together, clearly excited. "Sounds perfect. Let''s get some of that loot and maybe level up while we''re at it!" August nodded at the thought of a challenging grind. "Alright, let''s go tear up some monsters." They all agreed, sharing a quick round of encouragement before they set off. The group''s journey led them away from the usual forests and open fields, taking them to a place called the Forgotten Ruins. It was a place of crumbling stone pillars, ancient statues, and eerie, glowing glyphs etched into the walls. A faint whisper echoed throughout the ruins that sent a chill through the bones of players. August gripped his custom Mage staff in one hand and his Enhanced Dagger in the other, ready to wield both magic and physical force with his dual-class setup. As they stepped further inside, a system notification popped up: --- [System Notification] - Welcome to the Forgotten Ruins - Level Range: 25-35 - Monsters Scale by Group Size - Bonus Loot Drops: Increased 50% --- Ezran looked around, taking in the eerie beauty of their surroundings. "This place is... hauntingly beautiful. And a bit unnerving." Boris, the group''s Knight, adjusted his grip on his shield and sword as his armor gleamed faintly in the ruins'' spectral light. "Let''s not get distracted. These monsters are no joke, but if we focus, we can make it through." Lilo, the group''s Ranger, notched an arrow into her magical bow while her eyes scanned the shadows. "Let''s get some EXP!" Dark shapes began to emerge from the shadows. Hulking figures of stone and glowing eyes locked onto the group. --- [System Notification] - You have encountered: Stonebound Sentinels (Level 26) - Group Scaling Activated: Monsters are 50% Stronger --- Ezran gazed upon the figures and whistled. "Stonebound Sentinels. These guys are known for high defense." August grinned while raising his staff as magical power crackled around it. "Then let''s make them regret stepping in our path." The Sentinels charged, swinging their massive arms with deadly force. Boris stepped forward, raising his shield to absorb the impact. [ System Notification: Boris uses Shield Wall - Damage Reduced by 40% for 10 seconds ] S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 41 - 41: Warlord Sentinel [ System Notification: Boris uses Shield Wall - Damage Reduced by 40% for 10 seconds ] The Sentinel''s blow struck Boris''s shield with a resounding clang, but he held firm. "Lilo, Ezran¡ªaim for their weak points!" Lilo nodded as she pulled back the glowing bowstring and released an arrow imbued with magical energy. It struck the nearest Sentinel, sending a pulse of energy through its stone form. [System Notification: Lilo uses Arcane Arrow - Stonebound Sentinel HP -300] Ezran unleashed a flurry of energy bolts, each one hitting the Sentinels with precise accuracy. [System Notification: Ezran uses Fire Bolt - Stonebound Sentinel ] [ HP -150] [ HP -150] [ HP -150] [ HP -120] August stayed back, assessing the battlefield. With his dual-class abilities, he had the versatility to both cast spells and join close combat. Raising his Mage staff, he activated its custom ability, unleashing the unique spell attached to it. --- [System Notification: You have activated Ethereal Storm.] - Effect: Unleash a storm of energy that deals massive damage to all enemies within a 20-meter radius, dealing damage over time to enemies in range. - Additional Effect: Elemental Affinity (randomized effect for each cast) --- August slammed the staff into the ground and greenish magical circles began to appear in the sky above the enemies. As the magical energy in the surroundings surged, one could already tell that this attack would have a wide area of concentration. "Get back!" August yelled to the others so they wouldn''t get caught in it. [ -1200 MP ] August used to think Lightning was a Magic Power sucker until he gained this spell. In the next instant, A purplish storm of energy descended upon the surroundings like a pillar of destruction. [ Stonebound Sentinels: HP -4000 ] [ System Notification: Toxic Effect Activated ] As the storm of energy began to whittle, scorch marks settled upon the surroundings and the enemies. - Toxic Damage: -500 HP per second for 10 seconds [ - 500 HP ] [ - 500 HP ] [ - 500 HP ] [ - 500 HP ] The Sentinels roared as their stone bodies glowed red-hot while they lost HP consecutively for the next ten seconds. Lilo and Boris took advantage, moving in for powerful strikes. Boris bashed his shield against the nearest Sentinel, using his strength to weaken its defense. [System Notification: Boris uses Shield Bash - Stonebound Sentinel HP -800] Lilo fired another Arcane Arrow causing magical energy to explode upon impact and sending cracks through the Sentinel''s stone form. "Nice one, Aleman!" Lilo called with a grin, notching another arrow. Ezran laughed, casting another series of energy bolts. "We''re unstoppable with Aleman''s magic backing us up!" The group worked together seamlessly, coordinating their attacks to maximize their effectiveness. August switched between his Enhanced Dagger and his staff, delivering slashes up close when the opportunity arose. After they cleared the initial wave, another wave of Sentinels emerged, stronger and more aggressive. August activated his staff''s Ethereal Storm again. This time he watched as bolts of lightning rained down on their enemies. Ethereal Storm surprisingly had a variety of natural destructive attacks and effects. The custom staff was nothing short of a magnificent weapon. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. --- [ System Notification: Elemental Effect Activated - Lightning ] - Stonebound Sentinel HP -4500 - Shock Effect: Reduced Movement Speed for 5 seconds --- The Sentinels staggered with sluggish movements as lightning coursed through their stone forms. Boris took the opportunity to bash one with his shield, sending it crashing to the ground. "Bet you didn''t see that coming!" Boris taunted, swinging his sword down. [System Notification: Boris uses Heavy Slash - Stonebound Sentinel HP -1500] The Sentinel shattered, leaving behind a shimmering pile of loot. Ezran darted over, gathering a glowing mana crystal. "Loot jackpot!" he cheered. "These crystals will fetch a great price." They fought on, taking down each wave as they ventured deeper into the ruins. August continued to use his staff''s abilities, alternating between fire, lightning, and ice effects that amplified the group''s attacks. At one point, after a grueling series of fights, they stopped to catch their breath. Lilo leaned on her bow with a grin on her face. "Aleman, you''re making us all look like amateurs tonight." August shrugged, clearly pleased. "Guess having two weapons has its perks." Boris laughed, adjusting his shield. "I''d hate to be on the receiving end of that staff." "But seriously, how is this possible? You''re an assassin and a mage at the same time?" Lilo voiced in utter curiosity. Just as August was about to give a response, a new notification popped up: --- [System Notification: Boss Encounter - Sentinel Warlord (Level 35)] - Warning: High-Level Enemy Detected --- The ground trembled as a massive figure stepped forward, a Sentinel Warlord with stone armor etched in glowing runes. Its eyes blazed red as it raised its stone fists, ready to crush anyone who dared challenge it. Boris raised his shield, bracing himself. "Here we go. This one''s going to be tough!" Lilo and Ezran nodded, focusing on their target. August readied his staff once more, determined to bring everything he had to the fight. "Let''s end this!" August called out, activating Ethereal Storm once more. This time, an icy blizzard swept over the battlefield, freezing the Warlord in its tracks. --- [System Notification: Elemental Effect Activated - Ice] - Sentinel Warlord HP -2000 - Freeze Effect: Slowed Movement for 10 seconds --- The Warlord roared, struggling against the freezing effects. Lilo unleashed a volley of enchanted arrows with pinpoint precision. "Take that!" she shouted. The magical arrows pierced through the Warlord''s head and neck, dealing a higher damage count than normal. Boris, shield raised, charged forward and landed a powerful Shield Bash against the Warlord''s leg, cracking the ice. Despite all of their attacks, the Sentinel Warlord''s HP was still very high. The slowing effect from the freezing came to an end The ground beneath them trembled as the massive Level 35 Sentinel Warlord stepped forward. The Warlord let out a thunderous roar, raising one of its colossal stone arms and swinging it down in a devastating arc. Boris quickly stepped forward while raising his shield as he braced for impact. [System Notification: Boris uses Shield Wall - Reduces Incoming Damage by 40% for 15 seconds] The Warlord''s arm crashed down, colliding with Boris''s shield with a force that echoed through the ruins. The impact shook the ground beneath them, but Boris held firm as his feet dug into the stone floor. Lilo''s fingers moved swiftly as she took advantage of the distraction. She notched two glowing arrows and combined them, creating a blazing, multi-colored arrow. Her keen Ranger eyesight locked onto a weak point near the Warlord''s shoulder. [System Notification: Lilo uses Focused Burst Arrow - Stonebound Warlord HP -1700] The arrow struck true, hitting a joint in the Warlord''s stone armor and exploding into a radiant burst of energy. The Warlord staggered slightly, letting out an enraged growl as it turned its gaze toward Lilo. "Nice shot!" August called while raising his staff. "My turn!" He activated Ethereal Storm, his custom staff''s unique spell. The sky above them darkened within the ruins as a vortex of swirling energy formed, extending over a wide radius around the Warlord. Suddenly, a bolt of searing energy descended from the vortex, striking the Warlord directly in the chest. --- [System Notification: Aleman casts Ethereal Storm - Stonebound Warlord HP -3700] - Effect: Gravity Shift - Enemy Movement Reduced by 50% for 10 seconds --- The Warlord''s movements slowed as its massive body tried fighting against the intensified gravity that now weighed it down. Ezran took advantage, casting a barrage of instant spells in quick succession. [System Notification: Ezran uses Flame Burst - Stonebound Warlord HP -700] [System Notification: Ezran uses Ice Shard - Stonebound Warlord HP -850] [System Notification: Ezran uses Arcane Barrage - Stonebound Warlord HP -750] Ezran''s spells struck the Warlord one after another causing ice to form on its limbs and flames to scorch its armor. "Keep hitting it! While the gravity effect''s active!" The Warlord roared, slamming a fist into the ground and creating a shockwave that sent tremors through the area. Lilo nimbly dodged, using her enhanced vision to zoom in on the Warlord''s knee joint, her fingers moving quickly as she combined three arrows for a powerful shot. [System Notification: Lilo uses Piercing Triple Arrow - Stonebound Warlord HP -2100] The arrows struck the Warlord''s knee, creating deep cracks along the stone. The beast''s balance wavered, but its fury was undeterred. It swung its arm toward Lilo, but Boris rushed forward, blocking the attack with his shield. "Stay down!" Boris shouted, slamming his shield forward to push the Warlord back. August decided it was time to unleash his Lightning Bolt spell. He pointed his staff, and a crackling bolt of lightning shot out, striking the Warlord''s chest. --- [System Notification: Aleman casts Lightning Bolt - Stonebound Warlord HP -2500] - Special Effect: Gravity Field - Enemy Movement Reduced by 50% for 5 seconds --- The Warlord staggered again as its movements turned slow and labored under the enhanced gravitational force. Ezran quickly followed up with a powerful AoE spell, summoning a wave of icy energy. [System Notification: Ezran uses Frost Nova - Stonebound Warlord HP -600] - Special Effect: Freeze - Slows Enemy Movement by 70% for 10 seconds The Warlord shuddered as ice formed over its limbs, locking it in place for a moment. "Good," August voiced with an energetic tone as he raised his staff, casting Ethereal Storm once more. This time, a destructive whirlwind descended from the vortex, slamming into the Warlord with a powerful gust of hurricane-like winds. --- [System Notification: Aleman casts Ethereal Storm - Stonebound Warlord HP -3500] - Special Effect: Bleed - Warlord HP Decreases by 100 HP per second for 20 seconds --- Chapter 42 - 42: Exploring The Lower Section The Warlord roared, weakened as it fought against the winds. Blood-red cracks began to form along its stone armor, each one leaking a dark, ethereal mist. Lilo took advantage of the moment, firing an explosive arrow aimed at the cracked armor. [System Notification: Lilo uses Explosive Arrow - Stonebound Warlord HP -1200] The explosion rocked the Warlord, sending chunks of stone flying as it stumbled backward. With a desperate roar, the Warlord charged forward, swinging wildly. Ezran narrowly dodged a crushing blow, retaliating with a Shadow Bolt. [System Notification: Ezran casts Shadow Bolt - Stonebound Warlord HP -600] - Special Effect: Blinds Enemy Vision by 50% for 5 seconds The Warlord''s vision clouded, and it hesitated with a look of disorientation. August saw his chance, summoning every ounce of energy into his staff and casting Ethereal Storm one final time. A colossal bolt of energy descended from the sky, striking the Warlord dead-center. --- [System Notification: Aleman casts Ethereal Storm - Stonebound Warlord HP -3900] - Special Effect: Collapse - Enemy Armor Reduced by 40% --- The Sentinel Warlord''s armor shattered, crumbling to pieces and falling to the ground. With a unified shout, Boris, Lilo, and Ezran launched their final attacks, each strike landing on the exposed core of the Warlord''s body. [System Notification: Boris uses Heavy Slash - Stonebound Warlord HP -1200] [System Notification: Lilo uses Double Arrow - Stonebound Warlord HP -900] [System Notification: Ezran uses Energy Bolt Barrage - Stonebound Warlord HP -400 -400 - 350 - 420] The Warlord let out one last, thunderous roar before collapsing. Its massive form disintegrated into dust that faded into the dark atmosphere of the ruins. --- [System Notification: Boss Defeated - Sentinel Warlord] [System Notification: Upper Section of the Forgotten Ruins Cleared] --- As the dust settled, a pile of shimmering loot appeared in the center, casting a soft glow over the group. They shared a collective sigh of relief before breaking into grins. "We did it!" Lilo cheered while raising her bow triumphantly. Ezran laughed, gathering the loot. "With that much EXP and loot, we''re all leveling up tonight if we do this a couple more times." August checked his own stats as the system chimed. --- [System Notification: Aleman - EXP: +100,000 ] --- ¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û Name: Aleman Level: 21 Title(s): Sovereign Of Anti Darkness Class: Assassin/Mage EXP: 370,000/600,000 HP: 2000/2000 MP: 1500/1500 Gold: 1620 Skills/Spells: Shadow Dance, Hidden Strike, Slash, Dash, Dual Wielding, Fireball, Arcane Shield, Ethereal Storm Inventory: - Golem Core Shard - Health Potion x12 - Mana Potion x10 - Enhanced Dagger (Bronze) - High Tier Health Potion x5 - High Tier Mana Potion x2 - Dark Orb - Rank Up Card - Leather Armor - Uncommon Toxic Dagger - Danting Pendant - Runic Sword (Unique) ¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û¡û August was satisfied with his current progress. Grinding in groups, especially places with double EXP and loots really had its benefits. They divided the loot equally amongst themselves. Gold coins, magical gems, weapon fragments, and a rare artifact gleamed in their hands. Boris clapped August on the shoulder, a wide grin on his face. "That staff of yours is a real game-changer. You practically took down half the Warlord on your own!" August smiled. "Nah, couldn''t have done it without everyone''s teamwork." Lilo nodded with a smile. "You bet! Let''s keep grinding together and see just how far we can go." "Why don''t we head down to the lower section?" August asked while gripping his Mage staff with a grin. "We''ve still got time, and I''m guessing there''s plenty of loot down there." Lilo''s eyes sparkled with excitement. "Yes! I''ve heard there''s a lot more treasure and enemies down there, though it''s full of traps." Boris nodded, resting his hand on his shield. "I''m in. As long as we''re careful and stick together, we should be fine." Ezran let out a laugh. "More traps just means more treasure, right? Lead the way, Aleman." With the decision made, they walked toward the massive stone staircase leading to the lower section of the Forgotten Ruins. The atmosphere shifted as they descended. A damp chill filled the air and faint eerie echoes. Flickering torches illuminated narrow hallways, and broken statues lined their path, each marking a piece of the ruins'' lost history. When they reached the bottom, a system notification appeared. --- [System Notification: You have entered the Lower Section of the Forgotten Ruins] - Recommended Level: 24-30 - Enemies Scale by Group Size - Increased Loot Drop Rate --- The lower section was massive, almost like a maze with interconnected chambers, narrow passages, and an eerie quietness. Their steps echoed in the hollow corridors as they moved cautiously. Shadows flickered around them, and faint growls echoed from the depths. It didn''t take long for the first group of enemies to appear. Emerging from a hidden alcove, a pack of skeletal creatures with glowing eyes and rusted weapons in hand began to advance toward them. --- [System Notification: You have encountered Skeleton Marauders (Level 25) - Group Scaling Applied] --- Lilo immediately notched an arrow as her sharp eyes zoomed in on a skeleton holding a rusty spear at the back of the pack. [System Notification: Lilo uses Snipe - Skeleton Marauder HP -2200] The arrow struck the skeleton''s skull with deadly accuracy, shattering it instantly. With a satisfied grin, Lilo dashed forward, preparing another arrow. The Skeleton Marauders let out unearthly screeches and charged forward. Boris stepped in front, raising his shield to brace against their attack. [System Notification: Boris uses Shield Wall - Reduces Damage by 40% for 10 seconds] The first marauder slammed into Boris''s shield, only to be met by his sword. [System Notification: Boris uses Heavy Slash - Skeleton Marauder HP -2600] Ezran chanted quickly, summoning a ring of fire that burst from his fingertips, surrounding the Marauders and scorching their brittle bones. [System Notification: Ezran uses Flame Ring - Skeleton Marauders HP -2400 each] Seeing the opening created by his friends, August raised his staff and cast Fireball, unleashing a blazing orb the size of a car. It traveled in an arc across the air before ramming into a bunch of these skeletal figures. --- [System Notification: Aleman casts Fireball - Skeleton Marauders HP -3000 each] -Effect: Confusion - Enemies have a 30% chance to miss attacks for 10 seconds --- About seven Skeleton Marauders were obliterated by the fireball which consumed their bones till there was nothing left. As for the other Skeleton Marauders in the surroundings, the effect took hold. The Skeleton Marauders staggered under the onslaught, disoriented as their skeletal forms struggled to stay intact. Lilo took advantage, combining three arrows into one massive, glowing projectile. [System Notification: Lilo uses Triple Arcane Arrow - Skeleton Marauders HP -2400] The combined arrow tore through multiple enemies, reducing them to dust in one swift motion. As the last of the marauders crumbled, a glint of light caught their eyes¡ªa pile of loot scattered on the ground, left behind by the defeated foes. They each gathered items, finding gold coins, potions, and a few weapon fragments that glimmered under the torchlight. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lilo let out a laugh as she examined one of the gems. "Worth the fight, wouldn''t you say?" Ezran pocketed a mana crystal. "If we keep this up, we''re going to walk out of here loaded." With the marauders defeated, they pressed on, exploring hidden alcoves and corners in search of more treasure. They ransacked an old grave, finding enchanted jewelry and rare relics tucked away in the dust-laden coffins. It wasn''t long before they stumbled upon an ancient chest, sealed with a magical lock. Boris leaned down, examining it. "Any ideas?" Chapter 43 - 43: Extracting A Gold Coin August tapped his staff against the chest, and a system notification appeared. --- [System Notification: Lockpicking Required - Successfully Unlock Chest using Extraction? (Yes/No) --- "Looks like I''ve got this one," August voiced with a smirk. He selected "Yes," and after a brief loading bar, the chest unlocked with a faint click. They opened it to reveal a trove of high-tier loot¡ªarmor upgrades, rare potions, and a unique trinket that glowed with an ethereal light. Ezran whistled. "Talk about a jackpot." August had really been in need of new armor so this was perfect. As they distributed the loot, they could feel their progress as a team. The lower section continued to challenge them with more enemies and various traps¡ªswinging pendulums, hidden pressure plates, and narrow corridors filled with spikes. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They fought their way through a gauntlet of undead soldiers and cursed beasts, each encounters rewarding them with rare loot. Eventually, they found themselves at the heart of the ruins, where a massive chamber loomed ahead. A dark aura filled the room, and a towering figure clad in tattered robes and wielding a dark, enchanted scythe stood in the center. --- [System Notification: You have encountered the Final Boss - Shadow Reaper (Level 35)] - Warning: High-Level Enemy Detected --- The Shadow Reaper let out an eerie wail, lifting its scythe and summoning a whirlwind of dark energy around it. Shadows swirled in the air, and spectral figures flickered around the chamber. Boris stepped forward, shielding the group as usual. "Stay on your guard." The Shadow Reaper slashed its scythe, sending a wave of darkness toward them. August cast Arcane Shield the moment he noticed that the attack covered a wide area. [System Notification: Aleman casts Arcane Shield - Reduces Incoming Damage by 100% for 10 seconds] A protective barrier surrounded his friends instantly as the wave hit. Lilo quickly took her position, zooming in with her enhanced vision as she notched two glowing arrows and launched them at the boss''s torso. [System Notification: Lilo uses Double Arrow Burst - Shadow Reaper HP -600] The Shadow Reaper staggered, but recovered quickly, raising its scythe as it prepared a devastating spell. Ezran chanted, unleashing a lightning bolt that crackled through the air, striking the boss directly. [System Notification: Ezran uses Lightning Strike - Shadow Reaper HP -1700] August activated Ethereal Storm once more to increase damage. A furious wind whipped through the chamber, creating a small-scale hurricane around the Shadow Reaper. After the storm landed, a new effect activated. --- [System Notification: Ethereal Storm Activated - Shadow Reaper HP -2500] - Effect: Drain - Reduces Boss Mana by 20% --- The Shadow Reaper''s dark aura faded slightly. Its magic weakened as August''s spell took hold. Boris saw his chance, charging forward and slamming his shield into the boss''s side. [System Notification: Boris uses Shield Bash - Shadow Reaper HP -1200] The Shadow Reaper let out another wail, swinging its scythe in a sweeping arc. Boris blocked the attack with his shield, absorbing the impact as Lilo fired a concentrated Arcane Arrow at its head. The boss weakened, raising its scythe frantically when August quickly cast Ethereal Storm once more. This time, a bolt of fire rained down, engulfing the boss in flames. --- [System Notification: Aleman casts Ethereal Storm - Shadow Reaper HP -2700] - Effect: Burn - Boss loses 500 HP per second for 20 seconds --- The Shadow Reaper wreathed in flames as the last of its HP continuously drained due to the effect. [ -500 HP ] [ -500 HP ] [ -500 HP ] [ -500 HP ] [ -500 HP ] ... It soon lost it all and collapsed into a pile of ashes. The chamber was silent for a moment before the system notification chimed. --- [System Notification: Lower Section of the Forgotten Ruins Cleared] --- As the dust settled, a pile of golden loot appeared in the center of the chamber. The team exchanged relieved smiles and cheers. "Now that," Lilo said, pocketing a mana crystal, "was worth it." August checked his stats, his XP bar was nearly full. --- [System Notification: Aleman - EXP: 550,000/827,000] --- They gathered up the spoils of their victory¡ªrare weapons, enchanted armor, and a few unique relics. The Forgotten Ruins had rewarded them handsomely. As they left the ruins, they visited two other locations and successfully cleared them. August got to level 24 this night but it was finally time for them to leave the game world. August glanced at his friends. "Thanks for the great night, everyone." Ezran gave him a fist bump. "I''m already looking forward to next time." They exchanged social contacts so they could keep in touch outside the game as well, promising to return to grind together in the near future. ... As August prepared to log out, an idea struck him. He glanced at his inventory and thought aloud, "If I can extract anything that belongs to my avatar¡­ then what about these?" He opened his inventory, scrolling past weapons and potions until his eyes landed on the icon for his gold coins. His heart raced. If this worked, he could potentially extract endless amounts of gold. He selected one of the gold coins and held his breath as a system notification appeared. --- [System Notification: Would you like to extract 1 Gold Coin to Reality?] -[YES] ¡Á [NO] --- Without hesitation, he selected "YES." [===== ] A small extraction progress bar began filling up, and within seconds, the coin vanished from his inventory. August logged out of Enders Light and eagerly checked his game pod. There, gleaming in the low light of his pod, lay a single gold coin. He picked it up, feeling its weight and smooth texture. The coin shimmered in his hand, and he was stunned by the craftsmanship¡ªit felt more real than he could''ve imagined. "This... could change everything," he muttered to himself, still in disbelief. "If these coins are actual gold¡­" The realization of what this could mean raced through his mind, but there was no time to linger. With a sigh, he placed the coin securely in a small box on his desk. There would be plenty of time to consider the possibilities later. "Another day, another dollar," he chuckled, moving to get ready for work. As he entered the kitchen, Sophia was finishing her breakfast, dressed in her school uniform. She looked up and smiled, "Morning, Auggie!" "Morning, Soph. Ready for another thrilling day of education?" he teased while pouring himself some coffee. She rolled her eyes playfully. "Oh yeah, can''t wait. What about you? Any exciting plans?" "Just the usual factory shift. Maybe a little business meeting afterward. Nothing too fancy," he replied, giving her a quick smile. He took a sip of coffee and added, "Hey, don''t get into trouble today, alright?" Sophia laughed. "Me? Trouble? Never." He grinned before ruffling her hair. "Good. I''ll see you tonight then. Be safe." "Always am," she replied, giving him a little wave as she left. With Sophia off to school, August grabbed his work bag, and soon, he was on his way to the factory. --- Arriving at the factory, he couldn''t help but notice that Derrick was still absent. August felt more worried at this point. Derrick had never missed so many shifts. Pushing it to the back of his mind for now, he focused on work, tackling the heavy lifting and machinery as usual. During the lunch break, he decided to try calling Derrick''s number again. After several rings, the call went to voicemail. He muttered to himself, "C''mon, Derrick¡­ where are you?" Chapter 44 - 44: Unexpected Call He muttered to himself, "C''mon, Derrick¡­ where are you?" Hanging up, he clenched his phone with a made-up mind. Since Derrick didn''t show up today, he''d definitely go check on him after work and his scheduled meeting. A coworker nearby, noticing his frustration, raised an eyebrow. "Something wrong, August?" August sighed, shrugging it off. "Just worried about a friend. He''s been out for a couple of days without a word." The coworker nodded. "That''s tough. Hopefully, he''s alright. You know how things can get in this city." August gave a small nod. "Yeah¡­ thanks. I''ll check in on him later." With that, he put his phone away, preparing to tackle the second half of the shift. As they returned to work, his thoughts drifted back to the gold coin he had extracted. It looked like he might take care of his pitiful financial situation faster than he anticipated. "One step at a time," he reminded himself, focusing back on his tasks. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. --- The workday finally ended, and August changed out of his work gear. His mind was set on the next order of business: meeting the buyer for the Toxic Dagger. As he left the factory, one of his supervisors called out to him. "Hey, August!" August turned. "Yeah?" "About your friend Derrick¡­ tell him if he doesn''t show up soon, we might have to replace him. We can''t keep covering for him." August nodded, keeping his tone respectful. "I understand, sir. I''ll let him know if I see him." The supervisor grunted. "See that you do." "Thanks for understanding," August replied before heading out. He checked his phone one more time for any messages or missed calls from Derrick, but there was nothing. Shoving the phone into his pocket, he headed out toward the meeting point for his sale. ... ... As August walked towards the meeting location for the buyer of the Toxic Daggers, his phone buzzed unexpectedly. A flash of hope crossed his face as he saw the call, thinking it might finally be Derrick. But when he answered, a familiar voice came through instead. "Well, Aleman, I''m surprised you''d forgotten about me so soon." It was Mr. Floozk. August''s expression shifted, caught off guard. "Mr. Floozk¡­ how did you get my number?" Floozk''s smooth chuckle echoed through the line. "Let''s just say, I have my ways. What matters is that we had an agreement¡ªyou were to contact me the next time you had something to sell, yes?" August cleared his throat, attempting to regain his composure. "Right. I¡­ well, I wasn''t sure you''d be interested in the items I currently have, to be honest." "Not interested? Why don''t you let me be the judge of that?" Floozk''s voice held a subtle hint of amusement as if he knew exactly what August had been up to. "Well," August replied, choosing his words carefully, "I have an uncommon Toxic Dagger, which is pretty much sold already. But I do still have the Runic Sword, if that''s something you''d be interested in." There was a brief pause on the line, and then Floozk responded, sounding almost delighted. "The Runic Sword, you say? Consider it sold, Aleman." August blinked in surprise, taken aback by how quickly Floozk had agreed. "Uh¡­ alright then. I already had a buyer lined up for that one, but if you''re sure, I can finalize it with you instead." "Of course," Floozk replied smoothly. "Let''s meet on the original date you had arranged for your other buyer. And remember, Aleman, next time¡­ no forgetting to call me first." "Understood," August replied, holding back a slight grin at Floozk''s insistence. "Good. Until then," Floozk said, ending the call as abruptly as he''d started it. As August pocketed his phone and let out a low chuckle while shaking his head. He couldn''t believe he''d almost forgotten about Floozk entirely. The man was resourceful¡ªand clearly, not someone who liked to be overlooked. Still, he was glad he''d secured such a quick sale for the Runic Sword. He hadn''t met the other buyer it was scheduled for before but at least he had met Mr Floozk already so this carried more certainty. With that settled, August continued toward the designated meeting point for the buyer of the Toxic Daggers, mentally reviewing his plans for the transactions. This was turning out to be a profitable evening indeed. August stood near the entrance of the upscale parking lot with his face obscured by a dark scarf as he waited. Moments later, a black luxury car pulled up. It looked extremely polished and luxurious. A young man stepped out, looking every bit like the poster child of privilege and wealth. He wore a designer jacket over a crisp shirt, stylish leather shoes, and a gold watch that caught the light with every move. He couldn''t be older than twenty. The young man approached with a friendly grin. "Hey, you must be Aleman. I''m Victor Galloway¡ªreally appreciate you meeting me." "Good to meet you, Victor," August replied, shaking his hand firmly. "It''s always nice to put a face to the name." Victor gestured toward a nearby cafe with outdoor seating tucked into a corner of the lot. "Hey, why don''t we grab a seat over there? I don''t want to rush through this." "Sure, let''s go," August replied, following him over to the quieter side of the cafe. They chose a secluded table under a canopy of lights, providing both privacy and a touch of ambiance. Once they were seated, Victor leaned back in his chair, taking in the atmosphere. "I don''t know how much you know about me, but I''m a student at Lynefield College. Honestly, it''s mostly because my dad insisted. If I had it my way, I''d be gaming full-time," he laughed without a hint of awkwardness. August raised an eyebrow with a faint smile. "Lynefield College, huh? Heard it''s got a pretty good reputation." Victor''s grin widened as he leaned forward, eager to share. "Oh yeah, it''s one of the best colleges in the city. But between you and me? The best thing about it is the girls. I''m telling you, Aleman, I''ve never seen a place with so many gorgeous women. And being a guy with some extra cash really¡­ let''s just say, it has its perks," he added with a playful smirk and a touch of mischief in his tone. August chuckled, matching Victor''s playful tone. "Guess that''s one way to make the most of college life." Victor shrugged while laughing. "It''s all about balance, right? A bit of education, a bit of fun¡ªand if you can become famous in Enders Light along the way, even better." His expression shifted to a more serious excitement as he looked across the table. "Speaking of which, this is the first time I''ve had a chance to actually buy an item extracted from the game. I''ve been dying to get my hands on something from the game in reality, you know?" "Well, you''re in for a treat," August voiced with a small grin, enjoying the enthusiasm. He called for his gaming inventory to appear and found the Toxic Daggers. "Alright, let''s do this." --- [System Notification: Would you like to extract Uncommon Toxic Daggers to Reality?] - [YES] ¡Á [NO] --- Chapter 45 - 45: Eighty Grand Acquired August tapped "YES," watching as a progress bar appeared briefly. In a matter of seconds, the daggers materialized before him. Their pointy edges gleamed with a faint green tint. He placed them on the table, where they emitted a slight, eerie glow under the lights. Victor''s eyes widened as his face lit up with awe. "Whoa¡­ these look even better in person." He reached forward to lift one, testing the weight and carefully running a finger along the serrated edge. "It''s¡­ it''s amazing. Feels just like a real dagger." "They''re no joke be careful about how you handle them," August replied, watching Victor''s amazement. "Not exactly your average decorative piece. These daggers are the real deal, straight from Enders Light." Victor let out a low whistle, rotating the dagger to catch the light. "Man, I''ve never been this excited about an item in my life. I''ve heard stories of players extracting legendary-grade stuff, but something like this¡­ this is a game-changer." He set the dagger down and took out his phone. "Alright, I''ll transfer the eighty grand we agreed on." A moment later, August''s phone buzzed with a notification confirming the transfer. He glanced at the screen and smiled. "Perfect. Nice doing business with you, Victor." Victor returned the smile as they exchanged contact information. "I''ll definitely keep in touch. I''ve got a feeling you''ll have more things coming my way in the future." "I''ll make sure to reach out," August replied while pocketing his phone. He leaned back, studying Victor. "So, what got you into all this?" Victor chuckled, shrugging his shoulders. "Honestly? Just the thrill of it. I grew up playing games, and with my dad''s connections, I''ve always had access to every exciting video game. Enders Light was just the next big thing for me. The idea of merging the game with real life is insane, you know? Who wouldn''t want to be part of that?" August nodded, understanding the allure. "Can''t argue with that. It''s a whole new kind of experience." Victor grinned before taking a glance at his watch. "I''ve got a game meet-up with some friends soon¡ªcan''t wait to show these off. You know, make them all a little jealous," he laughed, giving the daggers one last admiring look before sheathing them. As they stood up, August gave a small nod. "Well, good luck. And hey, try not to get too carried away showing off." Victor laughed, heading back to his car. "No promises. Thanks again, Aleman. I''ll be in touch!" August watched as Victor climbed into his luxury car. The engine purred to life before it smoothly glided out of the lot. Watching the car disappear down the road, August felt a wave of nostalgia, remembering his own fleet of expensive cars back in his former life. A spark of ambition appeared in his eyes as he smirked. "Just a matter of time," he muttered to himself, vowing that he''d reclaim that life of luxury. As August neared the bus station, he felt his phone buzz in his pocket. Half-expecting it to be Mr. Floozk with some new demand, he glanced at the screen and saw Derrick''s name flashing instead. Without hesitation, he answered, "Derrick! Man, where have you been? I was starting to worry." Derrick''s voice came through a little hoarse. "Hey, August. Sorry, I''ve just been a little under the weather. Didn''t even notice all the calls." August''s eyebrows knitted together with concern. "Are you sure you''re alright? I was just about to catch a bus over to check on you." S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. There was a brief pause, then Derrick''s voice softened. "I appreciate that, man, but you don''t have to come all the way out here. I''ll be back to work tomorrow¡ªpromise." August hesitated, feeling a twinge of doubt. Derrick was usually the type to soldier through almost anything, and it didn''t sit right that he''d missed so many shifts. But, not wanting to push too hard, he sighed, "Alright, if you say so. But if you''re not one hundred percent, don''t force yourself, okay?" A soft chuckle escaped from the other end of the line. "I hear you. I''ll be good as new by tomorrow. Thanks for checking in, though. It means a lot." "Anytime, Derrick. Stay safe, and I''ll see you at work tomorrow, buddy." "See you then," Derrick replied, and the call ended. As the screen went dark, August let out a small sigh of relief, though a hint of suspicion lingered in his mind. Maybe there was more to Derrick''s absence than he was letting on, but for now, all August could do was trust his friend''s word. ... ... Over an hour later, August and Sophia sat across from each other at the small dinner table as they enjoyed a modest meal together. Sophia, however, seemed quieter than usual, poking at her food with a distant look. Noticing this, August leaned forward. "Alright, what''s on your mind, Soph?" She looked up, letting out a sigh. "Some girl at school¡ªsuper stuck-up, rich family, you know the type¡ªmade a big scene about the holes in my uniform today." She rolled her eyes in irritation. "She actually called me ''raggedy'' in front of everyone." August''s hands tightened around his fork. He could feel anger rising within but he kept his tone calm. "Oh, did she now?" Sophia gave a slight nod while responding with a crestfallen tone. "Yeah, you should''ve seen her, acting all superior. Just because her parents buy her designer stuff, she thinks she''s better than everyone." Trying to lighten her mood, August put on a playful smirk. "You know, people like her are only rich in cash. They''re poor in personality. Those kinds of riches run out fast." Sophia''s face broke into a smile, and she giggled, finally letting out some of her frustration. "True! And her clothes look like they came from some tacky catalog." "There you go," August chuckled. "Honestly, Soph, if she''s got nothing better to do than criticize you, then you must be doing something right." With an exaggerated, dramatic tone, Sophia raised her arms, laughing. "Yeah, well, screw her!" she voiced, letting the words tumble out in a playful rebellion. "I''d rather be poor and cool than rich and stuck-up!" August laughed along, nudging her. "You don''t mean that but that''s the spirit. Haha Let it out¡ªcuss her all you want tonight, I won''t stop you." Sophia looked at him with a mischievous grin, tossing out a few more insults about her tormentor, growing more animated as she went on. August listened, adding his own quips here and there, glad to see her spirits lifting. After a while, her energy began to fade, and she let out a yawn. Her eyelids grew heavy. She shifted on the sofa, stretching her arms as she nestled back, clearly ready to call it a night. "Getting sleepy?" he questioned with a gentle smile on his face. Sophia nodded while responding with a softer tone. "Yeah¡­ Thanks for listening, Auggie." "Anytime, kid," he replied while reaching over to pull a warm blanket over her. As he tucked it around her, his smile faded just a bit. A slight frown crossed his face as he stared at the dinner table where the fork was. The fork had twisted and completely bent out of shape. August couldn''t remember when last he got mad on behalf of someone but it went to show how much he had come to value Sophia. Seeing her go through hardships, even small ones, struck a nerve. He knew she deserved better, and he''d do whatever he could to make sure she''d have a brighter future. He watched her for a moment as her breathing slowed, then stood and quietly made his way to his room. "Holes in uniform... Alright, time to get a new one." ########### Author''s Note: Gifting perks Luxury Car = Shout-out in Author''s Note Dragon = Shout out + 1 extra chapter Castle = Shout out + 2 Extra Chapters Spacecraft = Shout out + 4 Extra Chapters + 1 Request Golden Gachapon = Shout Out + 10 Chapters Mass Release + Character Inclusion (You can choose to be included as a character and design your character however you wish) Chapter 46 - 46: Live Video As August logged into Enders Light, he was immediately greeted by his friends, Lilo, Boris, and Ezran, who were already gathered near the entrance of the Cave of Shadows. They all exchanged quick greetings, each of them in high spirits. Lilo grinned while speaking. "You''re finally here! Ready to dive in?" "More than ready," August replied with a smirk. "Let''s make it count." Together, the group ventured deeper into the cave, battling clusters of Shadow Wolves and Dark Vipers. The creatures came in waves, their glowing eyes piercing through the dark caverns as they lunged at the team. --- [System Notification: You have encountered Shadow Wolves (Level 24)] --- Boris immediately raised his shield, stepping to the front to block the first wave of attacks. "Alright, everyone, stay close!" Lilo aimed her bow and fired a glowing arrow that struck one of the wolves squarely in the chest, causing it to stagger. [System Notification: Lilo uses Piercing Arrow - Shadow Wolf HP -700] Ezran stood a little behind them, chanting quickly as he cast a spell. Bolts of fire shot from his fingertips, igniting several wolves in his line of sight. [System Notification: Ezran casts Fire Bolt - Shadow Wolf HP -900] August, with his dual assassin-mage setup, activated his Dash ability, speeding behind one of the wolves and landing a swift strike with his dagger. [System Notification: Aleman uses Hidden Strike - Shadow Wolf HP -800] The wolves, weakened but relentless, counter-attacked. One lunged at Boris, only to be blocked by his shield, while Lilo shot another arrow that landed right between the creature''s eyes, taking it down. The group moved in sync, taking down each wave of enemies methodically. They had fallen into a comfortable rhythm, taking turns defending and attacking, and with each fight, they grew stronger as a team. Suddenly, a global system notification echoed through the air, bringing them all to a halt. --- [World Notification: Congratulations to Phoenix Celestial Guild! They are the first guild to own an estate in Enders Light! All members of Phoenix Celestial have been awarded a 10% XP boost and exclusive in-game benefits.] --- "Wow!" Lilo exclaimed, lowering her bow momentarily. "That''s huge! An estate? And all those boosts? That''ll give them a major edge." August turned to her with a look of curiosity. "Why haven''t you joined them yet, Lilo? You''re always talking about Phoenix Celestial." Lilo sighed, shrugging. "I''d love to, but they have insane criteria. You need a certain level, specific skills, and real-life evaluations. They only take the best players with the right personality types, physical fitness, and who knows what else." Ezran laughed, glancing over at August. "So in other words, they''re super picky. Not everyone can be Phoenix material, eh, Lilo?" Lilo playfully rolled her eyes, giving him a light punch on the shoulder. "Hey, one day, I''ll make it in. You''ll see." Boris chuckled, motioning for them to focus back on the fight as another group of Shadow Wolves appeared. "Come on, let''s make sure we survive this cave before you start planning guild domination." The banter continued as they battled through the rest of the wolves. By the end, Ezran''s level had jumped to 26, and Boris finally hit level 25. Lilo was already level 25 initially so she had no issues. Only August remained at level 24. Ezran glanced over at him, looking slightly concerned. "Hey, August, we were planning on hitting that new dungeon next¡ªthe one in the Ravaged Plains. But, uh¡­ you need to be at least level 25 to get in." August looked down at his stats. The gap wasn''t something he could breach so quickly. It wasn''t just about skill or strategy¡ªothers could spend all day in the game, leveling up without a care, while he had to manage the real-world demands of his factory job. Not to mention that time in here was slower. The days he spent out in the real world, could amount to a week in here, giving others who had no jobs a significant edge. He took a deep breath and gave them a reassuring smile. "You guys go ahead. Don''t miss the chance for those first-clear rewards. I''ll catch up soon enough." Lilo frowned in dissatisfaction. "Are you sure? We can always wait until next time." August shook his head. "Nah, don''t worry about me. I''ll just keep grinding here and try to catch up. I''d hate for you all to miss out." After a moment of hesitation, Boris gave him a supportive pat on the shoulder. "Alright, but don''t push yourself too hard. We''ll meet up again soon." "Yeah!" Lilo added, grinning. "We''ll be back, and by then, you''d better be ready to take on even tougher bosses with us." They exchanged a few more words of encouragement, and with a wave, the trio departed, leaving August alone in the shadowy depths of the cave. --- As they left, August thought about his current progress. Logging in only at night, balancing work, and maintaining his life with Sophia were holding him back from advancing at the same pace as others. He was quick in advancing from level 11 to 24 but while he was advancing, others were not staying stagnant. It had already been confirmed at this point that the highest leveled player was around 50 - 55. And he was many places behind. "If I really want to keep up, I''ll need more time in the game. But that means leaving the factory work behind¡­ for good." The thought lingered as he resumed his grind alone. --- [System Notification: You have encountered Shadow Wraiths (Level 26)] --- Undeterred, August summoned his Ethereal Storm, watching as a fierce storm of energy formed above him. Bolts of energy and intense winds rained down upon the wraiths as they staggered under its assault. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [System Notification: Aleman casts Ethereal Storm - Shadow Wraiths HP -2000 each] - Effect: Slow - Reduces movement speed by 40% With their speed reduced, the wraiths attempted to strike back, but August quickly countered with a swift combination of his dagger and fire spells, darting between them swiftly. [System Notification: Aleman uses Hidden Strike - Shadow Wraith HP -700] ... ... In the real world, a college party was in full swing. Loud music thumped through the large, dimly lit house. Colorful LED lights flickered in sync with the beat, illuminating groups of students dancing, laughing, and chatting. Solo cups and bottles littered the tables, and the air buzzed with energy as the crowd flowed from room to room. Victor stood near the center of it all, surrounded by his friends, who were animatedly cheering and laughing. His friend, Dean, a tall guy with a loud laugh, was holding one of the Toxic Daggers, flipping it around with a sense of awe and caution. "Yo, Dean, easy with that thing!" Victor called over the music, grinning as he watched. "It''s the real deal, straight from Enders Light." Dean glanced back at Victor, smirking. "You''re telling me this isn''t just some prop? Because it sure feels real." He spun the dagger around, showing off its green-tinged, serrated blade under the party lights. A few onlookers gasped and leaned in, wide-eyed as Dean held it up. One of Victor''s friends, Zara, pulled out her phone and started recording. "This has to go live. No one''s gonna believe this without proof!" Victor laughed, a bit proud, as Zara set up a livestream. Within moments, hundreds of viewers began flooding in, and the comment section started going wild. "Check it out, everyone!" Victor said, pointing to the Toxic Daggers on camera. These aren''t your average knives. These beauties came straight from Enders Light!" The chat erupted, comments flying up in disbelief. --- [User123]: No way! That can''t be real! [GamerPro_5]: How''d you get that out of the game?? [ViralVentures]: Yo, we need more angles! Show us the glow! --- Victor''s friends leaned into the camera, laughing as they watched the comments roll in. "Alright, alright, calm down!" Dean teased, pretending to accidentally slice his finger, then holding up his hand with mock horror. "Look at that glow, people! Straight toxic energy!" he shouted, emphasizing the faint, sickly green hue of the blade. Victor took over, turning the camera back to himself. "Not gonna lie, folks, these are the real deal. No filters, no fakes. Enders Light in real life. Pretty insane, right?" The partygoers around them joined in, shouting and waving at the camera, adding to the chaotic atmosphere. Zara laughed, flipping the camera back to Dean, who was attempting a dramatic pose with the dagger. More comments poured in, and the view count skyrocketed. The chat was exploding with fans and skeptics alike. --- [EnderFan101]: This is history, people! [ShadowBlade87]: Dude, I''d pay anything to hold that dagger just once! I could even sell my kidney! [GameMastery_Zone]: Where did you get it? Who''s the seller?? --- Victor grinned, savoring his moment in the spotlight. "I know what you''re thinking¡ªhow''d I score one of these? Let''s just say, it''s all about knowing the right people," he said with a wink, hinting at his connection with Aleman, though he left the details vague. --- In an unknown dark location, a pair of eyes peered at a smartphone. The smartphone displayed the live stream of Victor''s party and the eyes could keenly view the toxic daggers on display. "Looks like he sold yet another... Aleman..." Chapter 47 - 47: Derricks Return "Looks like he sold yet another... Aleman..." The pair of eyes watched the comments go bonkers. --- [SystemFanatic]: This is epic. [GlitchHound]: Yo, Victor, drop that seller''s name! We need more gear! [Cassie_Slays]: Okay, now I wanna see a weapon in action for real. Swing it around! --- As the live stream continued, the video began circulating, rapidly picking up shares and comments, eventually trending across multiple platforms. Enders Light players from all over were tuning in, watching in awe as Victor and his friends showed off the rare in-game item like it was the night''s party trick. After a few more laughs and poses, Victor ended the stream, feeling the thrill of their newfound internet fame. The party carried on with even more energy as everyone rode the high of their viral moment. Back in the unknown location, the person watched their screen go blank and put the phone away. "We''ll be meeting soon... Aleman..." ... ... Sophia stretched as the morning sunlight filled her small bedroom. It was Saturday, a day that usually meant an easy morning for her and August. But something on the table caught her eye¡ªa white envelope with her name scrawled on it, and a small note tucked underneath. She reached over with a look of curiosity and picked it up. Unfolding the note, she read, "New school uniform cash... You can use the change to get ice cream or something." A smile spread across her face as her eyes lit up. She quickly opened the envelope, expecting a bit of money for her new uniform. But her jaw dropped as she pulled out a small stack of crisp hundred-dollar bills. "Oh my gosh," she whispered to herself, quickly counting the bills. Five hundred dollars. Way more than enough to get her uniform, with a good chunk left over. A giddy laugh escaped her, and she hugged the envelope to her chest. "Thank you, Auggie," she said softly, looking around as if hoping he''d magically appear so she could thank him in person. He''d already left for work, though, so she made a mental note to surprise him with something nice when he got back. She knew his favorite meal, and she''d make sure to cook it perfectly tonight. --- Across town, at the factory, August was already deep into his shift. The steady groan of machines filled the large, industrial space, accompanied by the clanking of metal and the low rumble of conveyor belts. The factory floor was bustling, workers moving from station to station, lifting heavy loads, and operating machinery. The familiar rhythm of the place made August feel oddly comfortable, but something in the air shifted when Derrick walked in. A murmur ran through the other workers, and a few voices called out in friendly greeting. "Look who''s back!" one of their coworkers, a short slim man named Jake, clapped Derrick on the shoulder. "Thought you''d run off and left us in the dust!" Derrick chuckled, shaking his head. "Nah, just needed to recover a bit. Can''t let you guys have all the fun," he joked, though there was a flicker of weariness in his eyes. Even the supervisors took notice. They exchanged a few glances before nodding in Derrick''s direction. One of them, a large older man named Mr. Collins, raised his voice just loud enough to reach him. "Glad you''re back, Derrick. Let''s not make a habit of these absences, yeah?" Derrick gave him a polite nod, managing a small smile. "Understood, sir. Won''t happen again." Finally, Derrick made his way over to August, who had been watching with a grin. "Well, well, look who decided to show up! I thought you went and found a hidden fortune somewhere." Derrick laughed while rolling his eyes. "If only, man. Some of us don''t have those fancy game connections like you." August chuckled, getting back to his work as he spoke. "Not a fortune yet, but I hit level 25 last night. Things are picking up. If I keep this up, I might not have to work this shift forever." Derrick''s smile widened, but there was a hint of something else in his expression. "That''s great, man. I know you''ve got big plans." August shot him a sidelong glance, sensing something was off. Derrick''s usually easygoing nature seemed a bit muted. Like something was bothering him. But rather than pressing, August kept it light, giving him a gentle nudge. "If you say so. Just know, that once I''m out, I''m dragging you with me. No way I''m leaving you here to deal with all this alone." Derrick let out a low chuckle. "Hey, if anyone can break out of this place, it''s you, August. I don''t even know how to play games haha... Just don''t forget the rest of us when you hit it big." They both laughed and moved onto focusing on work. For a while, they worked in comfortable silence, occasionally exchanging jokes or banter about the supervisors'' endless rules and each other''s missteps. --- As the shift wore on, the atmosphere in the factory became more routine. Workers moved in sync, lugging boxes, tightening bolts, and managing the heavy machinery. August and Derrick worked side-by-side and their camaraderie made the long hours bearable. They shared a few light-hearted jabs at each other''s expense. Just as the shift was winding down and the end was in sight, a sudden crash erupted from the other side of the factory floor. The sound of metal hitting metal reverberated through the air, followed by a scream that sent chills down everyone''s spine. "Arrrrghhhhhh!" August''s head snapped in the direction of the noise. One of their colleagues, a younger guy named Leo, was pinned beneath a massive piece of machinery that had somehow shifted out of place. The weight was pressing down on his leg, and he was writhing in agony while trying to push it off himself. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Oh my God, help! Please, someone, help!" Leo''s voice was strained, bordering on hysteria as he tried to pull his leg free. Every tug made him scream louder. Chapter 48 - 48: Gold Coin Appraisal Before anyone else could react, August had already darted toward the machine. He bent down, gripping the edge of the massive piece of equipment. Without hesitation, he braced himself and lifted with all his might. For a machine weighing well over four hundred pounds, it came up with an ease that left everyone around him wide-eyed and stunned. "Holy¡­ August!" Derrick''s jaw nearly hit the floor. "How are you¡­?" "Just get Leo out," August grunted with a steady tone even as the weight pressed down on him. Derrick quickly snapped out of his shock and scrambled to help, reaching in to pull Leo out from under the machine. Leo, still wincing from the pain, looked up in disbelief. "Thank you¡­ thank you," he mumbled weakly but full of gratitude. As Derrick pulled Leo clear, August carefully set the machine down, drawing a collective breath of awe from the surrounding workers. Whispers spread as everyone stared, unsure of what they''d just witnessed. One of the supervisors stepped forward, still looking a bit shaken. "Alright, 911''s on the way," he announced, trying to regain control of the situation. "Everyone, back to work while we sort this out. Leo''s going to need medical attention¡ªhe''s in good hands now." As paramedics arrived and loaded Leo onto a stretcher, he gave August a weak thumbs-up. August returned the gesture with a nod, watching as they took Leo away for medical attention. The factory floor buzzed with hushed conversations, and it wasn''t long before the police arrived, questioning everyone about the incident. After the chaos settled, August and Derrick finally got the chance to clock out and leave for the day. They walked together toward the bus station with what had just happened today still fresh in their minds. "Man, I still can''t believe you lifted that thing on your own," Derrick voiced while shaking his head in awe. "Have you been working out because that was¡­ insane." August laughed it off, though he knew even he was surprised by his own strength. "Just had an adrenaline rush, I guess," he replied, not wanting to delve too deeply into it. "Let''s just say Enders Light is keeping me in better shape than I thought." August didn''t mention consuming the fruit of corruption to anyone yet even Derrick. For every ten levels scaled, one receives a higher percentage of their in-game strength in real life so long as they have consumed the fruit in reality. "Yeah, no kidding." Derrick chuckled, but his face fell slightly as he looked off toward the road. August noticed the shift in his friend''s mood and shot him a curious glance. "Hey, Derrick, you good?" August asked, trying to read him. "Yeah, yeah, I''m good," Derrick replied quickly, forcing a smile. "Just¡­ got a few things on my mind." They reached the bus station, and as they waited, August nudged Derrick with his elbow. "So, you headed home, or¡­?" Derrick hesitated, then shook his head. "Nah, not tonight. Got some stuff to take care of first." "Stuff, huh?" August raised an eyebrow, clearly curious but not wanting to pry too much. Derrick grinned, waving as he took a step back. "Don''t worry about it, man. See you at work tomorrow. And thanks again¡­ for everything today." August gave him a look of mild suspicion but nodded, clapping him on the shoulder. "Alright, see you then. Just¡­ stay safe, alright?" "Same to you, man. And thanks for having my back," Derrick voiced with a soft but genuine tone. With a quick wave, Derrick headed off, and just as August was about to board his own bus, he caught a glimpse of Derrick disappearing into the distance. The nagging feeling that something was off lingered, but he had his own mission ahead, and soon he was on his way across town. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. --- After a short ride, August arrived at his destination¡ªa jewelry appraisal shop across town. As he stepped in, the faint chime of the doorbell announced his presence. The shop was a small but classy space, filled with glinting jewels and shining metal under glass displays. A few customers glanced his way, some giving him appreciative stares as they noted his striking appearance, though others whispered comments about his worn clothes. Ignoring the stares, August walked up to the counter where a middle-aged woman with neatly styled hair and a sharp gaze looked up at him. "Good afternoon," she greeted him with a professional smile. "How can I help you today?" August reached into his pocket and pulled out the gold coin he had extracted from Enders Light. He placed it on the counter gently. "I''d like to know the worth of this," he stated casually. The woman''s eyes widened slightly as she picked up the coin, turning it over in her hands and inspecting it under the shop''s bright lights. The coin''s surface had a unique, almost mythical sheen that seemed to catch the light in an unusual way. "This is¡­ quite a piece," she murmured, pulling out a jeweler''s loupe to examine it more closely. As she scrutinized it, her expression shifted from intrigue to confusion as her brows furrowed. "Is everything alright?" August questioned while watching her reaction. "Just¡­ give me a moment," she voiced before disappearing into a back room with the coin. August waited, tapping his fingers on the counter as he observed the various pieces on display. After several minutes, the woman returned, holding the coin with an almost reverent care. "Well¡­ I have to be honest with you. I''ve never seen anything like this," she admitted, both intrigued and perplexed. "It looks like gold, yes, but there''s something different about it." "What do you mean?" August questioned with a look of curiosity. "It''s made of minerals I''ve never come across," she explained. "We have ways of identifying and valuing gold and precious metals, but this¡­ it''s something else entirely. I ran a few tests, and I can''t identify it. I''ve never seen any mineral like this in my entire lifetime." August''s mind raced. Of course¡ªit made sense that the coin, originating from Enders Light, would have different properties than Earth''s metals. The game world had its own unique rules and resources, after all. The woman shook her head in slight bewilderment. "It''s fascinating. If I had to guess, I''d say this could be more valuable than standard gold because of its purity and luster. But without a reference, we can''t place a traditional value on it. Right now, society wouldn''t know what to make of this unless it gained some cultural significance or demand." She eyed the coin once more, clearly captivated by it. "Tell you what¡ªI''ll buy it from you for a hundred dollars. It would make a lovely addition to the shop." August chuckled, reaching out to take the coin back. "I appreciate the offer, but I think I''ll hold onto it. It''s worth a bit more than that to me." The woman shrugged, looking a bit disappointed but understanding. "Fair enough. I have to admit, it''s truly a one-of-a-kind piece." Pocketing the coin, August thanked her and left the shop. He was now certain that Enders Light items held the potential for much more than he''d realized. He just had to figure out the best way to make use of them in this world. Chapter 49 - 49: Visiting The Auction House After a stop at the cafe on his way home, August felt the day''s events ease as he relaxed. The cafe, filled with the familiar hum of chatter, offered a brief escape. He typed out a message on the online gaming social platform to the initial buyer, apologizing for the cancellation and promising they''d be the first to hear when he had a new item. The buyer seemed disappointed and was adamant about August selling to them but the deed was done. August kept apologizing and said it wasn''t possible. After a while, August leaned back, sipping a coffee Remi had brought him with her usual bright smile. "So, how is Mr. Handsome today? Is business going well?" Remi teased, leaning over the counter as she took a seat beside him. August smirked, meeting her playful gaze. "Don''t worry; when I make my first million, I''ll buy this place for you," he joked, raising his coffee in a mock toast. She laughed, flicking a strand of hair over her shoulder. "You''d better, or I''ll start charging you extra for all that attitude." "As you should," August chuckled while getting to his feet. "Leaving so soon?" Remi pouted. "Yeah gotta take care of some stuff," August gave her a nod before bidding her farewell. Once back home, he was greeted by the delicious aroma coming from the kitchen. Sophia had gone all out, preparing his favorite meal¡ªsomething he hadn''t had in a long time. She was practically bouncing with excitement as she set the dishes on the table. "Surprise!" she exclaimed with bright eyes as she watched his expression change from surprise to appreciation. "Sophia, this is amazing! What''s the occasion?" August questioned while picking up his fork with a grin. She shrugged, trying to play it cool, though her cheeks flushed slightly. "Well, you left me all that money for my uniform, and I wanted to do something nice. Besides, you''re always working so hard¡­ I thought you deserved a treat." They settled down to eat, chatting and laughing between bites. Sophia animatedly shared stories from her day and how she went to the market to get some of the stuff she used in cooking. She recounted the drama with the "rich girl" at school who had mocked her for the holes in her uniform and now that she could get a new uniform, the rich girl wouldn''t be able to do that anymore. After dinner, he thanked her for the meal, playfully ruffling her hair. "I''ll say it again, you''re the best cook in the family," he joked as she beamed. With his stomach full and his heart light, August finally retired to his room, shutting the door as he settled onto his bed with his phone. He opened his group chat with Boris, Lilo, and Ezran, typing a quick message. ~Hey, anyone logging into the game tonight?~ Boris''s reply came through almost instantly: ~I''ve got a night shift, man, so no luck here.~ Lilo chimed in soon after: ~Ugh, stuck with a deadline for this project, so I''m out too. But next time, count me in for sure!~ It looked like only Ezran was available. August noticed that Ezran was already marked as active in-game, so he couldn''t respond. August grinned, tossing his phone aside and getting ready to log in alone. It was a night meant for grinding, and he was determined to make good progress. --- Moments later, he was back in Enders Light. The familiar world flickered to life around him. The vibrant lights and bustling streets of Tagharuim Kingdom came into view as he materialized. The kingdom had a life of its own¡ªplayers and NPCs mingled, vendors called out their wares from open stalls, and the sounds of chatter and occasional laughter filled the air. The castle walls loomed in the distance, a majestic sight against the deepening twilight, with towering rooftops and banners fluttering in the breeze. Lamps flickered on along streets, casting a warm, golden glow that brought a sense of calm after the day''s rush. As August began strolling down the streets, he pondered his options for grinding locations. He was tempted to explore some of the outer regions but hesitated, remembering he''d put several items up for sale in the game''s auction house a few weeks back. Realizing he had completely forgotten about them, he quickly changed course, making his way toward the auction house to see if there were any updates on his items. The auction house stood on the eastern side of the kingdom. Its grand stone facade was lined with banners in vibrant blues and silvers. Wooden doors carved with scenes of past guild battles opened to reveal a sprawling interior, filled with marble columns and rows of display cases. Magical crystals embedded in the walls cast a soft, shimmering glow over the polished floors. The sound of conversation filled the air as players browsed displays or haggled over prices with NPC attendants. As August made his way through the bustling crowd, he overheard snippets of conversations from players who chatted excitedly about the latest in-game achievements, recent guild conquests, and rare loot finds. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Did you hear about the Phoenix Celestial Guild? They just got their hands on a legendary artifact!" one player whispered to his companion. "Yeah, and the bonus stats from that are insane! They''re going to dominate the next event for sure," his friend replied. August smirked, amused by the excitement around him as he continued navigating through the crowds. The auction house was truly a central hub, drawing players of all levels. As he approached the area where his items were listed, he was greeted by the sight of large crystal displays, each showcasing a variety of items from weapons to rare crafting materials. The system interface hovered over each item, displaying current bids, starting prices, and time remaining. "Alright," he muttered, opening his inventory to cross-check the items he''d put up for sale. He had nearly forgotten the details of what he''d listed and was eager to see if any bids had come through. To his surprise, every single listing was marked as Sold with final prices far higher than he had anticipated: - Goblin Tooth x10¡ª Sold for 1,200 Gold - Troll Club (Uncommon)¡ª Sold for 4,500 Gold*l - Thick Hide ¡ª Sold for 1,800 Gold - Iron Claw x2 ¡ª Sold for 2,300 Gold - Wolf Pelt x3 ¡ª Sold for 1,500 Gold His eyes widened slightly at the totals. These basic items had generated a small fortune in Gold¡ªenough to seriously invest in new gear, better potions, and perhaps even some rare materials. He smirked, feeling like his little side business was really paying off. Not to mention that he could decide to convert the gold to actual money since a thousand gold coins were equal to a hundred dollars. A helpful NPC attendant at the counter noticed him and approached with a smile. "Congratulations on your sales, Player Aleman. Your earnings total 11,300 Gold. Would you like to collect it now?" "Yes, please," August replied while nodding. The NPC held out a shimmering bag of Gold, and August felt the weight of his earnings as it materialized in his inventory. [You Have Received a Level 1 Membership Card] "Oh nice," August mumbled while staring at the card information. <[ Level 1 Auction House Membership Card: Receive Notifications Of Some Items Listed For Sale and Can Be Invited To Attend Some Minor Auctions]> ''Ah, I see... I guess this could somewhat improve in the future?'' With a satisfied look, August continued to browse through the other listings, marveling at some of the high-ticket items that others had up for auction. Rare-grade weapons, rare crafting materials, and magical artifacts that granted unique buffs and abilities were displayed, each with bids far beyond what he had anticipated. He paused by one of the displays, examining a beautifully designed dagger. The item''s interface hovered in the air beside it, listing it as a "Rare Lunar Dagger" with additional shadow damage and critical hit buffs. It was going for an eye-watering 1,600,000 Gold. "Maybe one day," he murmured to himself, shaking his head as he moved on. Just as he was about to turn and leave, he accidentally bumped into someone standing behind him. "Watch where you''re going!" a haughty voice snapped. August took a step back, coming face-to-face with a player dressed in shiny, high-tier armor that gleamed with an ethereal glow. His chest plate boasted intricate engravings, and a massive sword hung at his side, practically radiating power. The player''s name floated above him in gold letters: Lord Xyron. A handful of followers, each equipped with decent mid-tier gear, stood behind him. Their gazes were haughty and smug as they looked August up and down. "My bad," August said, holding up his hands in a non-threatening manner. "Didn''t see you there." Lord Xyron scoffed while crossing his arms with a sneer. "Typical. Low-level players have no respect for those of us who''ve actually accomplished something. You think an apology is going to cut it?" Chapter 50 - 50: Fight Me Like A Man! One of Xyron''s lackeys chimed in with a sneer. "Yeah, don''t you know who you''re talking to? This is Lord Xyron, one of the richest players in Tagharuim!" August held back a sigh. His patience felt slightly tested but his face remained calm. "Look, I apologized. Didn''t mean to bump into you." Xyron''s eyes narrowed, sizing him up with obvious disdain. "Apology or not, maybe you should watch where you''re going. Not everyone is as... forgiving as I am." He smirked, as if relishing his own words. "Noted," August replied smoothly, refusing to let the man''s arrogance rile him up. He gave a slight nod, then turned to walk away. As he left, he could hear Xyron muttering behind him to his lackeys, "I swear, the game is filled with nothing but amateurs these days. Not everyone is cut out to make it to the top." August couldn''t be bothered, he had to go and grind at the moment. ... ... August moved with stealth and precision as he approached the Darkspire Caves. The area seemed eerier than the cave of shadows with pointy rocks, twisted formations and gnarled trees that seemed to whisper secrets in a language only shadows could understand. The red-hued sky cast everything in a bloody glow, making the towering stone pillars and vine-choked trees appear even more sinister. The Darkspire Caves were notorious, not just for the high-level creatures lurking within but also for the lawlessness that reigned here. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Being a Red Zone, players could¡ªand often did¡ªattack each other without penalty. It was a place only the confident or the foolhardy would enter alone. In the distance, August spotted Xyron and his entourage striding confidently toward the entrance of the cave. He didn''t expect to meet them here again. This was a complete coincidence. Xyron was clad in the same gleaming armor that seemed to radiate a powerful aura. Elaborate engravings adorned them with a lustrous finish that set him apart from the rest of his followers. His new Greatsword, nearly as tall as he was, shimmered with an ominous, pulsing energy. It was clear that this weapon had cost him a small fortune, and he was eager to test its strength on the creatures within the caves. "Stay sharp, everyone. We''re here to grind, not to lose levels to amateurs," Xyron announced in a voice that echoed with arrogance. His followers nodded with eager and sharp eyes. "Clear out!" Xyron voice boomed. Several players who had been cautiously grinding near the cave''s entrance turned toward him. Expressions of annoyance and anger formed as they realized who had arrived. They had likely already heard of Lord Xyron''s reputation and his powerful crew, but a few seemed hesitant to leave their grind spot. One player, clearly reluctant to lose his territory, stood his ground, clutching a sword that glowed faintly. "We were here first," he muttered defiantly, although his voice betrayed a hint of fear. Xyron''s expression twisted with disdain as he casually approached, leveling his gaze on the player. "I don''t care who was here first. Either get lost, or lose a level. Your choice." He grinned as his hand rested on the hilt of his Greatsword. One of Xyron''s followers chimed in, "Yeah, we don''t have time for weaklings trying to stand in our way. Move it." The defiant player hesitated, glancing at his companions who looked just as uncertain. He exchanged a brief, reluctant look with them before sheathing his sword and turning to leave. "Let''s go. It''s not worth it," he murmured to them. Most players took the hint and began retreating, unwilling to risk the wrath of Xyron and his well-equipped lackeys. A few muttered under their breath and lingered a bit longer before reluctantly leaving. A handful of players, emboldened by sheer frustration, decided to fight back. They unsheathed their weapons, sending a wave of magic and strikes toward Xyron''s group. But Xyron and his lackeys had no intention of going easy. They engaged swiftly with overwhelming attacks. Within moments, the opposing players were defeated and forcibly respawned with one level fewer than they had entered the cave. Xyron smirked with clearly bolstered ego. "That''s what happens when amateurs try to stand against the best." From a hidden vantage point nearby, August watched the entire display unfold. He had witnessed the shameless display of power and arrogance. "Perhaps it''s time to bring back the steal killing ghost," he thought out loud as a sly smile formed. Moving with stealth and agility, he kept his distance, ensuring he was concealed in the shadows as Xyron and his group ventured further into the depths of the Darkspire Caves. The deeper they went, the more treacherous the terrain became. The path twisted through caverns draped in thick, hanging moss that glowed faintly, casting an eerie greenish-blue light across the walls. Pools of stagnant water collected in depressions along the path, and the air was thick with the acrid stench of sulfur and decay. Occasional wisps of mist floated just above the ground, giving the entire cave an unsettling, haunted feel. Xyron grinned as he spotted a Level 26 Shadow Serpent slithering nearby. It''s scales reflected the faint bioluminescent glow of the moss. With a confident swing, he raised his Greatsword and struck the creature. His lackeys flanked him to provide support with ranged and melee attacks. The Shadow Serpent hissed, baring its fangs, but its health bar was dropping quickly under their combined assault. Just as the serpent''s HP hit a critical sliver, August, hidden in the shadows, activated his Lightning Spell. With precise timing, a bolt of lightning shot forward, striking the creature and delivering the final blow. [ System Notification: You have dealt the final blow. EXP granted. ] Xyron froze, staring at the vanishing corpse of the Shadow Serpent in disbelief. His Greatsword had been mid-swing, ready to claim the kill. He whirled around while scanning the shadows. "What the hell just happened?" he barked as his face darkened with frustration. One of his lackeys looked around nervously. "I¡ªI think someone stole the kill, Lord Xyron." Lord Xyron''s eyes narrowed in anger. "A kill stealer, huh? Let them show their face. No one does that to me." However, August had already slipped away. His form melded into the shadows as he repositioned to another spot. He watched with amusement as Xyron and his crew tried to find him but to no avail. They pressed on, encountering a group of Level 27 Warped Spiders. Their spindly legs twitched as they skittered toward the players. Xyron and his crew attacked with renewed fervor. "Earth Splitting Swing!" Each swing of his Greatsword sent a powerful shockwave reeling forward. Just as they were about to finish the largest of the spiders, August once again unleashed a Lightning Bolt, landing the final blow. [ System Notification: You have dealt the final blow. EXP granted. ] Xyron''s frustration turned visible as he screamed into the darkened cave. "Show yourself, you coward!" In the distance, August couldn''t help but chuckle, though he kept it silent. "You bastard! When I catch you... I''ll skin you alive!" August ignored the threats and continued tailing. Each time Xyron''s group weakened a creature, he moved closer, positioning himself for the perfect moment to strike. With every kill he stole, Xyron''s frustration only grew, and his lackeys exchanged worried glances. "Maybe it''s... the Kill Stealing Ghost. I think I heard of a player like that at the cave of shadows once..." one of them whispered. The nickname August had earned previously rang fearfully in his voice. "Don''t be ridiculous," Xyron snapped in anger. "It''s just some weakling who thinks they''re clever." August continued to bide his time, observing Xyron''s movements as he prepared his next kill steal. After a while, Xyron and his followers encountered a massive Level 27 Abyssal Lurker. Its sinewy, serpentine body coiled around the cavern floor while it''s red eyes glared menacingly as it hissed. It''s claws raked against the stone upon spotting the weaklings that dared crossed it''s path. "Perfect," Xyron muttered while gripping his Greatsword as he lunged forward. His lackeys supported him with magic and ranged attacks. The Abyssal Lurker''s HP bar dropped steadily, though it put up a fierce fight. It''s tail lashed out occasionally, knocking some of Xyron''s men off their feet. August crept closer with his custom staff in hand. With a quiet incantation, he activated Ethereal Storm, summoning a dark vortex above the Lurker. Suddenly, a bolt of energy shot down from the void, slamming into the creature and obliterating the last of its health. [ System Notification: You have dealt the final blow. EXP granted. ] Xyron''s face contorted with rage as he whirled around, glaring at the shadows. "Enough! Whoever''s doing this, come out and fight me like a man!" By now, Xyron was livid, practically seething as he stomped around the cave. His lackeys trailed behind him in confusion and frustration. One of his followers, trying to calm him down, said nervously, "M-Maybe we should move to another spot, Lord Xyron. It seems we''re... being targeted." Xyron clenched his fists with barely restrained anger. "Fine. We''ll move deeper into the cave. But if I find this kill stealer, I swear, they''ll regret it." Chapter 51 - 51: Dungeon Sealed The sounds of battle echoed through a darkened forest, filling the area with the clashing of steel and the crackling of spells. The night was illuminated by bursts of fiery explosions and blasts of icy winds as two guilds clashed in fierce combat. Dragon''s Fang¡ªknown for their ruthless, aggressive playstyle¡ªwere pitted against members of Phoenix Celestial, a guild that prided itself on discipline and happened to be the most influential in Enders''s light. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The battlefield was chaotic. Dragon''s Fang warriors charged forward with dark and menacing armor. Each of them wielded heavy weapons and enchanted shields. Opposite them, Phoenix Celestial''s members held their line with formation and strategy. Archers launched glowing arrows that split the night sky and mages hurled spells that sparkled with deadly beauty. Amidst the roars and battle cries, two captains emerged on each side, leading the charge. A captain from Dragon''s Fang''s side¡ªa towering, muscular man wielding an enormous battle-axe¡ªbellowed commands as he swung, cleaving through a Phoenix Celestial defender brutally. "Keep pushing forward! We''ll claim this dungeon if it''s the last thing we do!" his loud voice rumbled across the battlefield. Not far away, the captain from Phoenix Celestial''s side, a slender woman with sharp eyes, lifted her staff high. She cast a blinding light spell, forcing back the Dragon''s Fang players who had pressed too close. "We''re not letting a pack of brutes like you steal this dungeon!" she retorted fiercely, sending bolts of lightning toward her opponents. Around them, players clashed, spells collided in midair, and swords flashed under the night sky. Blood-red system notifications popped up over fallen players'' bodies as they lost levels upon death. Each side incurred heavy losses as neither was willing to back down. The battle was in full swing, with over forty players clashing in brutal combat. Suddenly, a figure darted from the shadows at the edge of the battle, catching sight of the chaos. It was August, still under the cover of his stealth abilities as he fled from Xyron and his lackeys. He halted, momentarily stunned by the scene. The two guilds were so focused on each other that they hadn''t noticed him slip past the periphery of the battlefield. "What the hell¡­?" August voiced out loud while taking in the intensity of the battle. He had stumbled upon this location by accident while trying to escape, but couldn''t understand why there was so much commotion. August overheard snatches of conversation from both sides. Apparently, both guilds had been peacefully grinding in the nearby area when some sort of hidden requirement had been met, triggering the appearance of the dungeon. Guilds in Enders Light were always on the hunt for first clears¡ªbeing the first to complete a dungeon not only awarded world announcements but also cemented a reputation as an elite team in the eyes of the game''s entire player base. As the skirmish raged on, August knew it was an ideal distraction to slip away from Xyron. He began to move stealthily around the skirmish, hoping to avoid detection. But fate had other plans. Just as he crept past a group of Phoenix Celestial players, one spotted him out of the corner of his eye. "Hey! Another Dragon''s Fang player trying to sneak in!" he yelled while pointing directly at August. August held up his hands in protest, "Whoa, wait! I''m not with any guild!" But the player, a sword-wielding knight, was already charging at him. "Nice try! Your excuses don''t fool me." Realizing there was no point in arguing, August sidestepped the knight''s attack, countering with a quick Hidden Strike that sent the player reeling back. [ System Notification: -900 HP ] The knight staggered, looking both shocked and furious. "Who the hell are you?" "Just a guy trying to get out of here in one piece," August muttered while leaping back as another Phoenix Celestial player aimed a fireball his way. The spell sizzled past him, leaving scorch marks on the ground. At the same moment, a berserker from Dragon''s Fang caught sight of him. "You! You''re from Phoenix Celestial, aren''t you?" He lunged at August while swinging his war hammer with deadly force. "Does no one listen around here?" August grumbled before narrowly dodging the hammer as it crashed down, sending shockwaves through the ground. In the chaos, he activated Shadow Dance, creating several shadowy afterimages that danced around the battlefield, confusing his attackers. A Dragon''s Fang mage noticed the shadows and fired off a chain lightning spell, attempting to hit August, but the bolts only struck the afterimages, dissipating them into smoke. "Damn it! Get him!" Amidst the shouting, he heard another voice¡ªfamiliar and infuriating. "There he is!" Xyron''s voice rang out as he and his lackeys appeared from the opposite end of the field. Their eyes instantly zeroed in on August. Xyron''s Greatsword glowed ominously as he raised it, clearly intent on finally capturing the elusive Kill Stealing Ghost. "Out of my way!" Xyron bellowed, shoving aside Phoenix Celestial and Dragon''s Fang players alike as he advanced with his eyes directly fixed on August. His lackeys trailed behind him with their weapons drawn, looking equally eager to end this chase. "Oh, for the love of¡­" August muttered under his breath, glancing around desperately. His only escape lay in the newly opened dungeon entrance that both guilds were fighting over. He weighed his options quickly. ''It''s risky, but it''s better than getting torn apart here.'' Dodging another swing from the berserker, August broke into a sprint, dashing toward the dungeon entrance. Several players from both sides noticed his movement. "He''s heading for the dungeon!" "Don''t let him in first!" But August was already there, slipping into the shadows. Just as a Dragon''s Fang player lunged at him, he dove forward, crossing the dungeon''s threshold. The moment he entered, a system notification flashed before him: [ System Notification: You have entered The Ogres'' Dwelling. Proceed with caution. ] A dark path with barely any illumination spread out before him. However, August couldn''t stop moving because Xyron and his lackeys had sprinted through the same entrance only a few moments after him. [ System Notification: Player Limit Reached - Six players detected. The Ogres'' Dwelling dungeon has been sealed. ] Chapter 52 - 52: Working Together As August dashed into the dimly lit entrance of the dungeon, he could hear Xyron and his lackeys clambering close behind him. Their footsteps echoed loudly within the dungeon. He sprinted through the initial corridor, ignoring the damp, musty air and the eerie, flickering green glow from phosphorescent fungi that clung to the stone walls. Just as he reached an open chamber, a system notification flashed before him: [ System Notification: Player Limit Reached - Six players detected. The Ogres'' Dwelling dungeon has been sealed. ] August glanced over his shoulder and saw Xyron and his group closing in with angry looks. He barely had a moment to catch his breath before another system notification appeared. [ System Notification: Dungeon Objective Activated - Clear the Ogres'' Dwelling. This dungeon will not reopen until either the dungeon is cleared or all players are defeated. ] Behind Xyron and his lackeys, another figure stumbled in¡ªa lone player from Phoenix Celestial who had managed to dash through just before the barrier sealed off the dungeon entrance. A brief look of surprise crossed her face as she realized she was now trapped with August and Xyron''s group. Xyron smirked as his gaze locked onto August. "Running from me again? Thought you were braver than that, Aleman." August rolled his eyes while evaluating his options. "Listen, Xyron, as much as I''d love to keep this little chase going, maybe you should focus on something else right now." He jerked his thumb over his shoulder. At that moment, a low, thunderous rumble resonated through the chamber, causing everyone to freeze. The ground trembled, dust fell from the stone ceiling, and the walls shifted, revealing hidden pathways and treacherous obstacles that stretched out before them. The entire dungeon began to reshape itself. Pits of bubbling lava opened along the edges and small stone bridges extended over chasms. Columns rose from a greenish sea of corrosive liquid, and thick, toxic fumes hissed out from holes in the dungeon walls. The oppressive heat and smell of sulfur were almost unbearable. A new system notification appeared in their vision: [ System Notification: Environmental Hazard Activated. Navigate the dungeon''s treacherous terrain to survive. ] From the eastern side of the chamber, the sound of heavy footsteps reverberated, causing low tremors. A group of enormous, menacing ogres, each adorned in crude armor made of stone and metal shards, lumbered into view. There were at least thirty of them with bodies that towered over the players as they snarled. Saliva dripped from their tusked mouths making them look even more menacing. Each ogre''s level floated ominously above its head, ranging from Level 27 to Level 30. August''s eyes darted to Xyron and his lackeys, who were still glaring at him. The lone Phoenix Celestial player who happened to be a mage named Aria, took a step back while gripping her staff tightly as her eyes widened in fear. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Are you really going to keep this up, Xyron?" August called out, exasperated. "Look at them!" He pointed toward the advancing ogres. Their guttural growls grew louder as they lumbered forward. Clubs made from petrified wood and massive iron spikes clenched in their hands. "You want to kill me, fine¡ªbut do you really think you can survive these guys alone?" Xyron sneered but hesitated as his gaze shifted from August to the ogres. "I don''t need your help, Aleman. I''ve got my crew here." One of Xyron''s lackeys, a rogue named Kelvor, looked at the ogres with a glimmer of fear. "Uh, Xyron¡­maybe we should¡­consider working together. Those ogres¡­they''re no joke." Xyron shot him a look of irritation but didn''t respond. He was too busy evaluating the massive creatures who were closing in. August watched as the ogres spread out, forming a semi-circle that boxed the players into the chamber. The path to safety was clear¡ªthe only way forward was to fight. He tightened his grip on his custom staff, feeling the pulse of magic course through it. He let out a sigh before casting a quick look at Xyron. "Well? What''s it going to be? Fight me¡ªor survive this together?" Xyron''s face twisted with indecision, but it was clear he couldn''t deny the threat. Finally, he spat on the ground as his sneer faded into a reluctant scowl. "Fine. But only until we clear these monsters." The lone Phoenix Celestial mage, Aria, breathed a sigh of relief. "For the record, I''m all for not dying in here. I don''t intend to lose a level and drop some of my precious items." August nodded, barely keeping a smirk from his face. "Glad we''re all on the same page." The ogres charged forward with a deafening roar. Their heavy footsteps shook the entire chamber as they approached. August quickly raised his custom staff and shouted to the group, "Stick together! We take them one at a time if we can!" The first ogre swung its massive club down with the force of a wrecking ball. August dodged to the side, feeling the air ripple from the impact as the club crashed into the ground, leaving a crater. He immediately retaliated, casting Lightning Bolt at the creature. [ System Notification: Lightning Bolt Cast. Gravitational Effect Applied. ] A crackling bolt of lightning shot from his staff, striking the ogre directly in the chest. A gravitational force rippled outward, anchoring the ogre''s movements, making it sluggish as it struggled against the oppressive pull. Xyron''s Greatsword cleaved through the air with a powerful arc, crashing into the weakened ogre''s side, splitting its flesh and causing it to stumble. One of Xyron''s lackeys, a mage named Soren, raised his staff and sent a blast of freezing ice toward another ogre, coating its legs in frost and slowing it down. "Focus on the ones slowed down!" August shouted while darting around the battlefield as he aimed a Fireball at an ogre that was lumbering toward Aria. [ - 900HP ] The explosion of flame engulfed the ogre, but the impact sent Aria stumbling back. "Thanks," she voiced in appreciation while panting and casting a Healing Aura that began to slowly regenerate everyone''s health in the immediate vicinity. Kelvor darted in and out, striking with poisoned daggers and leaving greenish trails of venom that seeped into the ogres'' skin. "This is insane! There''s too many of them!" The ogres were relentless. For every one they managed to bring down, it felt as though two more took their place. Their attacks were heavy and brutal¡ªone swing could knock a player''s HP down by a third if not outright kill them. Seeing the oncoming surge, August took a step back, gripping his custom staff. It was time for the big guns. He raised his staff high, feeling the pulse of energy surge through him, and called out, "Ethereal Storm!" [ System Notification: Ethereal Storm Activated. Area of Effect - 20 Meter Radius. Special Effect: Random Elemental Strikes. ] A swirling vortex of energy erupted above the battlefield, crackling with raw, shifting elemental power. Suddenly, a bolt of raw energy shot down from the vortex, crashing into the ogres and sending several of them sprawling backward, charred from the attack. [ -1800HP ] [ -1700 HP ] [ -2000HP] The storm shifted, and violent hurricane-like winds tore through the chamber, hurling rocks and debris into the creatures. Several ogres stumbled, momentarily disoriented as they fought against the intense gusts. One ogre, hit directly by a bolt from the storm, collapsed as its HP dropped to zero. "Nice one!" Aria shouted in amazement. Xyron, temporarily awed despite himself, muttered, "Who is this guy?" The ogres regrouped, roaring in defiance as they pushed forward. But the players were beginning to find their rhythm. August activated a Shadow Dance maneuver, weaving between the creatures and creating shadowy afterimages that disoriented the ogres, who swung wildly, missing him by inches. Kelvor used the distraction to leap onto the back of one ogre, stabbing it repeatedly before dropping off and vanishing into the shadows. "These things are tough as nails!" he hissed while wiping sweat from his brow. MP and EP were reducing at an insane level but One by one, they managed to bring the ogres down, though not without taking their own hits. August panted profusely. He was already low on HP but before he could use a health potion, the last of the ogres fell to Xyron''s final swing. [ System Notification: Congratulations! You have cleared the first wave of Ogres'' Dwelling. ] [ System Notification: Pathways Unsealed ] The moment this notification appeared in their line of sight, a loud weeping sound rang out. This took them all by surprise as their heads snapped towards the west. The weeping sounded feminine, drawing their attention but the silhouette they spotted in the distance contrasted deeply with the sound. Chapter 53 - 53: Rescuing The Chief Ogre [ System Notification: Pathways Unsealed ] The moment the notification flashed, a strange, mournful sound echoed through the dungeon''s cavernous walls¡ªa soft, weeping cry reverberated in the eerie silence after the brutal fight. All heads turned westward, where a dimly lit tunnel stretched into shadows. From its depths emerged a small, huddled figure, barely illuminated by the flickering greenish glow of the fungi-lined walls. "Is that...crying?" Aria whispered while fixing her gaze on the tunnel. "Odd place for a sob story," muttered Xyron, already unsheathing his greatsword. His fingers itched to end what he assumed was another enemy. The figure slowly came into view, revealing a small, young ogre girl¡ªno more than three feet tall. Her head was lowered and her thick, brawny shoulders trembled as she wept, clutching a ragged piece of cloth. "Hold on," August voiced while stepping in front of Xyron with a hand raised. "She''s...different." "Different?" Xyron scoffed in annoyance. "We''re in a dungeon full of ogres, Aleman. They''re all fair game." "Just wait," August insisted while approaching the young ogre girl slowly with his staff lowered. He crouched down, making sure to keep his movements non-threatening. "Hey...are you okay?" The girl looked up. Her large green eyes were filled with fear and sadness. She sniffled as her gaze darted between the players before finally settling on August. "You...you not here to hurt...Zora?" "No," August said softly while shaking his head reassuringly. "We''re here for...well, a different reason. Can you tell us why you''re crying?" After a moment of hesitation, the girl spoke with a trembling voice. "Bad ogres...they hurt Papa. They take him...because he no want big scary magic. He say it dangerous. Now...they want to wake the Ogre Lord..." She pointed toward the shadows while her little hand kept shaking. "They keep him there...locked up." The group exchanged glances as a new system notification appeared: [ System Notification: Dungeon Quest Initiated - Rescue the Chief and Prevent the Unsealing of the Ogre Lord. Objective: Defeat the renegade ogres and save the Ogre Chief. ] Xyron groaned while rolling his eyes. "So what, we''re rescuing a chief now? And stopping some kind of ogre apocalypse?" "Sounds like it," Aria voiced with a look of resolve. "And if this Ogre Lord is as bad as she says, I think we''re better off stopping him." August glanced down at the young ogre girl. "Will you show us the way?" Zora nodded vigorously as her small face lit up with a glimmer of hope. "Yes, yes! Follow Zora!" As the group followed Zora through winding, narrow passages, the temperature in the cavern grew hotter. Pools of bubbling lava appeared on either side of their path, casting an eerie orange glow on their faces. The journey wasn''t easy; they encountered hostile ogre guards along the way, and every fight was a test of their stamina and teamwork. One guard lunged at them from a hidden corner, swinging a spiky club. August reacted swiftly, sidestepping the attack and countering with a Hidden Strike. His dagger flashed as it struck deep into the ogre''s side. [ System Notification: -1100 HP ] As the ogre staggered, Xyron seized the opportunity, slamming his greatsword into the creature''s back, knocking it into a bubbling pool of lava with a sickening hiss. "Another one down," he muttered while scanning for the next threat. "Look out!" Aria shouted, as two more ogres rushed toward them with rage-filled eyes. She cast Ice Wall, creating a temporary barrier to slow their advance. August switched to his staff, casting Lightning Bolt above the ogres. A bolt of lightning rained down, striking them with explosive force. [ System Notification: Lightning Bolt Cast. Special Effect: Gravitational Anchor. ] The ogres found themselves struggling under the heavy gravitational pull as their movements turned sluggish and disoriented. August dashed in, delivering a Strike from behind, while Kelvor lunged in from the side, stabbing with poisoned daggers. One by one, they managed to push through. Zora guided them through twists and turns as each corner revealed more lava pits and treacherous ledges. At one point, they crossed a perilous stone bridge, barely wide enough for one person at a time. The heat was unbearable and sweat dripped down their faces as they kept their eyes on the path. Finally, they reached a narrow, elevated platform where the Ogre Chief was bound with thick, enchanted chains. His hulking form looked slumped and bruised. Surrounding him were several renegade ogres, each more menacing than the last. They were led by a particularly massive ogre who wore a makeshift crown fashioned from bones and metal scraps. [ System Notification: Sub-Boss Encounter - Renegade Ogre Commander. Level 32. ] "Looks like we''ve found the ringleader," August voiced while gripping his staff. The commander snarled, raising a massive warhammer. "Intruders! You no belong here. We end you...and then we wake Lord." As the ogres advanced, Aria summoned a Healing Aura to keep everyone''s health steady. August cast Lightning Bolt, aiming for the commander. The bolt struck true, slowing the ogre''s movements. Kelvor darted around, flanking the commander, but just as he moved in for an attack, the commander swung his Warhammer, forcing him back. "This guy''s tough!" Kelvor shouted while narrowly dodging another swing. August activated Shadow Dance, creating shadowy afterimages that confused the ogre commander. Using the distraction, he closed in and struck with Hidden Strike, reducing the commander''s HP bit by bit. [ -500HP ] [ -800HP ] [ -650HP ] The fight intensified as the platform began to quake. Small rocks crumbled into the lava below. Zora cried out as one of the ogres swung at her, but August quickly moved in, blocking the attack with his dagger, causing him to slide backward from the brute force. [ -150HP ] Despite blocking the attack, he lost quite a bit of HP. "Focus on the commander!" August shouted. "Take him down, and the others will fall!" Xyron roared while charging forward and delivering a powerful overhead swing that collided with the commander''s shoulder, slicing deep into it. Aria cast Fireball, and a burst of flame engulfed the commander, weakening him further. The other ogres retaliated. One of them managed to land a blow on Xyron that sent him staggering to the edge of the platform, nearly falling into the lava below. August lunged forward, grabbing Xyron''s arm and pulling him back to safety. "Careful," August muttered, as Xyron grunted in response. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With a final coordinated effort, they launched an all-out assault on the commander, overwhelming him with spells, strikes, and attacks. At last, the commander''s HP hit zero, and he collapsed. His body turned into particles and disappeared. [ System Notification: Sub-Boss Defeated - Renegade Ogre Commander. ] With the commander defeated, the remaining ogres faltered, allowing the group to finish them off. Once the battle was over, they hurried to free the Ogre Chief. The chains dissolved as Aria cast a spell, releasing him. The chief embraced his daughter, Zora, who had run to him with tears in her eyes. "Thank you," he rumbled with a gratitude-filled tone. "But we must hurry. The renegades... We must stop them from starting the ritual." August nodded with a grim look. "Lead the way." The Ogre Chief got on his feet and guided them through another set of winding tunnels. They could feel the air thickening with dark magic as pulsating energy radiated from the heart of the dungeon. After turning at the last corner, they arrived in a vast chamber where a group of ogres were chanting around a glowing rune on the floor. The chief''s face fell. "We are too late...the ritual has begun." A new notification appeared: [ System Notification: Final Objective - Stop the Awakening of the Ogre Lord. ] Chapter 54 - 54: World Announcement In a dimly lit room shrouded in shadows, two figures stood across from each other. The faint glow of a phone screen cast eerie shadows on their faces. One figure, tall and slender, wore a fox mask and tilted her head. The other, a broad-shouldered man cloaked in dark clothing, leaned against the wall. His face was obscured by the hood pulled low over his eyes. "He canceled the buy," he muttered in irritation. The fox-masked woman was silent for a moment. Then, with a faint sigh, she spoke with a low and calm voice. "Then we''ll have to find another way to get to him." The man''s fingers scrolled across the screen before stopping. He turned the device toward her, showing a profile page on an online gaming social media platform. It was Aleman''s profile. The familiar avatar picture accompanied by a list of his past sales and sparse updates was on display. "He''s not selling anything new at the moment," the man observed with a voice accompanied by a slight edge of frustration. "How do you expect us to reach him without any bait?" The fox-masked woman''s lips curved under the mask, a hint of a smile that was neither reassuring nor warm. "There are other ways," her voice dripped with subtle menace. The man raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "And just how do you plan on doing that?" Without answering, she turned toward the window. Her slender yet alluring silhouette was framed by the faint moonlight filtering through the blinds. She gazed out over the city skyline. "Aleman doesn''t realize it yet, but he''s caught in a web far beyond the reach of his games," she said quietly. "We''ll simply pull the right strings, one by one, until he''s exactly where we need him." ... ... Back in Enders''s light, the situation was getting tense. As the Ogre Chief rallied his loyal followers, a roar of approval echoed through the chamber, soon matched by fierce snarls from the ogres who were loyal to the renegades. The opposing forces squared off in a vast, tense line as both sides brandished weapons, ready for the chaotic battle about to unfold. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. At the center of the chamber, a glowing rune pulsed on the ground, and in between was a group of ogres chanting. Unfortunately, they were surrounded by an impenetrable barrier. [ System Notification: Objective Update - Defeat the Renegades and Stop the Awakening. ] August, Xyron, Aria, and the rest of their party stood side-by-side with the chief''s ogres, exchanging glances and nodding in unspoken agreement. With weapons drawn, they were ready to fight. "Listen, everyone!" August called over the din. "Our focus has to be that chanting circle! If we don''t stop them, they''ll finish the awakening." Xyron cracked his knuckles as his eyes narrowed on the group chanting around the rune. "Right. Let''s make this quick!" They charged forward, throwing everything they had at the shimmering barrier around the chanting circle. Xyron''s broadsword crashed against it causing a loud metallic clang to constantly ring out. Aria launched a Fireball that exploded upon impact but merely fizzled out. Kelvor''s poison-tipped daggers and August''s Ethereal Storm both failed to make a scratch. [ System Notification: Barrier Unaffected - Mystical Item Detected. ] "Damn it!" Xyron spat. "This thing''s impenetrable!" August scanned the surroundings, his instincts telling him they were missing something vital, but the number of ogres clashing around them made it hard to focus. Loyal and renegade ogres clashed on all sides. The air was soon filled with the smell of sweat, blood, and dust. The bar on the awakening rune was inching closer to completion. A visual timer counted down their remaining time. "Wait! Let me try something!" Aria suddenly voiced out. Casting a spell, she muttered words under her breath, her fingers tracing complex patterns in the air. "Signature Link..." Her eyes glowed briefly as she completed the spell. A faint shimmer encircled her as she stared up, spotting a triangular-shaped mystical item pinned to the ceiling which was more than twenty-five feet high. "There! The barrier''s connected to that artifact up there!" Before she could take aim to destroy it, a massive ogre with a spiked club rammed into her, knocking her back and taking a substantial chunk of her HP. [ System Notification: -1000 HP ] "Get that thing, Aleman!" she cried while pointing to the hidden artifact above. August barely dodged a club aimed his way, sidestepping two renegade ogres who flanked him from either side. His hand twitched as he activated Shadow Dance. Shadows multiplied around him, creating afterimages that confused his attackers. Using the distraction, August sprinted toward the spot below the mystical item with his gaze fixed upward. He conjured Lightning Bolt as the air around him crackled. Just as he aimed, a sudden blow from a spiked club sent him reeling. His HP dropped dangerously. [ System Notification: -1200 HP ] Through the haze of pain, August steadied himself. His gaze was still locked on the artifact above. Channeling his focus, he fired the Lightning Bolt straight up striking the mystical item with precision. The artifact shattered in a brilliant burst of light. [ System Notification: Barrier Dispelled. ] With the barrier down, Xyron lunged forward with his greatsword and swung it with brute force, decapitating one of the chanters. The chanting faltered and the spell was disrupted just as the awakening bar reached 99%. The renegade ogres let out a collective roar of despair as they watched their ritual fail. The energy dissipated, leaving the would-be Ogre Lord bound within his prison. The remaining loyalists fought with renewed vigor, sensing victory. The group worked seamlessly, picking off the renegade ogres one by one, and soon, the room was filled only with the labored breathing of the victorious ogres and the players. [ System Notification: Dungeon Cleared - Ogres'' Dwelling. Congratulations! An Independent Party Has Cleared the Dungeon. ] [ World Announcement: Congratulations to Aleman, Xyron, Aria, Kelvor, Hermes, and Thara for completing the Ogres'' Dwelling Dungeon! ] "Whoa, we got the world announcement..." One of Xyron''s lackeys was shocked. Even Aria bounced up and joy joyously, accidentally jumping into August''s arms. He laughed while catching her, before slowly putting her back down as a blush appeared on the face of her avatar. "Sorry," she muttered. "It''s fine... I''m just as excited," It was also August''s first time experiencing this. Everything that had happened in the last twenty hours was completely unexpected. [ System Notification: Reward Distribution Initiated. ] [ +400,000 EXP to all Players ] The group stood in awe as piles of loot materialized around them. Glittering weapons, shimmering potions, and various rare items littered the chamber floor. August couldn''t believe the sight¡ªhe had never seen such abundant loot in-game before. Among the rewards was a particular item that caught his eye¡ªa tusk-like artifact, imbued with a dark, shifting glow. [ System Notification: Acquired Ogre''s Tusk - Grants Ability to Temporarily Take on Ogre Form and Conceal Player Name. ] August marveled at the new item as the Ogre Chief approached them. His eyes gleamed with gratitude despite his menacing looks. He bowed while voicing with a rumbling tone. "You have saved my people and prevented a terrible fate. For that, we owe you our thanks." The chief handed each of them additional rewards, nodding with respect as he addressed each player. "Thank you," August replied, nodding back with a smile. But his moment of triumph was short-lived, as he noticed Xyron glaring at him. "Do not think this changes anything," Xyron sneered. "Once we''re out of here, I''m taking every bit of loot you have on you." August held his gaze, calm and unphased. "Good luck with that, Xyron. But you''ll find that taking from me isn''t as easy as it looks." Chapter 55 - 55: Running Late The shockwaves from the recent dungeon completion rippled far and wide. Players scattered across kingdoms, dungeons, and marketplaces were momentarily interrupted by the bold notification flashing across their screens: [ World Notification: Congratulations to Aleman, Xyron, Aria, Kelvor, Hermes, and Thara for completing the Ogres'' Dwelling Dungeon as an independent party! ] In the Tagharuim, a group of adventurers paused mid-conversation. Their eyes widened as they registered the message. A tall, armored warrior scratched his head in disbelief. "Did I read that right? An independent party took down the Ogres'' Dwelling?" "No way," his friend muttered, disbelief coloring his tone. "It''s always guilds that claim the dungeons. Who are these guys?" In the crowded Adventurers'' Guild of Eldreon, a group of players gathered at the bar, drinks momentarily forgotten. A rogue with a dark hood leaned back in his chair, chuckling. "Well, well. Looks like the guilds aren''t the only ones making a name for themselves anymore. Wonder if we could pull off something like that." Nearby, a group of younger players looked at each other with newfound hope. "If they can do it, why can''t we?" In a quieter, shadowy part of the city, a duo of seasoned players who often followed gaming forums squinted at the notification. "Aleman¡­that name sounds familiar," one of them said, scratching his chin. "Yeah," the other replied. "Wasn''t he the same guy selling items from the game? Like real-life items?" "Now that''s a guy to watch," the first expressed with a tone of curiosity. Back inside the dungeon, as the entrance barrier dissolved and the pathway reopened, August, Xyron, Aria, Kelvor, Hermes and Thara found themselves suddenly swarmed by guild members from Phoenix Celestial and Dragon''s Fang, the guilds who had originally staked a claim on the Ogres'' Dwelling. One of the captains, stepped forward, sneering. "So, you lot thought you could waltz in and clear a dungeon we''ve been waiting to claim?" "We just happened to be here first," Aria replied coolly, stepping forward. Her guild members quickly formed a protective semi-circle around her. Another player from Dragon''s Fang crossed his arms, scowling at August. "Hand over the loot if you know what''s good for you. You had no right in that dungeon." August''s eyes darted around as a smirk slowly formed on his face. He''d had enough run-ins with players like these to know how this would play out. "Sorry, but we earned this loot fair and square. Not interested in a trade." A rogue from Phoenix Celestial pointed to August as her eyes gleamed with recognition. "Wait a minute... Aleman? You''re the guy who''s been selling game items in real life, aren''t you?" "Who?" That caught a few more players'' attention. Murmurs broke out as people tried to put the pieces together. "Enough!" the Dragon''s Fang warrior barked. "Drop the loot, or there will be trouble." August let out a soft chuckle, stepping back as if considering his options. Then, in the next moment, he activated Shadow Dance, bursting into a cascade of afterimages as he melted into the shadows. "That''s my cue to leave!" his voice faded as he sprinted toward the dungeon exit. "Get him!" The captain yelled. Aria watched with an amused smile, admiration clear in her eyes. "Smart move, Aleman," she murmured as she watched him disappear into the distance. --- Back in the real world, sunlight was streaming through August''s window as he opened his eyes, adjusting to the brightness of the new day. The fresh air filled his room, reminding him that today was an important day: he would finally sell the Runic Sword to Mr. Floozk. He stretched, took a quick shower, and then prepared breakfast, mentally calculating his next steps. The five hundred thousand dollars Damon had demanded was due in two days, but this sale would finally put him in a good position. As he grabbed his coffee and finished breakfast, Sophia trotted out of her room with tousled hair. August flashed her a smile. "Morning, Sophia! Make sure you save a little from that ''uniform fund'' I left you, alright? A girl needs her ice cream." Sophia laughed, rolling her eyes. "Yeah, yeah, big brother! And don''t you worry¡ªI''m getting the biggest ice cream scoop they sell." "Sounds like a solid plan," August chuckled, patting her head affectionately. "See you later." With that, he was out the door and on his way to work. --- At the factory, Derrick greeted him with his usual grin and a friendly nudge. "Another late-night grinding session?" August shrugged, grinning. "You know it. Though today''s not just any day¡ªI''m finally taking a big step that will help Sophia and me. If it works out, the debt will be taken care of." Derrick raised his eyebrows with an impressed look. "Man, good for you. That guy Damon will have to find someone else to hassle." He paused, glancing around to make sure no one else was listening. "Think you''ll be able to cut down on these shifts soon?" "That''s the plan. If this goes fine, I''ll finally get some breathing room." The shift passed without incident, and as they finished, Derrick patted him on the back. "Hey, about time, man. You''ve been grinding for as long as I can remember. Go enjoy some downtime once this is all settled, alright?" August grinned, clapping Derrick on the shoulder. "Will do. And hey¡ªtell me when you''ve got some free time yourself. I owe you a drink or two." --- When the workday ended, Derrick waved goodbye, taking an unfamiliar bus route once again. August watched his friend go with a slight frown on his face, but he quickly shook it off. He had an appointment to keep, and he couldn''t afford to be late. He boarded a bus heading toward the upscale restaurant where he had previously met Mr. Floozk. He arrived at the bustling venue, where the warm lighting, smooth decor, and chatter of well-dressed patrons set the scene. August took a seat, ordered a coffee, and settled in to wait. Fifteen minutes passed. He sipped his coffee as his eyes drifted to the door whenever someone entered, but Mr. Floozk was nowhere in sight. Another twenty minutes went by, and August began tapping his fingers on the table. A faint sense of unease settled in. He ordered a second coffee, trying to stay patient, but after another half-hour with no sign of Mr. Floozk, his unease deepened. "Where is he?" he murmured, checking his phone for any missed calls or messages. Nothing. What made this more unsettling was the fact that he canceled his sale with the previous buyer for Mr Floozk. He wasn''t expecting any disappointments. He finished his second coffee and glanced at the clock. Nearly an hour and a half had passed since he''d arrived. As the minutes ticked by, the feeling of unease grew stronger, twisting into a knot of anxiety. "Come on¡­" he muttered, glancing around the restaurant. People came and went, but none of them were Mr. Floozk. August clenched his fist, resisting the urge to get up and pace. The last time they''d met, Mr. Floozk had been punctual even though it wasn''t his sale so why had he decided to do this when it was finally his turn? Had something happened? S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 56 - 56: The Unexpected Situation After another hour of waiting, August leaned back in his chair, letting out a sigh. The initial excitement he felt had soured, replaced by an increasing sense of regret. He drummed his fingers on the table, glancing at his watch. ''Should have gone through with the sale to the other buyer,'' he thought. Finally, he pushed his chair back and stood up, ready to leave. Just as he turned toward the door, his phone buzzed in his pocket. An unknown number flashed across the screen. Curious and a little wary, August answered, "Hello?" A warm, professional voice greeted him. "Hello, is this Aleman? I''m Mr. Floozk''s personal assistant. My name is Celia." August raised an eyebrow, taking a few cautious steps back to his table. "Yes, this is Aleman¡­ What''s going on?" Celia''s tone softened apologetically. "I''m terribly sorry, Mr. Aleman. Mr. Floozk had an unexpected emergency and was unable to meet you at the restaurant as planned. He asked me to reach out and extend his sincerest apologies." August sighed but kept his tone steady. "Well, that explains the wait. I would have appreciated some kind of notice sooner, though." "I understand completely, and I''m truly sorry for the inconvenience," Celia replied. "This situation was unforeseen. Mr. Floozk specifically asked me to reschedule the meeting for tomorrow. He assures me he''ll be there personally, no delays." August considered this for a moment, weighing his options. He wanted this sale done, but if Mr. Floozk genuinely had an emergency¡­ Well, he didn''t want to lose his cool over something that wasn''t entirely in the man''s control. "Alright," he replied, letting a bit of the tension out of his voice. "I can make it tomorrow. Luckily, I''ve got the day off. But you can tell him he owes me a coffee," he added with a slight chuckle. Celia laughed politely. "Understood, Mr. Aleman. I''ll make sure he knows. And thank you for your understanding. You have his word that tomorrow, he''ll be there on time." August nodded to himself, a little relieved. "I appreciate the call, Celia. I''ll see him tomorrow then." "Thank you, and again, our sincerest apologies. Have a good evening, Mr. Aleman." "Good evening, Celia." August ended the call, pocketed his phone, and made his way out of the restaurant. At least tomorrow was his day off, and he still had just enough time to complete the transaction before Damon''s deadline. ... As August made his way home, he glanced up at the towering billboards and advertisements that lit up the evening streets. Enders Light dominated nearly every screen, displaying colorful images of different realms, players wielding magnificent weapons, and guild banners fluttering in digital winds. People around him stopped to watch. One large screen caught August''s attention, displaying a beautiful woman with smooth, buttery skin and piercing blue eyes. Her platinum hair cascaded over her shoulders in elegant waves, framing a face that was both fierce and graceful. She wore a smooth silver-blue bodysuit that shimmered in the light, hugging her curves and exuding both power and beauty. The screen flashed her in-game title in bold: Ice Queen, Vice Leader of the Phoenix Celestial guild. Below, her real name was displayed¡ªElena Frost. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She was addressing the viewers with a calm yet commanding tone, drawing everyone''s attention. "The Phoenix Celestial guild has accomplished many feats. We''re at the forefront of Enders Light, leading with strength, unity, and vision. We''re always on the lookout for players with talent, skill, and the dedication to rise with us." Her icy gaze swept over the camera as she paused, captivating everyone watching. "We''re recruiting more exceptional players each day, and it''s not just about in-game rewards. Top recruits will receive real-life perks and compensation. If you''ve got what it takes, Phoenix Celestial is where you belong." A soft murmur of admiration rippled through the crowd around August, and he could hear people commenting. "Look at her¡­ she''s stunning!" "She''s not just a top player; she''s a celebrity now. I heard she has made millions from this." "And they say she''s a supernatural player too... wonder if that''s true?" August rolled his eyes slightly, half-listening to the chatter around him. He couldn''t deny that she was striking. Her beauty was undeniable, and her confidence commanded attention. There was a certain pull he felt, an attraction that crept up on him, but he quickly shook himself out of it. ''Focus, August,'' he reminded himself while taking a deep breath. Getting hung up over someone he hadn''t even met was beneath him. He couldn''t deny that he was a womanizer and would have wanted nothing more than to strip her naked if this was his previous world but right now he had more important things to worry about. Womanizing would have to come later. --- By the time he reached home, the sun was dipping below the horizon. August and Sophia shared a warm dinner, and she animatedly recounted her day, filling the room with laughter. Later that evening after Sophia went to bed, August also decided to turn in for the night. After a couple of weeks, he needed to sleep at least once without logging into the game. As he lay in bed, he thought of the challenges he had faced and the ones still ahead. Tomorrow was a free day, and he''d log into the game once he got up. For tonight, he would allow himself a rare luxury¡ªa full, uninterrupted night''s sleep. ... August woke up the next morning, refreshed and ready to dive into Enders Light. He had the whole morning free, with his meeting with Mr. Floozk scheduled for late afternoon. If everything went smoothly, he would secure the funds he needed to handle Damon''s debt. But for now, he could spend a good chunk of time in-game, using Enders Light as a welcome escape and a chance to gain some levels. He stretched, glancing at the pod with anticipation. Since time moved faster in Enders Light, he could get in a full day of grinding within just a couple of hours. With a grin, August got himself set, thinking of all the new skills and loot he''d been building up, preparing for the quests that would get him closer to the higher-ranking players. Just as he was about to enter the game, however, he heard an abrupt commotion from the living room. He froze as the sound of muffled voices reached his ears, followed by the unmistakable sound of Sophia''s raised voice. "Let me go!!" August jolted out of his room the moment he heard Sophia''s scream echo through the hallway. He dashed into the living room, taking in the sight before him. Damon stood there, arms crossed with a smug grin on his face. One of his muscular goons had Sophia in his grip, holding her while she struggled to break free. "What the hell is going on?" August demanded while clenching his fists tightly in annoyance. Damon smirked, tilting his head with a feigned look of surprise. "Oh, good morning, August. Thought we''d stop by to settle your debt." He nodded toward Sophia as a cruel glint appeared in his eye. "As agreed, if you don''t have my money, she''s coming with me." August''s voice turned tense at this moment. "We agreed on one month, Damon. I still have until tomorrow." Damon chuckled while shaking his head. "See, that''s where you''re wrong." He took a step closer as his voice slowly dropped. "I told you one month. Now, depending on my mood, that month could mean 30 days¡­ or 31. Today''s the 30th day, so here we are." Chapter 57 - 57: Taken Sophia''s eyes widened. Her voice cracked as she pleaded, "Please¡­ let me go. I haven''t done anything wrong." August held his hand out, desperate to defuse the situation. "Come on, Damon. You promised. Just give me until tomorrow. I''ll have your money, I swear." Damon tilted his head, tapping his chin mockingly. "Promises, promises. How many people do you think make promises to me, August? And how many actually keep them?" He snapped his fingers, and his goon tightened his grip on Sophia, causing her to wince. "Please, Damon," August''s voice was raw with barely restrained fury. "You don''t need to do this. Tomorrow, you''ll have it just as promised." Damon sighed, pretending to think it over. "You know, August, I''d like to believe you. I really would. But I prefer having guarantees in my line of work." He gestured to his goon. "And taking your sister here is as good a guarantee as I''ll get." "Just one more day, Damon," August repeated with a pleading tone. "I''m begging you. Don''t do this to her." Damon raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying August''s desperation. "One more day, huh? You really think I care about your word? You think your promises mean anything to me?" He smirked again. "But tell you what¡­ beg a little harder, and maybe, just maybe, I''ll consider it." August''s eyes flashed with anger, but he held back, forcing himself to keep calm for Sophia''s sake. "Fine," he swallowed his pride and got on his knees. "I''m begging you. Just give me one more day. I''ll have the money. Let her go." Damon seemed to revel in August''s defeat. After a moment, he responded. "No." August''s pleas fell on deaf ears as Damon''s hand tightened around Sophia''s arm, dragging her forcibly toward the door. Sophia struggled as her voice trembled. "Let go of me! August! Help!" she cried, desperation clear in her tone. August lunged forward in desperation. "Damon, stop! You can''t do this! Just give me one more day¡ªI''ll have your money!" Damon paused just long enough to turn back as a chilling smirk appeared on his face. "She''s mine now. And she''ll make me a lot more money than you ever could." He turned to Sophia with a look of cruelty. "Your beauty''s going to draw all kinds of attention at my club." Sophia''s eyes widened in horror as her voice shook. "No! I don''t belong to you!" She kicked at Damon, but he retaliated with a brutal slap across her face, leaving her stunned and stumbling. August''s fury boiled over. "Get your hands off her, Damon!" he yelled, stepping forward to intervene. But one of Damon''s goons moved fast, intercepting him with a solid punch that sent him sprawling across the floor. Bam! His head throbbed as he hit the ground. August tried to push himself up while groaning but the pain from the impact slowed him down. He watched helplessly as Damon dragged Sophia out the door and toward a black car waiting at the curb. Nearby, a row of parked motorcycles lined the street, belonging to Damon''s henchmen who hovered around, grinning smugly as their boss shoved Sophia roughly into the backseat of the car. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. From inside, August''s rage blazed like a wildfire. ''No...'' he thought, ''I won''t let them take her.'' He didn''t know if it was the original August''s feelings running through him right now or his, but he knew for sure that he would never forgive himself if he let Sophia get taken. The goon inside the apartment reached for him again, but August was already on his feet. Without a word, he tackled the goon, slamming him against the wall with a force that rattled the windows. The goon staggered, but August didn''t relent. He grabbed him by the collar and delivered a powerful knee to his stomach, doubling him over. Outside, Damon heard the commotion but simply smirked, waving his hand dismissively as he climbed into the driver''s seat. "Deal with him," he ordered his men as he started the engine. "We''re leaving." One of Damon''s goons stood by, laughing as August faced off against his comrade. His voice dripped with mockery. "Think you''re a tough guy, huh? All alone against us? You don''t stand a chance, pretty boy." August''s eyes burned as he glared back. "Try me." The goon lunged, swinging wildly, but August sidestepped and delivered a swift, calculated strike to his kneecap, causing a sickening crack. "Ahhh!" The man cried out, collapsing to the ground as his leg twisted at an unnatural angle. Just then, a loud crash echoed from inside the apartment. August had thrown another goon through the door, sending him flying out onto the pavement. People in the neighborhood gasped and murmured, watching from a distance. Yet, no one dared to interfere. Everyone knew Damon and his crew, and few were willing to risk crossing him. Another goon moved in, charging at August. He threw a punch that landed squarely on August''s cheek, sending him staggering back as blood trickled from the corner of his mouth. The taste of copper filled his senses, but it only fueled his anger. He spat, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand as his gaze locked onto his opponent. August rushed forward, ducking just in time to dodge a swing aimed at his head. Using the goon''s momentum, he drove his fist up in a powerful uppercut, connecting with the man''s jaw and sending him crashing backward. But as he fought, Damon''s car began to roll forward, slowly at first, then picking up speed. August''s heart lurched when he saw Sophia in the backseat. Her terrified face pressed against the glass, banging on the window with desperation. "No! Sophia!" August shouted with a hoarse tone but before he could take a step, one of the goons grabbed him from behind, wrapping a muscular arm around his neck in a chokehold. August struggled as his air supply was cut off. The arms were like a giant pair of pliers that held onto his throat tightly, unyielding and unmoving. His vision blurred as the goon''s grip tightened even more around his throat. ''No¡­ can''t¡­ let¡­ her go¡­'' Summoning every ounce of strength left in him, August drove his elbow back into the goon''s ribs, feeling the man''s grip weaken. With a burst of energy, he wrenched himself free, spinning around to slam his knee into the goon''s face. The impact sent the man staggering as he clutched his bloodied nose. Ignoring the pain in his own body, August broke into a sprint, chasing after the car. He could still see Sophia through the back windshield. Her hands were pressed against the glass and her mouth formed his name in a silent scream as the distance between them grew. The car pulled onto the main road, accelerating as it merged with the morning traffic. August pushed himself harder as his legs ached while he let out heavy breaths. He refused to give up. But despite his efforts, the car was moving too fast. It slipped further and further away until finally¡­ it vanished into the bustling city streets. August''s chest heaved heavily as he came to a stop. He could hear his heart pounding in his ears. He stood there, helpless, as reality set in. She was gone. Chapter 58 - 58: This Is Personal In the aftermath of the chaos, August paced around his wrecked living room with a pale but furious look. Two of Damon''s goons lay tied up on the floor, bruised and utterly immobilized. Their wrists were bound behind their backs with cords he had found around the house, while one of them groaned from a bloody nose, half-awake and dazed. August clutched his phone with trembling fingers as he dialed yet again. The line rang on the other end for the umpteenth time. He needed this call to go through. He needed the money now if he had any hope of getting Sophia back. Finally, the ringing stopped, and a familiar voice answered. "Aleman," Mr. Floozk''s voice drawled with its usual cool, calculated calm. "I wasn''t expecting you. Our meeting''s not until this afternoon, you know." "I know, I know," August responded quickly, his voice tight. "But I need to ask you a favor, and it can''t wait." "A favor?" Mr. Floozk''s voice sharpened with interest. "And here I thought our only business today was the Runic Sword. What seems to be the matter?" August hesitated as he searched for the right words. "I... there''s been an incident," he started with a voice that barely hid the strain. "Someone very important to me has been taken. I need the funds as soon as possible to try and negotiate their release." On the other end of the line, Mr. Floozk paused. When he spoke again, his voice had lost its usual nonchalance, replaced by a serious edge. "How soon do you need this?" "Today, now, within the next thirty minutes if possible," the words tumbled out of August''s mouth as he swallowed his pride. "Please. I know we planned to meet later, but if you can¡ª" "I''ll be there in less than thirty," Mr. Floozk interrupted, sounding uncharacteristically decisive. "And Aleman," he added, "when I get there, you can tell me everything." "Thank you," August breathed in relief as he ended the call. He couldn''t lose Sophia. But before he could leave, he dialed another number. "911, what''s your emergency?" "This is August Revenant. I''ve just detained two individuals who attacked me in my home. There was a break-in, and... one of them has serious injuries. Could you send someone over?" The dispatcher confirmed help was on the way. With that, August left the house, sparing only a final look at the two battered goons lying helplessly on his floor. ... ... sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The atmosphere in the dimly lit restaurant felt tense as August sat across from Mr. Floozk. The man, an underground figure with a reputation as ironclad as his forthright stare, was leaning forward with his fingers steepled as he listened intently to August''s hurried explanation. Around them, ten menacing bodyguards stood at the ready, each one scanning the room for any sign of threat. Mr. Floozk had already transferred the five hundred thousand dollars to August''s account without a hint of hesitation, showing an unusual level of trust in someone he''d met only recently. Now, August took a deep breath, carefully choosing what to share. "...and I know I don''t have a choice," August said quietly, barely masking the fury simmering beneath his calm facade. "If I''m going to get her back, I need to give them the money. Damon... he''s not someone the local police will bother crossing. He has them in his pocket." Mr. Floozk''s expression turned from cool interest to something darker. He sat back and his facial expression twitched a little at the mention of Damon. He tilted his head slightly, studying August with a discerning eye. "So let me get this right," Floozk finally spoke. "This Damon has taken someone close to you, and your plan... is to hand over the cash and hope he lets her go?" August felt a wave of frustration. "It''s not a matter of what I want. I don''t have another choice. If I''m going to get her back in one piece, this is the fastest way. I know it''s not ideal, but I can''t risk her life by trying to play coy." Mr. Floozk raised an eyebrow as his lips curved into a faint, sardonic smile. "And yet here you are, having dealt with his goons alone. You know, Aleman, I didn''t think you were a man so easily intimidated." August hesitated as his gaze dropped for a moment. "It''s not intimidation. I''ll do anything to keep her safe, and right now, that means giving them what they want." For a moment, the two men sat in silence as August''s words settled between them. Finally, August rose to his feet, inclining his head toward Mr. Floozk. "Thank you for this. Really. I owe you more than I can say." He turned to leave, but Floozk''s voice stopped him mid-step. "Hold up," Mr. Floozk commanded with a quiet but unyielding tone."My men and I... we''ll be coming with you." August blinked, taken aback. "Mr. Floozk, you don''t have to¡ª" "It wasn''t a question," Floozk cut him off with a smirk. "You may want to handle this delicately, but let''s just say a permanent solution is a better way to go." August hesitated. "Look, I need to make sure she''s safe first. I can''t risk it." Floozk gave a light chuckle as his expression hardened. "And you think this Damon cares about playing it safe? Trust me, Aleman, he seems like the type to take advantage of any show of weakness. You want her safe? Let''s go in with the right kind of strength. So, do you know where he''s keeping her?" "Not exactly," August admitted, swallowing back a wave of frustration. "But I got the location of his nightclub from one of the goons I... persuaded earlier. It''s likely he''s keeping her there, or close by." Without missing a beat, Mr. Floozk pulled out his phone, dialing with a calm authority that showed this was far from his first time orchestrating a situation like this. "Rosalind," he said into the phone. "I want every available man headed to this location. Full force. Don''t leave any stone unturned. I''ll be there shortly." He ended the call and slipped his phone back into his coat pocket, glancing back at August. "Shall we?" The two made their way outside, where a black car awaited, parked beside the curb. Mr. Floozk''s bodyguards flanked them on all sides, deterring any approach. As Floozk opened the back door, he gestured for August to enter. "Trust me on this one, Aleman. It''s better to go in prepared. You''ll have your dear one back, and this Damon will understand he crossed the wrong people." August climbed into the car, trying to steady his racing heart. ... ... The tension was tangible in the air August sat beside Mr. Floozk in the car, surrounded by the low noise of engines from the convoy of vehicles tailing them. Shadows from passing streetlights flickered across Mr. Floozk''s face, casting him in an even more enigmatic light. August glanced at him, sensing something simmering beneath the man''s calm demeanor. Floozk finally broke the silence, carrying an edge of restrained anger. "I didn''t just miss our meeting for a casual emergency, Aleman," he began while fixing his gaze on the road ahead. "In this line of work, there are always risks, but what happened... that was personal." August leaned forward with piqued interest. "What exactly happened?" Floozk paused, as if considering where to begin. "One of my primary business locations... my men found it in flames. A complete inferno. The fire spread so fast that even with my men there, everything was gone by the time it was under control. And it wasn''t just property lost," he continued. "Three of my men were trapped, held hostage before it all went up. A few of my most trusted were killed. All that... and we didn''t even catch the ones responsible." August absorbed this with barely concealed shock. He knew Floozk was a powerful man, practically untouchable in the underworld. For someone to have attacked him so directly and without fear of consequence was bold¡ªand dangerous. "That... that sounds like a targeted attack. Whoever did it was trying to send a message," August ventured, keeping his tone low. Floozk nodded as his expression darkened. "Exactly. It was meant to cripple me. And while I''ve taken losses before, this was different. The men I lost, the location... that was more than just money. They wanted to hit where it hurt." August wondered just how far-reaching Damon''s influence was. "Did you find out who was behind it?" Floozk''s lips pressed into a thin line before he let out a mirthless chuckle, though his eyes were anything but amused. "That''s the kicker, isn''t it? My men on the scene reported hearing a single name being echoed repeatedly¡ªlike they wanted me to know. Just one name." Floozk turned to look at August as he finally spoke the name. "Damon." A look of shock rippled across August''s face as he struggled to process the information. "Damon?" he voiced with nearly a whisper. "Are... are you sure? What if it''s someone else?" Floozk chuckled darkly. "Trust me, Aleman. There aren''t many people with that name who match this... particular description. This is personal." Chapter 59 - 59: Situation Escalates "That scum has been trying to edge in on my territory for a while now, testing the limits. I know he answers to a higher authority so I have never paid him any mind but now he has crossed the limit." Floozk''s tone was calm, but the fury beneath was unmistakable. August stared out the window, rage swirling in his own chest as he recalled Damon''s brazen entry into his home. He truly did cross the line. "So," Floozk continued, breaking August''s thoughts, "when you said Damon, I knew it couldn''t be anyone else. If he''s got your dear one, then he''s made this personal for both of us." August''s gaze hardened as he looked back at Floozk. "Then let''s get this done." Floozk''s lips twisted into a grim satisfied smile. "Now you''re speaking my language, Aleman." ... ... The atmosphere in the dimly lit nightclub was subdued, the faint thrum of bass reverberating from speakers as a handful of early afternoon patrons lounged at tables or leaned against the bar. Neon lights flickered over worn leather booths and a dingy dance floor. August pushed through the door with unhurried steps as he scanned the surroundings. Part of his face was still obscured by the scarf wrapped around his neck, casting shadows across his features. He walked up to one of Damon''s men standing by the entrance. "I''m here to see Damon." The man looked August up and down as his mouth curled into a sneer. "Our boss doesn''t see just anyone, especially not someone who looks as rough around the edges as you," he responded while crossing his arms. August, unfazed, pulled a plain white envelope from his jacket, holding it up between his fingers. "I''m here to return five hundred thousand dollars. I''d assume that''s reason enough." The man''s expression shifted. The sneer immediately dropped from his face as he processed the words. He gestured to a second bouncer by the bar. "Keep an eye on him. I''ll get the boss." Moments later, Damon emerged with a twisting expression of amusement and irritation on his face. "So, you actually my nightclub," Damon voiced while folding his arms as he looked August over. "How exactly did you manage that?" his eyes narrowed in suspicion. August met Damon''s gaze evenly. "Doesn''t matter how. What matters is that I have the money, and I''m here to get Sophia back." Damon let out a mocking chuckle, stepping closer. "Sophia? You think I''ll just hand her over because you managed to scrape together some cash? That''s cute, August," he sneered. "The thing is, I don''t want your money anymore." He leaned in with a low tone. "I''ve decided she''s worth far more than that." August''s eyes flashed with controlled fury as he clenched his fist. "You''ll take the money and release her, Damon. That was the deal." Damon smirked with an unfazed look. "The deal''s off, and there''s nothing you can do about it." At that moment, the front door swung open with a resounding creak, and in walked Mr. Floozk, wielding a black bat that casually rested on his shoulder. The air in the room shifted as whispers and gasps broke out among the patrons. The bartender froze mid-pour as his eyes widened with recognition. Floozk''s mere presence demanded attention. His gaze swept over the room, sharp as steel. Damon''s face paled. He took a small step back as his bravado wilted. "Floozk... I wasn''t..." Floozk smirked as his eyes narrowed as he slowly lowered the bat to the floor. The tip scraped against the worn tile with a low, grating sound as he stepped forward. "You might want to take back what you just said." He gestured around as more men filtered in through the entrance, filling the room with a foreboding presence. Some leaned against the walls, others positioned by the exits. A few even lingered outside, completing the encirclement of the club. Damon swallowed, visibly shaken. His eyes darted between Floozk and August, who now looked back at him with a steely determination. His voice faltered. "Look, there''s...there''s no need for this. We can work something out," he stammered, attempting to recover. "Funny how quickly you change your tune," August said coldly, taking a step closer. "Now that the tables have turned, maybe you''ll finally honor our agreement." Floozk tilted his head while his gaze was fixed on Damon. "Let''s talk about what happened to my business the other day." Damon''s bravado wavered. "Look, Floozk, I don''t know what you''re talking about¡­" Floozk''s eyes narrowed, as sharp as a knife edge. "One of my warehouses was set ablaze. Hostages were taken, and a few of my men... well, they''re not coming back. I saw the security footage, Damon." He gave a chilling smirk. "That black leather jacket, the scar just above your eye...You led the attack. Don''t insult me by pretending otherwise." Damon paled. "I¡­ I was only doing what I was told, okay? It wasn''t my call!" Floozk''s face twisted in fury, and his men moved closer, forming an impenetrable wall around Damon. Damon looked around and barked in desperation. "You may have me surrounded, but Sophia''s not here, so August still loses!" August''s fists clenched as he moved forward with a darkened expression. "Where is she?" Damon sneered, ignoring August''s fury. Before anyone could react further, a sudden click from the upper balcony echoed through the room. One of Damon''s goons, standing at the railing above, aimed a pistol at Mr. Floozk. "Watch out!" August shouted, leaping to shove Floozk out of the line of fire. A gunshot rang out, sending people diving for cover. Chaos erupted as Floozk''s men moved instantly, drawing their guns and firing back. August pulled Floozk to safety, but the sound of clashing weapons and the yells of fighting men filled the club as Floozk''s bodyguards clashed with Damon''s gang. Amidst the commotion, Damon took his chance, pushing through the scattering crowd. He shoved anyone in his way, drawing his own gun and firing at anyone who dared block his path. Bodies fell, and patrons scrambled for cover while screams mingled with gunfire as Damon made a desperate break for the back exit. But August wasn''t about to let him get away. Je fought his way through the fray using his fists to outmaneuver Damon''s remaining lackeys. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A few well-placed punches sent one thug reeling into a table, and August dodged another''s wild swing before delivering a brutal uppercut, knocking the man out cold. Finally, as he broke through a clearing in the fight, August caught sight of Sophia, bound and frightened, hidden behind some crates. Damon had clearly tried to use her as a last shield, but as August closed in, Damon abandoned her set on not letting anything deter his escape. Relief flooded August''s face as he knelt beside Sophia, quickly untying her. "You''re safe now," he murmured. "Auggie..." She hugged him tightly with a look of gratitude. Floozk, however, was still on the hunt. His patience for Damon had run out. "Hand me the sword." "Here?" August seemed a bit skeptical. "Yes here!" Flookz yelled. August let out a low groan before summoning his game interface and swiftly scrolled to inventory. To everyone else, he was swiping his fingers in mid-air like a madman because only he could see the game interface. --- [System Notification: Would you like to extract Runic Sword to Reality?] - [YES] ¡Á [NO] --- "Yes," August muttered as his fingers glowed faintly with purplish streaks. Chapter 60 - 60: A Purchase Well Made The extraction began and a bar appeared, displaying how much time was left. After about thirty seconds, the Runic Sword materialized in his grasp. The blade gleamed with a fierce, red energy, causing the air in the surroundings to vibrate softly. With a slight tremor, he passed the weapon to Floozk, who held it, feeling the blade vibrate in his grip. He gave an approving nod as a deadly grin spread across his face. He lifted the sword high, and with a single swing, unleashed a blazing arc of crimson energy that tore through Damon''s men, cutting them down in an instant. Blood sprayed across the floor, painting the dark walls in ominous streaks of red. As the remaining thugs scattered, some ran for the back exit. Floozk advanced through the crowd with his bodyguards clearing his path. Reaching the rear exit, he spotted Damon scrambling into a black car, revving the engine in a last attempt to escape. Floozk didn''t hesitate. He raised the Runic Sword and with a powerful, sweeping motion, he brought it down, sending another red arc racing toward the car. The energy struck the vehicle, splitting it cleanly in two. Metal crunched and twisted as the car halves slid apart causing sparks and smoke to billow from the ruined engine. One part immediately caught on fire and Damon staggered out of the wreckage in horror. Floozk stalked forward, gripping Damon by the hair, yanking him to his feet. "You don''t get to walk away from this," Floozk sneered with cold fury. He dragged Damon back inside, ignoring his screams of protest and pulling him through the carnage. August watched with a look of satisfaction as Floozk threw Damon to the ground in the center of the ruined nightclub. As the dust settled in the now-quiet nightclub, August turned to Mr. Floozk with his gaze lingering on the Runic Sword, which still pulsed faintly with residual energy. "I''d be careful with that sword if I were you." Floozk glanced at the weapon, a small, satisfied smile appearing at the corners of his mouth. "This is a purchase well made, Aleman. I think I''ll manage," his voice was laced with dark amusement. Damon knelt on the floor in terror as he realized his empire had crumbled around him. Floozk''s men stood guard, ensuring no one left the building without his say. The few survivors, Damon''s last few loyal followers, had been forced to kneel as well or were barely clinging to consciousness, scattered across the floor. Floozk turned his cold gaze on Damon, stepping closer until he towered over him. "Now, let''s settle another matter, shall we?" His voice was deceptively calm. A quiet menace underlined each word. "Tell me who ordered you to torch my warehouse." Damon''s eyes darted around, refusing to meet Floozk''s. He pressed his lips together, remaining silent. Floozk tilted his head as his eyes narrowed. "Very well. But I promise you, by the time I''m done with you, you''ll be begging me for death, and even at that, I won''t be merciful enough to grant it to you." August clutched Sophia''s hand tightly and felt a shudder run through her. He looked down at her and noticed her face pale from all she''d just witnessed. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He wasn''t new to brutality. In fact, in his previous world, he had been involved in his fair share of merciless takedowns but Sophia was different. She was pure. He knew she''d seen more than enough. He turned to Floozk, giving him a respectful nod. "Thank you¡­ for everything. I owe you one." Floozk raised a hand, waving it dismissively. "Think nothing of it, Aleman. Just remember to bring me something interesting next time." He gave a dark, knowing smirk, still focused on Damon, who was visibly trembling. "Count on it," August replied. With a final look at the defeated Damon and the chaos around him, August took Sophia''s hand, guiding her out of the club and away from the nightmare that had unfolded. As they stepped outside, the cool evening air hit them. It was a breath of freshness compared to the suffocating intensity of the club''s interior. Sophia clung to his arm, leaning into him, clearly shaken. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, offering a comforting squeeze. "You okay, Soph?" he asked softly as they walked down the empty street. She took a shaky breath, nodding. "I¡­ I am now. Just¡­ I hope something like this never happens again." "I promise... it won''t," He gave her a reassuring smile. "Today''s been one hell of a day, but it''s over." She let out a faint laugh, resting her head against his shoulder. "I could sleep for a week after all that." "Let''s get home," he said, gently steering her down the street. ... ... Outside a gleaming skyscraper, towering amidst the city''s skyline, a long line of people¡ªgamers, enthusiasts, and potential recruits¡ªstretched down the block. Above them, a massive holographic sign flashed the words "Phoenix Celestial" in striking crimson and gold. For those familiar with Enders Light, it was a place synonymous with prestige. One of the most reputable guilds. Each person in the line clutched a small electronic ticket with their number printed on it. Many tags read in the triple and even quadruple digits. Evening was setting in, casting a warm glow over the crowd as anticipation bubbled through the line. But just as the hopes of those closest to the entrance seemed within reach, the large glass doors slid open and a Phoenix Celestial guild member in uniform stepped out. The man had strikingly neat hair, styled in a short, sharp cut, and wore a pristine, fitted black uniform with a crimson Phoenix emblem stitched on his chest. He gave a somewhat sympathetic look to the hopefuls. "Attention, everyone!" his voice boomed over the din. "We''re closing for the day. Those of you still waiting in line will have to return tomorrow to continue your application process." Groans of disappointment rippled through the crowd as people inched forward to see if the news was genuine. But the guild member waved his hands, signaling it was final. Some people complained, but others nodded and murmured in acceptance, already turning to leave. Just as he was about to return inside, a figure stepped out from the shadows near the corner of the building. "Hold on a moment," the man called out with an unmistakably authoritative tone. The guild member rolled his eyes and muttered under his breath. "Great¡­ him again." The man stepped forward, revealing himself as a tall, lean individual with dark sunglasses and a sharp suit that marked him as anything but an average player. Because he wasn''t a player... His government badge, partially visible, indicated he was with federal law enforcement. His gaze remained cool, with an air that suggested he wasn''t one to be denied. "Got a minute?" he asked, almost as if he were issuing an order instead of making a request. The guild member sighed but nodded, not wanting to make a scene. "Alright, Detective Wright. You''re here to see the Ice Queen again, aren''t you?" The detective gave a tight-lipped smile. "You catch on quick." The guild member shrugged, holding the door open for Wright, who stepped inside, surveying the building''s luxurious interior. They walked through a series of lounges filled with players socializing, some enjoying drinks from the bar, while others were locked in deep discussions about the game''s latest updates. As they walked, several other guild members greeted the guild rep, who seemed to have built quite a reputation within the guild. "Looking good, Dex!" one of the players called out as they passed, giving him a thumbs-up. "Thanks, Trent," Dex replied with a grin, before looking back at Wright. "So, what''s the big deal this time? Your Ice Queen visits are starting to look like clockwork." "Let''s just say there''s been some¡­ chatter," Wright replied cryptically, looking around as they passed by a gym area where several players were working out, some lifting weights, others sparring on mats. The walls here were adorned with Phoenix Celestial insignias, and the room echoed with the sounds of exertion and encouragement from fellow guild members. "Still obsessed with the game?" Dex teased. "You do realize there''s more to life than chasing after digital avatars, right?" Wright smirked, glancing sidelong at Dex. "You wouldn''t understand. Some of us have bigger fish to fry." Dex chuckled, clearly unfazed, and continued leading him down the hall, where they soon approached a room marked "Phoenix Celestial Gaming Suite." Inside, rows of high-end gaming pods were arranged, each more advanced than the next, with colorful LEDs illuminating the smooth metal cases. A few guild members were immersed in their pods and a holographic interface displayed outside each pod showed the player''s in-game stats and recent achievements. They moved on, winding through another corridor, and eventually stopped in front of an imposing set of double doors that led to the guild''s boardroom. Dex turned to Wright, holding up a hand. "Wait here for a moment," he voiced while knocking on the door. A few seconds later, a cool, feminine voice responded from within. It was soft yet held a sultry edge that commanded attention. "Come in." Chapter 61 - 61: Superheroes Dont Exist Dex slipped inside, leaving Wright to wait. The interior of the room was spacious, lined with black furniture and a massive table at the center. Sitting at its head was the Ice Queen herself. Her real name was Elena Frost. She was an incredibly stunning woman with smooth, buttery skin, piercing ice-blue eyes, and long platinum hair cascading over her shoulders. She wore a fitted, icy-blue suit jacket that seemed to shimmer faintly, paired with a high-necked blouse beneath that added to her air of refined elegance. Her skirt had a little parting line that displayed her thick thighs and her lustrous curves were a sight to behold. Anyone would drool if they set eyes on her. Elena Frost''s entire look was cool, commanding, and borderline intimidating¡ªprecisely the image that suited the Ice Queen. "Another visit from Detective Wright?" she questioned with a detached gaze as she looked up at Dex. "Yes, ma''am," he nodded. "He says it''s urgent." She let out a sigh as though she had predicted this. "Fine, let him in." - The heavy double doors of the Phoenix Celestial boardroom swung open, and Detective Wright entered with an air of determination. His sharp suit was immaculate, but the exhaustion in his eyes betrayed the mounting frustration he carried. At the far end of the room, Elena Frost sat at the head of a table. Her icy-blue eyes locked onto him the moment he entered. "Elena Frost," Wright began with an exasperated tone. "Thank you for seeing me on such short notice." Elena leaned back in her chair with her silver-blonde hair flowing over her shoulders like liquid light. Her slender fingers toyed with a pen on the table as she spoke. "Detective Wright," she gestured to the chair across from her. "You always know how to make an entrance. What brings you this time?" Wright didn''t sit. Instead, he placed his hands firmly on the edge of the table, leaning forward. "Elena as you may know... Enders Light is no longer just a game¡ªit''s spilling over into the real world, and it''s chaos." Elena arched a delicate brow while maintaining a calm expression. "Go on." Wright pulled out his smartphone, tapping it a few times before showing her a news clip. On the screen was a report of a recent incident: a neighborhood devastated by an attack that left multiple injured and two dead. The anchor''s voice described supernatural abilities being used in destructive ways. "This," Wright began, "is just one of the many crimes committed by supernatural players this month alone. People who gained abilities through Enders Light are running rampant¡ªrobberies, assaults, and even organized crime. It''s escalating, Elena, and law enforcement can''t keep up." Elena tilted her head with an unbothered look. "And how does this concern me?" she asked. "You know exactly why I''m here," Wright''s voice rose slightly. "The law enforcement system isn''t equipped to handle supernatural players. We''re trying to fight fire with paper shields, and it''s not working. That''s why I need your help." Elena''s lips curled into a faint smile, but there was no warmth in it. "Let me guess: You''re here to ask me to join your little crusade, again?" Wright straightened, sensing her resistance but refusing to back down. "I''m assembling a team¡ªa covert unit of supernatural players who will work with law enforcement to take down those abusing their abilities. We need people who understand the game, who have the skills and power to fight back. You''re one of the most powerful players in the world, and your guild has resources no one else can match." Elena rose from her chair at this moment and took some steps around the table. "Detective, I believe I''ve made myself clear before. I have no interest in joining law enforcement, let alone forming a militia to clean up your messes. We''re gamers. We signed up for this game to escape reality, not to be shackled to it." Wright took a deep breath with his fists clenching at his sides. "You have the power to make a difference, Elena. Do you think these criminals will stop at robbing banks or attacking neighborhoods? If this continues, it''s only a matter of time before they come for you, your guild, your people. Are you really willing to sit back and let that happen?" sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Elena circled the table causing her heels to click against the polished floor. She stopped in front of him. "And what would you have me do, Detective Wright? Sacrifice my players? Put their lives at risk for a system that has already failed to protect them? Tell me, how many of your officers are trained to handle supernatural players? How many would last a second against someone who can level a building with a flick of their wrist?" Wright hesitated, but his jaw tightened. "We''re not equipped. That''s why we need you. You could¡ª" "Enough," Elena''s voice cut through the air like a blade as she snapped. "This isn''t my responsibility. Just because some of us have gained abilities doesn''t make us soldiers. It doesn''t make us heroes. And it certainly doesn''t make us your saviors." Wright exhaled deeply as his shoulders sagged. "If not you, then at least spare some of your players. Surely, some of them would be willing¡ª" Elena turned her back to him and rested her hands on the table. "No. I won''t put their lives in danger. You''re asking for something I can''t and won''t give." Wright''s frustration was visible but he knew he had lost this battle. He adjusted his tie and straightened his posture. "You''re making a mistake, Elena. When this spirals out of control, you''ll wish you''d done something." Elena didn''t respond. Her icy gaze remained fixed on the city skyline through the boardroom''s tall windows. Taking her silence as his cue to leave, Wright turned and walked out. The heavy doors closed behind him with a resonant thud. Elena''s lips tightened as she stared out into the distance. "Superheroes don''t exist," she muttered under her breath. ... ... Back in August''s apartment, the house was finally calm. After the chaos of the day, August had tucked Sophia into bed. She clung to him tightly before falling asleep. Her small hands gripped his shirt like she was afraid he''d disappear. It made his chest ache, but he gently pried her fingers loose, kissed her forehead, and pulled the blanket up to her chin. He stood by the door for a moment, watching her peaceful sleeping face, and exhaled deeply. Everything that had transpired was still heavy on his mind. "Today was insane," he muttered to himself as he turned off the light and quietly closed the door. He headed to the small living room and flopped onto the sofa, staring up at the ceiling. Images of Damon, Mr. Floozk, and the chaos at the nightclub played over and over in his mind. He didn''t know what had become of Damon, but he didn''t care. What mattered was that Sophia was safe, and Damon would think twice before ever coming near them again... That is if he was still alive. More importantly, August realized he had a surprising silver lining to the situation. He hadn''t handed over a cent of the money he''d earned. Pulling out his phone, he checked his bank account. The bright numbers stared back at him: "$800,000." He blinked a few times, letting it sink in. He still had a hefty chunk of cash left, and for the first time in a long time, he felt like he could breathe. "Not bad," he whispered with a small smile. He began scrolling through his notes, mentally tabulating the debts he still owed. Unlike Damon''s absurd amount, the remaining debts weren''t as pressing. A couple of banks and a few smaller loan sharks¡ªmanageable compared to what he''d just dealt with. "Looks like I''ll finally be cleaning up the rest of August Clementine''s mess tomorrow," he said with a dry chuckle. Once he had taken care of the other debts, he could finally get himself and Sophia out of this dump of a neighborhood to somewhere better... Safer. He also thought about his business. He could properly focus on it now and stop the factory work. With that thought settled, he leaned back on the couch, closing his eyes. The weight on his shoulders had lessened, but the thrill of success was already pulling him back into the game. "Enders Light," he murmured. His heart quickened slightly at the thought of logging back in. He wasn''t just playing for fun anymore¡ªit was a lifeline, a goldmine, and a chance to make something of himself in this new world. He got up, stretched his limbs, and walked to his room. Sitting down in front of his pod, he ran his fingers across its surface thoughtfully. "Alright, Aleman," he said with a grin. "Let''s see what trouble we can stir up tonight." He slid into the pod, adjusted the helmet, and let out a steadying breath. Moments later, the world around him melted away as the familiar system voice greeted him. [ Welcome back, Player Aleman. ] It was time to grind. Chapter 62 - 62: Learning About Other Fruits August wandered through TG Adventurer''s Guild, scanning the enormous quest board. The room was alive with the murmur of players chatting, negotiating, and strategizing. Each corner of the hall seemed to have its own energy as adventurers gathered in groups. He couldn''t help but eavesdrop on a group of players near the counter discussing rare quests. One of them, a tall player with a fiery red cloak and a sword that emitted a faint orange glow, was gesturing animatedly. "I''m telling you, the fruits are crazy," the red-cloaked player said confidently. His username, Blazefury, floated above his head. "I''ve read every thread on the forums. The Fruit of Corruption is rare, yeah, but the Fruit of Longevity? That''s the one everyone dreams of." A shorter player in black leather armor scoffed. His username read RogueKing. "Dreams, yeah. You think anyone who gets one of those is going to advertise it? Infinite HP? Immortality in the real world? People would kill for it¡ªliterally." Blazefury crossed his arms. "I heard one appeared in the Great Dark Wastes three months ago. Caused a bloodbath." "Rumors," RogueKing shot back. "No one knows if anyone even claimed it." Another player, a mage with glowing blue runes etched into their staff, chimed in. "What about the Fruit of Evil? I heard it gives players an entirely separate cursed magic interface that works in both the game and real life." "Yeah, and whoever has that will probably turn into some villainous overlord," RogueKing smirked. "Imagine that¡ªcursed magic, no penalties. That''s next-level power." August leaned against a pillar, absorbing every word. He hadn''t heard much about the other fruits before. The Fruit of Corruption he''d used was already life-changing, but the descriptions of these other fruits made him realize just how much potential the game held. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He smirked inwardly. ''One thing''s for sure: this game isn''t just a game anymore.'' Blazefury continued, lowering his voice. "They say fruits like these only appear during special conditions¡ªmassive player battles, world boss events, or unique quest completions. If you''re lucky, you might even get a whisper notification." "Yeah, ''if,''" RogueKing said, rolling his eyes. "Anyway, good luck finding one. You''re more likely to get hit by a lightning bolt in real life." --- August eventually turned back to the quest board as his eyes swept over the various postings. Many of the quests were menial or required lower levels, but then one caught his attention. [ Quest: The Stolen Relics ] Rank: C Level Requirement: 25+ Description: Relics of ancient power have been stolen from the Temple of Echoes. Recover them from the notorious group lurking in the Mountainous Bluffs. Reward: 8,000 Gold, Rare Item Drop, +30,000 EXP August''s lips curled into a grin. "This could be promising," he muttered to himself while selecting the quest. --- As he walked toward the exit, he heard Blazefury''s voice again. "Hey, you¡ªwhat level are you?" August stopped and glanced over his shoulder. "Level 26." RogueKing snorted. "You''re taking a C-ranked quest solo? You''ve got guts." Blazefury grinned. "Or he''s insane. What''s your class?" "Assassin," August replied coolly, then added internally, ''and Mage.'' The group visibly rolled their eyes. RogueKing frowned. "Your class is the weakest unless you attack secretly." Blazefury raised an eyebrow. "Think you''ve got what it takes to handle a C-ranked quest on your own?" August smirked confidently. "Guess I''ll be finding out soon enough." With that, he turned and walked out of the guild, leaving the group behind. Blazefury chuckled. "Well, he''s got guts." RogueKing shook his head. "Or he''s going to end up in the respawn zone." --- Outside, August checked the quest details once more and opened his map. The Mountainous Bluffs weren''t too far, but the area was notorious for its high-level enemies. "Time to see how promising those rewards really are," he muttered as he began making his way toward the bluffs with his shadow cloak swirling behind him. The hunt for power and riches continued. ... ... The path to the Mountainous Bluffs twisted sharply upward Pointy rocks and loose gravel made every step a cautious calculation. August adjusted the straps of his inventory pouch, glancing up at the steep incline ahead. The winds whistled around him, carrying faint voices. As he approached a clearing, he stopped in his tracks and crouched. Up ahead, a group of travelers was surrounded by a band of thieves. Their faces were masked and their weapons drawn. "Hand over everything, or we''ll make sure this is the last trip you ever take!" barked the apparent leader, a tall figure with a scar slashing across his face. One of the travelers who happened to be a frightened merchant, clutched a small bag. "Please, this is all I have! My family depends on me!" --- [ System Notification: Side Objective Assist the travelers and drive off the thieves! ] [ Reward: Bonus Gold and Potential Loot. ] --- August''s lips curled into a smirk as he read the notification. "Looks like I''ll be earning some extra credit." He unsheathed his enhanced dagger and activated his stealth ability, moving quietly along the cliffside. His eyes scanned the group of thieves: five in total. One archer perched on a rock, two swordsmen flanking the travelers, a bulky brawler with spiked knuckles, and their scarred leader wielding a curved blade. --- [ Skill Activated: Stealth Mode ] --- "Time to make an entrance," August muttered, dashing forward in a blur. His high speed caught the archer off guard as he materialized behind him, delivering a swift Hidden Strike to the back. The archer crumpled, dropping his bow. --- [ System Notification: Critical Hit! Archer Defeated! ] [ -3000 HP ] +2500 EXP --- The noise alerted the others. "We''ve got company!" the scarred leader shouted while drawing his curved blade. The brawler rushed forward, swinging his spiked knuckles at August. He sidestepped, narrowly avoiding the blow, and countered by activating Dash. His figure blurred as he appeared behind the brawler and landed a devastating slash across his back. --- [ System Notification: Dash Skill Leveled Up! ] [ Dash (Level 5): Increased speed and reduced cooldown.] --- The brawler stumbled but didn''t fall. He roared in anger and charged again, but August activated Shadow Dance, creating a series of shadowy afterimages that confused the brute. While the brawler swung wildly at illusions, August turned his focus to the two swordsmen. One lunged at him, but August parried causing the clang of steel to ring out. Using his mage abilities, he cast Lightning Bolt, sending a crackling bolt of energy directly into the second swordsman''s chest. --- [ System Notification: Lightning Bolt Activated! ] [ Effect: 2x Gravitational Force Applied. ] --- The swordsman hit the ground hard and struggled to lift himself under the spell''s increased weight. August didn''t waste time and finished him with a quick stab to the neck. The remaining swordsman hesitated after seeing his comrade fall. August dashed forward with his newly upgraded skill and disarmed him before knocking him out with a sharp elbow to the temple. --- [ System Notification: Swordsman Defeated! ] +3050 EXP [ Item Dropped: Health Potion x1 ] --- Now only the leader and the brawler remained. The leader growled while stepping forward. "You''ve got guts, but this ends now!" He slashed wildly, forcing August to be on the defensive. The brawler charged again, flanking August from the side. Seeing how things were getting a bit more tougher, August decided to use the big guns. Chapter 63 - 63: Treacherous Routes Seeing how things were getting a bit more tougher, August decided to use the big guns. --- [ System Notification: Ethereal Storm Activated! ] [ Effect: Decreased Vision Radius for Enemies in AoE. ] --- A bolt of purplish energy shot down from the sky, striking both the bawler and the leader. [ - 3500 HP ] [ - 3500 HP ] The brawler lost the rest of his HP instantly while the leader weaved his sword around as he staggered blindly. --- [ System Notification: Critical Hit! Brawler Defeated! ] +2500 EXP --- Now only the leader remained. August dodged the blind slash from the leader who couldn''t see properly due to the effect of the Ethereal storm. He countered with a quick combination of Slash and Fireball. Flames engulfed the leader, who roared in pain. With one final dash, August plunged his dagger into the leader''s chest. --- [ System Notification: Leader Defeated! ] +3500 EXP [ Item Dropped: Unlock Totem x1 ] --- The remaining travelers cheered as the thieves lay defeated. One merchant approached him cautiously. "Thank you, adventurer. Without you, we would have been done for." "No problem," August responded while retrieving the dropped items. He held up the strange Unlock Totem item, examining it. "Hmm? I wonder what this does..." August tried to see if the system would give him any information on the item but it only showed a few vague words. [ Unlock Totem: An Item Dropped By The Leader Of The Robbers ] He decided not to think much of it and kept it away. --- [ System Notification: Side Objective Completed! [ Reward: +1,000 Gold, +10,000 EXP ] --- The merchant approached August with a smile after the battle. He held out two items. "You''ve done more for us than I can ever repay," the merchant said while bowing slightly. "Here, take these. They might be useful to you on your journey." --- [ System Notification: You Have Received the Following Items: ] - Enchanted Mirror (Hand-Sized): A magical mirror that can reveal hidden pathways or dangers when activated. It also helps to view other locations from a distance. - Merchant''s Plaque: A token displaying the merchant''s shop name. Grants access to items at significant discounts. --- "Thanks," August showed his appreciation while examining the items briefly before stowing them in his inventory. "I''ll be sure to stop by your shop." The merchant pointed towards a golden symbol etched onto the plaque. "Whenever you''re nearby, just show this, and you''ll always be welcome." After exchanging brief goodbyes, August resumed his trek up the Mountainous Bluffs. --- The path ahead was rugged and steep. The howl of the wind grew louder as August ascended higher. From this vantage point, he could see Tagharuim Kingdom below. Its towers glinted faintly in the distance under the sun. "This view would''ve been worth it if I weren''t on the clock," August muttered. The winding path eventually ended abruptly. A massive section of the path had crumbled away, leaving no clear way forward. August glanced around. To the left, a jagged path led into a dark forested area. Its entrance was littered with bones and claw marks¡ªclear signs of dangerous beasts. To the right was something even more peculiar: a swirling sea of purplish mist stretching across a narrow ledge. The mist was unnaturally dense, and its eerie glow obscured visibility. --- [ System Notification: Warning! Two Dangerous Paths Detected. Choose Your Route. ] [ Left Path: Known for aggressive beasts and high-level creatures. ] [ Right Path: A treacherous area full of traps and roaming ghosts. ] --- "I''d rather not wrestle with giant claws right now," August muttered while stepping towards the mist. The air was thick with an unnatural chill as August entered the misty path. His steps were cautious as his eyes darted to catch faint shapes moving within the swirling haze. --- [ System Notification: You Have Entered the Purplish Mist Zone. ] - Effects: Reduced Visibility. - Dangers: Traps, roaming Dark Ghosts (Level 27+). --- The sound of something snapping underfoot froze August in place. A sharp creak echoed, and suddenly, the ground beneath him gave way. He was hoisted into the air by a hidden trap¡ªa net woven from some kind of magical thread. --- [ System Notification: Trap Detected! ] [ Effect: Movement Restricted. ] --- "Of course... an assassin gets caught in a trap..." August groaned while struggling against the bindings. As he fought to free himself, a faint wailing sound emerged from the mist. His eyes snapped toward the noise, catching the faint silhouette of a Dark Ghost slowly floating toward him. Its form was translucent. Its face contorted in a grotesque scream, and long, clawed fingers reached out for him. --- [ System Notification: Dark Ghost Detected! ] Level: 28 Abilities: - Life Drain: Siphons HP from its target. - Phantom Slash: A spectral attack that bypasses most physical defenses. --- August muttered, "Fucked by a ghost? I think not..." He reached into his inventory and grabbed his Enhanced Dagger before slashing at the magical net until it frayed. He dropped to the ground just as the ghost lunged. Rolling to the side, he activated Shadow Dance, creating shadowy afterimages to confuse the creature. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. However, to August''s surprise, the ghost lunged forward and immediately singled out the original. [ System Notification: Dark Ghost Has Used Spectral Slash ] August raised his dagger just in time to block this attack but it phased right through his dagger and struck him directly. August got sent flying and immediately lost some HP. [ -450HP ] "Damn it... That''s cheating," August voiced in frustration as he jumped back to his feet. The ghost lunged forward once more but August wasn''t about to let it get close. He instantly cast Lightning Bolt with his custom staff. --- [ System Notification: Lightning Bolt Activated! Effect: Target is paralyzed temporarily --- The Dark Ghost''s form crackled with energy as it froze mid-air. "Yes!" August was initially worried the attack would phase through but fortunately, Magic bypassed that. He proceeded to dash forward with his newly leveled-up Dash, slashing with precision at the ghost continuously. --- [ System Notification: Critical Hit! Dark Ghost Defeated! ] +4500 EXP Item Dropped: Dark Essence x1 --- Fortunately, the ghost HP wasn''t crazily high or he would have had a harder time defeating it. August leaned against the rocky wall and began consuming an HP potion. The mist continued swirling, making it hard to see more than a few feet ahead. "I better be careful so I don''t end up losing a dying and losing a level," he muttered while storing the dropped Dark Essence into his inventory. He pressed onward cautiously, gripping his dagger tightly and keeping his eyes peeled for more traps or roaming enemies. This path was proving to be far more treacherous than he anticipated. ... Hours into his journey, a new system notification appeared. [ System Notification: You Have Entered the Depths of the Purplish Mist Zone. ] [ Status: Increased density of traps and hostile entities detected. ] --- August wiped sweat from his brow while crouching behind a boulder to catch his breath. His body was aching from a near-miss earlier, where a phantom claw grazed his shoulder, leaving behind a faint chill that had sapped a chunk of his HP. "This place just doesn''t let up," he muttered while glancing at his inventory to assess his potion count. He had just enough Mana Potions and Health Potions to sustain him for a while longer. He held up the Enchanted Mirror gifted by the merchant and activated it. --- [ System Notification: Enchanted Mirror Activated ] [ Effect: Revealing hidden traps within a 15-meter radius.] --- The mist swirled in response, revealing the faint outlines of concealed pitfalls and tripwires ahead. August studied the glowing reflections in the mirror and carefully maneuvered past them. "Probably the best reward I''ve received so far," he muttered while keeping it back in his inventory before continuing down the path. --- August''s relief was short-lived as a spine-chilling wail echoed through the mist again. Two Dark Ghosts emerged with their forms flickering erratically as they floated toward him. --- [ System Notification: Dark Ghosts Detected! ] - Level: 29 - Abilities: Life Drain, Phantom Slash, Mist Veil (temporarily turns invisible). --- "Not again," August groaned while gripping his custom staff tightly. One of the ghosts lunged, activating Mist Veil to become nearly invisible. August stepped back, using Lightning Bolt to light up the area in an attempt to locate it. The bolt struck true, momentarily revealing its distorted form. The second ghost circled around, attempting to flank him. August activated Dash and reappeared thirty-five paces away, narrowly avoiding a swipe from its claws. He retaliated with Fireball, enhanced by his custom staff to unleash flames laced with poison. The fireball exploded on impact, leaving the ghost shrieking in agony as poisonous flames consumed it. --- [ System Notification: Critical Hit! Dark Ghost Defeated!] +3800 EXP [ Item Dropped: Spectral Shard x1 ] --- The second ghost lunged again, but August was ready. He activated sidestepped, appearing a good distance away from the creature, and instantly cast Ethereal Storm. A concentrated vortex of destructive winds was immediately summoned, shredding the ghost to pieces. --- [ System Notification: Dark Ghost Defeated! ] +850 EXP [ Item Dropped: Ectoplasmic Core x1 ] --- August leaned against a rock to take a breather. His HP bar was dangerously low, but he quickly downed a Health Potion to stabilize himself. He realized that it had been nearly ten hours since he started this mission. A C-ranked quest was no joke. August proceeded to continue with his journey. Soon, the mist began to clear as the path widened. Ahead, the treacherous terrain gave way to a more open area, though it wasn''t any less ominous. Chapter 64 - 64: Infiltrating The Hideout A small body of water glimmered in the faint light. Its surface was eerily still. Beyond it, a large spiked wooden gate stood tall, enclosing what appeared to be the notorious group''s hideout. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Finally," August muttered as his eyes narrowed while he studied the structure. The enclosure was well-guarded, with tall watchtowers and faint silhouettes of guards patrolling. --- [ System Notification: Primary Objective Location Reached! ] [ Objective: Infiltrate the Enclosure and Retrieve the Stolen Relics. ] --- August crouched near the water''s edge, observing the area. "How do these guys even get through all this?" he wondered aloud, thinking back to the relentless traps, ghosts, and other obstacles he''d faced just to get here. He scanned the water, wary of potential dangers lurking beneath its surface. The still water stretched before August like a glassy, unbroken mirror. He crouched at its edge while gazing deep into it. Somewhere deep within the pond, faint ripples betrayed the movements of unseen creatures. He frowned, knowing the risks involved. ''No way I''m diving into that,'' he thought while assessing the distance. Activating his Dash skill, August took a deep breath and sprang forward. --- System Notification: [ Dash Activated: Distance Boost +50% | Cooldown: 60 seconds ] --- His feet barely grazed the edge of the pond before he was airborne, propelled by the force of his enhanced skill. Wind whipped past him as he soared over the water. Beneath him, dark shapes began to surface, but it was too late for them. August landed smoothly on the opposite ledge causing a loud stomping sound to echo through the silence as his boots made contact with solid ground. The creatures beneath the water let out guttural, frustrated cries before retreating into the depths. "Not today," August muttered, brushing off his armor and moving forward. --- As the path wound further up, the faint flicker of torchlight became visible through the mist. The large wooden gate towered above him and was now much closer. Its spiked edges gave off an air of menace. Guards patrolled the enclosure walls¡ªrugged, muscular figures adorned in mismatched armor that seemed cobbled together from stolen pieces. From a distance, August''s eyes narrowed. He recognized the gleaming metallic wristbands on some of them¡ªsimilar to the ones worn by the thieves he had defeated earlier. "So, this is where they come from," he murmured while staying low to avoid detection. He crept closer, hiding behind the rocks lining the path. From here, he could hear the banter of the guards above. "Bet they''ll make me a lieutenant soon," one of the guards voiced while leaning lazily on his bow. He was a slim man with a thin scar running across his jaw. His partner, a shorter and stouter figure, snorted. "In your dreams, Fael. You can''t even hit a target if it''s more than ten feet away." Fael scowled, aiming his bow at a nearby tree to demonstrate his skill. The arrow struck its mark, though it wobbled slightly on impact. "Better than your throwing knives, old man," he retorted. Their voices faded as August slipped closer to the gate. He was so focused that he didn''t notice a shadow moving above him. "Halt!" a gruff voice barked. August froze as his eyes darted upward. A guard stood on the wall with his bow drawn and aimed directly at him. "Who are you, and what business do you have here? This is Iron Fang territory!" More guards appeared along the wall and immediately drew their weapons. August quickly raised his hands. "I''m one of you," he called out with a calm voice. "A new recruit. Came in from the south route." The guards exchanged skeptical glances. "We haven''t been told about any new recruits," one of them said. "Prove it. If you''re truly one of us, where is your unlock Totem?" August''s mind raced as he recalled the item that the leader of the thieves dropped after he killed him. ''So this is where it comes in handy,'' August''s expression remained calm as he reached into his inventory. "I have it right here," he stated while pulling out the glowing Unlock Totem he had taken from the thieves earlier. --- System Notification: [ Unlock Totem Activated | Gate Access Granted ] --- The totem emitted a soft sound as the massive wooden gates creaked open. The sound reverberated through the mountains. "Well, I''ll be damned," Fael muttered while lowering his bow. "Guess he''s legit." "Get in, newbie," another guard said, stepping aside. "And don''t cause trouble, or you''ll regret it." August nodded while walking through the gates. His eyes quickly took in the scene. --- The Iron Fang enclosure was a chaotic place filled with life. Roughly constructed wooden buildings stood scattered around a central courtyard, where several large fire pits blazed. Groups of men and women lounged around the fires, sharpening weapons or counting stolen loot. To one side, a crude smithy belched black smoke into the air as a burly blacksmith hammered away at a glowing piece of metal. Nearby, a fenced-off area housed several frightened captives. Their faces were pale and drawn. "Fresh meat, huh?" a gruff voice called out. August turned to see a large woman leaning against a stack of crates. She was broad-shouldered, with arms corded with muscle. Her leather armor was stained with blood, and a long axe rested casually at her side. "Hope you last longer than the last ''new recruit.'' Poor bastard couldn''t even dodge a swing," she said while smirking. "I''ll keep that in mind," August replied evenly, moving further into the enclosure. At the far end of the courtyard, a large wooden building drew closer. Its entrance was guarded by two heavily armed sentries. One of them, a tall man with a crooked nose, stopped August as he approached. "Boss''s second-in-command will want to see you," he said gruffly, jerking his thumb toward the door. August nodded while stepping inside. --- System Notification: [ Primary Objective Updated: Retrieve the Relics from the Iron Fang Hideout. ] System Notification: [ Secondary Objective Unlocked: Free the Captives Without Raising an Alarm. ] --- ''*sigh* It just had to give me more troubles,'' August nearly growled in frustration upon spotting the secondary objective. It almost felt like Ender''s Light was trying to make things more difficult for him on purpose. -- The interior of the building was dimly lit and the smell of stale ale and sweat wafted across the air. A man sat behind a crude wooden table with a deep set of cold eyes. His long, black hair was tied back, revealing a curvy scar running from his temple to his jaw. The moment he set his eyes on August, his lips curled downward. "Who the hell are you?" Chapter 65 - 65: Retrieving The Relics "Who the hell are you?" the man''s gravelly voice reverberated through the confined space as he snapped. His name, Gorrath Blackscar, floated above his head in bold red letters, marking him as Level 32. --- System Notification: [ Avoid Raising Suspicion: Bonus Rewards Available. ] --- August adjusted his stance, forcing himself to look calm. "New recruit," he said smoothly. "Part of Kreg''s set." Gorrath''s scowl deepened. "Kreg? You mean the lazy bastard running the South Path lot?" August nodded. "That''s right. I ran into trouble on the way up. The others are still bringing today''s loot. Figured I''d get here first and report." Gorrath''s lips twisted into a sneer. "Handled the trouble, did you? You don''t look like much, but I guess even a rat can fight when cornered." August held back a retort, simply inclining his head. "They should be along soon." "Should''ve taken the Wundan Portal," Gorrath muttered irritably, standing up and pacing the room. At the mention of a portal, August''s interest was piqued. He kept his face neutral but committed the term to memory. "Fine," Gorrath said with a wave of his hand. "Get out of my sight and don''t waste any more of my time. If your lot screws up the delivery, it''s your head on the block. Understood?" "Understood," August replied, turning and leaving the room without hesitation. -- Outside, the Iron Fang enclosure buzzed with activity. August passed by groups of rebels sharpening weapons, counting coins, and trading stolen goods. Makeshift wooden structures lined the edges of the courtyard, many of them patched together with scavenged materials. The mention of the Wundan portal had piqued his curiosity. He needed to find out more about it before he proceeded with his mission. His eyes scanned for someone approachable but also knowledgeable. Among the milling crowd, he spotted Bellara Irongrip, the broad-shouldered woman who had caught his attention earlier. Her imposing frame and massive axe leaned against a nearby barrel made her hard to miss. She was munching on a chunk of dried meat with her auburn hair tied in a loose braid over her shoulder. Her level indicator¡ªLevel 29 Berserker¡ªhovered above her head like a warning sign. August approached her carefully, ensuring his posture radiated confidence without arrogance. "Bellara, right?" She squinted at him, then smirked. "Well, well, if it isn''t the fresh pup. What do you want, pretty boy?" August smiled faintly. "Gorrath mentioned something about a Wundan portal. I figured I should know more about it if I''m going to fit in here." Bellara let out a booming laugh as her sharp white teeth flashed. "You mean to tell me you''re running with us and you don''t know about the portal? What rock have you been living under?" "Apparently the wrong one," August replied smoothly. Bellara shook her head, still chuckling. "Alright, listen up, pup. The Wundan portal is what makes us untouchable. It connects this place to the base of the Mountainous Bluffs. While everyone else is busy dodging traps and monsters, we pop in and out like ghosts." "Sounds convenient," August voiced while feigning admiration. "Damn right it is," she said proudly, tapping the wristband on her arm. "Only those of us with these wristbands can use it, though. No wristband, no portal access." "Where exactly is it?" August asked, keeping his tone casual. Bellara gave him a long look, then shrugged. "You really are new, huh? It''s in the western corner, past the big storage tents. You''ll see the glowing runes. Can''t miss it." "Thanks," August said while inclining his head. "Don''t mention it," Bellara said with a sly grin. "And if you survive long enough, maybe I''ll let you buy me a drink." "I''ll hold you to that," August replied before turning to leave. --- With Bellara''s directions in mind, August made his way through the crowded enclosure. He passed by rows of storage tents with their interiors lit by flickering torches. The air was thick with the smell of sweat, leather, and smoke. Finally, he reached the western corner, and just as Bellara had described, a glowing circular platform sat in the open space, surrounded by faintly shimmering runes etched into the ground. The runes pulsed rhythmically, casting an eerie light over the area. Guards armed with heavy axes and crossbows stood around it with stern expressions. --- System Notification: [ Observation Success: Wundan Portal Located | Connected Location: Base of Mountainous Bluffs. ] --- August''s eyes narrowed as he took in the sight. Now he had a way to escape this place after retrieving the relics. August adjusted his hood as he navigated through the Iron Fang enclosure. He kept his movements unsuspecting, careful not to attract undue attention. The relics he sought were paramount to completing his mission, but this place was a labyrinth of makeshift storage areas, tents, and armed guards. --- System Notification: [ Primary Objective: Locate the Three Sacred Relics ] [ Secondary Objective: Free the Captives Without Raising Alarm ] --- The system notification reminded him of the task at hand yet again. He decided to focus on the relics first. Wandering too aimlessly would arouse suspicion, so August adopted a methodical approach. Each storage tent was an opportunity and a risk. Inside the first tent, crates and sacks were piled high with the smell of dried herbs and old wood hanging in the air. August sifted through the contents quickly so he wouldn''t waste time. "No relics here," he muttered before moving on to the next tent. --- As he was exiting a particularly crowded storage area, a gruff voice called out behind him. "Hey, new blood!" a burly Iron Fang guard with a jagged scar over his eye barked. His level hovered above his head: Level 27 Barbarian. "What are you doing nosing around here?" August turned slowly, keeping his face calm. "The boss second-in-command sent me," he said evenly. "Said I needed to check for a specific item he''s looking for. Something about a priority shipment." The guard squinted. "What shipment?" "How should I know?" August shot back, feigning irritation. "He just told me to check all the storage. You want to question his orders?" The guard grumbled but stepped back. "Fine. Just don''t screw anything up, rookie." August nodded curtly and continued. ---- In one of the larger storage tents near the back, August found his first success. Among a pile of dusty objects, a faint glow caught his eye. Moving quickly, he uncovered an ancient chalice carved from what appeared to be molten rock. --- System Notification: [ Relic Located: Emberstone Chalice This chalice pulses with fiery energy, rumored to be a key to unlocking hidden volcanic treasures. ] --- August placed it carefully into his inventory. Its glow disappeared as it was stored away. "One down, two to go," he whispered, slipping out of the tent and heading to the next one. --- After several more tense encounters with guards and tedious searching, August finally found the second relic. Hidden beneath a pile of discarded leather armor in a smaller tent, the Starlight Pendant shimmered faintly. It was a delicate necklace with a glowing star-shaped gem at its center. --- System Notification: [ Relic Located: Starlight Pendant ] [ A mystical pendant that enhances vision in darkness and is said to amplify light-based spells. ] --- He tucked it into his inventory with a sigh of relief. Now, only one relic remained: The Shadowfang Dagger. August''s patience was wearing thin as he searched through tent after tent, to no avail. It was starting to look like the dagger wasn''t in the storage areas. Finally, he decided to ask around. Approaching a lanky Iron Fang thief lounging by the fire pit, he put on an air of casual curiosity. "Hey," August said while nodding toward the thief''s wristband. "You were on the last raid, right?" "Yeah, what''s it to you?" the thief replied with a suspicious tone. His level hovered: Level 24 Rogue. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "I''m looking for the Shadowfang Dagger," August voiced with a low tone. "Boss second-in-command wants me to check on its condition." The thief snorted. "Good luck with that. Veltar''s got it. Always keeps it on him, too. You''ll have to pry it out of his hands if you want it." --- System Notification: [ Key Information: Shadowfang Dagger Currently Held by Veltar (Level 30). ] --- "Figures," August muttered. "Where can I find him?" The thief jerked his thumb toward a larger tent near the center of the enclosure. "In there. Don''t get any ideas, though. Veltar doesn''t take kindly to people poking around his stuff. Since you''re not the boss second in command himself, you might end up being collateral damage." "Noted," August began to formulate a plan as he walked away. August took a deep breath as his sharp eyes locked onto Veltar lounging near a campfire. The Shadowfang Dagger glinted ominously at his waist. This was going to be tricky. The notorious Level 30 Rogue was surrounded by several Iron Fang thieves, all laughing and talking while sharpening their weapons. --- System Notification: [ Key Target Identified: Veltar (Level 30) ] [ Objective: Retrieve the Shadowfang Dagger. ] --- "Here goes nothing," August muttered under his breath. August approached, keeping his pace casual. As he neared Veltar, he pretended to stumble causing his shoulder to bump against the rogue''s side. "Watch it, idiot!" Veltar snarled while glaring at August. "My bad," August said, raising his hands apologetically. At that moment, his quick hands went to work. With the speed of a seasoned assassin, he unclasped the Shadowfang Dagger from Veltar''s belt and replaced it with one of his Enhanced daggers, which was nearly identical in size. --- System Notification: [ Shadowfang Dagger Retrieved. ] [ Shadowfang Dagger: A dagger crafted from obsidian, it excels in stealth and critical damage. Special effect: Grants invisibility for 10 seconds upon a successful critical hit. ] --- "Next time, watch where you''re going," Veltar grumbled, brushing past him. "Noted," August said with a smirk before slipping away from the area. Chapter 66 - 66: Wundan Portal Now that he had all three relics, August debated his next move. He could use the Wundan Portal and escape or attempt to save the captives first. "Screw it," he whispered with a straight look. "I''m not leaving them behind. Might as well get rewarded to the fullest." The cage where the captives were held was guarded by two Iron Fang thieves, one a Level 24 Warrior and the other a Level 22 Archer. August straightened his hood and approached confidently. "Hey, you," he called out, pointing at the archer. "Boss second-in-command wants you at the eastern post. Now." The archer frowned. "You sure?" "Yeah," August snapped impatiently. "What, you want me to tell him you didn''t listen?" The archer cursed under his breath and stalked off. August waited for the archer to get completely out of sight before he turned to the warrior. "Your turn," August muttered. "What are you¡ª" Before the guard could react, August activated Hidden Strike multiple times causing his dagger to pierce ghrough the air in a rapid flurry of strikes. --- [ System Notification: Critical hit! Hidden Strike Successful.] [ Guard Eliminated. 2000 EXP Gained. ] --- The guard crumpled to the ground, and August quickly looted his Wristband Totem before turning to the cage. "Stay quiet," August whispered to the captives as he unlocked the cage and gestured for them to follow. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. --- Leading the captives through the enclosure was no easy task. August had to navigate them through dark alleys and makeshift pathways, all while keeping a sharp eye on patrolling guards. "Keep moving," he whispered while glancing back to ensure the captives were following. One of the captives, a weary looking man with ragged clothes, hissed, "How do we know you''re not leading us to another trap?" "You''re free to stay here and find out," August shot back, silencing further complaints. --- As they approached the Wundan Portal, several guards spotted them. Their shouts immediately echoed through the enclosure. "There! Escapees!" August sighed. "Of course." The guards charged, and August activated Shadow Dance, creating afterimages that disoriented the attackers. --- [ System Notification: Shadow Dance Activated. Evasion Increased by 50% for 15 Seconds. ] --- He darted between them, slashing and dodging with a combination of Slash and Dash. --- [ System Notifications: Critical Hit! +2300 EXP Gained. ] --- As the last of the guards in the surroundings fell, August turned to the captives. "Go through the portal. Now!" The captives hesitated but began stepping through one by one. However, as some approached the portal, it crackled with a harsh, electric buzz, repelling them with a force that sent them stumbling backward. --- [ System Notification: Access Denied: Portal Entry Requires Wundan Wristband. ] --- The weary man looked up at August in panic. "What now? We don''t have the bands!" August looked at the remaining captives. He had already handed out the wristbands he collected from the defeated guards, but it wasn''t enough. "Stay here," he said, darting back toward the fallen guards. He rifled through their belongings, pulling off the glowing wristbands and sprinting back to the group. --- [ System Notification: Wristbands Collected: +3 ] --- He distributed the new wristbands, but the number of captives still without one left his stomach churning. Among them, a little girl clung tightly to her brother, tears streaking her dirt-covered face. "Here," August said, pulling off his own wristband and crouching to her level. "This will get you through." The girl hesitated, looking at her brother, and then handed the wristband to him instead. "She needs it more," August said firmly, taking her tiny hand and placing the wristband back into her grasp. "Go. I''ll get one for him." The girl nodded and tearfully stepped into the portal while looking back at her brother As the last of the captives with wristbands entered the portal, August turned back to the battleground. A new wave of Iron Fang Thieves charged toward him with weapons drawn. "Here we go again," he muttered while gripping one of his Enhanced Dagger and activating Dual Wielding. --- [ System Notification: Dual Wielding Cannot Be Activated ] --- ''Shit! It''s because I only have a single dagger...'' August realized as he dashed forward. He attacked with Slash, striking down two guards in quick succession. Their bodies crumpled to the ground, and August quickly snatched up their wristbands. "Go!" he shouted while tossing the wristbands to the remaining captives. One by one, they stepped through the portal until only a handful were left. August could feel the pressure mounting as the Iron Fang Thieves regrouped. Realizing the thieves could still follow them even after they had all gone through the portal, August''s gaze landed on a storage tent nearby. He sprinted toward it, narrowly dodging a barrage of arrows. Inside, he found crates of dynamite. "Perfect," he muttered while gathering as much as he could carry. He ran back to the portal and began setting the explosives around its base. The remaining captives stared at him in confusion. "Go!" he barked. "I''ll take care of the rest!" As he worked, more thieves swarmed the area, and August fought them off while securing the dynamite. --- System Notifications: [ Critical Hit! Hidden Strike Successful. 2000 EXP Gained. ] [ Dash Activated: Evasion Increased by 20%. ] [ Wristbands Collected: +2 ] --- The last of the captives took the wristbands and stepped through the portal, leaving August alone to face the incoming horde. August barely had time to recover after setting the dynamite when Veltar''s thunderous voice echoed across the battlefield. "Aleman!" Veltar roared as his dagger glined ominously in the dim light of the Wundan Portal. His eyes burned with fury, and the scar running across his face twisted grotesquely with his snarl. "Stealing from me was your last mistake!" Veltar lunged forward with astonishing speed. --- [ System Notification: Veltar Engaged. ] [ Level: 30. HP: 9000/9000. ] --- August barely managed to parry the initial attack as the clash of blades sent parks flying. The sheer force of Veltar''s strike sent him skidding backward causing his boots to leave trails in the dirt. "Not bad for a thief," Veltar sneered while twirling his daggers. "But you''re out of your depth." Veltar launched into a flurry of strikes using Cyclone Slash skill to create a whirlwind of deadly arcs around him. --- [ System Notification: Veltar Activated Cyclone Slash. Damage Output Increased by 25% for 10 Seconds. ] --- August dodged and parried, but each block rattled his arms and drained his stamina. A misstep left his side exposed, and Veltar''s dagger grazed him, slicing away a chunk of HP. --- [ System Notification: - 420 HP ] --- August muttered proceeded to activate Arcane Shield to absorb the next barrage of attacks. --- [ System Notification: Arcane Shield Activated ] --- The shimmering shield absorbed the brunt of Veltar''s next strike, but the force still sent August sliding back. Before he could retaliate, Veltar activated Shadow Step, disappearing in a blur. August spun around, sensing danger, but Veltar reappeared behind him and slashed downward. --- [ System Notification: Critical Damage Inflicted ] [ -850 HP ] --- "Not so quick on your feet now, are you?" Veltar taunted, pressing the advantage. Realizing he couldn''t match Veltar''s raw speed and strength in melee, August used dash to put a little distance between himself and Veltar before activating Lightning Bolt. The crackling energy struck Veltar squarely, staggering him and applying the Gravitational Effect, which slowed his movements. --- [ System Notification: Lightning Bolt Successful. ] [ Damage Inflicted: 1200. Veltar''s Movement Speed Reduced by 50% for 10 Seconds. ] --- "Magic?!" Veltar growled in shock but then scoffed. "A true assassin doesn''t rely on tricks!" "Then it''s a good thing I''m not just an assassin," August retorted, switching to his Ethereal Storm spell. The air around them churned violently as a barrage of destructive winds and glowing projectiles descended on Veltar. Each hit knocked him off balance, cutting into his HP. --- [ System Notification: Ethereal Storm Activated. ] [ Random Elemental Effects Applied: +200 Poison Damage per Second for 5 Seconds. ] [ Veltar''s HP: 1800/9000. ] --- August had nearly cleaved away all of Veltar''s HP with these few attacks but before he could press his advantage, a group of Iron Fang Thieves joined the fray, hurling throwing knives and charging with swords drawn. "More company? Great," August muttered before activating Dash to evade the incoming attacks. --- [ System Notification: Dash Activated: Evasion Increased by 20% for 15 Seconds. ] --- Even with his speed, a thrown dagger nicked his shoulder, further reducing his HP. --- [ System Notification: HP: 1500/6000. ] --- August cast Fireball, aiming for the cluster of thieves. The explosion sent two of them flying, but Veltar used the distraction to close the distance. "You''re mine!" Veltar snarled, unleashing a devastating combo of slashes that shredded August''s Arcane Shield and forced him to roll away. --- [ System Notification: Arcane Shield Destroyed. Cooldown: 30 Seconds. ] --- August spotted Veltar''s approach and activated Shadow Dance. Multiple afterimages traveled across the surroundings, encircling Veltar who kept swinging and missing. The dagger continuously sliced through the shadowy afterimages. Spotting an opening, August used Hidden Strike. He vanished momentarily and reappeared behind Veltar, landing a critical hit. --- [ System Notification: Hidden Strike Successful. ] [ Critical Damage Inflicted: -1500HP ] [ Veltar''s HP: 300/9000 ] Despite the damage, Veltar refused to back down. He activated his ultimate skill: Shadow Barrage. Dark tendrils erupted from his daggers, lashing out in every direction. August barely managed to dodge, but the stray tendrils chipped away at his remaining HP. --- [ System Notification:HP: 800/6000. ] --- August gritted his teeth while evading to the best of his abiliies. He couldn''t let himself die here. Although, he still had a lot of health potions, he couldn''t stop in the middle of an onslaught to consume them. His opportunity arrived when the tendrils retracted momentarily, giving him a brief breathing space. He swiftly activated Lightning Bolt again, landing a perfectly timed attack on Veltar. "You''re done!" August roared while pointing his staff at Veltar. --- [ System Notification: Lightning Bolt Activated ] [Critical Hit! Veltar Defeated. 8500 EXP Gained. ] [ Loot Acquired: Obsidian Core, Wristband x1 ] --- As Veltar''s lifeless body crumpled to the ground, August snatched back his Enhanced Dagger from the corpse. "Thanks for keeping it warm," he muttered as blood dripped from his face. August turned back to the dynamite he was setting up. There was no time to waste. Just as August was about to finish setting the dynamite, the Iron Fang Second-in-Command and the towering axe-wielding woman appeared in the distance, leading reinforcements. "Time to go!" August shouted while lighting the fuse and sprinting toward the portal. He dove into the swirling energy just as the dynamite exploded, obliterating the portal and sending shockwaves through the enclosure. Chapter 67 - 67: Cloak Of Echoes --- [System Notification: Wundan Portal Destroyed. ] [ Mission Objectives Completed: Captives Freed. Relics Retrieved. ] --- August landed on the other side of the portal, battered but alive, as the captives looked on in awe. The rescued captives immediately surrounded August at the base of the Mountainous Bluffs with looks of relief and gratitude. The little girl from earlier ran up to him with tears streaming down her cheeks. "Thank you, mister!" she cried while throwing her arms around his waist. Her older brother stepped forward with a solemn expression and bowed. "We owe you our lives. Without you, we wouldn''t have made it out of there." August ruffled the girl''s hair gently. "It''s alright, kiddo. Just make sure you stay safe from now on, okay?" The boy straightened up with a firm look. "If there''s anything we can ever do for you, anything at all, just let us know." Another woman, an older merchant who had been among the captives, stepped forward and bowed slightly to August in appreciation. "Feel free to visit my shop anytime." --- [ Quest Update: Captives Freed. ] [Rewards:] - 15,000 EXP - 250 Gold - Slash Level Up --- August glanced at the notification with a look of satisfaction. The little girl tugged at his sleeve again. "Will we see you again?" August crouched down to her level, smiling. "Maybe. But only if you promise to be good and stay safe, alright?" She nodded fervently, wrapping her arms around him for another hug before pulling back. Her older brother called her over, and the captives began to scatter, each heading toward their own paths. As August watched them go, he let out a deep sigh. His body finally relaxed after the harrowing ordeal. "Well, that''s one thing done," he muttered to himself. But before he could leave, a new notification appeared. --- [ System Notification: ] [ Attention: Aleman and the Iron Fang thieves are now Ironclad Enemies. Members of the Iron Fangs will attack Aleman on sight. ] --- August groaned. "Fantastic. Just what I needed," he muttered sarcastically. Adjusting his gear, he turned his gaze toward the horizon. The majestic spires of the Temple of Echoes glimmered faintly in the distance. It was time to complete the second half of his mission. --- The trek to the temple was peaceful compared to the chaos of the Mountainous Bluffs. Rolling fields of green surrounded him, dotted with crystalline flowers that shimmered in the sunlight. Birds with plumage of gold and silver flitted between the trees, letting out melodic calls that soothed his nerves. As he neared the temple, he couldn''t help but marvel at its grandeur. The ivory columns gleamed like polished bone, etched with glowing runes that pulsed with faint light. A serene pool reflected the temple''s spires. Its surface was disturbed only by the occasional ripple of a gentle breeze. "Fancy place," August muttered as he climbed the final set of marble steps. --- The interior of the Temple of Echoes was no less awe-inspiring. The polished floors gleamed like liquid silver, and intricate mosaics depicting mythical figures adorned the walls. White-robed attendants moved silently through the space. Their presence felt almost ethereal. At the far end of the hall sat the Priestess of Echoes. Draped in pristine white robes that shimmered faintly. She exuded an aura of calm authority. Half her face was obscured by a delicate white veil, but the visible part revealed an otherworldly beauty. Her skin was smooth like butter. Her eyes looked like they had been carved by a godly artist of creation... There was no doubt that underneath the white veil was a beauty like no other. Above her head floated a golden level indicator: Lv. 90 "Level 90?" August whispered as his eyes widened. "What is someone like her doing sitting in a temple instead of taking on the toughest bosses in the game?" One of the attendants approached, bowing slightly. "The Priestess of Echoes does not step foot into unholy places. It is forbidden," she explained softly, as if sensing his thoughts. The Priestess''s locked onto August with a calm yet piercing gaze. "Step forward, Aleman," her voice carried both warmth and command. It was smooth like milk and honey... Extremely soothing to the senses. August approached. "I''ve brought the relics as requested," he voiced before retrieving them from his inventory. The relics hovered before her as she raised a hand. Each one glowed with brilliant light before vanishing into golden motes. --- [ System Notification: ] [ Quest Completed: Retrieve the Sacred Relics. ] [ Rewards: ] - 35,000 EXP - 500 Gold - Unique Item: Cloak of Echoes (Bound) - Item: Minor Health Amulet --- "You have done well, Aleman," the Priestess said with a faint smile. "The temple is in your debt." August scratched the back of his head, feeling slightly awkward. "Honestly, I''m just glad I made it out alive." Her smile deepened, though there was a touch of sadness in her eyes. "The path of righteousness is never easy, but it is always worth it." As August turned to leave, she called out again with a grave tone. "Wait." He paused, looking back. "I sense a talisman in your possession. A letter from Sir Dumblore," she said. August frowned, retrieving the blank letter from his inventory. "You mean this?" The Priestess nodded. "Yes. The time draws near. Guard it well, Aleman. Its purpose will soon be revealed." "What does that mean?" he questioned with curiosity creeping into his voice. She shook her head gently. "Some truths must unfold in their own time. Be vigilant, for darkness stirs." With that cryptic warning, an attendant stepped forward, bowing deeply. "Please, this way," she voiced while ushering him toward the exit. As August stepped into the fading sunlight, he took a deep breath. The serene beauty of the temple now felt tinged with foreboding. "Darkness stirs, huh?" he muttered before tucking the letter back into his inventory. "Guess I''ll find out soon enough." ... ... August walked through the quiet path leading back to the bustling streets of Tagharuim. The golden hues of the setting sun painted the horizon as he decided to check his player status. With a swipe of his hand, the familiar glowing interface appeared before him. --- << Player Status Panel >> Name: Aleman Class: Assassin/Mage Title: Sovereign Of Anti Darkness Level: 26 EXP: 740,500/920,000 HP: 8,400/8,400 MP: 6,300/6,300 Gold: 14,250 Skills: - Shadow Dance (Assassin) - Hidden Strike (Assassin) - Dash (Assassin) [Level 3] - Lightning Bolt (Mage) - Arcane Shield (Mage) - Ethereal Storm (Custom Mage) Inventory: - Leather Jacket - Basic Armor - Enhanced Dagger Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. - Custom Staff - Cloak of Echoes (Bound) - Shadow Cloak - Minor Health Amulet - Mana Potion x7 - Health Potion x6 ... --- A new system notification flashed across his interface. --- [ System Notification: New Items Acquired ] <[ Cloak of Echoes (Bound) ]> < Perks > - Amplifies speed by 30%. - Grants the ability "Hover" (slows descent for 2 seconds). - Note: This item can level up with continued use, unlocking additional perks. - Equipping this item will replace your current Shadow Cloak. <[ Minor Health Amulet ]> < Perks > - Boosts total HP by 20%. - Grants slow health regeneration when HP falls below 10%. - Equipped immediately upon selection. --- August frowned while scrolling through the details. "Damn... Hard decisions," he muttered. The Cloak of Echoes was undeniably powerful. The speed boost alone could be a game-changer, not to mention the leveling system that promised even more perks. But giving up the Shadow Cloak meant losing the Shadow Dance ability¡ªone of his most reliable skills. He tapped on the Cloak of Echoes interface, examining its enthralling design. The shimmering silver fabric looked ethereal, almost translucent, with glowing runes along the hem. In contrast, the Shadow Cloak remained dark and menacing. Its smoky aura almost seemed alive. "Do I want speed or stealth?" he asked himself. "Or maybe both?" After a long sigh, he closed the Cloak of Echoes interface and decided to shelve the decision for now. --- [ System Notification: You have chosen not to equip the Cloak of Echoes at this time. ] --- Instead, he tapped on the Minor Health Amulet causing the glowing trinket to appear in his hand within the game interface. It was a small golden amulet with a pulsating red gem at its center. "This one''s a no-brainer," August said before tapping Equip. --- [ System Notification: Minor Health Amulet Equipped. ] - Total HP increased by 20%. - Slow health regeneration activated when HP falls below 10%. --- Updated Player Status: HP: 10,080/10,080 --- August smiled. "That''s more like it." For a brief moment, he considered extracting the Minor Health Amulet to the real world. An item like this could potentially sell for millions¡ªif not more. But after a moment of thought, he shook his head. "Not this time," he murmured. "I''ll need every advantage I can get in here." With his decisions made for now, August dismissed the interface and continued on his journey. ... ... The streets of Tagharuim bustled with activity as players roamed about. Merchants yelled out prices for wares displayed on colorful stalls, adventurers strolled by chatting about their latest exploits, and recruiters from various guilds stood on raised platforms advertising their groups. August walked among the crowd, blending in as much as possible. He had been reflecting on his recent quest and contemplating his next move. He had been in the game for over fourteen hours already which meant that seven hours had passed in the real world. ''It should be daytime already... But I''m quitting the factory work today, so I don''t need to go in early,'' August decided to remain in Enders Light for now. His plan for today was to head to the factory, tell them he was quitting, and then talk to his friend Derrick briefly. Just as August turned a corner, a group of players clad in dark crimson armor with dragon emblems emblazoned on their chests came into view. "Wait a minute¡­ isn''t that Aleman?" Chapter 68 - 68: No Mans Wasteland Just as August turned a corner, a group of players clad in dark crimson armor with dragon emblems emblazoned on their chests came into view. They moved together, laughing loudly as their clanking weapons drew attention. One of them stopped suddenly, squinting in August''s direction. His eyes lit up with recognition, and he pointed. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Wait a minute¡­ isn''t that Aleman?" The others turned to look. "Yeah, that''s him!" "Didn''t he steal loot from us in the Ogre''s Dungeon?" "Independent player or not, that guy''s dead meat. Let''s get him!" Before August could even process what was happening, the group charged toward him with weapons drawn. --- [ System Notification: Warning! Hostile Dragon Fang Guild Members Approaching ] --- "Oh, come on," August muttered as he broke into a sprint. The narrow street erupted in chaos as people scrambled to get out of the way. August''s Dash skill activated, sending him surging forward with a burst of speed, leaving a streak of shadowy afterimages behind. --- [ System Notification: Dash Activated. Cooldown: 10 seconds. ] --- The Dragon Fang members yelled in frustration as some of them used movement skills to close the gap. One of them, a Level 30 Berserker, smashed through a fruit stall to cut across the street, roaring. August darted into an alley, glancing back over his shoulder. "Great. They''re faster than I thought." Just as he exited the alley into another bustling street, his bad luck struck again. A familiar, arrogant voice rang out above the noise. "There you are, Aleman!" August''s head snapped to the right, and sure enough, there was Xyron, striding forward with his group of lackeys. His golden armor gleamed in the sunlight, and his oversized broadsword rested on his shoulder. "Let''s settle this! You and me, one-on-one!" Xyron yelled while grinning viciously. August groaned. "Seriously?! I''ve got enough problems already!" With Dragon Fang behind him and Xyron ahead, August had no choice but to activate Stealth. --- [ System Notification:Stealth Activated. Cooldown: 30 seconds. ] --- His figure turned nearly invisible, making it look as though he had vanished from sight just as both groups began converging on his location. "He''s using stealth! Spread out!" one of the Dragon Fang players barked. Xyron waved his sword dramatically. "You can run, but you can''t hide forever, Aleman!" August used the brief respite to slip into another side street. His Stealth wore off, and he broke into another sprint, activating Dash again to create more distance. --- [ System Notification: Dash Activated. Cooldown: 10 seconds. ] --- He began crossing more than forty paces with each stride. The chase continued for several minutes, weaving through streets, alleys, and even rooftops. August''s stamina was draining rapidly, and he was beginning to feel cornered. Suddenly, a voice called out to him from a side street. "Aleman! Over here!" He turned to see a figure in a purplish cloak waving him over. As the figure stepped into the light, he recognized her. "Aria?" The Phoenix Celestial mage from the Ogre Dungeon smiled mischievously as her fiery red hair peeked out from under her hood. "Get in here!" she urged. August hesitated. "You''re not here to settle a score with me too, are you?" Aria chuckled as a faint glow formed beneath her feet. "You''re cute when you''re paranoid. Now hurry up, or they''ll catch you!" Reluctantly, August darted toward her. Just as he reached her, she grabbed his arm and pulled him into her cloak. A glowing magic circle flared to life around them, creating intricate runes that spun in a clockwise motion. "There he is!" Both Dragon Fang and Xyron''s groups spotted them at the same time, charging in from opposite ends of the street. "No time to chat," Aria said with a light tone as her focus turned razor-sharp. The magic circle pulsed, and in an instant, August and Aria vanished in a flash of light, leaving the two groups to collide with each other in confusion. ... August blinked upon finding himself in an entirely different location. "Safe for now," Aria said with a smirk. "Care to explain what just happened?" he asked while catching his breath. "Let''s just say you owe me one," her grin widened. The terrain that stretched endlessly before them, was a barren expanse of cracked earth and uneven rock formations. The sky overhead was a muted gray, and gusts of dry wind swept across the desolate plain, kicking up small clouds of dust. It was a place most players avoided¡ªdangerous, unrewarding, and eerily silent... No Man''s Wasteland. However, today was different. Scattered across the wasteland, pockets of players huddled together, talking in hushed tones or preparing their gear. A variety of classes were present: heavily armored knights adjusting their shields, nimble rangers inspecting their arrows, and robed mages murmuring incantations. Each group eyed the others with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion, all aware of the potential competition. As August and Aria materialized in the wasteland, the desolation was interrupted by the faint murmur of voices. --- [ System Notification: You have entered No Man''s Wasteland. EXP gain reduced by 30%. ] --- August scanned the surroundings once more as his brows furrowed. "Where are we?" "This," Aria began with a mischievous grin, "is No Man''s Wasteland. Welcome to the middle of nowhere." August raised an eyebrow. "No offense, but this doesn''t look like prime grinding territory. What''s the deal?" Before Aria could answer, a group of four players approached them. They looked every bit like seasoned veterans. Their gear was polished and bristling with magical enhancements. "Aria!" a tall warrior in gleaming silver armor called out with his massive sword slung over his back. "You''re late." "Relax, Gareth," Aria replied while waving a hand dismissively. One of the others, a ranger with a red bow strapped across his chest, narrowed his eyes at August. "And who''s this?" August stepped forward, but before he could speak, the ranger scoffed. "Wait, don''t tell me. You brought a newbie? He''s not even Level 30!" August''s expression tightened, but he said nothing. Aria smirked. "This ''newbie'' is Aleman. You might''ve heard of him?" The group exchanged glances. "Aleman? The one from the Ogre Dungeon?" the cleric, a petite woman with flowing white robes, asked with a skeptical tone. "Yeah, that one," Aria said confidently. "He''s with us." The ranger rolled his eyes. "Sure, let''s bring the under-leveled guy. Great idea, Aria." August crossed his arms. "Look, I don''t know what this is about, but if I''m such a problem, I''ll leave." Aria turned to him with a soft smile. "You''re staying. Trust me." --- [ System Notification: You have been invited to Aria''s party. Do you wish to accept? ] [Yes] ¡Á [No] --- August sighed and selected [Yes]. --- [ System Notification: Party Members ] - Aria (Level 33 Mage) - Gareth (Level 34 Warrior) - Viora (Level 31 Cleric) - Torin (Level 32 Ranger) - Drask (Level 34 Berserker) - Aleman (Level 26 Assassin) --- Gareth spoke up with a begrudging tone. "Fine. But if he screws this up, it''s on you, Aria." Aria rolled her eyes. "Noted. Now, let''s get to business." August frowned. "Business? Care to explain why I''m here?" Aria turned to him with a playful grin. "Oh, right. I guess I should fill you in." She gestured to the wasteland. "There''s a rumor about an unawakened dungeon here. It''s called the Ancient Swordking Dungeon. The catch? It only activates when forty players are present on No Man''s Wasteland at the same time." "And we''re the forty?" August asked while glancing at the other players scattered across the area. "Exactly," Aria said. "The dungeon''s supposed to have insane loot, and there''s a rumor¡­" Her voice trailed off dramatically. "A rumor about what?" "That the Fruit of Sin might be on the lowest floor." August''s eyes widened. "The Fruit of Sin?" Viora nodded. "It''s one of the most sought-after items in the game. It unlocks a dark interface for players, allowing them to use cursed magic both in-game and in real life." Torin added with a cynical tone. "Assuming it''s not just a myth." August frowned. "And why''d you pick me for this? Don''t you have an extra teammate from Phoenix Celestial?" Aria shrugged. "I was supposed to bring someone else, but he had a quest to finish. Then I stumbled on you running for your life and figured you''d do." Gareth groaned. "So, we''re stuck with the assassin who moonlights as a runner." Before August could retort, the ground beneath them rumbled. "Finally," Drask growled while gripping his massive axe. From the center of the wasteland, a massive monolith-like structure erupted from the ground, sending debris flying. It rose higher and higher, eventually towering over the landscape at over two hundred feet. The monolith shimmered with ancient runes, glowing faintly with an ominous light. --- [ System Notification: You have discovered the Ancient Swordking Dungeon. ] [ Dungeon Activation: 24 hours until fully accessible. ] --- August stared at the monolith with a perturbed expression. If the rumors of the fruit of sin spread, this place was bound to be a hot zone soon. "Great," he muttered. "Now what?" Aria patted him on the shoulder. "Now, we wait." Torin smirked. "And hope we don''t kill each other before the timer runs out." Chapter 69 - 69: Paying Off Debts Aria patted him on the shoulder. "Now, we wait." Torin smirked. "And hope we don''t kill each other before the timer runs out." August''s eyes locked on the timer floating before him: [ Dungeon Activation Timer: 23:59 ] He let out a deep sigh. Waiting a full day in-game for the dungeon to open wasn''t ideal, especially when he had important things to handle in the real world. "I can''t spend a day here," August said aloud, catching the attention of Aria and her party. "I''ve got things I need to tend to in reality." Aria crossed her arms and studied him for a moment. "Will you be able to make it back in time? Once the timer hits zero, the dungeon doors won''t wait for stragglers." August hesitated, doing some quick mental calculations. ''One day in Enders Light translated to twelve hours in the real world.'' He nodded. "I''ll make it back in time. I just need to be sure I log back in no later than twelve hours from now." Aria tilted her head. "If you log out here, you''ll respawn in this exact spot when you come back. You sure you don''t want to stay? You might miss out if something happens." "I won''t miss it," August replied confidently. "I''ve got some things to sort out, but I''ll be back." With everything finalized, August excused himself from the group. "Try not to get yourself killed while I''m gone," he quipped while smirking at Aria. She rolled her eyes but smiled faintly. "Just don''t be late, Aleman. We''ll need every able hand when this dungeon opens." The other party members muttered among themselves, but August ignored them. He opened his system menu, scrolled to the Log Out option, and selected it. A familiar countdown appeared in his vision. [ Logging Out in 5¡­ 4¡­ 3¡­ 2¡­ 1 ] --- August blinked as his vision adjusted to the morning light streaming into his room. He stretched while yawning as reality settled on his shoulders. "9 AM," he muttered, glancing at his bedside clock. "I''ve got until 9 PM to get back into the game. Plenty of time." He got out of the pod, threw on a shirt, and walked into the living room. The table caught his eye immediately, with a note resting on top in Sophia''s neat handwriting: "Food''s in the kitchen. Don''t skip breakfast! Love, Soph." August chuckled. "You''re the best, kid." He headed to the kitchen, lifting the foil covering a plate of scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast. His stomach growled in anticipation as he sat down and dug in. "Nothing beats a real meal," he said between bites, savoring the food. Staying in the game for hours always left him famished, and Sophia''s cooking was a reminder of the simple joys of life. As he ate, he mentally mapped out his day. One... Quit the factory job. It had served its purpose, but it was time to move on. Two... Talk to Derrick. Derrick had been a rock since he arrived in this world, and if anyone could be a trustworthy ally for his business, it was him. Three... Plan the next steps. His idea for a safe marketplace for extracted game items was slowly taking shape, but it needed structure, and that required time and effort. After finishing breakfast, August cleaned up, took a quick shower, and changed into his usual worn-out outfit. He glanced at his reflection in the mirror and frowned slightly. "Definitely time to upgrade my wardrobe," he muttered. With a shrug, he grabbed his bag and headed out. The factory was its usual bustling hive of activity when he arrived. Machines whirred loudly, and workers moved about with tired but focused expressions. The air smelled of oil and metal, a scent August had come to associate with long, grueling shifts. As he entered, one of the supervisors, Mr. Gaines, immediately spotted him. "August!" Gaines'' booming voice echoed across the factory floor. "You''re late! You''ve got some nerve strolling in like this. Do you even take this job seriously?" August approached calmly with a small smile on his face. "Actually, Mr. Gaines, I''m not late. I''m quitting." The words hung in the air for a moment, and the surrounding workers paused to look at him. Gaines blinked, clearly taken aback. "Quitting?" Gaines repeated in disbelief. "You? Where are you gonna go, huh? Got a better offer somewhere?" "Something like that," August said with a nod. "I''ve got an opportunity I can''t pass up. Just wanted to thank you and everyone here for the time I''ve spent." Gaines'' expression hardened as he crossed his arms. "Good luck out there, kid. Don''t come crawling back when it doesn''t work out." August chuckled lightly. "I''ll keep that in mind." He turned to address the other workers. "Thanks, everyone. It''s been real. I hope you all find something better, too." -- August spotted Derrick at his station, tightening bolts with his massive hands. His friend''s presence was a comforting sight, and August felt a pang of sadness knowing he wouldn''t see him here anymore. "Derrick!" he called out while weaving through the machinery to reach him. Derrick turned and his face immediately lightened up when he saw August. "Hey, man! Late again, huh? Gaines giving you hell?" "Not this time," August said with a grin. "I quit." Derrick''s eyes widened. "You quit? Wow, looks like it''s finally time." August gestured for Derrick to step aside so they could talk privately. As the two moved to a quieter corner, August explained his idea for a business¡ªa secure platform and store for extracted game items, designed to protect players from scams and violence. He mentioned that game items retrieved to reality could be traded and the business would also have a shop that sold game items as well. Derrick listened intently, nodding as August laid out his vision. "It''s ambitious," Derrick said finally. "But I don''t know, man. I''m not much of a gamer. Hell, I barely even know how to turn on a console." "You don''t have to be a gamer," August reassured him. "I need someone I trust, someone good with people, and you''re perfect for that." S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Derrick scratched the back of his head, clearly torn. "I''ll think about it. I''m not making any promises, but... it does sound interesting." "That''s all I''m asking," August voiced before clapping him on the shoulder. "Take your time." --- As August left the factory, he felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness. Quitting the job the original August used to survive was quite bold but it was a necessary step toward building something meaningful. The sun was high in the sky as he checked his watch: 11:30 AM. "I still got plenty of time... Bank next," he said to himself. ... ... The bustling bank was alive with the noise of chatter, the clinking of coins, and the tapping of keyboards. Customers formed long lines before various counters, each looking more impatient than the last. The polished floors reflected the bright lights above, and the faint scent of disinfectant lingered in the air. August stepped through the glass doors with his sharp features catching a few eyes despite his worn-out clothes. He adjusted his scarf and quietly joined the queue. His eyes wandered around the room, observing the scene in front of him. At one of the counters, a heated exchange was underway. A tall built man in his late thirties leaned over the counter, yelling at a young cashier. "You had no right to freeze my assets! No right at all!" "Sir, it was determined that fraudulent transactions were made wi..." "I swear to God, if I catch you outside, I''ll rape you ten times over!" the man barked while slamming his hand on the counter. The woman behind the desk flinched as her face paled with fear. A few security guards moved forward, but the man stormed off before they could intervene. His heavy boots echoed against the floor as he exited, leaving behind a stunned silence. August sighed and refocused on the line ahead, waiting patiently for his turn. --- When his turn came, the cashier at the counter¡ªa woman in her late twenties with neatly tied hair and a sharp uniform¡ªbarely spared him a glance. Her eyes flicked over his worn clothes, and a subtle sneer curled her lips. "How can I help you?" she asked in a tone laced with disdain. "I''m here to settle some debts," August said evenly, ignoring her tone. The cashier raised an eyebrow as her fingers lazily tapped on the keyboard. "Name?" "August Clementine." She typed in his details and her eyes widened slightly when she saw the records. "You''re here to pay off¡­ everything?" "That''s right," August voiced with a calm tone. The woman glanced at him again barely masking her condescension. "Do you even know how much that is? Let me check." Her fingers flew across the keyboard, and the screen displayed a list of debts and loans from the bank and various loan sharks. The total came to a staggering $115,000. "That''s the amount. Are you sure you can pay this off?" she questioned with a tone of unhidden skepticism. "Check my account balance," August replied while leaning casually against the counter. The cashier rolled her eyes but complied. The moment his account details popped up, her demeanor changed. Her eyes widened, and her jaw almost dropped. Balance: $800,000. She blinked several times, quickly straightening her posture. Her earlier sneer transformed into a nervous smile. "Oh, I-I see. Let me just process that for you, sir." She handed him a stack of forms and explained the process. "Please fill these out, and I''ll handle the rest." Chapter 70 - 70: Going Shopping As August filled out the paperwork, the cashier hovered nervously, checking his progress. Her earlier indifference had vanished, replaced by a palpable eagerness to assist him. Once the forms were completed, she smiled brightly. "Thank you, Mr. Clementine. The transactions will be processed immediately, and your debts will be cleared. Would you like to receive confirmation emails?" "Sure," August replied curtly. "Is there anything else I can assist you with?" Her voice suddenly sounded sweet as she asked. "I''d like to withdraw $30,000 in cash," August said, slipping his ID across the counter. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Of course! Right away, sir." She hurried to the back room to retrieve the money. When she returned, she handed him a neatly bound stack of bills. "Here you go, Mr. Clementine. And may I just say, have you considered investing? We offer excellent portfolios¡ª" "I''m not interested," August cut her off while stuffing the cash into his bag. As August turned to leave, the cashier couldn''t help but stare at him. Her earlier judgment was replaced by regret. "What a waste," she muttered under her breath. She watched him stride out of the bank with his confident demeanor commanding attention from those around him. For someone who looked so rugged, he had the kind of presence that made her wish she''d treated him with respect from the start. The sun was bright as August stepped onto the bustling street, shielding his eyes with his hand. He took a deep breath and it felt like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. The debts were gone, and he still had more than enough to start building the future he envisioned. He muttered to himself, "Now onto the next." And with that, he disappeared into the crowd. ... ... A three-story luxury establishment with massive glass windows displaying mannequins dressed in the latest high-end fashion stood before August. A smooth gold-lettered sign above the entrance read "Eden Threads". Well-structured steps led to glass doors that swished open automatically as customers entered. Inside, the air was crisp and subtly perfumed with a scent reminiscent of vanilla and sandalwood. The floors were made of polished oak, and crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, casting a soft glow over the carefully arranged racks of clothing. Around the perimeter, velvet seats were available for customers to rest while attendants catered to their every whim. Luxurious music played softly in the background, completing the high-end ambiance. --- August stepped inside with his worn-out outfit starkly contrasting with the glamorous surroundings. Heads turned as he strolled in, drawing people''s attention despite his modest attire. His tall frame, confident gait, and piercing gaze added a charisma that made people look thrice, even though his clothes betrayed no wealth. One of the staff members, a young woman with impeccably styled blonde hair and a name tag reading "Claire", glanced at him and immediately dismissed him. She leaned over to her colleague, whispering loud enough for August to overhear, "What''s he doing here? Did he get lost?" Ignoring the whispers, August began perusing the racks of clothes. His sharp eyes darted from one piece to the next. His instincts kicked in as he calculated combinations and the impression they would leave as a businessman. Claire finally approached barely masking her disdain with a polite tone. "Sir, if you''re looking for something... affordable, I suggest you try the lower aisles," she voiced while motioning towards a section at the far end of the store. August looked up from the rack with a calm look and responded with a tone of subtle authority. "I''m exactly where I need to be." Claire''s lips twitched into a forced smile, and she took a small step back. "Of course. Let me know if you need any... assistance." August moved through the aisles, selecting tailored long-sleeve shirts in crisp whites, deep blues, and subtle patterns. He added a few tailored office trousers and paired them with vests and lightweight coats that exuded professionalism. Occasionally, he picked up a long trench coat or a slim-fit blazer, feeling the fine fabric between his fingers. The price tags were steep, some pieces costing upward of $4,000, but he didn''t blink. "Can you hold these for me?" he asked while handing Claire a small stack of clothes. Her professionalism wavered for a moment as she looked at the pile. "Are you sure, sir? Perhaps I can recommend something more... budget-friendly?" August gave her a pointed look as his calm tone cut through her pretense. "You''re here to assist, aren''t you? Just follow me." Claire bit back her irritation and silently followed him. Her arms got filled up with more clothing as he moved through the store. Internally, she fumed, ''He''s wasting my time. Let''s see how he plans to pay for all this.'' After selecting his outfits, August moved toward the women''s section. He picked a few stylish yet modest pieces for Sophia, imagining how they would look on her. A couple of pastel sweaters, jeans, and even a coat with fur-lined edges joined the growing pile in Claire''s arms. Claire''s patience was wearing thin, but she maintained her fa?ade. "Shopping for someone else, sir?" Her tone dripped with mock politeness. "My little sister," August replied curtly, inspecting a scarf before adding it to the pile. By the time they returned to the counter, Claire''s arms were overloaded with clothes. She sighed audibly as she dropped everything onto the counter, certain this would end in embarrassment for August. The cashier who was a well-dressed man with slicked-back hair, scanned the items meticulously. "Your total is $57,423," the cashier voiced with a flat but professional tone. Claire smirked slightly, folding her arms as she watched August. "Quite the total. Shall I put some of it back?" August raised an eyebrow. "That won''t be necessary." Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a black credit card and handed it over. The cashier''s eyebrows shot up slightly at the card''s premium status. He swiped it through the machine, and after a moment, the transaction was approved with a soft beep. Claire froze with her jaw slack as the realization hit her. The man she had dismissed as a nobody had just paid for clothes worth more than her monthly salary without hesitation. She scrambled to regain her composure as the cashier handed August his receipt. "Thank you for shopping with us, sir," the cashier said before bowing slightly. August gathered his bags with a faint smirk playing on his lips. Before leaving, he turned to Claire. "Bye." Claire''s face flushed red as she stammered, "Y-Yes, sir. Thank you for shopping with us." With that, August strolled out of the store, his bags in hand. He The luxurious store continued with its usual activity, but the staff wouldn''t soon forget the man who turned her assumptions upside down. ... ... Carrying multiple bags in both hands, August approached his apartment. The familiar sight of peeling paint on the building''s walls and the rusting railings on the stairway made him pause. He sighed, realizing how unsafe and unsuitable this place truly was, especially for Sophia. The occasional power outages and lack of proper amenities had become a frustrating norm, but they had endured it because there wasn''t another choice. But now, with his financial situation slowly turning around for the better, perhaps it was time to make a change. He entered the apartment, carefully setting the bags down on the small dining table. The space was cramped and poorly lit, with only a single window offering natural light. It was clean, thanks to Sophia''s efforts, but no amount of tidying could hide the cracks in the walls or the damp spots in the ceiling. August checked his watch¡ªit was just past 3 p.m. Sophia would be home soon, but he couldn''t wait for her. He needed to take the next steps for their future, starting with scouting a new apartment and finding a location for his business. --- A short walk brought him to the bustling caf¨¦, Digital Haven. The faint sounds of conversation filled the air, mingling with the scent of freshly brewed coffee and baked pastries. Inside, the place was alive with people on their laptops or chatting with friends. August glanced toward the counter but didn''t see Remi. Instead, a younger barista in a neatly pressed uniform greeted him with a polite smile. He made his way to his usual corner table, where a cozy lamp cast a warm glow over the wooden surface. Pulling out his laptop, he powered it up, connected to their hotspot, and opened a browser to start his search. --- As he scrolled through listings, he muttered to himself, "Alright, I need somewhere central, busy, and spacious enough for both storage and customer flow." The listings varied wildly. Small spaces in quieter neighborhoods ranged from $10,000 to $20,000 monthly, but those wouldn''t attract much traffic. He moved on to pricier business districts, scanning through skyscrapers with spacious offices. One particularly striking option caught his eye: a glass-fronted building in the city''s center, with wonderful architecture and ample room for both storage and customer interactions. But his excitement dimmed as he read the price: $800,000 per month. He leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples. "Go big or go home?" he muttered. "Or should I start small and scale up later?" After some deliberation, he decided on a middle-ground solution. A downtown location priced at $40,000 monthly caught his eye. It was spacious enough to accommodate his plans and in a decent area with moderate foot traffic. "This will do for now," he thought. He found the agent''s number listed on the screen and dialed. The phone rang twice before a chipper voice answered. "Hello, this is Angela from Cityscape Realty. How can I help you?" "Hi, Angela," August greeted with a polite but firm tone. "I''m interested in the space listed downtown for $40,000 monthly. Is it still available?" "Let me check for you," Angela replied. There was a brief pause, followed by a click of keys in the background. "Yes, it''s available! Would you like to schedule a viewing?" "Yes, as soon as possible. When are you available?" "We can meet tomorrow morning at 10 a.m.," Angela suggested. "Perfect. I''ll be there. Thanks." After confirming the details, August ended the call, feeling a small sense of accomplishment. Next, he began searching for apartments. He wanted a two-bedroom place in a safer, quieter neighborhood with reliable utilities and modern amenities. His budget was flexible, but he didn''t want to spend recklessly. As he browsed through listings, his focus was interrupted by a familiar voice. "Well, well, if it isn''t my favorite customer!" Chapter 71 - 71: All In A Days Work August looked up to see Remi approaching with her signature mischievous grin. Her wavy auburn hair was tied up in a loose ponytail, and her apron hung casually over her fitted black dress. "Hey, Remi," August greeted with a smile. She leaned against the edge of his table, peering at his laptop. Her top button was unfastened so a smooth set of plump cleavages was exposed, showing that Remi was in no way flat. "What''s got you all serious today? Looking for a hot date online?" She questioned. August chuckled playfully. "Not this time. I''m looking for an apartment. Somewhere safe and decent for me and my sister." Remi''s eyes sparkled as she leaned in closer. "I might know a place," she said. "Really?" August asked while raising an eyebrow. "Yup. My cousin just moved out of this nice two-bedroom apartment in the West District. It''s got everything¡ªsecurity, utilities, even a gym in the building. And it''s not insanely priced." "How much are we talking?" "About $4,000 a month," she replied. August considered it. "Sounds reasonable. Can you get me in touch with your cousin?" Remi nodded before pulling out her phone. "I''ll call her right now. See? Aren''t you glad I''m here?" "You''re always a lifesaver," August said with a smirk. "Don''t forget it," Remi quipped, dialing the number. As Remi spoke to her cousin, August leaned back in his chair, feeling a bit more at ease. The pieces of his new life were slowly falling into place. Remi ended her call with a satisfied smile, sliding her phone into her apron pocket. "Well, good news, handsome. My cousin said he''ll help you out, but here''s the thing¡ªhe won''t be back in the city for another five days. He hasn''t completely moved out yet, and some of his stuff is still in the apartment." August nodded with a relaxed expression. "That''s fine. I can wait. It''s not like I''m in a rush, anyway." Remi leaned forward resting her arms on the table, inadvertently emphasizing her exposed cleavage where the top button of her shirt was undone. "You''re way too patient. If I were you, I''d be making some pretty drastic decisions." August chuckled while meeting her eyes. She obviously wasn''t referring to the apartment in this case. "Patience pays off, Remi. And besides, it''s not about the flash¡ªit''s about sustainability," August responded. Her lips curled into a teasing smile. "Oh, so you''re the practical, responsible type? That''s rare. Most men I know won''t waste any time in certain situations." "Not my style," August replied with a smirk while leaning back in his chair. "But I''ll admit, it''s tempting." Remi''s gaze lingered on him for a moment longer than necessary. "Well, you''re full of surprises, aren''t you? If you ever need help with anything else, you know where to find me." "Careful, Remi," August said playfully. "I might just take you up on that." She leaned closer, dropping her tone to something more sultry. "I''m counting on it." As the evening light began to filter through the caf¨¦''s windows, August finally stood up, stretching slightly. "Thanks again for helping out. You''ve been a lifesaver today." Remi tilted her head, letting her ponytail sway slightly. "Don''t mention it. Just don''t forget to come back and see me once you''re all rich and famous. Preferably before that." "Deal," August said with a grin as he grabbed his things. He gave her a mock salute before stepping out of the caf¨¦. The sun was dipping low on the horizon, casting the city streets in a warm amber glow. August stuffed his hands into his pockets as he walked, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling city. He passed by vendors closing up shop, streetlights flickering to life and the faint buzz of traffic in the distance. His mind wandered to the things he still needed to do¡ªpreparing for the business launch, ensuring Sophia''s safety, and keeping up his progress in Enders Light. The day had been productive, but as the city lights brightened, he couldn''t help but feel a familiar tug¡ªthe game calling him back. The Ancient Swordking Dungeon would be opening soon, and he wasn''t about to miss it. ... ... As soon as August pushed the door open, he was greeted by the sound of hurried footsteps. Before he could even step inside, Sophia darted into view with her face lit up like a thousand-watt bulb. "Auggis!" she squealed while throwing herself into his arms. August stumbled back slightly, laughing as he caught her. "Whoa, what''s with the enthusiasm? Did I miss your birthday or something?" Sophia pulled away just enough to beam up at him, holding onto his jacket. "No, but I saw the clothes you got me! They''re amazing! Thank you so much!" He smiled warmly while ruffling her hair. "Glad you liked them. I figured it was time to replace that old gown of yours and add a few extras while I was at it." Sophia stepped back and twirled in one of the new hoodies he''d bought for her. "I love it! But¡­" Her smile faltered slightly. "Where did you get the money for all this? Did you¡ªdid something bad happen?" August chuckled while shaking his head. "Relax, nothing bad happened. In fact, I''ve got some good news for you." He led her to the couch, where they both sat down. "I quit the factory today." Her eyes widened in shock. "What?! August, why?" He leaned back, giving her a reassuring smile. "Because I''ve got a better plan. I''m starting a business. And before you ask, yes, I''ve already got the money for it. It''s all thanks to Enders Light. Things are starting to pay off, and if I keep at it, this could change everything for us." Sophia''s shock quickly turned into excitement. "Really? That''s amazing! Wait¡­" She gave him a sly grin. "So you''re telling me gaming is working out? Did Auggie become rich already?" "Well, I wouldn''t say rich just yet," August said with a smirk. "But give it time." Sophia clapped her hands together. "Maybe I should start playing Enders Light, too. What do you think?" August raised a brow, teasing her. "You think you can handle it? It''s not all fun and games, you know. There are monsters, dungeons, and some pretty nasty players out there... But it is always fun hehe..." "I could handle it," she said confidently, crossing her arms. "I''ve watched people play sometimes, and it doesn''t seem that hard." He laughed. "Alright, we''ll see about that. When the time comes, I''ll get us another gaming pod, and you can join me." "Yaay!" Sophia rejoined while grinning. They spent the next hour catching up over dinner, which Sophia had already prepared. She eagerly told August about her day at school and proudly announced, "Guess who got the highest score in the class on our history test?" August feigned ignorance, stroking his chin. "Hmm, let me think. Was it¡­ someone with green hair?" S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She playfully slapped his arm. "Yes, me! I got a 98!" "That''s my girl," August voiced with a genuinely proud tone. He reached over and gave her a high-five. "You''re making it hard for me to keep up. Next thing you know, you''ll be running your own business and leaving me in the dust." Sophia giggled. "Don''t worry, I''ll let you work for me." Chapter 72 - 72: Get In Here! August and Sophia laughed together and enjoyed the lighthearted moment. Once dinner was done and the dishes were put away, Sophia yawned and stretched, retreating to her room. "Goodnight, August! Don''t stay up too late gaming!" "No promises," he called after her with a grin. --- August headed to his room, already focused on the game. He flopped onto his bed and pulled out his phone, opening the group chat with Lilo, Boris, and Ezran. August: Hey, you guys hear about the Swordking Dungeon in No Man''s Wasteland? He waited for a response, but nothing came. Checking the timestamps, he realized they were all already in the game. He scrolled up and saw a series of messages from earlier in the day. Boris: Let''s grind tonight. Aleman, you better join us! Ezran: You owe us for bailing last time.* Lilo: You''re not escaping us this time, mister. August sighed upon reading all of these messages. "Figures." He debated joining them, but then he remembered his commitment to Aria and the others for the Swordking Dungeon. "Guess I''ll have to make it up to them later." He tossed his phone onto the nightstand and leaned back, staring at the ceiling. ''A day of changes,'' he thought to himself. New beginnings. With a deep breath, he got up, ready to dive back into Enders Light. ... ... The moment August''s vision adjusted to the game''s interface, he realized something was wrong. He had just reappeared in No Man''s Wasteland when a giant blazing blue flame, the size of a car, came hurtling toward him from the sky. "What the¡ª?!" August barely had time to react. With a swift flick of his wrist, he activated Arcane Shield. [ System Notification: Arcane Shield Activated! ] The magical barrier materialized just in time, absorbing the brunt of the impact. The force of the explosion, however, was immense, and cracks spiderwebbed across the translucent shield. Moments later, it shattered like glass. [ System Notification: Arcane Shield Integrity Compromised. Cooldown: 20 seconds. ] The residual blast flung August several feet through the air. His body flipped twice in mid-air over the rocky terrain as his HP bar dipped by 7%. [ -705 HP ] [ System Notification: HP: 93%. ] Grunting in pain, August quickly got to his feet as his eyes darted around. The chaos unfolding before him was unlike anything he''d seen before. Spells of all colors streaked through the air, swords clashed with metallic echoes, and arrows rained down like hailstones. Dust and debris churned in the air, obscuring his vision, but the sound of players yelling and fighting was deafening. The once desolate expanse of No Man''s Wasteland had become a battleground. Over two hundred players had gathered. Many of whom were drawn by the promise of the Swordking Dungeon''s rewards... Especially rumors of the fruit of sin. The timer for the dungeon''s activation ticked down in the corner of his interface. [ System Notification: Time Until Dungeon Opens: 5 minutes. ] "This is insane," August muttered while ducking as a stray arrow whizzed past his ear. He pressed his back against a nearby rock for cover, scanning the battlefield. ''Where the hell are Aria and the others?'' Suddenly, his party interface flashed, and a message from Aria appeared. She seemed to have noticed that he just came online and swiftly sent him a message. [ Party Chat - Aria ] <[ "We''re behind the big rock to the east of the monolith. Head here, quick! It''s too chaotic to stay exposed." ]> August cursed under his breath. The "big rock to the east" wasn''t visible through the dust cloud, and navigating this war zone wouldn''t be easy. But he had no choice. He slipped into stealth mode and began making his way toward the east. As he crept through the battlefield, August saw the carnage up close. Players were locked in deadly skirmishes, and the ground was littered with bodies of those who had lost their lives and been forced to respawn elsewhere. He spotted a group of mages casting area-of-effect spells. Their hands glowed ominously as they hurled fireballs and frost shards into the fray. Nearby, a ranger let a barrage of magical arrows loose. Their trajectories glowed faintly in the air before striking their targets with explosive force. [ Stealth Mode Deactivated: Cool down 20 seconds ] August began making his way through the battlefield while waiting for the cooldown to end quickly. Time seemed fleeting and slow in this moment. August wished nothing more than to be capable of speeding up time but he couldn''t. Suddenly, a notification appeared above his stealth interface. [ Caution: Nearby Player Detected. Level 32 Berserker. ] A hulking figure stepped into his path. The Level 32 Berserker was wiping blood off his massive axe and his HP bar was still over 80%. His eyes zeroed in on August, who had just emerged from the shadows. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Well, what do we have here?" the Berserker sneered with a deep tone. "A little rat trying to scurry through the chaos." August quickly drew his Enhanced Daggers, holding it defensively. "I don''t have time for this," he muttered before readying himself for a fight. The Berserker charged without hesitation with his axe raised high. [ System Notification: Berserker Skill: Cleave Activated. ] August sidestepped the first swing causing the axe to embed itself into the ground with a thunderous crash. Dust and debris exploded outward, obscuring the Berserker''s vision momentarily. Using this opening, August countered with Hidden Strike aimed for the Berserker''s side. [ System Notification: Hidden Strike: Critical Hit! Berserker HP -700. ] The Berserker roared in pain but quickly retaliated, swinging his axe in a wide arc. August barely managed to block with Arcane Shield, but the force sent him sliding backward across the rocky ground. [ System Notification: Arcane Shield Integrity: 60%. ] More players joined the fray, targeting both August and the Berserker. A ranger fired arrows in rapid succession, and a mage hurled a fireball toward the melee. "Great. Just great," August muttered while activating Dash to evade the incoming attacks. He reappeared a few feet away, his HP bar ticking down by another 10% from residual damage. He needed to act fast. With a quick gesture, he unleashed the Lightning Bolt spell, amplified by his custom staff. [ System Notification: Lightning Bolt Activated! Effect: 2x Gravitational Pull Applied. ] The bolt struck the Berserker directly, pulling him to the ground as a sudden surge of gravity pinned him in place. Taking advantage of the opening, August hurled a Fireball, which exploded on impact, dealing additional damage to nearby players. [ System Notification: Berserker HP: -3200 ] [ System Notification: Nearby Players Affected: HP -2000, -1500, -1700... ] August used the momentary chaos to push eastward, slipping into stealth mode again to avoid being seen. The dust cloud swirled around him as he made his way toward Aria''s location. --- After a couple of seconds, August arrived behind the massive boulder at the eastern location. He scanned his surroundings cautiously before deactivating Stealth. His brow furrowed in confusion. ''Where is everyone?'' There was no sign of Aria or the rest of the group. He was about to open the party chat to send a message when a thin, shimmering line appeared in midair before him. The line widened into a slit of glowing light, and moments later, a familiar head popped out. It was Aria. "Quick, get in here!" she whispered urgently. Chapter 73 - 73: The Ancient Swordking Dungeon has opened! "Quick, get in here!" she whispered urgently, making her voice audible enough to filter through the chaos erupting across No Man''s Wasteland. Before August could question anything, Aria grabbed him by the arm and yanked him through the glowing slit. The sensation was strange. It felt like stepping through water but when he emerged on the other side, he found himself in what appeared to be a small tent. The interior glowed faintly and the air felt insulated, muffling the noise from outside. "Welcome to our little hideaway," Aria said with a smirk. She gestured around the space. "Clever, isn''t it? From the outside, no one would ever guess this tent is here. Complete camouflage. And we can see everything happening outside." August turned toward the translucent walls of the tent and saw the battlefield beyond. Players were still clashing, spells flying and weapons clanging, but none of them so much as glanced in the direction of the tent. "Impressive," August admitted with a low tone. "How long has this been set up?" "Since you left here," Aria replied. "We figured things would turn chaotic, so we planned ahead. Speaking of which..." She gestured toward the rest of the party seated inside. [ System Notification: Party Members ] - Aria (Level 33 Mage) - Gareth (Level 34 Warrior) - Viora (Level 31 Cleric) - Torin (Level 32 Ranger) - Drask (Level 34 Berserker) - Aleman (Level 26 Assassin) August glanced around at the party. Gareth, the Warrior, was sharpening his blade¡ªa massive longsword that gleamed faintly in the dim light. His armor was heavy and intricately designed, with red and gold accents that marked him as a high-ranking player. He barely acknowledged August with a curt nod. Viora, the Cleric, was seated near the back, flipping through a spellbook. Her white robes were pristine and her delicate features were framed by soft, golden curls. She offered August a small smile but said nothing. Torin, the Ranger, was adjusting the strings on his bow. His sharp, angular features were complemented by a hooded cloak, and his piercing green eyes gave him a hawk-like appearance. He glanced up briefly and muttered, "About time," before returning to his task. Drask, the Berserker, leaned against the tent wall with his massive axe resting on the ground beside him. He was a large figure and his muscular frame was barely contained by his leather armor. His expression was one of mild annoyance as he looked August up and down. "The underleveled player has returned ?" he grumbled. August raised an eyebrow but held his tongue. Aria shot Drask a sharp look. "He''s capable," she said firmly. "More than capable, actually. You''ll see." Drask snorted. "I''ll believe it when I see it." Aria turned back to August, ignoring the tension in the air. "Here''s the deal. The Swordking Dungeon opens in a few minutes, but we''ve got a problem." She pointed to the translucent walls, where the chaos outside was still raging. "As you can see, it''s a warzone out there. More players keep showing up, and the closer we get to the timer hitting zero, the worse it''s going to get." "Any idea how we''re supposed to get in with all that going on?" August inquired while folding his arms. Aria nodded. "We have two options. We wait it out and hope the chaos dies down, or..." She paused, a sly smile crossing her lips. "We sneak in the moment it opens." "Sneak in? With all those players watching?" August''s skepticism was evident. Aria smirked. "Leave that to me. I''ve got a few tricks up my sleeve. But for now, stay put and stay quiet. The less attention we draw, the better." --- [ System Notification: Time Until Dungeon Opens: 3 minutes. ] The timer appeared in the corner of their interfaces, and the tension in the tent grew. Outside, the fighting intensified, with players shouting and launching attacks at one another. August watched as a group of mages cast a massive area-of-effect spell, the ground erupting in flames that engulfed several fighters. "Stick close when the timer hits zero," Aria voiced with a serious tone. "This is going to get messy." ... ... Three minutes went by in a flash and system notifications appeared in everyone''s line of sight. [ System Notification: The Ancient Swordking Dungeon has opened! ] A thunderous roar erupted across the wasteland as the dungeon''s entrance became visible. It was an immense spiky gateway high above the chaos. Golden light poured from the top as if calling out to every player below, beckoning them with promises of untold rewards. "Game on," Drask muttered while gripping the handle of his massive axe tightly. "Quiet!" Aria hissed before pulling out a small, glowing orb from her inventory. The orb emitted a faint teal pulsating with energy. "This is our ticket inside. Everyone, form a single line behind me. Do not, I repeat, do not break the line, or the cloaking effect will vanish." "What happens if it deactivates before we''re in?" Torin asked, his expression skeptical. "Then we''re dead meat," Gareth answered with a grim smirk. "Simple as that." "Reassuring," August muttered under his breath. "What''s the time limit on this thing?" "Fifty seconds," Aria said briskly. "That''s all the time we''ve got to cross this battlefield and get into the dungeon before the cloaking deactivates. Stay close, and don''t mess this up." Aria activated the orb, and a shimmering field enveloped the group, making them invisible to the raging battles outside the tent. The noise grew louder, syncing with their footsteps as they formed a single-file line. "Move!" Aria led the way. The group stepped out of the tent and into the chaos. Spells exploded around them, and arrows flew dangerously close, but the cloaking field held. Players screamed as they clashed violently. Many were completely unaware of the invisible group weaving through the fray. "Stick to the line!" Aria barked. "Do *not* step out!" August glanced around cautiously. Being surrounded by dozens of players hurling attacks blindly was nerve-wracking. A blazing fireball soared mere inches from his face, and he instinctively ducked. "I swear this is worse than my first tax audit," he grumbled. Torin snickered from ahead. "What''s the matter, Aleman? Never been this close to danger before?" "Not with fifty lunatics trying to kill each other all at once," August shot back. "The power of greed is unmatched..." He added. "Less talking, more moving," Gareth growled from the front with his heavy armor clanking softly as he trudged forward. [ Thirty seconds left ] They were halfway across the battlefield, but the path ahead was littered with fallen players and debris from spells gone awry. A collapsing pillar from an area-of-effect spell crashed down, forcing Aria to swerve sharply. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Careful!" she yelled. "Follow me!" August stumbled slightly but quickly regained his footing, narrowly avoiding a stray ice shard that shattered inches from his shoulder. "This better be worth it." He muttered. "It will be," Aria voiced sharply. "Don''t stop moving." Suddenly, a Detect Magic spell cast by a level 34 mage lit up part of the field. A faint distortion appeared near the group, causing players nearby to squint suspiciously. "Over there! Something''s moving!" a Berserker bellowed. "Oh, great," August muttered. "We''ve been spotted." "No, we haven''t," Aria said firmly. "Just keep moving. They can''t see us, not yet." A mage hurled a spell at their location but they had already moved away so it just created a scorch mark on the earth. "I swear I saw something!" "You bastard, you''re just trying to escape my blade! You''re dying here!" The players in that particular vicinity charged at each other once more, giving the group breathing space to keep moving. [ Fifteen seconds left. ] The glowing portal hovering just above the wasteland drew closer. Players were scaling makeshift ladders and grappling hooks, desperately trying to reach it. The chaos was escalating, and explosions erupted left and right. "Ten seconds!" Aria shouted while picking up the pace. "Wait, what''s that¡ª" August started, but his words were cut off as a massive flaming boulder flew directly toward them. "Down!" Gareth yelled, tackling Drask to the ground. The boulder smashed into the earth, sending a shockwave rippling outward. The cloaking field was immediately destroyed exposing them. However, the group was already at the base of the dungeon at this moment. "Shit!" August swore under his breath. "Get up!" Torin urged while pulling Gareth and Drask to their feet. The group sprinted the final few yards while Aria chanted a spell. The portal glowed brighter above the dungeon and they still had to get to its top. "We''re not gonna make it!" Torin shouted as multiple arrows and spells flew in from every direction. "Yes, we are!" Aria snapped while grabbing August''s arm and dragging him forward into a glowing circle she had just conjured. Everyone stepped into the circle as a barrage of attacks from nearby players surged toward them, but when they were only inches away from making contact... The group vanished. Twwhii~ They reappeared atop the massive dungeon and reached for the portal just right above. It activated, pulling them inside just in time. Chapter 74 - 74: Severely Underleveled The group stood inside the Swordking Dungeon with their gazes sweeping across the massive, intricately designed interior. The sheer scale of the dungeon left even the most seasoned players stunned. Ancient runes glowed faintly along the walls, pulsating with mana, while towering pillars stretched into the shadowed heights of the vaulted ceiling. [ System Notification: Welcome to the Ancient Swordking Dungeon. Proceed with caution. Recommended Level: 35. ] The message lingered in their line of sight for a while, showing how under-leveled August was compared to the rest of the group. "Wow," Aria breathed as her eyes scanned the grand hallway ahead. "This place is incredible." "''Incredible'' is one way to put it," Drask muttered, hefting his axe onto his shoulder. "Also screams death trap." "Stay sharp," Gareth voiced as he unsheathed his sword. "We''re not alone in here." True enough, other players could be seen moving deeper into the dungeon through different pathways. Some parties were clearly stronger and their gear glowed with enchanted effects, while others seemed hastily thrown together. "Looks like the chaos outside only stays outside," Torin remarked as his eyes tracked a group of players entering a corridor to the left. It looked like no one who managed to get in was trying to start up a fight. Everyone inside knew it would slow them down when the goal was to get to the lower floors. "Good," Viora said. "Fewer idiots to slow us down." Aria studied the multiple paths branching out before them and pointed to the one on the far right. "We''re taking that route. It''s narrow, which means fewer ambushes, and the mana flow feels stronger there. Might lead to better loot." The group nodded and followed her lead. The atmosphere grew heavier, the deeper they ventured. The walls were lined with carvings depicting battles between humanoid warriors and massive beasts. [ System Notification: You feel an ancient presence watching you. ] "Well, that''s not ominous at all," August muttered. Aria smirked. "It''s a dungeon, Aleman. Did you expect a warm welcome and a gift basket?" "Would''ve been nice," he replied dryly. "Quiet," Gareth snapped. "Something''s ahead." The group halted as the sound of heavy breathing and the clinking of metal reached their ears. Around the corner, three burly, minotaur-like creatures with massive axes paced back and forth. Their dark fur was matted, and their red eyes gleamed with hostility. [ System Notification: Minotaur Sentinels (Level 15) detected. ] "Level 15? That''s it?" Drask scoffed. "This''ll be easy." Aria frowned. "Don''t underestimate them. Look at their muscles¡ªthey''re clearly built for strength. Viora, keep your healing ready." "Always," the cleric replied while gripping her staff tightly. "Let''s go," Aria commanded. Drask charged first, letting out a battle cry as he swung his axe at the nearest minotaur. The creature blocked with its own weapon causing the force of the clash to send vibrations through the air. Gareth quickly followed, slashing at the second minotaur''s legs to hinder its movement. The third minotaur let out a guttural roar and rushed toward the group with its axe raised high. Torin fired a barrage of arrows, aiming for its eyes, but the creature raised its arm to block, deflecting most of the shots. "Damn it, these things are tough!" Torin yelled. Aria launched a fireball at the creature and the explosion caused it to stagger momentarily. "Focus on the legs! Bring them down!" August darted around the battlefield activating his Dash. With a single step, he turned into a blur and circled the third minotaur. While the others kept it distracted, he slipped behind it and drove his dagger into the back of its knee. [ Hidden Strike Activated! ] [ Critical Hit! Wounding Effect Applied! ] [ -650HP ] The creature howled in pain and stumbled, dropping to one knee. "One down!" August called. Multiple glowing arrows came from up ahead and pierced into the creature''s face while it was down, taking out a big chunk of its HP. "Behind you!" Viora shouted. August spun just in time to see the second minotaur charging at him while swinging its axe in a powerful arc. He barely managed to roll out of the way but the blade grazed his arm and took a chunk of his HP. [ System Notification: - 250HP ] "Thanks for the heads-up," he said, giving Viora a quick nod. "You''re welcome. Try not to die." The second minotaur raised its axe again, but August was faster. Using Dash, he circled behind it and slashed at its exposed back with his dagger. [ - 420HP ] The creature roared in pain, and Gareth seized the opportunity to deliver a crushing blow to its head, finishing it off. [ -820HP ] "Nice teamwork," Gareth said with a smirk. The last minotaur, now cornered, swung its axe wildly, forcing everyone to back off. Drask, however, charged head-on, taking the brunt of the attack with his shield before driving his axe into the creature''s chest. It collapsed with a final grunt, and the room fell silent. [ System Notification: Minotaur Sentinels defeated. ] [ EXP gained: 11,500. ] [ System Notification: Dash skill proficiency increased. ] "Not bad," Drask voiced while wiping sweat from his brow. "Tougher than I expected." "You''re welcome for the assist," August''s voice dripped with sarcasm. Drask narrowed his eyes. "What assist? You just ran around stabbing ankles." "Those ankle stabs saved your life," August shot back. Before Drask could retort, Aria stepped between them. "Enough. We don''t have time for this. Everyone, check for loot." sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The group began searching the area, uncovering a few treasures hidden in plain sight. August found a small chest containing gold coins and a low-tier health potion. Torin discovered a set of enchanted arrows, while Aria pocketed a glowing mana crystal. "Well, this makes it worth the effort," Torin voiced while admiring his new arrows. As they prepared to move on, Viora approached August. "Hey¡­ you were pretty impressive back there. That move of yours saved Gareth''s flank." August raised an eyebrow. "Was that a compliment? You''ve seen me do more at the Ogres dungeon." "Don''t let it go to your head," she replied with a smirk before walking away. "Noted," August smiled back. Aria clapped her hands to get everyone''s attention. "Let''s keep moving. There''s a lot more to this dungeon. We''re only on the first floor and the loot is already this good... Imagine how much better the lower floors would be." "Then, we better increase the pace," Gareth stated with a low tone. Chapter 75 - 75: The Swordkings Pet The group stood before a massive set of double doors carved with intricate designs of swords and battles. The mana emanating from the door was thick, causing the air to vibrate faintly. Aria placed her hand on the door with a serious expression. "This is it. According to the runes on the side, this is the access point to the second floor." "About time," Drask muttered while gripping his axe tightly. "But you know it''s never just a simple walk through the door." "Exactly," Aria replied. "We''ll need to defeat whatever boss is guarding the way." "Great," Gareth before raising his sword. "The sooner we clear this, the better our chances of getting to the lower floors first." Torin raised his bow with a quiver full of enchanted arrows strapped to his back. "Let''s just hope it''s not one of those bosses with cheap one-hit-kill mechanics." "Focus," Viora voiced before adjusting her grip on her staff. "I''ll keep everyone alive, but don''t make my job harder than it needs to be." August adjusted his daggers and pulled his hood tighter over his head. "Let''s get this over with." Aria pressed her palm against the door, and with a loud creak, it slowly began to open. The room beyond was massive, with high vaulted ceilings and a floor of polished stone. Scattered across the room were piles of gold, jewels, and ancient weapons. But in the center of the room stood a beast that dwarfed them all. Towering at twice the size of a mammoth, it was covered in thick, dark fur that rippled with its every movement. Its muscular frame exuded raw power, and its crimson eyes locked onto the intruders. It held a massive sword in one clawed hand that exuded faint magical energy. [ System Notification: Boss Encounter: Scurry the Ancient Swordking''s Pet (Level 18). Beware of its custom abilities. ] Drask let out a low whistle. "Twice the size of a mammoth and holding a sword? Who thought this was a good idea?" "It''s only level 18," Torin voiced while nocking an arrow. "We can take it." "Don''t underestimate it," Aria warned. "Dungeon bosses always hit harder than their level suggests." Scurry let out a deafening roar upon noticing the intruders, releasing a sound that reverberated through the room, making the treasures on the floor clink together. With surprising speed for a creature its size, it charged toward the group. "Spread out!" Aria shouted. The group scattered as Scurry swung its massive sword in a wide arc, carving through the stone floor like butter with its sword. August activated Dash to evade just in time as the wind from the swing ruffled his cloak. "Viora, keep the buffs coming!" Aria yelled as she cast a fireball at Scurry''s side. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The explosion scorched its fur, but the beast seemed unfazed. [ -10 HP ] "I''m on it!" Viora replied while raising her staff. A warm glow enveloped the group as their stats were temporarily boosted. [ System Notification: Buff Activated: +25% Defense, +20% Attack Power. ] Gareth charged in with his shield raised to block Scurry''s next attack. The sword came down with a deafening crash, and Gareth grunted as he absorbed the blow. "It''s strong as hell! Someone hit it while I''ve got its attention!" Torin fired a volley of arrows aimed at Scurry''s eyes, but the beast raised its free arm to block. "Damn it, it''s smarter than it looks!" Drask flanked the creature, swinging his axe at its leg. The blade bit into its flesh, drawing a roar of pain from the beast. "It''s not invincible! Hit it where it''s soft!" [ - 450 HP ] August darted in and out of Scurry''s blind spots, landing precise strikes with his daggers on its exposed flank. Each cut seemed to do minimal damage, but he was chipping away at its health bar bit by bit. [ -150 HP ] [ - 120 HP ] [ 200 HP ] [ System Notification: Scurry''s HP: 87%. ] Scurry reared back on its hind legs and slammed the ground with both its sword and fist, sending shockwaves through the room. The force knocked everyone off their feet. [ System Notification: Custom Ability Activated - Tremor Smash! ] [ -400 HP ] [ - 430HP ] [ - 500 HP ] [ -450HP ] [ - 480 HP ] "Damn it!" August muttered as he rolled to his feet. His HP had taken a hit from the shockwave, now sitting at 95%. "Stay on your feet!" Aria shouted before casting a chain of ice spells to freeze Scurry''s legs. The beast roared as frost crept up its limbs, momentarily slowing its movements. "Now''s our chance!" Gareth yelled while rushing in with his sword. He slashed at Scurry''s exposed chest, leaving a deep gash with the blow. [ -350 HP ] Drask followed suit, carving into the beast''s side with a swing of his axe. "It''s working! Keep at it!" [ -420 HP ] But Scurry wasn''t done yet. With a roar, it swung its sword in a full circle, forcing everyone to dive out of the way. "Watch out!" Viora yelled, quickly casting a healing spell on Gareth, who had taken a glancing hit. [ System Notification: Healing Activated: +300 HP, +200HP Restored. ] August narrowly avoided the swing, using Dash, and appeared behind the beast. He stabbed at the back of its knee, causing it to stumble. "It''s almost down! Hit it hard!" At this point, the beast''s HP bar had reduced from 15,000 to 4,000. But the group was running on fumes. Drask kept taking blows from up front while August repeatedly slashed the beast from behind. "Keep up the pressure!" August''s voice cut through the chaos. "Berserker, keep it distracted!" "Easier said than done!" Drask grunted upon noticing his HP bar flickered dangerously close to 20%. Aria lifted her staff as mana swirled around her. "Infernal Flame Barrage!" she chanted, sending a cascade of fiery explosions raining down on Scurry. Each strike chipped away at its health, reducing it by a few hundred points. [ System Notification: Scurry HP: 3,200. ] Torin followed suit, letting a series of enchanted arrows loose. One struck Scurry''s shoulder, and another hit its thigh, causing it to stagger. "Keep firing!" Torin yelled. "We''ve got this!" As the beast''s HP hit 1,000, it let out an ear-splitting roar that made the ground tremble. [ System Notification: Scurry has activated Swordking''s Fury. All players'' HP reduced by 50%. ] A shockwave erupted from the creature as its massive sword glowed with a dark, ominous light. August felt the impact like a hammer to his chest. His HP bar immediately plummeted to 42%. "Damn it, that hurt!" Gareth groaned with his shield arm trembling. "It''s gone berserk!" Viora screamed. "I can''t heal fast enough!" Scurry''s entire body seemed to radiate an unearthly glow as it entered Frenzy Mode. [ System Notification: Frenzy Mode: Damage immunity active for 20 seconds. ] Aria''s fireballs and Torin''s arrows bounced off the beast, leaving no visible damage. "It''s invulnerable!" Aria shouted. "We have to survive until it wears off!" The beast swung its sword in wide arcs, cleaving the ground and sending massive shockwaves through the room. Drask barely dodged one swing causing his HP to dip to a perilous 15% after the edge grazed him. "Keep moving!" August yelled. He activated Dash to evade an incoming attack causing his body to blur as he repositioned himself behind the beast. "Cleric, we need heals now!" "I''m trying!" Viora''s staff glowed as she cast Holy Restoration. A warm light enveloped Drask and Gareth, restoring a chunk of their HP. [ System Notification: Holy Restoration: +25% HP recovered. ] With only two seconds left on the frenzy timer, Scurry reared back and let out another roar. Its sword gleamed brighter than before. [ System Notification: Scurry has activated Swordking''s Cleave. ] The attack was unavoidable, and the massive blade came crashing down. Viora, who had been mid-cast, was hit directly. She was sent flying across the room, crashing into a pile of gold coins. Her HP bar dropped to 5%, and her healing stopped temporarily. "I¡ªI can''t heal right now!" she gasped. The beast turned its glowing gaze on Drask, its next target. Drask''s HP was already at 10%, and the incoming blow would surely kill him. "Drask, move!" Aria screamed, casting a frost spell to slow the beast''s attack, but it wasn''t enough. The sword came crashing down with a perilous force but before it could reach its target, August activated Dash, appearing in front of Drask. In a split second, he crossed his daggers to parry the attack. "Arcane Shield!" he muttered under his breath. A glowing blue barrier appeared around him, absorbing the brunt of the impact. [ System Notification: Arcane Shield activated. ] The shield cracked under the immense force, but it held just long enough for the frenzy timer to end. [ System Notification: Frenzy Mode deactivated. Damage immunity removed. ] "Hit it now!" August yelled. Aria unleashed a devastating spell. "Storm Surge!" A torrent of lightning bolts rained down on Scurry, crackling and surging through its massive frame. Torin followed with a Piercing Shot, lodging an arrow deep into the beast''s eye. Drask, with a roar of his own, charged forward and swung his axe with all his might, cleaving into Scurry''s side. August, still recovering from the earlier parry, activated Dash again and appeared behind the beast. With a flurry of precise strikes, he targeted its weakened joints. [ System Notification - Scurry HP: 100. ] Gareth charged forward with his sword glowing. "This is it!" he yelled and slammed the blade into Scurry''s chest. The beast let out one last roar before collapsing to the ground. Its massive body dissolved into shimmering particles. [ System Notification: Boss Defeated: Scurry the Swordking''s Pet. ] [ EXP distributed evenly: 12,000. ] At the far end of the room, the massive door to the second floor creaked open, revealing a staircase descending into the depths. Chapter 76 - 76: The Abduction The group stood panting with their HP bars low. "Good job, everyone," Aria''s voice sounded a bit hoarse. "That was way harder than it should''ve been." "Harder?" Drask muttered while leaning on his axe. "That thing almost made me lose a level!" August smirked while still catching his breath. "And this is just the first floor." Drask gave him a begrudging nod. "Yeah, I can''t imagine how much tougher things will get. Thanks for the save though." "Anytime," August responded while downing a bottle of high-tier health potion. As the boss''s remains disappeared, a pile of loot materialized where it had fallen. Glittering weapons, gold coins, and rare materials littered the floor. "Start collecting," Aria said. "We deserve every bit of this." August picked up a glowing dagger with intricate runes etched along its blade. A system notification appeared. [ System Notification: Obtained Devil''s Fang (Uncommon). Effect: +20% critical strike damage + poison.] Torin uncovered a quiver of enchanted arrows, while Gareth found a shield that absorbed 10% of incoming damage. The group divided the rest of the loot evenly, with August additionally receiving a pair of enchanted boots that increased his movement speed. At the far end of the room, the massive door to the second floor creaked open, revealing a staircase descending into the depths. "That''s our way down," Aria said, pointing. "But we''d better be ready. If this was the first floor, I can''t imagine what''s waiting for us next." ... ... A nightclub outside of town pulsed with energy. Vibrant neon lights bathed the room, shifting hues to match the heavy bassline of the music. The crowd was a mix of lively partiers, gamers engrossed in virtual pods, and others casually sipping on cocktails. Holographic advertisements for various virtual reality games rotated across the walls, including a massive one for Enders Light featuring a gleaming Phoenix Celestial crest. Victor leaned against a high table near the gaming section, surrounded by his friends. A nearby holographic display showcased an Enders Light leaderboard, flashing the name "Ice Queen" among the top ranks, a constant topic of conversation among players. "I swear," one of Victor''s friends, Jake, said as he sipped his beer, "if I ever manage to hit level 35, I''m applying for Phoenix Celestial. The perks they get are insane." Victor chuckled while swirling his drink. "Good luck with that. Their recruitment process is brutal. They don''t just look at in-game performance; they vet your real-life background too." Jake groaned. "Don''t remind me. My application got denied three times already. Said I didn''t meet their ''teamwork criteria.'' Like, come on. I just prefer solo grinding." "That''s why I don''t bother," Victor replied with a smirk. "Guild life''s too restrictive for me. I like the freedom to play how I want. Good thing I can afford any gear I want." Ava, another of Victor''s friends, arched an eyebrow. "You? Freedom? Mr. Dungeon Grinder? You''re practically a guild of one with how you obsess over quests." The nightclub catered to more than just drinks and dancing. In one corner, players lounged in virtual reality pods. The faint glow of their interfaces was visible through the tinted covers. Nearby, others donned virtual helmets for shorter gaming sessions. A group erupted in cheers as a high-level player on a public display executed a flawless combo in Enders Light. Victor turned to Jake. "You should hop on one of those pods and try your luck again." Jake laughed. "Yeah, maybe after a few more drinks. I need that liquid courage." Victor suddenly straightened. "Damn, I just remembered¡ªI left something in my car. Be right back." "Don''t take too long," Ava called after him. "You''ll miss all the fun." Victor waved her off and made his way through the crowded club, weaving between patrons. He stepped outside, greeted by the cool night air. The club''s parking lot was dimly lit, with a mixture of high-end cars and more modest vehicles scattered around. The distant sound of city traffic filled the air as Victor walked toward his car. Just as he reached for the door handle, two figures materialized out of the shadows. One was tall and broad-shouldered, wearing an ornate Asian demon mask. The other was slender and clad in a flowing kimono with a fox mask obscuring her face. Victor blinked, then laughed. "What is this? A costume party? Did I miss an invite?" The fox-masked figure tilted her head with a cold voice. "Victor Whitford?" Victor hesitated. "Uh, yeah. That''s me. Who''s asking?" The demon-masked figure''s deep voice rumbled. "We''re not here to joke. Tell us where Aleman is." Victor froze as his casual demeanor faltered. "Aleman? I have no idea." "Don''t play dumb," the fox-masked woman said sharply. "We know you''ve dealt with him. Where does he live?" Victor''s forced a laugh. "Look, I don''t know where he lives. I only have his contact info. Unless you''re planning to buy something from him, good luck finding him." The two figures exchanged a glance. The demon-masked man stepped forward, casting a shadow over Victor with his massive frame. "You''re lying," he growled. "We don''t like liars." Victor raised his hands defensively. "I swear, I don''t know anything more! I''ve only bought from him once. That''s it." Without warning, the demon-masked figure lunged. His hand clamped around Victor''s throat tightly lifting him off the ground effortlessly. Victor struggled while clawing at the man''s arm, but it was like trying to bend steel. His skin didn''t even feel like it belonged to that of a human. "Let me go!" Victor rasped with a barely audible voice. The fox-masked woman remained calm, watching as Victor''s struggles grew weaker. "You will lead us to Aleman," she said coldly. The shadows around them began to ripple and expand, forming a dark, circular pool beneath their feet. Victor''s vision blurred as the grip around his throat tightened. His last thought before losing consciousness was, ''What the hell is going on?'' After Victor passed out, the massive masculine figure, slung him over a shoulder while all three of them sunk into the shadows. From a distance, a drunken clubgoer stumbled out of the building with an unfocused gaze. He squinted at the shadowy scene by the parking lot as his muddled brain struggled to process what he was seeing. "What the¡­?" he muttered before rubbing his eyes. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The two masked figures and Victor vanished into the swirling darkness on the ground, leaving no trace behind. The man blinked and shook his head. "I''ve had way too much to drink," he turned back toward the club while mumbling. "No more tequila for me." Chapter 77 - 77: The Strange Spirit The atmosphere within the dungeon was tense yet oddly mesmerizing. Each floor they descended revealed new challenges, from increasingly formidable enemies to intricate traps. The group had been at it for hours, and despite the exhaustion settling into their bones, none of them was willing to quit. The sixteenth floor had high stone walls carved with ancient runes that glowed blue. Dust floated lazily in the air, disturbed only by their movements. Pieces of broken armor and discarded weapons littered the ground. [ Trap Activated ] A net of sharp wires suddenly sprang out from the wall as the group moved forward. August reacted swiftly, using his Dash skill to leap out of its path. "Watch out!" he called while grabbing Viora''s arm and yanking her out of harm''s way. Gareth managed to slice through part of the trap with his sword, while Drask braced himself against the wires, breaking them with sheer force. "Close one," Torin muttered while dusting off his armor. "This dungeon is worse than any I''ve seen before." As they pressed forward, the group came across a series of hidden treasure chests. Aria, ever cautious, warned, "These could be mimics. Let me check first." She cast a Detection Aura, revealing three normal chests and one mimic. "Figures," Drask said while hefting his axe. "I''ll deal with it." The mimic burst out of its disguise, gnashing its sharp teeth and lunging at Drask. August swooped in, striking at its flank with his Hidden Strike skill. Gareth finished it off with a crushing blow from his shield, sending loot scattering across the ground. --- [ System Notification: Loot Acquired ] [ Item: Reflective Ring ] [ Effect: 10% chance to reflect damage back to the attacker. ] [ Common Item: Gold Coins (x50) ] [ Uncommon Item: Enchanted Chainmail Fragment ] [ Effect: Slightly increases defense when combined with matching armor. ] The group divided the spoils, with August receiving the Reflective Ring. "Guess I''ll take this one," he said before slipping it onto his finger. "Careful," Torin quipped. "You''re starting to look like a loot goblin." "Better a loot goblin than an arrogant ranger," August shot back, earning a round of chuckles from the group. Despite their earlier reservations about him, Torin and Drask were beginning to warm up to August. The latter slapped August on the back after another fight with a group of knights. "You know," Drask voiced while grinning, "for someone who came in under-leveled, you''re holding your own pretty damn well." Torin, ever the critic, nodded begrudgingly. "You''re not bad. If Aria hadn''t vouched for you, I''d have kicked you out by now, but I can see why she trusts you." "Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence," August replied dryly, earning more laughter. Even Viora, usually shy and reserved, chimed in softly. "You''re really not bad August. Thanks for the help earlier." Aria added with a sly smile, "I told you all, didn''t I? He''s got potential. If you ever feel like joining Phoenix Celestial, let me know." August shook his head. "Guilds aren''t really my thing, but maybe I''ll do business with you all someday. Who knows?" The group finally reached a massive set of doors at the end of the hallway. The doors were embossed with the image of a towering figure wielding two swords. Its eyes glowed faintly as if watching them. "Boss room," Aria announced with a firm tone. "Same deal as always¡ªfocus, work together, and don''t get cocky." Gareth tested the doors, pushing them open with a heavy creak. A gust of cold air rushed out, sending chills down their spines. [ System Notification: Boss Encounter ] [ Warning: You are entering a Boss Room! ] [ Boss Detected: Ancient Guardian Soralak (Level 22) ] [ HP: 12,000 ] [ Skills: Fiery Strike, Ground Pound, Frenzied Spin ] The room was enormous with its ceiling stretching impossibly high. Treasures glimmered in the corners, though the centerpiece was the beast standing before them. Soralak was a massive, furry creature, its twin swords glinting ominously in the faint light. "Holy hell," Drask muttered. "That thing''s got muscles on its muscles." "I''m guessing diplomacy isn''t an option?" August quipped while gripping his dagger. Aria smirked. "Not unless you can speak ''angry monstrosity.'' Let''s take it down." "Why do they always have swords?" Torin questioned with a bothered look. "Ancient SWORDKING dungeon mean anything to you?" August responded sarcastically. The boss roared before slamming one of its swords into the ground. The impact sent fiery shockwaves rippling through the room, forcing the group to scatter. "Drask, take aggro!" Aria commanded. "Torin, cover the backline. Viora, keep us healed. Gareth, August, stay mobile and flank it when you can!" Drask charged in with a yell while swinging his axe forward. It clashed against one of the beast''s swords. Sparks flew as Soralak roared and swung its other blade toward him. Gareth intercepted with his shield but the blow still sent him sliding backward. August circled around, using Dash to get close before landing a precise hit with Hidden Strike on the creature''s exposed flank. --- [ System Notification: Critical Hit! ] [ Soralak HP: -800 ] "Nice shot, Aleman!" Aria called before unleashing a Frost Nova that temporarily slowed the boss''s movements. The battle raged on as the group worked together to whittle down the beast''s HP. At one point, Soralak activated Frenzied Spin, forcing everyone to retreat as it whirled its swords around in a deadly arc. "Keep your distance!" Aria shouted. "Wait for it to stop!" As the boss slowed, August spotted an opening and darted in, landing another critical hit before retreating. When the boss turned toward August, Torin opened a volley of glowing arrows on its back, chipping some of its HP. The others continuously attacked in synergy and even when they got hit sometimes, Viora always cast restoration spells to heal them. When the boss''s HP finally reached zero, it let out a deafening roar before collapsing. They were fortunate enough that this boss didn''t have a frenzy mode or things would have gotten much more difficult. --- [ System Notification: Boss Defeated! ] [ Rewards Unlocked: Access to Floor 17 ] [ Loot: Soralak''s Blade (Unbound) ] [ Uncommon Loot: Reinforced Armor Plating ] [ Gold Coins: 150 ] --- The group quickly divided the spoils with Gareth getting the Blade since he was a warrior while they shared the rest amongst each other. "Well," Aria said with a grin, "Sixteen floors down, only eighty-five to go." The group descended onto the seventeenth floor, finding themselves in a very different space. Their boots crunched softly against the oddly floral ground as they stepped forward. Unlike the previous floors, which were either barren or ominous, this one felt almost serene. The air was fragrant, filled with the scent of blooming flowers that dotted the landscape ahead. Glowing crystals phased gently in and out of the walls, pulsing like faint heartbeats. Their shimmering light painted the cavern in a surreal hue, making the surroundings appear ethereal. "Well, this is... different," Aria remarked with a cautious tone cautious as she scanned the area. "I don''t trust it." S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Drask smirked, gripping his axe tightly. "Too peaceful. Bet it''s just the calm before some giant monster comes roaring out." [ System Notification: New Event Activated - The Mischievous Spirit ] [ Instructions: Follow the spirit and mimic its actions. ] --- Before the group could react to the notification, a childish laugh echoed through the cavern. It seemed to come from every direction, bouncing off the crystalline walls. The laughter was sweet but had an unsettling, hollow quality that made their skin crawl. Gareth raised his sword as his eyes darted around. "That''s... unsettling." "Agreed," Viora whispered while stepping closer to Aria for reassurance. The group advanced cautiously with their weapons drawn. Just ahead, a figure emerged. It was a young girl, seemingly no older than eight. Her translucent form shimmered with a faint blue glow, and she skipped around the flowers, giggling as if completely oblivious to the intruders. "That''s no ordinary NPC," August muttered while resting his hands on his dagger. "She''s glowing." "Look at the system notification," Aria said. "We''re supposed to mimic her. That means no attacking." Drask raised an eyebrow. "You want us to play follow-the-leader with a glowing ghost child? This dungeon''s getting weirder by the floor." "Just do it," Aria ordered. "I''m not in the mood for ''consequences.'' Chapter 78 - 78: Cryptic Projection The group moved cautiously, mimicking the girl''s every move. If she skipped, they skipped. When she crouched to pick an invisible flower, they bent down and mimicked the motion. Occasionally, she would turn to face them and her large eyes would glow with an unnatural light. The group froze every time, holding their breath until she resumed her movements. --- System Notification: [ Success: You are following the spirit correctly. Continue to mimic her actions and follow her. ] --- At one point, the spirit began to hum a strange, disjointed melody. Aria quickly whispered for everyone to hum along. The off-key tune grated on their nerves, but they complied. "Damn, Torin why do you sound like a monkey being slaughtered?" August chided causing the group to hold their bellies as laughter threatened to spill. "Singing isn''t my strong suit," Torin shot August a disgruntled look. As they moved deeper into the floor, the flowers became denser, and the glowing crystals more erratic. [ System Notification: You Have Avoided The First Calamity. Keep Mimicking the Spirit Actions ] ... ... Elsewhere in the dungeon, chaos had a different face. A group of three players moved with confidence. Their dark robes brushed against the stone floor as they descended rapidly. Unlike other adventurers, they showed no signs of hesitation or exhaustion. Each of them carried an aura of dominance and precision. The mage, Orlma, led the way. Her avatar was tall and regal and her dark robes were embroidered with glowing red patterns that shimmered as she walked. Her hair, long and silver, flowed like a waterfall, and her piercing golden eyes reflected a quiet but terrifying intelligence. A staff carved with serpentine designs rested in her hand. Behind her walked the warrior, Drakos. His massive frame was clad in spiked obsidian armor, each piece etched with pointy crimson veins that pulsed faintly. His weapon, a massive greatsword, hung loosely across his back. His face was partially obscured by a half-mask that revealed a twisted smirk. Finally, there was the assassin, Lyriss. Her lithe frame was wrapped in black leather armor that seemed to blend into the shadows. Her hood covered most of her face, but her sharp, violet eyes gleamed with malice. Twin daggers with glowing purple edges were strapped to her hips. They moved in perfect unison and their silence was broken only by their conversation. "We must reach the fruit of sin before anyone else," Drakos growled with a low tone. "Every second we waste is an advantage for those behind." Orlma halted, raising her hand. "Patience, Drakos. The fruit isn''t going anywhere. But we must tread carefully." "Can you sense it, Orlma?" Drakos pressed. Orlma nodded as her golden eyes narrowed. "It''s on the lowest floor. The aura is faint but unmistakable." At this, Lyriss produced a strange, jagged crystal from her inventory. Its glow was erratic, flickering as if alive. "We have one of these left," she said. "But we''ll use it when it counts." Drakos scowled. "Use it now. Skip the floors. Let''s leave them unable to catch up." Orlma placed a hand on her hip, considering. "Fine. But remember, this is our last one. If we miscalculate, we''ll be stranded." Lyriss smirked. "Then don''t miscalculate." Without another word, Lyriss crushed the crystal in her hand. A blinding light enveloped them, and when it dissipated, the trio found themselves ten floors lower. --- [ System Notification: Floor Skip Activated - 10 Floors Descended. ] [ Current Floor: 25th ] Drakos cracked his neck causing the sound to echo in the cavern. "That''s better. Now, no one can stop us." Orlma raised an eyebrow. "Don''t get cocky. We''re ahead, but it doesn''t necessarily mean we''re alone. Stay sharp." The three exchanged glances before continuing their descent. ... ... The group continued to mimic the translucent spirit girl''s actions hesitantly. As the girl skipped through the floral terrain, she approached what looked like a dead end¡ªa blocked-off area of rubble and overgrown vines. She paused, glanced back at the group with a mischievous smile, and made a series of strange, flowing movements with her arms. It was almost like a dance. --- [ System Notification: Follow the Spirit''s Movements ] [ Hint: Imitate perfectly to unlock hidden paths. ] Aria frowned, watching the spirit intently. "Everyone, pay attention. We need to copy this exactly." Drask let out a groan. "Seriously? Dancing now? This dungeon''s trolling us." "Shut up and move, Drask," Aria snapped. "We didn''t come this far to mess up now." August watched the girl''s movements carefully. The way her arms swirled and her legs stepped seemed almost rhythmic, as though tied to the mana-rich air around them. "It''s not just random movements," he muttered. "It''s a pattern." "Let''s just do it," Torin grumbled. "We don''t have all day." Each of them mirrored the spirit''s flowing gestures. As they finished, the blocked-off area began to tremble. The rubble shifted and crumbled away, revealing a strange structure hidden beneath. The ruins seemed to vibrate with power, glowing faintly as ancient carvings etched into the stone came alive. "What in the world is this?" Viora whispered with wide eyes. The ruins began to shift and morph, almost as if they were alive. Stone walls twisted, forming a large, rectangular room that radiated an overwhelming ancient energy. At the center of the room, a glowing projection flickered to life. --- [ System Notification: A Fragment of the Past - Watch the Memory. ] --- The group watched silently as the projection unfolded. The spirit girl, now more vivid, was laughing and playing with a broad-shouldered man. His back was to them, but even from behind, his figure radiated majesty. His long, flowing robes shimmered with gold, and a crown rested on his head. The man reached down to the girl and his large hand gently patted her head. He then handed her a glowing object¡ªa small, intricately shaped trinket resembling a flower. "Who is that?" August whispered. "No idea," Aria replied with a hushed tone. "But he seems important. Look at that crown." The group watched as the projection faded with the man and the spirit girl vanishing into the ether. The ruins returned to their original, desolate state, leaving no trace of the scene they had just witnessed. "Well, that was... cryptic," Gareth muttered while scratching his head. "Anyone wanna guess who Mr. Fancy Crown was?" Aria''s brows furrowed. "The Swordking, maybe? It''s his dungeon, after all." "Could be," August said thoughtfully, "but we only saw his back. He''s definitely connected to the girl, though. That trinket he gave her¡ª" "Whatever it is," Torin interrupted, "it''s important. Let''s keep moving." The group followed the spirit girl as she galloped forward with her translucent form glowing brighter. She skipped through the ruins until she reached a pair of massive open doors. On either side of the doorway stood two colossal humanoid statues. Their stone forms were over thirty feet high. Each statue held a massive weapon¡ªa sword for one and a spear for the other. The spirit girl passed through the doorway effortlessly as her laughter kept echoing. However, as the group approached, the statues'' heads turned toward them in unison and their stone eyes glowed ominously. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. --- [ System Notification ] [ Warning: Intrusion Detected. Defend or Evade. ] [ Hint: The statues are activated by the unworthy. ] --- Before anyone could react, the statue with the spear raised its massive hand and swatted downward with terrifying speed. The air whooshed loudly, and the force of the swing created a shockwave that sent debris flying even before the spear reached its target. "Move!" August yelled while activating Dash just in time to grab Aria and pull her out of the way. The statue''s hand smashed into the ground where she had stood, leaving a massive crater. "Thanks," Aria said breathlessly. "Don''t thank me yet," August replied, glancing at the statues. "These things are level sixty-five. We can''t beat them." "Sixty-five?!" Drask exclaimed with widened eyes as the levels appeared above the statues'' heads. "Are you kidding me? We''re screwed." "Not yet," Gareth said while raising his shield warily. "There''s gotta be another way." The group scattered, trying to avoid the statues'' relentless attacks. Every step the statues took shook the ground, and their swings made it impossible to get close to the doorway. "Anyone see a system notification or a clue?" Viora inquired with panic in her voice. August''s sharp eyes scanned the surroundings, desperate for something¡ªanything¡ªthat might help them. That''s when he noticed it: a carving etched into the stone floor just a few feet in front of the statues. The carving was faint but unmistakable¡ªit was the exact shape of the trinket the crowned figure had handed the spirit girl in the projection. "There!" August pointed to the carving. "That trinket from the projection¡ªwhatever it is¡ªneeds to go there." Aria followed his gaze and nodded. "But how do we get it?" "I don''t think we have it," August replied grimly. "Which means we either need to find it or figure out another way past." The group exchanged tense looks as the statues loomed in the distance ready to strike again while the spirit girl''s laughter echoed faintly in the distance. Chapter 79 - 79: Advancing Smoothly The group spread out cautiously across the cavernous area, keeping a wary eye on the colossal statues. While the statues didn''t attack them unless they approached, their presence disturbingly cast long, menacing shadows that filled the space. Aria folded her arms and sighed. "We''ve been at this for over thirty minutes, and we''re getting nowhere." "I don''t get it," Gareth grumbled while tightening his grip on his sword. "There has to be a clue around here. It wouldn''t make sense for the dungeon to trap us without a way forward." "Unless this is a dead end," Torin said sarcastically, earning a sharp glare from Aria. Viora glanced nervously at the statues. "It can''t be. We''re missing something. This dungeon isn''t supposed to have dead ends." Drask scratched the back of his head. "What if we''ve already passed it? Maybe it''s back where the ruins transformed earlier." "I doubt that," August voiced while scanning the area. "We retraced most of our steps already, but we haven''t checked everything. There''s still this left side we haven''t explored." The group turned to where August pointed. A narrow, almost imperceptible path veered off to the left, shrouded in shadows and partially hidden by overgrown vines. "Good eye," Aria nodded approvingly. "Let''s check it out." --- [ System Notification: Area Discovered - The Forgotten Glade ] --- As they approached, the area opened up into a small glade filled with strange, glowing flowers. In the center of the glade sat a small treasure chest. Its ornate edges glittered faintly as the group paused at the sight of it. "That''s gotta be it," Viora pointed excitedly. "The flower-shaped trinket must be in there." "Finally," Drask muttered. "Let''s grab it and get out of here." "Wait!" August raised his hand. "Look at the floor." The group froze as faint, glowing patterns came into view, extending from the chest like a web of magic runes. Small footprints glimmered faintly, barely visible on the stone. [ System Notification: Caution - Hidden Traps Detected ] S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. --- "Yeah, no way it''s that simple," August said. "This place is rigged." Torin nocked an arrow while scanning the glowing patterns. "Think we can disable the traps from here?" "I doubt it," Aria voiced before stepping forward cautiously. "This doesn''t look like something we can brute force. Magic traps like these are usually tied to specific conditions." Drask scoffed. "Then what do we do? Play patty-cake with the flowers?" "No," Aria responded with a thoughtful tone. "We mimic the spirit girl again." "The dance?" Gareth raised an eyebrow. "You''ve gotta be kidding me." "She''s the key to everything on this floor so far," Aria argued. "The carvings, the projection, even the traps¡ªwe''ve only made progress by following her lead." "It''s worth a shot," Viora added. "We don''t have any other options." Aria stepped onto the glowing footprints, careful to avoid the runes. She began to mimic the flowing movements of the spirit girl''s dance with her arms tracing elegant patterns in the air. As she moved, the glowing runes beneath her feet began to dim. "It''s working!" Viora exclaimed in awe. --- [ System Notification: Trap Disarmed ] The glowing flowers that had extended to shield the chest suddenly withered, curling in on themselves. The runes on the ground vanished, and the air in the glade grew still. Drask let out a low whistle. "Well, I''ll be damned. Nice moves, Aria." "Thanks," she voiced while brushing a strand of hair from her face as she stepped back. "Now, let''s see what''s inside." Gareth approached the chest cautiously and knelt beside it. "Let''s hope this isn''t a mimic." "Don''t jinx it," Torin muttered, gripping his bow. Carefully, Gareth opened the chest. Nestled in a bed of soft, glowing fabric, was the flower-shaped trinket they had been searching for. --- [ System Notification: Item Acquired - Radiant Bloom Key ] [ Description: A magical artifact required to progress through the Swordking Dungeon. ] --- Gareth held up the trinket as its petals shimmered faintly with a mythical glow. "This is it. This has to be what we need." "Great," August stated. "Now let''s get back to those statues before something else decides to show up." The group quickly made their way back to the large doorway with the Radiant Bloom Key in hand. As they approached the statues, their stone eyes flickered, and the room seemed to grow colder. "Here goes nothing," Aria voiced while holding up the trinket. The statues froze in place, their weapons lowering as the trinket''s glow illuminated the doorway. The group placed the flower-shaped trinket into the carved slot on the floor, and the statues ceased their ominous movements. [ System Notification: Radiant Bloom Key Activated ] [ Access Granted: Proceed Through the Gate ] --- As they stepped through, the spirit girl stood on the other side, waiting as if she''d been expecting them. Her translucent figure shimmered faintly, and her giggling echoed in the empty corridor. "She''s starting to creep me out," Torin muttered, shifting uncomfortably. "Like, does she ever *not* laugh?" "Maybe she''s laughing at how much trouble we''re getting into," Drask joked, earning a chuckle from Viora. "Focus, people," Aria said sternly. "If we''re following her, we mimic her movements exactly, just like before. No distractions." The spirit girl began to skip ahead causing her delicate feet to leave faint glowing footprints in her wake. Without hesitation, the group followed, matching her rhythm and movements as closely as possible. After a few minutes of walking, they found themselves descending another spiral staircase. --- [ System Notification: Floor Progression - You Have Reached the 18th Floor ] [ Keep following the spirit ] --- "Wait, that''s it?" Gareth voiced in disbelief with a tone that echoed through the surroundings. "No boss fight for the 17th floor?" "I''m not complaining," Viora said with a relieved sigh. "We''ve been fighting for hours. A little break is nice." "Yeah, but now I feel like the dungeon is trying to psych us out," Drask said. "Like, when''s the other shoe gonna drop?" As the group stepped onto the 18th floor, the scenery changed dramatically. The walls were lined with glowing, crystalline veins that pulsed faintly like they were alive. The floor was smooth, polished stone, and faint whispers echoed in the distance, adding an eerie atmosphere. The spirit girl stopped ahead of them and began twirling. Her movements were smooth and rhythmic. The group fell into step behind her, mimicking her movements exactly. However, Torin''s brow furrowed as he tilted his head. "Has anyone ever wondered what happens if we don''t mimic her?" his voice carried a note of curiosity. Aria shot him a glare. "We''re not finding out, Torin. Just do as she does." "But what if it''s like one of those secret triggers?" Torin argued. "What if it''s a bonus event or loot?" "It''ll probably trigger our deaths, you idiot," Gareth said while rolling his eyes. Torin groaned but kept moving. However, his concentration slipped, and he missed a step. --- [ System Notification: Warning! A Party Member Failed to Follow the Spirit Guide''s Movements! ] [ Trigger Condition Met: The Fourth Calamity ] ---- Torin''s face paled as he froze in place. "Uh... oops." "What the fuck did you do?!" Aria hissed before spinning to face him. "I... I missed a step," Torin admitted sheepishly. "It was an accident!" Before anyone could respond, the ground beneath them rumbled violently. Cracks spread across the polished floor, and strange tomb-like structures began to phase into existence, emerging from the ground. "Torin, you absolute moron!" Drask bellowed, gripping his axe. "I said it was an accident!" Torin snapped defensively. The tombs stopped materializing at two hundred and each one creaked while opening to reveal skeletal figures clad in rusted knight''s armor. Their hollow eye sockets glowed with an ominous red light, and in their bony hands, they clutched long, chipped swords. --- [ System Notification: The Fourth Calamity ] [ Enemies Spawned: 200 Undead Knights (Level 25) ] ########## Authors Note: Thank you all for the support you''ve shown so far. We accumulated up to 200 power stones last week. In appreciation, I''ll be doing a mass release of five chapters on Wednesday. If we manage to accumulate up to 500 power stones this week, I''ll do another mass release. Chapter 80 - 80: The Fourth Calamity "You''ve gotta be kidding me," August muttered as his eyes scanned the approaching horde. "Two hundred?" "Okay, so maybe I fucked up," Torin admitted. "But we can fix this, right?" "Not if we''re dead!" Viora squeaked, clutching her staff. "Enough!" Aria barked. "We''re not dying here. Everyone stick together. Drask, Gareth, keep them off us while we figure this out!" The first wave of undead knights charged forward with unnervingly coordinated movements despite their decayed forms. Drask and Gareth stepped to the front with their weapons raised. Gareth blocked hits from the undead soldiers while Drask cleaved them in half with his axe. Torin nocked his bow, firing glowing arrows at the undead beings while August darted around slicing skeletal limbs off. Everyone did their best to take down the undead however, after a while their eyes widened in disbelief. The skeletal beings had their bodies rejoined by an unknown dark force and then began attacking them again. "What the hell?!" Torin yelled while firing some exploding arrows. Even after taking down a few undead knights, they rose back up. "What were you expecting? They''re literally called Undead knights," August stated. "Fuck," Gareth cursed as he pushed some back with his shield. "We can''t keep going like this or we''ll run out of energy and mana points," Drask pointed out. At this point, the Viora cast a spell that spread across the immediate surroundings. Since she was a cleric, it meant she automatically had an upper hand over beings like this. A clue suddenly appeared as system notifications before everyone. [ Special Condition: Undead Knights Cannot Be Killed Through Normal Means. Destroy the Skull Core or Use Consuming Flames. ] "So that''s it... Let''s get it done then!" Drask yelled before charging forward. --- [ System Notification: ] [ Drask Activated: Furious Cleave ] [ Damage Dealt: -421 HP to Undead Knight ] [ Critical Hit: Skull Core Exposed ] [ Undead Knight Destroyed ] [ Gareth Activated: Iron Smash ] [ Damage Dealt: -780 HP to Undead Knight ] --- "Go for the cores!" Drask shouted, cleaving through one knight and shattering its skull. Viora raised her staff, chanting quickly. A healing glow surrounded the group, patching up minor wounds from the onslaught. --- [ System Notification ] [ Viora Activated: Healing Glow ] [ HP Restored: +150 to All Party Members ] --- August darted between the knights while flashing his daggers. He targeted the exposed cores whenever he could with calculated movements. --- [ System Notification: ] [ Aleman Activated: Hidden Strike! ] [ Damage Dealt: -620 HP to Undead Knight ] [ Critical Hit: Skull Core Exposed ] [ Undead Knight Destroyed ] --- August then darted around the surroundings with speed, accurately aiming for their skulls, and piercing the core with each strike. Due to his assassin speed, he was working quicker than the others. "I''m starting to see why you brought him along," Gareth voiced before smashing another knight aside with his shield. "Kid''s got skills." "I told you," Aria said with a smirk before firing off a fireball that engulfed two knights completely. --- [ System Notification ] [ Aria Activated: Inferno Burst ] [ Damage Dealt: -900 HP to Undead Knight ] [ Special Condition Met: Consuming Flames ] [ Undead Knights Destroyed: 3 ] --- Despite their efforts, the sheer number of knights overwhelmed them. One knight swung its sword at Torin, who barely dodged in time. Another lunged for Viora, slicing its blade across her shoulder. --- [ System Notification: Damage Taken: Viora -120 HP ] --- "Viora, stay back!" August shouted while speeding forward and stabbing a dagger deep into the skull of the undead knight. "Focus on healing!" "On it!" she replied while casting another healing spell. August continuously darted between the undead knights, targeting their skulls. The chaos around him was deafening, with metal clashing against bone and spells exploding like fireworks in the vicinity. Sweat dripped down his brow as he sidestepped a sword aimed at his chest, retaliating with a precise strike to the knight''s forehead. --- [ System Notification: Critical Hit - Skull Core Exposed ] [ Undead Knight Destroyed ] --- "August, behind you!" Aria shouted, sending a fireball hurtling past him to incinerate an approaching knight. "I''ve got it!" he replied and swiftly spun around before plunging his dagger into another knight''s core, shattering it. --- [ System Notification: Undead Knight Destroyed ] --- "There''s no end to these things!" Drask roared, swinging his axe in a wide arc and smashing through a cluster of knights. Torin fired arrow after arrow, panting heavily. "This is all your fault, Torin," Aria snapped before hurling another Inferno Burst at a group of knights and obliterating them. "Do you even *realize* how much time this has cost us?" "Look, it was an accident!" Torin protested while dodging a sword swipe. "How was I supposed to know it would trigger *this*?" --- [ System Notification ] [ Aria Activated: Inferno Burst ] [ Damage Dealt: -850 HP to Undead Knights ] [ Special Condition Met: Consuming Flames ] [ Undead Knights Destroyed: 3 ] --- Viora stood in the back, chanting a healing spell as she patched up the group. "Stop arguing and focus! I can''t keep you all alive if you don''t work together!" "Thanks, Viora," Gareth grunted before slamming his shield into a knight and following up with a powerful overhead slash to its skull. --- [ System Notification ] [ Gareth Activated: Shield Bash ] [ Damage Dealt: -200 HP to Undead Knight ] [ Critical Hit: Skull Core Exposed ] [ Undead Knight Destroyed ] As August panted heavily, he noticed a knight creeping toward Aria from behind. His energy points (EP) were dangerously low, making it impossible for him to dash in time. Without hesitation, he hurled his dagger with all his strength, watching it sail through the air and pierce the knight''s skull cleanly. --- [ System Notification ] [ New Skill Acquired: Dagger Throw ] [ Description: Allows the player to throw a dagger at a target. Accuracy and damage increase with level. Current Level: 1 ] [ Dagger Throw Activated ] [ Damage Dealt: -320 HP to Undead Knight ] [ Critical Hit: Skull Core Exposed ] [ Undead Knight Destroyed ] --- "Did you just *throw* your dagger?" Aria glanced back at him with wide eyes. August grinned before retrieving the blade from the knight''s remains. "Looks like I''ve got a new trick up my sleeve." "Showoff," Torin muttered while firing another arrow at a knight. August wasted no time testing his new skill. He began hurling his dagger with pinpoint precision, striking the exposed cores of knights left and right. --- [ System Notification ] [ Aleman Activated: Dagger Throw ] [ Damage Dealt: -310 HP to Undead Knight ] [ Critical Hit: Skull Core Exposed ] [ Undead Knight Destroyed ] [ Aleman Activated: Dagger Throw ] [ Damage Dealt: -300 HP to Undead Knight ] [ Critical Hit: Skull Core Exposed ] [ Undead Knight Destroyed ] --- "Not bad, Aleman!" Gareth praised while shoving a knight back with his shield. "You might actually survive this dungeon." "I plan to," August shot back, throwing another dagger. After over an hour of grueling battle, the last of the undead knights finally crumbled to the ground with their cores destroyed. The group stood amidst the wreckage, panting and battered. --- [ System Notification ] [ Event Complete: The Fourth Calamity ] [ EXP Earned: +12,500 Each ] [ Loot Acquired: Undead Knight Armor Fragment x3, Shattered Core x2, Rusted Longsword x1 ] [ Level Up! Aria Reached Level 34 ] [ Party Progress Update ] - Aria: Level 34 (Flame Burst Leveled Up) - Gareth: Level 35 - Viora: Level 32 - Torin: Level 33 - Drask: Level 35 - Aleman: Level 27 --- sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Torin, you almost got us *killed,*" Aria snapped while glaring at him. "I said I was sorry!" Torin replied, holding up his hands defensively. "At least we got some good EXP, right?" Chapter 81 - 81: Reaching The Twentieth Floor "That''s not the point," Aria said. "Other parties are probably way ahead of us now." "Hey, at least we survived," Drask said with a grin while clapping Torin on the back. "Besides, it''s not every day you get to fight off two hundred undead knights." "Not every day I want to," Viora muttered, using her staff to heal the group. --- [ System Notification: Viora Activated Restoration ] [ HP Restored: +200 to All Party Members ] After collecting the loot, the group resumed following the spirit girl. Aria fixed them all with a warning glare. "No more mistakes. Got it?" Everyone nodded with sheepish expressions. They trailed after the spirit girl, mimicking her movements exactly. "She better lead us to some *serious* loot," Torin muttered under his breath. "If you screw up again, you''ll need *serious* healing," Aria snapped. The spirit girl eventually led them to a spiral staircase at the edge of the floor. As they descended, August couldn''t help but wonder what awaited them below. --- [ System Notification: Floor Progression - You Have Reached the 19th Floor ] --- "I don''t like this," Gareth said as they stepped onto the new floor. The air felt heavier, and the dim light from the crystals seemed weaker. "It''s too quiet." "Let''s stay sharp," Aria said. "We can''t afford to lose any more time." As the group cautiously followed the glowing spirit girl through the nineteenth floor, the strange, shimmering air began to ripple. The surroundings dimmed slightly, and a familiar blue haze enveloped them. "What''s happening now?" Torin questioned with a wary tone while gripping his bow tightly. "Another projection?" Aria voiced with an uncertain look. "Stay alert." The group paused, watching as the room around them transformed. It was as if time had rewound, bringing them into a scene from the distant past. The spirit girl was no longer translucent but appeared as a vibrant, living child with rosy cheeks and a playful smile. She sat on a grand decorated bed within a luxurious chamber filled with glowing crystals, and gilded furniture. A tall figure entered the room with a crown on his head. His presence exuded majesty and strength. The group watched in awe as he approached the bed with his face still obscured from their view. "Same dude from before?" Gareth muttered. "Probably the Swordking," Drask replied with a reverent tone. "Who else would wear a crown like that?" The crowned figure knelt by the bed, tucking the young girl under a silken blanket. He pulled a large, leather-bound book from a nearby table and began reading aloud with a deep soothing voice. The spirit girl giggled and leaned back as her laughter filled the room. The peaceful atmosphere tugged at something deep within the group. "Not gonna lie," Torin whispered, "this is kinda nice." "I have a feeling it won''t last," August said grimly. As if on cue, the serene scene shattered. The room was suddenly engulfed in flames. The once peaceful chamber trembled violently as the sounds of battle echoed from beyond its walls. The group flinched as the crowned figure leaped to his feet, unsheathing an enormous sword that glowed with power. From the shadows, a wave of humanoid enemies surged into the chamber with their weapons drawn. The crowned figure moved with power, cutting them down in rapid succession. Each swing of his blade unleashed devastating arcs of energy that obliterated everything in their path. --- [ System Notification [ Swordking Activated: Arc of Desolation ] [ Damage Dealt: -99999 HP to Intruders ] --- "That''s insane," Gareth voiced with widened eyes. "He''s unstoppable." Everyone couldn''t imagine just how powerful the Swordking was in his prime to deal such damage numbers with a casual attack. "He''s protecting her," Viora said softly as she fixed her gaze on the little girl who had curled into a ball on the bed. Despite the crowned figure''s efforts, one of the intruders managed to break through his defenses. The enemy lunged at the girl and their blade pierced her chest before the Swordking could stop it. The girl let out a pained gasp before collapsing. "No!" the Swordking''s voice roared through the room, filled with anguish. He decimated the remaining intruders in a single, devastating strike before falling to his knees, cradling the lifeless body of the girl. The projection flickered and faded, leaving the group standing in silence amidst the ruins of their surroundings. --- [ System Notification: Projection Complete - The Tragic Tale Ends ] --- "What the hell did we just see?" Torin question broke the silence. "A memory?" Aria voiced with a hushed tone. "It must''ve been something tied to this dungeon." "Whoever that girl was," August added, "she meant everything to him." S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They exchanged somber glances before the spirit girl appeared once more. Her glowing figure waited patiently ahead. "Let''s keep moving," Aria said firmly. "We''re not here to solve mysteries. Focus." "Or maybe we are," August chipped in. "Nevertheless, we gotta keep moving," She added. The group continued forward with a steady but cautious pace. The atmosphere grew heavier as they advanced. Shadows loomed over them, and the air felt thick with mana. Suddenly, humanoid figures emerged from the darkness, their eyes glowing ominously. "Did someone trigger another calamity?" Aria questioned with a baffled expression. "Not this time, I think we''re meant to fight these ones," August responded. "Get ready!" Gareth shouted, raising his shield. --- [ System Notification: Hostile Encounter - Shadow Sentinels (Level 28) ] --- "Finally, something to hit," Drask said while swinging his axe with a roar. --- [ System Notification: Drask Activated Axe Cleave ] [ Damage Dealt: -800 HP to Shadow Sentinel ] --- August darted around the battlefield, targeting the sentinels'' weak points. His dagger flashed as he landed strike after strike, taking advantage of their sluggish movements. --- [ System Notification: Aleman Activated Slash ] [ Damage Dealt: -420 HP to Shadow Sentinel ] [ Critical Hit ] --- Aria hurled fireballs from the backline, igniting the sentinels and causing them to crumble into ash. --- [ System Notification: Aria Activated - Inferno Burst ] [ Damage Dealt: -800 HP to Shadow Sentinel ] [ Burn Effect Applied ] --- The fight lasted for several minutes, with the group working in perfect sync. Viora kept their health up while Torin picked off enemies from a distance. By the end, the Shadow Sentinels were nothing more than a pile of charred remains. --- [ System Notification ] [ Enemies Defeated: Shadow Sentinels ] [ EXP Earned: +8000 ] [ Loot Acquired: Mana Crystal x3, Shadow Core x1 ] --- "Well done," Aria said to the group. "Let''s keep moving." As they descended the final staircase of the floor, the air changed. A dense, almost suffocating energy filled the space, and the faint sound of chanting echoed from below. "This is it," Aria voiced with a tense tone. "The twentieth floor." When they reached the bottom, they were met with a vast chamber, unlike anything they''d seen before. The walls were lined with ancient murals depicting battles, coronations, and what appeared to be the tragic scenes they had just witnessed. "This is..." Viora''s voice was barely above a whisper. "I''m guessing the further we descend, the more we find out about the Ancient Swordking and probably what led to his demise," August stated with a look of certainty. ... ... It was already past three in the afternoon when Sophia returned home from school. Her bag hung loosely over her shoulder as she stepped into the apartment, noticing the quiet atmosphere. She glanced toward the kitchen and saw that the food she''d prepared for August earlier was still untouched. She frowned slightly. "He hasn''t eaten? He must still be in the game." Walking upstairs, she stopped at the door to his room. The same makeshift sign he''d pinned earlier was still there in bold handwriting: "In Game - Do Not Disturb." Sophia sighed and shook her head. "Seriously, how long does he plan to stay in there?" She lingered for a moment as her brow furrowed. "He probably knows he''ll be up to a day. That''s why he left the sign." Shrugging off her worry, she headed back downstairs, pulling out her smartphone as she settled onto the couch. She scrolled through her social media feeds absentmindedly until a notification popped up on her screen. --- News Update: "The Oni Terrorist Group Strikes Again!" --- Chapter 82 - 82: The Strange Call --- News Update: "The Oni Terrorist Group Strikes Again!" --- Sophia clicked on it unintentionally. A video began playing, showing a chaotic scene captured by bystanders. It was outside a large urban area¡ªburnt-out cars, scattered debris, and scorch marks on walls told the story of a fierce battle. The anchor''s voice narrated grimly, "A player of Enders Light, who was known to have retrieved game items into reality, was ambushed and killed by the notorious Oni terrorist group. The victim was identified as a supernatural player. Eyewitnesses report signs of a fierce struggle before the player succumbed to the attack." Sophia''s grip on the phone tightened. Her eyes scanned the footage, spotting burnt patches of asphalt, blood, and shattered glass. It was clear the victim hadn''t gone down easily. She swallowed hard. ''The Oni Group...'' Her mind flashed back to a memory of a robbery that had happened not too far from their street when August had first retrieved the fruit of corruption. She remembered how unnerved she''d felt back then, knowing there were people willing to kill for items from Enders Light. And now it seemed the Oni group was becoming more brazen. "I hope they catch these guys soon," she muttered under her breath. "And I hope August stays safe..." As Sophia continued scrolling, lost in her thoughts, the buzzing of August''s phone broke the silence. The screen lit up from across the room, displaying "Unknown Caller." At first, she ignored it, figuring it wasn''t her place to answer. But the phone kept ringing, buzzing insistently. On the fourth ring, she groaned and walked over, picking it up hesitantly. "Hello?" she answered with a slightly cautious tone. "Hi, is this Aleman?" came a voice from the other end¡ªmale, deep, and slightly impatient. Sophia blinked. ''Aleman? Oh, right, that''s August''s in-game name.'' "Uh, no, this isn''t Aleman," she replied. "He''s... currently unavailable." The voice softened slightly. "Oh, I see. My name is Victor Whitford. I''ve done business with Aleman before, and I''d like to do more. It''s important. Could you please tell him I called? Ask him to reach out as soon as possible." Sophia tilted her head. "Victor Whitford? You mean... Enders Light related business?" "Yes, the game. But I''ve met him in reality and I''d like to do so for business again, if he''s open to it. Please, let him know. It''s urgent." Sophia hesitated for a moment before nodding, even though Victor couldn''t see her. "I''ll let him know when he''s back." "Thank you so much," Victor sounded genuinely relieved. "Please make sure he gets the message." "I will," she promised before ending the call. She stared at the phone in her hand for a moment, deep in thought. She glanced toward the staircase leading to August''s room. "What kind of business does he even do in that game? And why does it feel like everyone wants something from him?" Her eyes flicked back to her phone and the news article about the Oni Group was still open. She bit her lip nervously. "I just hope he remains safe..." Sophia sighed and tossed the phone onto the couch. "Guess all I can do is wait for him to come out." ... ... Back in the game world, the rumors of the Ancient Swordking''s Dungeon had ignited a wildfire across Enders Light. It was no longer just whispers of loot and the legacy of the Swordking¡ªit was now about the coveted Fruit of Sin. A legendary item with powers so tempting that players across the game were abandoning quests mid-way, risking penalties, just to make their way to the dungeon. Inside the main building of Phoenix Celestial, a magnificent structure standing at the heart of Gallorn Kingdom, guild members scrambled to and fro. The walls shimmered faintly with magical runes, while banners bearing the flaming phoenix insignia fluttered overhead. A sense of urgency filled the air. On the upper floors, a tall man with a commanding presence stood in front of a large table surrounded by holographic projections of the dungeon''s map. He wore a gold-embroidered red cloak, and his chest plate gleamed under the light of floating torches. His name hovered above his head: Kael Drakemane (Level 42, Captain). Kael turned to the group of strategists standing before him. "What''s the latest update from Aria''s party?" he asked with a calm but firm tone. One of the strategists, a smaller man with quick movements, spoke up. "Captain, Aria''s party has made it to the twentieth floor. No world notifications yet, so it seems no one has cleared the dungeon so far." Kael nodded, his expression unreadable. "And our other parties?" Another strategist stepped forward, a woman with platinum hair pulled into a tight braid. Her tag read Elira Vale (Level 36, Tactician). "Captain, three more of our parties are en route. They should arrive within the hour. The reports suggest the dungeon is far more treacherous than anticipated. The fruit of sin... if it''s truly there, it will be a bloodbath." Kael smirked faintly, crossing his arms. "Let them come. The Phoenix Celestial guild will claim that fruit. Ensure that our parties stay coordinated. I don''t want any needless mistakes." "Yes, Captain!" Elira responded with a salute. ... Far from the bustling grandeur of Phoenix Celestial, another guild convened in a shadowy chamber. Unlike the polished halls of Phoenix Celestial which was an elite guild, this guild''s base was a rough stone building nestled in the outskirts of the city. A rough looking sign read; ''Devil''s Chamber Guild'' Dim torches cast flickering light on the rough-hewn walls, and the air smelled faintly of dampness. At the center of the room stood a hulking man clad in black armor with spiked shoulders. His helmet rested on the table before him, revealing a scarred face and piercing gray eyes. For a game avatar to look this way, the player had to bear similar features in reality so one could tell that this man was quite the scary figure. The name above his head read: Ragnar Bloodspire (Level 47 Warrior). Ragnar slammed his fist on the table, making the scattered maps and scrolls jump. "We must reach the fruit before anyone else. This is our chance to rise above those pompous guilds like Phoenix Celestial." A slender man with a hood pulled low over his face chuckled darkly. His tag read Darius Voidstrider (Level 39, Assassin). "You mean before *you* get it, Ragnar," his voice dripped with sarcasm. Ragnar shot him a glare that could have melted stone. "Watch your tongue, Darius, unless you want me to carve out that forked one of yours. Remember, you''re here because you''re useful¡ªfor now." A woman leaned against the wall with her violet eyes glowing faintly in the dim surroundings. She wore an intricate outfit of dark leather that clung to her athletic frame, accented with crimson patterns. Above her head floated the name Selene Darkflame (Level 41, Mage). "Enough," Selene interjected with a smooth but commanding tone. "We all want the same thing. The fruit is the ultimate prize, and no one¡ªnot Phoenix Celestial nor Dragon Fang nor Stormbringers not any of those wannabe independent parties¡ªwill stand in our way. We''ll cut through anyone who dares oppose us." S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 83 - 83: Unreasonable Opposition Darius smirked but stayed silent this time, knowing better than to provoke both Ragnar and Selene at once. Ragnar growled, "Gather your gear. We leave now." --- The roads leading to No Man''s Wasteland were chaotic. Streams of players rushed toward the dungeon from all directions, filling the air with chatter. A group of mid-level players, clad in mismatched gear, huddled together as they walked. One of them, a warrior with a chipped sword, spoke up. "You think it''s true? The fruit of sin? What does it even do?" A ranger with braided hair and a bow slung over her shoulder replied, "Who cares? It''s gotta be valuable if it''s causing this much chaos. Even if we don''t get it, the loot''s probably insane." Further ahead, a group of high-level players stood by the roadside, exuding confidence. Their leader, a man with a glowing greatsword strapped to his back, laughed loudly as he addressed his party. "If anyone gets in our way, we''ll mow them down. No one''s touching that fruit but us." As word of the dungeon and the fruit continued to spread, the anticipation among players only grew. It was clear that the dungeon would become a battleground unlike any the game had seen before. For now, the race was on¡ªand the clock was ticking. ... ... The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting soft beams across the living room. Sophia sat on the worn couch, staring at the tray of food she had prepared for August. Her hands fidgeted slightly as the silence of the house settled over her. It was Friday, and her brother had been in the game for over two days. He entered Ender''s Light on Tuesday night and today was Friday. Walking up the stairs, she carried the tray carefully, pausing in front of August''s room. The door was closed, and the sign still hung there in bold letters: "In Game ¨C Do Not Disturb." She sighed, staring at the sign with a mixture of frustration and worry. "August, you''ve never stayed in the game this long before," she whispered, though she knew he couldn''t hear her. She lingered for a moment, then turned away with a heavy heart. Sophia set the tray down on the dining table and poured herself a glass of orange juice. The clinking of the glass against the counter echoed through the empty kitchen. As she sipped, her mind wandered to the days when her brother used to join her for breakfast, even if just for a rushed meal before work. She missed those moments. Shaking her head, she pushed the thoughts away and focused on the time. 7:30 AM. School started soon, and she didn''t want to be late. After finishing her juice, she hurried upstairs to change into her uniform. Just as she was fastening the last button on her shirt, August''s phone rang sharply, breaking the quiet. Sophia froze for a moment before hurrying downstairs to grab the receiver. She checked the number displayed on the screen¡ªit was the same one that had been calling for the past two days. Her brow furrowed. It was clear they weren''t going to stop. Despite her hesitation, she decided not to answer. "I can''t mess with Big Brother''s business. I''ll let him know about it when he logs out of the game," she muttered. Grabbing her bag, Sophia glanced one last time at the kitchen and August''s untouched food. A pang of sadness hit her, but she squared her shoulders. He was probably fine, she told herself. He always was. Still, the worry gnawed at her as she stepped outside and closed the door behind her. ... ... The 64th floor of the Ancient Swordking''s Dungeon was a chaotic battlefield. August and his party¡ªAria, Gareth, Viora, Torin, and Drask¡ªhad come a long way. They looked quite battered like their characters were experiencing some sort of fatigue but it was more evident in August. The floors they had traversed revealed fragmented memories of the Swordking''s tragic life, weaving a tale of loss, revenge, and betrayal. They had met a few more key characters in the Swordking''s life. Yet, despite the eerie allure of the dungeon''s past, the present demanded their full attention. Currently, the battle was not against the dungeon''s monsters but another group of players¡ªsix members of the Venomfang Guild. Their leader, Hakar (Level 36), stood like a menacing titan with gleaming golden brown armor. His party comprised well-equipped players, all at or above Level 33. The confrontation began when this party from Venomfang demanded that August''s group relinquish all the loot they had collected on this floor. "Drop the loot and walk away, or we''ll take it from your corpses," Hakar snarled as his blade ignited with purple energy. Gareth stepped forward with his broadsword resting heavily on his shoulder. "Why don''t you try? Let''s see who walks away." Hakar didn''t waste time on more words. He raised his weapon and charged. The battle erupted in an instant. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Aria was the first to act, summoning her Blazing Sphere. A massive orb of fire materialized between her hands before hurling toward the Venomfang Mage. The mage countered with Frost Barrier and upon collision, a fiery explosion swept across the surroundings, creating a cloud of steam. Torin crouched at the back and released a flurry of arrows. His precise shots found their marks in the armor gaps of the Venomfang Ranger who snarled and retaliated with an arrow imbued with poison. Torin barely rolled out of the way in time. "Persistent little bastards," Drask growled while swinging his berserker axe through the air with wild abandon. His attacks met the shield of the Venomfang Warrior causing the clash of steel to echo through the cavern. Amid the chaos, August darted through the battlefield like a shadow. His Dash skill allowed him to evade strikes with precision. He targeted the Venomfang Assassin, whose dual daggers gleamed with a venomous green aura. [System Notification: You have activated Piercing Strike. 1,150 damage dealt to Venomfang Assassin.] The assassin recoiled but quickly retaliated with Shadow Slice aiming for August''s ribs. He sidestepped the attack, slashing upward in a counterstrike. "Stay still, damn you!" Chapter 84 - 84: You Have Been Logged In For An Extended Period "Stay still, damn you!" the assassin snarled, frustrated by August''s agility. It looked like August had invested a lot in speed but what the Assasin didn''t know was the fact that August''s stats never stopped increasing when he was stuck in the unhidden mist village. Being one of the first batch of players in Enders Light, his level would originally be the same with top players if he didn''t get stuck. This was why his sub-stats were so high because they never stopped increasing. "I don''t do still," August quipped while delivering a spinning kick to create distance. The Assasin who knew August was clearly a few levels lower than him couldn''t understand. August''s eyes flicked to the system alert flashing in his HUD. [ System Notification: You have been logged into Enders Light for an extended period. Please log out for health reasons.] He clenched his jaw. Logging out now was impossible. His party needed him. Dismissing the alert, he refocused on the fight. Hakar swung his colossal sword toward Gareth causing the air to vibrate with energy as he activated Doom Slash. Gareth braced himself, meeting the attack with his own skill, Titan''s Guard which absorbed most of the blow but still sent him skidding backward. [ System Notification: Gareth''s HP reduced to 2,200/7,050.] "Viora, a little help here!" Gareth called while gripping his sword tightly as he readied for the next strike. "I''m on it!" Viora replied before casting Greater Heal. A golden light enveloped Gareth, restoring a significant portion of his HP. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Her mana bar dipped dangerously low, and she muttered under her breath, "We can''t keep this up forever." Aria unleashed another spell, Meteor Shower. Her hands glowed with fiery energy as flaming projectiles rained down on the Venomfang Mage and Ranger. The explosions staggered them and their HP bars plummeted. [System Notification: Meteor Shower deals 2,300 damage to Venomfang Mage. 1,800 damage to Venomfang Ranger.] Drask roared as he smashed his axe into the warrior''s shield repeatedly, cracking it with sheer brute force. "Your shield''s not gonna save you, buddy!" [ Shield Integrity Compromised ] The warrior couldn''t believe his eyes. Meanwhile, August was still engaged with the assassin. They kept streaking across the place like blurs. It was difficult for others to catch wind of them unless they paused briefly to exchange more strikes without moving. The assassin managed to land a glancing blow on August''s arm at this moment. [System Notification: Venomfang Assassin deals 750 damage to Aleman. Current HP: 8,250/12,800.] "Is that all you''ve got?" August taunted while feinting left before delivering a precise strike to the assassin''s neck. Suddenly, a Venomfang Ranger targeted August with an explosive arrow. Aria shouted a warning just in time. "Watch out!" August activated Arcane Shield at the last moment, creating a magical barrier that absorbed the impact. [ System Notification: Arcane Shield absorbs 900 damage. Integrity at 60%.] "You can use magic?!" Gareth shouted, momentarily distracted by the revelation. Even Torin and Drask paused mid-attack to glance at August. "Surprise," August muttered while holding his staff aloft. It had been strapped to his back all this time but the others had no idea what it was meant for until now. With a surge of mana, he unleashed Lightning Bolt causing the spell to streak across the battlefield and strike the Venomfang Mage. [ System Notification: Lightning Bolt deals 1,950 damage to Venomfang Mage. ] [ Additional Effect: Gravitational Field applied. Movement Speed reduced by 90%.] The mage cried out as she crumpled to the ground, unable to move. The battlefield stilled for a moment as everyone processed what had just happened. "He''s a dual-class?" the Venomfang Ranger shouted in disbelief. "No wonder he''s been carrying that strange thing around," Drask muttered as a grin formed on his face. "This guy''s full of surprises." This tipped the battle in their favor. Gareth rallied with a devastating cleave, finishing off the Venomfang Warrior. Drask took down the ranger with a brutal overhand swing of his axe. Aria, now fully focused, cast blazing Inferno, engulfing the stunned mage and assassin in flames. [System Notification: Venomfang Assassin defeated. Party gains 1,400 EXP.] [System Notification: Venomfang Mage defeated. Party gains 1,300 EXP.] With only Hakar remaining, the entire party turned their attention to him. He roared while swinging his sword wildly, but the combined assault overwhelmed him. August dealt the finishing blow, a Hidden strike to the back of his exposed neck. [System Notification: Hakar defeated. Party gains 2,500 EXP.] The Venomfang party shimmered and vanished, teleported out of the dungeon with significant losses. [System Notification: Opposing players lose 1 level and drop loot.] August and his party stood in the aftermath, battered but victorious. They gathered the loot¡ªa mixture of weapons, potions, and gold¡ªequally dividing it among themselves. The Venomfang members had been well-stocked, and their defeat had been worth the effort. "That was intense," Torin said while leaning against a wall. "I didn''t think we''d make it." Viora gave August a knowing look. "You''ve been holding out on us, haven''t you?" August smirked. "Had to keep things interesting." Drask chuckled, clapping August on the back. "You''re a sneaky bastard, but I like it." As they prepared to move deeper into the dungeon, August glanced at his system notifications. [You have been logged into Enders Light for an extended period. Please log out.] They continued heading forward. August, however, was noticeably quieter than usual. His face showed signs of exertion, and he wiped at the beads of sweat that had formed on his brow. Aria noticed it first. "August, you don''t look so good. Are you okay?" she questioned with a tone of concern. Torin, who was fiddling with an arrow, glanced over. "Yeah, you''re looking a bit pale, man. What''s going on?" August let out a long sigh while straightening up. "It''s the pod," he admitted. "I''ve been logged in for way too long, and I''m pushing the limits of what my body can handle. My pod can''t keep me in game longer than this without risking my health." Chapter 85 - 85: Torins Idea "My pod can''t keep me in game longer than this without risking my health," August revealed. This caught everyone''s attention, and even Drask, who had been examining a rare axe they had looted, looked up. "What do you mean by ''pushing the limits''? Aren''t gaming pods supposed to sustain you?" "Depends on the grade," August replied while scratching the back of his head. "Mine''s mid-grade. I can stay in for about 36 hours before it starts affecting my body in the real world. It''s been over two days now." Aria''s eyes widened. "You''ve been logged in for this long on a mid-grade pod? Are you insane?" August shrugged, trying to downplay the seriousness of it. "It''s fine. I''ve done it before¡ªjust not for this long." Torin rolled his eyes. "Typical solo player behavior. You''re trying to keep up with us guild players, but you''re gonna end up killing yourself." Drask let out a hearty laugh, though it was tinged with concern. "Guess we guildies are spoiled, huh? High-grade pods all around. I haven''t even thought about logging out since we started this dungeon run." "Yeah," Viora chimed in softly, adjusting her cleric robes. "Our pods feed our bodies and keep us hydrated while we''re logged in. Even our physical vitals are monitored. It''s how guilds can keep their members grinding for days on end without worrying about health." August''s smirk was faint. "Luxury perks of being in a guild, I guess. Not everyone can afford that." Aria folded her arms, clearly thinking. "Alright, let''s talk solutions. How much longer can you stay logged in?" "Not long," August admitted. "I''m already getting system warnings to log out. I need at least two to six hours of rest in the real world to recover." "Two to six hours in the real world?" Torin''s brow furrowed. "That''s four to eight hours here. We''ll lose a lot of time." "And time isn''t something we have," Gareth added. "Other parties are probably already catching up. The fruit of sin isn''t going to wait for us." Drask grunted in agreement. "It''s not just about the fruit. If we delay, someone else might get to the Swordking''s legacy before us. There''s too much at stake here." Aria let out a frustrated sigh while fiddling with her hair. Her expression softened slightly as she looked at August. "I get it. You''ve been pushing yourself hard. But this puts us in a tight spot." "I know," August responded. "Look, I don''t want to hold you all back. You can keep going without me." "No," Aria said firmly, cutting him off. "We''re a team. We stick together." Torin threw up his hands. "Well, that''s great in theory, but what are we supposed to do? Sit around and twiddle our thumbs while he takes a nap in the real world?" Viora spoke up quietly. "It''s not just about loyalty, Torin. If we keep pushing forward without him, we''ll lose one of our key members. Aleman has been pulling his weight, even exceeding expectations. We need him." Drask nodded. "She''s right. He saved my ass back there more than once." Aria looked at the group and voiced with a resolute tone. "We''ve made it this far together. I''m not leaving anyone behind. If Aleman needs to log out and rest, then we all log out." There was a moment of silence as her words sank in. Torin looked like he wanted to argue but eventually let out a huff. "Fine. But this better not cost us the dungeon." "It won''t," Aria assured him. "We''ll log out for two hours real-world time. That''s four hours here. It''s a risk, but it''s better than pushing forward shorthanded." August was taken aback. "You''d all log out for me? I didn''t mean for¡ª" "Stop," Aria interrupted, giving him a pointed look. "You''re part of this party now, whether you like it or not. We don''t leave our own behind." Drask grinned. "Yeah, you''re stuck with us, buddy." August couldn''t help but smile. These guys weren''t so bad after all. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Fortunately, they''d all appear back on this same floor if they logged out from here. The group was gathered in a dimly lit corner of the dungeon, preparing to log out when Torin suddenly paused. His brow furrowed, and he looked at the others. "Wait," his voice broke the silence. "What if we didn''t have to log out for so long? What if we could get him into the guild temporarily so he could use one of Phoenix Celestial''s gaming pods?" The suggestion caught everyone off guard. Aria, who had been finalizing her inventory check, glanced up in thought. "That''s... not a bad idea," she admitted. "But there''s a problem. What if Aleman lives too far away from the guild''s physical location? It would take too long for him to get there." Torin shrugged. "Doesn''t hurt to ask, right?" Aria hesitated, then turned to August. "Alright, where are you located in the real world?" August blinked, surprised by the question. "Uh... Quincy City. Why?" Aria exchanged a look with the others and then explained. "The main Phoenix Celestial guild base happens to be in Quincy City wen district. If you''re close enough to get there, we could temporarily grant you access to one of our high-grade gaming pods. That way, you wouldn''t have to rest for so long in the real world, and we could keep moving forward as a team." "Wen district?" August''s eyes widened. "That''s just about thirty minutes from my house." "You''re kidding," Torin said, crossing his arms. "You''re actually close to the guild?" August nodded. "Yeah, I could make it there. No problem." Drask let out a low whistle. "Well, that solves one issue. The question now is, can we get him access? You know how strict the guild is about non-members entering the base." Aria tapped her chin, thinking. "Normally, non-members aren''t allowed. But we''re on a critical run in the Swordking Dungeon. If I explain the situation to our superior, I''m sure I can get approval for a temporary pass." Viora chimed in softly, "And he''s proven himself trustworthy. It''s not like he''s just some random player." Aria nodded in agreement. "Alright, it''s worth a shot. Aleman, can you head to the guild base as soon as you log out? I''ll alert our superiors and explain everything." Chapter 86 - 86: Convincing The Superiors "Absolutely," August voiced with a look of determination. "I''ll head there right away." "Well, it''s not like we have a better plan. Let''s do it," Gareth was on board. Drask grinned, clapping August on the shoulder. "Guess you''re about to get a taste of guild life, even if it''s just for a bit." Aria pulled up her system interface, typing a message to one of their superiors in game "I''ll get everything sorted on my end. Once you get to the base, just let them know you''re Aleman. Bring whatever identification you use for Enders Light in real life." August nodded. "Got it." The group exchanged a few more words, finalizing the plan. With everything settled, Aria gave the command. "Alright, let''s log out. Meet you all in the real world." One by one, they activated the logout sequence and their avatars shimmered out of existence until only August remained. He glanced around the dungeon floor with a thoughtful gaze. "Well," he muttered to himself, "time to see what a guild base looks like." With a final swipe of his interface, he logged out, the world of Enders Light dissolving into a haze. ... ... Upon stepping out of the pod, August stretched, feeling the stiffness in his muscles. A sharp, throbbing headache hit him as he took his first step forward, causing him to stumble slightly. "Damn it," he muttered while clutching his head. "Gotta take a shower first. But this headache¡­" He sank onto the edge of his bed, deciding to rest for a few minutes. He leaned back, closing his eyes as the ache slowly subsided. After about ten to fifteen minutes, he felt somewhat better and headed to the bathroom. The shower was refreshing. The warm water cascaded down his body, washing away the fatigue from hours spent in the game. Once he was done, he brushed his teeth and quickly prepared a meal. He scarfed it down, the hunger from extended gaming finally catching up to him. After changing into his usual scarf and casual outfit, August stepped out of his apartment, pulling his scarf up to obscure his face. "Let''s get this over with," he muttered before heading toward the Phoenix Celestial Guild skyscraper. --- Meanwhile, back at the Phoenix Celestial guild''s towering headquarters, the outside was bustling as usual. Crowds of players had gathered in hopes of joining the illustrious guild, but many were simply loitering, watching the live announcements and recruitment broadcasts displayed on massive screens. Inside, the guild was a hive of activity. Players moved through hallways, discussing strategies and reviewing dungeon runs. In a high-level meeting room, Ariana, known for her striking blue hair and sharp, confident demeanor, stood before a senior guild member. Her real-world appearance mirrored her avatar, Aria. Ariana''s blue hair was tied back in a neat ponytail, and her piercing green eyes were framed by thin, wire-rimmed glasses. She wore a professional outfit¡ªblack slacks paired with a fitted white blouse. Her posture was relaxed but assertive as she addressed the man sitting across from her. "Senior Gregson, I need your approval to let a temporary member into one of our pods," Ariana voiced with a respectful but strong tone. The man in question, Gregson, was a senior strategist in Phoenix Celestial. His sharp jawline, streaks of silver in his dark hair, and tailored suit gave him an air of authority. He leaned back in his chair with his arms crossed. "You know the rules, Ariana. Non-members aren''t allowed access to guild facilities. Why should we make an exception?" Before Ariana could respond, George, the towering warrior of their party, stepped in. In real life, Gareth was a broad-shouldered man with short, dark hair and a scar running across his left eyebrow. His gray hoodie and jeans gave him a casual appearance, but his presence was imposing. "With all due respect, Senior Gregson, we wouldn''t be at this point in the dungeon without Aleman," George said. "He''s been invaluable. His skills have turned the tide for us more than once." Tommy, the sharp-tongued ranger, chimed in next. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In real life, he was lean, with sandy blond hair and hazel eyes that gleamed with mischief. Wearing a leather jacket and ripped jeans, he looked more like a rebel than a gamer. "Yeah, and let''s not forget that we''re competing with other guilds here. If we clear the Ancient Swordking''s Dungeon first, it''s going to reflect well on Phoenix Celestial. You want that world notification, right?" Gregson raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Victoria, the shy cleric, stepped forward hesitantly. In real life, she had soft features, curly auburn hair that framed her face, and warm brown eyes. Her oversized cardigan and long skirt gave her a gentle, approachable look. "I-I know it''s unusual," she stammered, "but Aleman¡­ I mean¡­ he''s really trustworthy and capable. And he''s working just as hard as we are. It wouldn''t be fair to leave him behind now." Daniel, the beserker of the group, stood off to the side with his arms crossed. In real life, he was a muscular man with a buzz cut and tattoos covering his arms. He wore a sleeveless hoodie and joggers. His expression seemed rather stoic. "He''s good," Daniel said simply. "Better than most of the recruits we''ve seen. And we need him." Gregson glanced at each of them, clearly weighing their arguments. Before he could respond, another voice cut in. "Gregson, let them have the access." Everyone turned to see a woman standing at the entrance of the room. She was tall with jet-black hair styled into an elegant bun and a tailored blazer over a dark pencil skirt. This was Senior Advisor Lena Paul, one of the guild''s top strategists and a member of the executive council. "If they succeed in clearing the dungeon first, it''ll be a significant achievement for Phoenix Celestial," Lena continued with a cool tone. "A temporary exception won''t hurt." Gregson sighed, finally relenting. "Fine. But only temporary access. If he causes any problems, it''s on you, Ariana." Ariana smiled while nodding in gratitude. "Thank you, Senior Gregson. He won''t disappoint." Gregson waved her off. "Make sure he knows the rules. And don''t forget¡ªresults matter." As the group left the meeting room, Tommy nudged George with a smirk. "Looks like Aleman''s in. Who would''ve thought?" Ariana chuckled. "He''s earned it. Let''s hope he doesn''t get overwhelmed by all the formalities." Chapter 87 - 87: Entering Pheonix Celestial Guild The moment August arrived at the base of the towering Phoenix Celestial Skyscraper, he couldn''t help but marvel at the scale of it. The entire building was a masterpiece of glass and steel, reflecting the bustling city around it. The front of the skyscraper was illuminated with holographic displays showcasing highlights of Phoenix Celestial''s achievements¡ªworld dungeon first clears, guild tournaments, and even promotional campaigns featuring Ice Queen herself. Despite the awe-inspiring exterior, August kept his scarf tightly wrapped around his face, obscuring most of his features. The plaza in front of the skyscraper was crowded with hopeful recruits, casual players, and curious bystanders. A long queue had formed for those wishing to submit applications, with hundreds of players chatting amongst themselves. As August approached the main entrance, a stern-looking guard in a dark suit stepped forward, blocking his path. "State your business," the guard demanded while scanning August skeptically. His tone suggested he wasn''t in the mood for nonsense. "I''m Aleman," August stated. "I''m expected." The guard raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "Aleman? Never heard of you. And if you''re trying to skip the line, you can forget it. Guild access is for members only." Behind August, murmurs erupted from the crowd. "Who does he think he is, trying to waltz in like that?" "Look at those clothes. Probably some noob trying to fake his way in." Ignoring the chatter, August remained calm, though his patience was wearing thin. "I''m here to meet Aria. She''s waiting for me." The guard crossed his arms. "Unless I get confirmation from someone inside, you''re not getting past this gate." At that moment, the glass doors of the skyscraper slid open with a soft hiss, and Ariana stepped out. She seemed to have picked up on the discussion and mention of Aleman. Her emerald eyes lit up when she saw him. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "There you are!" she called out while striding toward him. "I told you I''d be waiting." The guard instantly straightened as his demeanor shifted. "Miss Ariana, you know this man?" "Yes, he''s with me," Aria said firmly. "Let him through." As August walked past the guard, a ripple of murmured discontent spread through the crowd. "Who''s he to get special treatment?" "Unfair. I''ve been standing here for hours!" "Guess it pays to know the right people." August ignored the noise and followed Aria inside, but he couldn''t help smirking beneath his scarf. The moment the doors closed behind them, the noise from outside vanished, replaced by the sound of air conditioning and faint echoes of conversations from within. The interior of the Phoenix Celestial headquarters was even more impressive than the exterior. The massive lobby was a mixture of futuristic design and elegance. The floors gleamed and holographic displays floated in the air, showing live feeds from in-game activities and guild leaderboards. The walls were adorned with digital art of iconic battles, world bosses, and guild achievements. "This place is insane," August muttered, as his eyes scanned the surroundings. Aria chuckled. "Welcome to Phoenix Celestial''s main branch. Not bad, huh?" She gestured for him to follow her as she began walking toward an elevator. On the way, they passed several groups of players¡ªsome wearing the signature Phoenix Celestial insignia on their clothes while others seemingly visiting or conducting business. Everyone they passed gave Aria a respectful nod or a wave. "You''re so tall..." Aria suddenly blurted out. "Pfft where did that come from," August chuckled while tightening his scarf more around his face. "I''m just surprised even though I shouldn''t be since game avatars are pretty much a reflection of real life looks. Does this mean you''re incredibly good looking?" Aria nearly gasped as she turned to face him with stars twinkling in her eyes. "Erm... I wouldn''t know, I let others be the judge of that," August responded curtly. "Right right... Any chance I can peek thro..." "No." "Ahem sorry," her face turned red as she adjusted her glasses. August kind of felt bad as the elevator rose, feeling like he''d turned her down too strongly but then he needed his face to stay hidden. For reasons unknown, Aria wasn''t so bossy towards him compared to the others. "So," Aria broke the silence. "you''ve managed to make quite the impression. I don''t think I''ve seen Senior Gregson agree to anything like this before." August shrugged. "I guess I''m just lucky." "Lucky?" Aria raised an eyebrow as a smirk appeared on her face. "From what I''ve seen, you''re more than just lucky. But let''s see how you handle the rest of the dungeon before I start singing your praises too much." The elevator doors opened with a soft chime, revealing a sprawling floor filled with activity. Rows of high-tech gaming pods lined the walls, glowing faintly with blue light. Several players were either stepping out of their pods or preparing to log in. Screens on the walls displayed real-time game stats, showing player progress and guild activity. "This is where we manage most of our dungeon raids and high-priority missions," Aria explained as they walked. "Each pod here is top-of-the-line, equipped with full bio-feedback systems and extended duration capabilities. You could stay logged in for a week if you wanted to." August whistled, clearly impressed by everything he was seeing. "And here I thought I was doing well with my mid-grade pod." Aria glanced at him with a look of concern. "You''re lucky you didn''t pass out. These pods are designed to handle the stress that comes with long sessions, especially for high-level players." As they continued walking, they passed several rooms, including a strategy room where a group of players was gathered around a holographic map of a dungeon. Further down the hall, they came across a training room where guild members practiced their moves in a VR combat simulation and martial arts in real life. It was not news that one''s physical capabilities in real life were reflected in the game. This was one of the reasons why it was more difficult to get into guilds because one had to be physically adept in one or two areas to be considered. "Impressive," August said, genuinely awed by the scale of the operation. Aria smiled. "It''s not all just for show. Phoenix Celestial takes its reputation seriously. We''re not just a guild; we''re a brand." Finally, they arrived at a section labeled Guest Pods. Aria led him to one of the pods and tapped a few buttons on the control panel. The pod''s hatch slid open smoothly. "This one''s all set for you," she said. "It will link to your account, so you can jump right back into the Swordking Dungeon as soon as you log in." August stepped inside and glanced around the interior. It was far more advanced than his own pod, with a fully cushioned interior and a glowing interface that displayed his vitals. "Fancy," he muttered before settling into the seat. "Thanks for setting this up." "Don''t mention it," Aria replied. "Just make sure you''re ready. We''ve still got a long way to go." As the pod closed around him, the familiar sensation of entering the game washed over him. ########## Authors Note: Thank you all for the support you''ve shown so far. Mass release done. Chapter 88 - 88: The Seventieth Floor As August reappeared on the 67th floor, the familiar oppressive air of the Ancient Swordking Dungeon surrounded him. The glowing runes on the dungeon walls pulsed faintly, and the eerie sounds of distant growls echoed through the cavernous space. Ahead of him, he spotted the rest of the group waiting near a cleared area, some leaning against the walls while others were seated on large stones. Aria was the first to notice him. She stood up, brushing off her robes. "About time," she voiced while crossing her arms with a teasing smile. "Good to see you made it. Thought you might''ve decided to sit this one out," Drask and the others who were unaware of when August arrived at the guild branch had looks of relief upon sighting him. Torin smirked. "Maybe he was scared after that undead knight fiasco." August rolled his eyes while walking toward them. "If I was scared, I wouldn''t have saved your sorry hide, Torin." Torin chuckled, throwing his hands up. "Touch¨¦." Gareth stood, hefting his sword onto his shoulder. "We''ve already burned two hours in-game waiting for you. Let''s move before other parties catch up." "Yeah, yeah, I''m here now," August replied, tightening his gear. "Let''s get to it." The group immediately set off, descending the floors with as much speed as they could muster. The further they went, the more intense the enemies became. Floors 68 and 69 were filled with Chimeric Reavers. The chimeric Rivers were large beasts with lion heads and serpent tails. Their attacks were powerful and a sweep of their tail packed quite the punch but their teamwork and careful planning allowed them to cut through with relative ease. [ System Notification: Enemies defeated: Chimeric Reaver 8. EXP gained: 7550. ] The loot was becoming noticeably better. Glowing Mana Crystals, Refined Magic Ores, and Obsidian Fragments littered the area, hidden in treasure chests or dropped by enemies. Gareth pocketed a Reinforced Shield Plate while Drask discovered a Frost-Warded Amulet. "Not bad," Drask muttered, holding the amulet up to the light. "This thing will go for at least 20,000 gold in the auction house." Viora, their cleric, picked up a small vial from the ground. "A minor Divine Elixir. I''ll hold onto this for emergencies." August found his own share of loot as well¡ªa Wind-Swept Cloak Fragment that enhanced speed by 10% when worn. He grinned before tucking it away into his inventory. Since he was well aware that he could use everything he found, his extraction would definitely serve him and his business well. As they descended deeper, the traps became more frequent and deadly. On one floor, Drask nearly set off a Mana Bomb Trap, narrowly saved by Aria''s quick thinking. "Drask!" Aria snapped. "Stop charging ahead like a berserker on steroids!" "I *am* a berserker!" Drask shot back with a laugh. "It''s in the job description!" August snorted while kneeling beside the trap to disarm it. "You''ll get us all killed one of these days, you know." Torin chimed in, "Pretty sure that''s his long-term plan." The group shared a brief laugh before moving forward. They discovered another rare find¡ªa Teleportation Crystal capable of moving them ten floors up or down instantly. "We''re keeping this for emergencies," Aria declared, pocketing the crystal. "No arguments." "Wasn''t going to argue," August said, raising his hands. "But if you lose it, it''s on you." The moment they reached the 70th floor, they were greeted by a vast, open chamber unlike anything they''d seen so far. The walls were adorned with intricate carvings depicting a story of war and vengeance. It wasn''t an uncommon sight in the Dungeon. "Alright," Aria said while stopping to take in their surroundings. "This feels... significant." Before anyone could respond, the room darkened, and a shimmering blue light filled the chamber. [ System Notification: Projection detected. Witness the history of the Swordking. ] "Another one of these," Torin muttered, crossing his arms. "Hope it''s better than the last one. Watching a guy cry for twenty minutes isn''t exactly riveting." "Shut up and watch," Gareth elbowed him. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The projection materialized into a life-sized scene. The Ancient Swordking stood at the head of a long table as his crown glinted in the torchlight. His commanders sat around him with their faces grim and resolute. The Swordking''s presence was commanding. His broad shoulders and shining armor exuded raw power. "Swear your loyalty to me," the Swordking commanded with a deep and authoritative voice. "Swear it upon your blood, your lives, and your honor. We will avenge my daughter. We will strike down every last one of them, their families, their kingdoms. No stone will be left unturned." The commanders rose in unison, placing their fists over their hearts. "We swear it, my king." The scene shifted, showing the Swordking pointing to a map. His hand landed on a sprawling kingdom marked with an ominous red symbol. "Each of you will lead your armies here. When you arrive, slaughter them. Every noble house, every soldier. Leave no one alive." The projection faded as suddenly as it had appeared, leaving the group in silence. "Well," Drask broke the silence, "that guy doesn''t mess around." "That''s an understatement," Viora''s voice tinged with unease as she murmured. "No wonder this dungeon is cursed. Look at the things he''s done." Aria frowned. "We still don''t have the full story. There''s more to this than just revenge." "Yeah," Torin added, "but revenge is clearly a big part of it. Not that I blame him. If someone killed my daughter, I''d probably go berserk too." August, who had been quietly watching, spoke up. "There''s more to come. We gotta keep an open mind... Who knows what we''ll find." Aria nodded as her gaze lingered on the fading runes. "Let''s keep moving. If we''re lucky, the next floors will give us more answers¡ªand more loot." As the group ventured further into the seventieth floor, the atmosphere grew heavier. The air was thick with mana, and faint, mythical whispers seemed to echo through the cavernous hallways. The runes on the walls pulsed with an eerie, rhythmic glow, casting flickering shadows across the faces. Viora clutched her staff tighter as her eyes scanned their surroundings. "Does anyone else feel like the dungeon is... watching us?" Torin scoffed. "It''s probably all in your head. Just keep moving." "Maybe it''s because you''ve tripped every other trap we''ve passed," Gareth quipped, smirking as he adjusted his sword on his shoulder. Torin groaned. "You''re never letting that go, are you?" Aria held up a hand. "Focus, everyone. We''re almost at the end of this floor. No distractions." Their journey forward was far from uneventful. The corridor ahead was swarmed with Phantom Beasts, spectral creatures that flickered in and out of visibility. Their movements were erratic, making them difficult to track, but the group coordinated their attacks landing destructive hits on them. [ System Notification: Enemy defeated: Phantom Beast. EXP gained: 950. ] "Keep your attacks steady!" Aria commanded before hurling a flaming projectile toward an approaching beast. [ Skill Activated: Flame Burst ] The fiery explosion consumed the creature, and it let out a piercing shriek before vanishing. August darted between enemies with quick movements quick movements. [ Skill Activated: Dash ] He closed the distance to a beast, landing a decisive strike to its side and severing its core. [ Skill Activated: Slash ] The beast dissolved into a swirl of mana, and August grinned as a new system notification appeared about its defeat. Chapter 89 - 89: The Blind Mage [ System Notification:* Enemy defeated: Phantom Beast. EXP gained: 950. ] "You''re getting faster, Aleman," Gareth remarked, parrying a beast''s swipe and countering with a crushing blow. "Almost like a proper assassin." "Almost?" August shot back, narrowly dodging another beast''s claws. "I''d like to see you take out three at once." Drask laughed heartily, swinging his axe in a wide arc. [ Skill Activated: Cyclone Slash.] Two beasts fell under his devastating strike. "Careful, Gareth, or he''ll start calling himself the leader." Torin chuckled as he released a red glowing arrow that pierced through a beast. [ Skill Activated: Precision Shot. ] "We all know Aria''s the leader, so no one needs to inflate their ego here." Aria ignored their banter, focusing on directing their efforts. "Viora, keep the heals coming! We can''t afford anyone going down." [ System Notification: Party Restored: +150 HP. ] The battle was fierce as always but rewarding. As the last beast fell, the group took a moment to gather their spoils. Among the loot, they found a Spectral Ring that boosted stealth abilities and a Phantom Core. A crafting material highly sought after in auction houses. "Not bad," Aria said before pocketing the ring for later distribution. "Let''s keep moving. The end of the floor should be close." As they approached a massive set of doors at the corridor''s end, the familiar shimmering blue light of a projection appeared. The group froze with their weapons ready, before realizing it was another memory from the Swordking''s past. In the center of the projection stood the Swordking towering and regal in his shimmering armor. Across from him was a blind mage whose eyes were covered with a neatly tied blue cloth. Despite his blindness, the mage''s posture was steady, and his presence exuded wisdom. "Let it go, my king," the mage voiced calmly. "Revenge will not bring her back. Mourn her, honor her memory, but do not allow vengeance to consume you." The Swordking''s expression darkened. "If you had suffered such a loss, would you have let it go?" "Yes," the blind mage answered without hesitation. "For I know that revenge is poison not only to the target but to oneself." "Are you questioning my resolve, Atheron? I wonder where your loyalties lie..." The mage identified as Atheron shook his head. "Never, my king. My loyalty lies with you, as it always has. But loyalty also means speaking the truth. And the truth is that this path leads only to ruin." The Swordking''s armored hand clamped down on Atheron''s shoulder. "I trust your wisdom, old friend, but my mind is made up. You will remain here to guard our kingdom while we march to war. Protect the house from any who dare intrude." Atheron inclined his head. "As you wish, my king. I swear upon my life." The projection faded, leaving the group in stunned silence. - "Well, that was... intense," Viora said with a slightly shaky voice. "He trusted that mage. But..." "He clearly ignored his advice," Aria''s brows furrowed. "Atheron seemed wise, yet the Swordking was too blinded by rage to listen." Torin leaned on his bow. "Makes you wonder what happened to Atheron after the Swordking left." "Something tells me we''re about to find out," Drask muttered while nodding toward the massive doors ahead. August, who had been quietly observing, tightened his grip on his daggers. "We''ve seen enough of these projections to know one thing: anyone who stands in the Swordking''s way ends up... twisted." "Then let''s be ready for anything," Gareth said before stepping forward. He pushed against the heavy doors, and they groaned open, revealing a vast, dimly lit chamber. The group entered cautiously with their weapons drawn. The room was enormous, with a high ceiling adorned with faintly glowing runes. In the center, floating above the ground, was Atheron. His once wise and composed demeanor was replaced with an ominous aura. His body was surrounded by a swirling haze of corrupted mana. His level hovered above his head¡ªLevel 45. "That... doesn''t look good," Viora whispered while gripping her staff tightly. Aria''s eyes widened. "Atheron... He''s corrupted. Whatever happened to him after the Swordking left must''ve broken him." The mage''s head tilted slightly, as though sensing their presence despite his blindness. "Who dares disturb the sanctity of this place?" His voice echoed unnaturally, layered with a deep, menacing tone. "Shit," Torin muttered. "He''s strong. His level''s way above ours." August checked his stats with a look of discontent. At Level 29 he was still behind the rest of the group, and facing someone like Atheron would be no easy task. Atheron raised a hand, and the room trembled. [ Skill Activated: Arcane Grasp. ] Dark tendrils of mana shot out from the ground, lashing toward the group. "Move!" Aria yelled, casting a protective barrier just in time to block one of the tendrils. [ Spell Activated: Arcane Barrier. ] August dashed forward, narrowly avoiding another tendril. [ Skill Activated: Dash. ] "This is going to be a nightmare." Drask grinned, hefting his axe. "Nightmare or not, we have to take him down." As Atheron''s corrupted mana swirled around the room, the group braced themselves for one of their toughest battles yet. They all charged towards him recklessly, ready to unleash their powerful attacks. However, the air inside the massive chamber grew heavier as Atheron raised his staff. His voice echoed with a haunting distortion, layered with despair and rage. "I must... must... keep the kingdom safe from intruders! Yes, intruders!" His staff pulsed with dark energy, and swirling tendrils of shadow began gathering above him. Aria''s eyes widened in alarm. "He''s charging something huge! Spread out now!" Before anyone could react, Atheron''s staff surged with blackened energy, and a booming chant escaped his lips. [ Skill Activated: Abyssal Cataclysm. ] A wave of darkness erupted from his staff, spreading across the entire room. [ System Notification: You have been hit by Abyssal Cataclysm. HP -3,200. ] The group screamed as the force sent them flying into the walls. Bang! Bang! Bang! August, however, only slid backward by a couple of steps after activating Arcane Shield at the last minute. His feet dug into the stone floor to brace himself. A glowing notification flashed before his eyes: [ System Notification: Title Sovereign of Anti-Darkness activated. +40% Resistance Against Dark-Type Enemies. ] Although his Arcane Shield had absorbed some of the impact and shattered, his resistance was what truly saved him. It left him standing while the others struggled to recover. Torin, coughing and gripping his bow, gawked at August. "How the hell are you still on your feet?" "Title perks," August said simply. His daggers glowed faintly as he readied his next move. "We don''t have time to chat. Focus on him!" August chanted quickly causing energy to crackle around him. [ Skill Activated: Ethereal Storm. ] A torrent of glowing, ethereal shards materialized around Atheron, striking him in rapid succession. [ System Notification: Ethereal Storm Activated ] [ Damage dealt: Sovereign of Anti-Darkness bonus: +20% damage. Total damage: 1200. ] Atheron reeled from the attack as his HP bar dipped slightly, though it was still well above 19,000. Drask, regaining his footing, roared as he leapt forward with his axe. [ Skill Activated: Crushing Blow ] His attack connected with Atheron in mid-air causing him to stagger slightly. [ System Notification: Crushing Blow hits Atheron. Damage dealt: 300. ] "Fuck! how does he have this much durability?" sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 90 - 90: Strange Fruit Gareth followed up with a precise strike from his sword. [ Skill Activated: Blade Rush. ] His attack barely scratched Atheron, whose defensive aura absorbed much of the impact. [ System Notification: Blade Rush hits Atheron. Damage dealt: 250. ] Viora stayed behind, glowing with mana as she cast a healing spell. [ Skill Activated: Group Heal. HP +1,000 restored to all party members.] Atheron''s expression twisted into a grimace as he regained control mid-air. His staff spun rapidly in his hand before he pointed it downward. "You shall not defile this place!" [ Skill Activated: Shadow Spires. ] Dark, pointy spires erupted from the ground, homing in on the group. "Move!" Aria screamed, narrowly avoiding a spire that cracked the stone floor where she had just stood. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [ System Notification: Shadow Spires hit Drask. HP -2,500. ] Drask groaned while falling to one knee as Viora rushed to heal him. Atheron floated higher, evading a volley of arrows from Torin. [ Skill Activated: Arcane Glide. ] His dark aura seemed to amplify as he laughed maniacally. "Why do you resist? You are but intruders who defile the sacred kingdom! You shall die here!" August dashed forward, using his speed to close the gap. [ Skill Activated: Dash. ] He flung a dagger directly at Atheron, aiming for his chest. [ System Notification:*Dagger Throw hits Atheron. Damage dealt: 650. ] The attack landed, but Atheron barely flinched, turning his gaze toward August. "A mere gnat dares challenge me?" Atheron retaliated with [ Skill Activated: Abyssal Chains. ] Dark chains erupted from his staff, latching onto August and draining his HP. [ System Notification: Abyssal Chains. HP -400. Movement speed reduced by 25%. ] August gritted his teeth, struggling to move. Despite his title cutting down most of the damage, it was still quite substantial. "Gah!" Drask charged forward with his axe held high and swung it down at the dark chains binding August in place. His axe instantly cleaved through the chains, freeing August. "Thanks," August stated while Aria hurled a massive fireball at Atheron. [ Skill Activated: Flame Cascade. ] The fireball exploded on impact, causing significant damage. [ System Notification: Flame Cascade hits Atheron. Damage dealt: 500. ] As Atheron''s HP dipped below 10,000, his dark aura grew more unstable. "You leave me no choice. If you will not fall, I shall destroy you myself!" He cast a devastating spell, [ Skill Activated: Dark Tempest. ] A swirling vortex of shadow energy filled the chamber, forcing the group to take cover. [ System Notification: Dark Tempest. All party members HP -1,800. ] August lost only about 1000 instead of the full amount but nevertheless, it was still a substantial loss. "Damn it!" Torin shouted while chugging a health potion. [ HP +1,500 restored. ] "This guy''s relentless!" "Keep at it!" Aria shouted. "We''re wearing him down. Viora, keep healing!" August activated stealth and dashed around the surroundings. Leaping towards a protrusion on the wall and using it to catapult himself further in Aetheron''s direction, August used [ Skill Activated: Hidden Strike ] Appearing behind Atheron, he landed a critical hit to the mage''s back. [ System Notification: Hidden Strike critical hit. Damage dealt: 1800. ] The blind mage staggered, causing him to float downward for a bit. "Keep the pressure on him!" Gareth called before striking Atheron with a powerful slash. [ Skill Activated: Blade Barrage. ] Others also let their attacks rain down while he was at a height where they could reach. His armor still absorbed most of the impact but there was only so much that armor could do in the face of continuous hits. Atheron''s HP was now below 5,000. His movements became erratic, and he began casting multiple spells simultaneously. [ Skill Activated: Void Orbs. ] Dark orbs materialized and chased the group. August narrowly dodged one, while Aria destroyed another with a well-timed fireball. [ System Notification: Void Orb destroyed. ] Finally, August saw an opening. [ Skill Activated: Ethereal Storm. ] Just like before, ethereal shards pummeled Atheron, leaving him vulnerable. [ System Notification: Ethereal Storm hits Atheron. Damage dealt: 2,000. ] "Finish him!" Aria yelled. Drask leapt into the air before bringing his axe down with all his might. [ Skill Activated: Cleaving Strike! ] [ System Notification:** Cleaving Strike critical hit. Damage dealt: 700. ] Atheron let out a final, guttural scream as his HP hit zero. His dark aura dissipated, and he crumpled to the ground, lifeless. [ System Notification: Boss defeated - Atheron the Corrupted Mage. EXP +40,000. Party loot acquired. ] As the group caught their breath, the room began to shimmer. Loot materialized, including rare mana crystals, a spell tome, and a powerful amulet. Torin clapped August on the shoulder. "That magic of yours really came through." The darkness that had once engulfed Aetheron''s form began to dissipate at this moment, peeling away in ghostly tendrils until nothing remained of its corruption. Suddenly, a translucent blue astral form began to rise from Atheron''s lifeless body, floating gently in the air. It was Atheron, or rather, what was left of his true essence. The group froze, unsure of what to do as the spirit looked at them with serene, almost grateful eyes. Without warning, the surroundings shifted once again. The air shimmered, and a projection sprang to life around them, showing the mage in his final days. In the vision, Atheron stood firm within a massive throne room. Around him were countless enemies, storming the kingdom walls and surging toward the palace. Despite their numbers, Atheron''s power was on full display. His staff twirled, unleashing devastating waves of magic that turned the invaders into ash. However, their focus was not solely on destruction. At the center of the palace, floating ominously in a swirl of shadowy energy, was a dark-looking fruit, pulsating as though it had a life of its own. "What is that?" Aria murmured with a look of unease. The projection flickered and faded before they could see what happened next, leaving only silence. The astral form of Atheron turned to them and smiled faintly. "Grant my king peace," his voice resonated with a mixture of regret and hope. "I''m counting on you..." His form dissipated, scattering into tiny orbs of light that floated upward and disappeared into the ether. As the room settled, a distinct chime echoed through the air. [ System Notification: Loot dropped: Staff of the Voidseer, C-Tier Magic Card (Atheron''s Shadow Pulse), Shadow Crystal ¡Á2, Ancient Rune Fragment ¡Á1, Mana Crystal ¡Á3, Gold ¡Á400. ] The group immediately went into action, inspecting the dropped items and discussing their distribution. Aria picked up the Staff of the Voidseer. Its intricate carvings glowed faintly with dark mana. "This... is powerful," she voiced in astonishment. "It increases dark-type spell damage by 25%. It''ll help in the next levels." Torin chuckled. "Of course, the mage gets the staff. Lucky you." August reached down and retrieved the C-Tier Magic Card labeled Atheron''s Shadow Pulse. He inspected it briefly. [ C-Tier Magic Card: Atheron''s Shadow Pulse ] <[ Description: Grants the spell "Shadow Pulse," which sends a wave of concentrated dark energy at enemies. Cooldown: 15 seconds. ]> He decided to keep it in his inventory for now. There would be time to decide later whether or not to unlock it. "I''ll hold onto this," he said before slipping it into his storage. Drask picked up the Shadow Crystals as his eyes gleamed. "These will sell for a fortune at the auction house." Gareth took the Ancient Rune Fragment, which he claimed could likely be used to craft something powerful later. Viora split the Mana Crystals evenly among herself, Aria, and Torin, given their heavy reliance on magic and ranged attacks. The remaining Gold was divided evenly among all six members, with each receiving approximately 67 gold. As they gathered the loot, August turned to Aria. "What do you think that fruit was in the projection? It looked... ominous." Aria frowned while gripping the staff tightly. "I don''t know. But if it''s tied to the Swordking, it might be the key to understanding his madness." "Or it''s the reason for it," Gareth added darkly. "I mean, did you see how much effort Atheron put into protecting it? That wasn''t just a regular fruit." Torin scoffed, adjusting his bow. "If we find it, it better be worth something. I didn''t come all this way just for a history lesson." Drask grinned, clapping Torin on the back. "Relax. We''ll probably be fighting over who gets to keep it when we find it." Aria''s gaze lingered on the spot where Atheron''s astral form had disappeared. "Whatever it is, we need to be prepared. If Atheron was this corrupted by the end, I don''t want to imagine what lies ahead." August nodded with a grim look. "Then let''s not waste any more time." The group approached the newly revealed doorway at the far end of the chamber. As they stepped through, the air grew noticeably colder, and the ancient aura of the dungeon seemed to press even heavier on their shoulders. [ System Notification: Access granted to Floor 71. ] As they descended deeper into the dungeon, August reflected on Atheron''s final words. ''Grant my king peace.'' It was a plea, not just for them to conquer the dungeon, but perhaps to end the torment of the Swordking himself. He couldn''t shake the image of the dark fruit in the projection. ''Could it be the rumored Fruit of Sin?'' he wondered. Chapter 91 - 91: Petty Rivalry August couldn''t shake the image of the dark fruit in the projection. ''Could it be the rumored Fruit of Sin?'' he wondered. If it truly existed, its power was likely beyond anything they could imagine. Aria glanced at him as they walked. "You''re awfully quiet. Something on your mind?" August shrugged while adjusting the straps on his gear. "Just thinking about that fruit from the projection." Aria hesitated. "It might be the fruit of sin. But if it is, we''ll have to be ready for whatever''s guarding it. Something like that... it won''t come easy." Torin, overhearing, snorted. "If it''s the Fruit of Sin, we''ll have to deal with every other party in this dungeon trying to take it from us too. Maybe we should focus on the Swordking''s legacy instead." "Let them come," Drask said confidently. "We''ll take them out just like we did the last group." Viora gave a nervous laugh. "Let''s just hope it doesn''t come to that." ... ... The air was thick with mana as three players made their way down the corridors of the 47th floor in the Ancient Swordking''s Dungeon. Their strides were purposeful, their movements efficient, and their expressions exuded an air of unshakable confidence. Each of them carried an aura that made the weaker monsters lurking in the shadows cower before they could even strike. Leading the group was Ragnar Bloodspire, a towering warrior with a crimson cape fluttering behind him. His imposing frame was clad in enchanted steel armor that gleamed even in the low light, and his enormous sword, Bloodfang, rested on his back. Above his head floated his level: 47. Walking beside him was Selene Darkflame, a slender mage dressed in a black robe trimmed with shimmering violet runes. Her long, silver hair cascaded down her back, and her piercing amethyst eyes glowed faintly, matching the magic staff she held in her right hand. Her level was 41, and despite Ragnar being the technical leader of their party, she often seemed to be the one in control. The last of the trio was Darius Voidstrider, a Level 39 assassin who kept mostly to the shadows. His dark leather armor blended seamlessly with the dungeon''s murky surroundings, and his twin daggers seemed to absorb light rather than reflect it. A sly grin often played on his face, betraying a dangerous mixture of cunning and confidence. Two other guild members followed behind them: Kael Ironclaw (Level 37, Berserker) and Luna Nightsong (Level 36, Ranger), but they were clearly here to support rather than lead. "Keep up," Ragnar barked with his deep voice reverberating off the dungeon walls as he turned to look at Kael and Luna lagging behind. "We''re not here to babysit." "We''re not slowing you down, boss," Kael shot back while tightening his grip on his axe. "Just don''t want to rush into one of those traps you keep triggering." Ragnar growled but said nothing, which earned a quiet smirk from Selene. She turned her glowing eyes on Kael. "If you spent half as much time watching the path as you do running your mouth, we''d already be on the 50th floor." Kael grumbled something under his breath but quickened his pace, while Luna silently scanned the walls with her bow drawn. Her keen eyes searched for any signs of traps. Darius, who had been scouting ahead, suddenly appeared in front of them, emerging from the shadows as though he had materialized out of thin air. "Clear path up ahead. Couple of beast-types, nothing worth breaking a sweat over." [ System Notification: Darius Voidstrider has activated Shadow Step. Cooldown: 5 seconds. ] "Good," Selene stated. "We need to make up for the time wasted on the last floor. Ragnar, try not to attract too much attention this time." Ragnar let out a short laugh, unsheathing Bloodfang with a metallic hiss. "Attract attention? That''s the point, Selene. If something''s stupid enough to get in my way, it deserves to die." Selene sighed but didn''t argue. Instead, she gestured with her staff as her amethyst eyes scanned the corridor ahead. "Just don''t get us killed." As they turned a corner, the ground trembled slightly, and two massive beasts emerged from a side chamber. The creatures were hulking monstrosities resembling armored rhinos, with glowing red eyes and pointy horns that crackled with electricity. [ System Notification: Thunderhorn Behemoth (Level 27) ¡Á2 HP: 15,000 each ] Ragnar cracked his knuckles and grinned. "Finally, something worth hitting." Before anyone could respond, he charged forward with a roar, bringing Bloodfang down in a devastating arc. [ System Notification: Ragnar Bloodspire has activated Crimson Cleave. 4,500 Damage dealt to Thunderhorn Behemoth. ] One of the beasts bellowed in pain but retaliated with a headlong charge as its horn crackled with lightning. Ragnar sidestepped at the last second causing the creature to narrowly miss him and slam into the dungeon wall. "Reckless as always," Selene muttered while raising her staff. She chanted softly, and a swirling vortex of violet energy formed above the second Thunderhorn Behemoth. [ System Notification: Selene Darkflame has cast Gravity Well. Movement speed of Thunderhorn Behemoth reduced by 50%. ] The beast roared in frustration, struggling against the gravitational pull, but Selene''s expression remained calm and unyielding. Darius darted forward with his daggers gleaming. "Let me carve this one up for you, Selene." [ System Notification: Darius Voidstrider has activated Twin Fang Strike. 3,200 Damage dealt to Thunderhorn Behemoth. ] Kael and Luna joined the fray with Kael landing a heavy blow on the beast Ragnar had already damaged while Luna''s arrows found their mark on the other. [ System Notification: Kael Ironclaw has activated Bonecrusher Smash. 4,000 Damage dealt to Thunderhorn Behemoth. ] [ System Notification: Luna Nightsong has activated Piercing Arrow. 2,500 Damage dealt to Thunderhorn Behemoth. ] "Focus your attacks!" Selene voice cut through the chaos as she ordered. "Don''t waste time splitting damage." Ragnar smirked but followed her lead, directing his next series of strikes at the weakened beast. The combined assault quickly whittled down its HP until it collapsed with a deafening thud. [ System Notification: Thunderhorn Behemoth (Level 27) has been defeated. ] The second Thunderhorn Behemoth, still struggling against Selene''s Gravity Well, roared in defiance and unleashed a wave of crackling electricity that filled the chamber. [ System Notification: Thunderhorn Behemoth has activated Thunder Surge. 3,000 AoE Damage dealt to all players within range. ] Everyone''s HP dropped to an extent, but Selene was quick to cast a protective barrier. [ System Notification: Selene Darkflame has cast Protective Shield. Incoming damage reduced by 40% for 10 seconds. ] "Darius, now!" Selene commanded as her eyes glowed brighter. Darius nodded, disappearing into the shadows before reappearing behind the creature. His daggers plunged into its neck with precision, striking a critical point. [ System Notification: Darius Voidstrider has activated Shadow Laceration. 5,200 Critical Damage dealt to Thunderhorn Behemoth. ] Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The beast let out one final roar before collapsing with a massive thud. [ System Notification: Thunderhorn Behemoth (Level 42) has been defeated. ] [ System Notification: Loot dropped: Thunderhorn Plate ¡Á2, Lightning Core ¡Á1, Gold ¡Á200. ] Selene inspected the items with a sharp gaze. "The plate will go to Ragnar for crafting, and I''ll take the Lightning Core for spell enhancement." "Agreed," Ragnar said before sheathing his sword. "But we need to move. We''ve already wasted enough time." Darius smirked while twirling one of his daggers. "Don''t worry, boss. At this rate, we''ll be at the final floor before anyone else." Selene shot him a look. "Don''t get cocky. We don''t know what''s waiting for us down there." As the group resumed their descent, the tension in the air grew heavier, but their determination remained unshaken. For the Devil''s Chamber Guild, this was more than just a quest¡ªit was their chance to make a name for themselves in the world of Enders Light. ... ... In the dim corridors of the 67th floor, another party from Phoenix Celestial Guild was moving at breakneck speed. The group consisted of five players, each an experienced adventurer with a clear goal in mind: get to the last floor of the dungeon first. At the front was Serena Blackthorn, their leader and a Level 37 Sorceress. She was tall, elegant, and radiated authority, with fiery red hair tied into a tight braid and piercing green eyes that seemed to burn with ambition. Her staff, glowing with runic etchings, pulsed faintly as she led her group forward. Behind her was Thane Ironsoul, a Level 36 Guardian who carried an enormous tower shield and a hammer that looked like it could level mountains. His hulking frame made him an excellent tank, but his constant grumbling showed that he wasn''t thrilled about Serena''s breakneck pace. "Can we slow down for half a second?" Thane asked while swatting away a small swarm of flying beasts with a single swing of his hammer. "Not all of us are trying to kill ourselves to beat Aria, you know." Serena shot him a glare over her shoulder. "If you can''t keep up, maybe you shouldn''t have joined this party, Thane. I need people who are committed." "Committed to what? A petty rivalry?" he muttered but kept walking. Chapter 92 - 92: Tier Two Qualification "Enough," snapped Lyra Duskbane, their Level 35 Ranger. Her sharp features and raven-black hair gave her a menacing appearance. "If we want to win, we can''t waste time bickering. Let''s just keep moving." Bringing up the rear were Jax Stonefang, a Level 34 Berserker, and Eve Starwhisper, a Level 36 Cleric. Jax grinned wolfishly as he hefted his battleaxe, clearly enjoying the pace, while Eve remained quiet with her hands clasped tightly around her glowing staff. The group entered a cavernous chamber filled with massive stone pillars that seemed to reach into infinity. Strange, luminescent moss coated the walls, casting an eerie green light across the room. In the center stood a pack of large beasts resembling wolves but with molten rock for fur and glowing yellow eyes. [ System Notification: Lavafang Alpha (Level 35) ¡Á1 Lavafang Minion (Level 34) ¡Á5 ] Serena smirked. "These fools will barely slow us down. Jax, Thane, you''re up. Lyra, cover them. Eve, keep everyone alive." Jax let out a battle cry while charging forward with reckless abandon. "Finally, something to smash!" [ System Notification:* Jax Stonefang has activated Raging Strike. 2,000 Damage dealt to Lavafang Minion. ] The beast yelped as Jax''s axe cleaved into its side, but the others lunged forward to retaliate. Thane stepped in front, slamming his shield into the ground. [ System Notification: Thane Ironsoul has activated Bulwark of the Iron Wall. All damage reduced by 40% for 10 seconds. ] "Is that all you''ve got?" Thane taunted as the Lavafangs'' fiery claws scraped harmlessly against his shield. Meanwhile, Lyra climbed onto one of the pillars with her bowstring taut. "I''ll make this quick." [ System Notification: Lyra Duskbane has activated Piercing Volley. 1,200 Damage dealt to all Lavafang Minions. ] The arrows struck true, piercing through the beasts'' molten hides. Serena wasted no time, raising her staff as a fiery aura surrounded her. [ System Notification: Serena Blackthorn has cast Infernal Blaze. 6,500 AoE Damage dealt to all enemies. ] The Lavafang Minions collapsed in fiery heaps, leaving only the Alpha standing. The massive beast howled as its molten fur flared brighter while it lunged at Serena. Thane intercepted, blocking the attack with his shield, but the force sent him skidding back several feet. "Eve, now!" Serena shouted. Eve stepped forward and chanted a healing spell with her melodic voice. [ System Notification: Eve Starwhisper has cast Radiant Light. Party members restored by 5,000 HP. ] Jax leaped onto the Alpha''s back, driving his axe into its neck with a triumphant roar. [ System Notification: Jax Stonefang has activated Decapitating Blow. 7,000 Damage dealt to Lavafang Alpha. ] The Alpha let out a loud growl before collapsing as its molten body hardened into stone. [ System Notification: Lavafang Alpha (Level 38) defeated. ] "Easy," Jax voiced while chuckling in triumph. "We''re tearing through this place." "Because I''m leading," Serena said smugly, inspecting the loot that had dropped. [ Loot Acquired: Lava Core ¡Á3, Obsidian Shard ¡Á5, Gold ¡Á150. ] Serena pocketed the Lava Cores while distributing the rest among the party. "Let''s keep moving. We can''t afford to let Aria get ahead." Thane crossed his arms. "Do you ever stop to think about how petty this is?" "Petty?" Serena''s eyes narrowed. "Do you have any idea how long she''s been flaunting her little victories in front of me? Always acting like she''s better than me. Well, not this time." "Aria probably doesn''t even care about you," Lyra muttered under her breath. "What was that?" Serena snapped. "Nothing," Lyra replied innocently. Eve sighed. "We all want to clear this dungeon. Let''s focus on that instead of your personal vendettas." Serena huffed but said nothing more while leading the group deeper into the dungeon. ... ... August and the others trudged cautiously through the 91st floor of the Ancient Swordking''s Dungeon. The corridors pulsed faintly with red and blue hues, casting eerie shadows along the cracked stone walls. Every so often, the echoes of distant growls reverberated. Aria led the group with her staff glowing faintly, illuminating the path ahead. "That makes three commanders so far," she muttered with both exhaustion and determination. "If this pattern holds, we''ll face another one at floor 100." Drask swung his massive axe over his shoulder. "Well, they''re not making this easy for us, that''s for sure. What was that last one? A damn swordsman with flames shooting out of his strikes?" Torin smirked. "You mean the one who nearly sent you flying out of your boots? Yeah, I remember him." Viora giggled softly, adjusting her cleric robes. "Let''s not forget I''m the one keeping you alive, Drask." Drask grunted. "And I thank you for it every time." As they moved, August opened his Player Status Panel to review his progress. The fight against the corrupted commander on the 90th floor had pushed him to Level 30, and he''d noticed two new skills had been unlocked. --- << Player Status Panel >> Name: Aleman Class: Assassin/Mage Title: Sovereign of Anti-Darkness Level: 30 EXP: 10,500/1,150,000 HP: 15,200/15,200 MP: 9,000/9,000 Gold: 20,120 Skills: - Shadow Dance (Assassin) - Stealth (Assassin) - Hidden Strike (Assassin) - Dash (Assassin) [Level 3] - Lightning Bolt (Mage) - Arcane Shield (Mage) - Ethereal Storm (Custom Mage) - Phantom Splice (Assassin) [New] - Wind Surge (Mage) [New] Inventory: - Enhanced Dagger - Custom Staff - Cloak of Echoes (Bound) - Shadow Cloak - Minor Health Amulet - Phantom Boots - Devil Fang Daggers - Mana Crystals ¡Á5 - Health Potions ¡Á6 - Mana Potions ¡Á7 - Wind-Swept Cloak Fragment - Enchanted Mirror ... --- [ System Notification: You Have Acquired Two New Skills ] - Phantom Splice (Assassin): Instantly create a clone that can use up to 30% of your abilities. Cooldown: 1 minute. - Wind Surge (Mage): Instantly sends out a wave of powerful wind in any direction of your choice. Cooldown: 2 minutes. --- As he scanned the details, another notification flashed. [ System Notification: You Have Qualified for Tier 2 Magic and Assassin Skills Test. ] [ Pass Tier 2 Test to Unlock Tier 2 Magic and Skills. ] "What the¡­" August muttered to himself while raising an eyebrow. The others turned to look at him. "What''s wrong?" Aria asked with a look of concern. August shook his head. "Nothing major. Just got notified that I qualify for Tier 2 Magic, but I can''t take the test while we''re in the dungeon." "Woah... I haven''t even qualified yet and I have a higher level," Aria voiced in disbelief. "Yeah man that''s really a big deal," Torin inputted. Gareth chuckled. "Those tests aren''t easy though..." "No, they''re not... Still, not everyone gets the chance to take them. They are only a handful of tier-two players in the game," Aria voiced in reverence. As they marched forward, they continued to speak on this topic while keeping their eyes peeled for enemies. The walls of the 91st floor seemed darker, almost oppressive. Soon they reached an area with ancient carvings along the walls that glowed faintly, telling fragmented stories of the Swordking''s past. Such a sight was no longer uncommon but still, the group paused briefly before a particularly large mural. Aria studied the carvings. "This¡­ this looks like the story of how the Swordking fell into darkness." Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The mural depicted a once-proud king holding a glowing fruit high above his head. Around him, his kingdom burned as shadowy figures with cruel smiles watched from the distance. His people were shown kneeling, chained, and broken. Chapter 93 - 93: The Mysterious Solo Player Viora frowned. "That fruit¡­ Could it be the Fruit of Sin?" "It must be," Torin said. "It''s what everyone is after." Drask pointed to another part of the mural. "Look, there. The Swordking''s commanders¡­ they''re kneeling in front of him. Swearing loyalty even after everything fell apart." August narrowed his eyes. "That explains why we''ve been fighting corrupted commanders every ten floors. They followed him into the abyss." Aria nodded. "And we''ll likely face more the deeper we go." The group continued their descent, battling fierce beasts that grew stronger with each passing floor. On the 91st floor alone, they encountered mutated wolves with obsidian fur and glowing red eyes, shadowy wraiths that drained health on contact, and towering stone golems immune to physical attacks. [ System Notification: Mutated Wolf (Level 35) defeated. 15,000 EXP gained. ] [ System Notification: Shadow Wraith (Level 36) defeated. 18,000 EXP gained. ] [ System Notification: Stone Golem (Level 38) defeated. 25,000 EXP gained. ] With each fight, they grew more exhausted, but the loot and experience were worth it. As they approached the final stretch of the 91st floor, the group spotted a faint glow in the distance¡ªa treasure chest, seemingly unguarded. "Too easy," Gareth muttered. "It''s obviously a trap." "I agree," August said. "Let''s tread carefully." Sure enough, as they neared the chest, the ground trembled. A massive stone slab slid away, revealing a hidden staircase leading down. [ System Notification: Access to the 92nd floor unlocked. ] Aria raised an eyebrow. "No boss on this floor? That''s strange." "Maybe they''re saving the worst for the last," Viora said uneasily. "Or maybe," August added, "they''re just lulling us into a false sense of security." The group began their descent to the 92nd floor, knowing the challenges ahead would only grow more daunting. August paused as they went ahead upon noticing a small gleam at the corner of his eyes. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He spotted something and moved towards the edge of the wall and floor to pick it up. "Hmm? A key?" He muttered as information about the key popped up. [ System Notification: Unknown Key Acquired ] "That''s very informative..." August muttered with a dissatisfied look. "Aleman, you coming?" Aria''s voice called out from up ahead. "Yeah yeah... One second," August swiftly pocketed the key and went ahead to join them. ... ... ... A lone figure treaded confidently through the eerie hallways of the 70th floor of the Ancient Swordking''s Dungeon. His steps were slow but deliberate, each footfall reverberating through the ancient stone. The red glow of his sword, strapped to his back, pulsed faintly, casting an ominous light around him. His long, white hair flowed freely beneath the warrior helmet that masked his face, concealing his identity from any who might encounter him. Above his head, his level was hidden, replaced with "???", leaving even the dungeon''s system uncertain of his full strength. The creatures lurking in the shadows, massive beasts with razor-sharp fangs and molten eyes, began to approach him. However, before they could come within ten feet, they collapsed. [ System Notification:* Beast of Flame (Level 30) has been afflicted by Overwhelming Aura. -10,000 HP per second. ] The ground cracked beneath the beasts as if the very weight of his presence crushed them. Their health bars drained rapidly, leaving them lifeless in mere moments. The system automatically distributed the experience to him, but he didn''t even spare a glance at the loot that dropped. [ System Notification: Beast of Flame defeated. 12,000 EXP gained. ] [ System Notification: Giant Direwolf (Level 32) defeated. 14,500 EXP gained. ] [ System Notification: Loot automatically distributed. ] As he continued, the walls began to tremble. A combination of growls, roars, and guttural snarls echoed from the end of the corridor. Moments later, a pack of massive beasts emerged¡ªnearly a dozen of them. These creatures, each towering over twelve feet tall, bared their fangs and claws as they charged toward him. Their names hovered in the air: [ System Notification: Raging Behemoth (Level 35) ¡Á6 Ironhide Titan (Level 37) ¡Á4 ] The ground beneath his feet began to quake as the horde approached. Their sheer mass shook the floor. But the lone figure didn''t flinch. He stretched forth his hand with his fingers spreading apart as he uttered a single word: "Anti-gravity." [ System Notification: Tier 2 Magic Activated: Anti-Gravity Field. ] The effects were immediate. The beasts that were mid-charge were suddenly yanked upward as though invisible hands had seized them. Their monstrous bodies twisted unnaturally, their limbs flailing as they were hurled into the air. Some smashed into the dungeon ceiling with so much force that their massive frames got embedded into the stone above, while others were flung into the walls leaving their bodies half-buried in the jagged rock. [ System Notification: Raging Behemoth afflicted by Anti-Gravity Field. Movement restricted. HP reduced by 8,000. ] [ System Notification: Ironhide Titan afflicted by Anti-Gravity Field. Gravity increased 10x. Unable to move. HP reduced by 12,000. ] Several creatures were slammed back into the ground with tremendous force, their faces buried into the floor as their health bars rapidly depleted. [ System Notification: Raging Behemoth defeated ¡Á4. 18,000 EXP gained. ] [ System Notification: Ironhide Titan defeated ¡Á7. 22,000 EXP gained. ] [ System Notification: Loot automatically distributed. ] The lone figure lowered his hand, dismissing the spell as though it were nothing. He stepped over the crushed remains of the beasts as he continued forward. His stride was as calm and unhurried as ever. It wasn''t just his magic that was extraordinary; even his equipment was unmatched. The sword on his back wasn''t just any weapon. Its name glowed faintly in the system logs: "Crimson Doomblade (Rare Artifact)." Though he hadn''t drawn it yet, the mere aura it emitted seemed to drain the life of any who dared come close. As he reached the end of the floor, another swarm of enemies appeared. This time, it was a group of winged serpents that slithered out of the cracks in the walls with scales that shimmered like molten gold. [ System Notification: Goldwing Serpent (Level 36) ¡Á8. ] The serpents screeched and lunged at him, but before they could even come close, a pulse of energy rippled out from the Doomblade. [ System Notification: Passive Skill Activated: Crimson Aura. Nearby enemies lose 15% HP per second. ] Chapter 94 - 94: Sword Intent The serpents hissed in agony as their health bars dropped rapidly. Their attacks grew sluggish until they fell to the ground, lifeless. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [ System Notification: Goldwing Serpent defeated ¡Á8. 19,000 EXP gained. ] [ System Notification: Loot automatically distributed. ] Without breaking a sweat, the mysterious figure descended to the 71st floor. The atmosphere here grew darker, with a heavy sense of dread hanging in the air. The walls pulsed faintly with a red glow, and the faint sound of whispers echoed in the distance. The man paused for a moment, glancing down the long corridor before him. His deep and calm voice broke the silence. "The Fruit of Sin... I must make sure it doesn''t fall into the hands of anyone." With that, he moved forward, letting the red glow of his Doomblade light the way. ... ... The hundredth floor of the Ancient Swordking''s Dungeon loomed ominously as August and the others stepped into its massive, cathedral-like chamber. The walls shimmered faintly with the glow of embedded mana crystals, and the air was thick with an oppressive aura of ancient power. Ahead of them stood a battalion of knights clad in glowing black armor. Their swords radiated an eerie white glow. Aria stepped forward, gripping her staff tightly. "Be careful. Those aren''t ordinary swords. That glow¡­ it''s sword intent." Torin groaned. "Sword intent? You mean the stuff that slices through anything? Great. Just when I thought this couldn''t get any worse." [ System Notification: You Have Entered the Hundredth Floor of the Ancient Swordking''s Dungeon. ] [ Warning: Enemies on this floor wield Sword Intent capable of bypassing most defenses. Proceed with caution. ] The knights didn''t wait for pleasantries. As soon as they detected the group''s presence, the first wave charged forward with terrifying speed. "Here they come!" Drask roared while swinging his axe with both hands as the first knight lunged toward him. The clash of metal echoed throughout the chamber as the knight''s glowing sword cut clean through the haft of Drask''s axe. "What the¡ª!" Drask stumbled back, narrowly avoiding a follow-up slash. "It cut through my axe like it was paper!" [ System Notification: Drask''s Berserker Axe (Durability: 0%) is broken. ] Aria reacted swiftly, casting Blazing Conflagration to create a wall of fire between them and the advancing knights. "Fall back! We need to regroup and figure out how to deal with them!" [ System Notification: Aria casts Blazing Conflagration. Enemies take continuous fire damage: -1,200 HP per second. ] The fire slowed the knights but didn''t stop them. One stepped through the flames with its armor glowing red-hot but unyielding. It slashed its blade downward toward August. "Not today!" August yelled while activating Dash to sidestep the attack. He countered with Hidden Strike, driving his dagger into the knight''s exposed neck. [ System Notification: Aleman uses Dash. Cooldown: 5 seconds. ] [ System Notification: Aleman uses Hidden Strike. Critical Hit! -2,200 HP. ] The knight staggered but didn''t fall. August''s eyes widened. "They''re tougher than the usual ones!" Gareth stepped in, slamming his shield into the knight''s chest to knock it back. "Focus on one at a time! Don''t let them surround us!" Another knight charged forward. Its blade glowed brighter as it swung toward Viora. She raised her shield of light in defense, only for the blade to slice clean through it. [ System Notification: Viora''s Divine Aegis (Cleric) is nullified by Sword Intent. ] [ Warning: Sword Intent ignores magical and physical defenses. ] "Are you kidding me?" Viora cried out before rolling to the side as the blade narrowly missed her. August tried using Arcane Shield, but the knight''s next slash tore through it with ease, sending him sprawling to the ground. His HP bar plummeted. [ System Notification: Aleman Arcane Shield is broken. Damage taken: -4,500 HP. ] [ System Notification: HP: 10,700/15,200. ] "Damn it!" August gritted his teeth. His Basic Armor was doing little to mitigate the damage. Every hit felt like a truck slamming into him. Aria shouted, "We have to focus on evasion! Don''t rely on shields or armor¡ªthey''re useless here!" Torin climbed onto a broken pillar for a better vantage point before drawing his bow. "If defense is useless, we''ll just have to attack harder!" He let loose a volley of arrows, aiming for the gaps in the knights'' armor. [ System Notification: Torin uses Piercing Shot. Critical Hit! -2,500 HP. ] [ System Notification: Torin uses Multi-Shot. Targets: 3. Damage dealt: -1,500 HP each. ] The arrows found their marks, and one knight crumpled to the ground. "One down!" Torin shouted. Drask, having retrieved a backup axe from his inventory, roared and charged another knight. "Let''s see you cut through this!" He swung his axe in a wide arc, cleaving through the knight''s shoulder. [ System Notification: Drask uses Berserker Strike. Critical Hit! -3,000 HP. ] August joined the fray, activating Phantom Slice to keep a knight occupied with his clone while dashing behind the knight and delivering a series of rapid strikes to its exposed back. [ System Notification: Aleman uses Phantom Slice. Cooldown: 1 minute ] [ System Notification: Aleman uses Hidden Strike. Critical Hit! -3,000 HP. ] [ System Notification: Aleman uses Dagger Throw. Damage dealt: -1,200 HP. ] The knight fell with its armor clattering to the ground. After an intense and grueling hour of combat, the group finally defeated the last of the knights. They collapsed to the ground, panting and nursing their wounds. [ System Notification: Knight of Sword Intent defeated. 30,000 EXP gained. ] [ System Notification: Knight of Sword Intent defeated. 30,000 EXP gained. ] [ System Notification: August has leveled up to Level 31. ] [ System Notification: Aria has leveled up to Level 36. ] A pile of loot materialized where the knights fell, and everyone began sorting through it. There were mana crystals, enchanted gemstones, and even a rare piece of armor. Aria picked up a glowing helmet. "This is a high-tier item. Let''s assign it to Gareth¡ªhe could use the extra defense." August inspected the loot he received. Among it was a piece of armor called Shadow Warden''s Vest. [ System Notification: Shadow Warden''s Vest (Armor) acquired. ] [ Stats: Defense +800, Agility +10. ] "Finally," August muttered while equipping the armor. His worn Basic Armor disappeared into his inventory. Chapter 95 - 95: The Final Commander As the group rested near the large door leading to the next floor, Viora looked at August. "You had a basic armor? How did you manage to stay standing after that many hits?" Aria smirked. "He''s a stubborn one, that''s for sure." Drask laughed. "He''s lucky he leveled up before he keeled over!" Torin grinned. "You''re not so bad for a solo player, Aleman. But maybe next time, invest in better armor before diving into a dungeon like this." August chuckled. "I''ll keep that in mind. Let''s just hope the next floor isn''t worse than this one." What they didn''t know was that, due to August''s dual-class, his HP was also much higher than normal or he''d have been long dead. The group exchanged weary smiles as they prepared to push forward. ... The group kept moving cautiously through the corridor. The tension in the group was high as they arrived at a wide, open chamber with an elevated platform at its center. Suddenly, the room shimmered with a golden light, and a projection began to play out. The group froze, watching intently as the events unfolded before them. The Swordking stood in the center of a grand throne room, surrounded by his commanders. He held a dark, ominous fruit in his hand. Its surface pulsated with a faint crimson glow. His expression was one of anguish and desperation. "This fruit¡­" the Swordking voiced with indignation. "They intended to use it to destroy me, to shatter my kingdom. But now it''s in our possession." One of the commanders, a towering figure clad in dark silver armor and wielding a gleaming lance, stepped forward. "My lord, this fruit is a curse. It will bring ruin to us all. Let us destroy it before it falls into the wrong hands again." The Swordking shook his head. "No, Lancebearer Raegor. This fruit is also a blessing. They say it can bring the dead back to life. With it, I can bring my daughter back." Another commander stepped forward with a pleading look. "Your Majesty, the entire world is turning against us because of this fruit. Armies march on our gates, and alliances crumble. Your grief blinds you to the danger we face!" The projection shifted abruptly, showing the Swordking standing over his daughter''s lifeless body. He held the fruit close to her chest with his hands trembling. The sound of explosions echoed in the background as enemy forces breached the walls of the kingdom. Lancebearer Raegor appeared once more, pulling the Swordking back. "Forgive me, my lord," Raegor said as his voice broke. "But the kingdom must come first. I will protect this fruit with my life, as you commanded." The projection shifted again, showing Raegor standing atop a tower, surrounded by enemies. His lance crackled with energy as he fended them off. A massive explosion engulfed the scene, and a wave of dark energy rippled outward, consuming everything in its path. The last image was of Raegor being incinerated, his figure dissolving into ash as the dark force overtook him. The projection faded, leaving the group standing in silence. Drask was the first to speak. "So, the fruit isn''t just powerful¡ªit was dangerous. What was that explosion at the end?" Viora nodded. "It''s no wonder it''s called the fruit of sin... I''m guessing it has certain... Dark effects. No wonder the kingdom fell into ruin." Torin crossed his arms, frowning. "If that commander, Raegor, was the one tasked with guarding the fruit at the final moments, does that mean¡­?" Aria completed his thought with a somber tone. "He''s the boss of this floor. And judging by the pattern so far, he''ll be corrupted like the others." August finally spoke. "If he''s corrupted, then he''s not just carrying the fruit''s curse. He might be even stronger because of it. They moved forward, reaching a massive set of double doors. Intricate carvings depicted the Swordking''s kingdom in its prime as the designs glowed faintly with mana. Aria placed her hand on the door, and it creaked open with an ominous groan. Inside, the room was cavernous, its high ceiling disappearing into darkness. At the center stood Lancebearer Raegor. His once-gleaming armor was now cracked and tarnished, with black veins of energy pulsating through it. His lance, a weapon of extraordinary craftsmanship, now emanated a dark, malevolent aura. Raegor''s hollow voice echoed through the chamber. "Intruders¡­ you seek the fruit. You will not have it. I am its guardian. None shall pass!" [ System Notification: Boss Encounter: Lancebearer Raegor, Corrupted Commander. ] [ Level: 45 ] [ HP: 60,000 ] [ Abilities: Lance Sweep, Dark Impale, Void Barrier, Aegis of Shadows, Cursed Storm ] "Level forty-five?" Torin groaned. "Are you kidding me?" Raegor didn''t wait. With a deafening roar, he charged forward with his lance extended, leaving a trail of dark energy in its wake. He thrust it toward Drask, who barely managed to block it with his axe. [ System Notification: Drask takes -3,500 HP. HP: 7,500/11,000. ] "His attacks are insane!" Drask shouted while stumbling back. Aria chanted quickly, raising her staff. "Blazing Conflagration!" A wall of fire erupted around Raegor, momentarily halting his advance. [ System Notification:* Aria casts Blazing Conflagration. Raegor takes -500 HP per second for 10 seconds. ] But Raegor swung his lance in a wide arc, dispelling the flames and sending a shockwave of dark energy across the room. [ System Notification: Raegor uses Lance Sweep. Targets: All. Damage dealt: -4,000 HP. ] August dashed to the side, narrowly evading the attack. He activated Phantom Slice and split into two. He and his clone exchanged a quick glance of understanding as they chanted... "Ethereal Storm.." [ System Notification: Ethereal Storm Has Been Activated ¡Á ] Both of them pointed their staffs at Raegor and a powerful Ethereal Storm stacked another Ethereal Storm descended upon him. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A massive swirling tornado of purple and green with electric bolts within engulfed Raegor, taking a chunk of his HP. [ Ethreal Storm Double Cast: Critical Damage -7,500 HP ] [ Effects Applied: ¡Á4 Gravitational Force ] Raegor found himself unable to take even a step forward as continuous attacks from everyone rained down on him. Chapter 96 - 96: The Final Floor August''s clone vanished after the successful attack. He then proceeded to dash around Raegor, appearing behind him and landing a precise strike on his back. [ System Notification: Aleman uses Hidden Strike. Critical Hit! Raegor takes -2,000 HP. ] Raegor snarled, spinning around and thrusting his lance at August as the effects of the gravitational force wore off. He raised activated Arcane Shield but the lance pierced through it like paper. [ System Notification: Aleman''s Arcane Shield is broken. Damage taken: -3,800 HP. ] [ System Notification: HP: 12,400/16,200. ] August got sent flying towards the other end of the wall. ''I can''t imagine how much damage that would have done if I still had the basic armor equipped,'' He said internally while picking himself up. Viora kept her healing spells active, restoring the group''s health as they took turns attacking. Torin fired arrows from a distance, while Drask tried to hold Raegor''s attention with heavy strikes. Aria cast Mana Surge, boosting everyone''s magical abilities. "Focus on his legs! Slow him down!" August followed her advice, targeting Raegor''s knees with Dagger Throw and Lightning Bolt. [ System Notification: Aleman uses Dagger Throw. Raegor takes -400 HP. ] [ System Notification: Aleman uses Lightning Bolt. Raegor takes -2800 HP. ] Raegor stumbled as his movements slowed. "You¡­ will not¡­ pass!" he roared while raising his lance. A storm of dark energy filled the room. [ System Notification: Raegor uses Cursed Storm. Targets: All. Continuous damage: -1,500 HP per second for 10 seconds. ] The group scrambled to avoid the storm, but their HP bars dwindled rapidly. "Fuck, I''ll run out of HP!" Drask yelled in horror but he wasn''t the only one with this issue. Fortunately, Viora managed to use her ultimate healing spell, Divine Restoration, to keep them alive. [ System Notification: Viora casts Divine Restoration. All party members healed for +5,000 HP. ] "Hit him with everything you''ve got!" Aria shouted while casting Inferno Blast. A massive ball of fire descended onto Raegor, dealing immense damage. [ System Notification: Aria casts Inferno Blast. Raegor takes -2000 HP. ] Raegor''s HP dropped below 5,000. He staggered as his corrupted energy flickered. "This is it!" August yelled before activating Ethereal Storm. A whirlwind of energy engulfed Raegor, tearing through his armor and doubling in damage. [ System Notification: Aleman uses Ethereal Storm. Critical Hit! Raegor takes -6,000 HP. ] [ System Notification: Lancebearer Raegor, Corrupted Commander, has been defeated. ] Raegor fell to his knees with his lance clattering to the ground. His body dissolved into ash, and the room fell silent. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A pile of loot appeared where Raegor had fallen. Among the items were Raegor''s Lance, a rare Shadow Core, and a fragmented piece of armor. [ System Notification Raegor''s Lance (Weapon) acquired. ] [ System Notification: Shadow Core acquired. ] [ System Notification: Fragmented Unique Armor Acquired ] "That was intense," Torin voiced before collapsing onto the floor. "How the hell are we going to make it to the end of this dungeon?" Aria smiled faintly. "One floor at a time." She turned to August. "Good work out there. That final hit was clutch." August nodded while breathing heavily. "Let''s take a moment to recover. The next floor is probably worse." As they shared the loot and prepared to move on, the projection of Raegor''s final moments replayed in their minds. ... ... The 103rd floor was vast and ominous, with the ceiling so high it disappeared into darkness. The air carried an invisible tension, and the faint glow of ancient runes etched into the stone floor illuminated the surroundings in a cold, bluish hue. Six players, led by a tall warrior clad in silver armor, stepped cautiously into the open space. Their weapons were drawn, and their eyes darted around, scanning for any threats. "Looks like we got here first," muttered Krael, the leader of the six. His heavy broadsword rested on his shoulder as he surveyed the room. Beside him, Liana, a mage with bright orange robes and a staff adorned with a fiery crystal, nodded. "This is it. The final floor. Whatever treasure or legacy lies here, it''s ours for the taking." Behind them were the remaining members: Zeyra, a rogue with daggers glinting in her hands; Dren, a berserker who hefted an enormous axe; Felix, a ranger with a quiver full of arrows; and Vyn, a cleric clutching a glowing orb. But their confidence faltered when they noticed a group of three standing ahead of them, waiting in front of an enormous, intricately carved door. These three players exuded an aura of menace. Their black attire blended seamlessly with the shadowy atmosphere. Their levels were hidden, showing only a line of question marks above their heads. Drakos, the leader of the trio, stood in the center. His blood-red armor seemed to pulsate with a faint glow, and his large, spiky sword looked as if it had been forged in hellfire. His green hair fell messily over his sharp, angular face, and his eyes gleamed with bloodlust. To his right was Lyriss, an assassin clad in dark leather with a hood that cast a shadow over her piercing green eyes. Her twin daggers dripped with a faint black mist, a telltale sign of poison. On his left stood Orlma, a mage in a beautiful-looking black and gold robe. Her head was adorned with a crown of silver, and her hands glowed with magical energy. Unlike the other two, her demeanor was calm and calculating. Drakos smirked as he stepped forward. "Do you lot have the key?" Krael narrowed his eyes. "Key? What key?" Drakos''s smirk widened into a grin that could only be described as psychotic. "Let me make it simple. If you don''t have the key, you''re of no use to us. We''ll just kill you and see if it drops from your corpses." [ System Notification: Drakos initiates combat. ] "Wait¡ª" Orlma began, but it was too late. Drakos charged forward with his glowing crimson sword raised as he activated a skill. [ System Notification: Drakos uses Crimson Cleave. Area Effect Damage ] The attack swept through the group of six like a tidal wave. Felix, the ranger, and Vyn, the cleric, were caught off guard and sent flying. [ System Notification: Felix takes -7,500 HP. HP: 1,500/9,000. ] [ System Notification: Vyn takes -6,800 HP. HP: 1,200/8,000. ] "Are you insane?" Krael shouted while rushing to meet Drakos. "We outnumber you six to three!" Chapter 97 - 97: Chaos On The 102nd Floor Drakos laughed maniacally. "You think numbers matter?" He swung his sword with such force that, when Krael blocked it, he was pushed back fifteen feet. His boots skidded across the stone floor as he came to a halt after sliding a few more inches backward. [ System Notification: Krael takes -5,200 HP. HP: 10,800/16,000. ] "My arms¡­ they''re shaking," Krael muttered as stared at his trembling hands. If it didn''t dawn on them before, it finally did... this player was insanely strong... Lyriss darted into the fray, moving like a shadow as she weaved through the group. She targeted Liana, the mage. [ System Notification: Lyriss uses Silent Strike.Critical Hit! Liana takes -9,000 HP. ] [ System Notification: Liana has been killed. Respawned outside the dungeon. ] She was killed in a single strike. "Damn it!" Zeyra cursed while trying to catch Lyriss with her daggers. "You''ll pay for that!" But Lyriss was too quick, disappearing into the shadows before Zeyra could land a hit. Meanwhile, Orlma raised her staff, chanting in a low, melodic voice. The room darkened as a massive magical circle appeared beneath the group of six--now five. [ System Notification: Orlma casts Abyssal Bind. Targets: All Movement reduced by 60%. ] "Shit, we''re slowed!" Dren yelled while struggling to move. "We''re sitting ducks like this!" This made matters even worse for them. Drakos capitalized on their vulnerability, charging straight at Felix and Vyn, who were still recovering from his earlier attack. With a single swing, he cleaved through them. [ System Notification: Drakos uses Reaper Slash. Area Effect Damage: -10,000 HP. ] [ System Notification: Felix has been killed. Respawned outside the dungeon. ] [ System Notification:** Vyn has been killed. Respawned outside the dungeon. ] Krael, Zeyra, and Dren regrouped, trying to form a defensive stance as their faces contorted in utter disbelief. They were by no means weak since they were the second to arrive at the last floor, yet they stood no chance against this trio. "Stay behind me!" Krael barked while activating his defensive skill. [ System Notification: Krael uses Shield Wall. Reduces incoming damage by 50% for 10 seconds. ] But Drakos was relentless. His sword glowed brighter as he swung it forward with unparalleled force. A wave of red arc cut through the air... [ System Notification: Drakos uses Infernal Surge. Area Effect Damage: -7,000 HP. Burn Damage: -500 HP per second for 5 seconds. ] Zeyra fell to the ground as her HP bar drained rapidly. "I can''t¡­ keep up¡­" she muttered before collapsing. [ System Notification: Zeyra has been killed. Respawned outside the dungeon. ] Dren roared in anger, swinging his massive axe at Drakos. "You bastard!" [ System Notification: Dren uses Berserker Fury. Critical Hit! Drakos takes -600 HP. ] Drakos grunted while staggering slightly but quickly recovered. "Finally, someone with guts!" he sneered. Despite Dren''s valiant effort, Lyriss appeared from behind and landed a decisive blow. [ System Notification: Lyriss uses Assassin''s Mark. Fatal Hit! Dren has been killed. Respawned outside the dungeon. ] Krael, the last remaining member, glared at Drakos. "You''re nothing but a madman!" he shouted before charging forward with all his strength. But Orlma raised her staff, casting a final spell. [ System Notification: Orlma casts Void Spear. ] A purplish glowing spear materialized from mana and shot forward at astonishing speed. All Krael saw was blinding purplish light before he was engulfed by the attack. [ Krael takes -10,000 HP. ] [ System Notification: Krael has been killed. Respawned outside the dungeon. ] The group of six was gone with their loot scattered on the ground. Drakos sifted through the loot in frustration. "No key. Damn it!" "Are you sure they didn''t have it?" Orlma asked calmly. "If they did, it would''ve dropped," Lyriss said, leaning casually against the wall while cleaning her daggers. "Maybe we missed something on one of the upper floors." Drakos growled as he paced in front of the sealed door. The intricate carvings on it seemed to mock him. "We need that key to get through. If we can''t find it... We''ll be stuck here." Orlma stepped forward while examining the door. "Perhaps there''s another way. But for now, let''s go back and retrace our steps." Drakos clenched his fists, barely containing his bloodlust. "Fine. But if I see another party, I''m not holding back." The trio turned and began their ascent. ... ... Meanwhile August and the others descended carefully onto the 102nd floor. Their boots crunched softly against the gravel-like surface of the narrow pathways. Unlike the massive, sprawling floors they had traversed earlier, this level was cramped and suffocating. The walls seemed to press inward, glowing faintly with an eerie green hue from veins of mana-infused stone. The atmosphere was tense; they were close to the end, and they all knew it. "We''re almost there," Aria''s tone held a mix of excitement and exhaustion. She adjusted her staff and cast a wary glance at the surroundings. "If we clear the 102nd floor, the 103rd floor is just up ahead." "Good," Drask grunted with his massive axe resting over his shoulder. "I''m ready to get out of this cursed place. My stamina potions are almost gone." "Let''s be prepared for what''s ahead... It probably won''t be easy," August stated. His enhanced senses as an assassin kept him alert to any signs of danger. "The final floor hmm..." As they advanced, they dealt with a few scattered beasts along the way. These creatures weren''t as formidable as the enemies they''d faced in previous floors, but they were still strong enough to keep them on their toes. After some time, the group turned a corner and froze. Up ahead was a massive clearing, lit by glowing orbs hovering near the ceiling. The sight before them was utter chaos¡ªa bloodbath. Three separate parties were locked in combat with spells crackling in the air, blades clashing, and arrows whistling through the confined space. The ground was littered with loot and the bodies of fallen players who had either respawned or simply given up. "Looks like a battlefield," Torin muttered while drawing his bow. "No kidding," Aria''s eyes narrowed. "What the hell is going on here?" Viora''s soft voice broke through. "They''re probably fighting for the passageway to the 103rd floor. That''s the only logical reason." "Of course they are," Gareth grumbled while raising his shield. "What a waste of time and energy." The moment August and the others stepped further into the clearing, the warring parties stopped mid-fight, turning their bloodthirsty gazes toward them. "Great," August muttered. "Now we''re on the menu." One of the leaders, a seven-foot-tall berserker with a scar running down his face, pointed his axe at them. "More rats trying to scurry their way down! If you''re smart, you''ll turn around now." "Or," another voice chimed in¡ªa rogue from another party¡ª"you can drop all your loot here and save us the trouble of killing you." Aria stepped forward while pointing her glowing staff forward. "We don''t have time for this. Stand aside, or we''ll make you." The rogue smirked. "Big words for a mage. Let''s see if you can back them up." Before the situation could escalate further, a booming voice echoed from the passageway ahead. The ground trembled slightly as the trio from the 103rd floor stepped into view. Drakos, Lyriss, and Orlma walked forward, silencing the clearing with their ominous presence. Drakos''s blood-red armor glowed faintly, and his sword rested lazily on his shoulder, but his eyes radiated with insanity. "Everyone, shut up!" Drakos bellowed. His voice carried an air of authority mixed with unhinged aggression. "I''m not in the mood for games. Whoever has the key, hand it over now." The berserker leader snarled, stepping forward. "Who the hell do you think you are, barking orders like that?" Drakos''s deranged grin widened. "The guy who''s going to kill you if you don''t hand over the key." Before anyone could react, Drakos dashed forward with incredible speed. His sword glowed crimson as he activated a skill. [ System Notification: Drakos uses Crimson Cleave. Area Damage: -8,000 HP to all targets within range. ] The berserker barely had time to block, and even then, he was sent flying back several feet, his HP bar dropping significantly. [ System Notification: Berserker takes -7,500 HP. HP: 2,500/10,000. ] "Are you insane?!" the berserker shouted, struggling to his feet. But Drakos wasn''t listening; he was already charging at the next target with bloodlust. The rogue tried to retaliate, throwing daggers at Drakos, but Lyriss intercepted him by slashing the daggers in mid-air. [ System Notification: Lyriss uses Shadow Veil. Invisibility activated. ] "Where the hell did she go? Damn it! I''m supposed to be able to see her!" The rogue yelled while spinning around frantically. [ System Notification: Lyriss uses Silent Strike. Critical Hit! Rogue takes -9,000 HP. ] S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lyriss''s dagger stabbed into his blind spot from an unexpected angle, causing the rogue''s eyes to widen in disbelief. In the next instant, the rogue crumpled to the ground, dead. "We need to move now!" Aria hissed amidst the chaos. "If we get caught up in this, we''ll never make it to the 103rd floor." ######### Privilege Unlock Goal for the Month: 5000 Golden Tickets Goal: 200 Powerstones Goal for the week: 500 There will be another mass release if these goals are met. Thank you all for your continued support. Honorable mentions: Shdel, Hermitpurple, Darkmond, Abtist, Izayoi9, Superdee and Yb48. Thank you all. I appreciate each and every one of you. Chapter 98 - 98: Oni Players "We need to move now!" Aria hissed amidst the chaos. "If we get caught up in this, we''ll never make it to the 103rd floor." "But they''ll come after us if we run!" Torin moved his bow frantically around, pointing it from one player to the next. "They''ll come after us if we stay," August countered. His mind was racing as he calculated their options. "We need to find an opening and slip through." The berserker leader, now severely injured, staggered to his feet. He pointed at August''s group. "If we''re going down, you''re coming with us!" He charged toward them, but Gareth stepped forward, raising his shield. [ System Notification: Gareth uses Shield Wall. Damage reduction activated. ] The berserker''s attack clanged against Gareth''s shield, but the force pushed him back several feet. Drask roared, swinging his massive axe at the berserker, and landing a devastating blow. [ System Notification: Drask uses Berserker Fury. Critical Hit! Berserker takes -1900 HP. ] August grabbed one of his Daggers and flung it forward. [ System Notification: August uses Dagger Throw. Berserker takes -700 HP. ] [ System Notification: Berserker has been killed. Respawned outside the dungeon. ] "One down," Drask muttered. The clearing erupted into a full-blown battle as August''s group tried to slip away while engaging with some of the players. Spells flew, weapons clashed, and the confined space amplified the chaos. Despite the overwhelming odds, August and his group fought valiantly. But it was clear that Drakos and his team were on a different level as they leveled one player after the other. "Don''t let them separate us!" Gareth shouted while blocking a powerful strike from another party warrior. "We need to get to the passageway!" August voiced with a sharp tone. "If we stay here, we''re done for!" Aria nodded. "Everyone, push forward! We''ll deal with them on the 103rd floor if we have to!" With a combined effort, the group began to push their way toward the passageway. ... ... In the real world, the Ice Queen, Elena Frost, sat at the head of a modern boardroom table. Her pristine white suit was tailored perfectly to her figure. The walls were lined with holographic screens displaying real-time data from Enders Light, including maps, guild stats, and mission progress. A soft vibration from the high-tech equipment filled the room, underscoring the quiet intensity of her work. Seated on either side of her were two subordinates¡ªKenji, a sharp-eyed strategist with a penchant for details, and Marian, a tech analyst who managed guild logistics in both the real world and in-game. Both were engrossed in their respective tablets, feeding Elena updates. Elena tapped her manicured fingers against the table as she listened to Kenji outline the current developments. "Aria''s party has made significant progress," Kenji said, swiping his screen to project a holographic map of the Swordking''s Dungeon. Red and blue markers represented various guild and enemy parties, and a gold marker signified Aria''s location. "They''ve just reached the 102nd floor and are on track to be the first group to clear the dungeon." Elena''s icy blue eyes narrowed as she studied the map. "What about the other parties from our guild? How far have they progressed?" Marian chimed in with a crisp tone. "Three other parties from our guild are currently within the dungeon. The second furthest one is on the 96th floor. They''re making progress but nowhere near Aria''s pace. The others are stuck between floors 80 and 90, facing considerable resistance." "And external guilds?" Elena asked, her tone sharp but calm. "How many are still in the dungeon?" Kenji scrolled through a list. "Quite a few. Most are concentrated between floors 70 and 90. However, we''re receiving reports of parties clustering on floor 102. It seems to be a chokepoint due to a combination of traps, enemies, and narrow passageways." Elena leaned back in her chair with a thoughtful expression. "Aria''s group needs to push past the 102nd floor quickly. If they get bogged down there, the competition will only intensify." Marian nodded. "Understood. I''ll send them a message to prioritize speed. The further they get ahead, the better their chances." Kenji suddenly stiffened as a new update came in. His brows furrowed, and he exchanged a tense glance with Marian. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "What is it?" Elena inquired as her piercing gaze snapped to him. "New intel on floor 102," Kenji said grimly. "Aria''s party is currently engaged in a skirmish with multiple other groups. But that''s not all... There''s a player named Drakos involved." Elena froze as her expression shifted from composed to deeply concerned. "Drakos? Are you certain?" Kenji nodded. "Yes, the name and description match. He''s part of the Oni terrorist group. You know their reputation¡ªthey''re relentless, brutal, and willing to do whatever it takes to achieve their objectives. They''ve already been linked to several real-world crimes involving Enders Light players." Elena''s usual calm demeanor slipped as she tightened his fist. "Drakos isn''t just a problem. He''s a walking disaster. If he''s there, it''s not just about clearing the dungeon anymore. He''s after the fruit of sin." Marian interjected nervously. "Should we warn Aria and her group?" "Immediately," Elena voiced with a colder tone than usual. "Send a message to Aria. Tell her and the others to avoid Drakos at all costs. Do not engage him unless absolutely necessary. Their priority is to move forward, not to get entangled in his chaos." Kenji nodded as his fingers flew over his tablet while he drafted the message. "Understood. I''ll phrase it as a direct order." Elena paced slowly as her thoughts raced. "Drakos isn''t the kind of player who fights fair. He is by no means a low-level player either. If Aria''s group tries to confront him head-on, they won''t just lose a level¡ªthey''ll lose the dungeon and if the rumors about the Onis are true they could potentially lose their avatars." Marian hesitated before speaking. "What are the chances that Aria and her team can evade him? The 102nd floor isn''t exactly expansive." Elena exhaled sharply. "They''ll need to be smart about it. Use every trick they have to outmaneuver him and his group." Kenji looked up. "Message sent. Should we consider sending more reinforcements from Phoenix Celestial?" Elena shook her head. "No. There''s no point to that. They won''t be able to get to the lowest floors so quickly. Aria''s team has to handle this on their own for now unless help comes from the other party that is the closest to the 102nd floor." Marian bit her lip. "What if Drakos manages to defeat them and get the fruit of sin?" Elena turned back to the holographic map, locking on the blinking gold marker that represented Aria''s team. Despite her cold exterior, a flicker of worry crossed her face. "Well, we can only hope that doesn''t happen," she muttered under her breath. ... ... The 102nd floor was still filled with chaos. Spells exploded, swords clashed, and players shouted orders and curses. Drakos and his two companions, Lyriss and Orlma, carved a path of destruction through the disarray. Drakos charged into a group of players, activating his "Raging Maelstrom" skill activated and spinning with his sword extended. His spinning blade created a swirling vortex of energy that knocked everyone in his vicinity off their feet. Players scrambled to regroup, but before they could, his massive sword cleaved through two of them in one swift motion. System notifications flashed above their heads as they lost a level and respawned outside the dungeon. [System Notification: Player "Zathor" has been defeated by Drakos. -1 Level.] [System Notification: Player "Lucienne" has been defeated by Drakos. -1 Level.] Lyriss darted between players like a shadow. Her movements were almost unnatural in their fluidity. She wielded dual daggers, and with every strike, blood sprayed as she hit critical points with surgical precision. [System Notification: Lyriss has used "Phantom Strike." Critical Damage: -7,890 HP.] [System Notification: Lyriss has used "Assassin''s Kiss." Instant Kill Activated.] Orlma stood at the center of it all like a calm anchor amidst the storm. She raised her staff, summoning a massive protective barrier while unleashing devastating spells. A surge of ice shot from her staff, freezing three players solid before shattering them into shards with a follow-up fireball. [System Notification: Orlma has used "Frigid Pyre." Combined Damage: -12,000 HP.] In the distance, August and his group tried to stay out of sight. Torin motioned for them to move quickly with a tense expression. "We have to get through that passageway before this gets any worse." Aria received a ping and opened her guild messages. Her eyes widened as she read the urgent note from a senior member of Phoenix Celestial. "Guys," her voice shook slightly as she spoke. "I just got a warning. Drakos and his group¡ªhe''s part of the Oni terrorist group. We''re not supposed to engage them. We need to avoid them at all costs." Torin cursed under his breath. "No kidding. They''re practically slaughtering everyone here!" The group moved cautiously, weaving through the chaos and using debris and crumbling pillars for cover. They occasionally froze as Drakos or Lyriss glanced in their direction, but luck was on their side. Slowly but surely, they managed to sneak closer to the passageway. They were within feet of the entrance when August paused. His brows furrowed as he peered over his shoulder. His eyes widened when he spotted a familiar group arriving through the carnage. "Lilo¡­ Ezran¡­ Boris?" August whispered. His heart sank as he saw his old friends entering the battlefield, flanked by three other players he didn''t recognize. They were immediately confronted by Drakos. Chapter 99 - 99: This Is Bad Drakos grinned wickedly, pointing his sword at the new arrivals. "More toys to play with... Perhaps these ones will have the key," he sneered while activating "Bloodlust Surge". His already terrifying aura grew even darker, and his speed and attack power increased. Boris raised his shield, shouting, "We just got here dude!" But Drakos was on them in seconds. His sword crashed into Boris''s shield and knocked him back several feet. The impact was so strong it left a crack in the shield. Ezran cast a protective barrier around her team, shouting for them to focus fire on Drakos. Lilo fired arrows, aiming at critical points, but Lyriss intercepted them with acrobatic precision, deflecting the projectiles by swinging her daggers around. The arrows moved in slow motion to her, making it easy to strike them down. This was a feat that not even August could accomplish at the moment. "Aleman, what the fuck are you doing?" Torin''s voice snapped him out of his daze. The others had already made it to the passageway and were waving at him to follow. "I¡­ I can''t just leave them!" August voiced with a resolute tone. "They''re my friends!" "No, we need to go now!" Torin yelled as his face twisted in urgency. "We can''t risk it!" But August shook his head. "You guys go. I''ll catch up. I need to help them." "Aleman!" Aria called out, but it was no use. August had already turned and started running back toward the battlefield. The group stood there in disbelief as they watched him disappear into the chaos. Torin groaned while rubbing his temples. "Unbelievable. This guy''s gonna get himself killed." "We don''t have a choice," Aria voiced with a conflicted tone. "We have to keep moving. We''re almost at the end." S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Reluctantly, the group turned and entered the passageway, unaware that August carried the key they would need for the final floor. Back on the battlefield, August sprinted toward his friends, who were struggling to fend off Drakos and his team. He used Dash to close the distance and appeared beside Ezran just as Drakos swung his massive sword at him. "Watch out!" August yelled, using Arcane Shield to block the attack. The shield shattered on impact, but it bought Ezran enough time to retreat. "August?!" Lilo shouted in shock while lowering her bow. "What the hell are you doing here?" "Saving your asses," August replied with his daggers flashing as he activated Hidden Strike, aiming for Drakos. Drakos spun around and parried the strike with a wave of his sword, sending August skidding backward. [System Notification: Hidden Strike Failed ] Drakos turned his bloodshot eyes on August. A grin spread across his face. "Another lamb to the slaughter." Lyriss appeared behind August like a shadow, aiming her daggers at his back. August twisted just in time, using Dash to evade the attack and countering with a well-placed throw of his dagger. [System Notification: Aleman has used "Dagger Throw." ] His dagger phased through afterimages as Lyriss suddenly appeared behind him with her body mid-air as she delivered a spinning back kick to the side of August''s head. August raised his right arm just in time to block but the force from the kick, sent him sliding backward. [ System Notification: -400HP ] He felt a stinging sensation in his right arm as he stood amongst Lilo, Boris, Ezran, and the other three. "Quite impressive," Under the dark hood, Lyriss complimented August for being quick enough to block the hit. "You''re not so bad yourself," August muttered confidently despite knowing that it would be nearly impossible to take her down. "We need a plan, August. These guys aren''t ordinary players!" Boris yelled. "I know," August gritted his teeth in frustration. "Just stay alive. I''ll handle Lyriss." - Up ahead, Aria and the others had crossed the passageway and arrived at the stairs that led to the final floor of the dungeon. They were both ecstatic and tensed since they were close to their goal. "Looks like we''ll be clearing this dungeon first," Gareth voiced in excitement. "Too bad Aleman couldn''t join us. His name won''t be included when the world announcement goes off," Viora added. "Hmph! That''s his problem. He made his choice," Torin stated with a tone of discomfort. "Focus guys," Aria called their attention back to what lay ahead... The final floor. - Meanwhile, the chaos on the 102nd floor continued to spiral out of control. Drakos, Lyriss, and Orlma remained at the center of the carnage. Their overwhelming skills carved through players like they were nothing more than training dummies. Other battles raged across the floor, but the destruction caused by this trio was unmistakable, leaving trails of defeated players who respawned outside the dungeon. August darted across the battlefield, doing his best to keep Lyriss at bay while the others¡ªBoris, Ezran, Lilo, and their remaining party¡ªstruggled against Drakos. Lyriss was relentless. Her strikes came at August with an intensity he hadn''t faced before. She moved like a specter as her attacks blended martial arts precision with the assassin''s fluidity. A spinning roundhouse kick smashed into August''s side, sending him skidding backward as his Arcane Shield flickered from the impact. [System Notification: Arcane Shield Durability - 40%. Shield Durability: 60%.] "You''re not bad, for a wannabe," Lyriss teased with a sharp yet oddly impressed tone. She adjusted her stance, preparing for another attack. "But you''re not ready for someone like me." August gritted his teeth. He activated Dash to evade her incoming strike, sidestepping just in time as her dagger whizzed past his face. He countered with a quick Dagger Throw causing the blade to zip toward her head. [System Notification: Aleman has used "Dagger Throw." Lyriss swayed to the side with impossible fast movements and the dagger grazed her shoulder instead of hitting its mark. [ Damage: -250 HP ] She clicked her tongue. "Hmm, you''ve got skills. A little rough around the edges, but not bad." August had no time for her compliments. He launched the Lightning Bolt spell causing a crackling blue electric arc to shoot directly at her. [System Notification: Aleman has used "Lightning Bolt." ] To his shock, she twisted midair and dodged the spell entirely. She landed gracefully a couple of feet away from where the spell hit. "A dual-class user? Now you''re just showing off." Her tone turned serious as her eyes narrowed. "You''d make a great addition to the Oni group. We could use someone like you." "Pass," August growled while circling her cautiously. "Pity," she said with a sharp smile. "Then I''ll have to kill you." Meanwhile, not far away, Drakos plunged his massive blade into one of the players from Lilo''s group. The unfortunate warrior''s HP hit zero in a flash, and he vanished, respawning outside the dungeon. [System Notification: Drakos has used "Soul Cleave." Player "Iliath" Defeated. -1 Level.] "No!" Ezran shouted as he fired a desperate Fireball at Drakos, but the attack was easily deflected by the warrior''s armor. Drakos''s voice boomed across the battlefield as he laughed hysterically. "Pathetic! Is this all you''ve got?" Lilo called out, "We''ve got more where that came from, big guy!" Her arrows flew in rapid succession, but Drakos deflected each one by swinging his sword in an arc. "Ezran, stay back! Boris, charge him while I distract him!" Boris let out a battle cry and charged. His berserker abilities boosted his strength as his axe came down in a mighty swing, but Drakos countered with his skill "Crimson Reprisal," blocking the attack and retaliating with a devastating blow that sent Boris flying backward. [System Notification: Boris HP: -5,800. Remaining HP: 4,200.] "This is bad," Lilo muttered while firing another arrow. "Like really bad." Back in his fight, August was in trouble. Lyriss had pinned him. Her strikes were too fast and precise for him to counter effectively. Chapter 100 - 100: Access Denied August''s Hidden Strike and stealth abilities were useless against Lyriss; as a higher-level assassin, she could detect his movements and evade his attacks effortlessly. "You''re outmatched, Aleman," she taunted while spinning her daggers in her hands. "But I''ll give you credit. You''ve lasted longer than most." August activated Dash again, barely escaping her next attack. He noticed Drakos preparing to strike down another player and knew he had to do something drastic. He activated his Phantom Splice, creating a clone of himself that mirrored his every move. "Let''s see how you handle two of me," he muttered before yelling to Lilo, Ezran, Boris, and the rest of the group. "Scatter now! Get away!" He and his clone activated Wind Surge simultaneously, sending twin gusts of powerful wind spiraling toward Drakos and Lyriss as the group fled from the path of the attack. The combined force hit them both like a freight train, sending them flying backward. [System Notification: Aleman has used "Wind Surge." Damage: Drakos HP: -7,200. Lyriss HP: -6,000.] For the first time, Drakos and Lyriss looked visibly shocked. The sheer force of the attack had taken a chunk of their HP¡ªthe first significant damage they''d suffered in this fight. "The assassin is also a mage?" Orlma said from her position as her calm demeanor faltered for a moment. "Interesting." Drakos roared as his bloodlust intensified. "You''ll pay for that, boy!" But August wasn''t done. He stepped forward, raising his voice so everyone could hear. "Everyone, stop! I know we''re all fighting to get to the passageway, but isn''t it clear who the real threat is here?" He pointed at Drakos, Lyriss, and Orlma. "Shouldn''t we come together to defeat the strongest enemies first before we tear each other apart?" The chaotic battlefield stilled for a moment as players considered his words. Drakos snarled as his grip tightened on his blade. "Cowards. You think you can gang up on us and win?" "Game on! I will cut down every last one of you!" Drakos roared with his bloodlust surging even higher. His eyes gleamed with malice as he prepared for the incoming horde. The air was tense, the battlefield now divided between those who sided with August and those who feared Drakos too much to act. "Let''s do this," August muttered, gripping his daggers tightly as the battle reignited. Everyone swiftly lunged at Drakos, Lyriss, and Orlma. They had become the number one targets here. The chaos soon reached its peak as the combined effort of over forty players had finally begun to chip away at the trio''s dominance. However, Drakos, Lyriss, and Orlma were not going down easily. Each of them displayed abilities far beyond what most players had encountered in Enders Light. Orlma unleashed a devastating "Aetheric Cataclysm", a spell with an enormous area of concentration. [System Notification: Orlma has cast "Aetheric Cataclysm." AOC Damage: -5,000 HP to all within range.] The attack wiped out several players instantly, sending them into respawn outside the dungeon. Those who survived scrambled to heal, regroup, and retaliate. "She''s insane!" Lilo shouted while jumping behind a piece of rubble for cover. Her *"Rapid Volley" skill sent arrows flying toward Orlma''s barrier, but they dissipated harmlessly against the glowing shield. "We need to break that barrier, or she''ll keep healing them!" Ezran, visibly shaking, nodded and began chanting. "On it! Give me cover!" Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Boris charged ahead, roaring as his axe glowed with the power of "Berserker''s Wrath." The weapon slammed into Drakos with a heavy blow, staggering the warrior. [System Notification: Boris has used "Berserker''s Wrath." Damage: -1,500 HP.] Drakos, however, retaliated with a brutal swing of his sword, activating "Cleave of Obliteration." The attack cut through Boris''s defenses, sending him crashing into a wall. [System Notification: Drakos has used "Cleave of Obliteration." Damage: -6,900 HP. Boris HP Remaining: 2,100.] "Boris, fall back!" August shouted as he darted toward Lyriss while brandishing his daggers. He needed to keep her from targeting the others. The assassin moved like a shadow stabbing and slashing at opponents before they could even see her. She cornered one player, executing a spinning backflip kick followed by a "Hidden Strike", eliminating him immediately. [System Notification: Lyriss has used "Hidden Strike." Player "Aldrin" Defeated. -1 Level.] However, the moment she killed this player, she got noticed by about ten others who lunged at her, giving her more to handle. August seized the opportunity and flanked her. He activated "Dash", appearing behind her, and drove his dagger into her back. [System Notification: Aleman has used "Hidden Strike." Damage: -4,500 HP.] Lyriss staggered as her HP dropped significantly. She spun around, her eyes wide in surprise. "You... you''re better than I thought," she hissed with blood dripping from her lips. "Too bad it''s over," August retorted before delivering the final blow. [System Notification: Lyriss Defeated. Loot Dropped.] With Lyriss gone, the focus shifted to Orlma, who was bombarded from all sides. Her barrier was soon damaged and her frailty as a mage became apparent. A volley of arrows from Lilo and a fiery "Eruption" spell from Ezran overwhelmed her. [System Notification: Orlma Defeated. Loot Dropped.] Drakos, now alone, let out an enraged roar. His HP was dangerously low, but instead of weakening, he activated "Bloodlust Ascendancy," granting him a massive attack buff at the cost of constant HP loss. [System Notification: Drakos has activated "Bloodlust Ascendancy." All attacks +50%. HP drains by 50 per second.] Drakos''s blade cut through the remaining players like butter. His ferocity was unmatched, and within minutes, only August, Lilo, Boris, Ezran, and two unknown players remained. One of the unknown players charged him but was cut down instantly. [System Notification: Drakos has used "Decimation Arc." Player "Rikan" Defeated. -1 Level.] "Damn it! He''s too strong!" Boris growled. "We can''t hold him off much longer!" Drakos lunged at them once more with his sword raised and August activated Arcane shield upon noticing that he could evade in time. The shield absorbed most of the blow as Drakos sword came crashing down but it shattered under the sheer power of the attack. [System Notification: Arcane Shield Broken. Aleman HP: -3,200. Remaining HP: 7,000.] Drakos loomed over August with his blade raised for the finishing blow. "Die, little rat!" he snarled before plunging the blade downward. Before the sword could strike, a sudden, overwhelming pressure filled the air. Drakos froze and fell to his knees. "What in..." Before he could even complete his sentence, the pressure intensified and his body fell flat to the ground as though a mountain had fallen on him. "What the¡ª?" August voiced in confusion while stepping back as a figure emerged from the shadows. The tall man had an air of unshakable confidence as his white hair flowed behind him like a cape. His red glowing sword, Crimson Doomblade, remained strapped to his back, unused. He wore a warrior''s helmet, concealing most of his face, but his eyes burned with a quiet intensity. "I hate bullies," the man said calmly. With a simple gesture, the pressure increased, and Drakos''s HP drained to zero in an instant. [System Notification: Drakos Defeated. Loot Dropped.] The floor went silent as the remaining players stared in awe. The player''s aloof expression remained unchanged as he turned. "You can thank me later," he said before walking away, heading toward the passageway. August exchanged stunned looks with Boris and Lilo, who seemed equally speechless. "Who... who was that guy?" Lilo finally whispered. "No idea," August replied with a low tone. "But he just saved us." --- Meanwhile, on the 103rd floor, Aria and the rest of the group stood before a massive set of gilded doors. The intricate carvings on the surface depicted the life of the Swordking, his victories, and his descent into darkness. A system notification appeared before them. [System Notification: Access Denied. Key Required to Enter.] "What key?" Torin muttered in frustration. "Did we miss something?" Chapter 101 - 101: The Swordkings Throneroom Lilo clung tightly to August, pressing her face against his chest as her bright eyes sparkled with relief. "Aleman! I thought you were done for! You''re amazing, you know that?" August chuckled while patting her back lightly. "Alright, alright, Lilo. I''m glad you''re okay too. But we can''t waste time here." Boris grinned with his massive axe resting on his shoulder. "I can''t believe it, man. I thought we''d all be dead meat back there. You''ve got guts, Aleman." Ezran stood quietly nearby as his hands fidgeted with the hem of his robe. "T-thank you for coming back for us. That was... brave." August nodded. "I wasn''t about to leave my friends to those maniacs. Thankfully that strange dude interfered at the last minute. But we need to move. Aria and the others are ahead, and we can''t let anyone else clear the dungeon first." The group quickly picked up what loot they could from the fallen players around them. Among the items August picked up were a "Minor Stamina Potion" and a "Twin electric Dagger (Bronze)." [System Notification: Loot Acquired.] - Minor Stamina Potion ¡Á1 - Twin Electric Dagger (Bronze) ¡Á1 "We need to get to the passageway fast," August said before keeping the new daggers in his inventory. "If we hurry, we might catch up." "Let''s go!" Lilo said enthusiastically, skipping ahead. --- In No Man''s Wasteland, the respawn zone outside the Ancient Swordking Dungeon, Drakos, Orlma, and Lyriss sat together with dark expressions. Players who had been killed wandered aimlessly, some arguing about strategies, others lamenting their losses. Drakos clenched his fists as his knuckles turned white with fury. "That bastard," he growled. "That damn unknown player... I''ll make him pay." Orlma''s demeanor remained calm and unshaken despite her own death. "Drakos, it''s clear we underestimated them. But it''s not like we can do anything about it now." Drakos glared at her. "Do you realize what''ll happen if we fail this mission? The Oni won''t tolerate failure!" Lyriss continued sharpening her dagger with a poker face. "Orlma is right, what can we do about it? They must be at the final floor already." Drakos stood abruptly, reaching into his inventory. "I''m not waiting around. This cost me a fortune, but it''s worth it." He pulled out a glowing red crystal from his inventory. [System Notification: Respawn Crystal (Exclusive Item)] - Allows the user to respawn at the point of their death within a dungeon. "Are you serious?" Orlma''s calm fa?ade cracked slightly as she questioned. "You''re wasting that here?" Drakos crushed the crystal in his hand and a blinding light enveloped his body. "No one takes me down and gets away with it." His figure vanished, leaving only a faint shimmer of red light behind. Moments later, a flash of light reappeared on the 102nd floor of the dungeon, right where Drakos had died. ... ... August and the others moved swiftly through the passageway as they approached the end of the 102nd floor. "We''re almost there," Boris stated in excitement. "I can feel it." Ezran glanced nervously over his shoulder. "D-do you think those three are gone for good?" "Let''s hope so," August voiced while scanning the dimly lit corridor ahead. "Let''s just focus on what''s ahead." Lilo piped up from the front with a cheerful tone. "Let''s just focus on reuniting with those new friends of Aleman! And maybe grabbing more loot on the way!" She giggled. Boris wrapped his arms around August''s shoulder; "You already made new friends huh Aleman and left your old folks behind." "Because of your bad breath," August responded causing everyone to let out a burst of laughter. ... ... On the final floor, the mysterious solo player sat calmly against the massive double doors. His back leaned against the intricately carved stone as if the entire concept of urgency did not exist in his world. His white hair fell loosely around his helmet, and his red-glowing sword stayed strapped to his back. His aura was intimidating, but his demeanor was annoyingly aloof. Aria, Torin, Drask, Gareth, and Viora were scattered around the area, combing every corner of the vast chamber. The doors were massive, at least 30 feet tall, with carvings of the Swordking''s face in its prime, surrounded by celestial warriors and raging shadows. Yet, despite their combined efforts, they had found nothing resembling a key. "Ugh! This is so frustrating!" Torin finally threw up his hands. He glared at the solo player. "And you''re just sitting there! Aren''t you even going to help?" Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The solo player lazily tilted his head up and glanced at Torin. "Have you found it yet?" His voice was calm and disinterested. Torin faltered. "No, but that''s not the¡ª" "Then keep looking." The solo player waved his hand dismissively, almost as if he was brushing away a fly. "Why, you little¡ª" Torin started, but Aria held up a hand. "Torin, focus!" Aria shot him a warning look. "We need to find the key. There''s no use arguing with him." Drask grumbled with his berserker axe slung over his shoulder. "Still, it''s kind of insulting. He just sits there acting like the key will fall from the sky." The solo player smirked slightly but said nothing. --- Moments later, the sound of footsteps echoed through the chamber. August, Lilo, Boris, and Ezran emerged from one of the many passageways leading into the area. Lilo, ever bubbly, waved enthusiastically as they approached. "We made it!" Lilo called out while skipping happily. "And guess who brought reinforcements?" Aria''s face lit up with relief. "Aleman! You''re alive! What happened with Drakos?" August sighed before brushing some dust off his cloak. "It was brutal. Barely made it out alive. But... I had help." He pointed toward the solo player sitting against the massive doors. Aria''s eyes followed his gesture, and she tilted her head. "Him?" "Yeah," August nodded while walking over. He stood before the mysterious player and offered a slight bow. "Thanks again for the assist back there." The solo player gave him a lazy wave. "Don''t mention it." "What''s your name, anyway?" August asked curiously. The solo player looked up briefly with his red eyes glowing faintly beneath his helmet. "Not important." "Not important?" Lilo piped up while standing on her tiptoes to peek at him. "That''s not a name!" "Doesn''t matter," the solo player said flatly before returning his gaze to the ground as if dismissing the entire conversation. "Rude," Lilo muttered with a pout. Her cheeks puffed up cutely as she turned around. "So, what''s going on here?" August glanced between his party and the others. Aria sighed. "We''ve been stuck here for nearly an hour. These doors won''t open without a key, and no one knows where it is." August frowned. "A key, huh?" Torin grumbled loudly, throwing his hands up. "And Mr. Mysterious over here hasn''t lifted a finger to help! Just sitting there like some kind of royalty." The solo player didn''t even bother looking up. "Have you found it yet?" he asked lazily. Torin''s face turned red with frustration. "No! That''s the problem!" "Then keep looking." The solo player waved dismissively again. "You¡ª!" Torin started forward, but Gareth grabbed his arm. "Let it go, Torin," Gareth said. "He''s not worth it." "I can hear you," the solo player added nonchalantly. Aria pinched the bridge of her nose. "Enough. We need to focus. Does anyone know of any floor that could have the key? Maybe we can go back to comb through... I mean it''s pretty pointless if we can''t get pas..." August suddenly paused as his eyes narrowed in thought. "Wait a minute." He opened his inventory panel. --- System Notification [Inventory Accessed] - Leather Jacket - Basic Armor - Enhanced Dagger - Cloak of Echoes (Bound) - Shadow Cloak - Minor Health Amulet - Mana Potion ¡Á5 - Health Potion ¡Á4 - Phantom Boots - Devil Fang Daggers - Mana Crystals - Enchanted Mirror - Merchant''s Plaque - Wind-Swept Cloak Fragment - Shadow Core ¡Á2 - Key (???) --- "I picked up this random key on one of the floors," August voiced while pulling it out of his inventory. It was a heavy, wrought-iron key with intricate carvings. Aria''s eyes widened. "That... could be it!" The solo player finally lifted his head and glanced at the key. "Well, look at that. Guess someone was paying attention." Torin bristled. "Oh, shut up! You didn''t even help!" August stepped forward while holding the key out toward the massive doors. "Let''s see if this works." As he approached, the key glowed faintly, and the carvings on the door began to shimmer. Everyone stepped back, holding their breath. The solo player stood up slowly, brushing himself off. "Took you long enough." The sound of ancient mechanisms grinding echoed through the chamber as the doors slowly creaked open, revealing a dark, swirling passageway beyond. A gust of cold wind rushed out, carrying with it the faint sound of whispers. --- System Notification: - [Access Granted to the Final Floor: The Throne Swordking''s Throne Room.] - [ Door Closes In 1 Minute.] --- "Looks like we''re finally in," Aria''s voice tinged with excitement and caution. August turned to the others. "Let''s move. We don''t want to waste any more time." Chapter 102 - 102: Removing The Corruption System Notification: - [Access Granted to the Final Floor: The Throne Swordking''s Throne Room.] - [ Door Closes In 1 Minute.] The massive throne room was an architectural display of ancient grandeur, stretching into the shadows above and beyond. Towering marble columns flanked the walkway leading to a colossal, obsidian throne adorned with spectral blue flames. A malevolent wind blew across the place as the room exuded an oppressive aura that made their steps feel heavier. As the group cautiously approached, the figure seated on the throne sat motionless with his head bowed. A massive greatsword rested against the armrest and its blade seemed to be etched with runes that pulsed with corruption. Behind them, the massive doors groaned as they closed. The heavy boom of them locking echoed through the chamber, sealing them inside. Unbeknownst to the group, Drakos had slipped through just before they shut completely, hiding in the shadows with a wicked grin as he observed the scene. The group halted several meters away from the throne. For a moment, there was only silence. Then, the figure seated atop the throne stirred. Slowly, he raised his head, revealing a face etched with sorrow and rage. It was the Ancient Swordking... His glowing crimson eyes pierced through the surroundings, radiating with corruption. "Why have you come here?" His voice reverberated through the chamber like thunder. "Do you seek my legacy... or do you seek the root of my corruption?" The Swordking''s deep and powerful gaze swept over them. The oppressive weight in the room grew heavier, forcing some of them to their knees. --- System Notification: [ You Have Reached the Final Test of the Ancient Swordking Dungeon. ] [ Choose Your Path: ] - [ Obtain the Ancient Swordking''s Legacy ] - [ Save the Ancient Swordking from Corruption ] --- The options flashed before everyone''s eyes. A tense silence followed as they each weighed their decision. "Legacy," the solo player muttered almost immediately, selecting the first option without hesitation. His voice was devoid of doubt as he fixed his eyes on the Swordking. He was here for one thing alone... To make sure the fruit didn''t fall into anyone''s hands so this was the only option. Gareth being the warrior of the group clenched his fists. "I''m with him. A legacy like this... it''s once in a lifetime." He chose the first option as well. One by one, the others followed suit. Drask, Torin, Lilo, Boris, and even Viora selected the first option, driven by the promise of unparalleled rewards. Only Aria hesitated. She glanced at August, who was quietly staring at the Swordking. "August, which did you pick?" "I chose to save him," August said without looking at her... "Don''t ask me why... We''re still gonna fight over the loot later regardless but I think I''ve acquired plenty on the way down." Aria nodded. "What if we need to deal with the corruption to clear the dungeon? We might not even be able to leave unless we do." She sighed, then selected the second option. "I''ll back you up." The moment the selections were finalized, the Swordking rose from his throne. His figure towered over them as his corrupted aura spilled across the room like a tidal wave. He reached for his greatsword and lifted it with ease. "Let the test begin!" he bellowed. --- System Notification: [ Final Boss Battle: The Corrupted Ancient Swordking (Level 97) ] - [ Note: The Swordking will attack players who chose to obtain his legacy. ] - [ Current HP: 120,000 ] --- "Wait, what?!" Gareth''s voice cracked as the realization hit. "He''s only targeting us?!" "And he''s level 97? We''re so dead!" Torin yelled in despair. The Swordking''s eyes burned with vengeance as he scanned the eight players who had chosen his legacy. "I see you now... You who conspired against my daughter. You will pay for your treachery!" The room shook as he unsheathed his greatsword. The sheer weight of his power caused cracks to form on the marble floor beneath him. Without warning, he dashed forward with an unprecedented speed while swinging his sword in a deadly arc. "Scatter!" Drask roared while diving out of the way as the Swordking''s sword cleaved through the air. The impact created a shockwave that hurled players across the room. --- System Notification: [ Lilo has taken 4,000 HP damage. ] [ Torin has taken 4,000 HP damage. ] [ Gareth has taken 3,500 HP damage. ] --- Lilo groaned, scrambling to her feet. "This is insane! His attack didn''t even make direct contact!" Gareth slashed at the Swordking with his blade, but the attack only took off 1 HP from the boss''s massive health bar. "What the hell?! We''ll be here for a week!" "His defense is unreal!" Lilo cried while firing arrows at him. The projectiles bounced off harmlessly. "Even my piercing shots aren''t working!" Boris found an opponent and hacked his Axe into the Swordking''s side but it was utterly useless, taking only 1HP damage once more. The Swordking swung his blade again, forcing them to dodge frantically. Viora''s healing spells kept them alive, but her mana was depleting rapidly with how much HP they were losing. The solo player remained calm, observing the chaos. Finally, he sighed and unsheathed the Crimson Doomblade strapped to his back. "Amateurs," he muttered while stepping forward. With a flick of his wrist, he activated a spell. "Anti-Gravity Slash." --- System Notification: [ Anti-Gravity Slash Activated ] - [ The Swordking has taken 300 HP damage. ] --- The Swordking turned his burning gaze toward the solo player. "You... You dare defy me?!" The solo player didn''t respond, instead activating another ability. "Crimson Devastation." A torrent of crimson energy exploded from his blade as he swung towards the Swordking, cutting into him slightly. For the first time, the boss staggered. --- System Notification: [ Crimson Devastation Activated ] - [ The Swordking has taken 800 HP damage. ] --- "Finally! Some actual damage!" Drask shouted as his face lit up with hope. But the Swordking roared, unleashing a wave of dark energy that knocked everyone backward. --- System Notification: [ Dark Vengeance Activated ] - [ All players have taken 10,000 HP damage. ] --- "Holy crap!" Boris yelled, barely surviving. "We''re all gonna die here!" Meanwhile, August and Aria stood to the side, watching the chaos unfold. The Swordking hadn''t targeted them at all, allowing them to remain unscathed. "Looks like he doesn''t see us at all," Aria said quietly. "Well, that''s because we were given another task..." August replied with a look of urgency. For the eight players who had chosen his legacy, survival was becoming increasingly unlikely. "And we have to focus on ours if we intend to save them," August added. With all that being said, Aria and August turned toward the west and sped forward. They soon arrived at a corridor leading to the Throneroom vault which was where they were instructed to go. August and Aria hurried forward. Both knew that their task could be the turning point, not just for their party but for the entire dungeon. --- System Notification: [ Task Initiated: Seal the Source of Corruption Located Within The Throneroom Vault ] - Objective: Neutralize the beacon powered by the Fruit of Sin. --- The massive vault doors stood before them glowing faintly with an eerie red hue. With a groan, the doors slid open, revealing a treasure-filled chamber that gleamed with gold, gemstones, and relics. At the center, a pulsating beacon stood, drawing its power from a dark, floating fruit. The Fruit of Sin hovered ominously, emanating waves of malevolence. Its dark surface shimmered, seemingly alive, as if aware of their presence. August and Aria stared at it with looks of awe. "This is it," Aria whispered. "The source of the corruption." "How do we seal it?" August questioned while stepping cautiously toward the beacon. "Maybe we just... try to get it off?" Aria suggested with uncertainty in her voice. She moved closer, but the moment she neared the beacon, a sharp pain shot through her body. Her screen flashed red. --- System Notification: [ Warning: Corruption Status Increasing ] - Corruption Level: 15% --- Aria stumbled back, clutching her side. "I can''t get close. The corruption is too strong." August hesitated for a moment before stepping forward. To his surprise, he felt nothing as he approached the beacon. He turned back to Aria. "I think my title is protecting me. I can do this." "Be careful," Aria urged with a troubled look. August reached out and tried to grab the Fruit of Sin but it didn''t budge. It was cold to the touch, almost as if it was draining the warmth from his body. He kept trying to pull it away but to no avail. A system notification suddenly appeared. --- System Notification: [ Removing Corruption Source: 0% ] - Hold both hands on the Fruit until the process is complete. --- August then proceeded to place his second palm on the fruit and a progress bar appeared in his vision, slowly ticking upward. "It''s working!" he called out to Aria. But before he could finish the sentence, a guttural roar echoed through the chamber. Two grotesque figures materialized from the shadows near the beacon. They were monstrous, with elongated limbs, blackened, cracked skin, and hollow eyes that glowed faintly red. --- System Notification: [ Dark Guardians Spawned ] - Level: 40 - HP: 25,000 - Abilities: Corruption Slash, Shadow Surge --- "I''m required to keep both hands on!" August yelled from up ahead. Aria immediately sprang into action, summoning her staff and firing a barrage of spells. "I''ve got this! Just keep your hands on that fruit!" One of the Dark Guardians lunged at August while swiping its claws. Before the dark claws could graze August''s skin, Aria''s Fireball intercepted it mid-strike, exploding against its torso and sending it stumbling back. --- System Notification: [ Fireball Activated ] - [ Dark Guardian A has taken 1,200 damage. ] - HP Remaining: 23,800 --- "Nice shot!" August shouted but winced as the other guardian''sShadow Surge hit him square in the side. --- System Notification: [ Shadow Surge Activated ] - [ Aleman has taken 2000 damage. ] - HP: 13,200/15,200 --- August was sent skidding towards the side, causing him to take his hands off the fruit. The process immediately stopped. He groaned and fired a lightning bolt at the creature. [System Notification: You Have Casted Lightning Bolt] [ -1800 HP ] S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The blue electric arc struck the dark being, sending it flying backward. "Aria!" he yelled. "Focus on both of them! I can''t afford to keep taking hits like that!" He swiftly placed both palms back on the fruit, causing the process of removal to begin all over again. "Doing my best here!" Aria shouted back while casting Arcane Barrage a concentrated stream of magic aimed at both guardians. The spells hit their mark, but the monsters showed no signs of slowing. --- System Notification: [ Arcane Barrage Activated ] - [ Dark Guardian A has taken 3,000 damage. ] - HP Remaining: 19,500 - [ Dark Guardian B has taken 2,800 damage. ] - HP Remaining: 22,200 --- One of the guardians lunged again, forcing Aria to sidestep and retaliate with a quick Lightning Strike. The bolt of energy crackled through the air, striking true and staggering the creature. --- System Notification: [ Lightning Strike Activated ] - [ Dark Guardian B has taken 3,200 damage. ] - HP Remaining: 19,000 --- Meanwhile, the progress bar on August''s screen had reached 50%. "Halfway there! Keep it up, Aria!" "I''d appreciate some backup magic right about now!" Aria quipped while casting a shield to block a sweeping claw from the other guardian. "I''ll pass!" August shot back, focusing intently on keeping his palms steady on the Fruit of Sin. The guardian who attacked August earlier shifted its attention to Aria, slamming its clawed hand into her side. --- System Notification: [ Corruption Slash Activated ] - [ Aria has taken 1,800 damage. ] - HP: 8,100/12,000 --- Aria stumbled but quickly retaliated with a powerful Firestorm. The area-of-effect spell engulfed both guardians, reducing their HP significantly. --- System Notification: [ Firestorm Activated ] - [ Dark Guardian A has taken 4,500 damage. ] - HP Remaining: 15,000 - [ Dark Guardian B has taken 5,000 damage. ] - HP Remaining: 14,000 --- "Good one!" August encouraged, but his voice faltered as the other guardian closed the gap and slashed at him. --- System Notification: [ Corruption Slash Activated ] - [ Aleman has taken 1,200 damage. ] - HP: 12,600/15,200 --- Aria screamed, "No! Hold on, August!" "I''m fine," he grunted. "Focus on the fight!" Chapter 103 - 103: The End As the battle continued, August took more hits but kept his palms on the fruit. Even though his HP had reduced significantly, he couldn''t stop now. He had to grit his teeth and bear the pain. The others were in a heated battle against the Swordking that they couldn''t win... If they failed here, everything would go to waste. The progress bar on August''s screen ticked upward again, reaching 80%. One of the guardians roared and leaped toward him with claws extended. Aria shouted, "Not on my watch!" and unleashed an explosion directly at its head. The precise attack shattered its skull, dropping it instantly. --- [ System Notification: Dark Guardian A has been defeated. ] --- The remaining guardian howled in rage before charging at August, but Aria intercepted it with a well-timed Frost Bolt, freezing it momentarily. --- System Notification: [ Frost Bolt Activated ] - [ Dark Guardian B is frozen for 5 seconds. ] --- "Five seconds!" Aria yelled. "You better finish that progress bar, Aleman!" "It''s almost done!" August shouted while watching the bar tick upwards one last time. --- [ System Notification: Removal Complete ] --- The Fruit of Sin stopped pulsating as the beacon''s glow faded. A wave of light swept through the room, dispelling the remaining darkness. The final guardian let out a pained shriek before collapsing into a pile of ash. --- [ System Notification:Dark Guardian B has been defeated. ] --- August stumbled back with the fruit in his grasp. Aria ran to him drenched in sweat. "Did we do it?" she asked breathlessly. August held up the now-dormant Fruit of Sin. "Yeah. We did." After removing the Fruit of Sin, August and Aria collectively let out a breath of relief, expecting the darkness to dissipate entirely. However, the oppressive atmosphere lingered. The swirling corruption clung to the walls and floor, refusing to retreat fully. Suddenly, the room shimmered as the air around them warped. --- System Notification: [ A Memory Projection Has Been Activated. ] [ Witness the Truth of the Swordking''s Downfall. ] --- "What''s happening now?" Torin muttered, stepping back as the surroundings morphed. The throne room transformed into a vivid scene of a grand kingdom in its prime. Soldiers in gleaming armor patrolled the halls, banners bearing the Swordking''s crest fluttered proudly, and the laughter of children echoed faintly. At the center of the throne room, the Swordking knelt before a small bier, cradling the lifeless body of his daughter¡ªthe same girl they had followed through the earlier floors as a spirit. "Her... again," Aria whispered with a sympathetic tone. The Swordking''s face was filled with desperation and sorrow. "There has to be a way," his voice echoed around them. "This fruit... they say it can bring the dead back to life." From the projection, he held the Fruit of Sin in his trembling hands. The group could see its ominous glow, radiating an aura of immense power and danger. But when he tried to press it to the lips of his daughter, it was as if an invisible barrier stopped him. --- System Notification: [ The Fruit of Sin cannot be consumed by the dead. ] --- The Swordking recoiled as his face twisted in despair. "No... I refuse to accept this!" He stood abruptly, summoning a group of advisors. "Find a way to harness its power! If she cannot eat it, then we shall make it obey us!" The projection shifted, showing scenes of hurried construction within the kingdom. A massive beacon, powered by intricate magical runes, was erected in the throne room. The beacon pulsated as it drew energy from the Fruit of Sin, attempting to bend its power to the Swordking''s will. "It''s the beacon," August murmured, recognizing the device he had just destroyed. The next scene turned grim. The kingdom was besieged. Enemies flooded the gates, their eyes glinting with greed and desperation for the Fruit. The Swordking didn''t join the battle because of the ongoing ritual to harness the power of the fruit without consuming it. His commanders were all fighting in different areas of the Kingdom. Then came the fateful moment. Amidst the chaos, the beacon flared uncontrollably. The runes glowed with an intensity that cracked the surrounding floor, and a surge of dark energy erupted, spreading across the entire kingdom in a cataclysmic wave. Soldiers, civilians, even the enemies¡ªall were engulfed in the darkness. When the haze cleared, the kingdom lay in ruin. The once-proud halls were littered with decayed corpses, their bodies grotesquely animated by the very corruption they sought to avoid. The projection ended with the darkness reanimating the dead corpses... bringing them to life to be a shell of their former selves. However, his daughter''s body remained lifeless. The projection faded, leaving the group in stunned silence. The darkness still lingered like the fruit''s power was still being harnessed. "That''s why the blind mage begged us to save him," August muttered softly, recalling the spirit''s plea on the earlier floor. "He''s trapped in this nightmare. All of them are." --- System Notification: [ The Fruit of Sin must be sealed to purge the remaining corruption. ] --- Aria glanced at August. "Seal it? How?" August''s eyes lit up as he realized. "The inventory. If the fruit is kept away, sealed from here, its influence might fade." Without hesitation, August accessed his inventory, ensuring the Fruit of Sin was safely stored. As soon as he did, the swirling corruption around them began to retract, dissipating into nothingness. As the corruption dissipated from the throne room, the Ancient Swordking''s towering figure became a shadow of its former self. His armor dulled, and his once-imposing sword now dragged limply behind him. The immense power that had dominated the space moments ago was reduced to flickers of fading strength. The eight who had chosen to pursue his legacy¡ªGareth, Drask, Torin, Viora, Lilo, Boris, Ezran, and the mysterious solo player¡ªstood ready to face him. --- System Notification: [ The Ancient Swordking Has Been Severely Weakened. ] - Level: Reduced to 40. - HP: 100,000 ¡ú 25,000. - Defense: Significantly Reduced. Objective: Defeat the Ancient Swordking to obtain his legacy. --- The Swordking raised his head slowly with his hollow gaze fixed on the eight before him. "You seek my legacy, yet you bring no honor to this room," he rasped. "You are vultures circling the bones of a kingdom long dead." Without another word, he swung his massive sword in an arc, sending a shockwave rippling through the room. --- S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. System Notification: [ Swordking Has Activated: Wailing Arc ] - [ Gareth has taken 1,500 damage. ] HP: 9,500/11,000 - [ Drask has taken 1,800 damage. ] HP: 10,500/12,300 - [ Ezran has taken 2,000 damage. ] HP: 6,500/8,500 - [ Torin has taken 1,200 damage. ] HP: 7,800/9,000 --- "Spread out! His damage isn''t as high as before!" Gareth shouted while charging forward to draw the Swordking''s attention. His greatsword clashed with the Swordking''s massive blade and the impact sent sparks flying. "Drask, on me! Lilo, keep those arrows coming!" Drask roared in agreement, rushing in with his twin axes. His strikes found purchase in the Swordking''s weakened armor, chipping away at his HP. --- System Notification: [ Drask Has Activated: Berserker''s Fury ] - [ Swordking has taken 1,800 damage. ] HP: 23,200/25,000 --- Lilo stayed at the rear, firing glowing arrows nonstop. "Stay still, you overgrown tin can!" she muttered with a bubbly tone that contrasted with the chaos of the battle. --- System Notification: [ Lilo Has Activated: Piercing Shot ] - [ Swordking has taken 1,500 damage. ] HP: 21,700/25,000 --- Ezran and Viora worked together to keep the group alive. Ezran cast Lightning Chain, while Viora activated Healing Light to restore HP to the frontliners. --- System Notification: [ Ezran Has Activated: Lightning Chain ] - [ Swordking has taken 2,000 damage. ] HP: 19,700/25,000 [ Viora Has Activated: Healing Light ] - [ Gareth HP Restored: +1,500. ] HP: 11,000/11,000 - [ Drask HP Restored: +1,200. ] HP: 11,700/12,300 --- The solo player moved like a phantom, leaving a blur behind as his crimson sword glowed ominously. His strikes were devastating, carving through the Swordking''s weakened defenses with ease. --- System Notification: [ ??? Has Activated: Crimson Slash ] - [ Swordking has taken 6,000 damage. ] HP: 15,700/25,000 --- Despite their efforts, the Swordking retaliated with a sweeping strike, forcing everyone to scatter. --- System Notification: [ Swordking Has Activated: Vengeful Sweep ] - [ Gareth has taken 2,000 damage. ] HP: 9,000/11,000 - [ Drask has taken 1,800 damage. ] HP: 9,900/12,300 --- In the midst of the chaos, Torin found an opening. "Cover me!" he shouted before firing a volley of arrows at the Swordking''s exposed back. --- System Notification: [ Torin Has Activated: Multi-Shot ] - [ Swordking has taken 2,500 damage. ] HP: 13,200/25,000 --- As the battle raged on, the Swordking''s HP steadily decreased. However, his attacks grew more desperate, and his movements became erratic. "He''s faltering!" Gareth yelled. "Press the attack!" The group synchronized their efforts, each unleashing their most powerful abilities. The solo player''s Crimson Doomblade delivered the final blow, a powerful vertical slash that cleaved through the Swordking''s armor. --- System Notification: [ ??? Has Activated: Crimson Execution ] - [ Swordking has taken 7,000 damage. ] HP: 0/25,000 --- The Swordking let out a final, mournful roar as he crumbled to his knees. His sword clattered to the ground, and his form dissolved into ash. --- System Notification: [ The Ancient Swordking Has Been Defeated. ] - Rewarded EXP Distributed Based on Contribution... Chapter 104 - 104: It Needs To Be Destroyed The group stood in silence, catching their breath. Despite their victory, the battle had taken a toll on them all. "Where''s Aleman and Aria?" Gareth asked while looking around. "They went to deal with the corruption," Lilo replied. "I think that''s why his power weakened." With the Swordking''s corrupted form crumbled into ash, a faint gust swept through the throne room, carrying the remnants of his darkened body into nothingness. From the ash, a shimmering astral figure rose, looking exactly like the Swordking in his prime. His expression was no longer filled with rage or sorrow but one of peace. He looked at the group with gratitude in his ethereal eyes. "You have freed me. For that, I owe you my eternal thanks." --- System Notification: [ Swordking''s Corruption Purged Successfully ] [ Quest Completion: Choose Your Legacy or Accept the Ancient Swordking''s Blessing ] --- The astral Swordking spoke again with a gentle and resonant voice. "Let my story be a lesson. Revenge is a poison that consumes all, leaving nothing but ruins in its wake. I sought vengeance, and I paid with my kingdom, my people, and my soul. Do not make the same mistake." He gazed upward with glistening eyes. "At last, I shall reunite with my daughter." His form started to dissipate into glowing particles, but before vanishing entirely, he raised a hand and said, "Take these rewards. May they serve you well in your journeys." --- System Notification: [ Rewards Obtained: ] - Legacy of the Swordking: A series of rare and powerful sword skills exclusive to warrior-class players. - Sword of Eternal Ash: A rare graded sword imbued with magical properties, including enhanced attack speed, bonus fire damage, and the ability to incinerate foes. - Ancient Sigil Fragment: A mysterious item with unknown uses. - Treasury Chest Key: Grants access to additional loot. --- The glowing particles formed into various items, dropping onto the floor in neat piles. Aria and August had just arrived at the moment when the piles dropped. "Aleman, you''re okay," Lilo jumped into his arms. "Of course I am. I see you guys finally finished up here," August voiced while patting her back. "Thanks to you two dealing with the corruption," Gareth stated with a smile. "Clearing the dungeon would have certainly been impossible if you two didn''t pick that," Boris chipped in from the side. "Oh well, this just shows that groups and differences in opinions matter," Aria stated. The group immediately began to distribute the loot. "Gareth, the sword''s yours," Aria said, smiling. "It''s perfect for a warrior like you." Gareth picked up the Sword of Eternal Ash. His hands trembled as he held it. The weapon radiated power as its fiery edges flickered faintly. "This... this is worth millions in gold," he muttered. "If it has a retrieval option, it could go for a fortune in real life." The rest of the loot was distributed evenly. August and Aria, having arrived late, were given items the group had left aside for them. However, August seemed disinterested in the items. He had already taken a few things from the vault earlier and his mind was preoccupied with the fruit. The solo player, who had been sitting silently through the distribution, finally rose to his feet. His aloof demeanor remained, but his sharp eyes locked onto August. "Where''s the fruit?" he asked bluntly. August hesitated, then took the Fruit of Sin out of his inventory. Its dark aura glowed ominously in his hands. "Here." The solo player stepped forward. "Hand it over." "What?" Torin voiced with an incredulous tone. "We just fought tooth and nail to get this far, and you think you can just take it?" "You''ll have to hold on for everyone to come to an agreement on who gets this," August said to the solo player. The solo player ignored Torin and kept his gaze fixed on August. "This fruit is a danger to everyone. It needs to be destroyed." Aria furrowed her brow. "Destroyed? Do you have any idea how much we''ve sacrificed to get here? That fruit is one of the main reasons most of us even entered this dungeon!" The solo player''s expression darkened. "The Fruit of Sin is not a reward. It''s a curse. If it falls into the wrong hands, it could wreak havoc in the real world. Its power is too dangerous to exist." August clenched his fists. "It''s not your decision to make. Everyone here worked hard to get this far. You can''t just take it and destroy it." The solo player''s gaze sharpened. "I didn''t come here to argue. I came here to ensure that fruit is gone for good." Before anyone could respond, the solo player lunged forward with his hand reaching for the fruit. August swiftly returned it to his inventory, causing it to vanish from sight. --- System Notification: [ Item Stored: Fruit of Sin ] --- The solo player halted as his hand hovered mid-air. His calm exterior finally cracked as frustration flickered across his face. "You don''t understand what''s at stake. Hand it over, or I''ll take it by force." Gareth stepped forward, brandishing the Sword of Eternal Ash. "You''re not getting it. Not without going through us." The solo player tilted his head as his expression turned even colder and his face hardened like steel. "So be it." With a flick of his hand, the entire room trembled. --- System Notification: [ Tier Two Spell Activated: Anti-Gravity Zone ] [ Effect: All targets in the zone are immobilized, rendered unable to attack or defend for 20 seconds. ] --- Everyone, except for the solo player, was slammed to the ground, unable to move. The crushing force pinned them down causing their HP bars to reduce. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Damn it!" August growled while struggling against the invisible force. The solo player''s footsteps echoed ominously as he walked toward August who could only see his boots."I didn''t want it to come to this." He raised his hand and activated another skill. --- System Notification: [ Unique Skill Activated: Inventory Displacement ] [ Effect: Target''s selected item forcibly removed from inventory and materialized. ] --- The Fruit of Sin reappeared in mid-air, glowing darkly. The solo player reached for it... It seemed like time had slowed down at this moment as his fingers were only inches away from wrapping around it. "No!" August shouted, summoning every ounce of strength to push himself up against the crushing weight. Just as the solo player''s hand was about to close around the fruit, a sudden energy blast erupted from behind him... "What the¡ª" the solo player spun around to try and dispel the attack but wasn''t fast enough. Threeezzhh~ A reddish arc of energy rammed into his chest, sending him flying across the air. Drakos emerged from the shadows with a spiky red sword in his grasp. His maniacal grin spread across his face as he glared at the solo player who slammed into the wall up ahead. "I told you... this isn''t over." The atmosphere turned even more tense as the Fruit of Sin hovered in the center. The chaos threatened to escalate even further. Chapter 105 - 105: Destroying The Fruit Of Sin The force of Drakos''s attack had sent the solo player crashing into the far wall, leaving a noticeable crater. As he slumped to the floor, Drakos erupted into maniacal laughter. "Hahahaha! I got him!" His eyes glowed with a crazed hunger as he lunged for the Fruit of Sin, which hovered precariously in the air. "This fruit is mine!" Drakos roared. His hand reached out, mere inches from the fruit when a streak of movement blurred past him. August, using his Dash ability, intercepted the fruit mid-air and tucked it securely in his grip. --- System Notification: [ Dash Activated ] [ Cooldown: 10 seconds ] [ Item Acquired: Fruit of Sin ] --- Drakos froze momentarily as his face contorted in rage. He turned to August. "You dare?! Give it here, or I''ll send you to respawn faster than you can blink!" August tightened his grip on the fruit with a firm stance despite the exhaustion etched on his face. "Over my dead body," he shot back. Drakos didn''t hesitate. With a loud growl, he raised his massive glowing sword causing the air to crackle as he activated one of his strongest skills. --- System Notification: [ Skill Activated: Wrathful Cleave ] [ Effect: Unleashes a high-damage, wide-arc slash. Ignores 50% of the target''s defenses. ] --- The sheer force radiating from the skill shook the ground, cracks spreading across the floor. Just as Drakos lunged to swing his sword, the solo player blurred and reappeared between them with his hand raised. The familiar oppressive force of Anti-Gravity Zone swept across the room once more. --- System Notification: [ Tier Two Spell Activated: Anti-Gravity Zone ] [ Effect: Immobilizes all targets within a 30-meter radius for 20 seconds. ] --- August and the others immediately felt the crushing weight slam them into the floor. Drakos, caught mid-swing, was forced to drop his weapon as his body fell to the ground with a loud thud. The Fruit of Sin slipped from August''s grasp, rolling a few feet away before hovering mid-air again. The solo player calmly strode forward causing the sound of his boots colliding with the floor to echo in the now-silent chamber. "This is over," he voiced with a resolute tone. "I''ll destroy it now and end this madness." As he reached for the fruit, a faint glow emanated from Drakos, who gritted his teeth and summoned an item from his inventory. It was a golden talisman, pulsing with energy. --- System Notification: [ Item Activated: Nullifying Talisman ] [ Effect: Temporarily negates status effects within a 5-meter radius. Duration: one minute ] --- The talisman''s energy enveloped Drakos, nullifying the anti-gravitational magic around him. He pushed himself to his feet as his eyes blazed with fury. "You think you can stop me with a parlor trick?" he sneered. The solo player paused, tilting his head slightly. "Interesting," he murmured, before shifting into a defensive stance. "But it won''t save you." Drakos charged with his sword once again glowing with raw power as he activated another skill. The two clashed violently causing the shockwaves of their battle to rattle the chamber. Drakos''s attacks were ferocious, but the solo player''s precise movements and mastery of both magic and physical combat gave him the edge. --- System Notification: [ Skill Activated: Cleaving Vortex (Drakos) ] [ Effect: A spinning attack that deals 150% damage to all nearby enemies. ] [ Tier Two Spell Activated: Gravity Crush (Solo Player) ] [ Effect: Increases weight on a single target, slowing their movement and reducing attack speed. ] --- The fruit became a focal point of their battle, changing hands multiple times as each fighter landed critical blows. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Drakos managed to snatch it briefly, only for the solo player to use Earthbreaker, a seismic shockwave, to force him to drop it. Meanwhile, August, face pressed against the ground as he struggled against the oppressive magic. "I can''t just lie here¡­ I have to do something," he muttered with a strained voice. He called out to the mages in their party. "Ezran! Aria! Cast shield spells on my Arcane Shield! Stack them up!" August shouted. They didn''t even ask what he was trying to do because this wasn''t the time. They were all struggling to get out of this so if one person could successfully do so, they were ready to render support. Ezran and Aria nodded, despite their own struggles, and began chanting their spells. --- System Notification: [ Skill Activated: Arcane Shield (August) ] [ Effect: Creates a barrier that absorbs incoming damage. ] [ Skill Activated: Mana Barrier (Ezran) ] [ Skill Activated: Radiant Ward (Aria) ] [ Stacking Effect Achieved: Enhanced Shield - Multiplied Durability ] --- The combined force of their shields pushed against the gravitational pressure above August, creating a pocket of resistance. Slowly but surely, August managed to rise to his feet with sweat pouring down his face as his HP bar blinked dangerously low. At the same moment, the solo player delivered a devastating blow to Drakos, who had been charging at him with reckless abandon. --- System Notification: [ Skill Activated: Crimson Doomblade Split (Solo Player) ] [ Effect: Ignore defenses and split the target in two. Sure kill attack unless opponent is many levels higher than user. Cooldown: 1 Day ] [ Drakos Defeated ] [ Loot Dropped ] --- Drakos''s body was split into two halves with one part of his face falling towards the right and the other towards the left. The halved pieces began dissipating into particles of light as his avatar respawned outside the dungeon. The solo player turned his attention back to the Fruit of Sin now floating mid-air. "This ends now," he said coldly while raising his hand to cast a destructive spell. The oppressive energy around him surged as he began casting the powerful spell. August didn''t hesitate. Seeing the fruit''s imminent destruction, he activated Dash and streaked forward. --- System Notification: [ Dash Activated ] [ Cooldown: 10 seconds ] [ Item Retrieved: Fruit of Sin ] --- August snatched the fruit mid-air and skidded to a halt several meters away, clutching it protectively. His chest heaved with exertion as his HP bar flashed dangerously low. The solo player turned slowly to face August with a cold look. "Persistent as ever," he muttered with a sharp tone. "You don''t understand what you''re holding. Hand it over." August shook his head while tightening his grip on the fruit. "Not a chance. Everyone worked for this, not just you. You don''t get to decide what happens to it." August''s fingers trembled as a purplish glow emanated from his hand with the Fruit of Sin in his grasp. "Hand it over, Aleman," the solo player demanded. "You''re playing a dangerous game, and I''m done asking." August shook his head. "Nah man, be a little more reasonable." The solo player narrowed his eyes as his voice turned icy. "I warned you. No more running." With that, he surged forward with his blade glowing ominously as he swung toward August. --- System Notification: [ Skill Activated: Dash ] [ Cooldown: 15 seconds ] --- August blurred out of sight, narrowly evading the strike. His feet barely touched the ground as he darted across the chamber, weaving between the stone pillars and debris, all while gripping the fruit tightly. "Stop running and hand it over!" the solo player shouted. In response, August turned mid-dash and fired a Lightning Bolt, aiming for the Solo player''s midsection. --- System Notification: [ Skill Activated: Lightning Bolt (Mage) ] [ Effect: Fires a bolt of concentrated lightning ] --- The bolt crackled through the air, but the solo player evaded it with ease. His movements were almost too quick to follow by any normal player but fortunately, August wasn''t a normal player. He raised a hand and activated Anti-Gravitational Zone again, forcing August to leap out of range to avoid being pinned. "You''re persistent," the solo player muttered as he raised his blade. "But not persistent enough." August activated Stealth, vanishing into thin air and leaving only faint traces of his presence. For a moment, the chamber was silent. --- System Notification: [ Skill Activated: Stealth (Assassin) ] [ Cooldown: 30 seconds ] --- "Stealth?" The solo player scoffed while scanning the room. "You think I can''t sense you?" He closed his eyes briefly, letting his aura spread outward like an unseen force. "Got you." With one swift motion, he swung his blade in an arc causing the air itself to split apart as the force of his attack collided with a shadowed corner of the room. August reappeared with his Stealth disrupted as the attack sent him hurtling across the chamber. His back slammed into the wall with a sickening thud, and his HP bar plummeted dangerously low. --- System Notification: [ HP: 1,200/17,300 ] --- "Damn it¡­" August groaned while struggling to push himself up. The Fruit of Sin slipped from his grasp, bouncing once before coming to rest at the feet of the solo player. "This ends now," the solo player declared as he reached down and picked up the fruit. He didn''t even glance at August as he began chanting a spell, his voice resonating with arcane power. --- System Notification: [ Skill Activated: Void Purge ] [ Effect: Annihilates an artifact or entity of pure corruption. ] --- The Fruit of Sin glowed brighter as the magic encased it. It''s dark energy twisted and writhing in resistance. The entire chamber shook, and the air grew thick with a suffocating aura as the spell reached its climax. "No!" Aria shouted, still pinned under the effects of Anti-Gravitational Zone. "You don''t know what you''re doing!" "Damn it!" Gareth roared with his hands clawing at the ground as he struggled in vain to rise. "That bastard!" Ezran and Boris exchanged helpless glances as their frustration was mirrored by everyone else immobilized by the spell. As the spell completed, the Fruit of Sin imploded, vanishing into a void of light and leaving nothing behind. The chamber grew silent as the oppressive energy dissipated entirely. The solo player turned to face them with his expression as indifferent as ever. "It''s done. You''re welcome." "You¡ª!" Torin growled as his fists trembled. "You selfish bastard!" The solo player ignored him and sheathed his Crimson Doomblade."You should be thanking me. The fruit was a danger to everyone here¡ªand beyond. It had to be destroyed." Without another word, he turned and began walking out of the Throneroom. His footsteps echoed ominously as he called out over his shoulder, "You can have the rest of the loot." As soon as he left the chamber, the Anti-Gravitational Zone spell deactivated, and everyone collapsed to the ground. Groans of relief and frustration filled the room as they slowly got to their feet. "That guy is the worst," Lilo muttered, dusting herself off. "I mean, what kind of psycho destroys the one thing everyone''s been fighting for?" "Arrogant prick," Gareth growled. "I swear if I see him again¡­" August, however, stayed silent. His gaze lingered on the spot where the fruit had vanished, even as the others continued to vent their anger. --- [ System Notification:Fruit of Sin Successfully Extracted ] --- Chapter 106 - 106: Second World Announcement [ System Notification:Fruit of Sin Successfully Extracted ] --- August stared at the notification briefly; ''Looks like I was able to fully extract it before he destroyed it.'' From the moment August broke away from the antigravitational zone, he activated his extraction ability and used it on the fruit unbeknownst to the solo player and everyone else. The fruit of Sin could be retrieved to reality by any player but had he gone through the normal process, it would have taken longer and the solo player would have caught on since items tend to emit a particular glow when getting retrieved. Also, the extraction process would have stopped when it got taken off his hands but because he used his own ability, it didn''t stop. Fortunately, he was able to extract it before the solo player destroyed it. ''Should I tell them?... No... I''ll decide what to do with the fruit later,'' August answered his own question internally. After the solo player''s departure, a sharp chime echoed in their line of sight. --- System Notification: [ Dungeon Cleared ] [ You will be teleported out in 1 minute. ] --- "Finally," Drask groaned before collapsing onto one knee with his axe planted firmly in the ground. "We''re getting out of this hellhole." Viora moved to his side to restore what little health he had left. "Don''t get too comfortable. Who knows if something else will surprise us." "Don''t jinx it," Drask growled with a low tone. Aria turned to Lilo, Boris, and Ezran. "Before we get teleported out, I have a proposal. Since we cleared the dungeon together, I''d like to add you three to our party. That way, the world announcement will show us as one group under the Phoenix Celestial Guild." Lilo practically jumped out of her skin with excitement. "Oh my God, yes! Yes, please add me! This is the best day of my life!" She turned to Boris and Ezran, gripping their arms tightly. "Do you hear that? We''re going to be in the world announcement under Phoenix Celestial!" Boris chuckled as his massive frame heaved with exhaustion. "I mean, I''m in if it makes things official. Besides, it''s better than my name showing up solo." Ezran blushed and nodded. "It''s an honor, really. Thank you for including us." "Good," Aria said with a nod, quickly accessing the party settings. "Hold still for a second¡­" --- System Notification: [ Party Invitation Sent ] [ Lilo (Level 34 Ranger) ] [ Boris (Level 36 Berserker) ] [ Ezran (Level 35 Mage) ] System Notification: [ New Party Members Added ] [ Current Party Members: ] - Aria (Level 37 Mage) - Aleman (Level 31 Assassin/Mage) - Gareth (Level 38 Warrior) - Drask (Level 36 Berserker) - Viora (Level 35 Cleric) - Torin (Level 37 Ranger) - Lilo (Level 34 Ranger) - Boris (Level 36 Berserker) - Ezran (Level 35 Mage) --- Suddenly, a booming voice echoed across the game, reaching every corner of Enders Light. --- System Notification: [ World Announcement ] [ The Ancient Swordking Dungeon has been cleared! ] [ Congratulations to the party under Phoenix Celestial Guild: ] - Aria - Aleman - Gareth - Drask sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. - Viora - Torin - Lilo - Boris - Ezran [ Rewards Distributed ] --- "Whoa!" Lilo squealed as her name lit up in the announcement. "This is happening! My name''s out there for the whole world to see!" "Phoenix Celestial takes another win," Torin smirked while folding his arms. "Guess that''ll keep our guild leader happy." "Yeah, well, not everyone''s going to be happy about this," Gareth muttered. "A lot of guilds were gunning for this dungeon." Meanwhile, on the upper floors of the dungeon, another Phoenix Celestial party stood in stunned silence. "Damn it!" Their leader slammed her fist into a nearby wall, glaring at the announcement. "Aria bested me again? How is this happening? How?" As the World Announcement rang out across Enders Light, the ripple effects of the news were immediate. Players from all corners of the game stopped in their tracks as their attention was captured by the rare and monumental notification. --- System Notification: [ World Announcement ] [ The Ancient Swordking Dungeon has been cleared! ] [ Congratulations to the party under Phoenix Celestial Guild: ] - Aria - Aleman - Gareth - Drask - Viora - Torin - Lilo - Boris - Ezran [ Rewards Distributed ] --- "No way¡­ Phoenix Celestial cleared it?" A swordsman with gleaming armor shook his head in disbelief. "I knew they were good, but this fast? It hasn''t even been more than two weeks since the dungeon appeared!" Nearby, a mage tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Aleman¡­ isn''t that the same guy who made waves in the Ogre Dungeon fiasco?" "Yes!" an excited ranger chimed in. "He was a solo player back then. How''d he end up in a Phoenix Celestial party?" "That means Phoenix Celestial is dominating yet again," someone muttered bitterly. "No chance for the smaller guilds." In the capital city of Altheria, a rival guild known as Ironblood Vanguard gathered in their grand hall. The guild leader, a burly warrior named Rendahl, slammed his fist onto the armrest of his throne-like chair. "Phoenix Celestial again? Those bastards are stealing every opportunity!" A scout hesitated before reporting. "Sir, from what we''ve gathered, the party that cleared it wasn''t even one of their elite squads. It was a random team. Not one of the captains." Rendahl''s eyes narrowed. "How the hell did they manage it?" "It gets worse," the scout added reluctantly. "The announcement mentioned Aleman. He''s¡­ not officially in their guild. He''s the wild card." Rendahl''s frustration deepened. "This Aleman guy keeps popping up. Get me everything on him. I want to know if he''s worth recruiting¡ªor crushing." --- In a small guild outpost on the edge of the Misty Glades, two independent players watched the announcement with mixed reactions. "Damn, we were so close to entering that dungeon," one groaned. "And now it''s cleared. All that grinding for nothing." "Phoenix Celestial, though," the other said. "They''re always ahead of the curve. Makes you wonder¡­ what kind of loot they got in there." "You think they got the fruit?" the first player whispered conspiratorially. "Probably," came the answer. "But good luck to anyone trying to take it from them." --- In the underground lair of the notorious Oni Terrorist Group, a few in-game leaders gathered around a glowing table that projected the announcement. "The Ancient Swordking Dungeon is cleared," one of the masked figures said. "And Phoenix Celestial is claiming all the glory." Another, more imposing figure leaned forward. "What of Drakos and his squad? They were supposed to bring us the fruit." "They failed," came the curt reply. The imposing figure''s voice lowered dangerously. "Then we''ll have to take it ourselves. Begin tracking all players involved in the dungeon clearance. Find out who has the fruit." --- Meanwhile, in a smaller guild''s gathering hall, a player named Joren scowled as he read the names listed in the announcement. "Aria again," he muttered. "And that damn Aleman. He''s everywhere lately." A younger player beside him chuckled nervously. "He''s making a name for himself, that''s for sure. Maybe we should try to recruit him." "Recruit him?" Joren sneered. "He''s clearly aligned with Phoenix Celestial now. No way they''ll let him go." Back in the Throneroom, Aria glanced at August with a softened expression. "We should head to the vault. There''s a lot of treasures there, and the timer''s still ticking." August nodded. "Good call. Let''s grab what we can." The group sprinted to the side corridor leading to the vault. Inside, they were greeted by the glittering sight of gold, rare materials, and weapons. "By the gods¡­" Viora whispered. "This is incredible." "Don''t just stand there gawking," Aria urged. "We''ve only got¡ª" --- System Notification: [ 30 Seconds Remaining ] --- "Thirty seconds!" she exclaimed. The group scrambled to grab as much as they could. August, careful not to seem too greedy, picked up a few valuable items and pocketed them discreetly. Lilo darted from pile to pile like a whirlwind, grabbing whatever caught her eye, while Gareth carefully inspected a rare shield before nodding in satisfaction and taking it. "Fifteen seconds!" Torin shouted. Drask groaned as he lifted a heavy chest onto his back. "Don''t rush me, ranger!" "Ten seconds," Viora called, clutching a glowing staff. "We have to move!" As the timer hit its final countdown, the vault began to shimmer with the telltale glow of a teleportation spell. --- System Notification: [ 3¡­ 2¡­ 1¡­ ] [ Teleportation Initiated. ] --- The group vanished from the dungeon, reappearing in the vast, open expanse of No Man''s Wasteland. The skies were still dark but the environment was better compared to the dim, oppressive atmosphere of the dungeon. "Finally!" Lilo exclaimed before collapsing onto the ground dramatically. "We''re out! We survived!" "Barely," Gareth grumbled, glancing at the loot they had managed to take. "But it was worth it." Aria glanced at August, her brows furrowing slightly. "You''re quiet. Everything okay?" August forced a small smile. "Yeah. Just¡­ tired." "Understandable," Viora said kindly. "We''ve been at this for two weeks." "At least we finally cleared it..." August muttered with a look of gladness. A group of Phoenix Celestial players on No Man''s Wasteland gathered around August and the others as they were still processing the achievement. "That was incredible! You guys really pulled it off!" one of the guild members exclaimed, clapping Gareth on the back. "We''re heading to the guild estate to celebrate!" another chimed in, visibly excited. "The higher-ups are waiting to meet the team behind the success." A higher-ranking member, clad in a battle mage outfit with a level 45 displayed above his head, stepped forward. "Aria, you and your team are expected at the guild''s celebration hall. The vice leader herself may make an appearance." This stirred excitement among the party, especially Lilo, who clasped her hands together. "The Ice Queen? I''ve always wanted to meet her! This is going to be so cool!" Chapter 107 - 107: Bumping Into Vice Leader August raised his hand slightly, signaling his hesitation. "I appreciate the invite, but I''ve been in the game for way too long. I really need to log out and get back to the real world." Aria frowned. "The higher-ups are going to want to thank all of us personally, Aleman. You played a vital role in clearing the dungeon so of course they''ll want to thank you too." "That can come later," August replied with a small smile. "Seriously, I''ve got some things to handle outside. I''ll catch up with you all soon." The others reluctantly nodded, though Lilo pouted slightly. "You better join us next time. You''re the reason half this stuff worked out." "I''ll hold you to that," August replied with a soft chuckle. With a wave, August opened his interface. --- System Notification: [ Logging Out... Please Wait... ] --- August''s vision faded to black before the familiar feeling of reality set in. Moments later, he opened his eyes to find himself inside the high-grade gaming pod at the Phoenix Celestial Guild branch in real life. The fruit of sin was resting by his side. ''Now, how do I hide this...'' August thought briefly and something came to mind. He summoned his game inventory interface and it appeared as usual. --------- Inventory: - Leather Jacket - Basic Armor - Reptilian Enhance Armor - Enhanced Dagger - Custom Staff - Cloak of Echoes (Bound) - Shadow Cloak - Minor Health Amulet - Mana Potion x7 - Health Potion x6 ...(see more...) ------- August stared at the glowing panel and then pushed the fruit towards it. With a little glitch, a system notification appeared in his line of sight. [ Do You Wish To Keep This Item In Inventory ] [ Yes ] ¡Á [ No ] ''It worked... Damn, I didn''t expect that,'' August was genuinely surprised. Did this mean he could keep anything in here or just items he had brought from the game into reality? Anyway now wasn''t the time to think about that. He quickly picked ''yes'' and the fruit vanished. Pushing the pod''s lid open, he climbed out and stretched. Despite spending nearly a week in this pod, he felt surprisingly fine. His muscles were a bit stiff, but the high-grade pod had done its job of keeping him nourished and hydrated. "Impressive tech," he muttered, rolling his neck and shoulders to shake off the stiffness. "No wonder guilds can spend weeks in-game without issues." Wrapping his scarf around his face as usual, August made his way toward the exit. He wasn''t interested in drawing attention to himself or staying longer than necessary. --- As he walked down the futuristic corridors of the Phoenix Celestial Guild building, he kept his head low. The interior was as extravagant as he remembered, with glowing panels and holographic displays showcasing the guild''s achievements. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Just as he turned a corner, he accidentally bumped into a figure flanked by several escorts, workers, and guards. August stumbled slightly before steadying himself, lifting his gaze to see who it was. The woman before him was strikingly beautiful, exuding an aura of authority and elegance. Her cold blue eyes matched the cascade of her long silver hair, and her pristine white suit tailored perfectly to her form. It was Elena Frost, the vice leader of Phoenix Celestial. Her gaze flicked to him, narrowing slightly as her guards immediately stepped forward, blocking August''s path. One of them barked, "Watch where you''re going!" Elena raised a hand, silencing them. Her expression was calm, though her eyes seemed to study him carefully. "We don''t have time, let''s keep going." August adjusted his scarf slightly, keeping his face hidden. "Sorry about that," he said casually, trying to brush past the encounter while Elena and the others resumed walking forward. She didn''t respond. It seemed like they were in a hurry. Although Elena''s eyes flashed with a bit of suspicion. This man was obviously not one of her players. A regular member of the Phoenix Celestial Guild would act a lot differently if they bumped into her but he maintained his calmness and aura of confidence. But now wasn''t the time to get into that. Their guild had just acquired another major win in Enders Light and she had to address the players involved in this success. Soon they arrived in a large space with multiple high-level pods. A particular one in the center of the space was much more luxurious than the others and specially modified to look a certain way. As she approached it, one of her assistants leaned closer to her ear and whispered something, causing her eyes to knit briefly. "One of the players logged out already? Is he not aware that I intend to congratulate them personally?" "He is but... He isn''t a part of the Phoenix Celestial Guild. Aria made a calculated decision to ensure our win by including him and from reports, he performed spectacularly," the assistant informed her with a low tone, nearly whispering. "Hmm? Who is this player? Why hasn''t he been recruited?" She inquired. "His in-game name is Aleman. This isn''t the first time he worked with Aria to be included in a world announcement. He apparently just left the premises since he used our pod," the assistant stated. Elena''s eyes immediately flickered with a look of realization as the image of a man with a scarf obscuring his face appeared in her mind. "Dexter, quick, go after the man who bumped into me earlier!" Dexter immediately nodded in understanding before dashing out of the room and heading down the corridors. He used the elevators to get down quickly and asked the surrounding players about a man who had a scarf on. They all said he just left. Dexter ran towards the exit to look around. There was a swarm of gamers outside the building as usual which made it even more difficult to find who he was after. Unfortunately, no matter how much he looked, he couldn''t find August. Even after getting through the swarm of people and looking around the streets, he was nowhere to be found. "*sigh* Did we just miss out on recruiting a player with high potential?" ... ... August arrived home, practically bursting through the door. The sight that greeted him immediately made him pause and smile. Sophia was curled up on the living room couch, scrolling through her phone with a look of utter boredom. The moment she noticed him standing there, her face lit up like a Christmas tree. "August!" she exclaimed before jumping up and running to him. "Sophia!" August opened his arms wide, catching her in a hug as she practically threw herself at him. He wrapped his arms tightly around her, lifting her slightly off the floor. For a moment, they just held each other. "I was starting to think you were never coming back!" she said, pulling back to look at him with an emotional look. "I saw your note that said you''d be gone for a while, or I swear I would have lost my mind. But a whole week, August? A whole week? I thought something terrible had happened!" He scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "Yeah... about that," he started with a tone of exhaustion. "Clearing a dungeon isn''t exactly a walk in the park. Turns out it''s hard work, and it takes a lot of time. What I thought would take a few days ended up stretching into practically two weeks in-game." Sophia frowned, crossing her arms. "Two weeks in a dungeon? Are you serious? What were you even doing in there for so long?" August chuckled and gave her a small shrug. "Oh, you know, fighting off corrupted commanders, evading traps, making alliances, battling some of the strongest players in the game¡­ the usual stuff." She blinked at him incredulously. "You''re making it sound like you went on some epic medieval quest." "Because I did," he said with a smirk. "And let me tell you, it wasn''t just for fun. There were some serious rewards. Totally worth it." Sophia sighed, shaking her head, but there was a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Well, as long as you''re okay, I guess I can''t be too mad." They chatted for a while longer, with August filling her in on some of the less intense parts of his adventure. He kept certain things¡ªlike the fruit of sin and the battle with the solo player¡ªto himself, knowing those details were better left unsaid for now. "Alright, enough talk about your crazy game," Sophia said, standing up. "I''m making you dinner. You''ve been stuck in that pod for so long, you probably need real food." "Are you saying you''re cooking because you care, or because you''re tired of my ''pod noodles'' cooking method?" August teased, leaning back on the couch. "Both," she replied with a grin. "And don''t you dare fall asleep on that couch while I''m at it." August chuckled and gave her a thumbs-up. "You''re the best, Sophia." "And don''t you forget it," she shot back, heading to the kitchen. The aroma of Sophia''s cooking filled the apartment not long after, and August couldn''t help but feel a pang of gratitude as he sat at the table. Despite everything, Sophia had held down the fort while he was away. He silently vowed to make things better for her as soon as possible. They ate together, chatting about lighter topics. After dinner, August yawned loudly and leaned back in his chair. "Alright, kiddo. I''m beat. I need some real sleep. Like, proper, actual sleep where I''m not plugged into anything." Sophia nodded while standing up to gather the dishes. "Go ahead. I''ll clean up here. You deserve it, big bro." August patted her on the shoulder as he headed toward his room. "Thanks, Soph. You''re a lifesaver." "Don''t mention it. And don''t let me catch you back in that game before you''ve had at least eight hours, you hear me?" "Yes, ma''am," August said with a mock salute before disappearing into his room. --- As soon as he closed the door, he flopped onto his bed, letting out a long, satisfied sigh. His body felt heavy with exhaustion, but for the first time in what felt like ages, he was in his own space, disconnected from the virtual world. "Home sweet home," he muttered before his eyes drifted shut, and he succumbed to the blissful pull of real, uninterrupted sleep. [ System Synchronization Activated ] [ Unlocking... ] August was too far deep in wonderland to notice these notifications ringing in his head and the system interface that had appeared in his line of sight. Chapter 108 - 108: Calling Remi [ System Synchronization Activated ] [ Unlocking... ] August was blissfully unaware as these cryptic notifications flickered across his consciousness. Deep in the comforting embrace of sleep, he had no idea that changes were unfolding within him. His mind drifted through vivid dreams, unperturbed by the faint chiming of the system interface that hovered unseen in his subconscious. --- The next morning, sunlight poured through the cracks in the curtains, bathing the room in a warm, golden glow. August stirred, letting out a long yawn as he stretched. His eyes fluttered open, and his vision was immediately greeted by an unexpected sight. [ Partial Synchronization Complete ] The glowing notification hovered before him, pulsating faintly as if waiting for his attention. August blinked, still groggy, trying to make sense of what he was seeing. "What the hell?" he muttered while sitting up and rubbing his eyes. "Synchronization? With what?" He stared at the message, racking his brain for answers. It was unlike any notification he had ever seen, either in Enders Light or real life. No matter how much he tried to make sense of it, he just couldn''t. He suddenly recalled the fruit of sin and threw this synchronization to the back of his mind. Without hesitation, he made the inventory interface appear. His fingers moved instinctively to navigate the virtual screen. ------- System Notification: [Inventory Accessed] - Leather Jacket - Basic Armor - Enhanced Dagger - Cloak of Echoes (Bound) - Shadow Cloak - Minor Health Amulet S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. - Mana Potion ¡Á5 - Health Potion ¡Á4 - Phantom Boots - Devil Fang Daggers - Mana Crystals - Enchanted Mirror - Merchant''s Plaque - Wind-Swept Cloak Fragment - Shadow Core ¡Á2 - Fruit of Sin [Extracted] ...(see more) ------ Sure enough, the Fruit of Sin was there. "Still here..." he whispered to himself, still surprised that he could keep things in his inventory even after they had been extracted. It was really a game changer. He swiped his hand through the air, and the fruit materialized in his palm. Its dark, almost menacing surface shimmered with faint, reddish hues. The mythical glow radiating from it as if it were alive. Holding it sent a strange sensation coursing through him, like cold fire licking at his skin. It was simultaneously alluring and intimidating. August stared at the fruit with a look of apprehension flickering in his eyes. "I still can''t believe I managed to snatch this before he destroyed it," he murmured with a smirk. He turned the fruit over in his hands, marveling at its beauty and ominous energy. He let out a deep sigh and leaned back against the headboard. "Now, what the hell do I do with you?" he said aloud, as if the fruit could answer him. On one hand, consuming it would grant him access to the *dark interface*¡ªa separate set of abilities that would not only make him stronger in Enders Light but also in real life. Abilities like manipulating shadows, summoning dark entities, and even wielding curses were rumored to come with the fruit''s power. On the other hand, selling it would rake in an astronomical amount of money. Tens, if not hundreds, of millions. Enough to completely change his and Sophia''s lives. The allure of such wealth was hard to ignore, but so was the promise of power¡ªpower that could protect him and Sophia in a world growing increasingly dangerous with the rise of supernatural players. "Money or power..." he muttered as his fingers tightened around the fruit. This was yet another hard decision to make like the time he extracted the fruit of corruption. As much as he wanted to cash in on the fruit''s value, a part of him feared he wouldn''t survive long enough to enjoy the money if he didn''t become stronger. His thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. He jolted slightly, quickly hiding the fruit under his blanket. "Uh, yeah? Who is it?" "It''s me," Sophia''s voice called from the other side. August breathed a small sigh of relief. "Come in." The door creaked open, and Sophia stepped inside, catching the morning light with her beautiful green hair. She had a curious look on her face, her brows furrowed slightly. "You okay, big bro? You''ve been up here all morning. I was starting to think you''d gone back into the game already." August chuckled nervously, sitting up straighter and making sure the fruit was completely concealed. "Nah, just... thinking. Needed some time to unwind after everything." Sophia walked over and plopped down on the edge of his bed. "You know, I really missed you but I''m starting to accept that you might get less and less available in the future," she muttered with a slightly dejected tone. "Listen, while that may be true, I will always be available for you," August answered with a comforting tone. "Really?" Sophia eyes lit up. August immediately grabbed her hands and patted them affectionate look; "Trust me... There will never be a time when I won''t be available to you." "Is that a promise?" Sophia eyes shimmered faintly. "I promise." "Pinky swear." They both locked pinky and chuckled for a bit, lightening the room up. She crossed her arms before glaring at him. "You have tons of missed calls. Like, your phone''s been blowing up... I had no idea you''ve become famous big bro Aleman." August froze for a moment as a wave of realization hit him. "Oh crap¡­ I completely forgot." Sophia rolled her eyes. "Yeah, clearly. People have been trying to reach you non-stop for the past two weeks. It''s been driving me nuts." August quickly darted past her and down the stairs, heading straight for the living room where he had left his phone before diving into Enders Light for what felt like forever. He grabbed it off the table, turned the screen on, and winced. "Fifty-two missed calls?" he muttered while scrolling through the list. "Most of these are from numbers I don''t even recognize." Sophia stood in the doorway with a smirk. "And some are from people you do recognize. Look at Remi''s name right there." August slapped his forehead. "Damn it. The agent for the space I wanted to rent also called¡­ and Remi''s cousin''s apartment. I was supposed to meet both of them last week." "Well," Sophia said while leaning against the doorway, "you better start calling people back before they think you ghosted them." August sighed and hit the call button on Remi''s name first. It rang twice before her familiar, bubbly voice came through. "August! Oh my gosh, you''re alive! I was starting to think you''d fallen off the face of the Earth." He chuckled awkwardly. "Yeah¡­ sorry about that. I got caught up with some urgent stuff. Really sorry if I worried you." "You did, you idiot!" she scolded lightly, though her tone was more teasing than angry. "I''ve been waiting to hear from you. I thought maybe you decided to ditch me after all our lovely chats." August laughed. "Not a chance. So, uh, about your cousin''s apartment¡­ Is it still available?" Remi''s tone shifted, sounding genuinely relieved. "I was just about to ask him if he still wanted to meet you! He came back last Saturday and has been busy moving his stuff out. He''s finishing up today, so you''re in luck." Chapter 109 - 109: What Changed? "Perfect timing," August said. "When do you think he''ll be okay to meet me? I''m ready whenever he is." "I''ll call him and let you know," Remi replied. Then, with a playful tone, she added, "But only if you promise me something." August smirked, already anticipating her antics. "What''s the catch?" "You owe me coffee¡ªor dinner¡ªyour pick," she said slyly. "I''ve been helping you out a lot, you know." "Fine, fine," August voiced while rolling his eyes with a grin. "Coffee it is." "Good choice," she replied with a smug tone. "Alright, I''ll call my cousin and let you know his response. Don''t go disappearing on me again, okay?" "Promise," August said. "Thanks, Remi." "Anytime, August. Talk soon!" As the call ended, Sophia smirked from the doorway. "Sounds like someone''s got a fan." August shot her a look. "Don''t start, Soph. She''s just being nice." Sophia raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced, but decided to let it slide. "Alright, big bro. But you better start clearing that call list before people start banging on the door." "Working on it," August said, already dialing the agent''s number as he sat on the couch. This day was going to be busier than he''d expected. - "Hello, this is Meredith, how can I help you?" "Hi, Meredith, this is Aleman. The one inquiring about the space downtown..." There was a moment of silence before her tone brightened with recognition. "Oh! Aleman! I honestly thought you''d lost interest. I haven''t heard from you in weeks." "Yeah, sorry about that," August chuckled dryly. "Something urgent came up and, well, it ended up taking way more of my time than I expected." "I understand," Meredith said, though her voice held a hint of doubt. "Unfortunately, the space you were interested in has already been rented by someone else." August let out a small sigh, already anticipating the answer but still feeling a pang of disappointment. "I figured as much. It was a great spot." "It really was," Meredith admitted sympathetically. "But don''t worry, we have several other locations available, and I''d be happy to show them to you. We can schedule a tour tomorrow afternoon if you''re free." August considered her offer for a moment. "Alright, let''s do that. Send me the details, and I''ll meet you tomorrow." "Will do," Meredith said brightly. "I''ll text you the address shortly. Looking forward to seeing you, Aleman!" "Thanks, Meredith. See you later." After the call ended, August leaned back with a sigh. "Well, there goes plan A. Guess it''s on to plan B." Just as he was about to set his phone down, his eyes drifted to the unsaved number that had been responsible for the majority of the missed calls. His finger hovered over it before finally pressing the dial. The line barely rang before the person on the other end answered. "Aleman! Finally!" a familiar voice shouted with a mix of excitement and exasperation. "Victor?" August''s eyebrows raised in surprise as he instantly recognized the voice. "What''s with the sudden barrage of calls? What''s going on?" "Where have you been, man?" Victor''s voice was borderline frantic. "I''ve been trying to reach you for two weeks! I thought you disappeared or something." "I was busy," August said simply, keeping his tone calm. "I told you I don''t sell things every day. What''s the urgency?" Victor let out a huff as his voice shifted between excitement and desperation. "Look, I need something¡ªanything¡ªyou''ve got right now. A weapon, a relic, a charm, I don''t care. I''ll pay whatever you ask, just let me know what''s available." August frowned. The sheer impatience in Victor''s voice set off subtle alarm bells in his head. "Victor, you should already know... When I''m ready to sell, I post the items online like before. You just have to wait." "I can''t wait!" Victor nearly shouted with a tone of desperation. "Aleman, please, I need something now." August''s suspicion deepened. He played it cool, trying to fish for more information. "Why the rush? What''s going on?" Victor''s tone softened, though he still sounded anxious. "It''s my girlfriend''s birthday this week, and I promised her something special. Something no one else can give her. That''s where you come in." August tilted his head, considering his response. "I see. Well, you''ll have to wait a bit longer. I still have things to sort out before I can put anything up for sale." "Aleman, please," Victor begged, his voice almost cracking. "Don''t leave me hanging. Just one item. I don''t care what it is, just name your price." "Relax," August said firmly, though he couldn''t shake the feeling that Victor''s desperation wasn''t just about impressing a girlfriend. "I''ll get back to you later today. Let me handle some things first." Victor let out a sigh of relief. "Fine, but don''t take too long. Her birthday''s in three days, and I need something by then." "You''ll hear from me soon," August assured him before ending the call. He sat there for a moment, staring at his phone with a furrowed brow. Victor''s desperation wasn''t adding up. "What''s really going on with you, Victor?" ... ... Later that evening, August sat cross-legged on his bed, deep in thought. The memory of the strange system notification he saw when he woke up still gnawed at him. [System Synchronization Activated] [Partial Synchronization Complete] It didn''t make sense. Synchronization with what? And why now? The only noticeable change was the surge of energy he felt coursing through his veins, but otherwise, he hadn''t observed anything particularly different. His gaze flickered toward his inventory. The Fruit of Sin. His lips tightened as he recalled the news of the Oni group ruthlessly targeting players and taking their extracted game items from their bodies after brutally killing them. It was escalating. "I need more power," he muttered to himself. "If I''m going to deal with players like the Oni, I can''t rely on luck or barely escaping. I need to be ready. Guess I''ll have to push back on the money aspect..." With that resolution, he summoned his Player Status Panel... --- << Player Status Panel >> Name: Aleman Class: Assassin/Mage Title: Sovereign of Anti-Darkness Level:31 EXP: 220,900/1,350,000 HP: 17,600/17,500 MP: 11,000/11,000 Gold: 25,120 --- Skills: - Shadow Dance (Assassin) - Stealth (Assassin) - Hidden Strike (Assassin) - Dash (Assassin) [Level 3] - Lightning Bolt (Mage) - Arcane Shield (Mage) - Ethereal Storm (Custom Mage) - Phantom Splice (Assassin) - Wind Surge (Mage) --- Inventory: - Enhanced Dagger - Custom Staff - Cloak of Echoes (Bound) - Shadow Cloak S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. - Minor Health Amulet - Phantom Boots - Devil Fang Daggers - Mana Crystals ¡Á5 - Health Potions ¡Á6 - Mana Potions ¡Á7 - Wind-Swept Cloak Fragment - Enchanted Mirror - Fruit of Sin [Extracted] ...(See More) --- August skimmed through the interface. He was ecstatic about the progress he had made. Clearing the Swordking''s Dungeon had brought him a wealth of rewards, items he could extract and sell for huge sums of money. Selling wasn''t the issue¡ªdeciding what to sell was. But something caught his eye this time. Two of his skills were not greyed out like the others. His heart skipped a beat as he leaned closer to examine them. [Dash (Assassin) [Level 3]] [ Lightning Bolt (Mage)] For as long as he could summon his player interface in reality, every ability and skill had always been inaccessible¡ªgreyed out¡ªexcept for his inventory. But now, these two skills were fully visible. Their colors were vibrant like in the game. "Does this mean...?" His voice trailed off as excitement bubbled inside him. If his suspicion was correct, this could change everything. He decided to test it. August focused on Dash and willed it to activate. --- [Skill Activated: Dash] --- Suddenly, the world slowed around him. The faint sound of the ceiling fan above became elongated and distorted. The clock on his desk seemed frozen in time as August stood to his feet with a look of disbelief plastered across his face. "Unbelievable..." Chapter 110 - 110: The New Business Location Taking a single step forward, August felt a rush of energy envelop him, and before he realized it, he had crossed the entirety of his room in a split second. *CRASH!* His shoulder slammed into the opposite wall, and the sheer momentum sent him flying backward, tumbling onto his bed with a groan. [Skill Deactivated: Dash] [HP: 17,400/17,500]* [Warning: Recoil Damage Sustained] --- "Ow, ow, ow..." August winced, rubbing his shoulder. He lay there for a moment, staring at the fan now spinning at regular speed. "It worked," he whispered in disbelief. "It actually worked." His mind raced. These weren''t just visuals on an interface¡ªhe could actually use his skills from the game in reality. And if Dash worked, what about Lightning Bolt? He sat up as his heart pounded with adrenaline and anticipation. Grinning like a madman, he whispered to himself, "Let''s see what else I can do." ... ... The next day, August arrived at the cozy, modern restaurant in the early evening with his face partially obscured by a scarf. He had spent a huge chunk of yesterday evening testing out his newly acquired real-life abilities and was still in disbelief. He was fortunate to have found some old scrapyard to test out the lightning bolt or he would have really caused some collateral damage. He still logged into Enders Light later in the night but he didn''t take any quests. Instead, he gathered information on his tier-two test and understood much more about his requirements and what he needed to pass. Enders Light was still buzzing about the newly completed Swordking Dungeon so August did well to stay out of sight and logged out later in the morning. He''d spent most of today indoors doing research. Now that he had more real life abilities besides his extraction, he figured he didn''t really need the Fruit of Sin anymore. He could just sell it. But his decision hadn''t been made yet. He still had to wait for the whole buzz to die down before he took a step. August threw all of the recent events to the back of his mind in the meantime and focused on his surroundings. The restaurant''s ambient lighting gave off an air of quiet sophistication as he looked around. He soon spotted Meredith sitting at a window table, typing away on her tablet. She was a sharp-looking woman in her early thirties, with auburn hair tied neatly into a low bun and dressed in a tailored navy blazer paired with a white blouse. Her eyes caught his movement, and she waved him over with a smile. "Aleman, great to see you," she greeted as he approached. "Likewise, Meredith," August replied while shaking her hand. "I hope you''ve got some good options for me today." "Only the best," she said confidently, sliding the tablet toward him. "Let''s sit and go through them before we head out. I''ve shortlisted several locations that I think will suit your needs." August settled into the chair across from her. The restaurant was elegant but not overly formal, with soft jazz playing in the background and waiters moving swiftly yet unobtrusively between tables. "These first two spots are closer to the city center," Meredith began, swiping through images of office spaces. "Good foot traffic but slightly pricier. The next few are in up-and-coming districts with great potential, and the last ones are more budget-friendly but still offer excellent facilities." August studied the images, occasionally nodding or asking questions about the area and amenities. While the city center spaces looked appealing, their high prices weren''t something he wanted to commit to immediately. A few of the options in other districts seemed more promising, but nothing truly caught his eye until she reached a particular slide. "Wait, go back," August voiced while leaning forward. Meredith swiped back to a series of images showcasing three spaces in a district just outside the city''s bustling core. "These," he said, tapping the screen. "Tell me more about these." Meredith smiled, clearly pleased. "Great choices. These are in the Northbridge District, about a twenty-minute drive from downtown. The area''s growing rapidly, with several new businesses setting up shop. Let''s head out, and you can see them in person. They''re even better up close." --- Meredith drove a black sedan with August in the other seat. Her professionalism was evident even in her driving style¡ªsmooth and efficient. As they pulled up to the Northbridge District, August took in the surroundings. The area was vibrant, with construction cranes dotting the skyline, indicating rapid development. Small cafes, trendy boutiques, and a few established businesses lined the streets, giving it a lively yet approachable feel. Meredith parked in front of a ten-story building with a clean, modern facade made of reflective glass panels. "This is the one," she said as they stepped out. Inside, the building had a minimalist aesthetic¡ªsmooth white walls, polished floors, and bright lighting. A receptionist greeted them warmly before Meredith led August to the elevator. The last-floor space was a large open-plan room with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a stunning view of the district. The room smelled faintly of fresh paint, and its neutral tones made it a blank canvas for any business idea. August''s mind immediately began envisioning layouts: workstations here, a meeting space there, and a section for displaying high-value items. "This could work," he said aloud. Meredith smiled. "I had a feeling you''d like it." As they walked back to the elevator, they encountered a man in his late forties stepping out of a nearby office. He had a genial air about him, with a slight paunch, salt-and-pepper hair, and glasses perched on his nose. He was dressed casually in a button-up shirt and slacks, carrying a tablet. "Ah, you must be checking out the place," he said, extending a hand to August. "Name''s Harold. I run the coffee shop on the first floor." "Aleman," he replied while shaking Harold''s hand. "If you take the space, don''t be a stranger. Best coffee in the district," Harold said with a chuckle. "We''ll see about that," August said with a small smile. Before they could leave the building, a young woman with bright pink hair in a messy bun, wearing oversized overalls and a paint-splattered T-shirt, approached them. "You''re looking at the space upstairs?" her eyes sparkled with curiosity as she inquired. "That''s right," August said, intrigued by her colorful appearance. "I''m Mia," she extended her hand. "I own the art studio on the fourth floor. If you move in, let''s collaborate! I''ve been dying to work on something tech-inspired." August chuckled. "How did you know that I was setting up a tech-related business?" "Just a gut feeling," She smiled before waving him goodbye. Just as they stepped out of the building, a commotion caught their attention. A delivery truck had accidentally bumped into a lamppost outside, causing a few sparks to fly. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Meredith immediately ushered August to the side as the driver jumped out, apologizing profusely. "Never a dull moment," Meredith said dryly. After everything settled down, August turned to Meredith. "Let''s go for it. I''ll take the space on the last floor." "Excellent choice," she proceeded to pull out her tablet to finalize the paperwork. "You won''t regret this." Chapter 111 - 111: Extracting A Potential High Value Item August sat at his desk, staring at the completed paperwork spread across the surface. The official documents confirming his payment and ownership of the rented space gave him a sense of pride, yet the notification on his smartphone showing a 60,000-dollar debit tempered the feeling with a hint of anxiety. "All worth it," he muttered to himself, though the bittersweet feeling lingered. He leaned back in his chair, his mind already visualizing the space''s potential. He saw a cozy, sophisticated lounge where players could gather to trade and sell their game items retrieved to reality. His vision included a display area lined with shelves and pedestals showcasing his own extracted items for sale¡ªsome with rare, glowing auras to emphasize their value. The most expensive items would be in a more secure, elaborate section, drawing in clients looking for exclusivity. "I just need the right interior designer," August voiced with a thoughtful tone. His mind flicked to his inventory. There were so many items he had plans to extract and display, but then he remembered something. He had never tried extracting a particular item before that could have a high market value despite being a very ordinary and easy to acquire in-game item. Could it work? The thought intrigued him, but he decided to shelve it for later. His mind wandered back to his newfound abilities. Dash had worked in the real world but Lightning Bolt was a whole different case. It was a magical ability and yet it still worked. He couldn''t help but wonder¡ªwhere was the mana coming from? There was no mana in the real world, so was the system drawing it from the game somehow? The question plagued his mind. "How does this even work?" he whispered, lost in thought. Suddenly, Sophia''s voice rang out from the kitchen. "Ow!" August bolted from his seat and rushed to the kitchen, where Sophia was clutching her hand. A small stream of blood was seeping out from a cut on her finger while a kitchen knife lay on the counter. "Are you okay?" August''s voice was filled with concern as he gently took her hand to inspect the wound. "It''s fine, just a flesh wound," Sophia said with a small laugh, though her wince betrayed the pain. August stared at the blood and frowned. An idea sparked in his mind, and he summoned his inventory interface right then and there. --- [Inventory Interface] - Enhanced Dagger - Custom Staff - Cloak of Echoes (Bound) - Shadow Cloak - Minor Health Amulet - Phantom Boots - Devil Fang Daggers - Mana Crystals ¡Á5 - Health Potions ¡Á6 ...(see more) --- August''s eyes zeroed in on the Health Potions... The same item he thought about earlier that he had never tried to extract. He touched one and the system reacted immediately. --- [Would You Like To Extract Health Potion?] [ Yes ] ¡Á [ No ] --- He tapped ''Yes'' without hesitation. A glowing green orb materialized above his palm, swirling with light before solidifying into a glass vial filled with a sparkling, emerald-green liquid. --- [Item Extracted: Health Potion] --- Sophia blinked, utterly dumbfounded. "What is that? Another one of your tricks?" "Just drink it," August said while handing her the potion. "Trust me." Sophia eyed the vial skeptically but complied, uncorking it and taking a hesitant sip. The moment the liquid touched her tongue, warmth spread through her body. The pain in her finger faded, and they both watched in astonishment as the wound on her hand began to close before their eyes, leaving no trace of the injury. "How¡ªwhat just happened?" Sophia asked, holding up her fully healed hand. "That''s what I was curious about," August voiced with a grin, though his own amazement was evident. "Guess I''ve been sitting on a goldmine of possibilities." "This is insane," Sophia stated, still staring at her hand in disbelief. "What was that? It looked like one of those game items..." "Yup," August confirmed before pocketing the empty vial. "And now we know it works on injuries in real life too." Sophia shook her head as a mixture of awe and disbelief appeared on her face. "You''re not just playing a game anymore, are you? This is something else entirely." "Something else entirely," August echoed with a smirk. What else could he extract that he hadn''t given much thought to? What limits could he push? Sophia''s laughter broke his train of thought. "Well, big brother, if you''re going to keep pulling miracles out at least make sure I''m your number one customer!" "You''ve got it," August replied with a smirk. But as he looked down at his hands, his thoughts turned serious again. He had unlocked a whole new realm of possibilities, but it also came with risks. What would people do when they found out they could purchase something that beat modern medicine? A grin suddenly appeared on his face as he straightened up with a look of confidence. ''Who cares what they think? I have the power to protect myself and Sophia now... I can be a risk taker again haha!'' ... ... Later in the night, August found himself wandering through the bustling streets of Tagharium in Enders Light. He currently had the Ogre Tusk activated as he made his way through. The item had proven to be invaluable, transforming his features into that of an Ogre and concealing his identity as Aleman. He listened as snippets of conversations filtered through the crowd. "Did you hear? The Phoenix Celestial Guild cleared the Swordking Dungeon!" "They must''ve gotten the Fruit of Sin. It''s worth millions if retrieved to reality!" "Man, I can''t believe Aleman''s name was in another world announcement. Who even is he? He just popped up out of nowhere." August smirked under his Ogre visage, appreciating the anonymity the tusk provided. Too bad it could only last three hours. He leaned against a dimly lit wall in the market district, summoning his player interface. It was time to dig deeper into Tier Two qualifications. --- [Player Interface ¨C Skills Menu] [Tier Two Qualifications Test: Assassin/Mage] Attempts Remaining: 3 Description: Tier Two Skills/Magic represent a leap in power and complexity. To qualify, a player must exhibit mastery of at least five abilities in their chosen class. The test includes physical challenges, combat trials, and mental endurance tasks. WARNING: Failure thrice will permanently lock your progression at Tier One. --- The gravity of the situation sank in. Three chances. If I fail even once, the pressure will skyrocket. August clenched his fists. He couldn''t afford to fail¡ªnot even once. "I have to be ready. I need to polish my skills first," August murmured to himself. He closed the interface and resolved to dedicate the next few days to intense training. --- For hours, August practiced. Using the abilities he had unlocked, he honed the synergy between his assassin skills and mage spells. He drilled combinations of Dash into Hidden Strike, followed by Lightning Bolt. He practiced Ethereal Storm with precise timing and execution, increasing the level of his spells and skills. --- [Player Notification] [ Ogre Tusk Duration Remaining: 1 Hour ] --- The notification reminded him of something he''d been neglecting in real life: his appearance. The scarf he used to obscure his face wasn''t sustainable. The risks were growing. ''What happens if someone catches a picture of me or recognizes me in public?'' "I need something more secure," August muttered while pacing the area. A mental image of the Crimson Doomblade wielder from the Swordking Dungeon flashed in his mind. "I need a helmet but Something that covers my face completely. Something unique¡­ something that screams ''game world.''" S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With that, August made up his mind. He headed for the Teleportation Hub on the outskirts of Tagharium. --- The Teleportation Hub was a large structure at the edge of the city, bustling with players arriving from or leaving for different parts of the game world. Massive stone arches supported glowing blue portals that thrummed with energy. Each portal shimmered with the name of a destination above it, written in a glowing script. Chapter 112 - 112: Visiting Disco City August approached the queue for Disco City, a futuristic urban sprawl known for its high-tech environments and as a haven for tech-class players. He had never ventured outside Tagharium before, and the prospect of exploring a new city intrigued him. "One ticket to Disco City," August said to the portal attendant, a non-player character (NPC) dressed in a black uniform. "One silver coin," the NPC answered. August immediately paid up and the NPC handed him a glowing token. --- [System Notification] [ Portal Token Acquired: Disco City ] --- He stepped through the portal, feeling the familiar sensation of his body dissolving into blue light. A moment later, he emerged in a completely different environment. Disco City was the utter opposite of the medieval charm of Tagharium. Neon lights flashed everywhere, bathing the streets in shades of pink, blue, and green. Hover cars zipped above the ground on invisible tracks, and holographic advertisements floated mid-air, showcasing everything from weapons to cosmetic upgrades. The sound of techno music pulsed faintly in the background, giving the city an electrifying vibe. "Welcome to Disco City," an automated voice greeted him as he stepped onto the bustling main street. "This is... different," August muttered while adjusting his cloak as he stepped onto the busy street. --- [System Notification] [ You Have Arrived in Disco City ¨C Capital of Technology ] [ Safe Zone Activated ] --- The crowd was filled with tech-class players. Some were clad in glowing armor that radiated with pulses of energy, while others carried massive firearms that looked like they could level a building. Their appearances were just as varied¡ªsome looked fully human, while others were augmented with mechanical limbs, glowing eyes, or metallic plating across their bodies. As August began walking, he realized he had no idea where to go to find a helmet. He glanced around for anyone who seemed approachable. A group of three players standing near a glowing vendor caught his attention. The group consisted of; a tall hunter-class player with a visor over his eyes and a long rifle slung over his back. His leather jacket glowed faintly with intricate blue circuits. The second was a cyborg-class player. Half of his face was replaced by machinery, wearing heavy armor that whirred softly with every move. The third was a forger-class player, holding a miniature drone in her hand that buzzed around her head like a curious pet. She wore a utility vest filled with tools and had oil smudges across her cheek. "Excuse me," August approached cautiously. "I''m looking for a place to buy helmets. Got any recommendations?" The cyborg glanced down at him as his mechanical eye glowed faintly. "New here, huh? Figures. You scream ''magic-based class.'' You''re in the wrong place, buddy." The forger grinned. "Don''t mind him. Helmets, huh? You''ll want to check out CyberForge. It''s on Central Lane, about a ten-minute walk from here. Look for the big holo-sign with a spinning helmet." "Thanks," August voiced his appreciation. "CyberForge has the best quality," the hunter added. "But if you''re low on coin, there are smaller vendors in the alleyways of Neon Quarter. Prices there are better, but the quality''s hit-or-miss." "I appreciate the info," August replied. "Good luck out there, magic man," the cyborg said with a smirk as August turned to leave. --- As August made his way toward CyberForge, the sights and sounds of Disco City continued to amaze him. The streets were lined with vendors selling glowing gadgets, high-tech armor, and futuristic mounts like hoverboards and flying motorcycles. A few players were testing weapons in public shooting ranges. Their plasma bullets lit up the dimly lit alleyways. When he finally reached Central Lane, a massive holo-sign confirmed he was at the right place. The spinning helmet gleamed with an otherworldly sheen, and the words "CyberForge: Gadgets & Beyond" hovered below it. The shop itself was smooth and futuristic, with a glass exterior that allowed customers to see the many items displayed inside. August stepped through the automatic doors, greeted by the gentle sound of machinery. Behind the counter stood a woman with black hair pulled into a tight ponytail. She wore a silver bodysuit lined with glowing green accents, and her cybernetic arms gleamed under the shop''s bright lights. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Welcome to CyberForge," she said, her voice sharp and businesslike. "Looking for something specific?" "A helmet," August replied. "Something practical but intimidating. I need it to conceal my facial features." She raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Ah, the mysterious type. Let''s see what we''ve got." She led him to a display case where various helmets were showcased. Each design was unique¡ªsome had glowing visors, others had intricate carvings, and a few looked like something out of a sci-fi movie. "This one''s called the Dread Sentinel. High-grade, full-face coverage and voice modulation included. It''s durable and comes with a small mana reserve for energy-based defense." "How much?" August asked. "Fifty silver coins," she said. August nodded, relieved it wasn''t exorbitantly priced. "I''ll take it." --- [System Notification] [ Transaction Complete: Dread Sentinel Helmet Purchased ¨C 50 Silver Coins ] --- The shopkeeper handed him the helmet. "Good choice. You won''t regret it. And if you need repairs or upgrades, come back anytime." "Thanks," August said while sliding the helmet on. The interior adjusted to fit his head perfectly, and the visor activated, giving him a clear yet slightly tinted view of his surroundings. "Looking good," she said with a smirk. --- Instead of leaving immediately, August decided to explore more of Disco City. The vibrant atmosphere fascinated him, and he wanted to soak it all in. ... ... In a hospital ward at Faith Specialist Hospital which existed in the real world, the rhythmic beeping of a heart monitor filled the otherwise silent room. The air smelled faintly of antiseptics and fresh linens. A large window by the bed let in the silver rays of the moonlight casting dim shadows across the room. The walls were painted a calming pastel blue, but the atmosphere within was heavy with despair. Seated beside the hospital bed was a man. His broad shoulders hunched forward as he leaned onto his knees. His face was hidden, but the tension in his posture told a story of grief and helplessness. His hands, calloused from years of labor, fidgeted nervously as they clasped together, as though he was silently praying to someone or something. The figure on the bed was a young woman in her early twenties. Her auburn hair fanned out on the white pillow, and her complexion was pale, almost ghostly, against the sterile sheets. She was hooked up to an array of machines, and her chest rose and fell faintly with the aid of a ventilator. Her belly was rounded with the unmistakable curve of late pregnancy, and her hands lay limp by her sides. She looked peaceful, almost as though she were merely sleeping, but the machinery told a different story¡ªa battle being fought in silence. The man slowly lifted his head, revealing Derrick, August''s friend. His usually vibrant, rugged face was worn down by worry and exhaustion. His dark eyes, usually filled with humor or determination, were hollow and red-rimmed, as though he hadn''t slept properly in weeks. His short-cropped black hair was disheveled, and he hadn''t bothered to shave, leaving a rough stubble across his jaw. "I don''t believe in God," Derrick muttered with an emotional tone. "But right now¡­ right now, I''d believe in anything. Any deity, any higher power¡­ if it would just help save Tara and my baby." Chapter 113 - 113: Extracting The Helmet Derrick''s hand hesitated before gently covering the limp, cold hand of the woman¡ªTara, his wife. The way his large, rough hand dwarfed hers was almost symbolic of how fragile she looked. He squeezed her hand lightly as if trying to convey his strength to her through touch. "I''m sorry, babe," Derrick whispered. His voice trembled, but he forced himself to speak. "I promised I''d take care of you. That nothing bad would ever happen to you. And look where we are." Tears welled up in his eyes as he looked at her still face, willing her to wake up, to give him any sign that she was still fighting. "I thought I was strong enough for this," he admitted, his voice barely audible. "But I''m not. I''m breaking, Tara. I don''t know how much more of this I can take. Every day I come here, and I just¡­" He stopped, choking on his words. The room fell silent except for the steady rhythm of the heart monitor. Derrick''s gaze drifted to her belly, his fingers brushing over the curve softly. "Our baby¡­" he murmured. "I was so excited. We were supposed to decorate the nursery together. I had plans, you know? We had plans." His other hand wiped at his face roughly, trying to hold back the tears, but they fell anyway, splashing onto the white sheet. "You''re supposed to be here for this. To see them grow. To argue about names with me. To¡­" He paused, swallowing the lump in his throat. His voice broke completely as he begged, "Please, Tara¡­ don''t leave me. Don''t leave us." --- The door to the ward creaked open, and a nurse peeked in. She was a kind-looking woman with warm brown skin and a gentle smile that didn''t quite reach her eyes. She had seen this scene too many times. "Mr. Derrick," she said softly, stepping inside. "Visiting hours will be over soon." Derrick''s eyes pleaded silently for just a little more time as he looked up at her. The nurse hesitated, then nodded slightly. "I''ll give you a few more minutes," she said kindly before stepping back out. Derrick turned back to Tara, brushing a stray strand of hair away from her face. "I''ll be back tomorrow, babe," he said, his voice steadying slightly. "And the day after that. And the day after that. I''m not giving up on you, okay? So you can''t give up either." He leaned down, pressing his forehead against her hand. "I love you," he whispered. "Both of you." The rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor continued as Derrick sat there, holding onto hope as tightly as he held her hand. The room remained heavy with silence, as Derrick prayed internally for some sort of divine intervention. He never let anyone at the factory know about his circumstance, not even August because he wasn''t the type to burden others with his problems but his walls were starting to crumble. He had contemplated calling August a few times just to speak to someone who could lighten his mood and tell him everything was going to be fine but whenever he thought about August''s situation with his little sister, he hesitated. After spending a few more minutes staring at Tara silently, he got up and walked out of the ward. ... .. The next morning, August stood in the center of his room with his hands hovering over his inventory interface. He had just logged out of the game. His room was cluttered, with piles of notes, a gaming pod in the corner, and a small desk stacked with items related to his budding ventures. The pop sound of the system interface reverberated in his ears as he selected the helmet he had acquired in Disco City. [ Would you like to extract: Tech-Grade Dread Sentinel Helmet? ] [ Yes ] ¡Á [ No ] He tapped yes, and a purple glow filled the room as the helmet materialized before him. It shimmered into existence, hovering for a moment before clinking softly onto his bed. The helmet was even more impressive in real life than in the game. Silky smooth with a matte black finish and glowing streaks of blue light running along its edges. It looked like a futuristic artifact. The visor was tinted with a holographic sheen, and intricate circuitry patterns faintly pulsed across the surface. "Wow," August murmured, picking it up and inspecting it. "This is next-level." He slipped it over his head, and the interior lit up with a digitalized display that seamlessly integrated into his vision. A soft, calming voice echoed in his ears: [ Activating Tech-Grade Dread Sentinel Helmet... Systems online... ] The room around him shifted slightly as the visor calibrated to his environment. He could see every detail with enhanced clarity. His eyes darted to his bookshelf, and as he focused, the helmet''s interface zoomed in on the titles of the books. He grinned. "Zoom function? Check," he muttered to himself, twisting his head toward the window. The helmet adjusted to the natural light, dimming slightly to protect his eyes. He tested the voice modulator next, navigating through the settings displayed on the visor. His voice shifted from a deep, gravelly tone to a high-pitched, robotic one, then to an authoritative baritone that sounded like it belonged to a sci-fi movie villain. "Testing, testing," he said in a comical high-pitched squeak, before laughing and settling on a smooth, neutral tone that sounded completely different from his real voice. "Perfect. No one''s recognizing me with this." He removed the helmet and ran his fingers over its smooth surface with a sense of satisfaction. This was exactly what he needed for his public appearances as Aleman. No more scarves, no more worrying about being identified. Setting the helmet aside, he glanced at the clock. "Alright, time to get to work." --- August grabbed his phone and sat at his desk, scrolling through a list of interior designers he had bookmarked. He needed someone with a vision¡ªsomeone who could bring his dream for ''AM Coven'' to life. His fingers hovered over a name, Lena Cruz, whose portfolio boasted of futuristic designs. Perfect for the high-tech, gaming-inspired vibe he envisioned. He dialed the number, and after a few rings, a confident female voice answered. "Lena Cruz, how can I help you?" "Hi, Lena. My name is Aleman," he began while leaning back in his chair. "I recently acquired a commercial space, and I''m looking for someone to handle the interior design. Your portfolio caught my attention." "Thank you," Elena replied with a professional and warm tone. "What kind of space are we talking about?" "It''s a ten-story building, but I''ve got the top floor. I''m starting a business related to gaming¡ªspecifically a lounge for players to buy and sell game items." Elena paused, intrigued. "That''s... unique. And exciting. Do you have a specific style in mind?" "Modern with a hint of futurism. Think holographic displays, custom lighting, and dedicated sections for high-value items," August explained while pacing the room. "The branding is ''AM Coven'' so I want it to have a subtle, mystical vibe without going overboard." "I like where this is going," Elena said. "When can I see the space?" "Today, if possible." There was a brief pause, followed by her enthusiastic response. "I''ll move some things around. Text me the address, and I''ll meet you there at two." "Great. Thanks, Lena." After the call ended, August felt a sense of accomplishment. One step closer to making his vision a reality. --- The afternoon sun hung low, casting warm golden rays across the ten-story building that August now owned the top floor of. He stepped out of the cab wearing a perfectly tailored business suit. The fabric hugged his lean frame with an elegance that screamed success. His dark blazer was paired with a crisp white shirt, a slim tie, and polished black shoes. However, what truly made him stand out was the helmet from Disco City, perched securely on his head, concealing his identity entirely. The glowing blue streaks across its matte black surface gave him an air of mystery, and the faint beeping sounds of its internal systems added to the futuristic aura. As he approached the building, he saw a black car parked outside. A woman was stepping out with a tablet in hand. She was strikingly professional¡ªher dark, wavy hair fell neatly over her shoulders, and her tailored beige blazer paired with high-waisted black trousers and heeled boots exuded authority. Her sharp brown eyes scanned the building, and when she spotted him, there was a flicker of intrigue on her face. "You must be Aleman," she said while extending a manicured hand. Her tone was confident but polite, with just a hint of curiosity about his helmet. August nodded, his modulated voice deep and smooth as he responded. "That''s right. And you must be Lena." "Indeed," Lena replied with a small smile, shaking his hand firmly. "This is the space you mentioned?" "Yes. The top floor is ours for this project," August gestured toward the entrance. "Shall we?" Lena''s sharp heels clicked against the tiled floor as they stepped into the lobby. She glanced at him sideways, clearly intrigued by his unconventional appearance but professional enough not to comment. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 114 - 114: The Apartment Inside, the elevator ride was silent but not awkward. Lena occasionally glanced at August with a look of curiosity but she kept her questions to herself. As the elevator dinged and opened onto the top floor, Lena stepped out and surveyed the open space. The room was vast, with high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of the city. Sunlight streamed in, illuminating the bare floors and walls. The faint noise of traffic below added a sense of urban dynamism. Lena wasted no time. She walked briskly to the center of the room as her heels clicked against the floor, and began taking photos and notes on her tablet. "This space has potential," she voiced with a thoughtful tone. "Good natural lighting, open layout, and a decent location for foot traffic. What''s the vision?" August walked beside her as the digital interface of his helmet displayed a map of the space while he spoke. "I want a lounge for players¡ªa sophisticated yet approachable space where they can meet, trade, and showcase game items retrieved to reality. Think futuristic with subtle mystical undertones." Lena paused, looking at him with renewed interest. "Game items retrieved to reality?" "Exactly," he confirmed. "It''s a niche but growing market, and this will be one of the first spaces of its kind. I want it to feel like a cross between a high-end gallery and a tech hub." She smiled with a clearly impressed look. "That''s ambitious. But I like ambitious." August continued, gesturing around the space. "Over there, I want a display area for high-value items, set apart to feel exclusive. Here, a more casual lounge for discussions and trades. And I want holographic displays¡ªsomething interactive and eye-catching." Lena nodded as her fingers flew across her tablet, taking notes. "I can already see it. And for the branding, if I recall correctly AM Coven''?" "Correct." Lena''s brow arched slightly. "Interesting choice. What''s the significance?" August''s helmet hid the faint smirk on his face. "Let''s just say it ties into the mystical edge I want to capture." They walked through the space, discussing colors, lighting, and furniture. Lena was meticulous, pointing out potential challenges and solutions with the precision of someone who knew her craft. --- As they wrapped up, Lena stood at the center of the room. Her tablet was filled with sketches and notes. "This is going to be a standout project," she said. "I''ll prepare a formal proposal and timeline. We''ll bring this vision to life." August nodded. "I trust you to handle it." She smiled as her professional demeanor softened slightly. "You''re an interesting client, Aleman. Most people don''t show up to these meetings dressed like they''ve stepped out of a sci-fi movie." August chuckled as his modulated voice added a mysterious edge to the sound. "Let''s just say I like to stay ahead of the curve." Lena glanced at her watch. "I''ll be in touch with the proposal soon. Expect an email by tomorrow." "Looking forward to it," August voiced before extending a gloved hand. As she shook it, she couldn''t help but ask, "One last thing¡ªwhat''s under the helmet?" August paused, then tilted his head slightly. "A story for another day," he said cryptically before turning toward the elevator. Lena''s curiosity was clearly piqued as she watched him go. "You''re definitely not like my usual clients," she muttered to herself, before leaving to prepare her plans. ... ... Another day had gone by in a flash. August sat at his desk with the morning light streaming through his window as he reviewed the final set of legal documents related to AM Coven. The business had officially been registered, and now it was only a matter of time before Lena and her team completed the interior design. With every box ticked and signature made, August felt a growing sense of accomplishment. His dream was materializing, but the journey ahead was just as daunting. He leaned back in his chair, thinking about the next steps. The most pressing issue was security. AM Coven wasn''t just a typical business¡ªit dealt with game items, some of which were worth fortunes. Such valuables were bound to attract attention, and not all of it good. He needed guards, but not just any guards. They had to be supernatural players. Individuals with abilities that could deter potential threats. "Can''t rely on ordinary muscle for this," he muttered to himself while rubbing his temples. "The Oni or anyone else could target us." With a sigh, he stood, heading to his laptop to draft a recruitment ad. He listed the requirements: - Supernatural players only. - Combat experience preferred but not required. - Trustworthy and discreet. - Payment: $10,000 monthly with added occasional bonuses including game items extracted from Enders Light. He hesitated before adding the last line but ultimately decided it was necessary. The salary was steep, but for what he needed, it had to be enticing enough to attract capable individuals. After uploading the ad to several online forums and gamer networks, he leaned back and exhaled. "That should do it for now," he murmured. --- August decided to spend the rest of his day tying up loose ends. After everything that had been happening recently, securing a good apartment for himself and Sophia was a priority. He had enough on his plate already without worrying about the current place''s frequent electricity issues or questionable safety. As the sun began its slow descent, August donned a sharp casual outfit, making sure to look presentable for this meeting. He headed out to Remi''s caf¨¦, where she had asked him to meet up. The aroma of coffee hit him as he stepped inside, and Remi was already at her usual spot behind the counter, chatting with a customer. She spotted him almost instantly and waved. "Right on time," she called out as she moved from behind the counter to greet him. "You doubted me?" August teased while slipping into one of the seats nearby. "Not at all," she replied with a smirk, sliding a steaming cup of coffee in front of him. "Black, no sugar. I remembered this time." "Impressive," August stated before taking a sip. "So, what''s the plan?" "Daryl''s moving the last of his stuff out as we speak," Remi said, sliding into the chair across from him. "We''ll head over in about thirty minutes. He''s been clearing the place all day, so it should be ready for you to check out properly." August nodded, feeling a sense of anticipation. "Tell me more about the place." Remi leaned back in her chair. "Two bedrooms, good-sized living space, a kitchen that actually has room to cook, and¡ªyou''ll love this¡ªa balcony with a view of the city. The building''s got stable water, electricity, and Wi-Fi. Oh, and the neighborhood is super quiet. Perfect for Sophia, don''t you think?" "That sounds incredible," August admitted. "Honestly, it''s more than I expected." "See?" Remi said with a wink. "I always come through." About forty minutes later, Remi led August to the apartment building. It was in a clean, peaceful neighborhood with tree-lined streets and modern lampposts that illuminated the area gently as dusk fell. The building itself was well-maintained and completely differed from the one August currently lived in. "Here we are," Remi voiced while gesturing toward the entrance as they walked up the steps. Daryl was standing by the door, a couple of cardboard boxes at his feet. He looked up and grinned when he saw them. "Hey, you must be August. Perfect timing." "And you must be Daryl," August greeted him with a firm handshake. "Thanks for letting me check the place out." "No problem," Daryl voiced before pulling out a keyring. "Let''s go in." The three of them entered the building and took the elevator to the sixth floor. When they stepped into the apartment, August was immediately struck by how spacious it was. The living room was large, with enough room to accommodate a comfortable seating area and a small entertainment system. The kitchen was tucked into a corner but had ample counter space and cabinets. The balcony Remi had mentioned offered a stunning view of the city skyline, with the setting sun painting the horizon in hues of orange and pink. Daryl showed him the bedrooms, both of which were generously sized. The master bedroom even had its own attached bathroom. The second bedroom was perfect for Sophia and had a large window that let in plenty of natural light. "Impressed?" Remi asked while leaning against the doorframe with a smug smile. "Very," August admitted as he surveyed the space. "This is perfect." Daryl nodded. "I''m glad you like it. I''ve already cleaned most of the place out, so it''s move-in ready. I''ve got a few boxes left to pick up tomorrow, but after that, it''s all yours." "And the rent?" August asked. "As I mentioned earlier, $4,200 a month," Daryl said. "Which is a steal for this neighborhood. I don''t think they''re trying to rip anyone off." August smirked. "Wonderful." Remi clapped her hands together. "Look at you, making big moves. Sophia''s gonna love this." S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "I think so too," August smiled while envisioning how he''d set up the place. Chapter 115 - 115: Vice Leaders Interest Night had fallen over the Phoenix Celestial Guild''s real-life branch. The building cast its imposing silhouette against the glowing city skyline. Within it members moved through the halls, strategizing over missions or unwinding in the guild''s many lounges. Ariana Carlisle, better known as Aria in Enders Light was seated in one of the guild''s private offices. A thoughtful frown creased her face as she listened to Nathan Hale, one of the guild''s senior officers. "You''ve heard nothing from Aleman since the Swordking Dungeon?" Nathan questioned with both a curious and slightly impatient tone. Aria sighed, leaning back in her chair. "Not a word. I''ve sent messages in-game, but he hasn''t responded to a single one. It''s like he''s disappeared." Nathan rubbed his chin as his blue eyes narrowed. "Strange. Vice Leader herself has expressed interest in recruiting him. She approved Lilo, Boris, and Ezran already, but Aleman is the real prize. A player with dual classes and that level of skill would be a major asset to the guild." Aria nodded slowly. "I know, but if he''s ignoring me, what am I supposed to do? I can''t exactly drag him here." Nathan''s gaze sharpened. "You know his friends. Talk to them. Someone must know what he''s up to." That idea seemed reasonable enough, and Aria rose to her feet. "I''ll see what I can find out." Leaving the office, Aria made her way to one of the guild lounges, where Rachel Valentine, better known as Lilo, was chatting with a few guild members. Rachel''s light pink hair tumbled down her shoulders in soft waves, and her radiant smile made her the center of attention in any room. She noticed Aria approaching and waved her over. "Hey, Aria!" Rachel greeted brightly with infectious energy. "What''s up?" Aria returned the smile but wasted no time getting to the point. "Have you heard from Aleman recently? He''s been ignoring my messages." Rachel tilted her head with a slightly confused expression. "He''s not ignoring you. He''s just busy prepping for his Tier Two test. He mentioned it in our group chat earlier today." "Tier Two? Oh yes, I remember he got the qualification..." Aria''s eyes widened. "That explains it. I suppose I can''t blame him for focusing on that." Rachel grinned. "Exactly. He logged in right after we talked, so he''s probably training like a maniac right now." "Group chat?" Aria''s curiosity deepened. "Mind adding me?" Rachel laughed softly while shaking her head. "I''d love to, but it''s not my call. I''d need permission from everyone else, Aleman included." Aria sighed before nodding in understanding. "Fair enough. What''s he like in your group chat, though? I mean, is he different from how he is in-game?" Rachel''s grin widened. "Not really. He''s still smooth, confident, and somehow always knows the right thing to say. Honestly, it''s hard not to admire him." Aria leaned in slightly. "You''ve never seen him in real life, though?" "Nope," Rachel admitted before laughing. "But judging by his avatar, I''m betting he''s good-looking. You don''t carry yourself like that in-game unless you''ve got something to back it up in real life." A blush appeared on Aria''s face as she giggled. "I almost saw his face once. We were chatting in the elevator and a small disturbance caused his scarf to lower but he pulled it back up just as I was about to get a glimpse. It was so frustrating." Rachel''s laughter grew louder. "What a tease! Maybe he''s hiding a terrible secret under that scarf." "Doubt it," Aria replied with a smirk. "A guy like Aleman? He''s probably a total heartbreaker." Their conversation drifted to the Vice Leader''s interest in Aleman, and Rachel''s expression grew thoughtful. "Do you think he''ll accept her offer to join the guild officially?" Aria shrugged. "It''s hard to say. He''s not the type to be tied down, but the Ice Queen can be very persuasive. If he does join, though..." "We''ll finally see his face," Rachel finished, grinning mischievously. "I can''t wait for that day." The two women shared a laugh, both intrigued by the enigmatic Aleman and curious about the man behind the avatar. While Aria was determined to recruit him, she couldn''t help but wonder what kept him at arm''s length, even from those who seemed closest to him. ... ... Within Enders Light, August leaned back against a boulder spiky protrusion atop. The cool wind of Tagharium''s outer wilds swept past him, rustling the tufts of sparse vegetation scattered across the rocky terrain. The bright glow of his newly unlocked spell flickered in his hands as he extinguished it causing the surroundings to fade into silence. << Player Status Panel >> Name: Aleman Class: Assassin/Mage Title: Sovereign of Anti-Darkness Level: 31 EXP: 320,500/1,350,000 HP: 17,600/17,600 MP: 11,000/11,000 Gold: 30,120 Skills: - Shadow Dance (Assassin) - Stealth (Assassin) - Hidden Strike (Assassin) - Dash (Assassin) [Level 3] - Dual Wielding (Assassin) - Lightning Bolt (Mage) - Arcane Shield (Mage) - Ethereal Storm (Custom Mage) - Phantom Splice (Assassin) - Wind Surge (Mage) - Light Reverie (Mage, Level 2) ...(see more) August glanced at the glowing interface and tapped the spell marked Light Reverie, the C-tier magic card spell he had unlocked recently. The spell emitted a burst of light that could confuse and disorient enemies momentarily. It leaves any magical being within a certain radius incapable of using their spells briefly. Its synergy with his Sovereign of Anti-Darkness title gave it an added edge in battles against dark-aligned foes. But for now, it still wasn''t at the level he wanted. "I need this at level three before I can even consider the tier two qualification test," August muttered to himself, dismissing the interface with a flick of his wrist. For the past couple of hours, he''d been grinding relentlessly, targeting creatures on the outskirts of Tagharium to practice his spells. Most were low-level beasts, nothing challenging, but enough to provide experience for his skills. Now, with his MP running low and a dull ache spreading through his fingers from repetitive casting, he decided it was time to take a break. August sat down on a flat patch of rock and opened his inventory. His eyes scanned the long list of items he''d accumulated since his journey began. The sheer number of loot he had bordered on absurd¡ªover thirty items he could extract and sell in real life. As the shimmering inventory interface expanded before him, August felt a sense of satisfaction. These weren''t just random trinkets. Each item was proof of the countless battles he''d fought and the risks he''d taken. "Alright, let''s figure this out," August murmured, scrolling through his inventory. His fingers hovered over some of the highlighted items. --------- Inventory: - Enhanced Dagger - Phantom Boots - Devil Fang Daggers - Cloak of Echoes (Bound) - Mana Crystals ¡Á5 - Health Potions ¡Á7 - Wind-Swept Cloak Fragment - Enchanted Mirror - Aether Ore - Mana-Infused Arrowheads ...(see more) ------ The health potions stood out to him immediately. They were a valuable asset in both the game and real life. The idea of extracting them for AM Coven had crossed his mind before, but today, the thought evolved further. "Health potions¡­ hospitals," August mused aloud. The thought was simple yet brilliant. If hospitals and healthcare centers saw the utility of health potions, he could create an entirely new market in real life. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 116 - 116: The Cardinal Health potions weren''t just game items anymore. Their ability to instantly close wounds and heal the injured could revolutionize healthcare, especially in emergency situations. August leaned forward as the faint glow of his interface reflected in his intense gaze. ''Hospitals and clinics... perhaps I should try Faith Specialist Hospital first? Once results are shown from consuming the health potions, it will spread far and wide,'' August decided internally. He continued scrolling through his inventory, noting other items that could have real-world applications. Mana Crystals might be of interest to researchers or tech developers. Aether Ore was rare and could fetch an exorbitant price from collectors. August made mental notes of the most promising items as he plotted his next moves. With his decision made, he closed the inventory and stood up, brushing off dust from his dark combat robes. The wind had picked up, and in the distance, the faint outline of Tagharium''s city gates shimmered under the magical barrier that protected the kingdom. He pulled his hood tighter over his head while heading forward. .... ... A dimly lit enclosed space in the real world reeked of damp earth and stale air. Shadows danced across the stone walls, cast by flickering light bulbs mounted in wrought iron sconces. In the center of the room sat a throne-like chair, hewn from black stone and adorned with carvings of twisted figures. On it sat the Cardinal, one of the district superiors of the Oni terrorist group. His face was half-covered by an intricately designed mask, revealing only a single piercing eye filled with disdain. His other hand idly peeled a blood-red fruit with a small, glinting blade causing juice to drip onto the floor. Before him knelt Drakos, Orlma, and Lyriss but in their real world forms. Their heads were bowed low and their expressions seemed tense. The oppressive silence in the room was broken only by the soft squelch of the fruit being peeled and Drakos''s trembling voice. "I¡ªIt wasn''t my fault, Cardinal," Drakos stammered. "The solo player¡­ he¡ªhe was too strong. He killed me¡ªagain. I couldn''t¡ª" The Cardinal raised a hand, silencing him instantly. His voice was calm, but it carried a sharp edge that made the three players shudder. "Drakos," he began with an almost mocking tone. "You are a level 50 player. A veteran of countless battles. And yet, you lost not just to one ''solo player'' but also to a group of low-level nobodies. Do you understand how¡­ incompetent you look right now?" Drakos lowered his head even further causing his forehead to touch the cold, damp floor. "I¡­ I apologize, Cardinal. Please, give me another chance. I¡ª" "You apologize?" the Cardinal interrupted with a hardened tone. "Do you think an apology can undo the humiliation you''ve brought upon this district? You failed to secure the Fruit of Sin, and you allowed the world to know of our presence. Apologies are useless." He turned his sharp gaze to Orlma and Lyriss, who knelt beside Drakos. Orlma''s hands were clenched tightly with a pale but composed face. Lyriss, however, couldn''t help but flinch when his attention shifted to her. "And you," the Cardinal continued, pointing the blade in Lyriss''s direction, "a trained assassin in the real world, defeated by some¡­ wannabe assassin." Lyriss dared to speak back but her voice was clearly strained. "Cardinal, his name is Aleman. He was¡ªhe was skilled, far more skilled than we anticipated. His¡ª" The Cardinal''s blade left his hand before she could finish. The sharp weapon spun through the air and buried itself in her left shoulder with a sickening squelch. "Ugh," Lyriss gasped in pain as blood drizzled out and stained her dark outfit. She bit her lip to stifle a scream. "Did I ask for his name?" the Cardinal''s voice was low but dangerous. "Do not pollute my ears with excuses or the names of useless people." Lyriss, trembling and clutching her bleeding shoulder, kept her head down, not daring to pull the blade out. Drakos and Orlma exchanged brief, worried glances but said nothing. The Cardinal took a bite of the fruit in his hand causing the juice to dribble down his chin. The room was silent except for the sound of his chewing. Then, without warning, he dropped the half-eaten fruit to the ground and rose to his feet. His tall, lean frame cast an imposing shadow across the room as he stepped forward. His boots clicked ominously against the stone floor the further he walked. Drakos instinctively bent lower to pick up the discarded fruit. Fwwhii~ The Cardinal''s boot connected with his face before his fingers could touch it, sending him sprawling backward. Blood sprayed from Drakos''s nose as he groaned in pain, clutching his face. "You disgust me," the Cardinal spat with a venomous tone. "I trusted you to deliver, Drakos. You were given power, resources, opportunities. And this is how you repay me? With failure?" He advanced on the fallen Drakos with slow steps that echoed ominously across the chamber. Drakos tried to scramble back, but the Cardinal reached him in an instant. His boot came down again, this time on Drakos''s ribs, eliciting a sickening crack. "Please! Cardinal!" Drakos gasped as blood dripped from his mouth. "Give me¡ªgive me one more¡ª" The Cardinal ignored his pleas, grabbing Drakos by the collar and hoisting him off the ground as though he weighed nothing. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. His masked face was inches from Drakos''s bloodied one as he spoke with a tone of contempt. "I hate incompetence more than anything. If you didn''t still have some use to me, I''d end your miserable existence right now." With that, he activated a strange ability. His fist glowed faintly as a dark aura surrounded it. In the next moment, he punched Drakos in the chest, sending him flying across the room. Drakos slammed into the stone wall with enough force to crack the surface, then crumpled to the ground in a heap. His breathing was shallow as his body turned into a mangled mess of blood and broken bones. The Cardinal dusted off his hands and turned his attention back to Orlma and Lyriss. "You two are just as pathetic. If you wish to avoid ending up like him, I suggest you find the Fruit of Sin." Orlma nodded stiffly with a pale but resolute look. Lyriss, still bleeding, managed to grit out a pained, "Yes, Cardinal." The Cardinal took a deep breath as his cold gaze swept over the three of them. "You will not fail me again. If you do, I promise you, the punishment will be far worse than this." He turned and strode back to his throne-like chair, picking up another fruit from a bowl beside him. As he resumed peeling it with the same nonchalance as before, the three players dragged themselves out of the room, battered and humiliated but determined not to fail a second time. ... ... Within a room downtown, a young man stood before a glass. The only illumination in the surroundings was coming from the pale glow of the city lights seeping through the wide window. This young man had long white hair cascading over his shoulders, shimmering faintly like moonlight. His nearly slit-like eyes carried an intensity that hinted at an unrelenting determination. In his hands was a black mask, designed to resemble the visage of a phantom. The static crackle of a police radio on the desk behind him interrupted the silence. "We have a 10-31, robbery in progress. Suspects confirmed to be supernatural players. Repeat, supernatural players involved." Kyle tightened his grip on the mask as his jaw clenched. The report was a call to action, one he couldn''t ignore. He pulled the window open, revealing the skyline of the city, with its glistening towers and the constant movement of life below. As he placed one foot on the window frame, a voice stopped him. "Kyle¡­ are you going out to risk your life again?" The voice was calm but carried an undertone of deep concern. Chapter 117 - 117: Kyles Conviction The sound of wheels rolling over the hardwood floor followed, and Kyle turned to see his older brother entering the room in a wheelchair. His brother, Ethan, had the same striking white hair but much shorter with streaks of gray that made him appear older than he was. His eyes, deep and weary, looked up at Kyle with a mixture of frustration and sadness. Kyle sighed and stepped down from the window with the mask still clutched in his hand. "You know why I do this, Ethan. They''re using supernatural abilities to hurt innocent people. I can''t just sit here. I stopped the Oni from bringing the fruit of sin to reality but they''re not the only bad supernatural players. There are others." Ethan''s brows furrowed as he maneuvered his wheelchair closer. The faint creak of its wheels filled the tense silence. "And who''s going to stop them when you''re gone? You think you''re invincible, but you''re not. You''ve already taken enough risks. Let someone else handle it... Like the cops." Kyle''s lips curled into a bitter smile. "Someone else? The cops can''t handle players from Ender''s Light who have gained supernatural abilities. You''ve seen what they can do, Ethan. They don''t stand a chance." Ethan reached out, grabbing Kyle''s wrist with surprising strength. "You''re going to end up like me, or worse. Do you want to end up in a hospital bed? Or in the ground?" Kyle''s eyes softened briefly upon hearing his brother''s words. But then his gaze shifted to Ethan''s legs, covered in a blanket, lifeless and unmoving. A flicker of pain crossed his face. "I can''t let what happened to you happen to someone else." Ethan''s grip on Kyle''s wrist tightened. "What happened to me wasn''t your fault. It wasn''t anyone''s fault. The supernatural player who did this is already paying the price, remember? You put him in the hospital for life. Isn''t that enough?" Kyle shook his head with a look of sadness. "The damage was already done, Ethan. Your legs¡­ they''re never coming back." He looked down at the floor as his fists trembled. "No one deserves to suffer like you did. And I''ll make sure no one does." Ethan released his wrist, leaning back in his wheelchair with a heavy sigh. "You''ve got a hero complex, Kyle. You think you''re going to save the world. But the world doesn''t want saving, and it doesn''t care what happens to you." Kyle ignored the remark and placed the mask over his face. It fit snugly, and the HUD inside lit up, scanning his surroundings and displaying a map of the city. He adjusted the straps as he stepped back toward the window. Ethan''s voice stopped him again. "Don''t forget, you still have someone here who cares about you. If you die out there, all you''ll do is add to the suffering... my suffering..." Kyle hesitated for a moment, gripping the window frame. Without turning around, he replied, "I know. That''s why I won''t die." And with that, he leapt out of the open window. The wind whipped past him as he plummeted toward the city below. Just thirty feet from reaching the ground, he landed on an invisible platform in mid-air. The platform was like a bouncy spring that propelled him forward with immense force, sending him soaring to the rooftop of a nearby skyscraper. He landed and barely paused before leaping again as if he had done this a hundred times before. Ethan rolled to the window, watching his younger brother vanish into the night. His hands gripped the armrests of his wheelchair tightly as he muttered to himself, "You better come back safe¡­" His voice wavered with uncertainty, but his eyes betrayed a sliver of hope. ... Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ... The following day August stood amidst the towering piles of wreckage in a secluded scrapyard. It had been a long and productive day and he logged out of the game hours ago. The scent of Metallic rust filled the air as the faint noise of distant machinery echoed around him. He steadied his breathing, flexing his fingers as he prepared to test his abilities further. His black helmet glinted under the harsh sunlight, and the HUD inside displayed his surroundings with precision. "Alright," he muttered to himself while crouching low. "Let''s see how far I can push Dash today." With a thought, he activated the skill. [ System Notification: Dash has been activated. ] The world slowed as the edges of his vision slightly blurred, and he took a step forward. The distance was crossed in a blink. He reappeared thirty feet ahead, next to a massive rusted truck as dust swirled around his boots due to the effect of his speed. A grin spread under his helmet. "Still got it." Although his dash was nerfed compared to in-game where he could cross over forty feet in an instant, this was still pretty good. He pivoted and repeated the process. Each use of Dash drained him a little more. After five consecutive activations, he came to a stop, bracing himself against a steel beam as sweat pooled on his brow. His energy was completely sapped, and his breaths came in short gasps. "That''s my limit," he muttered while straightening after a moment. "Five times¡­ not bad. But I''ll need to improve." Turning to a cluster of abandoned car frames, he raised his hand and activated Lightning Bolt. [ System Notification: Lightning Bolt activated. ] A crackling arc of blue electricity surged forward from his arm, striking the metal and sending sparks flying in every direction as a scrapped car got shoved forward from the hit. The smell of ozone filled the air as the beam left a scorched mark on the frame. He tested it again, hitting another target. By the third use, he dropped to his knee as his vision began to swim. "Damn¡­ three bolts and I feel like I''ve been hit by one myself." He sat on the ground, catching his breath. His exhaustion didn''t diminish the excitement thrumming in his chest. The abilities were real, and the power was exhilarating. --- Later in the afternoon, after recovering from his exertions, August sat at his desk, juggling calls and reviewing designs Lena had sent over for AM Coven. His phone buzzed constantly with updates, questions, and confirmations. He approved color schemes, discussed display layouts, and even coordinated a team to start setting up a lounge area for players. By the time he hung up the last call, the sky outside had begun to darken. "Time to suit up," he voiced before standing and walking toward his closet. He pulled on a finely tailored business outfit which was black with a long jacket that added an air of authority. The shoes were polished to perfection, and his gloves completed the look. He grabbed his helmet and slid it over his head causing the HUD to come to life instantly. "Showtime," his voice modulated into a deeper pitch by the helmet''s settings. Stepping outside, August activated Dash twice, each time covering large distances in a flash before coming to a halt in a quiet alley. He deactivated the skill and hailed a ride. As the car pulled up, the driver gave a curious glance at the helmet but didn''t ask questions. By the time August arrived at Faith Specialist Hospital, the evening was settling in. The hospital building was over twenty stories, all white and pristine. Its glass exterior reflected the dimming sunlight. Inside as August stood before it. Within his helmet, the HUD activated its recording mode, showing a clear digitalized feed of his surroundings. Without a word, he pushed through the sliding doors, entering the pristine white halls of the hospital. His presence immediately caused heads to turn. A tall figure clad in a tailored coat with his face completely obscured by an intimidating mask was bound to attract attention. The sterile air hummed with quiet whispers. A nurse at the front desk called out. "Excuse me, sir! Can I help you?" Chapter 118 - 118: The Showdown At Faith Specialist Hospital August didn''t respond. His stride was deliberate and unwavering as he made his way toward the ICU. The nurse, now alarmed, reached for her phone and alerted security. "There''s an unidentified individual heading for the ICU. He looks suspicious. Send security!" --- As August approached the heavy double doors leading to the ICU, a guard intercepted him. "Sir, I need you to stop right there and identify yourself!" Still, August ignored him, pushing through the doors effortlessly. His helmet''s digital view highlighted the way forward, pinpointing the specific operating room he was searching for. The guard followed after him while speaking with a more forceful tone. "Hey! I''m warning you! Stop now, or I''ll¡ª" August turned, barely breaking his stride. With a single shove of his gloved hand, the guard was sent flying backward. He crashed into a nearby gurney, skidding across the tiled floor before coming to a halt. The commotion had drawn attention, and more staff and guards were now converging on the ICU. The nurse from earlier gasped audibly, speaking hurriedly into the phone. "He''s assaulted a guard! Send backup, now!" --- Inside the operating room, a team of doctors and nurses were mid-surgery. Their hands were covered in blood as they worked to save a critically injured patient. The patient, a young man in his early twenties, had been in a devastating car accident. His abdomen was open, organs exposed, and the monitors displayed dangerously erratic vitals. "What the hell is going on out there?" one of the surgeons asked while glancing toward the door. The door burst open, and August strode in. His presence immediately dominated the room. The medical team froze as their expressions shifted from confusion to alarm. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Who are you? What are you doing here?" a nurse demanded. Ignoring the questions, August opened his inventory interface, invisible to everyone else in the room. With a thought, he selected a health potion. [ System Notification: Would you like to extract Health Potion? ] [ Yes ] [ No ] ''Yes!'' The faint shimmer of the extraction process materialized a red vial in his hand. He held it aloft as the liquid glowed faintly under the fluorescent lights. "What is that?" one of the doctors asked, stepping back cautiously. "You can''t be here!" another nurse exclaimed, moving toward him. Before anyone could act, August moved swiftly, bypassing the surgical instruments and monitors. He gently but firmly grabbed the patient''s head, tilting it back, and poured the entire contents of the vial down the man''s throat. "Stop! What are you doing?" one of the doctors shouted with a horrified look. At that moment, the guard August had shoved earlier burst into the room with a line of blood trickling from his forehead. "I said, stop!" He lunged toward August, but before he could make contact, August sidestepped and shoved him again. The guard was sent flying into a cabinet causing medical supplies to scatter everywhere. The remaining staff were too stunned to act as they turned their attention to the patient. The monitors flatlined for a moment, and everyone froze. Then, miraculously, the readings began to stabilize. The patient''s heart rate normalized as the erratic beeping smoothened into a steady rhythm. Before their eyes, the mangled tissues and exposed organs began to heal at an unnatural speed. Broken bones knitted together seamlessly, and ruptured veins reconnected. Every wound closed with no sign of scarring, as though the injuries had never existed. The medical team stood in silence as a look of disbelief appeared on their faces. The patient who was at death''s door a moment ago opened his eyes and looked around, groggy but alive. "What... what just happened?" one of the nurses whispered. August turned to the staff as his modulated voice rang out with a calm but authoritative tone. "You''ve just witnessed something that will redefine medicine. This patient seemed to be beyond saving, yet here he is. Alive, completely healed." A doctor stepped forward with his voice shaking. "What¡­ what was that vial? Who are you?" August glanced at the recording on his helmet''s HUD, ensuring every second had been captured. Then, he spoke. "Who I am is currently unimportant. What matters is that I can provide more of these." Before anyone could respond, the sound of more guards storming the hallway echoed. August stepped back toward the door. "This is just a demonstration," he voiced with an unwavering tone. "You''ll hear from me soon." With that, he activated Dash. [ System Notification: Dash Activated ] The world blurred as he disappeared from the room, leaving behind only stunned faces and a miraculous recovery no one could explain. ... The hospital was in turmoil. Nurses bustled down the hallways, whispering to each other about the masked man who had walked into the ICU as if he owned the place. In the surgery room, a group of surgeons stood frozen around the empty operating table where a patient¡ªwho should have been in critical condition for hours¡ªhad just walked out fully healed. Dr. Harris, the lead surgeon, leaned heavily against the counter as his surgical mask dangled loosely around his neck. "What the hell just happened?" he muttered while pushing his disheveled hair back. "Did we all see that, or am I losing it?" Nurse Carly, who had witnessed the entire thing, nodded vigorously. "He just... he just walked in, ignored everyone, and did that." "Yeah, and shoved me like I was a ragdoll," grumbled the guard who had tried to intercept August. His nose was slightly bruised, and his pride was in tatters. "We need to report this. Whoever he is, he''s dangerous." "Is he?" another nurse interjected. "Or did he just save someone we were struggling to help? Look, we should focus on what matters. The patient is completely healed. That''s... miraculous." The fuming guard raised his voice. "Miraculous or not, he assaulted me! He can''t just barge in here wearing some sci-fi helmet and act like he''s above the rules!" Before anyone could respond, a soft gasp drew their attention to the corner of the room. Nurse Jenna held up a small business card she had just found lying on the floor near the operating table. The card was black with silver embossed lettering, reading: AM Coven Where Miracles Become Reality Contact: [Details Provided] She turned it around, noting a faint, glowing emblem of a mask engraved on the back. Dr. Harris took the card from her hands and stared at it. "AM Coven? Never heard of it." He tapped the card against his palm thoughtfully. "He left this behind intentionally. I think... he wants us to know where to find him." "Or it''s a challenge," the guard muttered. "I say we call the cops. This guy is playing some kind of game, and we''re just pawns." Dr. Harris shook his head as his curiosity outweighed his skepticism. "No. Not yet. First, we need to figure out who he is and what this Coven is about." --- Meanwhile, August sat in his living room, helmet on, reviewing the footage he had recorded. The video captured everything from his perspective: his entrance into the ICU, the stunned reactions of the surgeons, and the miraculous healing of the patient. He played it back again, analyzing every moment. "Perfect," he murmured. "Organic, raw reactions. That''ll catch people''s attention." August took off the helmet, letting loose his greenish hair which was slightly damp with sweat. He plugged the helmet into his laptop and began editing the video for a clean upload. Adding just a hint of cinematic flair¡ªa slow-motion effect when the health potion worked its magic and a fade-out at the end¡ªhe ensured the footage would make a lasting impression. Satisfied, he uploaded the video to multiple online forums frequented by players of Enders Light and those curious about supernatural phenomena. The title read: "What Happens When Enders Light Becomes Reality? Watch a Miracle Unfold." He leaned back in his chair, exhaling. This wasn''t just an ad; it was a statement. The world would start to take notice of what he was building. --- Sophia peeked into the room just as August finished uploading the video. "Dinner''s ready," she called out cheerfully. August smiled, pushing his chair back and stretching. "Coming." The two sat at the table, enjoying a simple but warm meal of grilled chicken and mashed potatoes. Sophia was buzzing with excitement. "So, what crazy stuff were you up to today? You''ve been so secretive lately." August chuckled while cutting into his chicken. "Just... working on something big. Let''s just say you''re gonna see some interesting things soon." Sophia rolled her eyes playfully. "Mysterious as always." She paused for a moment as her expression turned more serious. "By the way, the school sent a message today. Parent-Teacher Meeting is coming up." August froze mid-bite. "Parent-Teacher Meeting?" "Yeah," she said, nodding. "They want you to come. I told them you''d be there." "Ahem," August coughed lightly while setting his fork down. "When is it?" "This Friday. Don''t worry, I''ll remind you." She smirked, adding, "It''ll be fun seeing you play the responsible adult role in front of my teachers." "Hey, I am a responsible adult," August shot back with a grin. "Sometimes." Sophia laughed. "Sure, Mr. Secret Project Guy. Just don''t embarrass me, okay?" "Embarrass you? Never." August raised his glass in a mock toast. "Here''s to responsible adulthood and not mortifying my little sister." They clinked their glasses and laughter filled the room as the struggles of the day momentarily lifted. Chapter 119 - 119: Dont Let Me Die Here Victor Whitford sat slumped in the metal chair with his wrists tightly bound to the armrests and the faint glimmer of sweat dripping from his brow. The concrete room around him was only lit by a single flickering bulb dangling from the ceiling. It reeked of mildew and desperation, a space void of hope. His eyes darted between the two masked figures standing before him¡ªthe fox-masked woman, clad in a flowing Asian robe, and the towering man wearing a demon mask. His muscular frame resembled a silent executioner. Victor''s voice cracked, but he tried to sound defiant. "Do you idiots even know who I am? My father is Victor Whitford Sr.. One of the richest industrialists in the damn city! If you think you can keep me here forever, you''re cooked! The cops are probably already breathing down your necks. You''re going to regret this!" The demon-masked man let out a low, guttural chuckle before it rose into a deranged laugh that reverberated off the walls. "Regret?" His voice was deep, mocking, dripping with sadistic amusement. "Kid, you''ve been here three weeks, and no one''s found a trace of you. If they haven''t yet, they never will." Victor''s face fell as his earlier bravado began to crack. "W-what are you talking about? My father will¡ª" "Your father won''t save you," the man cut in as his tone grew colder. "The Oni are untouchable. Even if they find you, all they''ll get is your corpse." Victor''s blood ran cold at those words. His mouth opened to respond, but nothing came out. The fox-masked woman, standing with her hands folded within her robe sleeves, finally spoke. Her tone was casual but devoid of warmth, like a teacher tired of repeating herself. "We don''t need your father. We need Aleman." Her sharp gaze burned through the mask. "You will schedule a meet-up with him again. He trusts you¡ªor so you said." Victor''s anger surged back as he yelled, "I tried! I called him a dozen times! He doesn''t care! He¡ªhe''s busy! I can''t force him to meet me if he doesn''t want to!" The tall man growled impatiently, cracking his knuckles. "Then try harder before you''re no longer useful to us." He leaned in close as his voice turned into a menacing whisper. "You know what happens when you''re no longer useful, don''t you?" Victor''s eyes widened. He tried to pull back, but the restraints kept him in place. His voice faltered. "Y-you can''t do this to me¡­" Fox tilted her head slightly. "Do as we ask, Victor. If we have to find Aleman ourselves, you''ll serve no further purpose to us." She turned on her heel as her robe swished elegantly while she walked toward the metal door. The tall man followed her with heavy steps that echoed like a death toll. Victor watched them leave with the sound of the door locking behind them sealing his fate. He sat there, panting in panic as his chest grew tighter. He glanced at the old, cracked phone they had tossed onto the table earlier. His hands trembled as he reached for it, barely able to hold it steady. His heart pounded as he dialed the number. Ring... Ring... The phone rang endlessly, making every moment feel as though it was stretching into an eternity. Victor''s throat tightened. "Come on, pick up..." he muttered desperately. On the other end, it went to voicemail. Victor slammed the phone onto the table. "Dammit!" He rubbed his hands across his face, feeling immensely frustrated. But he knew what he had to do. He redialed, his voice shaking as he left a message. "Aleman! It''s Victor! Please, man, you gotta call me back. It''s urgent! I¡ªI need to talk to you. I have something for you¡ªjust meet me, alright? Please!" Victor hung up, staring at the phone screen as if it held his only salvation. His voice dropped to a whisper. "Please¡­ don''t let me die here." ... ... It had already been two days since August posted the video online, and it was blowing up across forums and social media platforms. Everywhere he looked, people were discussing it. Gamers, skeptics, and curious minds alike were caught in a frenzy. Some Enders Light players speculated that the liquid August used was a health potion, recognizing its iconic red glow. But skepticism ran just as high. Many argued that retrieving items like health potions into reality was impossible unless they were legendary-graded or carried the rare Retrieve to Reality function. "Impossible. Potions don''t have that ability. It''s either a hoax or a high-tier player messing around." "That thing saved a dying man on an operating table! Can a hoax do that?!" "It''s Enders Light, man. Anything can happen these days." "It''s gotta be a player. Who else would wear something that badass in real life?" Theories spiraled as debates raged on. Who was this mystery man with the sci-fi helmet? Meanwhile, the person August had saved ¨C whose life had quite literally been restored in seconds ¨C became an unexpected voice in the chaos. The patient appeared in interviews and wrote posts online with high enthusiasm. "I don''t care who he is or where he came from ¨C he saved my life! Seven hours of surgery? I might have never made it. But this man did something miraculous. If you''re watching this, whoever you are, thank you. I owe you my life!" Not everyone shared this sentiment. Rumors spread that the hospital administration was considering pressing charges against August for "unauthorized entry" and "interfering with a medical procedure." But the saved man publicly opposed it. "If they try anything against him, they''ll have me to deal with," he said in a video post. "He saved me. Period." August scrolled through the forums, silently watching everything unfold. A faint smile appeared on his face as he leaned back in his chair, satisfied. Everything had gone just as planned. AM Coven would soon be the talk of the town. This was exactly the kind of attention he needed. Still, he thought about what came next. "Alright, AM Coven is going to work out¡­ but man, I need a car. I can''t keep riding buses like this." August grabbed his phone and opened a car sales website, scrolling through listings for second-hand vehicles. The models and prices ranged wildly ¨C some he couldn''t justify even with the money he had, others were too old or unreliable. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As he debated between a sedan and a more modest compact sports car, a sudden notification chimed on his phone. [1 Unheard Voicemail] He frowned slightly. "Voicemail?" He rarely got voicemails, let alone missed calls worth checking. He proceeded to tap the play button. The voice that came through made his brows knit together in confusion. It was Victor Whitford. "I need to talk to you. Please call me back, it''s urgent¡­ Please don''t let me die here¡­" August froze. Victor''s voice trembled. The fear was unmistakable in his tone. There was no cocky bravado, no smugness, just raw desperation. "¡­Don''t let me die here." The line went dead. August lowered the phone slowly as a myriad of thoughts ran through his mind. Victor sounded terrified ¨C truly terrified. It wasn''t just some rich kid prank or a ploy. Something was seriously wrong. And why did he sound like he was begging for August''s help? "¡­What the hell is going on?" August murmured under his breath. Chapter 120 - 120: Chatting With Victor "Victor¡­ What the hell are you involved in?" August muttered as his fingers tapped against the desk rhythmically. Sophia''s voice broke his thoughts. "August? You''re zoning out again. What''s wrong?" August glanced over his shoulder to see Sophia standing by the door with a curious look on her face. Her green hair was slightly messy. "It''s nothing serious, Soph. Just work-related stuff." Sophia frowned. "Work-related? You''re in full-on brooding mode." She walked closer and peeked over his shoulder at his phone. "What is that? A voicemail? Who''s Victor?" August sighed while brushing her off gently. "Someone I did some business with. Seems like he''s in trouble." "Business? You mean Enders stuff?" Sophia''s eyes narrowed suspiciously, crossing her arms. "You''re not getting dragged into anything dangerous, are you?" August waved a hand nonchalantly. "No, of course not. Don''t worry about it." His tone was dismissive, but his mind was already racing. Sophia huffed. "Fine. But if you''re sneaking off to some shady place..." August chuckled faintly. "Sophia, I''m the least shady person you know." He stood up before walking over to his window to stare out at the dim evening light that blanketed the city. "Just be careful," Sophia said suspiciously before turning around to leave. --- August sat back at his desk again, debating his next move. "Do I call him back?" he asked aloud, as if the walls would give him an answer. On one hand, Victor had been pestering him to meet so he could purchase another Enders item. His desperation then had seemed odd, but August brushed it off. Now, with the voicemail''s ominous tone, it was clear there was something much deeper going on. Finally, August grabbed his phone and dialed the number that called him earlier. It rang three times before a shaky voice answered. "_Aleman?!_" August''s grip on the phone tightened at the sound of Victor''s voice. It was hoarse, panicked. "Victor, what the hell is going on? I got your message. What''s all this about?" "You finally called back¡ªlisten, listen to me!" Victor''s words were spilling out fast with heavy breaths that seemed as if he''d been running. "They''re going to kill me, man! They''re serious this time! You need to help me!" August frowned. "Slow down. Who''s going to kill you? Where the hell are you?" Victor''s voice cracked. "The Oni! The bad players with supernatural abilities! I don''t know where I am; they blindfolded me and dragged me here. They wanted me to set up a meeting with you, and¡ª" "Wait." August cut him off with a sharp tone. "You''re telling me they are holding you hostage because of me?" "Yes!" Victor practically wailed. "They want to get to you for some reason and they used me due to our past business transaction... And if you don''t show up¡­ they''ll kill me! You''ve got to meet them! Please¡ªplease help me!" August''s blood ran cold, but he forced himself to stay calm. He leaned back in his chair, trying to process the chaos. "Victor, you should''ve never involved me in this shit," he said with a low voice. "Why the hell did you tell them about me?" "I didn''t tell them about you... They already knew you. It looks like they''ve been after you for a while..." Victor was sobbing now. "They are going to kill me! Please, Aleman, you''re the only one who can help me¡­" August pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling slowly. The Oni. That name alone sent a shiver through him. They weren''t just players in Enders Light¡ªthey were an organized, ruthless group in reality who mostly possessed supernatural abilities. "Victor," August said coldly. "Where are they expecting me to meet them?" "I don''t know the exact place," Victor whimpered with a weak voice. "But they said they''d call you. They want you to come to them. Please, man, don''t leave me here. I swear, I''ll do anything¡ªjust don''t let me die!" August''s eyes turned cold. "Fine. If they call me, I''ll deal with it." "Thank you. Thank you, Aleman. Please¡­" August hung up without another word, tossing his phone onto the desk. The situation was quite serious but he wasn''t entirely willing to put himself in harm''s way over Victor. He thought about ways he could help but also silently decided that if he had to choose between himself and Victor he certainly would choose himself. But thinking about it now, a rising anger surged within August''s chest. ''If this can happen to Victor then it can happen to any of my customers... The existence of the Oni threatens my business. I must do something about it.'' --- August sat back at his desk, staring at the dim glow of his computer screen. ''The Oni are after me.'' Victor was caught in their web, and it was all because of him. August''s hand hovered over his helmet. He needed to plan, and he needed to act. The Oni were dangerous, but he didn''t create an entire business enterprise worth hundreds of millions by being gentle. In the right situation, he could be dangerous too... Extremely dangerous... "Time to play this game my way." ... ... ... The scene outside Faith Specialist Hospital was pure chaos. Cars were parked haphazardly along the road, blocking every lane, with crowds of people swarming toward the entrance. Some were holding up photos of their loved ones, others were crying, shouting, or begging the guards. The hospital''s security team stood shoulder to shoulder in front of the entrance, refusing to let any more people through. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Please! You don''t understand, my mother is dying!" a man yelled before shoving a piece of paper in one of the guard''s faces. "I''m sorry, sir," the guard said firmly. "No one is allowed in unless you have a valid appointment or a patient already admitted." A woman cradled a sick child in her arms. "Just let us speak to the man! He can save my baby!" The guards stood their ground, even as tensions escalated. Derrick stood a distance away with his hands shoved deep into the pockets of his worn jacket. His eyes narrowed as he scanned the scene. ''This isn''t good¡­'' He pushed his way through the crowd, ignoring the elbows and shoulders bumping into him. As he approached the guards, they braced themselves, assuming he was just another desperate soul. "Hey, I''m not here to cause trouble," Derrick started while holding his hands up. "My wife is admitted here. Tara Derrickson? Room 217." One of the guards exchanged glances with his colleague before checking a list on his tablet. After a moment, the guard gave a curt nod. "Go in, but don''t cause any issues." Derrick exhaled a sigh of relief as the gates parted for him. Once inside, the chaos of the hospital lobby was even worse. The sounds of crying children, anxious shouting, and ringing phones echoed off the walls. Doctors and nurses rushed past in frustration while security personnel tried to calm the shouting patients. "Where is he?! Where''s the man from the video?!" a man yelled while slamming his fist against the reception desk. "I told you, sir, we don''t have any information about him," the receptionist''s voice cracked under pressure as she replied. "He saved that man''s life! He can save my brother, too!" ########### Merry Christmas Everyone. Wishing you all a lovely Christmas. Would be nice to get a castle as a Christmas present. An author can only dream. Chapter 121 - 121: Three Days Derrick weaved through the throngs of people inside. Nurses were overwhelmed as they fielded questions, with some nearly in tears. One doctor stormed down the hallway, shouting into a radio. "We need backup here! I don''t care what it takes, just get more security!" Derrick gritted his teeth as he heard a woman''s voice rise in desperation. "I''ll pay any price, anything! Just tell me where he is!" It was clear that everyone who had seen the viral video had flocked here for the same reason as Derrick. But they weren''t his concern. ''Tara¡­ she''s my priority. I need to find this man so he can help my Tara...'' He pushed forward to the reception desk. The woman behind it was pale and visibly shaken with her hair disheveled. She was arguing with someone when Derrick interrupted. "Excuse me, ma''am," Derrick said. His voice, though rough, had a calm steadiness to it. "I need to speak with someone in charge here. Please." "Sir, if this is about¡ª" "It''s not about the video," Derrick cut in firmly. "I just need information on my wife. Tara Derrickson. Please." The receptionist, relieved that someone wasn''t yelling at her about him, quickly typed the name into her system. "She''s stable... You can see the doctor for more recent analysis." Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Derrick let out a shaky breath and nodded. "Thank you." Before he could step away, he looked around the lobby one last time. People were seated along the floor, leaning against walls, or pacing anxiously. It wasn''t just a hospital anymore¡ªit looked like a war zone. A hushed voice caught Derrick''s ear as he turned to leave. Two nurses were talking near the hallway entrance. "Do you think he''ll come back?" one asked nervously. "That man with the helmet¡­" "I don''t know, but if he does, it''s going to get worse. Did you see how everyone is losing their minds over him?" Derrick''s steps faltered. ''They don''t know where he is either¡­'' He clenched his fists. "But I''ll find him," he muttered under his breath. A doctor brushed past him, arguing with another colleague. "We can''t keep hiding that business card forever. Someone''s going to leak it." "What business card?" Derrick murmured aloud to himself. One of the nurses overheard and shot him a cautious glance. "Nothing, sir. It''s nothing." She turned away too quickly. ''There''s a business card... I have to get it...'' Derrick pretended to be heading back but he followed the nurse. After reaching a particular area in the hospital, Derrick stood by the corner of the hallway as he strained to overhear a pair of nurses talking near the nurse''s station. "Dr. Lowell still hasn''t decided what to do about that card," one nurse said quietly, glancing around as though she feared someone would overhear. "You know the one, from the guy in the helmet. AM Coven or whatever." Derrick''s ears perked up. ''AM Coven? That had to be it.'' He quietly slipped away and made his way to Dr. Lowell''s office, waiting for the doctor to leave. Minutes later, the senior doctor left to attend a meeting, giving Derrick his chance. He slipped into the office when no one was looking and closed the door behind him. The place reeked of antiseptic, and papers were stacked neatly on the large mahogany desk. Derrick''s eyes darted around until they landed on a corner of the desk¡ªa small white card lay there, partially hidden under a folder. ''AM Coven.'' "Gotcha," he whispered while grabbing the card. Before he could turn back to leave, the door burst open. "Hey! What are you doing here?!" a nurse''s voice rang out, sharp and accusatory. Derrick froze as his hand instinctively tightened around the card. He turned to face her with guilt and desperation plastered across his face. The nurse''s eyes widened in disbelief, and before he could explain himself, she bolted from the doorway, shouting, "Security! Get over here! He''s stealing from the doctor''s office!" Chaos erupted as footsteps approached. In seconds, two security guards barreled into the room with stern faces. "What the hell are you doing?" one guard barked, grabbing Derrick roughly by the arm. "I¡ªthis is a mistake! I wasn''t stealing anything! Please, you don''t understand¡ª my wife is sick, I need this card..." Derrick protested, trying to wrench free. "Oh, we understand perfectly," the other guard cut in. "You''re trespassing, and we''ll have you and your wife out of here in no time if you don''t start cooperating." "No!" Derrick''s voice cracked. "You can''t kick us out¡ªmy wife¡­ she''s in critical condition! She needs this place!" The nurse crossed her arms while responding with an icy tone. "Then hand over the card you stole." Derrick''s shoulders slumped in defeat. Reluctantly, he reached into his pocket and pulled out the AM Coven card. "I was just trying to¡ª" "I don''t want to hear it," the nurse snapped before snatching the card from his hand. "If you ever pull something like this again, we won''t hesitate to throw you both out." Derrick stood there, defeated, as the guards released him and escorted him out of the office. His chest ached with frustration and helplessness as he returned to his wife''s ward. Sitting by her side, he took her cold hand in his trembling fingers, whispering, "I''ll find a way, Tara¡­ I swear I will." --- Meanwhile at August''s place... August sat at his desk with his helmet resting nearby as the faint glow of his digital interface reflected in his green eyes. His phone buzzed in his hand, and he picked up, answering the unfamiliar number. A chilling voice came through. "Finally," Fox''s smooth, mocking voice echoed through the line. "I was starting to think we''d never get to talk, Aleman. All we''ve always wanted to do was talk.." August''s expression turned cold instantly. His voice dropped. "You''re holding my esteemed customer against his will, jeopardizing his life. Which, by extension, jeopardizes my business. Is this how you try to hold conversations with people? By kidnapping innocents?" Fox''s tone remained nonchalant. "We needed a way to get your attention. It worked." August leaned back as his fingers tapped his desk rhythmically. "So this is how you negotiate. Disgraceful. I hope you know the damage you''re causing¡ªVictor''s father won''t sit quietly for much longer." "And yet, here you are," Fox countered smoothly. "Talking to us. Clearly, our methods are effective." "You''re mistaken if you think I''ll meet you on your terms," August snapped. "Release Victor immediately." Fox''s laughter on the other end was soft and almost mocking. "You''re in no position to make demands. If we wanted to end him, we already would have. But you''re of potential value to us, Aleman. So this is simple: meet with us, or your customer won''t get another sunrise." There was a long pause. August''s knuckles whitened as he gripped the phone. "You must think you''re holding all the cards," August said coldly. "But let me remind you of something¡ª I have no affiliations to Victor so in this case you need me far more than I need you. I am no hero so I could simply decide to be unbothered about this. I have other customers after all. However, the longer you keep Victor, the worse my impression of you becomes. Will you lots keep making desperate moves just to get me? Pitiful." Fox''s tone lost some of its smoothness. "You''ll regret saying that." August let out a humorless chuckle. "Try me." The line went silent for a moment before Fox replied with a sharp tone. "You have three days. If you don''t meet us by then, Victor is dead. Choose wisely." The call ended with a sharp click, and August set his phone down. He stared at his helmet for a long moment before whispering to himself, "Three days¡­ Fine. Let''s play." Chapter 122 - 122: A Risky Adventure August paced in his apartment with the helmet in his hands gleaming faintly under the ceiling light. It had been two days since his last call with Fox, the cold-voiced member of the Oni. He hadn''t expected her to call back so soon after their cryptic threat, but she did. The voice message Victor had left echoed in his head: "Please don''t let me die here." That plea haunted him as he prepared himself for what would likely be a dangerous encounter. ''He''s just a kid... Besides... This might be my riskiest venture yet.'' One thing August knew for certain was that he couldn''t afford to be caught off guard. The Oni members were undoubtedly supernatural players, which gave them a significant advantage in any confrontation. But August had made his own preparations. For the past two days, he''d been gathering items in Enders Light and practicing the application of his extracted abilities in the real world. He opened his player interface and reviewed the items he''d specifically purchased for this encounter: - Smoke Bombs ¨C Ideal for creating chaos and vanishing without a trace. - Paralyzing Darts ¨C Small and deadly... these darts could incapacitate even the most agile target. - Kunai Blades ¨C Lightweight and perfect for throwing or close combat. - A Flaming Sword ¨C Though he wasn''t proficient with swords in the game, this weapon wasn''t meant for Enders Light. He intended to use it in the real world. August touched the interface and extracted each item, watching as they materialized one by one. The smoke bombs were small but dense, fitting perfectly into the palm of his hand. The kunai gleamed wickedly, their edges sharp enough to slice through flesh like butter. The flaming sword was heavier than expected, but its hilt fit comfortably in his grip. When he pressed a hidden switch, the blade erupted into flames, casting an orange glow across his apartment. Next, he retrieved the Cloak of Echoes, a treasured item from his inventory. The cloak shimmered as it unfurled. Its fabric rippled like a liquid shadow. He threw it over his outfit, letting the edges of the cloak blend seamlessly with the surroundings. Lastly, he donned his helmet, the final piece of his ensemble. Once fully geared, he activated the helmet''s video recording function, ensuring that everything would be documented. The Oni had warned him not to try anything foolish. Victor''s life hung in the balance, and they made it clear that one misstep would result in his immediate execution. August had agreed to their terms, feigning compliance. But he wasn''t about to walk into a trap blindly. The meeting was set for 8 PM in a quiet coffee shop located in a secluded district. The location itself was suspicious; it provided multiple vantage points for an ambush. August decided to arrive early but not at the shop itself. Instead, he positioned himself on the rooftop of a building across the street, using a specialized Long-Eye function in his helmet. The function allowed him to zoom in and observe the scene with unparalleled clarity. Through the lens, he spotted them. Two figures sat inside the coffee shop, both clad in casual attire but radiating a distinct air of menace. One was Fox, her signature robe absent but her sly, cold demeanor unmistakable with a mask on her face. The other was the tall man who''d been present during Victor''s abduction. His large frame made the chair he occupied seem almost comically small. August''s face sank under the helmet when he realized Victor wasn''t with them. ''Where is he?'' He scanned the surrounding area meticulously but found no sign of the captive. They''d lied. Despite the situation, August forced himself to remain calm. August''s helmet-advanced auditory sensors amplified the voices below. "How much longer do we keep the kid alive?" the demon-masked man growled in impatience. Fox turned her head slightly. "Until Aleman shows. No one will find him here; we''ve hidden him well." The demon-masked man chuckled darkly. "I still say we should''ve just killed him outright. This waiting game is tedious." Fox tilted her head toward him as she repsonded with a warning tone. "We need bait, and he''s the perfect one. Once Aleman comes into the picture, things will be settled." August''s heard them and immediately understood that Victor was probably somewhere in the vicinity. "Who did you pick to guard Victor?" Fox questioned. The demon-masked man responded. "Three of our best. Even if someone suspects, they won''t get past them." Fox let out a satisfied hum. "Good. Make sure everything is in order. The last thing we need is another botched operation." The conversation confirmed August''s suspicions. Victor was somewhere nearby, hidden and probably guarded by a few Oni members. August''s helmet visuals immediately began scanning the surroundings. The advanced tech allowed him to assess nearby buildings and even cars parked by the roadside, looking for anomalies. The enhanced interface marked several points of interest¡ªcars parked haphazardly, a warehouse with no activity, and a few dimly lit houses. August toggled through the options, frustration brewing as nothing seemed to stand out. "Where are you, Whitford?" he muttered under his breath. A black van parked a street away suddenly caught his eye. It wasn''t just the vehicle itself; it was how it was parked¡ªtucked into the shadows with its engine running. August''s instincts screamed that this was it. He turned around and jumped off the rooftop. When he was a few feet away from reaching the ground, the cloak of echoes suddenly absorbed the air around him, flapping slowly before suspending him in mid-air. The hover function had activated and allowed August to land slowly which prevented him from losing his legs. Afterward, he instantly activated Dash. [ Dash Has Been Activated ] The world blurred briefly, and within moments, he was beside the van. A sharp, almost inaudible hum came from the engine. August reached for the rear doors, but they were locked tight. "Well, we''re doing this the loud way." August pulled his sword from his inventory. The blade gleamed even in the dim alley light. In the next moment, he slashed forward causing the sound of metal tearing apart to split the air as a tongue of sharp flames followed the blade. The van''s doors peeled open like a tin can, leaving a fiery blazing red on their edges. Inside, a stretcher-like contraption held a figure bound tightly. Their head was covered with a cloth. "Victor!" August yelled but before he could step in, movement caught his peripheral vision. Two figures darted out from the shadows within the van. Their speed was far beyond human capability. One was male, stocky and tall, while the other was a lithe, agile female. Both wore Oni masks¡ªtraditional, demonic, and terrifying¡ª The male''s fists crackled with energy, while the female''s hands glowed with a faint blue light that left scorch marks on the van''s metal walls. "You must be Aleman," the male sneered. His voice was distorted, and his stance screamed confidence. "Let''s hope you survive long enough for our bosses to speak to you." August didn''t respond. Instead, he activated Dash. His vision narrowed as the world slowed. He evaded the male''s glowing fist by a hair''s breadth, appearing behind him in an instant and slashing with the flaming blade he had prepared earlier. The strike left brutal gashes across the man''s torso as flames licked his body, causing him to cry out in agony. "Ahh! What the hell?!" Tori was now more cautious. She circled August, observing his movements, then suddenly launched a barrage of glowing, spinning projectiles. August evaded with another Dash as his flaming blade carved through one of the projectiles in midair. However, one spun back around and grazed his shoulder, sending a sharp jolt of pain through his body. Tori smirked. "So you''re not invincible after all." The fight escalated as Zach, the male Oni member, gritted his teeth and unleashed an item retrieved from the game. It was a compact device that glowed ominously in his hands, and when activated, it released a pulse of energy that sent shockwaves through the air. August barely had time to react before he was hit by the pulse of energy. His entire figure was lifted off the ground and sent crashing into a nearby building. Fortunately, no one was in this building or it would have caused a huge ruckus. "Ugh..." August groaned as he forcefully pushed himself up. His joints felt like jelly as he struggled to step forward, fighting the internal disorientation. Up ahead, the two Oni members had the device pointed at him once more, ready to fire. "I can''t let that thing hit me again..." August instantly activated Dash once more, closing the distance between them, and placed his hand on the device. His fingers glowed purple as he activated his Extraction ability. The powerful item, which was likely worth hundreds of millions, began to disassemble before their very eyes. Its components fell apart as if undone at a molecular level. "What¡ª!" Zach shouted in disbelief as the device disintegrated in his hands. Before he could recover, August delivered a powerful punch to his gut, sending him flying across the lot and slamming his head into a concrete barrier. August then turned his attention to Tori, who had leaped into the air to avoid a similar fate. Her movements were swift, but August was faster. He shot one of his tranquilizer darts, which struck her in the shoulder. She staggered midair and collapsed to the ground, unconscious. August stepped into the van, breathing heavily as he pulled back the large cloth covering the figure strapped to the stretcher-like seat. His heart pounded in anticipation, but when the face beneath the straps came into view, it wasn''t Victor. "What the hell¡­?" August muttered, confused. Before he could react, the figure broke through the restraints with unnatural strength and grabbed him by the neck. The grip was like iron, pinning him against the van''s interior wall. August struggled, but the figure didn''t budge. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "You walked right into it," a cold, familiar voice said from behind him. Chapter 123 - 123: You Think You Have Me? Fox emerged from the shadows with her fox mask glinting under the moonlight. Her graceful, kimono-clad figure exuded a calm yet sinister aura. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Beside her, the demon-masked man stepped out with his large frame covering them both "Hello, Aleman," Fox greeted with a chilling and nonchalant tone. "We finally meet." August gritted his teeth, struggling against the grip of the decoy. He shifted his focus to Fox. "So, this is how you operate? Sending your lackeys to do your dirty work?" Fox tilted her head with a look of amusement in her eyes. "Tori and Zach served their purpose. Now you serve yours." "We''ve been waiting for this moment for quite some time." August tried to break free, but the scarred man''s grip was unyielding. The demon-masked man chuckled deeply. "You''ve been a hard one to track down," he said. "But here you are. Right where we want you." Fox stepped closer. Her piercing eyes locked onto August''s visor. "You''ve caused us quite the trouble," she continued. "But don''t worry, Aleman. This is where it ends. You''re going to help us whether you like it or not." The scarred man tightened his grip, and August felt his strength waning. "What do you want?" Fox''s unnerving calmness made her the most dangerous of the trio. "What do we want?" she repeated August''s question, her tone almost playful. "We''ve noticed something extraordinary about you, Aleman. You''ve been selling items that don''t have the retrieve-to-reality function. Items that shouldn''t exist outside of Enders Light." August remained silent. His helmet concealed his expression. He felt her next words would be dangerously close to the truth. Fox tilted her head while smirking under the mask. "That silence confirms it. You can extract anything from Enders Light, can''t you?" "I don''t know what you''re talking about," August responded with a voice modulated by his helmet. The brute holding him tightened his grip, causing August to wince slightly. "Enough games," Fox stated. "We want you to join the Oni. Someone with your ability would be invaluable to us." "I''m not interested," August said firmly. "I''m a businessman, not a terrorist." Fox''s calm demeanor began to crack as her voice turned cold. "Think carefully, Aleman. You have no idea what you''re refusing. The Oni are more than a group¡ªwe are the future pioneers of this world. Refuse us, and you''ll find yourself with nowhere to run. We have you already so it''s up to you to either agree to be one of us willingly or unwillingly..." August smirked beneath his helmet. "You think you have me? Think again." At that moment, a dozen brilliant torchlights flickered on, illuminating the entire alley. Shouts echoed from all directions, and Fox''s group turned sharply to see they were surrounded by law enforcement officers. "Oni terrorists! You are surrounded! Drop your weapons and surrender!" a commanding voice bellowed. The officers emerged from every conceivable hiding place¡ªrooftops, alleyways, flowerbeds, and nearby buildings. Their weapons were trained on the Oni members as their presence overwhelmed the place. The brute released his grip on August, and he fell forward slightly before catching his balance. He stepped away from the brute, brushing off his cloak with deliberate nonchalance. Fox''s eyes darted around, assessing the situation. Her shadowy abilities flickered faintly at her fingertips as she calculated her next move. The brute growled lowly, while the demon-masked Oni member stood quietly in place. His demeanor remained unbothered. Fox glanced back at August as her calm exterior wanned a bit. "You... planned this?" "Let''s just say," August adjusted his helmet, "you''re not the only ones who know how to strategize." --- (Two Days Earlier) In the luxurious Whitford estate, August sat across from Victor Whitford''s father, a blue-eyed man whose presence radiated power and authority. August had his Aleman outfit on so his face wasn''t visible. The plush office reeked of wealth, with mahogany furniture, gold accents, and the soft sound of air conditioning. "You''re telling me my son is being held by the Oni?" Mr. Whitford questioned with a cold tone, masking a storm of emotions. "Yes," August responded firmly. "Victor has been trying to contact me for weeks. When I finally listened to his voicemail, I realized the situation was dire." Mr. Whitford''s jaw tightened. "Why would they abduct him?" "They want me," August admitted. "and they''re using your son as leverage to lure me out." "And you''re willing to help my son?" Mr. Whitford''s gaze narrowed as he asked. August leaned forward. "I don''t appreciate being strong-armed, and I''m not about to let my customer suffer because of me. I have a plan, but I''ll need your resources and connections to pull it off." Mr. Whitford stared at August for a long moment before nodding. "What do you need?" --- (Back in the Alley) "Last chance!" the commanding officer shouted. "Surrender and get on your knees!" The officers stood ready, their weapons trained on the dark van parked in the dimly lit alley. The large man who was initially strapped to the stretcher, slowly stepped out, holding August by the throat like a ragdoll. August gasped for air as his feet dangled while he was brought into the open. Fox stood beside the van with the demon-masked man standing behind her as her sharp eyes darted between the officers and her allies. She whispered hurriedly to the demon-masked man. "We retreat. Now," she hissed. The demon-masked man growled lowly as his eyes suddenly emitted a green glow like an otherworldly flame. Meanwhile, the large man holding August smirked. Without a word, he hurled August several feet through the air. August crashed onto the pavement, rolling until he stopped near the line of officers. "Open fire!" shouted the commanding officer. The officers unleashed a hail of bullets as Fox and the demon-masked man turned to flee. The demon-masked man stepped in front of Fox with his body undergoing a strange transformation. Greenish scales phased out of his back, neck, and head. The bullets ricocheted off him like pebbles against steel upon collision. He suddenly turned around and sent a punch hurling at the wall on the other end. It instantly blasted open and Fox charged forward, through the hole created. The lights were initially a problem since her supernatural abilities were shadow-related but now that she was in a building, she had enough shadow to work with. Fox smirked as her hands moved gracefully while she began summoning a sea of shadows beneath her feet. The darkness expanded, writhing like living tendrils. "Buy me time," she ordered. The demon-masked man nodded as his towering figure continued shielding her from harm. Behind them, the large man stumbled to follow lumbering slowly, as he approached the hole blasted into the wall. However, before they could fully escape, a bright flash illuminated the alley. "Not so fast!" August yelled before firing a lightning bolt directly at the large man. The bolt struck with precision, lighting up the darkness as it slammed into the large man sending him flying through the hole. He roared in pain as his body convulsed while the electrical surge coursed through him. His left arm was torn from his body as he rammed into the ground. He fell unconscious immediately. Fox froze momentarily as her shadow ability was disrupted by the flash of lightning. "We gotta go!" she snapped at the demon-masked man upon noticing that the officers were closing in fast. The demon-masked man snarled. He turned to face August who was also approaching. "You''re becoming a nuisance, Aleman." He lunged at August with his scaled fist smashing into the ground where August had been standing a moment ago. Using Dash, August evaded the attack, the ability allowing him to move in a blur of speed. "Even my grandma can move faster than that... And guess what? She''s dead," August taunted before firing another lightning bolt. The bolt struck the demon-masked man directly in the chest, cracking the surface of his scales. He staggered briefly but regained his balance as his eyes narrowed. "You''ll regret that," the demon-masked man growled before charging forward. August summoned the fiery sword he had acquired initially. Its blade ignited with a bright, searing flame as he prepared to clash with the demon-masked man. The two clashed causing the sound of metal striking scales echoing through the alley. The demon-masked man''s strength was immense. Each blow forced August to sidestep or block with all his might. Meanwhile, Fox had managed to get far ahead and extended her hands again in a dark environment. Shadows began to crawl around her as she activated her ability. "She''s trying to escape!" one of the officers shouted. "I''ve got her!" August yelled, activating Dash again to close the distance between him and Fox. Before he could reach her, the demon-masked man intercepted him, swinging a heavy-scaled arm. August ducked just in time as the force of the swing grazed the top of his helmet. "Stay out of my way!" August growled before slashing upward with the fiery sword. The blade connected, shattering the demon-masked man''s weakened scales. The demon-masked man roared, stumbling backward as flames engulfed his chest. He dropped to his knees while screaming in agony. "Arrgghh!!" Chapter 124 - 124: More Publicity August proceeded to kick the demon-masked man in the chest, sending him sliding across the ground. The officers instantly grabbed him and put him in cuffs. Up ahead Fox let out a frustrated hiss. "You''ll regret this," she muttered with a chilling echo as she melted into the shadows. The officers arrived at the spot where she vanished but there was no trace of her. August deactivated his fiery sword, standing amidst the chaos with his helmet gleaming in the faint light. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Secure the area," the commanding officer barked to his team, but his gaze lingered on August. The officers stood around August, their faces lit with gratitude after securing the demon-masked man and his large accomplice. Their squad cars formed a perimeter in the dimly lit alley, flashing red and blue lights painting the walls in alternating hues. The commanding officer approached. "I don''t know who you are under that helmet, but you''ve helped us in ways we can''t even begin to thank you for," he voiced while extending a hand. "Truly, who are you?" August still clad in the cloak of echoes and the sci-fi-inspired helmet concealing his face, shook the officer''s hand briefly. His modulated voice added to his air of mystery. "I''m just a businessman," he replied. "You can call me Aleman." The senior officer frowned slightly. "A businessman, huh? And what kind of business puts you in situations like these?" August gave a small, modulated chuckle. "The kind that deals with extraordinary items and extraordinary situations." He gestured to the subdued masked men being loaded into the police van. "I trust you''ll handle them properly?" The officer nodded. "We will. But¡­ if you know more about them¡ªspecifically about the one who escaped, the fox-masked woman¡ªwe could use that information." "I don''t know who she is under the mask," August replied smoothly. "But if I find out, you''ll be the first to know." Just then, a commotion came from the nearby building. Two officers escorted Victor Whitford out. The young man''s disheveled appearance was completely different from his usual confident demeanor. He spotted August and frowned thinking it was one of the Oni members who got caught. "That is Aleman," one of the officers clarified while pointing at the man who looked like he came out of a Sci-Fi Movie. Victor was in awe. He guessed a lot must have changed since he last saw Aleman. "Thank you!" Victor''s voice trembled as he exclaimed. "I thought I was dead. I thought¡ª" He paused as his hands trembled. "I owe you my life." Victor''s father who was clad in a tailored suit, emerged from a nearby black luxury car surrounded by a few envoys. His eyes burned with restrained fury, but his relief at seeing his son alive softened his features. He walked briskly to Victor, pulling him into a firm embrace before turning to August. "I don''t know who you truly are," the older Whitford said, "but you saved my son. For that, you have my eternal gratitude." August dipped his head slightly. "No thanks necessary. I''m always willing to help a customer." Victor blinked. "Customer?" "Yes," August responded with a deliberate tone. "You''ve bought from me before. And you got pulled into this mess because of me anyways..." The senior officer stepped forward. "Mr. Whitford," he said to Victor, "we''ll need you to come down to the station to write a formal statement, especially regarding this fox-masked individual. She''s still at large." Victor swallowed hard and nodded. "Of course. Whatever you need." The officer then turned back to August. "Are you sure you don''t know anything more about her? You look like you''ve dealt with them before." August tilted his head. "I actually haven''t. If I knew anything more, I''d tell you. But I don''t." The officer sighed but didn''t press further. "Fair enough. If you ever come across more information, don''t hesitate to contact us." As the officers escorted Victor and his father back to their car, the elder Whitford paused one last time to address August. "If you ever need anything, name it. The Whitford family will always remember this." August inclined his head again, then turned on his heel, the faint sound of his helmet''s systems accompanied him as he walked away into the shadows. As the flashing lights faded behind him, August murmured to himself, "One problem solved¡­ but another always seems to wait around the corner." ... ... The breaking news flashed on every major network and social media platform: "Two Oni Members Captured!" It was a shock to everyone, as the Oni group had been a nightmare for law enforcement for over six months. Their members were always slipping through the cracks. Anchorwoman: "In an unprecedented turn of events, two members of the notorious Oni group have been apprehended by law enforcement, thanks to the aid of an unidentified vigilante who has taken the internet by storm." The screen cut to grainy but clear enough footage of a figure dressed in a futuristic helmet. He moved inhumanly smooth and fast. In the footage, he delivered powerful attacks to the two Oni members, using a sword and an electrical ability that seemed otherworldly. One shot captured him throwing a lightning-like streak at one of the Oni members, stunning them before he incapacitated them entirely. Anchorwoman: "This vigilante, who has come to be known online as the ''Miracle Man,'' has been linked to a previous incident at Faith Specialist Hospital, where he reportedly healed a critically injured patient with what many believe to be a game item from Enders Light. Speculation runs rampant about his true identity, with some calling him a hero and others demanding answers about his methods." --- At the police station, throngs of reporters and curious onlookers crowded the entrance. Placards reading "Who is the Sci-Fi Man?" and "Reveal the Miracle Man!" waved above the crowd as frustrated officers tried to maintain order. One officer stood at a podium during a press conference. Officer Rodriguez: "At this time, we cannot reveal more about the vigilante''s identity or methods. What we can confirm is that his intervention was instrumental in the capture of the two suspects and the rescue of a young college student." --- Meanwhile, at Derrick''s home, he sat in his dimly lit living room, his phone clutched tightly in his hand. His eyes were glued to the news broadcast, the footage of the vigilante replaying over and over again. "...It''s him¡ªit''s the same guy from the hospital." He leaned back in frustration while running his hands through his hair. On the coffee table in front of him lay a crumpled piece of paper with a number scrawled on it: AM Coven. He had memorized the number before the nurse at Faith Specialist took the card back. But every time he dialed it, he was met with silence. He slammed his fist onto the table in frustration, cursing under his breath. ''He''s out there saving people, but won''t answer a damn call. Does he even care? Tara could use someone like him right now... If anyone can heal her, it''s him!'' Derrick usually wouldn''t think like this but he was currently at his wits end. He hadn''t been able to get across to August even after dialing the number many times. This was due to the fact that August had been preparing for this operation for the last two days. Derrick grabbed his phone and dialed the number again. His leg bounced anxiously as he waited. It rang once, twice, and then went straight to voicemail again. --- Elsewhere, at August''s home, he watched the news quietly. The footage of himself in action played repeatedly, and while he knew the helmet obscured his identity well enough, the attention was becoming too much. He only wanted the hospital''s attention not attention from this but he decided not to bother about it. "Well, perhaps more publicity isn''t bad... this should boost AM Coven once the business is fully open." Chapter 125 - 125: Parent Teachers Meeting "Well, perhaps more publicity isn''t bad... this should boost AM Coven once the business is fully open..." August leaned back in his chair as his thoughts swirled. The recording from his helmet had served its purpose as an advertisement for AM Coven, but now it had spiraled into something much bigger. People weren''t just curious about his business¡ªthey were curious about him. His phone buzzed, snapping him out of his thoughts. It was yet another missed call from an unsaved number. "Probably the hospital...I should get back to them now that I have time," August muttered. --- Back at the police station, one protester shouted above the noise: Protester: "If this guy is healing people, the world has a right to know who he is! What if we need him too?" Another countered, "Leave him alone! He''s doing more good than the police ever did with the Oni!" The commotion didn''t seem to die down, and even the police were beginning to wonder about the identity of the man who had helped them pull off something they thought was impossible. ... ... (The Next Day) August leaned back in the leather chair of the newly furnished office at AM Coven. The room smelled of fresh paint and polished wood. The warm sunlight filtering in through the window gave it a cozy yet professional vibe. The faint sound of activity from the workers in the main space of AM Coven filtered into the office. On the desk before him sat the landline phone he had recently installed. He stared at the list of calls that had come through on the business line. He believed they were from Faith Specialist Hospital which meant they must have seen his card. They were obviously intrigued¡ªcurious about what they had witnessed four nights ago in the ICU. August allowed himself a small smirk; everything was going according to plan. He reached for the receiver, dialed the last missed call on the list, and waited. The line clicked, and a calm, slightly aged voice greeted him. "Hello, this is Dr. Anderson from Faith Specialist Hospital. May I ask who''s calling?" "This is Aleman," August replied. "I believe your hospital has been trying to contact me." There was a brief pause before the man on the other end replied. His tone shifted to one of polite eagerness. "Ah, yes! We''ve indeed been trying to reach you. Regarding the... miraculous incident with one of our patients. We were hoping to learn more about the item you used. It''s unlike anything we''ve encountered." August smirked slightly, tapping a finger on the desk. "I expected as much. It would be foolish not to be curious about something with such capabilities." Dr. Anderson chuckled nervously. "You''re quite right. Frankly, we''re very interested in discussing business possibilities with you. Are you available to meet in person?" August glanced at the clock on the wall. "I''m tied up at the moment. However, I can make time this evening." "That would be perfect. We''ll prepare everything on our end. Thank you for considering." "Don''t thank me yet," August''s tone carried a hint of amusement. "I''ll see you this evening." With that, the call ended. August leaned back with a satisfied look. Things were progressing as he envisioned. His actions had sparked intrigue, and now it was time to see how far he could leverage this opportunity. After giving a glance at the paperwork cluttered on his desk, he stood and walked out of the office. The workers glanced up as he appeared. His sharp gaze and tailored jacket lent an air of authority. One of the contractors, a middle-aged man with a rugged demeanor, approached him with a clipboard. "Mr. Aleman," the man began, "we''ve finalized the shelves for the display area. Now we''re working on the lighting for the showcase section you designed." "Good," August replied with a calm tone. "I want the lighting perfect¡ªeach piece should look like a treasure under a spotlight. Ensure that''s done right before anything else." "Yes, sir," the contractor said, nodding firmly before heading back to his team. August moved towards the main exit. Before he left, he turned back and addressed the group. "I''ll be out for a while. If any issues come up, resolve them, or leave a message. I don''t want delays." The workers acknowledged him with a chorus of affirmations. Satisfied, August stepped out into the afternoon sun. He pulled out his phone and scrolled through his schedule. First, he needed to head home and change out of his outfit and helmet. Parent-teacher meetings weren''t exactly the place to make bold business impressions, and he couldn''t very well show up as Aleman. A simple yet refined look would suffice. ... ... At home, August changed into a casual yet polished ensemble¡ªa white button-up shirt paired with dark blue trousers. His shoes gleamed under the light, and his hair was neatly combed back. He wanted to exude responsibility and reliability without drawing unnecessary attention. Little did he know that things wouldn''t go the way he wanted in the slightest... The school grounds were alive with the lively chatter of students and the occasional shout from teachers trying to maintain order. The surroundings hadn''t changed much since August''s high school days. The same brick buildings, wide grassy fields, and faint smell of ink filled the air. Only a few new structures and a fresh coat of paint betrayed the passage of time. August, wearing a casual yet impeccably neat outfit¡ªa white button-up shirt tucked into dark blue tailored trousers, complemented by a pair of clean black loafers¡ªstrode through the gates. His green hair streaked with white patches shimmered under the sunlight, styled to perfection, giving him an effortlessly charismatic aura. His sharp jawline, striking emerald eyes, and perfectly sculpted features turned heads immediately. Female students whispered amongst themselves, giggling and exchanging glances as they speculated who this "walking god" could be. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Is he a model?" one girl whispered. "No way, he must be an actor!" another replied. A bolder student whistled loudly, eliciting laughter and more curious glances. August ignored the attention, focusing entirely on finding Sophia. Still, the corners of his lips twitched upward slightly in amusement. Memories of the original August school days surfaced as he walked down familiar paths, past the large cafeteria and sports grounds, until he reached the Year 2 block. Sophia''s classroom was on the second floor. As August ascended the stairs, the noise from the classrooms quieted. He noticed glances from teachers and students alike. Some of the faculty whispered to each other, speculating if he was a new hire or some alumnus they had missed during their tenure. When August reached Sophia''s classroom and knocked gently, the room went silent. The teacher, a striking woman in her late twenties with caramel-toned skin, wavy chestnut hair, and warm brown eyes framed by stylish glasses, turned toward him. She wore a simple yet elegant green blouse tucked into a knee-length black skirt. Her name tag read Ms. Emilia Weston. "Yes? May I help you?" Her professional demeanor faltered slightly as she took in August''s presence. For a split second, her composed expression was replaced by mild surprise, though she quickly recovered. "Hi," August voiced with a deep yet soft tone. "I''m here for Sophia Clementine." Chapter 126 - 126: Were Orphaned Ms. Weston''s brows knitted briefly. "You''re her older brother?" Her tone betrayed her disbelief¡ªAugust looked far too young to be attending a parent-teacher meeting, yet his demeanor carried a maturity that was hard to overlook. "That''s right," August replied. "We''re orphaned, so I''m her guardian." Ms. Weston''s expression softened immediately. "Oh, I see. I''m sorry to hear that." She adjusted her glasses. "The parent-teacher meeting will be held in the main hall shortly. Afterward, I''d like to speak with you privately about some concerns regarding Sophia." August nodded. "Of course. Thank you." He glanced over Ms. Weston''s shoulder and spotted Sophia sitting in the second row. Her bright green hair, identical to his, stood out amidst her classmates. Her delicate frame and large, expressive eyes lit up the moment she saw him. "Hey, Soph," August said with a small wave. "Big bro!" Sophia exclaimed, nearly knocking over her desk as she stood up in excitement. Her classmates watched in stunned silence as their heads swiveled between Sophia and August. The girl sitting beside Sophia¡ªher class rival, a haughty brunette named Madeline Price Montgomery, known for flaunting her family''s wealth¡ªlooked utterly smitten as her gaze lingered on August. Her perfectly curled hair and designer uniform accessories did little to hide her sudden nervousness. "Who... who is he?" Madeline whispered with flushed cheeks. Sophia rolled her eyes. "That''s my brother." Madeline''s mouth dropped open. "No way! He looks like... like..." "A model!" another girl chimed in. "A prince," another added dreamily. "He''s so tall..." "Can I have his number?" Madeline pleaded desperately as she tugged on Sophia''s sleeve. Sophia groaned and turned away. "Not a chance." The boys in the class, on the other hand, sat in stony silence. Their expressions ranged from envy to outright resentment. Ms. Weston cleared her throat, snapping the class back to order. "All right, everyone, settle down. Mr. Clementine, you can head to the hall now. Sophia will join the meeting shortly." "Thank you," August said with a polite nod. As he turned to leave, Sophia gave him a quick wave. "See you in a bit, bro!" "See you, Soph," August replied as his lips curved into a gentle smile. The moment he stepped out of the room, the chatter resumed. "He''s so cool!" "Why does Sophia get all the luck?" "Madeline, you''re blushing!" "I am not!" Madeline shot back, though her face was as red as a tomato. Meanwhile, Ms. Weston shook her head with a soft chuckle. She couldn''t deny that August''s presence had shaken the usually rowdy class into a cohesive, albeit lovestruck, group. She made a mental note to address Sophia''s academic performance in the meeting but also to mention the remarkable bond she clearly shared with her brother. - The parents-teachers meeting was held in the spacious main hall of Sophia''s school. Brightly lit and adorned with banners showcasing student achievements, the room was buzzing with conversation as parents trickled in. August walked in quietly and chose a seat toward the back. His presence didn''t go unnoticed. Several young mothers whispered among themselves, glancing at him with curiosity and interest. The vice principal, a stern-looking woman in her late fifties with rimmed glasses perched on her nose, stepped up to the podium. The room settled as she tapped the microphone. "Good afternoon, parents and guardians. Thank you for attending today''s meeting. We''ll discuss some updates about the school, address some concerns, and go over upcoming events." As she spoke, August noticed the stares he was getting. Some were curious, others judgmental, particularly from an older man seated a few rows ahead. His salt-and-pepper hair and stout build gave him an authoritative demeanor, and his sideways glances at August were anything but friendly. When it was time for parents to raise concerns, August, ever calm and collected, raised his hand. He stood, addressing a concern about extracurricular activities. "I believe there should be more emphasis on creative and skill-building clubs. Kids need outlets to express themselves outside academics..." August didn''t know much about being a parent since he never had any interest in bearing kids but he could recall his school days as Reacher. He really hated how he was mostly forced to focus on achieving academic excellence with Maths and other subjects when they never benefited him in real life. Some kids never did well in subjects like this because they were skilled in other aspects. If the school gave kids the opportunity to delve into other aspects besides academics, they would realize that some kids who seemed to be blockheads just haven''t found their talent yet. However, before August could continue, the older man cut him off. "With all due respect, I think this meeting is for adults who understand the weight of responsibility. Maybe you should take a back seat," the man spoke with a condescending tone. The room fell silent, and all eyes turned to August. He didn''t miss a beat. With a faint smirk, he replied, "Thank you for your input. I''m sure you''re speaking from experience since your brain is probably always taking a back seat." A few muffled chuckles echoed through the room, and the older man''s face turned crimson. The vice principal quickly intervened. "Let''s stay on track, everyone. Please remember this is a space for constructive dialogue." The tension diffused, and the meeting continued until the doors swung open dramatically. A poised woman in her late thirties, with black hair tied into an elegant bun and wearing an expensive navy dress, walked in. Her entrance silenced the room as her bodyguards stationed themselves by the door. The vice principal greeted her warmly. "Mrs. Evangeline Montgomery, it''s always a pleasure to have you join us." The parents, visibly more subdued, nodded respectfully as Evangeline took a seat near the front. When it was her turn to speak, her voice was calm yet commanding. "I propose a new funding initiative to expand the school''s technology lab. Our children need to be equipped for the future." The room buzzed with murmurs. While some parents clearly had reservations, no one dared to oppose her¡ªexcept August. Raising his hand, he stood. "While I agree technology is vital, I think equal emphasis should be placed on mental health resources for students. Expanding the counseling program could make a huge difference." S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Evangeline turned her sharp eyes toward him, clearly not used to being challenged. For a moment, tension rose in the surroundings. ''Does he not know who she is? This young man is trying to put himself in trouble!'' many of the parents and the teachers in the surroundings had similar thoughts as they stared at August with looks of worry. However, Evangeline nodded coolly in response. "A fair point, young man. Perhaps we can explore a balance." The meeting concluded shortly after. As parents filed out, August made his way toward Sophia''s classroom to meet her teacher, Ms. Weston. "Mr. Clementine, thank you for coming. Sophia is a bright and talented student. Her grades are excellent, and she''s a joy to have in class." August smiled. "That''s good to hear. I''m very proud of her." Ms. Weston hesitated for a moment before continuing. "However, I am a little concerned about her emotional well-being. While she''s always polite and hardworking, I''ve noticed she seems... withdrawn at times. She doesn''t interact with the other kids as much as I''d hope." August''s expression grew serious. "I see. Is there anything specific that brought this to your attention?" Ms. Weston nodded. "During group activities, she tends to isolate herself unless specifically paired with someone. It''s not alarming, but I thought you should know. She might need a little more support outside of school." "I appreciate you letting me know," August voiced with a sincere tone. "I''ll make sure to talk to her about it." Ms. Weston smiled. "I''m sure she''s in good hands. You seem like a very attentive guardian." After thanking her, August left the school with a lot on his mind. He was determined to address whatever Sophia was going through and ensure she had everything she needed to thrive¡ªboth in and out of school. Chapter 127 - 127: Spotting A Familiar Face August arrived home after attending Sophia''s parent-teacher meeting. The meeting had been eventful, with teachers commending Sophia''s progress and impeccable academic performance. Despite that August knew he''d need to have an important discussion with Sophia later. warm "I have some business to take care of," August said while unbuttoning his shirt. He glanced at Sophia, who was busy sorting her schoolbooks. "We''ll catch up when I get back, alright?" Sophia nodded, though she looked slightly concerned. "Don''t stay out too late, okay?" "I won''t," August reassured her with a small smile. After a quick change into more functional attire, August opened his inventory panel. The luxury of being able to store extracted items had proven invaluable, especially for situations like this. He put in his helmet and a few other items he''d need for the evening. Once ready, August hailed a ride to a secluded area far from home. He needed the space to transform into Aleman. Once there, he donned his helmet and pulled up the hood of his long coat, completing the mysterious sci-fi look. His reflection in a nearby window stared back¡ªcompletely concealed, enigmatic, and formidable. Satisfied with his transformation, he made his way to Faith Specialist Hospital. The building loomed large as he approached. Its glass fa?ade reflected the glow of city lights. The place was buzzing with activity; patients, families, and staff moved about. Word of the "miracle man" had evidently spread far and wide, as the entrance was crowded with people hoping to catch a glimpse of him. As soon as August stepped into the vicinity, murmurs erupted. A sea of people turned in his direction, recognizing the iconic helmet. Before he could take another step, the crowd surged toward him. "It''s him!" "The guy from the video!" "Please, my wife needs your help!" "Over here! My son is sick!" August raised a hand to calm the crowd, but their desperation drowned out his attempts to speak. Hospital security rushed to intervene, forming a barrier around him. "Let us through!" one of the guards shouted. "Step back, everyone!" With considerable effort, August managed to slip inside the hospital, shielded by security personnel. The crowd pressed against the glass doors as he disappeared down a corridor. A nurse escorted him to a boardroom where the hospital''s higher-ups, including Dr. Anderson, awaited him. The room was sterile and minimalist, dominated by a long table at its center. As August entered, the chatter among the board members ceased. Their eyes were fixed on him, some filled with curiosity, others with skepticism. "Welcome," Dr. Anderson said, standing up. He was a middle-aged man with blonde hair and a commanding presence. "We''ve been expecting you." August inclined his head slightly with his helmet obscuring his expression. He took a seat at the far end of the table with a composed yet enigmatic stature. "We''d like to discuss the...incident," Dr. Anderson began, carefully choosing his words. "Your actions saved a life, undeniably. But they also raised questions¡ªquestions about the nature of the substance you used and its implications." Another doctor, a younger woman with a sharp gaze, interjected. "What you did was extraordinary, but it also violated several protocols. We need to understand how this works. Is it replicable? Are there risks? Legalities?" August remained silent for a moment, letting their words hang in the air. Finally, he leaned forward slightly. "I am Aleman. As you all might already know, my business is called AM Coven. The product I demonstrated in the ICU is a healing solution, capable of repairing physical injuries¡ªfractures, lacerations, internal damage. Anything physical in nature. Its effects are immediate and complete," August''s modulated voice rang out. Dr. Anderson raised a skeptical brow. "Immediate and complete? That''s a bold claim. Are there any limitations we should be aware of?" August nodded, anticipating the question. "Yes, it does not cure diseases or viruses. It is strictly for physical injuries. We''ve tested it extensively¡ªbroken bones, punctured lungs, spinal damage¡ªit works across all cases, provided the condition is purely physical." There was a murmur among the board members. Dr. Anderson exchanged glances with his colleagues before turning back to August. "This...solution of yours. What''s the source? How is it manufactured?" August leaned back slightly. "The source is proprietary, and its production method is something I cannot disclose. What I can assure you is that it''s safe, reliable, and capable of saving countless lives." S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Dr. Anderson nodded, seeming to accept the explanation. "And why did you agree to meet with us today, Mr. Aleman? What do you want from us?" August leaned forward, resting his gloved hands on the table. "It is not what I want from you. It''s what I can do for you. Don''t get it twisted, your establishment has a lot to gain here. I will supply Faith Specialist Hospital with these healing solutions in wholesale quantities. However, there are conditions." Dr. Anderson tilted his head with an intrigued look. "Go on." "First," August said, "the product must not be resold at more than 25% above the price I provide. Second, I expect it to be used equitably. This is not a product to be hoarded for the privileged or wealthy. It must be accessible to those in need." The younger female board member from earlier raised a question. "And what happens if we don''t adhere to these conditions?" August''s voice dropped slightly as his modulated tone carried a subtle edge. "Then our partnership ends. Permanently." The room grew quiet again as his words sunk in. Dr. Anderson nodded thoughtfully. "And the cost of this product?" August paused, carefully choosing his words. "Wholesale price will be set at $1,000 per unit. A unit contains five vials. Considering its capabilities, I believe this is more than fair." The murmurs resumed, louder this time, as the board members deliberated among themselves. Finally, Dr. Anderson spoke. "We agree to your terms, but there''s one more question: Will there be products for diseases or viruses in the future?" August stood with a commanding presence "All in due time, Dr. Anderson. AM Coven will continue to innovate, but for now, this is what I can offer. Save lives with it. That is all I ask." Dr. Anderson rose as well, extending a hand. "Then we have a deal, Mr. Aleman. Faith Specialist Hospital is honored to be your first partner." August shook his hand firmly, sealing the deal. - The corridor outside the boardroom was chaotic. The moment August stepped out, a sea of desperate voices surged toward him. Patients and their families, all pleading for his help, shoved against one another, some clutching medical records, others holding pictures of loved ones. The crowd pressed forward while reaching out their hands, begging for miracles. These people were either patients admitted within the hospital or families of patients already admitted. They had heard of August''s arrival. "Please, sir, my son needs your help!" "My wife has been in a coma for six months. You''re our only hope!" "Save my father, please!" The guards quickly stepped in, forming a barrier around August. Even with their intervention, the desperation was thick. He scanned the faces around him while moving through. He was sympathetic but he already made a deal with the hospital so he was sure that the healing potion would reach everyone as soon as he began distribution. His helmet''s digitalized display enhanced the chaos, picking up the frantic emotions in every face. Then his gaze froze. A familiar figure stood amidst the crowd, pushing and shouting for help. Derrick. His once strong and confident friend was now a shadow of himself. His eyes were bloodshot and his shoulders slumped as he begged for help. "Please, help her. I''ll do anything!" Chapter 128 - 128: On A Personal Quest To Save Tara August''s chest tightened. He pushed past the guards, ignoring their protests. The crowd erupted into gasps and whispers as the man with the futuristic helmet broke through the barrier, heading straight for Derrick. When Derrick saw the man stop in front of him, he hesitated, unsure why he''d been singled out. Before he could react, the muffled, modulated voice spoke. "Derrick." Derrick''s jaw dropped. How did this man know his name? "Come with me," August voiced with a low but firm tone. The guards were confused but obedient. They swiftly flanked them as August led Derrick through the corridors toward the ICU. The murmurs of the crowd followed them, but no one dared block their path. They reached a private ward, and August dismissed the guards. "We need privacy," he stated before locking the door behind them. Derrick''s confusion deepened as August turned to face the bed where Tara lay. Her frail, pale, and motionless body, was hooked to an array of monitors. The rhythmic beeping of the machines filled the silence. "How do you¡ª" Derrick began, but his words caught in his throat as August reached up and removed the helmet. Derrick''s eyes widened. "A-August?" August nodded with a faint smile. "It''s me, Derrick." Derrick stumbled back while covering his mouth in disbelief. "You''re¡­ You''re the miracle man? You''re the one everyone''s talking about?" "I suppose I am," August voiced while setting the helmet on a nearby chair. He placed a reassuring hand on Derrick''s shoulder. "But let''s talk about why you''re here. Tell me everything." Derrick''s emotions spilled out like a broken dam. He explained how Tara had fallen ill months ago with a rare ailment that doctors couldn''t diagnose, how she had deteriorated rapidly, and how her pregnancy had complicated everything further. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He spoke of sleepless nights and how he had to pretend like all was fine during shifts at the factory... the unbearable feeling of watching the love of his life fade away. August listened intently as his eyes flicked between Derrick and Tara. "Why didn''t you tell me?" he asked softly. "I didn''t want to burden you," Derrick admitted with tears streaming down his face. "You had your own struggles. I thought¡­ I thought I could handle it." It was the first time August had ever seen Derrick shed tears and it broke something inside of him. Derrick had always been kind to August... had always ignored his own burdens to try and help August, all with a smile on his face and now that he was struggling... August never had an idea... Never dug well enough to figure things out and lend a supporting shoulder to the one person who had always been there... August suddenly felt like a failure of a friend. He couldn''t believe that Derrick had been suffering this whole time. "So all those times you went in a different direction after shifts... This is where you were headed?" August questioned with a look of disbelief. Derrick nodded affirmatively. August clenched his fists. "You''re my friend, Derrick. You should''ve told me." Derrick''s voice cracked. "I didn''t think anyone could help. You also have your issues with the loans and Sophia''s school fees and all that... I''ve prayed to gods I don''t believe in, and begged for a miracle. And then¡­ you walked out of that boardroom." August turned his attention to Tara, inspecting her fragile form. Her condition was worse than he imagined. He touched her hand, feeling the coldness of her skin. "I can''t use a health potion on her... Her condition isn''t merely physical and it doesn''t work on illnesses," August said after a moment. Derrick''s face fell, and he looked like he might collapse. "But," August added quickly, "I have an idea." Derrick looked up with hope flickering in his eyes. "What idea?" August straightened and put a hand on Derrick''s shoulder. "Give me one night. I''ll find a way to save her. I promise." Derrick''s lips trembled, and he gripped August''s arm tightly. "You mean it? You''ll save her?" "I will," August said firmly. "But I need you to trust me." "I trust you," Derrick nearly whispered. August put the helmet back on and turned toward the door. "Stay here with her. I''ll be back." Derrick could only hope and pray that his friend would come back with a solution. ... ... The evening air carried a sense of quiet as August entered his apartment. He set his helmet down on the table and stretched. His mind still processed the events of the day. Meeting Derrick at Faith Specialist Hospital had been a surprise, and the condition of Derrick''s wife was very troubling. August was still disappointed in himself for not knowing that Derrick was going through this. He had been so self-absorbed in his world and behemoth of activities that he didn''t think of reaching out in the past few weeks. Seated on his couch, August stared at the wall, pondering over the possibilities. Health potions were out of the question; they worked wonders for wounds and external injuries but couldn''t mend conditions as complex as what Derrick''s wife was going through. His mind drifted to something he had encountered as a fledgling player in Enders Light¡ªthe fruit of life. The fruit wasn''t legendary or particularly rare, but it was an essential item for new players. It was known for its ability to boost physical and internal systems and also give players access to venture beyond their first spawn point in the game. August remembered the unique tree that bore the fruit, located within the mystical Unhidden Mist village. It was one of the game''s most serene locations, where half-human, half-beast villagers lived in harmony. "I wonder if the chief will even remember me," August mused to himself. He hadn''t been back to Unhidden Mist in what felt like ages. Tagharium, where he was currently based, was a world away. The village was tucked away in the game''s far southeastern corner, and he would need to use the teleportation hub to even get close. He powered up his gaming pod, settling inside. The familiar sweet sounds of the system starting up greeted him, followed by the system notifications filling his vision. A feeling of weightlessness enveloped him as white streaks filled his vision. [ Welcome Back, Aleman. ] [ Player Status Loading¡­ ] [ Synchronization Complete. ] Once in the game, August opened his inventory to ensure he had everything he needed. With 25,120 gold still available, he knew he wouldn''t face any issues. The bustling streets of Tagharium came alive around him. Players hurried past with weapons and items strapped to their backs. Some were discussing guild strategies, while others traded rare goods. August activated his Ogre Tusk artifact to disguise himself, watching as his avatar''s features morphed into the grotesque appearance of an ogre. He navigated his way to the teleportation hub, a massive circular structure at the city''s edge, pulsating with radiant energy. A mage NPC stood at the center, managing the flow of players. "Destination?" the NPC voice resonated with a mechanical tone as he questioned. "Southwest hub," August replied. The NPC nodded, inputting coordinates. [ Teleportation Fee: 10silvers ] August confirmed the deduction, and a bright light engulfed him. Within moments, the futuristic cityscape of Tagharium vanished, replaced by the tranquil, mist-shrouded forest of Unhidden Mist. The difference was striking. Here, there were no castles or throngs of players¡ªonly the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant sound of insects chirping. The village slowly came into view. Wooden huts with thatched roofs lined a winding path. Villagers with animalistic features moved about their daily lives¡ªfox-like ears twitched at sounds, while tails swayed behind them. It was a sight August had nearly forgotten. The serene village was abuzz with activity, from children playing near the shimmering lake to traders selling peculiar goods from makeshift stalls. The soft sounds of the village''s background music created an air of nostalgia, one that August always found comforting. "Look, it''s Aleman!" a child yelled while pointing toward him. The group of children swarmed him with bright, excited eyes. They were mostly NPCs, but their expressions felt so lifelike that August couldn''t help but smile. He knelt down, ruffling one of the boy''s messy hair. "Have you all been behaving?" August questioned with a warm tone. "Yes, Sir Aleman! I promise! Look, I even got a new dagger!" a particularly enthusiastic child replied, showing off a small blade that looked far too oversized for his tiny hands. August chuckled, making a mental note to remind the village chief about NPC child safety mechanics. As he walked through the village square, other NPCs greeted him warmly, with many thanking him for his past deeds. Some handed him fruits, while others offered crafted trinkets. He accepted them graciously, knowing they were simply programmed tokens of appreciation but appreciating the gesture nonetheless. "You''re back, Aleman," a familiar figure approached. It was the chief, a towering man with stag-like features and piercing yellow eyes. His furred ears perked up as he gazed upon August. "It has been a long time. I thought you had forgotten us." August offered a sheepish smile. "I''ve been... busy. How have things been here?" Chapter 129 - 129: The Vanishing August exchanged a few words with the chief, noting the new players around who were still struggling to leave the village. Most had not yet met the requirements to progress to higher-level zones, and a few looked visibly frustrated. One particular player caught his eye¡ªa short, slightly round man with a mop of curly brown hair and glasses that looked out of place in a fantasy setting. He was pacing near the towering Tree of Life, muttering to himself. His avatar name read *GregoriusMaximus*, and his constant failed attempts to get near the tree had gathered a small crowd of amused villagers and players. "Ugh! Why does this game hate me?" Gregorius exclaimed dramatically, throwing his hands in the air. He tried once more to approach the tree, only to be pushed back by its invisible forcefield. He landed flat on his back with a loud thud, groaning. "I''m starting to think this is personal." August smirked, watching the spectacle. He recalled just how many times August himself failed to get past until he came along. "I''ll catch you later chief... That''s why I''m here," August pointed at the tree before heading off. The Tree of Life was as majestic as ever. Its glowing bark emanated a golden light, and its beautiful leaves rustled softly despite the lack of wind. August took a step forward, unaffected by the forcefield that had repelled Gregorius. Each step closer felt like an acknowledgment of his progress in the game, as the tree''s protective aura seemed to part for him. Reaching its bark, he crouched slightly and jumped. His body shot upward, soaring over twenty feet into the air until he grabbed onto one of the lower branches. The Tree of Life didn''t resist him. Its golden fruits hung like jewels, glowing faintly, pulsing with life. August plucked one, examining it. [ System Notification:You have acquired a Fruit of Life. This item restores 100% HP and MP instantly and grants +10 to all stats permanently, boosts internal resistance, and unlocks player perception to other locations. ] With a look of satisfaction, August pocketed the fruit into his inventory. He was about to jump down when he suddenly glanced around and thought, ''Why stop at one?'' With a smirk, he grabbed another and then another, until he had collected five in total. As he leaped gracefully back to the ground, GregoriusMaximus was already at his feet, clinging to his boots like his life depended on it. His avatar''s comical crying animation played on a loop, complete with exaggerated sniffles. "Please! Great, noble hero Aleman! Spare a lowly peasant a single Fruit of Life! I''m begging you! I''ve been trying to get that stupid tree to let me near it for days! My mates are already in Tagharium, and I''m stuck here because I can''t progress! Please, I''ll do anything!" August raised an eyebrow, stifling a laugh. "Anything, huh?" "Yes, anything! I''ll¡­ I''ll carry your bags! I''ll clean your shoes! I''ll call you King Aleman for the rest of my life!" The surrounding villagers and a few players snickered at Gregorius'' antics. August''s expression softened as he crouched slightly. "Alright, alright. No need to humiliate yourself further. Here." He opened his inventory and selected one of the Fruits of Life. A glow surrounded his hand before the fruit materialized in his grasp. He handed it to Gregorius. [ System Notification: You have given GregoriusMaximus a Fruit of Life. ] Gregorius''s avatar froze for a moment before bursting into a series of dramatic bows. "Oh, thank you, King Aleman! You''re a saint among men! A true paragon of virtue! I shall sing songs of your greatness for generations to come!" "You don''t have to really," August replied, rolling his eyes but unable to suppress his grin. Gregorius immediately pointed at Tree of Life, yelling, "I''m finally leaving this cursed village!" As the NPC children laughed and villagers cheered him on, August shook his head, amused. He turned back to the chief, who was also chuckling softly. "You always have a way of bringing life to this place, Aleman. Thank you for that," the chief said warmly. "Oh this it''s not... *sigh* You''re welcome I guess..." August nearly facepalmed. Fortunately, he had gotten what he came here for so it was time to finally leave. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Aleman, I have a favor to ask," the chief suddenly called out to him from behind causing him to pause in his tracks. ... About a couple of minutes later, August was finally leaving. He had received a sudden request from the chief of Unhidden Mist. A simple letter delivery to a local baron within the Tagharium¡ªa straightforward E-ranked quest. Barely a challenge so August decided to accept it and get it done before logging out. Before heading out, Gregorious, the man who August handed a fruit of life, caught wind of the quest and insisted on tagging along. "Gregorious, you don''t have to follow me everywhere," August voiced while adjusting his gear. "I know, I know, but I feel like the gods sent you to guide me to greatness!" Gregorious replied, grinning ear to ear. "Besides, a little walk will do me good. My wife and kids need food, and I think I can better myself in Enders Light." August raised a brow. "Wife and kids?" "Yes, yes! Three little ones, and oh, the way they cling to their old man''s legs¡ª" August decided to let Gregorious come with him but the player could not stop talking. Not two seconds later, Gregorious changed his tune. "Ah, if only I had a wife and kids, life would be much more fulfilling." August stopped mid-step. "Didn''t you just say¡ª" "Never mind that!" Gregorious interrupted. "Have I ever told you about the time I tried fishing, and the fish slapped me straight across the face before jumping back into the water? Never trust a fish, I say!" August sighed. This was going to be a long journey. --- The duo had long arrived in Tagharium and now they were moving through the streets. As they walked through the bustling streets of Tagharium, Gregorious filled the air with endless chatter. "Did I mention I once tried my hand at tailoring? Disaster! The pants I made? They tore apart the moment someone sat down. Can you imagine the embarrassment?" August tried to tune him out, focusing on the road ahead, but it was impossible. Gregorious had a gift for weaving humor into every sentence. By the time they reached the baron''s estate, August was ready to turn in the quest and leave Gregorious behind. --- The baron''s estate was a grand building adorned with pointy roofs and intricate carvings, radiating wealth and authority. The guards at the gate, clad in red armor, eyed them cautiously as they approached. "I have a delivery for Baron Hilderan," August showed them a sealed letter from the chief. The guards nodded and allowed them through. Inside, the baron was seated at a large oak desk, surrounded by shelves filled with books and artifacts. His stern face softened slightly as he saw the seal on the letter. "You come on behalf of the chief?" Baron Hilderan inquired. "Yes," August replied before passing him the letter. The baron broke the seal and read the contents. His eyes narrowed upon comprehending everything written within. After a moment, he looked back at August. "Thank you for delivering this. You''ve done well." [ System Notification: E-Ranked Quest Completed: Deliver the Chief''s Letter ] Rewards: - Gold: 5 - EXP: 5,000 - Reputation in Tagharium +5 As the rewards displayed in his interface, August was about to turn and leave when the baron stopped him. "I have another matter," the baron voiced while setting the letter down. "This concerns what was written in the chief''s message." His expression was one of both concern and frustration. He gazed at August, letting his piercing eyes size up the young adventurer before finally speaking. "You''re capable, aren''t you?" the baron questioned while leaning forward. "Tagharium needs people like you¡ªpeople who can solve problems others cannot. This¡­ issue is beyond the ordinary." "What kind of issue are we talking about?" August inquired with a calm but curious tone. The baron waved his hand, summoning one of his advisors who promptly handed him a scroll. The baron unfurled it, revealing a map of Tagharium''s outskirts. He pointed to a specific area, a dense forest marked with an ominous black X. "Soldiers. Dozens of them," the baron began with a low tone. "Vanished without a trace. This region used to be a routine patrol route, but now¡­ it''s a no-go zone. Every contingent we''ve sent to investigate has disappeared. No remains, no signs of battle¡ªjust gone. The chief had just informed me that he saw an ominous vision and recommended to send a capable person to investigate..." August frowned, leaning closer to study the map. "And you want me to figure out what''s going on?" "Precisely," the baron replied. "We need answers, Aleman. The people are starting to whisper. Some say it''s a curse, others say something sinister lurks there. I''m giving you full permission to take any measures necessary, but I need you to return with information." [ System Notification: New Quest Available ] Chapter 130 - 130: Im Going In Alone Gregorious, who had been quietly standing to the side, perked up at this. His stubby legs shuffled forward eagerly as his green face shone with excitement. "We''ll do it!" he piped up before August could respond. "An adventure like this? Count me in!" August glanced at Gregorious with a raised brow but couldn''t help but smirk. "Well, looks like I don''t have a choice," he said to the baron. "Consider it done." [ System Notification: C-Ranked Quest Received ] Quest Title: Vanishing Patrol Objective: Investigate the disappearance of Tagharium soldiers in the designated area and report back. Rewards: EXP +50,000, Gold +20, Item Reward (Unknown). --- The journey to the outskirts began about an hour after the quest was issued. August had gotten all the necessary items needed for this journey before embarking on it. The sun cast a golden glow over Tagharium as August and Gregorious departed from the city gates. The road was bustling with merchants and travelers at first, but the further they traveled, the more deserted the path became. The lively chatter of townsfolk faded, replaced by the rustling of leaves and occasional chirp of birds. Gregorious was practically bouncing with energy. "This is amazing!" he exclaimed while adjusting his tiny backpack. "I''ve never been outside the village before, you know. Always stuck farming or running errands. But this¡­ this is the real deal!" August chuckled. "Glad you''re enjoying it. Just remember, this isn''t a sightseeing trip. We''re heading into potentially dangerous territory." "I know, I know," Gregorious said, waving his hand dismissively. "But still, it''s exciting! Do you think it''s bandits? Or maybe some kind of magical beast? Oh, oh, what if it''s a portal to another dimension?" "Let''s hope it''s not the last one," August muttered. The forest ahead seemed darker than it should have. The trees grew closer together, forming a canopy with their gnarled branches that blocked out much of the sunlight. The air felt heavier here, and an eerie silence replaced the natural sounds of the forest. [ System Notification: Warning! This area has been marked as dangerous. Proceed with caution. ] August halted, scanning the surroundings. "Stay close, Gregorious. Something feels off here." Gregorious gulped as his earlier enthusiasm dampened. "You don''t have to tell me twice." As they ventured deeper, the signs of human presence began to fade. No footprints, no discarded supplies¡ªnothing to suggest the soldiers had even passed through. The silence was oppressive, broken only by the crunch of leaves under their boots. Suddenly, Gregorious froze. His ears twitched repeatedly before he spoke; "Do you hear that?" August strained his ears. At first, there was nothing. Then, faintly, he heard it¡ªa low, rhythmic thrum. It seemed to vibrate through the air, coming from somewhere ahead. "Stay alert," August drew his dagger. He activated [Stealth] causing his form to blend into the shadows as they crept toward the source of the sound. "Y''know, Lord Aleman, this is exactly the kind of place where bad decisions are made. Dark forest, creepy glowing rock, suspicious lack of birds¡ªclassic setup for death. I''m just saying," Gregorious voice nervously. "Keep moving, Gregorious..." The forest opened into a small clearing, and at its center stood a massive stone monolith covered in glowing runes. The hum was louder now, pulsating from the monolith like a heartbeat. Surrounding the monolith were scattered pieces of armor¡ªhelmets, breastplates, and swords, all eerily intact but devoid of their owners. Gregorious whispered, "What the hell is that?" "I don''t know," August replied with a low tone. "But it doesn''t look friendly." As they approached, the runes on the monolith flared brighter, and the thrum intensified. The ground beneath their feet began to tremble, and a chilling wind swept through the clearing. [ System Notification: Defend Yourself! An unknown force is reacting to your presence. ] Before August could react, the shadows around the monolith coalesced into humanoid forms with bodies flickering like static. Their eyes glowed an unnatural blue, and they moved with jerky, inhuman speed. "Oh, great. Shadow people. This is fine. Totally normal. I see this every Tuesday," Gregorious swallowed a lump of saliva after speaking frantically. "Looks like we found what happened to the soldiers... Stay back and support me," August muttered grimly, readying his weapon. ''It''s a bit strange that a troop of soldiers and even the ones after would disappear from an encounter with these weird beings so I need to exercise caution... After all, there''s only two of us...'' August held his dagger forward in thought. "Support? Lord Aleman, I''m a warrior, not a bard! Fine, but if I die, tell the barmaid at the Tavern of Tranquility I had feelings for her!" Gregorious voiced dramatically while brandishing his sword. ''...or one,'' August rolled his eyes. There was no Tavern of Tranquility and there was certainly no barmaid. The shadowy figures lunged toward them at this moment, with unnatural ferocity. August activated [Dash] immediately, weaving between them with speed. August slashed at the first shadow but the blade passed right through it like air. "What the¡ª? My attacks aren''t connecting!" He frowned. Suddenly, the dagger jerked in his hand, pulling him toward the monolith. He struggled against the unseen force, finally yanking it free. ''What the hell was that? There was a pull from the monolith,'' August''s eyes narrowed in thought but he didn''t have time to connect the dots as another shadow lunged at him. He moved out of the way swiftly and as he did, the shadow brushed against a low-hanging leaf. The leaf vanished instantly, leaving only a wisp of smoke. The runes on the monolith flared in response, glowing in an intricate, shifting pattern. "Gregarious! It''s the monolith. When these things make contact with anything, it vanishes, and the monolith reacts. That''s how the soldiers disappeared!" August voiced in realization. "So¡­ we''re fighting touchy-feely shadows that turn you into thin air? Fantastic. You''d think they''d put this on the quest notification," Gregarious backed away cautiously, doing his best to avoid even letting his sword make contact. As he moved backward to evade another of the shadowy figures, he slipped on a small piece of rock and found himself falling forward. One of the shadows surged toward Gregarious whose frame was falling into the arms of the dark creature. "Uh... HELP!" Gregorious cry for help came out like a welp. August dashed forward with lightning speed, grabbing Gregarious by the arm and yanking him out of the way just in time. "We can''t let them touch us. Stay behind me and keep your distance!" August instructed. "I almost became a shadow snack! This better come with hazard pay!" Gregarious panted with a look of relief. The shadows advanced again, and August took a deep breath, summoning his mana. [ System Notification: Spell Activated: Lightning Bolt ] Bolts of electricity arced from his outstretched hand, striking one of the shadowy figures. It shuddered violently before dissolving into nothingness. "Yes! Take that, you smoky creeps! Zap them all, Lord Aleman!" Gregarious cheered from the sidelines. More shadows surged forward, but August stayed calm, firing bolt after bolt. The air crackled with energy as the shadows were obliterated one by one. System Notification: [ Enemy Defeated: Shadow Remnant x1 | EXP Gained: 2500 ] [ Enemy Defeated: Shadow Remnant x1 | EXP Gained: 2500 ] [ Enemy Defeated: Shadow Remnant x1 | EXP Gained: 2500 ] When the last shadow dissolved, the clearing fell silent, and the blue glow of the monolith dimmed slightly. August stood catching his breath. "Well, that was horrifying. Next time, can we take a quest that involves, I don''t know, delivering pies? I''d be great at pie delivery," Gregarious sat on the ground as though he had done all the work. "I''ll keep that in mind. Let''s report back to Baron Hilderan. He''ll want to know what''s been happening here," August stated while straightening himself up. "Good, because after that performance, Lord Aleman, I deserve a medal. Or at least a big drink," Gregarious turned his round-bellied self around and began taking triumphant steps forward. August chuckled a bit while turning around to move when he suddenly sensed something. There was a strange pulse from the monolith and mana seemed to be stringing from it to another location. "Hold," August called out to Gregarious who stopped in his tracks. "What is it, Lord Aleman?" "Do you sense that?" S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Sense what? I think my senses are only attuned to five things, Chicken wings and... I forgot the other four." "Focus," August tapped the back of his head slightly. "Do you sense the pull of mana?" He asked once more. "Not at all," Gregarious shook his head. August realized that this must be due to the fact that Gregarious was a warrior-class player. ''I guess only mages can sense it... And it''s flowing in that direction,'' August turned northeast. (( Fifteen Minutes Later )) "Boss, you sure you don''t need me to come along? I''m real good at being invisible. I mean, not as good as you, but still!" Gregorious whispered while staring at a large ominous-looking castle nestled between a canyon. [ System Notification: Hidden Ruined Castle Unveiled ] "Stay here. I''ll need someone to watch my back," August had replied, more to ensure Gregorious wouldn''t get himself killed since things were starting to look a whole lot more serious now. Gregarious was only at level ten after all. "I''m going in alone." ######### ######### Author''s Note: I apologize for the recent lack of chapters. I didn''t realise that another tier of privilege had been activated and I was required to put ten chapters in it. I have been busy with real life situations these past few days that''s why it took so long. To make up for the inconvenience, I''ll do a mass release of ten chapters next week Thursday. I apologize once again and thank you all for the continued support. Happy New Year. Chapter 131 - 131: The Evil Sorcerer The stone walls of the castle were slicked with moss and decay. Thunder rumbled in the distance, adding an ominous soundtrack to the foreboding structure nestled between the canyon cliffs. "You''re staying here," August said firmly. "I''ll need someone to watch my back. Besides, you''d stick out like a sore thumb in there." "That''s¡­ fair," Gregarious admitted, though his tone was laced with disappointment. "Fine, but if you die, I''m keeping your boots. They look expensive." "I''ll make sure to haunt you if you try," August shot back before activating stealth. "I''m going in alone," his form shimmered and vanished from view. [ System Notification: Stealth Skill Activated ] [ Duration: 7 minutes. ] With silent steps, August approached the castle. Its dark, towering gates were ajar, groaning softly as the wind pushed them. Something seemed almost amiss like the castle was occasionally flickering. Inside, the air was damp and cold, carrying the faint metallic tang of blood. The corridors stretched endlessly, lit only by flickering torches whose flames cast eerie shadows on the cracked stone walls. It was a labyrinth of silence, broken only by the occasional scurry of rats and the distant drip of water. August moved cautiously while resting his hand lightly on the hilt of his dagger. It wasn''t until he reached a wide hall that he heard them¡ªvoices, faint and whispering, echoing off the walls like ghosts. Peering around the corner, he saw a tall, gaunt man clad in flowing black robes. His pale, sunken face was framed by greasy black hair that fell in uneven strands to his shoulders. Deep-set crimson eyes glowed faintly beneath arched brows, and his thin lips twisted into a permanent sneer. Around his neck hung a talisman shaped like a claw clutching a glowing red gem. [ System Notification: Warning! Level 85 Sorcerer, Malrik detected ] [ Threat Level: Extremely High ] August''s breath hitched as the sorcerer''s voice rang out, clear yet serpentine, dripping with malice. He stood before a ritual circle etched into the stone floor. Its runes pulsated with the same eerie blue light as the monolith. "Fools," Malrik hissed, gesturing dramatically over the circle. His bony hands glowed with black energy, weaving tendrils into the air. "They send their soldiers to the monolith, thinking they are ridding the outskirts of danger. Little do they know they are feeding my power! Soon, Tagharium will bow before me, and this divine artifact weapon will ensure my rule is eternal." A nervous voice answered from the shadows. It belonged to a hunched figure, perhaps one of Malrik''s lackeys. "But, master, what if their superiors grow suspicious? They could¡ª" "Silence!" Malrik''s eyes flared with anger as he snapped. "Let them suspect all they want. By the time they piece together what is happening, it will be too late. The monolith hungers for more souls, and their soldiers will be the perfect offering." August''s mind raced. This was far worse than he had imagined. The monolith wasn''t just a trap; it was part of a ritual to summon an artifact that could turn Malrik into an unstoppable force. And judging by the size of the ritual circle, the sorcerer was nearing completion. [ System Notification: Hidden Quest Completed - The Ritual of Conquest. [ Objective: Uncover Malrik''s Plans. ] [ Rewards: +40,000EXP + All Skills Level Up + 20 Attribute Points ] He leaned back into the shadows with a disturbed look. There was no way he could confront Malrik directly¡ªlevel 85 was leagues beyond his reach. His only option now was to get this information back to Baron Hilderan and hope they could rally forces to stop Malrik before it was too late. Suddenly, a faint pulse of energy rippled through the hall. Malrik paused as his crimson eyes narrowed while he scanned the room. "We are not alone," he murmured with a chilling low tone. August''s blood ran cold. He had to move, fast. [ System Notification: Stealth - 30 seconds remaining ] The orb on the staff in Malrik''s grasp began glowing brighter, and for a moment, he felt the sorcerer''s gaze sweeping the room. "Did you feel that?" Malrik''s head snapped toward the corner. "Something''s here." August''s heart raced. He ducked behind another pillar just as Malrik''s staff unleashed a pulse of energy. [ System Notification: Detection Aura Detected ] [ Detection Resistance: 60% (Stealth Enhanced) ] The pulse washed over the corridor, but due to the pillar he ducked behind and his stealth, Malrik didn''t catch onto him. Malrik frowned but seemed to dismiss it. "Perhaps just the remnants of this accursed place," he muttered. August seized the moment and bolted silently back to where Gregorious was hiding outside the castle. "Greg! We need to move. Now." Gregorious, who had been nervously poking at a loose stone on the floor, jumped. "Boss, you look like you saw a ghost¡ªor ten." "Not ghosts. Worse," August replied. "There''s a sorcerer in there. Level 85. He''s planning something big, and if he gets what he''s after, Tagharium is done for." Gregorious'' eyes widened. "Level 85? Boss, you can''t be serious. We''re¡ªwhat¡ªlevel 30-ish? I mean, I''m 10, but still!" "Exactly why we''re not fighting him. We''re warning the right people," August stated while turning around to leave. As they moved a particular distance away, the ominous castle vanished. It seemed as though it was invisible to everyone until they drew close to its position. August only managed to locate it in the first place due to his attentiveness. The ride back to Tagharium was mostly quiet but August was thinking about what he uncovered. If he decided not to report this information or if he never went back to Unhidden Mist, what would have happened? Would Tagharium be taken over and lost to a villain? The sun was beginning to rise, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple as they approached the Baron''s estate. Gregarious broke the silence first. "I''m just saying, Boss, you''ve got guts. If it were me, I''d have fainted the moment that sorcerer started talking about eternal rule and soul sacrifices." August smirked. "You''re underestimating yourself, Gregarious. I''m sure you would''ve lasted at least two minutes before fainting." "Flattery will get you everywhere," Gregarious replied with a chuckle. "But seriously what kind of name is Malrik?" When they arrived at the estate, the guards let them in without question. Baron Hilderan was waiting in his study. His sharp features and neatly trimmed beard made him look more like a battle-hardened general than a bureaucrat. "Aleman," the Baron greeted with a neutral but expectant tone. "I trust you''ve uncovered something of value." August stepped forward and gave a respectful nod. "Baron Hilderan, the situation is worse than we thought..." August went on to recount everything they had encountered the previous night. "The monolith isn''t just a random anomaly¡ªit''s part of a ritual set up by a sorcerer named Malrik," he concluded the narration with this. The Baron''s expression darkened at the name. "Malrik¡­ That name hasn''t been spoken in years. He''s supposed to be dead." "Well, he''s very much alive," August continued. "He''s using the monolith to trap and absorb soldiers'' souls and bodies. It''s powering a ritual to summon a divine artifact weapon. If he succeeds, he plans to use it to conquer Tagharium." Gregarious chimed in, leaning dramatically against a chair. "And let me tell you, Baron, that guy''s the real deal. Creepy voice, glowing eyes, the whole villain package... even though I didn''t enter the castle, take it from me." Baron Hilderan ignored the commentary, focusing entirely on August. "Did you see the artifact? How far along is the ritual?" S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "I couldn''t see the artifact," August replied, "but the runes on the monolith and his ritual circle suggest he''s close to completing it. He''s drawing power from every soul that the monolith absorbs. If more soldiers are sent into that area, it''ll only speed up the process." The Baron clenched his fists. "This is dire news. If Malrik gains access to a divine artifact, the entire kingdom will be at risk. I must take this information to the council of royals immediately." August nodded. "That''s the best course of action. He''s beyond anything I can handle at my level. This isn''t a fight I can win, and frankly, it''s not one I should be involved in anymore." The Baron''s expression softened slightly. "You''ve done well, Aleman. Bringing this information back may very well save Tagharium. Your efforts will not be forgotten." [ System Notification: C-Rank Quest Complete - Vanishing Patrol ] [ Rewards: 50000 EXP, 20 Gold, Reputation Increase with Tagharium (+10) +Hilderan Estate Token ] As August and Gregarious stepped out of the Baron''s estate, Gregarious turned to him with a wide grin. "Well, Boss, that''s one way to wrap up a quest. We''re not dead, the Baron''s on our side, and I''m slightly richer than I was yesterday. I call that a win." August chuckled, opening his menu to add Gregarious to his friends'' list. "I''ll admit, you made this trip more entertaining than I expected." "Entertaining?" Gregarious scoffed as he accepted the friend request. "I''ll have you know I was invaluable. Who else would''ve stood around making sarcastic remarks while you were being stealthy?" "Point taken," August replied with a smirk. "Till next time, Gregarious. Try not to get yourself killed before I log back in." "Same to you, Boss. And hey, don''t be a stranger," Gregarious gave a mock salute as August prepared to log out. The world around August began to blur and dissolve as the vibrant colors of Tagharium faded into the soft darkness of the log-out screen. [ System Notification: Logging out¡­ ] "Time to go save Tara," August muttered the moment consciousness returned to his body. ######## Thank you all for the gifts and well wishes. Thanks to GhostRevenant and Abtist, there will be a mass release of five chapters next week Monday. Thank you all once again and season greetings. Chapter 132 - 132: Regaining Consciousness The city was silent at 4 a.m. Its streets were bathed in a faint glow from streetlights and the occasional passing car headlights. August pulled his hood tighter as he approached Faith Specialist Hospital. His footsteps muffled against the pavement as he did his best to walk silently. The Fruit of Life which had been blended into a smooth liquid, rested securely in his inventory. He wasn''t here as Aleman today¡ªno extravagant outfit, no mask of confidence¡ªjust August Clementine, a man with a purpose. Slipping through the hospital''s side entrance with a quick dash, he avoided the watchful eyes of the night-shift staff. The cool air of the sterile hallways pricked his skin as he navigated toward Tara''s ward. He moved as quickly as he could, occasionally activating Dash. His figure blurred past multiple staff, keeping him hidden. Soon he arrived at the room. Inside the room, Tara lay pale and motionless. Her chest rose and fell softly beneath the thin hospital sheets. Machines beeped softly around her, increasing the grimness in the atmosphere. August hesitated for a moment, standing at the foot of the bed. "Derrick doesn''t deserve to lose you," he muttered softly. "You''ve got a baby on the way. He needs you. The kid needs you." He pulled out the small container of the Fruit of Life juice. Its contents glowed faintly with a golden light. Sitting on the edge of her bed, he tilted her head gently and placed the container at her chapped lips. "Come on, Tara," he murmured while carefully slipping the liquid past her lips. "Drink up. This isn''t from around here, but I promise it''ll do the trick." As the liquid disappeared down her throat, a faint, golden hue spread across her pale skin. Her breathing soon steadied and her complexion turned warm. Her eyelids fluttered ever so slightly confirming that the liquid had worked. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. August leaned back with a look of relief. Moments later, her eyes slowly opened, disoriented but undeniably alive. She turned her head and her gaze caught the faint outline of August''s figure as he stepped toward the door. "Wait¡­" Tara''s voice was weak but audible. Her eyes searched the room, locking onto him. "Who¡­?" August paused, his hand on the door handle. He turned slightly, just enough for her to catch a glimpse of his green hair and the faintest smirk on his face. "You''re okay now," he voiced softly. "Rest. Derrick''s will come for you." Before she could respond, the door clicked shut behind him. The nurses had already been alerted by the machine upon Tara''s awakening. Out in the corridor, a nurse rushing by caught sight of him. Her eyes widened as she took in his distinctive hair and the way he moved, almost too fast for her to follow. "Who''s that?" she called out, alerting another nurse. The commotion began to stir. Nurses rushed toward Tara''s room in disbelief. Through the glass panel of the door, they saw her sitting up, confused but unmistakably conscious. "She''s awake!" one of the nurses exclaimed. "She was in a coma for nearly two months¡ªhow is this possible?" Another nurse turned back toward the corridor, catching just the faintest glimpse of August''s retreating figure as he disappeared around a corner. "It''s him," she whispered. "It has to be. The miracle man." August didn''t stop, didn''t look back. His smirk deepened as he rounded the last corner, activating his dash to slip through the shadows of the hospital''s rear exit. The night swallowed him whole, leaving behind only whispers and questions in his wake. ... ... The morning sun was barely peeking over the horizon when Derrick burst into the entrance of Faith Specialist Hospital. His boots echoed loudly against the polished tiles as he rushed through the corridors. His shirt was wrinkled, and his hair was disheveled, as though he had thrown on the first thing he could grab in his rush to get here. His face was a mixture of disbelief, hope, and panic. A nurse at the reception desk looked up, startled by his sudden entrance. "Tara¡ªTara Henderson!" Derrick''s voice cracked as he leaned on the counter, trying to catch his breath. "I just got a call that she¡­ she woke up? Is it true?" The nurse gave him a kind but professional smile, standing to guide him. "Yes, Mr. Henderson. She regained consciousness earlier this morning. She''s stable and alert. Follow me." Derrick barely heard the explanation... His legs already moved before she could finish. When they reached the door to Tara''s ward, Derrick froze, his hand hovering over the handle. Through the small glass window, he could see her sitting up in bed very much hale and hearty. For a moment, Derrick couldn''t breathe. Relief surged through him, overwhelming in its intensity. "She''s¡­ she''s really awake," he whispered in disbelief. The nurse nodded gently, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder before stepping back to give him space. Derrick pushed the door open slowly and hesitantly as if afraid she might vanish if he moved too quickly. Tara''s gaze snapped to him, and her eyes widened with recognition. "Derrick?" Her voice was soft, shaky, but unmistakably hers. "Tara!" Derrick crossed the room in a heartbeat, sinking to his knees beside her bed. He took her hand as his fingers trembled upon intertwining with hers. "You''re awake. You''re really awake. I¡ª" His voice caught, and he let out a shaky laugh with tears streaming down his face. "I thought I lost you." Tara''s lips quivered as she squeezed his hand weakly. "I¡­ I don''t know what happened. I was so tired, and then¡­ I just woke up." "It doesn''t matter," Derrick shook his head. "You''re here. That''s all that matters." He pressed her hand to his forehead, as though grounding himself in the reality of her presence. The moment was broken by the sound of the nurse quietly clearing her throat from the doorway. "We''ll need to run some tests later to make sure everything is stable," she said softly. "For now, she needs to rest." ... ... The faint light of dusk filtered through the blinds of August''s small apartment as he sank into his chair with a heavy sigh. The air was still and quiet, giving the surroundings a cool feel. He rubbed his temples with a look of exhaustion. "It worked," he said aloud, almost disbelieving. "The Fruit of Life actually worked." The thought of Tara sitting up, alive and well, brought a faint smile to his face. It confirmed what he had suspected. There were probably more items that could work crazy wonders that he just hadn''t considered yet but this was very good news. "Fruit of Life for diseases," he muttered, leaning back in his chair. "Health potions for physical injuries. And the hospital''s going to love the stash I''m planning to bring. That''s one problem solved, at least." But as he opened his planner and stared at the long list of tasks for the day, his smile faded. "Alright," he said, tapping the edge of the planner with a pen. "Let''s see what we''ve got today." He read through the entries aloud. "First, check the AM coven internal designs. Almost done with that, so hopefully no major revisions." He jotted a note beside the task. "Next up, go through the applications for supernatural players as guards. I swear, if I get one more troll claiming to be a ''level 99 destroyer,'' I''m blocking the whole forum." His eyes drifted down the list. "Hire staff for the business. Accountants, cashiers, and... whatever else I''m forgetting. Right, pay for the new apartment. We''ll need to move soon." He glanced at the last entry. "And, of course, pack up a batch of health potions for Faith Specialist Hospital. Can''t exactly leave them hanging after our agreement." Leaning forward with a distraught look. "How am I supposed to do all this and still find time to grind in Enders Light? Not to mention, I gotta start checking up on Derrick''s regularly, the business... I can''t slack off with that at all and Sophia¡­" His voice softened as he thought of his younger sister. "Sophia''s depending on me too." He straightened, taking a deep breath. "One thing at a time, August. One thing at a time." --- By the time the clock struck 6 a.m., August had packed everything he needed and decided to head to Remi''s Caf¨¦. It was one of his usual spots¡ªa small, cozy caf¨¦ run by a spirited blue-haired and very attractive young lady who had a knack for understanding August''s unusual quirks. The perfect place to check his hiring post and catch a quiet moment. The streets were still quiet as he walked as the city woke slowly under the rising sun. When he reached the Digital Haven caf¨¦, the warm aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods greeted him. Inside, a few early risers were scattered across the tables, sipping coffee and reading newspapers. "Morning, August," Remi called from behind the counter, her smile as bright as ever. "You''re up early. Or haven''t you slept?" "A little of both," August replied with a grin, pulling out a chair at his usual corner table. "The usual, if you don''t mind." "Coming right up," she responded before disappearing into the back. --- August pulled out his laptop and logged into the hiring portal, scanning the responses to the notice he''d posted the previous day. The headline flashed back at him: [ Seeking Supernatural Guards ¨C Enders Light Players with Real-Life Abilities Encouraged to Apply ] The list of responses wasn''t long, but the contents made him groan. "Seventy thousand dollars? Seriously?" he muttered, scrolling through the demands. "I''m hiring guards, not building a football team." One application in particular caught his eye: a self-proclaimed "Shadow Walker" who claimed to have consumed the Fruit of Corruption and could teleport short distances in real life. Their resume was impressive¡ªbackground in private security, combat experience in-game and out¡ªbut their salary demand was absurd. "I can''t afford this," August muttered while pinching the bridge of his nose. "I barely have enough to pay rent, let alone throw money at supernatural mercenaries... Okay, that''s a lie but still..." Remi appeared at his table, setting down a steaming cup of coffee and a plate of croissants. "Rough morning?" she asked while leaning against the table. "You have no idea," August said, closing his laptop with a sigh. "These people are demanding too much for a new business. How am I supposed to hire anyone when the going rate is seventy grand?" Remi arched an eyebrow. "Seventy grand? What are you trying to hire, superheroes?" "Close," August replied with a wry smile. "Supernatural Enders Light players. You know, the rare ones who got real-life abilities from consuming the Fruit of Corruption." "Ah, that explains it," she said, crossing her arms. "Supply and demand. They''re rare, so they charge a premium. What are you hiring them for, anyway?" "Security for a new business," August said vaguely, taking a sip of his coffee. "It''s¡­ complicated." "Well, good luck with that," Remi said, giving him a sympathetic pat on the shoulder. "Let me know if you need anything stronger than coffee." August chuckled. "I might take you up on that." --- He spent the next half-hour going through the rest of the applications, but the story was the same. High demands, lofty claims, and no one he could reasonably afford. As much as he hated to admit it, he''d have to rethink his strategy. "Not even the bonus of getting in-game items is enough hmm?" August voiced out loud. A sudden thought popped into his mind at this moment causing his eyes to widen in realisation. "That''s it... I''ll just make my own supernatural guards..." Chapter 133 - 133: No Mistakes Derrick sat by Tara''s bedside, holding her hand tightly as she rested. The relief of seeing her awake, alive, and speaking was almost too much to bear. He knew exactly who was responsible for this miracle. Only one person could have pulled this off: August. Or, more accurately, Aleman. Derrick leaned back in the chair, careful not to disturb Tara. He slipped his phone from his pocket as he scrolled to August''s number. After a moment of hesitation, he pressed call. The line buzzed a few times before a familiar voice answered. "Derrick. You''re up early," August voiced with a light tone. Derrick''s voice was thick with emotion as he spoke. "August¡­ thank you. I don''t even know how to say this, but¡ªthank you. Tara woke up. She''s¡­ she''s back. I know you''re the reason for it." There was a pause on the other end of the line before August replied. "How''s she doing now?" "She''s tired, but she''s okay. The doctors are running tests, but they''re calling it a miracle." Derrick''s voice softened. "And I know it''s because of you. You did something, didn''t you?" "I don''t know what you''re talking about," August voiced before chuckling lightly. "Maybe she just has a strong will to live." Derrick chuckled softly as his eyes glistened. "You tall bastard. You''ve gone and done something I can never repay. Thank you so much, man." A peal of light laughter rang out from the other end as they both joyously cackled. After a brief silence, August spoke; "You don''t owe me anything, Derrick. Just take care of her and the baby. That''s all the thanks I need." Derrick nodded, even though August couldn''t see him. "We will. I promise." "And don''t let anyone figure out it was me," August added with a serious tone. "You know what''ll happen if people start connecting me to Aleman." "Don''t worry," Derrick assured him. "Your secret''s safe with me. I wouldn''t put you in that position." "Good," August''s voice lightened up again. "I''ll come by and visit once she''s been discharged and you''re all settled back home. But until then, just focus on your family." Derrick smiled as his grip on Tara''s hand tightened slightly. "We will. And August¡­ you''re a good man. Never forget that." There was a soft chuckle on the other end of the line. "I''ll try to remember. Take care, Derrick." The call ended, and Derrick set his phone down, his heart full of gratitude. As he turned back to Tara, he silently promised himself to repay August someday, even if he didn''t know how yet. For now, all that mattered was that his wife and unborn child were safe, and his best friend was still the same selfless man he''d always been. ... Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ... Fox sat in the moderately lit room as a fluorescent bulb flickered overhead. Her hand moved rapidly as she unraveled the blood-streaked bandage wrapped around her upper arm. The wound beneath was clean but deep. It was a sharp reminder of her recent failure. Failure to acquire Aleman which led to the capture of two of her subordinates. She winced slightly, though her expression remained cold and stoic. The sound of heavy boots echoed through the narrow hallway outside. Fox tensed instinctively as her green eyes flicked toward the door. A moment later, it swung open, and a man entered with a presence that suffocated the air in the room. He was tall and his figure was shrouded in a dark coat that seemed to absorb the light around him. A black cloud swirled unnaturally over his face, obscuring his features entirely except for two faintly glowing white eyes that pierced through the haze. This was The Collector... known as the silent but deadly leader of this region of the Onis¡ª "Fox," The Collector''s voice was smooth but carried an edge that sent a shiver down her spine. "You failed." Fox stiffened. Her hands paused mid-motion as she secured a fresh bandage. "Aleman outsmarted us. He was far more capable than we anticipated." "Excuses," The Collector voiced while taking slow, deliberate steps toward her. His presence felt heavier with each step, like a storm pressing down on the room. "You''ve never failed an operation before. But now, you''ve failed a very important one. The higher-ups are¡­ displeased." Fox swallowed hard but kept her tone firm. "We didn''t have enough information on him. All we knew was that he could extract items from Enders Light. We had no idea he had supernatural abilities beyond that. He blindsided us." The Collector''s silver eyes flared slightly, and his voice dropped to a dangerous tone. "That was your job to uncover. You underestimated him, and now we''re in a worse position." Fox''s frustration rose as she jumped to her feet. "This wasn''t underestimation. It was a lack of intel. Aleman isn''t just some gamer with a unique ability¡ªhe''s something else entirely. And now we know that he''s consumed multiple Fruits of Corruption. That alone makes him a priority, but¡ª" "But nothing," The Collector''s voice interrupted like a blade slicing through her argument. "Failure is failure, Fox. And Aleman isn''t just any target. He''s the first confirmed player with more than two abilities acquired in real life. Add to that the fact that he was part of the team that cleared the Swordking Dungeon¡­" Fox''s eyes widened slightly. "The Swordking Dungeon¡­?" The Collector nodded as he leaned closer. "The same dungeon a group of high leveled players from our organization failed to conquer Which means Aleman may possess the Fruit of Sin or at least knows those who do." Fox''s breath hitched. She had heard whispers of the Fruit of Sin. She knew it was even more legendary and rarer than the Fruit of Corruption due to its capability of granting abilities that work both in the game and reality. If Aleman truly had it¡­ "I won''t fail again," she voiced with a resolute tone. "Now that I know what I''m up against, I''ll prepare better. I''ll get him next time." The Collector''s laugh was low and cold. "No, you won''t. Not alone." Before Fox could respond, the door opened again. Three figures entered the room, immediately commanding attention with their presence. Fox recognized them immediately since no ordinary group of people would be given access to this establishment. Drakos was the first, almost blocking the doorway with his large frame. His dark brown skin glistened faintly as if imbued with an inner energy, and his muscular build radiated power. His piercing brown eyes eyes met Fox''s with a flicker of recognition. A massive great axe hung across his back, etched with runes that glowed faintly. Orlma followed closely behind. She was slender and graceful with silver hair that cascaded over her shoulders like liquid moonlight. Her blue eyes gleamed with intelligence and calculation. She was clad in a black gown with a long slit that reached her inner thighs. Her plush snow thighs were visible and would cause any male figure to drool. Lyriss at the rear had emerald-green hair tied in a high ponytail that swayed as she moved. She was shorter than the others, but her deep cold dead amber eyes made her presence quite ominous. She carried twin daggers at her hips. Lyriss was the type of person who could disappear into shadows without warning¡ªa predator waiting for the right moment to strike. Fox''s lips thinned into a hard line. "Drakos, Orlma, and Lyriss. It''s been a while." Drakos folded his arms. "Not long enough. The last time we saw each other, you looked down on us... You thought you were invincible huh...?" "It seems Aleman gave you a hard time," Orlma added icily. Lyriss smirked, leaning casually against the wall. "I''ll admit, I didn''t expect to see you here licking your wounds, Fox. Guess Aleman really is full of surprises." Fox''s glare was sharp, but she bit back a retort. Turning to The Collector, she said, "You''re bringing them in for this?" The Collector''s silver eyes flicked toward her. "Aleman is no longer a single-player problem. If he is the same Aleman in Enders Light, he''s a far bigger priority than we realized. His extraction ability alone was enough to put him on our radar. But now, with confirmed multiple abilities and the possibility of him possessing the Fruit of Sin¡­" He trailed off, letting his words settle over the room. "The four of you will work together," he continued. "Your combined skills will be necessary to capture him. And make no mistake, this is not a kill order. Aleman is far more valuable alive." Drakos cracked his knuckles. "We''re really just after retrieving the Fruit of Sin for the organization... If this Aleman has it then he will get what''s coming to him." Orlma''s eyes narrowed. "He outsmarted Fox. That means he''s clever, not just powerful. We''ll need a strategy." Lyriss tilted her head. "I don''t mind a bit of cat and mouse. The question is, can he keep running? He had the help of other players in the game to defeat us in the past... Unfortunately for him, this time will be different." Fox clenched her fists. "You''re underestimating him. Aleman isn''t like the others we''ve taken down. He''s unpredictable." "That''s why you''re all here," The Collector voiced with a final tone. "No mistakes this time. No underestimating him. Work together, and bring him in." Chapter 134 - 134: Welcome To AM Coven The sound of conversation filled Derrick''s modest apartment as August sat comfortably on the worn couch, sipping from a steaming cup of tea that Tara had prepared. The atmosphere was warm and lighthearted. Tara sat across from him in a cushioned chair with her hands resting lightly on her growing belly. Her gratitude was visible and her eyes glistened with emotion as she spoke. "August, I don''t even know how to put this into words. You saved me¡ªsaved us. I don''t know how we''ll ever repay you." Derrick, leaning against the kitchen counter with his arms crossed, nodded fervently. "She''s right. I don''t care what you say¡ªthis is more than we could ever ask for. You gave me my family back, man. That''s something I can''t put a price on." August waved a hand dismissively. "You two really need to stop making such a big deal out of this. I did what anyone else would''ve done." Derrick snorted. "You really think anyone else could''ve pulled off what you did? Come on, August. Don''t downplay this. You''re the reason my wife is sitting here with me, alive and well." Tara nodded with a eyes full of warmth. "He''s right. And I''m not going to stop thanking you, so you''d better get used to it." August chuckled, shaking his head. "Fine, fine. But seriously, you don''t owe me anything. Just focus on getting better, Tara. That''s all I want." The room settled into a comfortable silence for a moment, broken only by the faint clink of Derrick setting down his empty cup on the counter. August glanced at him, then subtly jerked his head toward the hallway. "Derrick, mind giving me a hand with something?" August asked with a casual but pointed tone. Derrick raised an eyebrow but nodded, following him into the hallway. Once they were out of earshot, August leaned against the wall, crossing his arms. "So," his voice dropped into to a more serious tone as he began, "have you thought about what I asked before?" Derrick''s brow furrowed, and he scratched the back of his neck. "You mean about AM Coven? Yeah, I''ve been thinking about it. A lot, actually." August nodded. "And? What''s the verdict?" Derrick let out a slow breath as his expression turned thoughtful. "It''s a big decision. I mean, the pay you''re offering¡ªten grand a month¡ªis insane. Especially for someone like me. But you know how it is. With the baby on the way, I have to make sure I''m making the right call." August leaned forward slightly. "I get it, Derrick. Believe me, I do. But you''re exactly the kind of person I need for this. Trustworthy, resourceful, and someone I know has my back. AM Coven isn''t just a business¡ªit''s something bigger. And I need people I can rely on." Derrick ran a hand through his hair as his eyes narrowed slightly while he considered the offer. "What exactly would I be doing? You''ve mentioned the business, but you''ve been pretty vague about the details." August smirked. "It''s a little unconventional, I''ll admit. But at its core, AM Coven is about bridging gaps. Letting players sell items they have retrieved from the game safely. A place where players can be at ease and meet and discuss and do business together. You''d be helping me manage that¡ªkeeping things running smoothly, handling logistics, and ensuring we''re prepared for¡­ well, anything." Derrick arched an eyebrow. "You mean all this supernatural stuff you''ve been dealing with?" "Exactly," August said simply. "It''s a lot, I won''t lie. But I wouldn''t be offering this to you if I didn''t think you could handle it." The hallway was silent for a beat as Derrick weighed his options. Finally, he nodded slowly. "Alright, August. I''m in. But I''ve got one condition." August tilted his head. "Name it." Derrick''s smile widened. "When this business of yours takes off¡ªand I know it will¡ªI want to be fluid with how I work. If I''m putting my time into this, I want to make sure I also have enough time for Tara and the baby." August grinned, clapping a hand on Derrick''s shoulder. "Deal. Welcome to AM Coven, Derrick." They shook hands, sealing the agreement with a firm grip. "Now," Derrick''s tone lightened as he glanced back toward the living room, "let''s get back before Tara thinks we''re planning world domination in here." August chuckled. "Who says we''re not?" S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With that, the two men returned to the living room with shared laughter. Tara looked up with a curious smile. For the first time in a long while, the future felt full of possibilities. ... ... Later that night, August''s phone lit up the room as he leaned back in his chair, scrolling through his messages. His group chat with Lilo, Boris, and Ezran was buzzing with notifications. Their names kept popping up in rapid succession. Lilo: Guys, I can''t believe we''re actually part of Phoenix Celestial Guild now. It''s still surreal. Boris: Surreal? This is the life, Lilo. Have you seen the perks? I''ve got access to exclusive items, rare loot pools, and weekly bonuses. We''re literally getting paid to play. Ezran: Don''t forget the guild hall parties. I''ve never seen so many people in one place just celebrating after a successful raid. It''s like a second family. August smirked as he read the messages while quickly typing a reply. August: Sounds like you guys are living the dream. Guess I''m the only one still freelancing. The chat bubbled with replies almost instantly. Boris:Come on, Aleman, when are you going to join us? You''re practically part of the guild already. Just make it official. Ezran: Yeah, what''s the holdup? You''d fit right in. Lilo: They''re right, August. The guild''s Vice Leader been asking about you again. Phoenix Celestial Guild is still very interested in having you join. You''d bring so much to the table. August leaned back, rubbing his temple. He''d heard this pitch before¡ªmultiple times, in fact. Not that he didn''t appreciate the thought, but he just didn''t think it was for him. August: I appreciate it, really. But I haven''t made a decision yet. I need to focus on my tier 2 qualification tests first. The chat went quiet for a moment before Lilo replied. Lilo: Fair enough. But after the test, we''re talking about this again. Boris: You''re too good to stay unaffiliated for long, man. Trust me, you''ll thank us later. Ezran: Agreed. In the meantime, good luck with the tests. They''re no joke. August''s lips twitched into a grin. He appreciated their enthusiasm, even if he wasn''t ready to commit just yet. Typing his reply, he kept it simple. August: Thanks, guys. I''ll let you know how it goes. And congrats again on making it into Phoenix Celestial Guild. You''ve earned it. Lilo: Thanks, August. Oh, and don''t forget¡ªPhoenix is watching. No pressure, though.* She added a winking emoji. Shaking his head with a laugh, August typed his final message before setting his phone aside. August: No pressure at all. Talk to you soon. The phone buzzed with one last reply from Boris: Boris: Kick some tier 2 butt for us, Aleman! With that, August dropped his phone onto the desk and reached for his VR pod. He got in, sliding the helmet on and took a deep breath. [ Aystem Notification: Logging into * Enders Light¡­ ] --- The transition was seamless, and August soon found himself standing in his usual spot within the bustling Kingdom of Tagharium. The vivid colors and constant noise of activity surrounded him. [ System Notification: Welcome back, Aleman. Current Level: 32 | Class: Mage/Assassin | Progress to Tier 2 Qualification: Pending. ] August instantly began to make his way toward the designated location for the tier 2 qualification tests. Merchants hawked their wares, adventurers bartered for gear, and NPC guards patrolled the green zone, keeping the peace. Amid the clamor, August walked hastily with his fingers swiping through his skill menu as he reviewed his arsenal. --- Skills: - Shadow Dance (Assassin) [Level 7] - Stealth (Assassin) [Level 6] - Hidden Strike (Assassin) [Level 6] - Dash (Assassin) [Level 5] - Dual Wielding (Assassin) [Level 4] - Lightning Bolt (Mage) [Level 3] - Arcane Shield (Mage) [Level 3] - Ethereal Storm (Custom Mage) [Level 2] - Phantom Splice (Assassin) [Level 2] - Wind Surge (Mage)[Level 2] - Light Reverie (Mage [Level 2] ...(see more...) He frowned slightly as he checked through the list. ''Everything will reset to level 1 if I pass this test. I''ll lose all my progress¡­ but the payoff will be worth it.'' The thought didn''t entirely comfort him. Starting over, even at tier 2, was still starting over. "Tier 2 spells are supreme," he muttered to himself. "Even a level 1 tier 2 spell will outshine a level 10 tier 1. I just have to keep reminding myself of that." His train of thought was interrupted when a large figure stepped directly into his path, forcing him to stop. August looked up and immediately sighed. A 6''5 tall warrior stood before him with his broad shoulders blocking the morning sun. "Xyron," he muttered with a flat tone. Chapter 135 - 135: Tier 2 Test Registration A new, gleaming sword was strapped to his back. Its intricate designs were clearly meant to show off his recent success. Around him, his usual gang of henchmen flanked him. Their smug grins were as irritating as ever. "Well, well," Xyron''s voice dripped with mockery. "If it isn''t the new superstar of Enders Light. How''s life treating you after clearing the Swordking Dungeon, Aleman?" August stepped forward boldly. "I don''t have time for your nonsense today, Xyron. I''m busy." Xyron''s grin widened. "Too busy to talk to your fans? That''s rude. My boys and I were just wondering how it feels to be in the spotlight. All that fame must get exhausting." "Not as exhausting as listening to you," August shot back. "Now, if you''ll excuse me¡­" sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He stepped to the side, intending to walk past them, but Xyron''s henchmen quickly moved to block his path. "Come on, Aleman," one of them sneered. "Stay and chat for a bit. We''re curious." August sighed while pinching the bridge of his nose. "You do realize we''re in a green zone, right? Players can''t attack each other here. Whatever you''re trying to pull, I''ll advise you to rethink." "Oh, we''re aware," Xyron''s smirk grew. "But you see, I brought someone new with me today." One of the henchmen dressed In a green robe with runic patterns, stepped forward while raising a hand. Before August could react, a spell circle appeared beneath his feet, and the world around him warped. The streets of Tagharium vanished, replaced by a barren wasteland with pointy rocks and a blood-red sky. [ System Notification: Warning! You have been teleported outside the green zone ] August straightened his hands while instinctively moving toward the daggers at his belt. "Really?" he voiced with a look of irritation. "This is what we''re doing now?" Xyron unsheathed his massive sword, which emitted an ominous red light. "We''re here to have a little chat about the Fruit of Sin. You have it, don''t you?" August tilted his head. "Even if I did, do you think I''d hand it over to you?" Xyron chuckled while tightening his grip on his sword. "You don''t have a choice, Aleman. We''ll take it off your corpse if we have to." The henchmen moved to encircle him, their weapons drawn and spells at the ready. August sighed, rolling his shoulders as he unsheathed his daggers. "You really think this is going to end well for you?" he questioned while shaking his head. "I''ve gained a lot since the dungeon. It will be unwise to cross me." "We''ll see about that," Xyron growled. "Take him down!" The henchmen charged, and August''s smirk widened. [ System Notification: Skill Activated: Shadow Dance (Level 7) ] In an instant, his form blurred, vanishing into a series of rapid shadowy afterimages that left everyone confused. His real form reappeared behind one of the henchmen, slicing cleanly through their defenses with a single swing. The player staggered as their health bar dropped dangerously low before they could even react. "Too slow," August muttered, already moving to his next target. One of the mages attempted to cast a fireball, but August activated Dash, closing the gap in a blink and slamming the hilt of his dagger into their gut. They crumpled to the ground as the spell fizzled. "Get him!" Xyron roared while charging forward with his sword raised. August raised a hand, summoning a bolt of electricity. [ System Notification: Skill Activated: Lightning Bolt (Level 3) ] The bolt struck Xyron squarely in the chest, sending him flying and crashing into one of his henchmen. [ - 7000HP ] Xyron could barely believe his eyes as a huge chunk of his HP was sacrificed. "You''re better than I remember," Xyron''s voice was strained. "But this isn''t over." "It never is with you," August replied, activating Phantom Splice. Two ghostly versions of himself appeared, darting toward Xyron and his remaining henchmen. The battlefield descended into chaos as August weaved through the melee. His skills and reflexes far outpaced his opponents who were also around level 30 themselves. Within minutes, the last of Xyron''s henchmen fell. Their avatars dissolved into light as they were forced to respawn back in Tagharium with one level less. Xyron, battered and on the brink of defeat, glared at August with his health bar nearly empty. "How are you doing this, Aleman?! I promise to get you back." August sheathed his daggers with a calm but resolute expression. "And I''ll be waiting. But next time, maybe bring a challenge." Xyron growled and rushed towards him with his sword raised. Before he could get close, August fired a bolt of lightning at him causing him to fall to the ground with his HP completely depleted. [ System Notification: PvP Victory -5Players Defeated | EXP Gained: 9800 | August exhaled, rolling his shoulders as he prepared to return to Tagharium. "Well," he muttered to himself, "that was a good warm-up. Now for the real challenge." With that, he opened his map and resumed his journey to the tier 2 qualification site. ... ... The testing grounds for tier 2 qualifications were unlike anything August had ever seen in Enders Light. Set in a sprawling, enchanted valley surrounded by a mountainous region, the entire area seemed alive with magic. Floating platforms hovered above shimmering lakes while glowing glyphs danced in the air. A massive stone archway at the center bore the inscription: "Prove Your Worth, Ascend to Greatness." Dozens of players milled about, each exuding a mixture of confidence and nervous energy. Conversation filled the air as players sized up the competition. Their robes and staves showcased their unique styles and allegiances. August stepped forward to the registration desk, manned by a stoic NPC mage clad in flowing robes as a magic orb floated in between them. "Name?" the NPC voice resonated with an otherworldly echo. "Aleman," August replied. The orb glowed faintly as the NPC waved a hand. "Registration complete. You are participating in the Mage Tier 2 Qualification. Wait for your batch to be called." [System Notification: Registration Confirmed - Mage Tier 2 Qualification. ] Chapter 136 - 136: Test Begins August found a spot near the edge of the grounds, leaning against a low stone wall as he watched the other players. The different outfits and gear was fascinating, from a mage wearing a bright neon staff adorned with holographic runes to another carrying a comically oversized book glowing faintly with fire. Nearby, a lanky mage with glasses pushed up the bridge of his nose, muttering to himself. "Three tests... they said the first one is easy. Easy for who? I barely passed my last mana control exam..." August smirked. "You''re overthinking it," he called out. "First test is probably just to weed out the slackers." The mage blinked at him. "And you''re not worried?" August shrugged. "I''ve been through worse. Besides, stressing out now won''t help you." The mage sighed but nodded, seemingly calmed by August''s nonchalant attitude. --- After a brief waiting period, a booming voice called the next batch of mages, and August joined the group as they were led toward a floating platform connected to the ground by a glowing bridge of light. The NPC mage who registered them appeared in a flash of golden light. "Welcome, aspirants. You are here to prove your worth as Tier 2 Mages. There will be three tests. Succeed, and you will ascend. Fail, and you remain as you are." The players nodded with looks of determination. [ System Notification: Trial 1 - Control and Precision ] The NPC waved a hand, and before each mage appeared a small glowing orb, pulsating gently. "Your task is simple: Manipulate the orb''s energy to form a perfect sphere. Those who fail to maintain precision will be disqualified." August focused on the orb before him. It flickered and wavered as he extended his hand, channeling his mana into it. Slowly but surely, the uneven edges smoothed out until it glowed like a miniature moon. Around him, players were murmuring nervously. A mage nearby accidentally overcharged their orb, causing it to explode in a harmless burst of light. "Well, that''s one way to fail," August muttered under his breath. After a few minutes, the NPC inspected each orb, nodding approvingly at August''s work. "Satisfactory. Proceed." System Notification: [ Trial 1 Complete. ] The NPC mage who led the trials floated a few inches off the ground. Their robes billowed as though moved by an unseen wind. Their voice resonated across the platform, authoritative and commanding. "For the second trial, you will demonstrate mastery over your spells," the NPC announced with their glowing staff tapping the ground. "Each of you must select two spells from your arsenal. These spells will be your tools to solve a specific problem I present to you. Mastery, ingenuity, and efficiency will be judged." August''s brow furrowed as he opened his spell menu. --- Spells Available: - Lightning Bolt - Arcane Shield - Ethereal Storm - Wind Surge - Light Reverie (Level 2) --- "Two spells," he muttered under his breath. His instinct leaned toward Lightning Bolt and Arcane Shield for its utility, but he hesitated. "They want mastery, not just functionality." As he pondered, a massive shimmering dome formed in the center of the platform. Inside it was an elaborate obstacle course: large boulders floated ominously, streams of fire shot across pathways, and shifting platforms created a constantly changing landscape. In the middle of the chaos stood an orb encased in thick ice, glowing faintly. "Your objective," the NPC continued, "is to retrieve the orb from the center of this field. You will rely only on the two spells you select. Once the orb is secured, you will demonstrate the level of mastery you possess over those spells in the follow-up display." Players began murmuring, their excitement and nerves evident. --- System Notification: [ Trial 2: Spell Mastery Initiated. Select Two Spells. ] --- August''s eyes narrowed as he made his decision. Ethereal Storm could disrupt the obstacles, and Lightning Bolt could shatter the ice encasing the orb. "Those two should do the trick," he muttered, confirming his choice. --- One by one, the mages entered the dome. Their progress was visible to the others through a translucent screen. Some faltered early, misjudging their spell usage or failing to anticipate the dynamic nature of the course. A mage ahead of August tripped on a shifting platform causing their Fireball spell to misfire and melt part of their path, which caused them to fall into a pit. "Guess that''s one way to fail," August muttered under his breath, earning a chuckle from the mage next to him. When his name was called, August stepped forward. He entered the dome and the magical energy sealed him inside with a soft hum. --- The course was a whirlwind of chaos. Floating boulders swung in slow arcs, fire streams erupted unpredictably, and gusts of wind threatened to knock him off balance. August moved carefully but this was a walk in the park for him due to his dual class. His assassin perks made it easier for him to transverse such an area. He activated Ethereal Storm, releasing a swirling vortex of elemental energy. The chaotic mix of lightning and wind tore through the first set of obstacles, scattering boulders and disrupting the fire streams. A clear path opened ahead, though the constantly shifting platforms added another layer of difficulty. A gust of wind knocked one of the floating platforms off balance as he approached, forcing him to leap. He activated Lightning Bolt mid-air, using it to strike a boulder that blocked his path. The bolt shattered the rock, sending fragments flying harmlessly away. As he landed, the orb encased in ice came into view. The ice was thick, glowing faintly with magical reinforcement. He grinned while extending his hand. "Let''s see how you handle this," he voiced before summoning Lightning Bolt once more. The concentrated energy surged forward, striking the ice. Cracks spiderwebbed across its surface, but it didn''t shatter completely. "Stubborn, huh? Fine." He unleashed Ethereal Storm again, this time focusing its chaotic energy directly on the weakened ice. The storm surged with relentless powere and the combination of elements overwhelmed the magical reinforcement until the ice shattered with a resounding crack. --- System Notification: [ Orb Secured. Proceed to the Display Area. ] --- August picked up the orb, feeling it''s warmness in his hand befor moving to the next section. The other mages watched intently as he approached the display area, where each participant demonstrated their mastery of the spells they had chosen. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Now, Aleman," the NPC mage said, gesturing to the platform. "Your turn." August stepped forward, holding the orb aloft. He began with Ethereal Storm, shaping its chaotic energy into a controlled vortex. Instead of random destruction, the storm followed precise paths, targeting specific points on the platform and avoiding others entirely. The audience murmured in approval. Next, he activated Lightning Bolt, combining it with the remnants of Ethereal Storm. The bolt surged through the vortex, amplifying its power and creating a dazzling display of synergy between the two spells. The NPC nodded with a neutral look while voicing their approval. "Impressive. You have demonstrated not good mastery but also creativity in combining your spells. Step aside." As the trial continued, fewer and fewer mages passed. By the end, only a handful stood victorious. The NPC mage raised their staff. "Congratulations to those who succeeded. You have proven your worth in this trial. Prepare yourselves for the final test." August stepped back with a smile. "Two down, one to go," he muttered. "This is easier than I expected." System Notification: [ Trial 2 Complete. Remaining Players: 7. ] --- The third test was announced with little fanfare, but the tension rose. [ System Notification: Trial 3 - Spell Creation ] Chapter 137 - 137: Thunder Spear "For the third and final trial..." the NPC mage began. "You will create a spell from scratch, using the mana streams provided at your stations. You have three hours. Only those who succeed will ascend to Tier 2." System Notification: [ Trial 3: Spell Creation Initiated ] [ Time Limit: 3 Hours. ] August approached his workstation watching the glowing mana streams flow gently like liquid light. He placed his hands over the streams, immediately feeling the raw, unrefined energy coursing through his fingertips. It was both exhilarating and overwhelming. "This is going to be¡­ interesting," he muttered. --- The trial began in earnest, and the arena buzzed with concentration. Mana flickered and sparked as players shaped and reshaped uncompleted spells. "Done," a voice rang out less than an hour into the trial. The players turned, eyes wide with disbelief. A young woman with fiery red hair and a confident smirk stood with her arms crossed. Her workstation shimmered with the aftermath of her completed spell. "I call it Flamewave Cascade. It combines fire and water mana streams for an unpredictable chain of destruction." The NPC mage inspected her work with a flicker of approval. "Impressive. Step aside and await the others." The rest of the aspirants groaned collectively. "Show-off," someone muttered under their breath. August shook his head, chuckling. "Well, that''s one way to set the bar." --- For August, the process was anything but smooth. He focused on the mana streams, trying to shape them into something cohesive, but every attempt fizzled out. His first idea¡ªa defensive barrier¡ªcollapsed before it could stabilize. His second¡ªa chain of green lightning sparks¡ªresulted in a minor explosion that sent him stumbling back. "Damn it," he muttered while wiping sweat from his brow. "This is harder than I thought." The NPC mage''s voice echoed across the arena. "Do not rush. Mana is a living force. Respect it, and it will respond to you." "Respect it," August repeated under his breath. "Right. Easier said than done." Despite his frustration, he couldn''t deny the strange exhilaration coursing through him. For the first time, he felt truly connected to mana, as though it were an extension of himself rather than a tool to be wielded. He let out a breath, refocusing his efforts. --- The second hour passed, and failure remained the theme for most of the aspirants. Sparks, bursts, and fizzling spells littered the arena as players struggled to create something viable. August frowned. "What if I''m thinking about this wrong? Instead of forcing the mana, maybe I should guide it." Closing his eyes, he placed his hands over the streams again. This time, he focused on a concept rather than a specific form¡ªa spell rooted in something that could manipulate objects with pure mana. Slowly, the streams began to coalesce under his guidance, forming an orb of faintly glowing energy. "Come on," he whispered with his fingers swirling. "Hold together." The orb wavered, threatening to collapse, but August''s focus never faltered. Bit by bit, he refined it, shaping the spell into something stable. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the mana settled into a perfect sphere. "Got it," he breathed with a tone of disbelief. --- [ System Notification: Spell Created - Telekinetic Surge | Custom Spell Registered. ] --- August tested the spell on the dummy provided at his station. The orb of mana extended outward, gripping the dummy and lifting it into the air before slamming it back down with force. "Not bad," he muttered with a grin. --- By the time the trial ended, only three players¡ªincluding August¡ªhad succeeded. The NPC mage addressed them with a tone of reverence. "You have proven yourselves worthy. Through ingenuity, patience, and mastery, you have created spells unique to yourselves. Step forward and receive the power of Tier 2." The NPC raised their staff and a golden light flooded the arena as the successful players were enveloped in its glow. The energy coursed through August, a rush unlike anything he had ever felt. His body felt lighter and his mana reserves became vast and untamed. --- S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. System Notification: [ Congratulations! You have ascended to Tier 2. ] [ All spells have been reset and evolved. MP increased by 150%. New tier 2 abilities unlocked. ] --- As the light faded, August opened his spell menu to check the changes. Each of his familiar spells had transformed. Their descriptions now reflected a heightened power. He raised his hand, summoning Lightning Bolt which was now an evolved version called Thunder Spear. The energy coalesced into a crackling spear of lightning. Its intensity was now far greater than before. "Let''s test this out," he said with a grin. He hurled the spear at a mountain in the distance causing the lightning to streak through the air with a deafening crack. The impact obliterated a part of the mountain, leaving a scorched hole in its middle. "That is insane..." he voiced in disbelief. ''I wonder if this will have the same effect in the real world...'' August recalled how he was already capable of using his lightning. The NPC mage approached with a calm voice. "You have all earned your place among the Tier 2 mages. Use your power wisely, for the challenges ahead will demand nothing less." As August stepped out, he couldn''t help but smile. "One down, one to go," he said to himself, already preparing for the Assassin qualification test. ... ... Out in the real world, a warehouse echoed with the sound of crashing debris as a masked man delivered a brutal punch to the robed figure. His fist glowed faintly with an eerie, bluish energy that radiated power. The impact sent the robed figure flying through a stack of crates and into the brick wall, leaving a large hole as the figure slumped unconscious to the ground. Kyle straightened, dusting off his gloved hands with an aloof look under the mask. "I''m not letting anyone get away," he muttered while stepping over the debris. He reached down and grabbed a phone, thumbing through the screen until he found the emergency dial. He was about to call 911 when a slow clap echoed through the warehouse, followed by a familiar voice. "Impressive, Kyle. Very clean. Very efficient. As always." Chapter 138 - 138: Stage One Complete Kyle froze instantly. His hand tightened around the phone as he turned slowly. "You again?" A figure stepped out of the shadows draped in a trench coat that swayed slightly with his movements. His expression was calm, but his piercing gaze didn''t waver. "I knew you''d show up here. You always find the trouble before I do." Kyle snorted, shoving the phone into his pocket. "Don''t you have some paperwork to fill out, Detective? Or are you just here to hand out lectures?" Detective Wright smirked. "I''m here to propose something, actually. Something that might finally get you to stop punching first and asking questions never." Kyle''s posture radiated defiance as he crossed his arms. "Not interested." "You don''t even know what I''m offering," Wright replied smoothly. "I''m putting together a team. A team of supernatural players like you, people who can handle the kind of chaos the Oni and their ilk are spreading." Kyle tilted his head slightly. "A team, huh? Sounds like the setup for a bad movie. Let me guess, we all get matching costumes and a cool headquarters?" "This isn''t a joke, Kyle," Wright voiced with a firm tone. "You''ve seen what''s happening out there. The Oni are growing bolder. They''re not the only ones, either. Rogue players with supernatural abilities like the ones you just took down put entire cities at risk. This isn''t something one person can handle alone." Kyle''s eyes glinted behind the mask. "Good thing I''m not one person. I''ve been doing just fine without a team." Wright stepped closer as his tone dropped to a more serious register. "And how long do you think you''ll last, going solo? One day, someone stronger is going to show up. Someone you can''t beat on your own." Kyle''s smirk faded, and his voice turned cold. "Let me make this simple for you, Wright. I don''t do groups. I ride solo. Always have, always will." Wright studied him for a moment. "You''re stubborn, I''ll give you that. But the world doesn''t revolve around your rules, Kyle. You''ve got power, skill, and experience¡ªthings this world desperately needs. But your ego? That''s going to get you killed." Kyle shrugged. "Then I die on my terms." They stood in tense silence for a moment as the sound of distant sirens faintly reached their ears. Wright finally sighed, shaking his head. "You know where to find me if you change your mind. I hope you do. For all our sakes." S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kyle turned on his heel and slowly disappeared into the shadows. "Don''t hold your breath, Detective. And my identity better remains a secret or the Oni won''t be your only problem..." With that, he disappeared. Wright stood alone in the wrecked warehouse with an unreadable expression. "Why are supernatural players always too cocky" Wright muttered as he recalled a certain Ice Queen. He pulled out his phone and dialed his team. "Clean-up needed at the 211A warehouse. And no, I didn''t convince him. Not yet." He hung up as his eyes peered into the distance where Kyle vanished in. "Perhaps it''s time to give that Aleman person a try..." ... ... (( Enders Light )) The assassin''s proving grounds were unlike the Mage trials, designed to test the very essence of what made an assassin. The terrain was a maze of shadowed ruins, moving traps, and deadly obstacles. The air was heavy with tension and hidden mechanisms added to the ominous atmosphere. August crouched low behind a crumbled wall while scanning the area for the next set of traps. This was the first stage of his Tier 2 qualification, testing his speed, agility, and stealth. It wasn''t just a challenge¡ªit was a gauntlet meant to push him to his limits. System Notification: [ Tier 2 Qualification Test ¨C Assassin: Stage 1. Objective: Navigate the course without detection. Time Limit: 20 minutes. ] August let out a slow breath. "No pressure," he muttered, activating Stealth. His form shimmered briefly before fading into the shadows. --- The ruins came alive as he moved through them. Pressure plates triggered arrows from hidden alcoves, walls slid open to reveal spinning blades, and roaming constructs patrolled with glowing red eyes. August did his best to weave through the obstacles, rolling under blades and scaling crumbling walls with ease. A construct whirred loudly, scanning the area with its piercing gaze. August froze mid-step, pressing himself against a shadowed wall. The glowing eye passed over his position but didn''t detect him. "Hehehe Enders Light really is the best thrill one could ask for," he whispered. As he neared the end of the course, a series of swinging pendulum traps blocked his path. His eyes narrowed as he calculated their timing. System Notification: [ Skill Activated: Dash ] In a blur, August darted through the pendulums, narrowly avoiding the razor-sharp edges. He landed gracefully on the other side while steadying his breathing. --- System Notification: [ Stage 1 Complete. Time Remaining: 2 minutes. ] August exhaled in relief as the ruins around him shimmered, transporting him to the next trial. "Let''s see what else they''ve got," he muttered. --- Meanwhile, the streets of Tagharium were in chaos. A thick tension hung in the air as knights marched in droves toward the outskirts of the kingdom. Their armor gleamed under the sunlight, and their banners flapped in the wind, bearing the crest of the royal guard. Leading them was a towering warrior clad in silver armor. His presence was immensely commanding. His level¡ª80¡ª was displayed prominently above his head making it clear he was no ordinary NPC. "Move aside!" one of the knights barked at the gathering crowd. "This is royal business. All civilians and players are to stay out of the way!" The crowd buzzed with speculation. Players and NPCs alike murmured amongst themselves with faces of curiosity. "What''s going on?" a player in mage robes questioned as her staff glowed faintly. "Something big," replied another player. "Look at the knights. They''re bringing out the elites. This isn''t some random patrol." Suddenly, a ripple of notifications spread across the player base. --- System Notification: [ Urgent Mission Issued: Stop the Dark Force ] [ Details: A dark sorcerer, Malrik, has been identified at the outskirts of Tagharium. He is using a monolith to gather power and summon a weapon of immense destruction. The kingdom has issued a call to arms to all players and adventurers. ] Chapter 139 - 139: Stage Two [ Objectives: ] - Investigate the outskirts of Tagharium. - Assist the royal knights in stopping Malrik. - Optional: Destroy the monolith. [ Rewards: Significant EXP, Gold, Reputation, and Unique Loot. ] --- The notification sparked an uproar. Players scrambled to prepare, shouting over each other as they discussed the best approach. --- At a nearby tavern, Lilo, Boris, and Ezran sat at a table with their eyes glued to the notifications. "Malrik?" Lilo voiced with a frown. "Wasn''t that the name Aleman mentioned in the chats?" "It was," Boris confirmed, leaning back in his chair. "Looks like he wasn''t kidding about this guy being a big deal." "World-changing event, huh? Sounds like the kind of chaos we thrive on," Ezran eyes scurried about. Lilo hesitated as her fingers drummed against the table. "This isn''t just another quest. If Malrik''s as powerful as Aleman mentioned, this could get ugly fast." "All the more reason to jump in," Boris said, already opening his inventory. "If we sit this one out, we''ll miss out on the rewards. Not to mention the bragging rights." Ezran laughed tensely. "When''s the last time we were part of something this big? Except for the Swordking''s Dungeon we cleared very erm recently... Besides, we''ve got each other. What could go wrong?" Lilo sighed. "If this goes wrong I''m blaming you two but yaay for a new adventure." --- The trio accepted the mission and their notifications were updated in the logs. System Notification: [ Mission Accepted: Stop the Dark Force ] [ Objective: Head to the Southeast outskirts of Tagharium. ] They stepped out of the tavern, joining the throng of players heading toward the outskirts. The atmosphere was electric as the adventurers armed themselves for what promised to be a defining moment in Enders Light. --- Back at the outskirts, the royal knights marched in formation. Their leader suddenly raised a hand to halt them at a ridge overlooking a vast, desolate plain. In the distance, the monolith stood, pulsing with an ominous blue glow. Surrounding it were hordes of shadowy creatures whose forms flickered like static. The level 80 warrior turned to his men. "Information reaching us warns about direct contact with these shadowy beings. However, we cannot wait for reinforcements. We charge and we charge now! We cannot let Malrik complete his ritual. For the kingdom!" A chorus of battle cries erupted from the knights as they charged forward. --- As Lilo, Boris, and Ezran approached the ridge, they paused to take in the sight. "That''s¡­ a lot of knights..." Boris voiced while bringing unstrapping his Axe. "And a lot of shadowy beings too," Ezran voiced tensely. Lilo readied her bow as she stepped forward; "Well, what are you guys waiting for? We can''t let the others hoard all the glory." ... ... System Notification: [ Tier 2 Qualification Test ¨C Assassin: Stage 2. Objective: Gather accurate information on the target, ''Dakar Marow,'' an illegal weapons dealer. ] [ Warning: The target is surrounded by layers of misinformation. Incorrect information will result in failure. Time Limit: 3 days. ] August sighed while rubbing the back of his neck. "Of course, it couldn''t just be ''stab this'' or ''sneak past that.'' No, let''s turn this into a full-blown detective game." The streets were alive with activity, a chaotic blend of bustling markets, drunken revelers, and shadowy figures lurking in the corners. August had been teleported to this location and he had no idea where he was. One thing for sure was that this wasn''t the bright and orderly Tagharium he knew¡ªit was the underbelly of a city, where deals were struck, lives were lost, and power was traded in whispers. August pulled his hood lower over his face as his footsteps silently blended into the crowd. August''s eyes scanned the streets as he moved. Every corner, every alley, and every shadow was a potential lead or a trap. The first step was finding someone who knew something worthwhile. For a man like Dakar Marow, someone with enough paranoia to surround himself with lies, that meant starting with the small fish. His gaze landed on a group of gamblers huddled around a makeshift table in an alley. Their laughter was loud and their movements sloppy as their eyes darted to the shadows whenever they spoke too loudly. ''Perfect,'' August thought while slipping into the shadows and activating Stealth. He crept closer, positioning himself within earshot. "...Dakar''s got everyone jumpin''," one of the gamblers voiced before slamming a handful of coins on the table. "You heard about the new shipment? Explosives, they say." Another man snorted, taking a swig from a flask. "Nah, you''ve got it wrong. It''s enchanted blades, top-tier stuff. He''s sellin'' to the guilds in Shadowmoor." The first gambler scoffed. "Shadowmoor? Dakar doesn''t go near that place anymore. Too many eyes." August smirked slightly. ''Shadowmoor''s a dead end. That narrows it down.'' --- System Notification: [ Progress: Shadowmoor eliminated as a potential target location. Proceed with investigation. ] --- He slipped away unnoticed, focusing now on following the trail further. The next logical step was the Stonebreak Market¡ªa labyrinth of underground tunnels and hideouts known for harboring illegal activity. If Dakar was still in the city, that''s where he''d be. As he made his way through the streets, he searched and searched for any signs of Dakar but there was none. He had been given a description of how Dakar looked and no one he spotted fit the description. Not to mention that he hadn''t noticed any shady deals going on. There was no mention of Dakar anywhere, no matter what shadowy corner he slipped into. August spent hours moving about till he passed an old woman selling charms. Her voice was low and raspy, but her words caught his attention. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Looking for something special? Maybe information, hmm?" August stopped, making sure his hood was properly obscuring his face as he turned to her. "Depends on the price." She cackled softly. "Oh, I don''t need gold, boy. I need favors. You find what I need, and I''ll tell you what you want to know." "What do you need?" "A certain ledger went missing from a trader''s stall near the market. Find it, and I''ll tell you where Dakar''s latest shipment is being held." ''How did she know I was looking for Dakar?'' This woman''s presence raised questions in his head. "How did I know what information you are after? Very easy child. Worry about bringing back what I want instead," the old woman suddenly voiced out loud. "Fine. I''ll get it." Chapter 140 - 140: Proceeding To Final Stage The trader''s stall was a fortress disguised as chaos. Crates were stacked high, and armed guards roamed the perimeter with their eyes scanning the crowd. The trader himself¡ª a large man with a scowl carved into his face¡ªstood near the entrance, barking orders to his men. August slipped into the shadows, activating Stealth. He moved like water, weaving through the maze of crates and barrels until he reached the stall''s rear. There, amidst a pile of documents, sat the ledger with its cover bound in cracked leather. As he reached for it, a sudden click echoed beneath his fingers. His eyes darted to the source¡ªa pressure plate concealed beneath the ledger. "Clever," he muttered, yanking his hand back just as an alarm rang out. "Someone''s in the back!" the trader shouted with a booming voice. "Find them!" Guards rushed toward the area, drawing their weapons. August cursed under his breath, activating Phantom Splice. A clone of himself appeared and they split off, dashing in different directions to confuse the guards. In the chaos, August grabbed the ledger and leaped onto a nearby crate, vaulting over the stall''s wall. "Get him!" a guard yelled, but August was already gone, disappearing into the maze of alleys. ... August returned to the old woman, tossing the ledger onto her table. "Here. Now talk." She cackled, clutching the ledger like a prized jewel. "I heard Dakar''s in the tunnels beneath Stonebreak Market, preparing a shipment of explosives. But be warned¡ªhe''s a paranoid one. You''ll need more than this to find him." August frowned. "More?" "He surrounds himself with lies," she said cryptically. "The truth is buried, but you''ll find it if you dig deep enough." Determined to gather more, August moved through the Shadowmarket, tuning to every whisper. He heard conflicting stories: "Dakar''s hiding in a mansion in Shadowmoor," one drunk claimed, slamming his mug on a table. "No, he''s gone underground, hasn''t been seen in weeks," a cloaked figure insisted. "He''s a ghost," another said. "Only his men ever deal with anyone." August knew better than to trust surface-level chatter. His instincts told him the truth lay deeper. --- Due to everything he had heard, he was able to pinpoint someone useful. A man named Garren was boasting in a tavern about once working with Dakar. August followed him into the night, waiting until the man was alone in a dark alley before making his move. "Garren," August stepped out from the shadows. The man jumped while reaching for his dagger but August was faster. His figure blurred and he appeared right before Garren. Disarming him, he pressed a blade to his throat. "Talk," August growled. "What do you know about Dakar Marow?" Garren sneered, struggling against August''s grip. "You think you scare me? You''re just another fool chasing shadows." August pressed the blade harder as his voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "I don''t have time for games. Spill everything you know, or you''ll become one with the shadows... permanently." Garren froze as his bravado crumbled. "Alright, alright! He''s a ghost, yeah, but he''s smart. Cunning. He doesn''t trust anyone, not even his own men." "Go on," August loosened his grip slightly. "He tests everyone," Garren''s voice trembled as he continued. "Once, a guild tried to double-cross him. He sent them a crate of gold¡ªonly it was laced with a curse that killed anyone who touched it. That''s the kind of man he is. Always ten steps ahead." "What about his location?" August pressed. "Is he in Stonebreak?" Garren hesitated as his eyes darted nervously. "Yes¡­ but not where you think. He''s using the old smuggler''s route beneath the east tunnels. It''s the only place no one dares to go." Satisfied, August knocked Garren unconscious and left him in the alley. As he pieced together everything he''d learned, August realized the west tunnels made the most sense. The other rumors were distractions¡ªdeliberate lies planted by Dakar to throw people off his trail. Activating Stealth, August slipped into the western tunnels. The air grew colder as he descended. The further he went, the more faint voices he heard. Peering from the shadows, he spotted Dakar at last, standing amidst crates of explosives and barking orders to his men. "Double-check everything," Dakar said, his sharp voice echoing through the cavern. "We move in one hour." August smirked. "Found you." --- [ System Notification: Stage 2 Complete ] [ Objective Achieved: Dakar Marow Located. Proceeding to Final Stage. ] As the world shimmered, transporting him to the next trial, August couldn''t help but feel a hint of pride. This wasn''t just about speed or stealth¡ªit was about outsmarting a master of deception. And he''d done it. ... ... S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The battlefield near the monolith was a chaotic nightmare. The once barren land between the canyon and the outskirts of Tagharium was now a blood-soaked wasteland, littered with fallen knights, crumbled constructs, and the dissipating remains of shadowy beings. The monolith itself stood ominously at the center. Its runes glowed brighter with each pulse, like every death was feeding its insatiable appetite. The acrid smell of burning flesh and the metallic tang of blood, mingled with the eerie, almost musical sound emanating from the monolith. The shadowy beings that had caused so much destruction were relentless, their jerky, unnatural movements unsettling even to the most hardened players. Yet, things had taken a far darker turn with the appearance of an undead army pouring in from the south. The ground trembled as the dried-up-looking soldiers marched. Among them were hulking undead abominations wielding massive weapons. Each fallen knight was added to their ranks. Lilo fired arrow after arrow as she leaped between the crumbled remains of a wagon for cover. Her playful demeanor had shifted into one of grim determination, though she couldn''t resist shouting over the chaos. "Boris, stop swinging that thing like you''re chopping wood! Aim for the head!" she called, nocking another arrow and letting it fly. Boris, covered in blood and dirt, let out a booming laugh as his massive axe cleaved through a skeletal warrior. "If I aim, I''ll miss! Besides, this is more fun!" ######### Author''s Note: I apologize for the recent lack of chapters. I didn''t realize that another tier of privilege had been activated and I was required to put ten chapters in it. I have been busy with real life situations these past few days that''s why it took so long. To make up for the inconvenience, I''ll do a mass release of ten chapters next week Thursday. I apologize once again and thank you all for the continued support. Happy New Year. Chapter 141 - 141: On A Timer Ezran, standing a few feet behind them, muttered nervously as he conjured a fireball in his shaking hands. "This isn''t fun. This is terrifying." The fireball soared, smashing into a cluster of undead and scattering their bones. Ezran sighed in relief but froze as three more skeletons emerged from the shadows with glinting swords. "Uh, a little help here?" he squeaked, retreating hastily. Lilo spun, releasing an arrow that flew into one of the skeletons, shattering its skull. "Ezran, you''re a mage! Start acting like one and less like a scared puppy!" "I''m trying! Do you know how hard it is to focus when everything''s trying to kill you?" The undead pressed closer, seemingly endless in droves. Just as it seemed they were about to be overwhelmed, a deafening explosion of light and heat erupted from the east. A massive wave of fire swept across the battlefield, disintegrating dozens of undead in an instant. When the flames cleared, a tall figure stepped forward. His flowing red robes were adorned with intricate golden embroidery, and a glowing staff crackled with fiery energy in his hand. His stern face bore the depth of countless battles, and his eyes burned with an intensity that commanded immediate respect. It was Dorian Emberfall, a level 75 mage from Tagharium, and one of the kingdom''s most powerful spellcasters. His mere presence seemed to momentarily halt the chaos as the undead recoiled from his aura. "Knights! Players! To me!" Dorian''s voice boomed across the battlefield, infused with mana that made it resonate like thunder. "Hold your ground! We will not let this sorcerer win!" As the remaining knights and players regrouped, Dorian raised his staff high as its tip glowed with a blinding light. "I will cast a spell to unveil the ruined castle''s location," he declared with a loud voice. "It will take ten minutes to complete. Protect me at all costs. Should this spell be interrupted, it will fail. The longer we take trying to find the castle, the more the monolith feeds." A flurry of notifications appeared before the players. --- System Notification: [ Urgent Mission Update: Protect Dorian Emberfall ] [ Objective: Defend Dorian for 5 minutes while he casts the unveiling spell. If he is interrupted, the mission will fail. ] [ Rewards: Significant EXP, Gold, and Unique Loot --- sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The players barely had time to react before Dorian planted his staff into the ground. A golden circle of glowing runes expanded around him, and he began chanting in a deep, resonant tone. The runes spiraled upward, forming a protective dome, but it was clear it wouldn''t hold indefinitely. The undead surged forward again, as though sensing the threat to their master''s plans. The knights formed a defensive line around Dorian, locking their shields in place as shadowy beings and skeletal warriors crashed against them. "Ten minutes?!" Lilo shouted before loosing an arrow that pierced the eye socket of an advancing skeleton. "That''s practically an eternity in gamer time!" Boris roared as he slammed his axe into a hulking abomination. His muscles strained against its sheer mass. "Quit whining, Lilo! Just keep shooting!" Ezran was sweating bullets as he conjured a frost nova, freezing a group of undead in their tracks. "How is he supposed to cast anything in this chaos?" "You''d be surprised what people can do under pressure!" Lilo retorted, firing two arrows in quick succession. The battlefield was filled with the sound of screams, clashing steel, and spellfire. Players and NPC knights worked together in an unspoken rhythm. Lilo darted across the battlefield with an agility that allowed her to take out enemies from vantage points. Boris carved a path through the undead with sheer brute force, while Ezran alternated between fire and ice to control the hordes. ... ... The world shimmered as August was transported to the third and final stage of the tier 2 test. The air felt different¡ªthicker, heavier, and charged with an unspoken pressure. When his vision cleared, he found himself standing in a dark, hall lit by flickering torches mounted on intricately carved stone walls. The atmosphere screamed secrecy and danger. Around him were other cloaked figures, all moving with their presence hidden. This was an assassin''s world, and he was right in the middle of it. A voice called out to him from the shadows, deep and commanding. "Aleman, step forward." <[ You Are Now A Member Of The Oak Blood Assassin Organisation ]> <[ Your Master Is The Leader Of This Famed Organisation ]> August immediately understood what was going on. The voice that called out to him happened to be the leader of this assassin organization in this world. A tall and slender figure stepped into the light with his face obscured by a hood, but the gleaming eyes beneath it held a sharpness that could cut through steel. "You have been assigned a mission, one that will test every skill you possess," the leader said, handing him a scroll sealed with a crimson emblem. "The target is a merchant named Lucar Drell. He''s become too troublesome and has information that could threaten our operations. Eliminate him." August nodded, taking the scroll and breaking the seal. Inside were detailed instructions: Lucar was heavily guarded and constantly moving between his warehouses in a nearby city. The location of his next stop was marked, but there was no time to waste. As August turned to leave, the leader''s voice stopped him. "One more thing, Aleman. Lucar is no fool. He''s hired an assassin from the Crimson Fang to take me out in retaliation. That assassin will move swiftly, but you must be swifter. Kill Lucar before the Crimson Fang assassin reaches me. Fail, and you know the consequences." August nodded again with a look of calmness. "I won''t fail." --- System Notification: [ Tier 2 Qualification Test ¨C Assassin: Stage 3. Objective: Assassinate Lucar Drell before the rival assassin eliminates your client. Failure will result in disqualification. ] --- The mission was simple on paper but layered with complexity. August exited the hall swiftly. Outside, the world was a dimly lit city with narrow streets and towering buildings. Every shadow seemed alive, and every corner held a potential threat. He moved swiftly, blending into the darkness as he headed toward Lucar''s marked location. Chapter 142 - 142: Goodbye, Old Man As August navigated the streets, he couldn''t shake the feeling of being watched. His instincts screamed at him and he paused, ducking into an alley. A faint glint of metal in the distance confirmed his suspicions. A figure cloaked in black with their face hidden by a mask was stalking him. "So, the Crimson Fang sent someone after me too," August muttered to himself with a smirk. "This just got interesting." He activated Stealth, blending seamlessly into the shadows. The figure moved closer, their August circled around them, using the narrow alleys to his advantage. When he was directly behind the figure, he whispered, "You''re not very good at this, are you?" The rival assassin spun, drawing twin daggers in a blur of motion. August dodged the first strike and drew his own dagger before he parried the second. Their blades clashed sending sparks flying in the dimly lit surroundings. "Who are you working for?" August questioned with a calm tone calm despite the intensity of the fight. The rival assassin said nothing and instead responded by pressing further with the attack, forcing August to backpedal. With a flick of their wrist, they threw a dagger at him, which he barely dodged. "Alright, no talking. That''s fine," August voiced while activating Phantom Splice. Two ghostly versions of himself appeared, attacking the assassin from both sides. The rival assassin hesitated for a split second as their focus split between the cooy and the original. It was all the opening August needed. He feinted left and struck right causing his blade to graze the assassin''s arm. They hissed in pain before retreating into the shadows. "Run along," August called after them. "But don''t get in my way again." August couldn''t give chase because he was on a timer. If the one proclaimed as his master in this test died before he could kill the target, he''d fail. --- Lucar''s warehouse was a fortress. Guards patrolled the perimeter with their eyes scanning for any sign of trouble. August perched on a nearby rooftop, studying the patterns of their movements. "No room for mistakes," August muttered while activating Dash. He moved like a blur, silently dispatching the guards one by one. His blade found its mark with each strike as he ended them efficiently. Inside the warehouse, Lucar was surrounded by a dozen heavily armed guards. The merchant himself was a portly man with a nervous energy, pacing back and forth as he barked orders. "Move the crates faster! We don''t have all night!" Lucar shouted. A small parchment materialized in August''s hand. He unrolled it to reveal a sketch of his target: a slim man with a scar running down his cheek and gray eyes. "Lucar," August muttered with a tone of confirmation. His thoughts were interrupted by another system notification. --- System Notification: [ Warning: Rival assassin has begun their mission. ] --- August cursed under his breath. The rival assassin would be gunning for his client, and any delay on his part would ensure failure. He had to move fast. --- August activated Stealth immediately. His form shimmered, and he became invisible, moving silently towards Lucar''s position as he prepared to strike. "Got you," August whispered while creeping closer. --- Just as August prepared to strike, an explosive sound rocked the surroundings. Smoke filled the room, and chaos erupted as an alarm went off. August''s heart sank as he realized the rival assassin had set a trap to delay him. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Intruder! Intruder!" Loud yells rang out as August''s stealthy figure was exposed as a shadow by the smoke. August coughed, covering his mouth as he tried to navigate through the smoke while many guards converged on his location. Some of the guards had Lucas immediately moved out of the surroundings while sounds of battle rang out. Some guards had stayed behind to engage August. August''s arms move speedily in the smoke as he cut them down one after the other but unfortunately, their interference still very much delayed. By the time August reached the exit, they were gone. "Damn it," August growled while scanning the streets for any sign of the target. They were gone and now he''d have to spend time that he didn''t have looking for them. August gritted his teeth but he couldn''t afford to relent. There was no time to waste. ... About thirty minutes later, he traced his target to another location. Upon arriving there, he spotted a trail of fresh footprints in the dirt, leading toward an alley. The alley was narrow and dark. It seemed like the perfect place for an ambush. As August followed the trail, he felt the hairs on the back of his neck rise. Something was wrong. A glint of metal caught his eye just in time. He dodged, narrowly avoiding a tripwire that would have triggered a barrage of darts. "Rival assassin''s handiwork," he muttered. "Smart, but not smart enough." With his path clear, August pressed on, but each step brought new challenges. A collapsed cart blocked one alley; another was filled with guards who had been paid to delay him. Each obstacle ate away at his time. It seemed as though the rival Assassin had everything predicted to the last detail and promptly set things up to delay August till he killed August''s client. This was becoming cumbersome. Seeing how things might continue this way, August decided to do the one thing no one would expect. He turned around and headed back to the assassin organization. The cold air whipped against his face, and the narrow streets stretched endlessly ahead as August dashed forward with incredible speed. Every second counted. His mind raced as he replayed the events leading up to this moment. The target, Lucas, had been slippery, constantly surrounded by guards and hidden behind layers of deceit. Worse still, the rival assassin had laid trap after trap to delay August. Now, with time running out and the rival assassin nearing his master¡ªthe client who had sent him on this mission¡ªAugust''s only option was to intercept and protect the client before it was too late. August leapt across the rooftops toward the hidden base. The shadowy peaks of the organization''s fortress came into view, concealed within a dense forest of twisted trees. As he approached, the air grew dark with the presence of danger. He activated stealth disappearing into the shadows as he moved closer to the entrance. --- Inside the fortress, the rival assassin crouched in a hidden alcove within the council chamber. His target, the leader of the assassin organization, sat on his throne, discussing plans with his subordinates, oblivious to the deadly threat in the shadows. The rival assassin''s hand moved, aiming at the leader with a small poisoned dart loaded into a concealed launcher. His fingers tightened around the trigger. "Goodbye, old man," the assassin whispered. A small whistling sound rang out as the dart was fired. Chapter 143 - 143: Objective Complete Just as the dart was fired, a blur intercepted its path. August appeared from the shadows with his dagger slicing through the air and his hands outstretched. His swing immediately deflected the dart mid-flight. The poison-coated tip spun towards the left and embedded itself harmlessly into the stone wall behind the throne. The leader rose to his feet as his eyes narrowed. "Aleman¡­ You''re late." "I had a detour," August replied with a calm tone. He turned toward the rival assassin, who stepped from the shadows with daggers drawn. "So, you made it back," the rival assassin sneered. "I was wondering if you''d be too busy chasing Lucas to save your precious master." "Sorry to disappoint," August held his daggers forward as he took a stance. "But your mission ends here." The rival assassin lunged at him instantly but August dashed towards the side and then behind him, striking with a swift slash. The rival spun, blocking the attack with his daggers, and countered with a flurry of strikes that forced August to retreat. "You''re good," the rival smirked. "But I''m better." "Let''s find out," August replied while activating Shadow Dance. [ Shadow Dance Has Been Activated ] Dark ghostly decoys of himself surrounded the rival, each attacking from a different angle but it was a fluke since only one was real. The rival assassin snarled and slashed through the decoys with expert precision. "Tricks won''t save you!" August used the distraction to close the distance swinging the dagger from a blind spot. The rival assassin surprisingly parried the attack but misjudged August''s speed. A quick feint left him exposed, and August''s blade found its mark, slashing across his ribs. --- System Notification: [ Critical Hit! Rival Assassin takes 3,500 HP damage. ] --- The rival assassin staggered while clutching his side. "You little..." He activated a skill, disappearing into the shadows. August felt the shift in the air and activated Stealth, vanishing as well. The room fell silent, leaving only the sound of faint torch crackles. They circled each other invisibly, each waiting for the other to make a move. August''s keen instincts alerted him just in time as the rival assassin struck from above, aiming daggers at his neck. He rolled to the side and struck out as well. The fight began to drag out, becoming one where a single person couldn''t relent in the slightest or it would lead to their loss. August didn''t try to use his mage abilities or the fight would have long ended. He didn''t want to risk failing the test so he made sure to rely only on his assassin skills but this battle was pushing him to his limits. Finally, August saw his opening. The rival assassin overextended on a strike, giving August the chance to drive his dagger deep into his chest. The rival gasped as blood trickled from his lips while he collapsed to the ground. "Guess¡­ you were better¡­" August knelt beside him before pulling his dagger free. "No hard feelings. You should''ve stayed out of my way." --- System Notification: [ Rival Assassin Eliminated. Objective Complete. Client Secured. ] --- The leader of the organization stepped forward. "You did well, Aleman. But your mission isn''t over yet." Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. August nodded while moving toward the exit. "I know. Lucas is next." --- With the rival assassin out of the way, August''s path to Lucas was clear. He retraced his steps to the last known location of the target. The tavern where Lucas had last been seen was now deserted, but fresh tracks in the dirt told August exactly where to go. Following the trail, August arrived at an abandoned warehouse near the edge of the city. Inside, Lucas paced nervously, flanked by two guards. August activated Stealth, slipping into the shadows as he moved closer. He studied the guards'' movements, noting their patterns. In the next moment, he activated dual wielding, taking them down in a flurry of strikes before they could react. Lucas spun around in fear. "No! Stay back!" August stepped forward with gleaming daggers. "It''s over, Lucas." The target lunged for a hidden blade, but August was faster. He swooshed to Lucas''s back and delivered a hidden strike. His blade pierced Lucas''s heart from behind, causing blood to splurge out like a fountain. The target collapsed. --- System Notification: [ Target Eliminated. Mission Complete. ] [ Tier 2 Qualification Test Passed. ] --- The world shimmered, and August was transported back to the assassin organization''s hall. The leader stood before him with a smile. "You''ve proven yourself, Aleman," he said. "You are no longer Tier 1." A surge of energy coursed through August as his tier 2 transformation began. His abilities evolved and his power surged to new heights. --- System Notification: [ Congratulations! You have ascended to Tier 2: Assassin. Abilities upgraded. Maximum energy pool increased. New abilities unlocked. ] ... ... Meanwhile, in the battle against Malrik, the players were still defending the mage. Midway through the defense, an undead mage appeared. Its skeletal hands were enveloped with dark energy. It raised its staff, aiming a spell directly at Dorian. "Someone stop that thing!" a knight shouted. Ezran''s eyes widened as he realized he was the closest. He gulped, gathering every ounce of courage he had. "Okay, okay¡­ you can do this, Ezran¡­" He conjured a massive fireball... the largest he''d ever attempted, and hurled it at the undead mage. The spell struck, engulfing the creature in flames and reducing it to ash. Lilo whistled from a distance. "Not bad, Ezran! Maybe you''re not completely hopeless after all!" "Thanks¡­ I think," he muttered while wiping sweat from his brow. As the clock ticked down to the final minute, the undead redoubled their efforts. The monolith pulsed violently, and the shadowy beings grew more aggressive, clawing at the knights and players alike. Dorian''s chanting grew louder and the golden runes spun faster around him. He tried to maintain a calm look but his face betrayed the strain of conjuring such a powerful spell. "Hold the line!" he bellowed. "Do not falter!" Lilo had been firing shots upon shots upon shots but before she knew it, she found herself surrounded by a group of skeletal warriors in a flash. "Boris! A little help here?" She couldn''t exactly deal with targets properly in close-quarter combats. Boris charged in with a laugh as his axe cleaved through the skeletons. "I''ve got your back, Lilo!" Chapter 144 - 144: Blood And Death As the final seconds ticked away, Dorian raised his staff one last time, and a blinding pillar of light shot into the sky. --- System Notification: [ Mission Complete: Protect Dorian Emberfall ] [ Objective Achieved: Ruined Castle Location Unveiled ] --- Dorian turned to the gathered players and knights. "The ruined castle has been revealed. We march immediately. The sorcerer''s reign ends tonight." The players erupted in cheers, momentarily forgetting their exhaustion as they prepared for the final confrontation. Lilo grinned while nudging Ezran with her elbow. "See? I told you we''d survive." Ezran gave a shaky laugh. "Barely¡­" Boris hoisted his axe onto his shoulder. "Let''s finish this." The army regrouped and began to march in the direction of the light which was pointing a path to the ruined castle. ... ... (( Thirty Minutes Later )) The ruined castle towers silhouetted against the blood-red sky. The very air around it seemed alive with dark energy, pulsing in rhythm with the monolith far in the distance. The battle outside its gates had already descended into chaos. Knights, players, and mages clashed with Malrik''s summoned undead and shadowy constructs. Standing atop the highest parapet of the ruined castle, Malrik gazed down at the battlefield, shrouded in flowing black and crimson robes. His pale yet sharp face was illuminated by the glowing runes etched into his skin. In his hand, a twisted staff crackled with malevolent energy. "You think you can stop me?" Malrik''s voice echoed with arrogance. "You are mere insects before my power. I have waited centuries for this moment, and nothing will stand in my way!" --- System Notification: [ City Boss Encounter: Malrik, The Dark Sorcerer (Level 85) ] [ Warning: Malrik is protected by an advanced barrier. Reduce his defenses before attempting direct attacks. ] --- The level 75 mage, Dorian Emberfall, and the leader of the army, Sir Verek, a muscular warrior clad in gleaming silver armor, stood at the forefront of the battle. They were the kingdom''s best hope, but even their combined might seemed like a flicker against Malrik''s overwhelming power. Dorian raised his staff, summoning a massive wave of fire, the size of a truck. It surged toward Malrik, consuming everything in their path. Malrik laughed as he raised his staff high. A translucent barrier materialized around him, and the flames shattered against it like glass. "Pathetic," he sneered. "You dare to challenge me with such weak magic?" Sir Verek bellowed while charging forward with his greatsword which emitted a brilliant blue glow. He leaped into the air, bringing the blade down with enough force to shake the ground. The strike connected with the barrier, causing it to flicker for a brief moment, but it held firm. --- System Notification: [ Malrik''s Barrier is absorbing energy from the monolith. Disrupt the connection to weaken his defenses. ] --- Meanwhile, Lilo, Boris, and Ezran had joined the fray, fighting through waves of undead and shadow constructs to reach the castle. "Why do the bad guys always have to pick the creepiest places to hang out?" Lilo quipped before firing an arrow that exploded into a cluster of shadowy skeletons. "Couldn''t he have picked a nice beach or something?" Boris swung his massive axe, cutting down another wave of enemies. "Less talking, more smashing!" he shouted with a fierce grin despite the chaos. Ezran stood at the rear, casting frost and fire spells in quick succession. "This is insane," he muttered while wiping sweat from his brow. "Even with all of us, we''re barely holding the line." "Welcome to city-level bosses," Lilo replied before dodging an incoming blast of dark energy. "It''s not supposed to be easy!" --- Malrik raised his staff, chanting in a guttural language. Dark tendrils erupted from the ground, snaring knights and players alike. Those caught in the tendrils cried out as their life force was drained, feeding the sorcerer''s power. Dorian acted quickly, summoning a massive storm of lightning that tore through the tendrils, freeing those trapped. "Keep attacking! We have to weaken him!" Sir Verek nodded before rallying the troops. "Knights, focus on the constructs! Adventurers, disrupt his connection to the monolith!" --- Lilo, Boris, and Ezran fought their way closer to Malrik amongst the multitude of players. Their teamwork shone as they combined their abilities. Lilo''s explosive arrows cleared paths through the undead, Boris tanked the shadow constructs with his sheer brute force, and Ezran''s frost spells slowed their enemies, buying precious time. As they neared the castle, a massive shadow construct emerged¡ªa towering beast of black mist and spiky armor. Its level, 45, hovered above it, marking it as a mini-boss. "Great," Boris grumbled. "Because this wasn''t hard enough already." "Stop whining and hit it!" Lilo shouted while firing a flurry of arrows at the beast''s glowing core. Ezran gulped but steadied himself, summoning a massive fireball. "On it!" The three of them worked together to bring the construct down. Their coordinated attacks finally shattered it into a cloud of black mist. They barely had time to catch their breath before another wave of enemies surged forward. --- Back at the castle, Malrik''s power seemed to grow with each passing moment. His barrier flickered as players targeted the monolith''s connection, but it still held strong. Dorian and Sir Verek pushed forward, using their combined might to force Malrik to go on the defensive¡ªbriefly. "You''ve entertained me enough," Malrik voiced with a low and dangerous tone. He raised his staff, and the sky darkened. Bolts of black lightning rained down, scattering the army and sending players scrambling for cover. Dorian stepped forward with his staff glowing as he began casting a massive spell. "This ends now, Malrik!" he roared. Malrik smirked as his eyes narrowed. "Does it?" "You seem to have overestimated yourself..." With a flick of his wrist, Malrik unleashed a spear of dark energy that tore through the air with unprecedented speed. It arrived before Dorian instantaneously who was still chanting. The level 75 mage gasped as the energy struck him directly, interrupting his chant. He screamed as his body disintegrated into ash. The battlefield went silent for a moment as the realization of what had just happened sunk in. --- System Notification: [ Warning: Dorian Emberfall has been defeated. Threat level increased. ] Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. --- Chapter 145 - 145: Necromancers Wrath --- System Notification: [ Warning: Dorian Emberfall has been defeated. Threat level increased. ] --- Lilo, Boris, and Ezran froze in disbelief. "He¡­ he just killed Dorian," Ezran whispered. Lilo gritted her teeth. "He just killed a level 75 mage like it was nothing?" Sir Verek let out a roar of rage, charging at Malrik with renewed fury. "For Dorian! For the kingdom!" Malrik met the charge with a wave of his staff, sending the knight flying as a powerful wave of energy swept across the surroundings. He hit the ground hard causing his armor to get dented and bloodied, but he forced himself back to his feet. The players realized how dire the situation had become now and all charged forward in a bid to chip away at Malrik''s barrier. "We need more firepower!" Lilo shouted while firing another explosive arrow at the barrier. "We''re giving it everything we''ve got!" Boris yelled while activating a powerful Berserker attack. His axe slammed into the ground, creating a shockwave that knocked back a group of undead. Ezran''s hands shook as he summoned another spell. "This is impossible¡­" ... ... Meanwhile, in a different location... The cool night air of Tagharium greeted August as he materialized in the middle of a secluded training ground. The courtyard was lit by flickering lanterns, casting long shadows against the tall stone walls. It was a private space, tucked away from the prying eyes of other players and NPCs¡ªa perfect place to test his newly acquired tier 2 assassin abilities. --- System Notification: [ Congratulations! You have unlocked Tier 2 Assassin abilities. Your abilities have evolved, and your maximum energy pool has increased significantly. ] --- August opened his skill menu, scanning the list of his tier 2 abilities. Familiar skills now had entirely new descriptions. Their effects had amplified and transformed. --- [ Evolved Skills: ] - Shadow Dance ¡ú Phantom Blitz: Teleport rapidly between enemies, dealing devastating damage while leaving behind spectral decoys that distract foes. - Stealth ¡ú Perfect Veil: Render yourself invisible and undetectable for a longer duration. Movement speed is increased while stealthed. - Hidden Strike ¡ú Nightfang Execution: Deliver a critical strike from stealth with increased damage. Successful execution refunds energy. - Dash ¡ú Voidstep: Instantly teleport a short distance, leaving behind a shadowy afterimage that can explode, dealing area damage. --- August couldn''t help but grin as he closed the menu. "Alright, let''s see what you''ve got." There happened to be three training dummies in the courtyard. He went ahead to tap an activation button on their foreheads and they emitted a glow. Each one began to simulate moving enemies. They swayed and shuffled randomly, giving him a more dynamic challenge. "Let''s start small," he muttered before activating Perfect Veil. [ Perfect Veil Has Been Activated ] The air shimmered around him, and his form vanished completely. Unlike his previous stealth skill, there were no faint outlines or distortions to give him away. He moved silently with light steps as his speed increased dramatically. The dummies continued their random movements, unaware of his presence. August grinned as he approached the closest one and activated Nightfang Execution. From the shadows, his dagger glowed faintly with dark energy as he struck. The hit was swift, it looked like an afterimage as he delivered a critical blow that caused the dummy to shatter into pieces. --- System Notification: [ Nightfang Execution successful! Energy refunded by 50%. ] --- "Smooth," he voiced while moving toward the next target. This time, he activated Voidstep teleporting instantly behind the second dummy. The shadowy afterimage he left behind exploded, sending a wave of dark energy outward that damaged nearby targets. "Not bad but would that affect even my teammates? Is there a way I could control the explosion or prevent it whenever I intend to?" August questioned no one in particular with a thoughtful gaze but he still needed to test the other abilities. For the final dummy, he activated Phantom Blitz. His body flickered and vanished, reappearing in rapid succession around the dummy as spectral decoys slashed at it from every angle. The decoys moved chaotically, confusing the dummy''s sensors before August delivered the final blow himself. The dummy collapsed into splinters, and the decoys faded into wisps of shadow. --- System Notification: [ Phantom Blitz: All targets neutralized. Energy cost reduced by 20% for consecutive uses. ] --- August stood in the courtyard with his daggers in his grasp as he contemplated. The tier 2 abilities were leagues beyond his tier 1 skills¡ªnot just in power, but in how seamlessly they could be chained together. "These aren''t just upgrades," he said to himself as a grin spread across his face. "They''re game-changers." He turned toward the edge of the courtyard, where a lone crow perched on the wall, watching him with its beaded eyes. With a flick of his wrist, August activated Voidstep again, appearing at the wall in an instant. The crow squawked and took flight, startled by his sudden presence. "Well," he sheathed his daggers with a smile. "Let''s see who wants to mess with me now." ... ... The battlefield surrounding the ruined castle was chaos incarnate. The ground was littered with bodies¡ªplayers, knights, and undead alike. The crimson sky reflected the desperation of the fight, as Malrik, the level 85 sorcerer, continued to dominate with his overwhelming power. Players who had respawned repeatedly and lost levels were beginning to question if the battle was worth it. Malrik raised his staff and the runes on his robes glowed brighter. His voice echoed across the battlefield, carrying a sinister tone. "Rise, my servants! Serve me once more!" Dark energy surged outward, spreading across the battlefield and enveloping every fallen body in its path. Dead knights, players, and even fragments of the undead army reassembled into grotesque abominations, fixing their glowing eyes on Malrik''s enemies. --- System Notification: [ Malrik has used Necromancer''s Wrath. All fallen corpses have been revived as undead. ] Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. --- "Are you kidding me?" Lilo shouted as she fired an explosive arrow at a cluster of undead. The explosion tore through the abominations, but more rose to take their place. "This guy just doesn''t quit!" Boris swung his axe, cutting down a reanimated knight. His strength was formidable, but even he was showing signs of fatigue. "We''re getting nowhere! Every time we make progress, he pulls something like this!" Chapter 146 - 146: Alemans Arrival Ezran stood further back, preparing a powerful spell. His voice trembled as he spoke. "We have to keep going! If we stop now, everything we''ve done will mean nothing!" Ezran unleashed a massive wave of frost and fire that surged toward Malrik. This was a spell that he had gotten from the sword king''s dungeon. It was no ordinary one. The attack was very powerful and had expended a lot of his MP. It cut through the undead ranks and destroyed the barrier, slamming directly into Malrik. The sorcerer staggered slightly as his health bar visibly dropped. --- System Notification: [ Ezran used Dual Element Surge. Malrik takes 10,000 HP damage. ] --- Malrik''s glowing eyes turned toward Ezran as a twisted grin spread across his face. "You dare wound me, little mage? Very well, let me return the favor." A pulse of dark energy formed at the tip of his staff as he raised it. Ezran quickly conjured a shimmering shield around himself. "Not today!" Ezran shouted, but his voice cracked with fear. Malrik''s spell, Soul Rend, shot forward like a black comet. It shattered Ezran''s shield instantly and struck him with full force. Ezran''s health bar dropped to zero in an instant, and his avatar dissolved into pixels. --- System Notification:* [ Ezran has been defeated. Respawning at Tagharium. ] --- Lilo''s playful demeanor vanished as she let out a furious cry. "Ezran! You bastard!" She fired arrow after arrow at Malrik but he immediately conjured a new barrier, causing the arrows to explode against his barrier. Boris roared in anger as he activated one of his most powerful skills. He charged toward Malrik, swinging the weapon in a wide arc. --- System Notification: [ Boris used Raging Cyclone. ] --- His axe slammed into the barrier, cracking it and smashing through it, surprising Malrik. But by the time it reached Malrik, it was already too weak. Malrik merely waved his staff, and a blast of energy sent Boris flying backward. He rammed into the ground and ricocheted across its surface uncontrollably. "Is this all you can muster?" Malrik sneered. "Your efforts are meaningless!" The situation seemed hopeless. More knights from Tagharium arrived, along with several powerful mages, but they fared no better. Every strike against Malrik chipped away at his health, but it wasn''t enough. He continued to conjure barriers and his ability to revive the dead kept the battlefield in his favor. "We need a strategy. This isn''t something we can brute-force," Lilo voiced in exhaustion. --- Across the battlefield, several other players were making their own attempts to take down Malrik. A group of players from Crimson Vanguard, a well-known mid-tier guild, charged toward the sorcerer. "Stick to the plan!" their leader shouted while raising his shield to block an incoming wave of dark energy. "Tank classes, draw his attention! DPS, aim for the gaps in his armor!" One of the DPS players, an assassin named Krix, grinned as he activated a stealth ability and darted toward Malrik''s flank. "He''s not so tough! We''ve got this!" Krix''s daggers flashed as he lunged at Malrik, but the sorcerer didn''t even turn to acknowledge the attack. With a flick of his wrist, Malrik unleashed a surge of energy that disintegrated the rogue instantly. --- System Notification: [ Player Krix has been defeated. Respawning in 30 seconds. Level -1. ] --- "Fall back!" the guild leader shouted as Malrik turned his attention to their group. The sorcerer raised his staff, summoning a torrent of shadowy tendrils that wrapped around the guild members, draining their health rapidly. One by one, they fell. "Idiots," muttered a lone mage from another group, watching the scene unfold from a distance. He adjusted his robes as his hands glowed with charged mana. "They went in without thinking. Amateurs." The mage began casting a massive firestorm spell, aiming it directly at Malrik. The skies above the sorcerer darkened and ten massive flames swirled into a vortex before crashing down. For a moment, it seemed as though the spell had landed perfectly. But as the smoke cleared, Malrik emerged unscathed within his barrier. "You dare challenge me with such feeble magic?" Malrik sneered before hurling a bolt of green energy at the mage. The player barely had time to scream before he was obliterated. --- System Notification: [ Player Zarif has been defeated. Respawning in 40 seconds. Level -1. ] --- Near the front lines, a group of high-level players from the guild Eternal Flame coordinated their assault. Their leader, a heavily armored warrior, barked orders as they tried to pin Malrik from the sidelines. "Focus on breaking his barrier!" she shouted. "Don''t engage directly until we weaken him!" A berserker in their group roared, ignoring the command as he charged straight at Malrik with his massive hammer glowing with fiery runes. "I''ll show you how it''s done!" The berserker''s attack landed with a deafening crash, but Malrik barely flinched. The sorcerer''s eyes glowed with dark energy as he raised his staff. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A dark beam shot out and the Berserker was immediately severed in two. His avatar disintegrated into particles. --- System Notification: [ Player Bragg has been defeated. Respawning in 60 seconds. Level -1. ] --- Amidst the chaos, Lilo and Boris continued to fight alongside other players, carefully avoiding direct confrontation with Malrik. "We''ve got a lot of players here, but they''re dropping like flies," Lilo stated. "Everyone thinks they can take Malrik head-on, but he''s cutting them down left and right." Boris gritted his teeth. "We need a plan. A real one. Otherwise, this fight''s over." Suddenly, a ripple of energy swept through the battlefield. A figure emerged from the shadows, moving with power and speed. A deafening crack of thunder shattered the sound of battle. The sky seemed to tear open as a massive spear of lightning surged from the grasp of this newly arrived person, obliterating over thirty undead soldiers in a blinding explosion of light and sound. The ground where the undead once stood was left a smoldering crater. --- System Notification: [ Aleman (Player: August) has entered the battlefield. Tier 2 abilities activated. Contribution bonus applied. ] --- From the smoke and debris, a lone figure emerged. Clad in a dark cloak and a mage''s staff strapped to his back. August strode onto the battlefield with his twin daggers shimmering with energy and the air around him charged with power. "Who¡­ Who is that?" one player stammered in disbelief. "Is that¡­ Aleman?" another whispered. "The one whose name has appeared on the world announcements very recently..." The knights and players paused momentarily as they fixed their eyes on the one whose entrance had caused a commotion. Even Malrik, hovering above the battlefield, narrowed his glowing eyes. Malrik''s voice dripped with disdain as he spoke. "Another fool come to die." Lilo''s eyes widened as she spotted him. "No way¡­ ALEMAN!" Boris was bloodied and battered at this point but he managed a grin. "About time you showed up!" August didn''t respond immediately. His eyes were locked on Malrik, assessing the battlefield. The notifications flooding his interface told him everything he needed to know. --- System Notification: [ World Boss Encounter: Malrik, The Dark Sorcerer. HP Remaining: 150,000/200,000. ] [ Warning: Monolith energy reserves at 90%. Activation imminent. ] --- "I leave for a few hours, and you lot are already in over your heads," August''s voice was tinged with humor as he spoke. He turned to Lilo and Boris. "Fill me in." Lilo pointed at Malrik. "That''s the guy. Level 85, ridiculous spells, and an infinite supply of undead. Ezran hit him hard, but Malrik turned him into a pixel puddle for it." August nodded. "Makes sense. I never confronted him in the first place because of his power. I''m the one who gave the Baron the intel on him. This entire battle started because of me." Lilo raised an eyebrow. "So what''s the plan, genius?" August''s eyes flicked to the glowing monolith in the distance. An idea formed in his mind, sharp and clear. "Fighting him head-on isn''t working because he is too powerful and the monolith is also feeding him. If we destroy it, he''ll lose his endless army of undead and be unable to summon the divine weapon." Boris grinned while hefting his axe. "Now *that* sounds like a plan!" August smirked. "Good. Then let''s finish this." As he prepared to move, a faint shimmer appeared beside them, and Ezran materialized. "You''re back!" Lilo exclaimed, pulling him into a brief hug. "We thought you''d rage-quit." Ezran chuckled nervously. "Not a chance. Someone has to keep you two alive." August clapped Ezran on the shoulder. "Glad you''re here. I''ll need your help for this next part." "What''s the plan?" Ezran asked, his voice steadier now. August''s smirk widened. "Simple. Malrik had to be distracted long enough to take out that monolith. And then we bring him down." With his tier 2 abilities ready August stepped forward, holding his daggers tightly as he activated Phantom Blitz and vanished into the fray. The battlefield erupted into chaos once As August dashed through the crowd of undead, he raised his hand, summoning the winds around him. Wind Surge had now evolved to a Wind devastation. He activated the tier 2 spell which erupted in a massive AOE burst. [ Wind Devastation Has Been Activated ] [ - 300MP ] A powerful gale whipped across the battlefield, slicing through scores of undead and scattering them like leaves. Shadow constructs wavered as their forms got destabilized by the sheer force of the attack. Chapter 147 - 147: Lesser Grade Divine Weapon --- System Notification: [ Aleman used Wing Devastation. Area of Effect: 40 meters. Undead soldiers destroyed: 25. Shadow constructs weakened. ] --- Lilo who had been struggling to fend off a wave of undead, gaped at the destruction. "That''s Aleman for you¡ªalways showing off." Boris chuckled while cleaving an undead knight in two. "Looks like he passed his tier 2 tests. Let''s see what he can really do." Ezran who was casting a frost spell, froze mid-incantation to stare. "I''ve never seen spells like that¡­" August dashed forward, activating Phantom Blitz. He summoned Thunder Spear again, hurling it toward a particularly dense cluster of undead. The resulting explosion left another crater, sending shockwaves across the field. --- System Notification: [ Critical Hit! 40 undead soldiers destroyed. Contribution rank increased. ] --- "Is he even human?" a player muttered while watching in disbelief as August cleared the field almost single-handedly. They had no idea that August was just a level 32 player or it would have left them discombobulated. August had cleared a path that led back to the monolith and left Boris and the others to properly stall Malrik while he played the part of destroying it. The air near the monolith crackled with unstable energy as August approached with daggers in hand. The closer he got, the higher the pressure. There was a strange oppressiveness that made breathing feel like a struggle. The runes on the monolith pulsed erratically, glowing brighter with each second. It was on the brink of completing whatever catastrophic purpose it had been designed for. "Here we go," August muttered before taking a deep breath. He activated Voidstep, instantly closing the distance between himself and the monolith. With his daggers glowing, he slashed at its surface, but the ancient stone seemed impervious to physical attacks. "Figures," he said with a smirk. "Guess we''re doing this the hard way." He stepped back and grabbed his staff, unstrapping it from his back. Channeling mana into his most powerful spells, he cast Ethereal Storm. A powerful cyclone burst forth in a chaotic swirl of lightning and elemental energy, slamming into the monolith. The impact sent shockwaves across the battlefield, but the structure only cracked slightly. --- System Notification: [ Monolith Integrity: 90%. Keep attacking! ] --- Behind him, the battle raged on as Malrik''s forces clashed with the combined armies of Tagharium and the players. Lilo, Boris, and Ezran fought fiercely, keeping Malrik occupied. From his perch atop the ruined castle, Malrik suddenly froze mid-incantation. His glowing eyes narrowed as he sensed the disruption. "What is this?" he hissed with a venomous tone. "The monolith¡­ No!" He turned sharply as his staff glowed with energy in preparation to intervene. "You dare defy me, puny insect? I will¡ª" "Not so fast!" Lilo''s voice rang out as an arrow streaked through the air, slamming into Malrik''s barrier. The explosion forced him to stagger back. Boris''s axe glowed with fiery energy as he charged forward. "You''ve got us to deal with first, you bastard!" Ezran followed, summoning a massive frost wall to block Malrik''s path to the monolith. "We''re not letting you stop him!" Malrik roared in frustration as his staff emitted dark tendrils of energy that lashed out at the trio. "You insignificant pests! Do you think you can hold me?" --- System Notification: [ Malrik''s HP: 100,000/150,000. ] --- August, unaware of the chaos behind him, focused all his energy on the monolith. He summoned Thunder Spear, hurling it with precision. The lightning-infused spear struck the monolith dead center, causing a web of cracks to spread across its surface. --- System Notification: [ Monolith Integrity: 50%. Keep attacking! ] --- Malrik''s voice echoed across the battlefield in anger. "I will not allow this! You will all perish for your defiance!" He unleashed a massive wave of dark energy, scattering the players and knights around him. Despite the overwhelming force, Lilo, Boris, and Ezran regrouped quickly. "Focus on him!" Lilo shouted. "We need to buy Aleman more time!" Boris nodded, activating Raging Cyclone and charging at Malrik. The whirlwind of his attacks forced Malrik to block, giving Ezran a chance to summon a rain of fire from the sky. The flames slammed into Malrik''s barrier and shattered it once more. --- System Notification: [ Malrik''s HP: 95,000/150,000. ] --- Meanwhile, August unleashed Phantom Blitz, teleporting around the monolith and slashing at its weak points with ghostly afterimages. It looked like fifteen Augusts were striking at the monolith at the same time. With each strike, the cracks deepened, and the monolith began to emit a high-pitched whine. "Almost there," August muttered as sweat dripped down his face. He raised his staff for one final spell. "Let''s finish this." He activated Ethereal Storm again, pouring every ounce of mana he had left into the attack. [ Ethereal Storm Has Been Activated ] The swirling elemental energy tore into the monolith, and with a deafening crack, it shattered into countless pieces. The shards disintegrated into nothingness, leaving behind a faint, eerie silence. --- System Notification: [ Objective Complete: The Monolith has been destroyed. ] --- On the battlefield, Malrik''s forces faltered as the destruction of the monolith severed their connection to his magic. For the first time, the players and knights began to cheer. "We did it!" Lilo lit up with relief as she exclaimed. "He destroyed it!" Boris grinned while resting on his shoulder. "About time! Let''s finish this guy off!" Ezran smiled weakly amidst heavy pants. "That was¡­ incredible." But their celebration was cut short as Malrik''s laughter rang out with a dark and menacing tone. "Fools!" he roared, shaking the very ground beneath them. "Did you really think destroying the monolith would stop me?" The runes on his staff glowed with a blinding intensity as he raised it. "The monolith may be gone, but it has absorbed enough power to summon the divine weapon, even in its weakened state. And a divine weapon, no matter its form, is still a force beyond your comprehension!" The sky darkened further, fading into an unnatural black. Lightning crackled across the heavens, and a massive tear appeared in the fabric of reality above the battlefield. The air grew heavy, making it hard to breathe. "What is he doing?" Ezran shouted with a trembling tone. "It''s not over," August said grimly while stepping forward. "Not yet." From the tear in the sky, a glowing object began to emerge. It was a massive, spiky blade, pulsating with divine energy. Even in its incomplete state, the weapon radiated a power that made the air vibrate. "This is the end for you," Malrik''s laughter echoed like thunder. "Kneel before the power of the divine!" The players and NPCs stared in horror as the divine weapon descended, causing the battlefield to tremble with its energy. "Everyone, get ready!" August''s voice cut through the chaos. "This isn''t over yet!" And as the weapon fully emerged, the next stage of the battle began. ... ... Minutes into the summoning, the battlefield near the ruined castle had turned unrecognizable. It was now a hellscape of destruction and chaos. The earth itself had been torn asunder as jagged chasms crisscrossed the once-flat terrain. The sky was a swirling vortex of dark clouds, lit intermittently by flashes of lightning. Malrik stood at the center of it all with his staff raised high, channeling the energy of the lesser divine weapon that now hovered at his side. Even in its weakened state, it radiated a power that sent shivers through every fighter on the battlefield. --- System Notification: [ City Boss Updated: Malrik, The Dark Sorcerer (Level 85) ¨C Lesser Divine Weapon Acquired. ] [ Malrik''s HP: 200,000/200,000. Lesser Divine Weapon multiplier active. ] --- Lilo, Boris, and Ezran regrouped with August. Around them, knights, mages, and players fought desperately to keep Malrik''s forces at bay. "This is insane," Lilo panted. "He''s unstoppable with that thing." Boris wiped blood from his forehead as his grip tightened on his axe. "We''re barely holding the line. That weapon¡­ it''s tearing us apart." Ezran hands trembled as he tried to summon enough mana for another frost nova. "A quarter of Tagharium is gone! How are we supposed to stop him when we can''t even land a hit?" August''s eyes narrowed as he studied Malrik. "We don''t stop. We adapt. If we can''t hurt him, we focus on surviving until we can." --- Malrik''s voice boomed across the battlefield as he laughed. "Witness the power of the divine, mortals! Your struggle is meaningless!" With a wave of the lesser divine weapon, a massive arc of energy surged across the battlefield. Entire squads of knights were obliterated in an instant as shields and armors disintegrated. Players caught in the blast screamed as their avatars shattered into pixels. --- System Notification: [ Malrik used Heavenly Cleave. Area of Effect: 500 meters. Damage: 50,000 HP per hit. ] --- "Dodge!" August shouted while activating Voidstep to teleport out of the blast radius. The others followed suit, using their skills to evade the attack. "Every time he swings that thing, we lose more people!" Lilo shouted while firing an explosive arrow at Malrik. The explosion barely scratched his barrier, and he retaliated with a blast of dark energy that forced her to retreat. --- System Notification: [ Lilo takes 3,000 HP damage. ] --- S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 148 - 148: The Interference --- System Notification: [ Lilo takes 3,000 HP damage. ] --- Despite evading the attack, Lilo still took quite the damage. Boris roared and threw his mighty axe upwards. His attack connected, but the damage was negligible. "It''s like hitting a mountain! What do we do?" August narrowed his eyes as his staff got enveloped with mana. "Let''s see how strong that barrier really is," he muttered. He unleashed a barrage of spells: Thunder Spear, Wind Devastation, and the upgraded Flame Requiem. The combined onslaught struck Malrik''s barrier with unrelenting force. Cracks began to form, and the sorcerer''s expression shifted from confidence to alarm. --- System Notification: [ Malrik''s Barrier Integrity: 0%. Barrier destroyed. ] [ Malrik takes 12,000 HP damage. Remaining HP: 188,000/200,000. ] --- The battlefield fell silent as everyone¡ªplayers, knights, and NPCs¡ªrealized what had just happened. "He broke the barrier!" a knight shouted with a loud hopeful voice. Malrik''s power had increased since he summoned the weapon so the barrier was a lot harder to break now. Even Malrik seemed shaken for a moment before his eyes blazed with fury. "You dare?!" he roared while raising the lesser divine weapon. He swung the blade, sending a massive wave of dark energy hurtling toward August. The attack tore through the ground, carving a trench as it sped toward him. August conjured Arcane Bastion, his tier 2 shield which glowed with celestial light. The wave of energy crashed against it and the impact sent ripples of force across the battlefield. The shield held for a moment before cracks began to spiderweb across its surface. --- System Notification: [ Arcane Bastion durability: 30%... 20%... 10%. Shield integrity critical. ] --- "Not good," August muttered before activating Voidstep just as the shield shattered. He teleported out of harm''s way as the residual energy from the attack scorched the ground where he had stood. Malrik laughed with a thunderous tone. "You''re strong, boy. But strength alone will not save you from me." August regrouped with Lilo, Boris, and Ezran. "We can''t stop hammering... Defeating him won''t be easy but it''s not impossible." "What now?" Lilo questioned while readying another arrow. Ezran cast Arcane Tempest which was a swirling vortex of silver energy that engulfed Malrik. It was a spectacular display of power, but the sorcerer shrugged it off. His HP bar barely moved. "I''m running out of ideas," Ezran admitted as sweat dripped down his face. "We need something¡ª" "For now, we can only fight..." August told Lilo, Boris, Ezran, and other players to combine their efforts. Knights fought valiantly while Sir Verek, the leader of the knights, barked orders. "Sir Verek!" August called out as he teleported beside the seasoned warrior using Voidstep. His voice was calm despite the carnage. "We need to coordinate. I can always break his barrier, but we''ll need your strongest attack to capitalize." Verek''s eyes turned to August. He nodded while tightening his grip on his massive, rune-carved greatsword. "Understood. Keep him exposed, and I''ll strike." "Let''s make it count," August stated before activating Perfect Veil and disappearing into the shadows. August weaved through the battlefield using Phantom Blitz to teleport between shadow constructs and undead soldiers. Each slash of his daggers left trails of glowing energy, tearing through the constructs and clearing a path toward Malrik. --- System Notification: [ Aleman used Phantom Blitz. Shadow constructs destroyed: 5. Energy cost reduced by 20% for consecutive uses. ] --- Once in position, August summoned Thunder Spear and flung it with all his strength. The spear of lightning tore through the air, striking Malrik''s barrier with a deafening crack. The barrier wavered and fractured spiderwebs spread across its surface. "Now!" August shouted. Verek surged forward with his greatsword raised as fiery runes appeared on its blade. He activated one of his ultimate skills, Blazing Strike. The ground beneath him cracked with the force of his swing as he brought the sword down on Malrik''s exposed form. The attack connected, sending a wave of fire and steel into the sorcerer. --- System Notification: [ Sir Verek used Blazing Strike. Malrik takes 20,000 HP damage. Remaining HP: 130,000/200,000. ] --- Malrik roared in rage. "Insects! You think you can harm me?" The sorcerer retaliated by swinging the lesser divine weapon. A wave of black energy surged outward, obliterating a dozen players and scattering the knights. August barely managed to avoid the blast, activating Wing Devastation to push himself out of range while slicing through a wave of undead. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. --- System Notification: [ Aleman used Wind Devastation. Area of Effect: 40 meters. Undead soldiers destroyed: 15. ] --- Ezran and Lilo worked together to weaken Malrik further. Ezran cast Arcane Tempest, summoning a vortex of silver energy that struck the sorcerer while his barrier was still down and Lilo fired explosive arrows that detonated with fiery force. --- System Notification: [ Lilo used Explosive Arrow. Malrik''s Barrier Integrity: 50%. ] [ Ezran used Arcane Tempest. Malrik takes 3,000 HP damage. Remaining HP: 125,000/200,000. ] --- At this moment, Malrik reactivated his barrier but August wasn''t going to let it stay up. August vanished and reappeared behind Malrik before activating Nightfang Execution. A critical hit from his dagger landed on Malrik''s barrier. It shattered completely, leaving the sorcerer momentarily vulnerable once more. "Strike now!" August yelled. Verek, already in position, activated Heavenly Cleave. His greatsword glowed with divine energy as he brought it down on Malrik. The attack sent shockwaves across the battlefield, forcing the sorcerer to stagger back. --- System Notification: [ Sir Verek used Heavenly Cleave. Malrik takes 25,000 HP damage. Remaining HP: 100,000/200,000. ] --- Malrik growled in anguish. "Enough of this!" He raised the lesser divine weapon high, gathering powerful energy to its surface. With a single swing, he unleashed a devastating wave of power that obliterated two-thirds of the battlefield. Skrrrooovvv~ Thooommm! Players and knights alike were caught in the powerful blast that sent dust and debris scattering across the surroundings. Their cries of anguish got lost in the deafening roar of the divine weapon''s power. --- System Notification: [ Malrik used *Divine Blade Annihilation. Area of Effect: 300 meters. Damage: 80,000 HP per hit. ] [ Players defeated: 50. Knights killed: 20. ] --- Despite his speed and agility, August found himself caught in the path of the attack. He did his best to move, but the energy wave was too fast, too overwhelming. Just as the blast closed in, Sir Verek leaped forward with his greatsword raised... "Divine Parry!" Verek bellowed while activating one of his most powerful skills. His sword clashed with the energy wave, slicing through a massive portion of it and redirecting it away from August and the remaining fighters behind. --- System Notification: [ Sir Verek used Divine Parry. Energy blast partially deflected. ] --- August was momentarily stunned by the knight''s heroism. "Sir Verek¡­" The knight turned and a sweat-drenched could be spotted under the helm. "Finish this¡­ for Tagharium." He had run out of energy. Before August could respond, Malrik raised his staff, summoning a bolt of dark energy that struck Verek square in the chest. The knight''s armor shattered, and he collapsed as his HP depleted instantly. His body slowly dissolved into golden particles. --- System Notification: [ Sir Verek has been defeated. Contribution rank: Heroic. ] --- "Sir Varek!" Lilo screamed. ''Damn... Even though he was an NPC he was pretty cool. Too bad,'' August said internally as he turned to Malrik. "You''ll pay for that." August may have said this but he knew the battle was about to get much tougher when Malrik activated a spell that began to regenerate his HP. And truly things did get tougher. Malrik began to use the power of the lesser divine weapon more vigorously, demolishing the battlefield even more. It was even more difficult to get to him compared to earlier. Whenever August attacked, he''d used the divine weapon to rip through the attack. It got to a point where August''s thunder spear was getting useless because Malrik was now capable of deflecting them. The battle was getting more hopeless by the second and many players were quitting. It wasn''t necessary to save Tagharium after all, there were numerous kingdoms to continue grinding from. All of a sudden a system notification appeared before every player that was still present on the battlefield. [ System Notification: Reinforcement Incoming ] A deafening roar cut through the chaos, drawing every eye to the sky. A massive flying shadow swooped overhead, and as it descended, the figure riding atop it became clear. The warrior was clad in shiny silver armor, etched with ancient runes that glowed with red light. His face was partially obscured by a helmet, but his commanding presence was unmistakable. The dragon he rode was equally earth shattering. It''s scales glitterred like molten gold and it''s wings were as wide as three large buses combined. The flapping of it''s wings were so powerful that they sent a wave of wind sweeping across the vicinity. "It''s¡­ it''s him!" a knight gasped. "The Silver Sentinel! The legendary dragon rider!" Another system notification appeared at this moment. --- System Notification: [ Allied NPC Summoned: The Silver Sentinel (Level 90). ] --- "A new powerful NPC? Just like Sir Varek?" Ezran voiced in surprise. "Actually, more powerful," Boris chipped in from the side. "Since the NPC knights recognize him, he must be some kind of legend," Lilo was just as astonished. Chapter 149 - 149: The Defeat The Silver Sentinel raised his lance, and the dragon unleashed a torrent of golden flames, carving a path through Malrik''s forces. The battlefield erupted into cheers as the tide of the battle instantly shifted. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. --- System Notification: [ The Silver Sentinel has dealt 17,000 HP damage to Malrik. ] --- "Reinforcements? How quaint," Malrik sneered before raising the lesser divine weapon. "Even your so-called legends cannot withstand the power of divinity." The Sentinel didn''t say a single word, instead he responded by jumping off his dragon and thrusting his lance downward with great might. The lance and the divine weapon collided with intensity, causing a ear-splitting crack to ring out as a powerful shockwave spread across the vicinity. Malrik groaned a bit but before he could react, the sentinel had sent out another blow and they began to clash in a flurry of strikes. Each blow sent shockwaves across the battlefield, forcing everyone to take cover. With every blow, Malrik was taking damage but the silver sentinel remained unharmed. This was mostly due to their difference in levels. --- "Finally, someone who can properly hurt him," Lilo said, watching the clash in awe. "Don''t get comfortable," August warned. "Even he can''t win outright. That weapon''s too strong." As if to prove his point, Malrik roared, swinging the lesser divine weapon in a wide arc. The Sentinel''s dragon took the brunt of the blow, roaring in pain as it staggered back. --- System Notification: [ Silver Sentinel''s Dragon takes 30,000 HP damage. ] --- The Sentinel quickly regrouped and finally spoke. "We cannot overpower the divine weapon directly. It must be separated from him!" August''s eyes lit up upon hearing this. "If we can take it away, he''ll be vulnerable." "Exactly," the Sentinel replied. "I will create an opening. The rest of you must be ready to strike." --- The Sentinel and his dragon charged at Malrik again, coordinating their attacks to force the sorcerer to focus entirely on them. With a mighty roar, the Sentinel''s dragon unleashed another torrent of flames, temporarily blinding Malrik. "Now!" the Sentinel shouted, using his lance to disarm Malrik. The lesser divine weapon flew from the sorcerer''s grip, embedding itself in the ground several meters away. --- System Notification: [ Lesser Divine Weapon temporarily disabled. Malrik''s Barrier Has Weakened. Malrik''s HP Has Reduced. ] --- "Take him down!" August commanded while activating Phantom Blitz. He teleported rapidly while brandishing his daggers as he struck Malrik''s exposed side. Each hit chipped away at the sorcerer''s HP. Lilo fired a series of explosive arrows, directly aiming for weak spots. "This is for stressing us the fuck out!" Ezran summoned Arcane Tempest once again, tearing into Malrik with renewed fury. Boris activated Raging Cyclone, slamming into Malrik with relentless force. "This is for everyone you''ve killed!" --- System Notification: [ Malrik''s HP: 20,000/100,000. ] --- Malrik stumbled upon receiving multiple hits. "No¡­ this cannot be! I am Malrik! I wield the power of the divine!" He stretched his hand towards the divine weapon causing it to float in the air like it could feel his pull. The weapon streaked towards him but before he could grab it, the Silver Sentinel''s dragon bolted through the air causing the blade to fall into the Silver Sentinel''s grasp. The blade struggled to free itself from his grasp but the Silver Sentinel held it tightly with all his might while commanding his dragon to keep flying away from the scene. Malrik turned around and aimed his staff to the sky but before he could unleash a spell, August dashed to his back and activated Nightfang Execution. In a blur, he thrust the blade into Malrik''s back. The blade pierced so deep that it shot out from his chest. --- System Notification: [ Critical Hit! Malrik takes 15,000 HP damage. Wounding Effect Active. ] --- Malrik fell to his knees as his staff clattered to the ground. His glowing eyes dimmed as he let out a desperate scream. "You¡­ cannot¡­ stop¡­ the divine¡­" With that, his body dissolved into ash, and the battlefield fell silent. --- System Notification: [ City Level Boss Defeated: Malrik, The Dark Sorcerer. ] [ Rewards: Massive EXP, Unique Loot, Reputation Boost. ] --- Cheers erupted across the battlefield as the remaining players and NPCs celebrated their hard-won victory. Lilo, Boris, and Ezran ran to August with looks of relief. "You did it!" Lilo exclaimed while pulling August into a quick hug. "Not just me," August glanced up at the Sentinel, who nodded approvingly from atop his dragon. "It was all of us." The battle was finally over. The battlefield soon fell eerily silent as players and NPCs alike recovered from the chaos. The faint glow of the shattered monolith and the ashes of Malrik slowly dissipated into the night. Suddenly, a chime echoed across the server¡ªa system notification that reached every player in the game. --- System Notification: [ World Announcement: The forces of Tagharium, led by Knight Varek, Mage Dorian Emberfall, Silver Sentinel and players Aleman, Boris, Ezran, Lilo, and others, have successfully defeated Malrik the Dark Sorcerer and his forces. The divine weapon has been neutralized, and the kingdom is safe once more. Eternal gratitude and renown are granted to all involved in this monumental achievement! ] --- The notification continued to list player contributions, with August''s name, Aleman appearing at one of the top spots. The world chat exploded across the game as players discussed the feat. --- [World Chat]: - Player1: "ALEMAN DID IT AGAIN! This guy is slowly becoming a legend." - Player2: "First the Ogres Dungeos, second the Swordking Dungeon, now Malrik? Does this dude ever sleep?" - Player3: "I need to join their group. Imagine the loot they scored!" - Player4: "Phoenix Celestial Guild was involved, right? They''re just growing more OP by the day." Boris turned to August while grinning from ear to ear. "You''re becoming the most talked-about player in the game, you know that?" Lilo elbowed him playfully. "Hey, don''t forget we were part of it too!" Ezran chuckled nervously. "Yeah, but let''s be honest¡ªAleman carried most of that fight." August shook his head with a smirk. "Let''s not forget you saved my back a few times, Ezran. And it was only thanks to my tier 2 abilities that I managed to pull off such a performance." "Being humble doesn''t suit you," Lilo voiced with a sarcastic tone. Chapter 150 - 150: Celebration Lilo brightened up. "You should come back to the Phoenix Celestial Guild estate with us. It''s about time you met the others." S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Alright," August responded with a nod. "Lead the way." ... ... The transition from the chaotic battlefields of Tagharium to the peaceful expanse of Gallorn Kingdom was like stepping into another world. The road wound through golden fields and tranquil villages as each step took August closer to the fabled Phoenix Celestial Guild Estate. As they crested a hill, the estate came into view, spreading across the horizon like a small city. The estate was massive, surrounded by high stone walls and patrolled by elite NPC guards. Within its borders were multiple buildings, each designed with intricate architecture. Training grounds, workshops, mage towers, stables filled with glowing mounts, and even a marketplace dotted the landscape. At the heart of the estate stood the Main Guild Hall, a tall fortress-like structure bearing the emblem of the Phoenix Celestial Guild¡ªa fiery phoenix rising triumphantly. Boris grinned as he gestured toward the estate. "Welcome to the home of Phoenix Celestial. Impressed yet?" "It''s¡­ bigger than I expected," August admitted while scanning the surroundings. "Bigger and better," Lilo chimed in with a smirk. "You''re about to see why this guild is one of the top-tier groups in Enders Light." The gates swung open as the group approached. The guards saluted Lilo, Boris, and Ezran as they entered. Inside, the estate was swamped. Players trained in the courtyards with NPC knights... Mages studied ancient tomes in an open library... Merchants called out their wares in the marketplace, offering rare items and potions for discounted prices... Guild members had gathered in the courtyard to welcome back Boris, Ezran, and Lilo. A table lined with virtual feasts and celebratory drinks was set up as a tradition for welcoming returning victors. "You made it!" a guild member exclaimed while clapping Boris on the back. "We saw the World Announcement. You three are legends now!" Ezran blushed under the attention, muttering, "It was really Aleman who did most of the work¡­" Lilo raised her glass playfully. "A toast to us¡ªand to Aleman, the MVP of the battle!" The crowd turned to August in admiration. Though he wasn''t part of the guild, his feats on the battlefield had not gone unnoticed. --- System Notification: [ Reputation with Phoenix Celestial Guild increased significantly. ] --- They all drank the alcohol together and chatted briefly in high spirits. [ You Have Consumed Grape Beer ] [ +2 Energy Points ] [ You Have Consumed Grape Beer ] [ +2 Energy Points ] [ You Have Consumed Grape Beer ] [ +2 Energy Points ] "Oh these are pretty good," August said while downing another glass. "I know right? I can feel the taste in my real mouth," Lilo jumped up and down excitedly. A a group of Phoenix Celestial Guild members soon approached the gathering. At the forefront were Captain Darric, a warrior in dark silver armor, and Captain Selene, a mage whose shimmering robes seemed to shift colors with every step. "So, this is the infamous Aleman," Darric voiced with a welcoming tone as he extended a hand. "The man who took down a city level sorcerer. You''ve been causing quite the stir." August shook his hand firmly. "It wasn''t just me." Selene smiled faintly while fixing her gaze on August. "Aria mentioned you before she left on her mission. She said you''d be¡­ interesting." --- System Notification: [ You have entered the Phoenix Celestial Guild Estate. Reputation with the guild has increased. ] --- Lilo leaned over to August and whispered, "Aria always asks about you." "Too bad she''s not here," August replied. "She''s off with her team¡ªDrask, Gareth, and the others¡ªon a high-level mission," Darric explained. "But she''ll be back soon." "Come with us... We have much to discuss," Captain Darric called out to August. ... The group entered the main guild hall which was filled with grand halls, meeting rooms, and trophy-lined corridors. At the center of the main hall was a massive circular table, around which several captains and officers discussed strategies. Darric gestured for August to sit. "We''ve been watching you, Aleman. Your feats speak for themselves¡ªthe Ogre''s dwelling, the Swordking Dungeon, Malrik, and your very recent tier 2 transformation. You''d be a valuable addition to our ranks." Selene nodded. "Phoenix Celestial offers resources, alliances, and protection. Joining us would elevate your game in ways you can''t imagine. Not to mention that you will be booted up the ranks immediately and start with a particular sum as salary." August leaned back."I appreciate the offer. Really, I do. But I''m not looking to join any guilds right now." Darric frowned, clearly displeased. "Do you understand what you''re passing up? We''re not just any guild. We''re the top-ranked group in Gallorn and among the best in Enders Light." August nodded. "I know. And I respect what you''ve built here. But I work best on my own. It''s not about the perks or the prestige. It''s about freedom." Selene tilted her head, studying him. "Even knowing that Ice Queen herself is interested in you?" "That''s flattering," August replied with a faint smile. "But my answer''s still the same. That doesn''t mean we can''t work together. If you need my help, I''m open to collaborations." Darric sighed while crossing his arms. "You''re either incredibly bold or incredibly foolish. But I''ll respect your decision¡ªfor now." Selene smiled faintly. "It seems you''re not easily swayed. The Ice Queen will want to speak with you when she returns." Lilo nudged Boris. "Told you he wouldn''t join. He''s impossible to tie down." Boris chuckled. "Classic Aleman. Always doing things his own way." Ezran simply smiled. "It''s what makes him Aleman." --- As August made his way out of the guild hall, Darric called after him. "Remember, the door''s always open. If you ever change your mind, Phoenix Celestial will be here." Selene added, "And don''t forget, you still owe our Ice Queen a conversation." August glanced back, giving a casual wave. "I''ll keep that in mind." Lilo hugged him briefly at the gates. "Don''t be a stranger, alright?" "Not a chance," August replied with a smirk. Boris clapped him on the back. "Stay safe out there, legend." Ezran gave a shy wave. "See you soon, Aleman." Chapter 151 - 151: Making Big Purchases As August exited Pheonix Celestial, he began to receive messages in form of system notifications. --- System Notification: [ Guild Invitation Received: Shadow''s Covenant. ] [ Guild Invitation Received: Crimson Vanguard. ] [ Guild Invitation Received: Eternal Flame. ] ---- August dismissed the notifications with a wave. "I''m not interested. Like I said, I work alone." ... ... The streets of Tagharium were abuzz with activity as August strolled through. His hood was drawn low but failed to hide his identity entirely. Renovations were underway across the city, with scaffolding climbing up damaged buildings and workers¡ªboth NPCs and players¡ªbusy repairing what the battle against Malrik had destroyed. Despite the destruction, a spirit of resilience filled the air. August''s footsteps were measured as he navigated the familiar streets, thinking about the notifications he had received earlier. The sound of hammering and distant chatter blended with the chime of system alerts, pulling his attention back to his interface. He opened his rewards menu, curious to see what had come from his efforts during the battle. --- System Notification: [ Contribution Rank: High. Rewards distributed accordingly. ] [ EXP gained: 1,500,000. Current EXP: 570,200/1,750,000. Level Up! Current Level: 33. ] [ Perks acquired: Thunder Spear (Level Up), 10¡Á Temporary Power Boost Card (x3), Rare Item Chest (x1). ] [ Reputation in Tagharium increased by +600. Current Reputation: 920/1,000 (Eligibility for lowest rank of nobility nearing). ] --- August''s brows furrowed in surprise as he blinked at the last notification. "Nobility? That''s... unexpected." He chuckled while shaking his head. "I just wanted to get through the fight. Now I''m about to get a title?" Opening his Player Status Panel, August examined his new stats. --- << Player Status Panel >> Name: Aleman Class: Assassin/Mage Title: Sovereign of Anti-Darkness Level: 33 EXP: 570,200/1,750,000 HP: 17,600/17,500 MP: 11,000/11,000 Gold: 28,120 Power Level: Tier 2 --- His eyes lingered on the new "Tier 2" designation. It wasn''t just a symbol of power¡ªit was a badge of distinction. Few players in the game could boast about achieving it, let alone at level 33. Flipping to his abilities, he noted the Thunder Spear level-up. "Guess I''ve got to test that out soon," he murmured to himself. His fingers hovered over the newly leveled spell, already imagining the devastation it could bring. The streets began to grow busier as he ventured deeper into the city. Players and NPCs alike bustled about, some carrying supplies, others gossiping about the recent battle. A group of children ran up to him excitedly. "You''re Aleman, aren''t you?" one of them questioned with wide eyes. It was a boy clutching a wooden sword. "You were the one who helped save Tagharium!" Another girl with pigtails tugged at his cloak. "My papa says you''re a hero! Is it true you defeated the evil sorcerer?" August crouched slightly as his demeanor softened. "It wasn''t just me," he stated, "There were a lot of brave people fighting that day." "You''re so cool!" the boy exclaimed while holding out his wooden sword. "Teach me something, please!" August chuckled before ruffling the boy''s hair. "Maybe one day. But for now, you''ve got to keep practicing. Even the smallest warriors can grow strong." << General Likability Increased >> As the children scampered off, a group of older NPCs¡ªbeggars clad in tattered clothes¡ªapproached hesitantly. One of them, a frail man with a weathered face, bowed deeply. "Thank you, sir," the man voiced in deep appreciation. "For saving our city. We thought... we thought we were done for." August straightened him with an earnest expression. "You don''t have to thank me. It''s my responsibility as much as anyone else''s." The group exchanged grateful looks before retreating, leaving August to continue his walk. The city seemed to notice him more now as players nodded in recognition and NPC shopkeepers called out greetings. This much attention was quite new although he almost couldn''t remember the last time he had a peaceful walk since he was always getting recognized for one thing or the other. Fortunately, it carried a sense of accomplishment. "Guess that''s what happens when your name gets blasted across a World Announcement for the third time," he muttered. Despite the buzz around him, August''s thoughts wandered to his growth. Three months ago, he had barely been scraping by at level 12. Now, at level 33 and a tier 2 player, he felt like an entirely different person. The sheer gap in power between his current self and his past self was staggering, and the thought of how much stronger he could become made him smirk. "I''ve come quite a distance," he voiced quietly while glancing at the surrounding NPCs and players. "But this is just the start." He stopped by a quiet corner near the market and leaned against a crumbling wall as he opened his inventory. The Rare Item Chest he''d received from the battle rewards shimmered in his hands. "Let''s see what you''ve got for me," he said before opening it. A swirl of light filled his screen before a notification popped up. --- System Notification: [ Rare Item Acquired: Shadow Mantle of the Raven Lord ] --- The description read: *An enchanted mantle that enhances stealth abilities and increases critical hit chance by 10% when attacking from the shadows.* August grinned. "Not bad. Not bad at all." As he closed his inventory, the streets around him grew busier and footsteps coupled with the clamor of voices pulled him back to the present. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. His in-game clock ticked steadily toward logout time, reminding him that he had already been online for four straight days which was two days in the real world. But there was one more thing he needed to do before logging out. He adjusted his cloak as his eyes scanned the city and he stepped away from the wall. "Alright," he murmured to himself. "Let''s wrap this up." He proceeded to start moving. Soon August arrived at the market district which fortunately wasn''t amongst the destroyed areas. The glow of signs advertising rare items and magical trinkets illuminated the streets. NPC vendors shouted their wares while players haggled fiercely over prices. It was time for him to take the first step in his plan to create his supernatural guards for AM Coven in the real world. Since the prices for hiring supernatural players as guards were too high, he already decided to make his. Stopping at a stall manned by an NPC blacksmith with bulging muscles and soot-streaked skin, August tapped the edge of the counter. "I''m looking for something that boosts speed. Got anything good?" The blacksmith nodded before pulling out a gleaming pair of boots. "These are the Fleetfoot Greaves. One of my finest works. Increases movement speed by 35% and reduces stamina consumption while sprinting. 20 gold." August examined the dark red boots with a keen look. "I''ll take five." --- System Notification: [ Purchase Successful: Fleetfoot Greaves acquired(¡Á5). -100 gold. ] --- As he slipped the boots into his inventory, August''s gaze moved to another stall. This one displayed an array of traps and mechanical devices. An NPC merchant wearing a tinker''s apron noticed his interest and gestured enthusiastically. "Ah, a man of taste! May I interest you in these Snapbomb Traps? Perfect for immobilizing enemies. Or perhaps a set of Motion Trigger Systems, capable of detecting even the stealthiest of foes and dealing a power attack upon detection." August nodded. "I''ll take five of each." Chapter 152 - 152: Extracting It All --- System Notification: [ Purchase Successful: SnapbombTraps (x5) acquired. -10 gold. ] [ Purchase Successful: Motion Trigger Systems (x5) acquired. -10 gold. ] --- His next stop was at an armory where enchanted armors were displayed on mannequins. A large NPC armorer greeted him with a booming voice. "Looking to fortify yourself, eh? This here is the Aegis Plate, enchanted to boost physical defense by 100%. A steal at 500 gold." "Expensive... I''ll take five," August stated. Armor that gave a hundred percent defense to physical attacks would have been way more expensive but in the game, there were a lot more magical attacks than physical so it made sense for it to not be overpriced. August was sure the price would be set up for hundreds of thousands of gold if it was a 100% magical boost. --- System Notification: S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [ Purchase Successful: Aegis Plate acquired. -2,500 gold. ] --- Satisfied with his purchases in Tagharium, August headed toward the portal hub with his gold pouch significantly lighter but his inventory stacked with high-quality items. "Destination?" the NPC question. "Disco City," August replied while handing over the required fee. --- System Notification: [ Teleportation to Disco City initiated. -2 silver. ] --- Spatial magic enveloped him as he stepped through the portal while the world around him dissolved into light before reforming into the neon-lit expanse of Disco City. Skyscrapers adorned with holographic displays could be spotted overhead, and the streets thrummed with the sound of tech and energy. Players with tech classes¡ªHunters, Cyborgs, Forgers, and the like¡ªroamed the area in their futuristic gear. "Back here again," August muttered to himself as a hint of nostalgia crept into his voice. His first visit had been brief and helped with his cover as Aleman in real life. Now it was about to help his business once again. The first shop he entered specialized in tech-enhanced weapons. The NPC vendor who was an android with glowing blue eyes, greeted him in a monotone voice. "Welcome, traveler. How may I assist you?" "I need something versatile and powerful," August said. The android gestured to a set of Robotic Arms mounted on the wall. "These are Titan Arms Mk II. Capable of firing concentrated energy blasts. Integrated defense shields included. Price: 2,000 gold." "Fuck," August cussed a little. "I can assure you, the price is worth it," the android seemed to have read his expression. "*sigh* this is gonna leave me wrecked. I''ll take five," August went on to purchase them. System Notification: [ Purchase Successful: Titan Arms Mk II acquired(¡Á5). -10,000 gold.] --- Next, he browsed through a shop filled with tech-enhanced gadgets. An NPC in a lab coat pointed out a small device resembling a cube. "This is the Echo Core, capable of creating holographic decoys to confuse enemies. A must-have for any strategist. 20 silver." August inspected the device briefly before adding it to his inventory. "I''ll take it." --- System Notification: [ Purchase Successful: Echo Core acquired. -20 silver. ] --- His final stop was at a gear workshop where a grizzled NPC mechanic tinkered with various pieces of equipment. "Got anything for mobility?" August asked. The mechanic grunted before reaching under his workbench to pull out a hoverboard-like device. "Nimbus Glide. Boosts speed and allows limited flight. Perfect for quick escapes. 20 gold." August grinned before tossing the mechanic the gold. "I''ll take it." --- System Notification: [ Purchase Successful: Nimbus Glide acquired. -20 gold. ] --- As August stepped out of the workshop, his inventory was packed with weapons, armor, and gadgets... He couldn''t help but feel satisfied. His plan was finally coming together. "Time to extract all of this," he muttered while opening his inventory. His fingers were coated in a purplish glow as he selected the items he wanted to bring into the real world. One by one, the items vanished from his inventory, replaced by notifications confirming their successful extraction. --- System Notifications: [ Extraction Successful: Fleetfoot Greaves (¡Á5). Item available in reality. ] [ Extraction Successful: Snapbomb Traps (x5). Items available in reality. ] [ Extraction Successful: Motion Trigger Systems (x5). Items available in reality. ] [ Extraction Successful: Aegis Plate (¡Á5). Item available in reality. ] [ Extraction Successful: Titan Arms Mk II (¡Á5). Item available in reality. ] [ Extraction Successful: Echo Core. Item available in reality. ] [ Extraction Successful: Nimbus Glide. Item available in reality. ] --- August closed the interface with a look of satisfaction. "Now it''s time to log out." ... The hiss of the pod opening was almost therapeutic as August logged out of Enders Light after days of intense gameplay. In the real world, only two days had passed, but his body felt the strain of prolonged immersion. He stretched in the process of groaning as his stiff muscles protested the movement. "Gotta get a better pod," he muttered to himself while shaking his head. The current model was functional but didn''t allow for a very long immersion and after spending so much time inside, it was starting to show its shortcomings. His gaze fell to the corner of the room where all the items he had extracted from the game lay neatly arranged. The Titan Arms Mk II shimmered faintly and the Fleetfoot Greaves looked just as impressive as they had in the game, and the rest of the gadgets and equipment practically radiated potential. "Not bad," August said with a smirk before running his hand over the Echo Core. "These are going to come in handy." Leaving the room, he headed to the small living room of the apartment. The faint sound of the city outside filtered through the closed windows. On the dining table, a note sat propped up against a plate of covered food. --- Sophia''s Note: "You''re finally out of your cave, huh? Food''s in the microwave. Try not to lock yourself away for days next time, gamer boy. Some of us still have normal lives to live. Off to school. Don''t burn the apartment down!" --- August laughed while shaking his head. "She''s never going to let me live this down." He uncovered the plate to find a hearty breakfast¡ªeggs, toast, and bacon. "Thanks, little sis," he murmured even though she wasn''t there to hear him. He quickly warmed the food and sat down to eat, pulling out his phone to scroll through the news. The headlines were the usual bag of world events and sensational stories, but one in particular caught his attention: --- ''Breaking News: Unknown Vigilante Takes Down Oni members in Valridge City'' *An unnamed superpowered individual has once again disrupted the operations of the mysterious Oni group, this time in Valridge City. Witnesses report a display of extraordinary abilities, though the identity of the vigilante remains unknown. Speculation continues as to whether this individual is part of a larger movement against the Onis¡­* --- August sighed before setting his phone down as he chewed thoughtfully. "This world really is turning into a comic book," he muttered. "Superheroes and villains running around like it''s a Saturday morning cartoon." He shook his head. It wasn''t his problem. His only concern was AM Coven and ensuring its success. The rest of the world could deal with their masked heroes and shadowy organizations. As for him, he hoped never to have an encounter with any side ever again. Once breakfast was done, he cleaned up and headed to the bathroom to freshen up Chapter 153 - 153: Supernatural Guards A private room in AM Coven was spacious and lined with reinforced walls that hinted at its purpose: training and preparation. August who was currently fully geared as Aleman with his technological helmet, stood before five men. They were all ruggedly built with muscular frames that attested to years of hard labor at the factory. Derrick had gathered them, vouching for their loyalty and capabilities. Among them was Greg, the man who had once had a scuffle with August back in their factory days. Greg shifted uneasily but kept his composure, glancing occasionally at Aleman as if trying to discern something familiar about him. The rest of the men stood with looks of curiosity as they stole glances at the high-tech figure before them. Derrick stepped forward, breaking the silence. "Alright, listen up, fellas. You''ve been brought here for a reason. This is Aleman, the man behind AM Coven. He''s the one offering you this opportunity." One of the men with a shaved head stepped forward. "Mr. Aleman, sir, Derrick told us about the job. Ten grand a month? We''re all in. Thank you for giving us this chance." The others nodded, murmuring their gratitude. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Aleman''s voice came out modulated, cool, and authoritative through the helmet. "This isn''t just a job," he began. "AM Coven is not going to be an ordinary business. What I''m building here will attract attention¡ªdangerous attention. You''re not just signing up to be guards. You''re signing up to protect something much bigger than yourselves." Greg frowned while crossing his arms. "What kind of danger are we talking about?" The glowing visor of Aleman''s helmet cast an eerie light on their faces as he slightly tilted his head. "The kind that doesn''t play by the rules. The kind that could endanger your lives if you''re not prepared." The room fell silent. Derrick gave them a reassuring nod from the side. "That''s why you''ll be trained and equipped properly. Trust me, you''ve never seen anything like what Aleman''s about to show you." Aleman extended his hand and opened his inventory panel. One by one, items materialized in the room. First came the Titan Arms Mk II, gleaming robotic arms that looked like they belonged in a sci-fi movie. Then the Fleetfoot Greaves, the Aegis Plate, and a collection of traps and gadgets, including the Echo Core and Snapbomb Traps. The men stared with both disbelief and confusion. ''Did he just make these things appear out of thin air?'' "What the hell is this?" Greg muttered while stepping closer to inspect the robotic arms. Aleman calmly picked up one of the Titan Arms and slid it onto his right arm. The device latched onto his suit with a satisfying click, glowing faintly with energy cells. Without a word, he raised the arm and aimed at a glass panel positioned in the center of the room. A low vibration filled the air as the arm charged. "Watch closely," Aleman instructed. He fired. A concentrated beam of silver energy shot out, obliterating the glass into a thousand tiny shards. The force of the blast echoed in the room, leaving behind a faint scorch mark on the reinforced wall. "Holy shit!" one of the men exclaimed while stumbling back. Another one of them who was tall with a sleeper build and a tattooed arm, let out a low whistle. "What kind of tech is this?" Aleman turned to face them as the energy from the arm dissipated. "This is the kind of power you''ll wield if you accept this role. You''re not just guards¡ªyou''ll be protectors of something extraordinary. But to use this equipment, you''ll need training. Discipline. And most importantly, trust." Greg, still trying to process what he''d seen, folded his arms. "And what exactly are we protecting?" Aleman stepped closer, silencing any doubt with his imposing presence. "AM Coven is my business, and it will become a hub for things that the world isn''t ready to handle. There will be people¡ªdangerous people¡ªwho will try to interfere. Your job will be to ensure they don''t succeed." Another man, broad-shouldered with a gruff voice, nodded slowly. "So, we''re like... some kind of high-tech security team?" "Think of it as a first line of defense," Aleman replied. "You''ll be equipped to handle threats most people can''t even imagine. But this isn''t for everyone. If any of you feel you''re not up to it, now''s the time to walk away." The men exchanged glances, but none moved to leave. Greg finally spoke up. "I''ve done heavy lifting all my life. I''ve dealt with danger before. If Derrick says this is worth it, I''m in." The others echoed his sentiment, solidifying their resolves. The men eyed the remaining gear August had extracted with curiosity etched into their faces. August stepped forward, picking up the Fleetfoot Greaves. The boot''s smooth design and faint blue glow gave them an otherworldly presence. "These," August voiced while holding them up for the group to see, "are the Fleetfoot Greaves. They''ll increase your movement speed by 35%, and trust me, that makes all the difference when things get chaotic." He handed a pair to each of the men. One by one, they slipped them on with skeptical expressions at first. "Feels like regular boots," Greg muttered while shifting his weight. "Run," August instructed, gesturing toward the far side of the room. Greg exchanged glances with the others before taking off. The moment he started moving, his expression shifted from doubt to exhilaration. His feet moved faster than he thought possible and his body nearly turned into a blur as he crossed the room in seconds. "Holy shit!" he exclaimed before skidding to a halt. "Did you see that? I''ve never moved that fast in my life!" The others quickly followed suit, testing their newfound speed and marveling at the results. Derrick smirked. "Told you guys this wasn''t just some regular gig." August nodded, satisfied. "Now that you''ve seen what these boots can do, let''s move on." He turned to the Aegis Plate armor. "This is the Aegis Plate. It''s designed to increase your overall defense by 100%. Lightweight, durable, and capable of withstanding most conventional attacks." The men took turns equipping the armor and quickly adapting to the gear''s lightweight design. One of them tapped the chestpiece. "This feels... weirdly comfortable," he said. "That''s the enchantment," August explained. "It adapts to your body, giving you a full range of motion while still offering maximum protection." He moved to the table and picked up a few smoke bombs and small, circular gadgets. "These are your gadgets. Smoke bombs for instant cover and Motion Trigger Devices to detect movement within a certain radius. Think of these as your eyes and ears when visibility is low." Greg, who had finally recovered from his earlier sprint, picked up one of the devices and turned it over in his hands. "So, how do these work?" "Simple," August replied. "Just place it in an area you want monitored. Any movement triggers a silent alert on these wristbands." He handed out the small devices, which each man secured to their wrists. "You''ll know where the movement is and how close it''s getting." One of the men, clearly skeptical, tossed a smoke bomb a few feet away. The room was instantly filled with a thick, impenetrable cloud. "I can''t see a damn thing!" his voice was muffled in the haze as he yelled. "Exactly the point," August''s voice cut through the smoke. A faint system notification rang out as August activated his Voidstep. [ Voidstep Activated ] Before anyone could react, August was on the other side of the room. "Use the tools wisely, and you''ll always have the upper hand." One of them tapped the motion trigger system and stared at his watch, he saw red glowing moving figures that represented the people in the surroundings. It showed real-time movement but surprisingly only six dots were displayed huddled together while the seventh was on the other end completely. When the smoke cleared, the men looked around in amazement. One of them, still slightly coughing, shook his head. "I didn''t even see you move." "That''s the idea," August stated. "With these tools, you''ll be able to handle most threats. But remember, gear is only as good as the person using it. Your training will ensure you know exactly how to deploy these." "You''ll each have access to these," August spoke with a serious tone. "But only when I''m confident you can handle them responsibly." Greg stepped forward. "You''ve really thought this through, haven''t you?" "I don''t take chances," August replied with his modulated voice emitting a cold pitch. "AM Coven is more than a business. It''s going to attract attention¡ªthe wrong kind. That''s where you come in. I don''t need guards. I need protectors. And with this gear, you''re more than equipped to handle whatever comes your way." The men exchanged serious glances, and then one of them spoke up. "You can count on us, Aleman. Whatever comes, we''ll handle it." Aleman nodded. "Good. Training starts tomorrow. Derrick will oversee the basics. And remember¡ªthis isn''t just a job. It''s a commitment." Chapter 154 - 154: AM Coven Opening AM Coven stood as a masterpiece of futuristic design. Every inch of it reflected August''s meticulous planning. The main floor was had been turned into a high-tech environment with glowing panels, holographic displays, and intricate detailing. Each display cases that lined the walls were illuminated by soft ambient light to highlight the items within. The Players'' Lounge was a welcoming area, outfitted with comfortable seating, digital kiosks for transactions, and a central hub where players could gather to discuss trades and strategies. For August, this wasn''t just a business¡ªit was the foundation of something revolutionary. He stood in the main hall as his helmet reflected the light from the display cases while he accessed his inventory. One by one, items began to materialize in the shop. A shimmering Sword of Emberflame uncommon grade weapon appeared first. It''s blade glowing faintly as if still carrying the heat of the flames it was forged in. Next came a collection of Silverfang Daggers. Their edges seemed so sharp like they could cut you just from staring at them. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Let''s start with these," August muttered to himself, carefully placing each item into its designated case. --- System Notification: [ Extraction Successful: Sword of Emberflame. Item available in reality. ] [ Extraction Successful: Silverfang Daggers (x3). Items available in reality. ] [ Extraction Successful: Starweaver Amulet. Item available in reality. ] --- The Starweaver Amulet was one of the items he acquired during the Swordking''s Dungeon clearing. It shimmered like a constellation trapped in glass. It found its place in a case near the front of the shop. It would no doubt command attention when AM coven was fully open. August continued his work, extracting an array of items¡ªenchanted swords, mystical trinkets, protective talismans, and rare artifacts. Each item was positioned to catch the eye, every display meticulously curated to exude both value and power. As he worked, his thoughts drifted to the Fruit of Sin, safely stored in his inventory. For a moment, he considered extracting it. The item was priceless, a treasure sought by players and collectors alike. But he shook his head. "Not yet," he muttered. "Too much risk right now." The fruit would remain a secret for now. He intended to reserve it for a later time when the right opportunity arose. Once all the items were displayed, August turned his attention to the shop''s security. The traps and motion detection attack systems he had extracted from the game were essential to ensuring AM Coven''s safety. He activated the Motion Trigger Devices first, strategically placing them throughout the shop. Next, he set up the Snapbomb Traps near the most valuable items. Their mechanisms were concealed but ready to spring into action if needed. Finally, he linked the motion detection systems to an Echo Core, which would alert him and the guards to any unauthorized activity. August stepped back with a look of satisfaction whe admiring his work. The shop felt alive now as every detail fell into place. It wasn''t just a marketplace¡ªit was a sanctuary for players who wanted to trade their hard-earned treasures without fear of theft or interference. ... ... The private training room of AM Coven became a battleground of progress over the past week. The five guards¡ªGreg, Marcus, Eliot, Terry, and Darnell¡ªwere no longer just factory workers. Under Aleman''s guidance, they had transformed into a well-coordinated team, each man mastering the gear and gadgets he had extracted from Enders Light. Day in and day out, August, disguised as Aleman, drilled them relentlessly, ensuring they could handle any situation that might arise. "Again!" Aleman barked as Greg, wearing the Titan Arms Mk II, fired a powerful energy blast at a moving target. The blast hit its mark, shattering the reinforced dummy into pieces. Greg lowered the robotic arm, grinning despite the sweat dripping down his face. "I think I''m getting the hang of this, boss." "You''re improving," Aleman acknowledged while stepping forward. "But don''t get cocky. In a real fight, you won''t have time to celebrate." Meanwhile, Darnell, equipped with Fleetfoot Greaves, darted across the room with speed as he set up traps. "Done," he called out, skidding to a halt. Aleman activated the Motion Trigger Device, and a faint ping echoed through the room as the traps sprang to life. "Good timing," he said. "But try to shave off half a second. That could be the difference between catching an intruder and losing them." Darnell groaned but nodded. "Got it, boss. Half a second faster, coming right up." Terry and Eliot were on another side of the room, practicing with smoke bombs and decoys. Eliot activated the Echo Core, which projected a holographic duplicate of himself. "This thing''s crazy," Eliot watched the decoy mimic his movements in amazement. "Good for confusing enemies," Aleman replied. "But don''t rely on it too much. Always have a backup plan." Marcus, ever the powerhouse, was testing the durability of the Aegis Plate. Aleman tossed a smoke bomb at him, then dashed in using Void Stepper, reappearing right in front of Marcus and slamming a training staff into his chest. The armor absorbed the impact with a faint glow. Marcus staggered back while grinning. "That''s all you''ve got?" Aleman tilted his head. "You want more?" Raising his hand, Aleman charged a Thunder Spear. [ ThunderSpear Has Been Activated ] The air vibrated with electrifying energy as snaky blue light gathered in his palm. The guards froze as their eyes widened. "Boss, wait¡ª" Marcus called out and fortunately Aleman fired the spear at a reinforced wall instead. The blast was deafening as the spear exploding on impact and leaving a scorched crater. Everyone stared at the destruction with stunned looks. "And that," Aleman said calmly while lowering his hand, "is why I only use that outside. Let''s stick to the basics for now." ''How can he even do that?'' the guards were starting to realize that despite their powerful equipments, they still weren''t the strongest in the room. While the guards continued practicing, Derrick stepped forward. "You know I''m not really a game guy, right?" "You''re still going to learn," Aleman replied while tossing him a set of lightweight gear. "Even if you''re running things most of the time, you need to know how to use these equipments to defend yourself... The world is changing, you never know who you might run into." Derrick sighed while slipping on the gear. "Fine, but if I break something, it''s on you." The two worked through drills, with Derrick focusing on using the same robotic arms with the others and testing out the durability of the armor. --- Outside the training room, AM Coven was bustling with activity. August had hired a team of staff to handle the day-to-day operations. Customer service representatives who would greet clients at the front desk, accountants managed the financials, and cleaners ensured the building remained pristine. Each person had been carefully vetted before getting picked. The aesthetic of the place was astonishing. Display cases lined the walls, each housing an item extracted from Enders Light. Swords with glowing runes, daggers imbued with shadowy energy, and trinkets that seemed to exuded magical energy. Magic staffs, Berserkers axe, and even arrows were in the mix... Every corner of AM Coven exuded a futuristic, almost magical charm, leaving visitors in awe the moment they stepped through the doors. --- The day of the grand opening had arrived. The entire staff, guards included, stood assembled in the main hall. Aleman stood before them with his helmet glowing faintly as he addressed the group. "Welcome to AM Coven," he began with a commanding tone. "What we''ve built here isn''t just a business¡ªit''s a sanctuary. A place where players can safely trade their treasures, extracted from the game into reality. A place where innovation meets security." He gestured to the guards. "These men are the first line of defense. They''ve trained tirelessly to ensure this place remains safe. And every one of you¡ªcustomer service, accountants, cleaners¡ªyou''re all part of something bigger. Together, we''re setting a new standard." The staff applauded with enthusiasm. They couldn''t wait to see what this new journey had to offer. Derrick stepped forward, grinning. "Let''s get to work, people!" As the doors opened to the public, the first wave of customers entered. These were people that had already heard of it online since August had used the video of saving the patient at Faith Specialist Hospital as a form of promotion. He posted a video online a few days prior to this mentioning AM Coven and how it will be a place for gamers. He also displayed items extracted and the video blew up online so the turn out wasn''t unexpected. The expressions of the ones who had just arrived immediately shifted to awe as they took in the displays. A young player gasped as he spotted the Sword of Emberflame while another pointed excitedly at a glowing amulet. "This place is insane," one customer whispered. "It''s like something out of a movie," another added. Aleman observed from a distance, satisfied. Everything had fallen into place, and AM Coven was already starting to make it''s mark. As the day progressed, August slipped into a quiet corner to observe the activity. AM Coven was officially open for business. Chapter 155 - 155: Creating A Buzz The buzz about AM Coven soon spread across specific parts of the city. The name Aleman was once again on people''s lips, sparking conversations and debates. --- In a crowded caf¨¦, a group of gamers hunched over their phones, watching the promotional video Aleman had released a few days prior. "Wait a second," one of them said while pointing at the screen. "Did he say his name is Aleman? As in *the* Aleman?" Another leaned in, squinting at the figure in the futuristic helmet and suit. "You mean the guy who was selling extracted game items months ago? I thought he disappeared." "Apparently not," the first one replied. "He''s probably been busy building this place, AM Coven. Makes sense now. He''s always been ahead of the curve." A third chimed in, grinning. "I heard he''s the same Aleman from *Enders Light*. You know, the guy who helped take down Malrik in Tagharium." "Wait, *that* Aleman? The one who destroyed the monolith and blasted through Malrik''s barrier?" "Could be. Or it could be someone else just using the name for clout. Either way, I''m checking this place out. They''re saying it''s got items from the Swordking Dungeon on display." "Count me in," another added. "If it''s legit, I''m not missing out." --- Elsewhere, in a brightly lit office space, a woman scrolled through her phone during her break. Her eyes widened as she saw Aleman''s video trending online. "This can''t be real," she muttered. "The Miracle Man?" Her colleague looked over her shoulder. "Miracle Man?" "Yeah, don''t you remember? A few weeks ago, someone dressed exactly like this helped save a patient during surgery at Faith Specialist Hospital. He somehow worked with the police to also save a college student and caught two Oni terrorists. Everyone called him a hero back then." Her colleague frowned, leaning closer. "You think it''s the same guy?" "He''s dressed exactly the same. AM Coven is definitely worth checking out." --- Meanwhile, in the slums, a group of teenagers crowded around a beat-up laptop in a makeshift gaming den. They had stumbled upon the promotional video by chance and were now thoroughly intrigued. "Yo, this place looks insane!" one of them exclaimed. "Yeah, but Aleman? That''s the guy from *Enders Light*, right?" "Maybe. Or maybe someone''s trying to cash in on the name. Either way, I''m saving up to go there. Imagine getting my hands on some of that gear." --- In the heart of the city''s underground, a lavish private office buzzed with activity. Sir Flookz, a dangerous looking man with a sharp suit and a sharper mind, sat in a high-backed chair as one of his underlings placed a tablet on the desk before him. The screen displayed Aleman''s video, the helmeted figure standing confidently in the interiors of AM Coven. "Boss, you''re going to want to see this," the underling voiced while stepping back respectfully. Sir Flookz leaned forward while narrowing his beady eyes as he watched the video. When it finished, he let out a low chuckle. "So, that''s where he''s been," Flookz''s voice with a deep and gravelly tone. "I haven''t heard from Aleman in over a month. I thought he''d run out of tricks. But no¡ªhe was building this." The underling nodded. "Looks like he''s upgraded. New gear, new look, new business. What do you want us to do?" Flookz leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "Nothing for now. Let''s see how this plays out. If Aleman''s involved, there''s bound to be profit. But keep an eye on him. If AM Coven becomes a problem¡ªor an opportunity¡ªI want to know immediately." "Yes, boss," the underling replied while bowing slightly before leaving the room. Flookz stared at the screen for a moment longer as a sly smile appeared on his face. "Looks like you''ve stepped up, Aleman. I might be paying you a visit soon." His eyes drifted to the glowing sword placed on the left side of the wall momentarily while he let out a chuckle. ... ... In a particular building on the west side of the city, the elevator groaned softly as it ascended to the twelfth floor of the building. Inside, a group of Enders Light players and traders exchanged glances with excited looks. AM Coven''s reputation had grown rapidly over the past week, and whispers of its cutting-edge designs, rare items, and elite security were enough to draw in both the curious and the ambitious. When the elevator doors slid open, the visitors stepped out into another world. The expansive hall of AM Coven shimmered with a futuristic brilliance as the walls glowed faintly with embedded neon strips. Display cases lined the room, showcasing an array of dazzling artifacts from Enders Light. Each item seemed to pulse with an otherworldly energy, drawing gasps from the newcomers. Yet, it wasn''t just the treasures that stopped them in their tracks¡ªit was the guards. Standing tall at strategic points around the floor, the five men looked more like futuristic warriors than security personnel. They weren''t just guards¡ªthey were a presence. Each of them wore a smooth black modular armor plate. The armor was etched with glowing runes that pulsed rhythmically, and the insignia of AM Coven¡ªa pair of intersecting blades forming an "A"¡ªwas emblazoned proudly on their chests. Over the armor, a flowing black coat added an air of menace, and its edges were trimmed with silver threads that shimmered in the light. But what truly set them apart were the Titan Arms Mk II, robotic arms fused seamlessly with their armor. The arms glowed faintly with red energy lines tracing intricate patterns along the matte black surface. The guards moved with a mechanical precision that hinted at their enhanced capabilities. --- One of the newcomers froze mid-step. "Holy crap," he muttered while nudging his friend. "They look like something out of a cyberpunk movie." His friend nodded slowly. "I feel like I shouldn''t even breathe too hard in here." Marcus, the towering powerhouse of the group, stood near the entrance with his robotic arms crossed over his chest. A faint red glow illuminated his visor as he scanned the newcomers. "Welcome to AM Coven," Marcus said with a smile. "Behave, and you''ll enjoy your time here." The young player swallowed hard, offering a nervous laugh. "Y-yeah, of course." --- Further inside, Darnell was patrolling the central area as his Fleetfoot Greaves left faint blue streaks on the ground as he moved. His speed was mesmerizing, and he seemed to appear and disappear between displays like a ghost. A group of traders near the Starweaver Amulet watched him with unease. "Did you see that?" one of them whispered. "He''s fast. Like, *really* fast." Another person nodded. "And those arms... Are they even human?" As if hearing them, Darnell paused near the amulet as he tilted his head toward the group. They froze, unsure whether they had crossed some invisible line. But Darnell merely chuckled. "Relax," he said. "I''m just doing my rounds." --- At the far end of the hall, Greg was stationed near the high-value displays. His Titan Arms were fully extended with their glowing lines casting an ominous light across the cases. When one of the visitors leaned a little too close to a display, Greg took a single step forward and the faint clink of his boots on the floor was enough to make the man back away. "Enjoy the view," Greg voiced with a calm but firm tone. "From a distance. Let the cashier know if you''re interested in purchasing it." Terry and Eliot were positioned near the motion detection systems, monitoring the subtle pings from their wristbands. Terry''s sharp eyes flicked from one display to the next. Eliot, ever curious, was fine-tuning a Snapbomb Trap. Its mechanisms clicked softly as he worked. "This is next-level security," another customer murmured while glancing at Eliot. "I''ve never seen anything like it." "You''re looking at the future," Eliot replied without looking up. "AM Coven doesn''t cut corners." --- S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Near the central lounge, Derrick was overseeing operations. He was dressed in a professional black suit that contrasted with the guards'' heavy gear. While not as physically imposing, his calm demeanor and sharp gaze carried an authority of its own. "Mr. Derrick," a customer approached cautiously, "are these guys... always like this?" Derrick smiled faintly while folding his arms. "They''re just doing their job. We take security seriously here. If you''re here for business, you''ve got nothing to worry about." The customer nodded before glancing back at the guards. "Still, they look like they could take on an army." "They could," Derrick replied simply. --- From his vantage point in a hidden alcove near the back, Aleman watched the scene unfold. His helmet''s visor glowed faintly as he observed the customers and guards alike. After observing for some time, Aleman stepped forward and his presence immediately drew everyone''s attention as the customers noticed him for the first time. Whispers spread quickly. "That''s him," someone murmured. "That''s Aleman." "Is it the same Aleman from *Enders Light*?" another asked. "The one who helped save Tagharium?" "Or maybe it''s just someone using the name. Either way, this place is insane." Chapter 156 - 156: A Lesson Aleman stopped near the center of the hall as his voice cut through the murmurs. "Welcome to AM Coven. Our mission is simple: to provide a safe haven for players to trade their game items that have been retrieved to reality. Whether you''re here to browse, buy, or trade, you''ll find what you need. But remember¡ªthis isn''t just a business. It''s a revolution." The room fell silent for a moment as his words sunk in. Then, one by one, the customers nodded. Their respect for AM Coven grew with each passing moment because they understood the dangers of selling game items and what had happened to many real life players when they tried to do so in the past. This was a perfect location for protection. ... ... The cafeteria at Asterisk High School buzzed with chatter and laughter as students gathered in their usual groups. The air smelled of cafeteria pizza and fried chicken, and the clatter of trays echoed through the wide hall. In one corner, Sophia Clementine sat alone at a table near the window with her long green hair pulled into a loose ponytail. She idly poked at her food with a fork while her eyes were fixed on the schoolyard outside. Despite the lively atmosphere around her, Sophia was disconnected. She had always been that way¡ªdistant, guarded, and unapproachable. She didn''t exactly know when it started but she didn''t want friends. Her brother was enough for her. She felt that most people were better kept at arm''s length. Her personality at school was completely different from the one she showed August at home. This was because she was only ever herself when she was around her brother. As she took a sip of her juice, a voice interrupted her solitude. "Well, well, if it isn''t Sophia Clementine." Sophia sighed, not bothering to look up. She already knew who it was: Madeline Price Montgomery, the queen bee of the school and her personal tormentor. While Sophia was amongst the most popular girls in the school due to her beauty and brain, Madeline was mostly popular due to her parents'' wealth. Clad in some designer jewelry that probably cost more than most people''s rent, Madeline stood with her arms crossed and a smug smile plastered on her face. "What do you want, Madeline?" Sophia asked flatly, still staring out the window. Madeline pulled out a chair and sat down uninvited, flipping her perfectly styled hair over her shoulder. "Relax, I''m not here to ruin your day. Not entirely, at least. I just came to ask for your brother''s number again." Sophia''s hand froze over her tray. Her voice was calm, but there was an edge to it. "I told you last time. No." Madeline leaned forward as her smile turned into a pout. "Come on, Sophia. Your brother''s hot, and I''ve been thinking about him since that parent-teacher meeting. Help a girl out." Sophia finally turned to look at her while narrowing her emerald eyes. "I''m not giving you his number, so stop asking." Madeline''s expression hardened. "You know, for someone who doesn''t have any friends, you sure act high and mighty. Maybe you should stop being so bitter and actually do something nice for once." Sophia clenched her fists under the table. "Get lost, Madeline." But Madeline wasn''t done. "You know, if I were you, I''d be grateful someone like me even bothers to talk to you. You''re just a poor little charity case, aren''t you? No father, no mother eugh. I could never relate." That was the last straw. Sophia stood up so quickly that her chair scraped loudly against the floor, drawing the attention of nearby students. "Say that again," she said through gritted teeth. Madeline smirked, unfazed. "I said, you''re a¡ª" Before she could finish, Sophia shoved her tray aside and lunged. The cafeteria erupted into chaos as the two girls started fighting, pulling hair, and shouting at each other. Teachers rushed in to break them apart, and within minutes, both were escorted to the principal''s office. --- Later that afternoon, August arrived at the school in a black suit making him stand out among the parents in the waiting area. His green hair, streaked with white patches, caught fluttered as he ran a hand through it before sighing deeply. When the principal finally called him in, August entered the office to find Sophia sitting with her arms crossed and Madeline dabbing at a scratch on her cheek. "Mr. Clementine," the principal began while adjusting his glasses, "your sister was involved in a physical altercation during lunch. This behavior is unacceptable." August turned to Sophia while raising an eyebrow in surprise. "Sophia?" "She started it," Sophia glared daggers at Madeline. "I did not!" Madeline protested. "All I did was ask for his number, and she lost it." August blinked with a look of confusion. "Wait... my number?" Madeline perked up, smiling sweetly. "Hi, Mr. Clementine. You probably don''t remember me, but we met during the parent-teacher meeting. I just wanted to talk to you, that''s all." August sighed before pinching the bridge of his nose. "Right. Look, Principal Jones, can we just handle this quickly? Sophia''s not exactly the fighting type, but I''ll make sure it doesn''t happen again." The principal nodded, though he looked skeptical. "Very well. Sophia, you''re suspended for two days. And Madeline, I suggest you stop provoking your peers." Madeline gasped, indignant. "But¡ª!" "That''s final," the principal said firmly. "Two days? When she started it?" Sophia was finding it difficult to accept this. "You should count yourself lucky the Montgomerys are not pressing charges," the principal statement caused August''s eyebrows to narrow. As August and Sophia walked out of the building, Sophia muttered, "She''s such a brat." "You shouldn''t let people like her get under your skin," August shook his head. "Fighting doesn''t solve anything." August knew damn well that this wasn''t always accurate but nevertheless, he couldn''t encourage such a behavior. Parenting 101. "She called me a charity case with no father or mother," Sophia snapped. "What was I supposed to do, just sit there?" August sighed but didn''t reply, ''That was definitely too far... Maybe I''m not really bothered because I''m not the real August but any orphaned child would certainly be triggered... Kidss...'' As they approached the parking lot, August noticed a group of boys leaning against a nearby fence. They were older students and their uniforms were slightly disheveled. Their postures exuded unbridled arrogance as well. At their center was a tall boy with a scar running across his cheek. His arms were crossed as he watched August and Sophia approach. "That''s him," the boy said with a loud voice. "The guy Madeline won''t shut up about." August''s face displayed a neutral expression as he came to a stop. "Can I help you?" The boy stepped forward with his gang trailing behind him. "Name''s Zack. You''ve got Madeline all worked up, and I don''t like it. She''s my girl." August raised an eyebrow. "Then maybe you should talk to her about that." Zack''s jaw tightened, and his gang laughed behind him. "You think you''re funny, huh? Walking around like you''re better than everyone else. Maybe someone needs to teach you a lesson." August tilted his head. "I don''t have time for this, kid. Move." S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Zack smirked while stepping closer. "Or what?" Before August could reply, Sophia snapped, "Get lost, Zack. You''re embarrassing yourself." Zack''s smirk faltered, and he glared at her. "Stay out of this, Sophia. This is between me and your lover boy brother here." August sighed while taking a step forward to shield Sophia. "You''ve got about three seconds to back off before this gets ugly. I don''t like getting anywhere close to kids but if you keep misbehaving I''ll have to teach you the lesson your parents failed to give you at home." The gang laughed again, but there was hesitation in their movements. Zack''s confidence wavered as August''s eyes bore into him, cold and unyielding. "Let''s go, Zack," one of the boys muttered. "This isn''t worth it." Zack scoffed. "No!" He brandished a dagger out of nowhere and rushed forward with a shout. Sophia gasped. "Augie!" From August''s point of view, the world seemed to slow down a bit. With his in-game avatar getting more powerful also meant he was getting more powerful in the real world. The dagger''s movement was sluggish and every twist of Zack''s wrist was clearly visible to him. August raised his hand smoothly and slapped the dagger out of Zack''s grasp, sending it clattering to the pavement. Zack barely had time to process what happened before August placed a firm hand on his chest and gave him a gentle shove. The gentle shove didn''t feel gentle to Zack... Fwhii~ He was sent flying backward as his body crashed into the fence with a loud clang. His gang froze in place as their eyes widened and darted between August and their fallen leader. August''s voice with a cold authoritative tone as he stepped forward. "Last warning. Leave." The gang didn''t need to be told twice. They scrambled to their feet, dragging Zack along as they fled, disappearing into the shadows. Sophia stood rooted to the spot with her mouth slightly open. "Augie... what was that?" He turned to her with a smile. "A lesson. Let''s go home." --- Chapter 157 - 157: Reunion The drive back was quiet and Sophia sneaked glances at her brother, trying to process what she''d just witnessed. When they arrived home, August dropped his bag on the couch and gestured for Sophia to sit down. "We need to talk," he voiced with a serious but not harsh tone. Sophia hesitated, then plopped onto the couch, crossing her arms. "About Madeline? She deserved it." August shook his head while sitting beside her. "Not about Madeline, About you." She raised an eyebrow. "Me?". "Yeah." He leaned forward before resting his elbows on his knees. "When I came to your school for that parent-teacher meeting a while back, your teacher told me something. She said you don''t talk to anyone. You push people away." Sophia''s expression darkened, and she looked away. "So what? People suck." August sighed. "Not all of them. Soph, you''ve been like this ever since... you know." She frowned, refusing to meet his gaze. "Ever since Mom and Dad died? Yeah, because people don''t get it. They act like they care, but they don''t. They just want to feel good about themselves." "That''s not true," August said gently. "I get that you''re scared. I was, too. I still am sometimes. But pushing people away isn''t going to make things better." Her voice cracked as she snapped, "You don''t understand! You''re not the one who has to go to school every day and deal with people like Madeline." "Madeline''s a spoiled brat," August rolled his eyes, which earned a small, reluctant smile from Sophia. "But not everyone''s like her. There have to be a few normal kids in your class, right?" Sophia huffed. "Doubt it." August nudged her playfully. "Come on, not everyone can be a stuck-up rich kid with zero personality." That finally got a laugh out of her. She shook her head while smiling uncontrollably. "I guess not." He leaned back and looked at her seriously again. "Soph, I''m not saying you need to make best friends with everyone. But you deserve to have people in your corner. Friends who care about you, who can make you laugh, who can help you when I can''t." Sophia bit her lip as her eyes glistened. "What if I don''t know how? I''ve been on my own for so long." August reached out, pulling her into a hug. "You''re not on your own. You''ve got me, always. But I want you to try, okay? Just one person at a time." She nodded against his chest in a muffled voice. "I''ll try." They sat like that for a moment as unspoken emotions lifted slightly. Then August pulled back, grinning. "Besides, it''ll be easier to make friends at the new place." Sophia blinked. "New place?" "We''re moving tomorrow," he said before ruffling her hair. "Better apartment, better neighborhood. No more weird neighbors who blast country music at 3 a.m... no more leaking roof and bad service..." Sophia''s eyes lit up. "Wait, really? Like, for real?" "For real," August smirked. "And you''ll have your own room and bathroom." Her jaw dropped. "No way." "Yes way." Sophia laughed while throwing her arms around him again. "You''re the best, Augie." "Don''t I know it," he teased before wrapping her in a hug. "Now, go pack. I don''t want to hear any whining tomorrow about lost stuff." She rolled her eyes but couldn''t hide her grin as she headed to her room. ... ... The glow of the Enders Light login screen illuminated August''s face as he settled into his gaming pod. He cracked his knuckles, feeling the familiar rush of excitement. After a long week of grinding and climbing levels, he was ready to push himself even further tonight. --- System Notification: [ Welcome back, Aleman! You are now Level 34. Keep up the grind! ] --- The virtual world materialized around him. August, as Aleman, stood in the middle of a dense jungle grinding zone. The air was humid, filled with the distant cries of magical beasts lurking among the trees. His ever-cloaked avatar blended into the surroundings and his boots added a touch of menace to his aura. Without hesitation, he pulled up his status screen. --- << Player Status Panel >> Name: Aleman Class: Assassin/Mage Level: 34 EXP: 200,400/2,000,000 HP: 19,000/19,000 MP: 14,000/14,000 Title: Sovereign of Anti-Darkness Gold: 12,400 --- "Let''s get to work," August muttered to himself. -- The jungle was soon loud with activity as Aleman sliced through mobs of beasts, hunting them one after the other. A pack of level 20 Shadow Panthers leaped out from the underbrush, fixing their glowing red eyes on him. August smirked while raising his hand. "Let''s see how you like this." He conjured a Thunder Spear, illuminating the dark foliage with electrifying energy. In the next instant, he hurled the spear into the middle of the pack. --- System Notification: [ Thunder Spear (Tier 2) used. Damage dealt: 12,400 to multiple targets. Critical hit! ] --- The resulting explosion shattered the beasts, leaving behind charred remains and glowing loot. "Too easy," August dashed forward to collect the spoils. His Void Stepper skill activated, making him vanish and reappear near a treasure chest hidden among the trees. --- System Notification: [ Treasure found: Rare Mana Stone (x2), Toxic Fang Dagger, 5 Gold. ] --- Before he could celebrate, a familiar voice boomed behind him. "LORD ALEMAN!" August groaned while turning to see Gregarious barreling toward him with a massive two-handed sword slung over his back. Despite his heavy armor, Gregarious moved with surprising speed. "Gregarious? Where were you when Tagharium was getting obliterated?" August raised an eyebrow. Gregarious waved a hand, grinning. "Ah, my lord, a most tragic tale. I was¡­ uh¡­ otherwise occupied." "By what, exactly?" "Important warrior business!" Gregarious declared. "Very classified. You wouldn''t understand." August rolled his eyes. "You mean hiding in a tavern, don''t you?" "I''ll have you know," Gregarious said while puffing out his chest, "I am now Level 15! That''s right, my lord, fifteen. A true warrior of legend." Before August could respond, three more players emerged from the trees: Lilo, Boris, and Ezran. "Look who we found!" Lilo voiced with ¨¤her bow slung over her shoulder. Her bubbly energy was contagious, and she flashed a grin at August. "Grinding alone again, huh?" Boris gave August a pat on his back heartily. "Thought you''d be ahead of us by now." "Technically, he is ahead, but not because of levels," Ezran chuckled. "I wasn''t expecting company," August voiced with a smile. "Don''t guild players usually stick with their own?" "Pfft," Lilo scoffed. "Phoenix Celestial doesn''t mind. Besides, you''re way more fun than some of those stiff guildmates. No offense to them." "None taken," Boris shrugged. "But she''s right. We''d rather team up with you." Ezran nodded. "You''re efficient and unpredictable. It''s¡­ interesting." The group decided to tackle a nearby area infested with Emerald Manticores. The beasts prowled in a clearing with their emerald scales shimmering and their tails tipped with deadly stingers. "Formations," August took charge. "Lilo, keep your distance and take out the stingers. Boris, you''re on crowd control. Ezran, focus on area damage. Gregarious¡­" "Yes, my lord?" Gregarious asked eagerly. "Don''t die." "Understood!" The group burst into action. August dashed forward, activating Phantom Blitz. Many shadowy forms of himself scattered around as he landed a series of precise strikes on a manticore''s legs. --- System Notification: [ Phantom Blitz (Tier 2) used. Damage dealt: 8,900. Target movement reduced by 25%. ] --- Lilo''s arrows zipped through the air, pinning down the creatures'' tails, while Boris swung his massive axe in wide arcs, keeping the beasts at bay. "Coming through!" Gregarious bellowed, charging headfirst into a manticore with his sword raised. The impact sent the beast staggering, but Gregarious ended up flat on his back. "Still a work in progress," August muttered, casting Ethereal Storm spell. The storm of mana shards rained down, tearing through the manticores and leaving glowing craters in their wake. --- System Notification: [ Ethereal Storm (Tier 2) used. Damage dealt: 15,200 to multiple targets. ] [ Target defeated: Emerald Manticore(¡Á10). EXP gained: 42,000. ] The group stood victorious among the piles of loot and glowing EXP orbs. System Notification: [ Loots: Rare Gem Cluster, 50 Gold, Party EXP Boost (x1). ] --- "Not bad for a night''s work," Boris wiped sweat from his brow. "Not bad?" Gregarious huffed. "That was a masterpiece of warrior teamwork!" Lilo giggled. "You mean a masterpiece of you falling on your butt." August opened his status screen, grinning as his EXP bar ticked upward. He was just getting started. "Good work, everyone," he said. "Let''s keep grinding." "How about we take on a party quest?" Boris suggested. "I would have said okay but TG guild was taken down during Malrik''s assault so I don''t necessarily know where to head to for quests," "We can go to Gallorn Kingdom. There are a ton of party quests over there," Lilo Suggested. ... ... The party arrived at Gallorn Kingdom, entering a bustling quest hub at the heart of the city. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The building was massive, lined with gilded pillars and glowing sigils marking the entrance. Inside, players gathered in groups, poring over quest boards and strategizing. "Place is packed," Lilo remarked while scanning the crowd. "Guess everyone''s out for the big rewards tonight." August approached a large board marked with quests ranging from low to high ranks. He gestured toward the section labeled C-Ranked Quests then proceeded to go through the options until one caught his eye. --- [ New Quest Accepted: Royal Rescue ] Quest Rank: C Objective: Rescue an abducted royal, Lord Cavriel, held hostage by rogue mercenaries in the Abandoned Caverns. Rewards: 1000 Gold, Royal Favor, Rare Equipment Chest --- "Rescue mission," August turned to face the others. "Looks like this will be fun." Chapter 158 - 158: The Rescue Mission "Rescue mission," August turned to face the others. "Looks like this will be fun." Boris peered forward with a look of interest. "Abandoned Caverns huh? That''s rogue mercenary territory. Should be fun." "Fun for you, maybe," Ezran muttered. "For the rest of us, it''s going to be dangerous." "I''m in!" Gre garious declared loudly. "A royal rescue is a mission worthy of a true warrior!" "Right," August said while smirking. "Just try not to get yourself killed." --- The party stood at the edge of the Abandoned Caverns. It was an eerie expanse that stretched out before them. The entrance was like a yawning mouth, with jagged stalactites and stalagmites forming sharp, toothlike structures. Faint whispers of wind echoed from within, carrying an otherworldly sound that sent chills through the group. "Before we go in... I''ve heard about the Abandoned Caverns before," Lilo lowered her voice to nearly a whisper. "Oh, why are we whispering? Is it a secret?" Gregarious voiced with a hushed tone causing the others to give him strange stares. "So apparently, the Abandon caverns are mostly avoided because there are certain areas with reverse gravitational force... It could put anyone in danger if they stepped into it. Only the mercenaries know the layout of the caverns in and out that''s why it''s the perfect hiding spot for them," Lilo explained with a low tone. "So we just have to be careful and stick together," August pointed out. "Haha a little gravitational pull cannot stop this great warrior," Gregarious puffed his chest with a look of confidence. "Let''s just be careful," Ezran stated. The group exchanged nods before stepping inside. The air grew heavier with every step, as latent magic mingled with the drip of water and distant growls that echoed ominously. The Abandoned Caverns were as beautiful as they were dangerous. The walls shimmered with veins of glowing blue minerals, and patches of bioluminescent moss provided dim light. Crystals jutted out of the floor and ceiling, some pulsating faintly. But the beauty was deceptive¡ªthis was no place for carelessness. "Stick together," August voiced with a low tone. "This place is alive in more ways than one." They moved cautiously, navigating narrow paths and avoiding treacherous-looking ground. At one point, Gregarious stepped onto an innocuous patch of rock. The moment his foot landed, the gravity in that area reversed, pulling him violently toward the ceiling. "HELP!" Gregarious shouted while flailing as he ascended. "Of course, you''re the first person to get into trouble," August let out a sigh before raising his hand. His custom telekinetic spell, Phantom Grip, activated. The air around Gregarious tightened as he felt an invisible hand envelop him. In the next instant, he was yanked back down and set safely on the ground. --- System Notification: [ Custom Spell: Phantom Grip used. Target secured. MP Cost: 120. ] --- "Thanks, my lord!" Gregarious panted, looking sheepish. "That could''ve been bad." "Could''ve been?" Lilo quipped with her eyebrows raised. "You almost became a ceiling ornament." "I''ll be careful next time ahem..." Gregarious coughed twice. The group pressed on, encountering a few lone magical beasts along the way. A Crystal Fangwolf lunged at them from the shadows with its translucent body refracting the light. "Get back!" August shouted while conjuring Phantom Blitz and vanishing into the shadows. He reappeared behind the beast and slashed at it. --- System Notification: [ Phantom Blitz (Tier 2) used. Damage dealt: 4,400. Target slowed by 40%. ] --- Lilo''s arrows found their mark, pinning the wolf''s legs as Boris brought his axe down with a thunderous swing. --- System Notification: [ Heavy Cleave used. Damage dealt: 2,300. Critical hit! ] --- "Down," Boris said simply, wiping blood off his axe. After several skirmishes and hours of cautious exploration, they reached a large chamber with three distinct tunnels branching out in different directions. The air grew colder, and the concentration of mana was stronger here. "Three paths," Ezran muttered while studying the tunnels. "Splitting up is risky." "We don''t have much of a choice," August replied. "The caverns are too vast. If we stick together, we''ll waste too much time." He turned to the group. "Ezran, you''re with Gregarious. Lilo, go with Boris. I''ll take the third path. If anyone finds anything, use the party chat to let us know." "Understood," Lilo said while notching an arrow and stepping through the middle tunnel. Gregarious saluted dramatically. "A warrior''s duty is clear!" Ezran sighed. "Great. I''m babysitting." "Good luck," August voiced while chuckling as they split up. --- As August moved down his tunnel, the light grew dimmer, and the air became heavier. The path twisted and turned, narrowing in some places and opening into small chambers in others. He encountered nothing but silence. The faint crunch of his boots on gravel was the only sound. Meanwhile, Lilo and Boris moved cautiously down their path, encountering a few traps that they managed to disarm without incident. Even after moving for over twenty minutes, they still hadn''t come into contact with anything as well. But it was Gregarious and Ezran who found trouble first. Their tunnel opened into a small chamber lit by glowing red crystals, and standing in the center was a figure in black armor. His face was obscured by a hood. "Well, well," the man''s voice dripped with mockery. "Looks like your luck''s run out, lads. I''m the one on patrol today." Before Gregarious or Ezran could react, the mercenary lunged, drawing twin daggers that gleamed with a deadly aura. --- System Notification: [ Rogue Mercenary (Elite) encountered. Level 40. HP: 32,000. ] --- Ezran barely raised his staff in time to cast Mana Shield, but the mercenary''s strike shattered it instantly, sending him stumbling back. --- System Notification:* [ Mana Shield (Level 3) broken. Ezran HP -2,400. Remaining HP: 9,600. ] --- Gregarious roared, charging forward with his sword raised. He swung with all his might, but the mercenary sidestepped effortlessly and retaliated with a spinning slash. --- System Notification: [ Spinning Slash used. Damage dealt: 3,800. Gregarious HP: 3,200. ] --- "Ezran! A little help here!" Gregarious shouted, barely parrying another attack. "I''m trying!" Ezran yelled before casting Arcane Bolt. The spell struck the mercenary who had raised his arms in a crossed format at the last second. He slid backwards by a few feet while staggering but this attack only did a little damage. --- System Notification: [ Arcane Bolt used. Damage dealt: 1,200. Target HP: 30,800. ] --- sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The mercenary laughed while twirling his daggers. "Is that all you''ve got? This is going to be fun." Sweat dripped down Ezran''s brow as he opened the party chat. "We need backup. Now." ---- August was moving swiftly through his own side of the cavern when he received Ezran''s message in the party chat. --- [ Party Chat: Ezran ] Ezran: We need backup. Now. --- August pulled out his daggers as he pivoted on his heel, ready to sprint back to Ezran and Gregarious when a monstrous spider-like creature descended from the ceiling. Its legs were long and spindly, covered in dark, chitinous armor, and its glowing red eyes locked onto him. "Fuck! Bad timing!" August hissed as he skidded to a halt. The creature''s mandibles clicked as it hissed and reared its head back. August should have known that something was coming when it took this action... Because in the next moment, it suddenly shot out massive webs infused with a greenish, corrosive liquid. The sticky strands covered the entire width of the tunnel in seconds, cutting off any chance of retreat. "Of course.... just perfect..." August groaned while activating Phantom Blitz. --- System Notification: [ Phantom Blitz (Tier 2) used. Target: Void Spider. MP Cost: 800. ] --- He vanished into a shadowy blur, reappearing behind the beast with his daggers raised. His attack was swift, slashing into its thick armor and landing a clean hit. --- System Notification: [ Critical Hit! Damage dealt: 1,800. Target HP: 43,200/45,000. ] --- The spider screeched in pain as its long legs flailed while it turned to counterattack. August was forced to leap back as the creature swiped at him. Its claws sliced through the ground, creating an instant crevice --- Meanwhile back in the other tunnel, Gregarious was running for his life. "MUMMY! MUMMY! AHH! DON''T KILL ME! I WANNA LIVE!" his voice echoed through the caverns as he screamed. His health bar was barely hanging on, sitting at a perilous 100 HP. Behind him, the rogue assassin was relentlessly chasing him. Moving like a blur, the assassin darted between rocks and formations while brandishing his daggers. Ezran cast a spell from a safe distance in an attempt to draw the assassin''s attention away from Gregarious. "Over here!" he shouted while launching a firebolt toward the rogue. --- System Notification: [ Firebolt used. Damage dealt: 2,300. Target HP: 29,700/32,000. ] --- The rogue staggered slightly but recovered quickly, vanishing in a puff of black smoke before reappearing right in front of Ezran. "Nice try, mage," the rogue said coldly while slashing with one dagger. Ezran barely managed to raise his staff in time, activating Mana Shield to block the assault. --- System Notification: [ Mana Shield broken. Ezran HP: -3,000. Remaining HP: 3,600/12,000. ] --- Greg, still hiding behind a rock, peeked out cautiously. "Should I help¡­ no, he''ll kill me¡­" he whispered to himself while clutching his sword nervously. But when the rogue raised both daggers to strike Ezran again, Gregarious knew he couldn''t stay idle. "Alright, here goes nothing!" Chapter 159 - 159: The Abandoned Caverns "Alright, here goes nothing!" Greg shouted, charging forward. He activated his most powerful skill, swinging his glowing sword down with a roar. --- System Notification: [ Warrior Skill: Crashing Blow Has Been Activated ] --- A silver glow coated his sword as it turned into a blur, slicing across the back of the assassin. ---- [ Damage dealt: 1200. Target HP: 27,700/32,000. ] ---- The Assasin staggered forward due to the attack but recovered quickly, his eyes narrowing. "You shouldn''t have done that." The assassin spun around and counterattacked. His dagger swung toward Gregarious in a speed that his eyes could not follow. --- System Notification: [ Assassin Skill: Venom Strike used ] --- Before the killing blow could land, a glowing arrow streaked through the air, colliding with the mercenary assassin''s dagger and sending it flying. "What the¡ª" the assassin muttered, only to be hit by another glowing arrow that buried itself in his shoulder. He hissed in pain while leaping back to avoid the rest of the volley of arrows streaking across the air. "Looks like you needed some help," Lilo voiced while stepping into view with her bow drawn. Boris appeared behind her with his massive axe resting on his shoulder. The assassin chuckled darkly while his eyes darted between the newcomers. "More of you, huh? This just got interesting." Boris charged forward without hesitation, swinging his axe with immense force. "Try dodging this!" But the assassin turned into a wisp of black smoke, evading the attack effortlessly. He reappeared a few feet away, smirking. "You''ll have to do better than that." "You''ll have to take on all of us together," Lilo fired another volley of arrows as Boris followed up with a wide swing. The rogue blocked and dodged with smooth movements. Realizing he was outnumbered, he turned and fled deeper into the cavern. "Coward!" Boris roared while giving chase. "Wait for me!" Gregarious shouted before downing a health potion as he stumbled after them. Ezran sighed, casting a quick healing spell on himself. "This is going to be a long night." --- Back in another part of the caverns, August was locked in a deadly dance with the Void Spider. The creature''s dark webs made the air sticky and heavy, and its movements were unpredictable. "Just die already," August muttered before hurling a Thunder Spear directly at its head. --- System Notification: [ Thunder Spear used. Damage dealt: 9,200. Target HP: 28,000/45,000. ] --- The spider screeched while thrashing it''s legs as it lunged at him, fangs bared. August dodged to the side, activating Phantom Blitz to appear behind the creature. --- System Notification: [ Phantom Blitz Used. MP Cost: 500. ] --- Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He drove his daggers into the beast''s back causing it to shriek in pain once more. As he battled the beast, the nagging feeling that the others were in trouble grew stronger. He gritted his teeth while dodging another swipe of the spider''s legs. "I need to end this now," he muttered while preparing his next attack. Elsewhere, the rest of the group pursued the rogue assassin. Their chase led them into a new tunnel way where gravity suddenly shifted. Without warning, Lilo and Gregarious were pulled upward, floating toward the ceiling as Boris clung to the ground. "WHAT IS HAPPENING?!" Gregarious screamed while flailing as he drifted upward. "Welcome to the Abandoned Caverns," the rogue''s voice echoed as his laughter chilled them to the bone. ... ... The spider reared up and it''s glowing red eyes narrowed as it prepared to lunge again. August''s eyes darted to the glowing webs encasing the area. He needed to end this quickly. "Alright, you ugly bastard. Let''s finish this," he growled. Raising his hand, he began to channel mana into a spell that shimmered with destructive power. The air around him crackled as arcs of electricity gathered, coalescing into the form of a massive spear crackling with raw energy. [ Thunder Spear Activated ] The cavern lit up as August hurled the electrified weapon directly at the spider''s head. --- System Notification: [ Thunder Spear (Tier 2) used. Damage dealt: 13,800. Critical Hit! ] --- The spear pierced the spider''s body, and the resulting explosion of lightning sent shards of exoskeleton flying alongside black blood. The creature let out a deafening screech as the blast reduced it to nothing more than a twitching husk. The acidic webs disintegrated in the shockwave, leaving the cavern eerily silent. --- System Notification: [ Void Spider defeated. ] [ EXP gained: 30,500. ] [ Loot acquired: Black Widow''s Crossbow. Shoots toxic webs ] --- August stood over the smoking remains of the Void Spider as mana dissipated around him. He crouched down to retrieve the Black Widow''s Crossbow. It had a dark design that exuded an ominous aura and faint traces of green venom pooled around its string. He inspected it briefly before strapping it to his back. "Finally another type of weapon an assassin can equip," he muttered with a smirk. Just as he turned to head back to regroup with his party, something caught his eye¡ªa faint glow deeper within the tunnel. It Along with it came faint shouts. pulsed rhythmically, as if beckoning him. "What now?" August sighed as his instincts immediately went on high alert. Without hesitation, he activated Phantom Blitz. His body turning into a shadowy streak that teleported forward in rapid bursts, each time appearing two hundred feet deeper into the cavern. --- System Notification: [ Phantom Blitz used. Distance covered: 1,200 feet. MP Cost: 240. ] --- --- Meanwhile, in another part of the cavern, the chaos had reached its peak. Ezran, Lilo, and Gregarious dangled helplessly from the ceiling due to the reverse gravity keeping them pinned. "Help!" Gregarious bellowed while flailing wildly. "I''m too handsome to die up ere! Also, my back hurts¡ªthis armor isn''t ergonomic!" "Will you shut up?" Lilo hissed with a look of frustration. "We''re trying to think!" Ezran, squinting through the dim light, adjusted his staff. "I''ve got an idea," he muttered with a strained voice. "Oh, wonderful!" Gregarious exclaimed. "We''re saved! What is it, dear mage? A teleportation spell? A gravity nullifier?" Ezran ignored him before casting Gale Force, a powerful wind spell. The gust blasted the three of them out of the affected area, sending them hurtling toward the floor below. --- System Notification: [ Gale Force used. MP Cost: 180. Targets dislodged from gravity anomaly. ] --- They crashed to the ground in an ungraceful heap. Gregarious groaned loudly as he pushed himself up. "Remind me never to do that again." "No one told you to step into the gravity field in the first place," Lilo shot back before brushing dirt off her armor. Before Gregarious could retort, a loud clang echoed from deeper in the tunnel. The three of them froze while exchanging glances. "That''s Boris," Ezran used his staff to get up. "He''s fighting the assassin alone." "Of course he is," Gregarious grumbled while unsheathing his sword. "Well, let''s not keep him waiting." --- Up ahead Boris was locked in an intense battle with the rogue assassin. Despite his sheer strength and durability as a Level 37 berserker, the assassin''s speed and precision were relentless. Boris swung his massive axe in a wide arc, aiming to cleave the assassin in two, but the rogue dissolved into a wisp of black smoke, reappearing behind him to strike. --- System Notification: [ Assassin Skill: Wraith Step used. Damage evaded. MP Cost: 150. ] [ Target struck: Boris. Damage dealt: 3,400. Remaining HP: 8,200/14,600. ] --- "Stand still, you slippery bastard!" Boris growled before spinning around and swinging again. The assassin smirked as he darted out of reach. "You''re strong, I''ll give you that. But you''re too slow." Before the rogue could press his advantage, a flaming arrow streaked past his head, grazing his hood. --- System Notification: [ Flaming Arrow used. Damage dealt: 200. Target HP: 26,500/32,000. ] --- "Back up''s here!" Lilo nocked another arrow. Ezran raised his staff, launching a Surge of wind that collided with the rogue''s chest, forcing him back a few steps. "About time!" Boris barked, grinning despite the sweat pouring down his face. Gregarious charged in next, swinging his glowing sword with reckless abandon. "FOR HONOR! FOR GLORY! FOR MY NEXT MEAL!" The assassin dodged the first swing, but Gregarious managed to clip him with the second due to getting hit in the thigh by an arrow from Lilo. --- System Notification: [ Crashing Blow used. Damage dealt: 1200. Target HP: 21,200/32,000. ] --- The rogue snarled as he found himself outnumbered once more. "Enough of this," he muttered before turning into black smoke once again. "He''s running!" Lilo shouted while firing a string of arrows. "Not for long," Boris have chase. "Be careful about areas with the reverse gravity effect," Lilo yelled. "Yeah let''s just follow his steps," Boris yelled knowing that they wouldn''t get caught up in one if they closely executed the same movements with the mercenary assassin. The group followed the rogue through a twisting tunnel that eventually opened into a vast chamber. The ceiling stretched high above them, jagged and uneven, with glowing crystals embedded in the walls. As they entered, the sound of boots hitting the ground surrounded them. One by one, figures dropped from the ceiling and stepped out from the shadows. ----- They were instantly surrounded. System Notification: [ Mercenary Reinforcements Detected. ] [ Total Hostiles: 12 ] ----- Chapter 160 - 160: Saving Lord Cavriel ---- System Notification: [ Mercenary Reinforcements Detected. ] [ Total Hostiles: 12 ] --- "Well, this is cozy," Gregarious said while gripping his sword tightly. "I hope you all wrote your wills." The rogue assassin reappeared at the front of the group, smirking. "Welcome to our little party. I hope you didn''t think you''d leave here alive." Boris raised his axe, glaring at the mercenaries. "Bring it on." "Ezran," Lilo whispered, "any big spells left?" "Barely," Ezran admitted as sweat pooled on his forehead. Gregarious smirked despite the tension. "Well, good thing I''m here. I''ve got enough hot air for all of us." "Well, well. You''ve made it far, but this is where your luck runs out," the assassin said while stepping forward. "Luck?" Gregarious quipped while raising his sword. "My lord says I make my own luck!" "Your lord?" The assassin''s smirk deepened. "Do you mean the clumsy berserker, or the mage who looks like he might faint?" "Neither," Gregarious shot back. "I mean Lord Aleman! And when he gets here, you''ll wish you''d stayed home with your mommy!" Ezran groaned. "Can you focus, Gregarious?" The assassin''s smirk faded into annoyance. "Kill them all." The mercenaries charged with weapons raised. Boris roared while swinging his massive axe in a wide arc. --- System Notification: [ Heavy Cleave used. Damage dealt: 2,200 to multiple targets. ] --- Several mercenaries staggered back, but others pressed forward as their swords clashed with Boris''s axe. Lilo unleashed a volley of arrows, each glowing with enchantments, pinning enemies in place and slowing their advance. --- System Notification: [ Enchanted Volley used. Damage dealt: 1,200 to multiple targets. Effect applied: Slow (-20% movement). ] --- Ezran cast Wind Surge, sending a blast of wind into the crowd which knocked several mercenaries off their feet. --- System Notification: [ Wind Surge used. Damage dealt: 3,000 to multiple targets. ] --- But the mercenaries weren''t ordinary foes. Their coordination and individual strength were overwhelming. One mercenary¡ªa towering brute with a spiked mace¡ªbroke through and swung his weapon at Gregarious. Gregarious yelped, barely dodging the attack. "Mummy! This is not how I planned my day!" Lilo shouted, "Greg, stop whining and fight!" He swung his sword wildly, landing a glancing blow on the brute''s shoulder. --- System Notification: [ Basic Attack used. Damage dealt: 600. Target HP: 20,400/21,000. ] --- Meanwhile, the assassin reappeared behind Ezran like a phantom and swung his dagger. --- System Notification: [ Assassin Skill: Shadow Strike used. Ezran HP: -2,200. Remaining HP: 9,800/12,000. ] --- Ezran staggered forward before casting a desperate Mana Shield to hold off the next attack. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Hold on, Ezran!" Boris charged toward the assassin while yelling. He axe swung down, but the assassin turned into black smoke, evading the strike. "You''re going to have to do better than that," the assassin sneered. The fight got chaotic and desperate as the group tried to hold their ground. --- Meanwhile, August had delved deeper into the cavern, following the glow and faint voices he''d noticed earlier. The tunnels grew darker as the scent of damp stone and something metallic wafted through the air. He moved silently with his Tier 2 Shadow Veil activated, rendering him nearly invisible. --- System Notification: [ Shadow Veil (Tier 2) activated. Duration: 3 minutes. MP Cost: 350. ] --- Ahead, he spotted several mercenaries patrolling the area. They were spread out methodically like guards. August observed them from the shadows, calculating his next move. He darted forward, sticking close to the cavern walls, but then his foot accidentally brushed against a faintly glowing stone. The air shifted immediately as the found himself in a reverse gravity zone and got pulled upward. "Not today," August instantly activated Phantom Blitz to teleport out of the zone. --- System Notification:* [ Phantom Blitz (Tier 2) used. Distance covered: 200 feet. MP Cost: 800 ] --- He landed silently on solid ground, resuming his approach. His daggers glinted faintly as he crept closer to the central chamber. As he moved deeper, the cavern opened into a wide room illuminated by glowing blue crystals embedded in the walls. In the center, bound to a chair and surrounded by chains, was Lord Cavriel. The royal''s once-pristine robes were tattered, and his face bore signs of exhaustion and bruises. Two mercenaries stood guard near him with their swords drawn and their eyes scanning the area. "Great," August whispered. "More company." He activated his telekinetic spell, Phantom Grip, targeting a loose stalactite above one of the guards. The spell yanked it free, sending it crashing down onto the unsuspecting mercenary. --- System Notification: [ Phantom Grip used. Target defeated. ] --- The remaining guard spun around, raising his sword. "Who''s there?!" August stepped forward still cloaked in shadows and unseen. The guard barely had time to react before August appeared behind him and slashed at his neck. --- System Notification: [ Shadow Strike (Tier 2) used. Damage dealt: 7,800. Critical Hit! Target defeated. ] --- Lord Cavriel''s head lifted weakly as August approached. "Who¡­ who are you?" "Someone who doesn''t have time for introductions," August replied while slashing repeatedly at chains binding the royal. The damage was reflecting from his strikes but the chains were getting a bit difficult to get rid of. August channeled mana like he was going to activate thunderspear, allowing a crackles of electricity to run through his fingers. The electric arcs then were then transmitted towards his dagger''s blade which he proceeded to raise with all his strength and hack down at the chains. With a single strike, the chains snapped in half and even emitted a burning stench where the dagger had made contact. ''Hmm that was an interesting experiment,'' August muttered internally before getting the rest of the binds off the royal. "Can you walk?" "I think so," Cavriel winced as he stood. "Good. Stick close to me. Things are about to get messy," August stated. He activated Shadow Veil again, pulling Cavriel into the shadows with him as he began to lead the royal toward safety. .... The eerie silence of the cavern shattered as a loud, blaring alarm echoed through the tunnels. The deep, reverberating sound jolted August and Lord Cavriel as they crept toward the exit. "Great," August muttered under his breath. "Looks like the party''s just getting started." "An alarm?" Lord Cavriel asked with a weak tone. "What does that mean?" "It means we''ve got company," August reactivated Shadow Veil to obscure their presence further. "Stick close, and try not to get yourself killed." Meanwhile, in another part of the cavern, the group of battling the mercenaries paused as the alarm rang out. The rogue assassin gestured for half his men to split off. "Go check it out," he barked. "Someone''s meddling with the royal. The rest of you, stay here. These fools aren''t going anywhere." The remaining six mercenaries spread out as they advanced on Ezran, Lilo, Gregarious, and Boris. "Finally," Boris muttered while hefting his axe. "Even odds." Ezran adjusted his staff. "Still dangerous." Lilo notched another arrow as her eyes narrowed. "Dangerous but manageable. Let''s end this." Gregarious twirled his sword theatrically. "Don''t worry, my lord will be back soon to save us! Until then, I''ll graciously allow you all to bask in my glory." Boris rolled his eyes. "Just fight, Greg!" --- The mercenaries charged, and the battle resumed. Lilo released a string of arrows, pinning one of the enemies in place. --- System Notification: [ Enchanted Volley used. Damage dealt: 2,100. Effect applied: Root (-30% movement). Target HP: 5,400/17,500. ] --- Ezran raised his staff and channeled Wind Surge, sending a wave of wind that sent two mercenaries flying. Boris leapt into the air while raising his axe with both hands and hacked at one of them, sending him crashing into the ground. A loud thud reverberated across the surroundings but he didn''t stop there. He charged after the second one while roaring and swinging his axe in a wide arc. The sheer force knocked the other mercenary into the cavern wall, leaving them motionless. --- System Notification: [ Heavy Cleave used. Damage dealt: 4,800. Target defeated. ] --- Gregarious, meanwhile, was in a precarious duel with a dual-wielding swordsman. "Mummy! Why are they always so fast?" he yelped as he narrowly dodged a strike. "Greg!" Lilo shouted before firing an arrow that grazed the swordsman, giving Gregarious a chance to counterattack. --- System Notification: [ Basic Attack used. Damage dealt: 450. Target HP: 2,500/18,000. ] --- As the battle on this side raged on, August and Lord Cavriel moved through the shadowy tunnels. The alarm had mobilized more mercenary guards and now they could hear the sound of heavy boots echoing behind them. "We''re not going to make it at this pace," Cavriel voiced amidst heavy breaths. "Relax... We''ll make it," August assured him. The shadows rippled around him as he activated Phantom Blitz, teleporting them forward in rapid bursts. The pursuing mercenaries struggled to keep up as their shouts grew more distant with each jump. --- System Notification: [ Phantom Blitz (Tier 2) used. Distance covered: 400 feet. MP Cost: 1400. ] --- ''I''m burning a lot of MP... I''ll need to be careful,'' Just as they seemed to gain ground, a crossbow bolt whizzed past August, embedding itself in the wall inches from his face. "Guess they''re catching up," he muttered while spinning around to hurl a Thunder Spear down the tunnel. Chapter 161 - 161: The Escape The spear crackled with energy as it exploded in a burst of lightning, forcing the mercenaries to dive for cover. --- System Notification: [ Thunder Spear (Tier 2) used. Damage dealt: 8,000 to multiple targets. ] --- "Keep moving!" August barked while grabbing Cavriel''s arm and pulling him forward. Even though August was incredibly fast, he couldn''t share his speed with Cavriel. He could only take Cavriel on the same pace when he was using Phantom Blitz but with regular movement, he had to slow down because Cavriel pace was much slower. One mercenary soon managed to catch up. He swung a heavy sword at August the moment he was within sight. August raised his dagger to block the hit causing sparks fly due to the intense collision. "Stay back!" August growled before teleporting behind the mercenary and driving his second dagger into the mercenary''s side. ------ System Notification: [ Dual Wielding (Tier 2) used. Damage dealt: 9,500. ] ------ Before the mercenary could follow up with a counterattack, August used Nightfang Execution to finish the job. His dagger turned into a dark streak as he slashed at the mercenary''s neck, instantly decapitating him and causing a shower of blood to jet upwards. [ Nightfang Execution Successfully Activated ] [ -14,000 HP ] [ +2000 Energy Points Stolen ] [ Target defeated ] sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Cavriel stumbled but kept pace as his eyes widened in shock. "You''re... not an ordinary rescuer, are you?" August smirked. "Let''s just say I''m thorough." --- Back in the main chamber, the tide was finally turning. With only six mercenaries to face, Boris and Lilo had managed to thin their numbers further down to three. Lilo fired a Piercing Shot, hitting two targets in a line. --- System Notification: [ Piercing Shot used. Damage dealt: 2,400 to multiple targets. Targets HP: 2,800/22,000, 4,300/18,000. ] --- Ezran mana was starting to run low so he cast a weaker Firebolt, striking one of the mercenaries in the chest. --- System Notification: [ Firebolt used. Damage dealt: 1,000. Target defeated. ] --- Gregarious, emboldened by the dwindling odds, lunged at the assassin. "FOR GLORY!" Gregarious shouted. The assassin deflected the blow with ease, countering with a quick slash that knocked Gregarious back. --- System Notification: [ Shadow Strike used. Gregarious HP: -2,400. Remaining HP: 3,600/6,600. ] --- "You idiot!" Boris shouted whe stepping in to shield him. He swung his axe with a roar, forcing the assassin to retreat. At this point only two of the six mercenaries were left. "Let''s finish this," Lilo voiced confidently. "You think Aleman''s okay?" Gregarious questioned while glancing toward the tunnel. "He''s fine," Ezran replied. "He said he has Lord Cavriel... We just have to get out of here and regroup with him." Apparently August had already sent a message on the party chat. The group focused on dealing with the enemies in front of them and soon got rid of another mecenary. Lilo, Boris, Ezran, and Gregarious stood around the last mecenary which was the assassin from earlier. He was battered, bleeding, and on his last legs, with his health bar hovering at a dangerous 3,000 HP. "Alright, alright!" the assassin rasped while holding his daggers up in a gesture of surrender. "No need to finish me off. I can give you information. Valuable stuff. Just let me walk out of here." "Spare you?" Boris scoffed while his axe rested on his shoulder. "You''ve been trying to kill us for the past hour. Not a chance." "Let''s get rid of him," Lilo notched an arrow. "This guy''s caused enough trouble." Ezran nodded. "We end this now." "Wait, wait, wait!" the assassin backed up slightly. "Think about it. You kill me, you lose any chance of finding out who hired us. I''ve got connections¡ªuseful ones. I can help." "You''re not in a position to negotiate," Boris growled before stepping closer. Gregarious, who had been standing with his sword out, finally spoke up. "You know, I was going to write you a touching eulogy. Something like, ''Here lies the most annoying assassin we''ve ever met.'' But you''re not even worth the words." The assassin''s smirk faded and soon was replaced with desperation. "Fine, have it your way." Before the group could make their move, the sound of boots echoed through the tunnels. From the shadows emerged a fresh group of mercenaries, all armed. At their center stood a 7 feet figure clad in spiked armor. A massive battleaxe rested in one of his hands and his health bar revealed his formidable status: Level 50 Berserker. "Well, well," the leader voiced with a deep and menacing tone. "Looks like you''ve been busy with my men. I hope you''ve still got some fight left in you." "Crap," Lilo muttered as her eyes darted to the newcomers. "This just got worse." The assassin''s lips curled into a smug smile. "Looks like my backup''s here. Now, who''s surrounded?" Boris tightened his grip on his axe as he spotted the level 50 Berserker. He was only level 38 so he knew he stood no chance against him. "We''re not fighting this. Not with him leading them." Ezran glanced at the others. "Then we run?" "Run!" Lilo confirmed. The group didn''t hesitate. They turned and bolted down the nearest tunnel whe the mercenaries roared behind them and gave chase. Spells and arrows flew, lighting up the cavern as the chase turned chaotic. --- System Notification: [ Party Chat: Aleman ] Aleman: I''ve got the royal. Where are you? Ezran: Fleeing. Big boss on our tail. ETA: A few minutes. August: I''ll be waiting. --- Meanwhile, outside the cavern, August stood with Lord Cavriel. The royal looked pale but otherwise unharmed. The sound of battle echoed faintly from the cavern''s entrance. "Looks like your rescue team is running late," Cavriel said while trying to catch his breath. "They''ll make it," August stated calmly. From the shadows of the cavern, the faint sound of yelling grew louder. Moments later, blasts of magic and the clanging of weapons echoed out, growing more distinct. "They''re here," August stepped forward. The first to emerge was Gregarious, who stumbled out of the cavern with his sword flailing. "MUMMY! THEY''RE RIGHT BEHIND ME!" Next came Ezran and Lilo, both panting as they cast spells and loosed arrows to slow their pursuers. Finally, Boris burst out with his axe raised as he charged forward hurriedly. Behind them, the mercenaries, including their berserker leader, were closing in fast. "RUN!" Lilo shouted as they sprinted toward August. August didn''t wait. He surged forward while raising his hand. Mana swirled as he channeled his most destructive spell. His Thunder Spear began to form as arcs of lightning swum around him and the energy coalesced into a massive, glowing weapon. "Get clear of the entrance!" August barked as he tightened his fist around the thunder spear. The group barely managed to scramble past him as he hurled the spear at the cavern''s ceiling. --- System Notification: [ Thunder Spear (Tier 2) used. Damage dealt: 12,500. ] --- The spear struck the rock with a deafening explosion causing the impact to shake the ground as shockwaves got sent through the area. The ceiling of the cavern collapsed with massive chunks of stone crashing down and sealing the entrance just as the mercenaries reached it. The leader of the mercenaries shouted in frustration. "You won''t get away with this!" His voice was muffled by the collapsing rocks. Dust and rubble filled the air as the cavern entrance got completely blocked. Silence fell, broken only by the group''s heavy breathing. --- System Notification: [ Quest Objective Complete: Royal Rescued. Escape Successful. ] [ EXP Gained: 120,000. Party EXP Distributed. ] [ Rare Loot Acquired: Thunder Core Shard. ] --- Gregory collapsed onto the ground, gasping. "Sweet¡­ merciful¡­ mummy. I''m alive!" Ezran leaned against his staff with a dazed expression. "That was¡­ way too close." Boris, still gripping his axe, gave August a weary grin. "Good timing as always." Lilo smiled while brushing dirt off her armor. "I have to admit, that was pretty epic." August turned to the group. "Let''s get out of here before they dig their way out." ... ... The sprawling estate of Lord Cavriel was a sight to behold. Surrounded by lush gardens and towering marble walls, the estate shimmered under the golden glow of the evening sun. Intricate fountains adorned the beautiful pathways leading to the grand entrance, where royal guards stood at attention. August and his group stood inside, still covered in dirt and grime from their harrowing adventure. Lord Cavriel, now dressed in pristine robes with the emblem of his lineage, greeted them with a relieved smile as they approached. "Heroes," Cavriel said warmly while spreading his arms. "Words cannot express my gratitude. I owe you my life." "It''s all in a day''s work," August replied calmly. Gregorious puffed out his chest. "Indeed, my lord! Your rescue was conducted by none other than the legendary Lord Aleman and his gallant companions! Truly, a tale for the ages." Boris smirked. "Gallant? You screamed for your mummy half the time." "Strategic screaming," Gregarious shot back while wagging a finger. "It''s a time-honored warrior tactic." Lilo rolled her eyes. "Keep telling yourself that." Ezran, as usual, stayed quiet while scanning the elaborate architecture of the estate. --- Chapter 162 - 162: Moving In System Notification: [ Quest Complete: Rescue Lord Cavriel. ] [ Rewards Distributed. EXP Gained: 180,000. Party EXP Distributed. ] [ Hidden Quest: Royal Assistance. Objective Completed. Additional Rewards Granted. ] --- August''s read the notification with a look of confusion. "Hidden quest?" he murmured. "Looks like we stumbled into something bigger than we thought." Lord Cavriel motioned for a steward, who approached carrying a polished wooden box. Inside were five tokens that glowed faintly with magic and had some strange carvings. "These," Cavriel handed one to each of them, "are Tournament Qualification Badges. You may not know what this means now, but soon you will. Hold onto them. They signify your eligibility to participate in a grand event that is unlike anything you''ve experienced before." Gregorious held his badge up to the light, squinting at it. "A tournament, huh? Does it involve free food? I fight better on a full stomach." "You fight better when someone''s saving your sorry hide," Lilo teased before tucking her badge into her inventory. "What kind of tournament?" Boris questioned with a skeptical expression. Cavriel smiled knowingly. "All I can say is that it is an event steeped in tradition and mystery, and the rewards are beyond imagination. You have proven your worth by saving me, and now you have the chance to prove yourselves even further." Ezran frowned slightly while studying the badge. "A mystery tournament¡­ I don''t like the sound of that." "Relax, Ezran," Gregarious slapped him on the back lightly. "We''ve got Lord Aleman on our side. What could possibly go wrong?" "That''s exactly the kind of comment that makes things go wrong," Lilo muttered. --- System Notification: [ Tournament Qualification Badge Received. ] [ Additional EXP Gained for Hidden Quest: 50,000. ] --- As they finished their conversation, the steward reappeared with pouches of gold and rare materials as additional rewards. Cavriel bowed deeply. "May fortune favor you all in your future endeavors. If you ever need assistance, know that you have a friend in this house." "We appreciate it," August inclining his head as well. As they turned to leave, Gregarious whispered loudly, "Do you think the tournament has a pie-eating contest? I''d win that for sure." Lilo groaned. "Why do I even bother?" They walked away from the estate, thinking about the strange token they had received and what it might mean. The streets of Gallorn Kingdom stretched out before them as they stepped forward together. "This tournament," Boris broke the silence. "Do you think it''s a worldwide phenomenon?" "We''ll see," August glanced at his badge again. "For now, let''s focus on leveling up. Whatever this is, we need to be ready." "Right," Ezran agreed. ... ... As August pulled off the VR headset and stepped out of the gaming pod, the cool morning light seeped through the worn-out curtains of their old apartment. He stretched and cracked his neck with a satisfied sigh. It had been another long night in Enders Light, and the mention of a tournament still lingered in his mind. But reality called, and today was a big day¡ªmoving day. He stepped out of his room and found Sophia already dressed and sitting cross-legged on the couch, scrolling through her phone. Her green hair, usually neat, was slightly tousled, and she looked up with a sleepy expression. "Finally logged out, huh?" she teased with a smirk. "I was starting to think you''d just upload yourself into that game permanently." August rolled his eyes playfully. "You''d like that, wouldn''t you? No one around to remind you to eat vegetables." sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Sophia stuck out her tongue. "I survive on ramen and determination." He glanced around their small, cluttered living room. The walls were cracked in places, and the old carpet had seen better days. It wasn''t much, but it had been their home for the past three years. The thought of leaving brought a strange feeling of nostalgia. "Truck''s coming in thirty minutes," Sophia reminded him before standing up and stretching. "Are you excited or what?" August grinned while ruffling her hair. "Of course. I can''t wait to finally have enough space to walk without stubbing my toe on something." He gestured at the cramped room, cluttered with their few belongings. Sophia''s eyes sparkled. "And a kitchen that isn''t basically inside the living room." --- Soon enough, the moving truck rumbled into their street, which was lined with small, aging apartment complexes and noisy vendors hawking their goods to early morning passersby. Their neighbors, some familiar, watched as the movers¡ªtwo muscular men¡ªbegan loading their modest collection of boxes and furniture onto the truck. Mrs. Patel from next door peeked out from her window and waved. "Leaving us, August?" "Yeah, Mrs. P," August replied with a small smile. "Moving to somewhere a little better." "Don''t forget the little people when you''re rich and famous," she teased, making Sophia giggle. As they finished loading, August took one last look at the building. It had been tough but they''d made it work. "Let''s go," he nudged Sophia gently. "New beginnings." --- Their new apartment was located in a much better neighborhood, a place with tree-lined streets, cleaner sidewalks, and a general sense of safety they hadn''t felt in a long time. The building itself was modern¡ªglass panels, neatly painted walls, and a spacious lobby with a smooth marble floor. Sophia''s jaw practically hit the floor when they walked into their new two-bedroom apartment. The living room was massive compared to their old place, with large windows that let in plenty of natural light. The kitchen was fully equipped and separated from the living area. Their bedrooms were spacious, each with built-in closets. "Wow," Sophia breathed while spinning around with wide eyes. "You really went all out." August suppressed a proud grin as he shrugged. "Told you I wanted us to live comfortably." Sophia walked around the place in awe, touching the new furniture August had arranged earlier. "How did you afford all this? I mean, I know you''ve been making some money, but¡­" August smirked. "Let''s just say business is booming." "AM Coven is really paying off, huh?" she said before flopping onto the new plush couch. "Not bad, big bro." He grinned. "And now we make this place ours." --- With a quick nod, August rolled up his sleeves and got to work. Furniture was still wrapped in protective plastic, boxes were stacked in the corner, and there was a lot to do. However, he had a secret weapon. With a quick breath, he activated Phantom Blitz causing his body to flicker as he appeared across the room in rapid succession, grabbing chairs, unboxing items, and placing furniture with supernatural speed. --- System Notification: [ Phantom Blitz (Tier 2) Activated ] --- In the blink of an eye, a coffee table was set up, the TV stand was perfectly positioned, and the bookshelf filled. He zipped from one end of the apartment to the other, arranging everything in record time. Sophia stood at the kitchen doorway with her mouth agape. "Okay, that''s just unfair. You have literal superpowers, and I''m over here unrolling carpets like a peasant." August paused mid-teleport with a grin on his face. "Hey, gotta put those in-game skills to good use. You should be glad I didn''t just leave you to do everything." She crossed her arms. "One day, I''m going to get supernatural abilities too, and then we''ll see who''s laughing." "Keep dreaming, kid," he chuckled before placing the final piece of furniture. Sophia smirked. "You know... you should offer this moving service as part of AM Coven. You''d be rolling in cash." August groaned. "I''m not a glorified moving company." Before they could continue their banter, there was a sudden knock at the door. Both of them froze mid-action, exchanging a curious glance. "Who could that be?" Sophia whispered. "We don''t even know anyone in this building yet." August''s eyes narrowed as he turned into a blur and instantly arrived before the door. Peeking through the peephole, he could see a feminine figure standing just outside. "Expecting anyone?" Sophia whispered. "No," August murmured but then smiled. "But it is a familiar face," The knock on the door echoed again but this time it was followed by a cheerful voice. "Helloooo? I know you''re in there, handsome!" August exchanged a glance with Sophia. "Only one person knocks like that." He opened the door to reveal Remi, standing with a bright smile and her signature blue hair tied in a playful ponytail. She wore a casual pastel sweater over jeans, looking effortlessly stylish as always. "There you are!" Remi grinned and stepped inside without waiting for an invitation. She looked around with widened eyes as she took in the fully arranged living space. "Whoa. You''ve barely moved in, and everything''s already perfect. I thought I''d be helping you set things up." Sophia perched on the couch with her arms crossed while grinning. "Yeah, my brother''s got skills." August shrugged while leaning against the wall. "I work fast." Remi narrowed her eyes at him. "Uh-huh. Fast, huh? You sure you didn''t summon some magic butlers to do the heavy lifting?" Chapter 163 - 163: The New Discovery Sophia perched on the couch with her arms crossed and smirked. "Yeah, my brother''s got skills." August shrugged while leaning against the wall. "I work fast." Remi narrowed her eyes at him. "Uh-huh. Fast, huh? You sure you didn''t summon some magic butlers to do the heavy lifting?" Sophia snorted. "Something like that." Remi gave Sophia an affectionate squeeze around the shoulders. "Look at you, Soph. Growing up so fast! How''s life treating you?" Sophia smiled shyly due to Remi''s attention. "It''s better now that we''re here. Thanks again for helping us find this place, Remi." "Anything for my favorite people." Remi winked and then turned back to August. "Speaking of favorite people¡­" Her eyes twinkled mischievously. "You still owe me a date, mister." August laughed before shaking his head. "You never forget, do you?" "Not when it comes to handsome guys," she shot back playfully, nudging him. "But hey, seriously, I''m glad you guys are here. I live just next door, you know. If you need anything¡ªsugar, coffee, life advice¡ªyou know where to find me." Sophia''s eyes widened. "Wait, you live in this building?" Remi grinned. "Yup! Apartment 3C, right down the hall. Didn''t I tell you?" August blinked in surprise. "No, you didn''t." "Well, surprise!" Remi giggled. "Now you''ve got me as your neighbor. You''re welcome." Sophia leaned in with a smirk. "Wow, August. Looks like someone''s got a stalker." "Hey, hey," Remi held up her hands in protest. "I prefer the term friendly, conveniently located acquaintance." August chuckled. "Convenient is right." Remi placed her hands on her hips and surveyed the apartment again. "Seriously though, this place looks amazing. The high ceilings, the lighting¡ªugh, I might have to crash here when I get tired of my place. My cousin always did have a good eye." Sophia nodded in agreement. "It does feel nice." Remi smiled warmly. "You both deserve it." Then she clapped her hands together. "Okay, since I clearly have no job left here, how about you both come over for dinner tonight? I''ll make something nice." August raised a brow. "Are you cooking or ordering takeout?" She pouted. "Rude! I can cook, you know." Sophia giggled. "We''d love to come." "Awesome." Remi glanced at her watch. "I better get going. Got a few errands to run before dinner." She ruffled Sophia''s hair playfully. "You behave now, young lady." Sophia rolled her eyes but smiled. "I''m not a kid anymore, Remi." "You''ll always be my little Soph," Remi teased. As Remi made her way to the door, she pointed a finger at August. "You, mister, don''t go disappearing into that game of yours all day. Come over or I''ll drag you out myself." August grinned. "Alright, alright. We''ll be there." Remi gave him one last playful wink before slipping out the door, leaving a trail of her usual vibrant energy in her wake. As soon as the door shut, Sophia folded her arms. "So¡­ she''s got a thing for you." August sighed dramatically. "Thanks, Sherlock." "She''s nice," Sophia said thoughtfully. "You should give her a shot." August smirked. "I''ve got enough on my plate, Soph. Running AM Coven, grinding in Enders Light, making sure you don''t destroy our new apartment... it''s a lot." Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Sophia rolled her eyes. "Excuses." August chuckled, but as he glanced around the apartment, a feeling settled in the pit of his stomach. Something was missing. The place was set up, they were in a new, better environment, but he felt like he was forgetting something. "I''ll be back," August said suddenly before grabbing his jacket. Sophia blinked. "Where are you going?" "There''s something I need to get," he headed for the door upon responding. Sophia raised a brow. "Is it furniture? More snacks?" August grinned. "Something more important." With that, he stepped outside, leaving Sophia curious as he disappeared down the hallway. ... ... Over thirty minutes later, August stood in the middle of his now-empty old apartment as the faint scent of dust and lingering memories filled the air. The place felt smaller now, lonelier without Sophia''s usual chatter in the background. With a sigh, he walked over to the small cracked desk by the window, where his Aleman helmet rested. "There you are," he muttered while picking it up. The helmet''s futuristic design reflected the dim light filtering through the cracked blinds. He tapped a few buttons along the visor, watching as the interface briefly flickered to life before storing it safely into his inventory with a thought. --- System Notification: [ Helmet stored in Inventory. ] --- As the helmet vanished into the void of his inventory space, a thought creeped into his mind. He had only ever stored game-related items¡ªloot, weapons, potions. But what if...? His eyes scanned the room until they landed on a discarded empty soda can resting on the floor near the kitchen counter. He walked over, picked it up and turned it over in his hands. It was just an ordinary can, dented slightly, with a faded logo from some energy drink he''d consumed during late-night grinding sessions. "Alright," August muttered to himself. "Let''s see if you make the cut." With a focused look, he willed the can into his inventory the same way he did with his game items. In an instant, the can vanished, dissolving into thin air like a digital artifact being uploaded. August quickly accessed his inventory interface, scrolling through the neatly categorized tabs¡ªWeapons, Consumables, Miscellaneous¡ªand there it was, sitting under a newly created "Real-World Items" tab. --- System Notification: [ New Category Unlocked: Real-World Items ] [ Empty Soda Can stored successfully. ] --- His heart skipped a beat. "No way¡­" he whispered while rubbing his chin in deep thought. If it worked one way, did that mean¡­? A crazy idea formed in his head. If he logged back into Enders Light, would he still be able to access this real-world item? And if he could¡­ could he bring it out? Could he potentially carry things between both worlds? "This is a crazy discovery," August murmured while pacing the small apartment. The possibilities were mind-boggling. He could transport anything¡ªmoney, technology, even weapons¡ªbetween the game and reality. What if he took a bazooka into the game and fired it at enemies? What if he could take jewelry into the game? What if he could store a vehicle in his inventory and use it in the game world? Maybe that was too far but the possibilities were endless. If he could confirm this worked, he could so much with it. A slow, excited grin spread across his face. "Looks like I''m about to become more than just a businessman," he voiced as he headed towards the door. As he walked out, his mind raced with ideas. Since he could also store game items in his inventory, he could bring food from the game world into this world and probably never need to spend a dime again. ... ... Four days passed in a blur of unpacking, adjusting, and adapting to their new surroundings. August and Sophia had made a conscious effort to blend into the new neighborhood, meeting their neighbors and familiarizing themselves with the area. The two-bedroom apartment felt more like home now, with pictures hung on the walls, the smell of Sophia''s cooking in the air, and the sound of city traffic outside their window. --- In the apartment hallway, August was leaning against the wall, chatting with Mrs. Langston, an elderly woman who lived next door. She was short and plump, with a penchant for floral dresses and endless stories about her grandchildren. "You know, young man," she voiced while wagging a wrinkled finger at him. "It''s nice to see polite boys like you still exist. My grandson, bless his heart, barely looks up from his phone when I talk to him." August chuckled before adjusting the bag of groceries he held. "Well, Mrs. Langston, I guess I''m just old-fashioned like that." She smiled approvingly. "And handsome too! If I were fifty years younger¡ª" Sophia popped her head out from their apartment door. "Don''t encourage him, Mrs. Langston. His ego''s already too big." Mrs. Langston laughed before patting Sophia''s head before shuffling back into her apartment. "You two behave yourselves now." As August turned to head back inside, a voice called from the opposite end of the hall. "Yo, new guy!" August looked up to see Kane, their neighbor from across the hall. Kane was in his early thirties, muscular, with a sleeve of tattoos running down one arm and an easygoing smirk always present on his face. He was shirtless, leaning against his doorframe with a protein shake in hand. "You''re the one in apartment 2A, right?" Kane took a sip of his shake in between speeches. August grinned. "Guilty as charged." Kane whistled. "If you ever wanna hit the gym, let me know. I also offer boxing training." Sophia rolled her eyes. "He doesn''t need any more muscle. He''s already unbearable." August smirked. "I''ll think about it, Kane." "Anytime, man." Kane grinned before heading back inside, leaving August shaking his head with amusement. Chapter 164 - 164: The Politicians Daughter Later that afternoon, Sophia and August were having lunch at a nearby joint when their neighbor, Emily, joined them. Emily was a young artist, always covered in paint stains and with an air of chaotic energy. "You two are seriously the most interesting people to move into this neighborhood," Emily voiced before sipping her iced coffee. "Like, you look normal, but there''s something extra about you. I can feel it." She squinted at August suspiciously. August chuckled. "We''re just trying to live quietly, Em. Nothing special." Emily leaned in closer. "Liar. I saw those crazy reflexes the other day when you caught that falling vase. You do taekwondo or something?" Sophia groaned. "Emily, you''re embarrassing him." Emily smirked. "If I were younger, I''d totally be crushing on you." Sophia shot back, "You''re literally the same age." August shook his head with a laugh. "I think I need to find less observant neighbors." --- By the end of the fourth day, AM Coven was thriving more than ever. Players flooded the futuristic store, browsing the impressive collection of extracted game items and rare artifacts displayed elegantly in glass cases. The five guards clad in their super soldier gear, stood at key points with their robotic arms gleaming under the lights, adding a layer of intimidation to the already impressive establishment. That day, however, things took an interesting turn when the arrival of a notable guest caused a buzz around the area. A long line of black SUVs pulled up outside the building. The convoy drew instant attention from passersby and store visitors alike. Bodyguards in crisp suits stepped out first, scanning the surroundings with military gaze before opening the doors for their charge. Out stepped a young woman dressed in a designer outfit that screamed wealth and power. Celeste Montgomery, daughter of a prominent politician, walked with an air of entitlement as her heels clicked against the pavement. She was stunning¡ªlong dark hair cascading in waves, designer sunglasses perched perfectly on her nose, and an expression that suggested she was used to having things handed to her on a silver platter. Inside AM Coven, Greg who was stationed near the entrance was at loss on how to handle the situation. "Uh, Boss Aleman?" he whispered over the comms. "We''ve got a walking, talking diamond rolling in with an entourage. Should I polish my armor?" sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. August, who was behind the counter inspecting a new batch of enchanted daggers, glanced at the entrance. His visor flickered faintly as he scanned the crowd. "Play it cool, Greg. She''s probably here to browse." Greg arched a brow. "Yeah, because rich heiresses totally waltz into game stores with convoys just to browse." Terry who was lounging near one of the displays, let out a low whistle. "Oh boy, it''s Celeste Montgomery. I''ve read about her online. You know she''s obsessed with anything unique and expensive, right? We better not mess this up." Darnell cracked his knuckles. "She can bring all the guards she wants, but if she touches anything she shouldn''t, they won''t be able to stop me." Celeste stepped inside with an air of authority, scanning the displays with interest. Her eyes eventually landed on August, who remained behind the counter with his futuristic helmet masking his face. "You," she approached him with slow steps. "You''re Aleman, right? The one everyone''s talking about?" August nodded. "That''s me. Welcome to AM Coven. What can I do for you?" Celeste studied him through her sunglasses. "I''ve heard a lot about you. A businessman, a player, a miracle worker." Her lips curled into an intrigued smile. "I want to see if you live up to the hype." August tilted his head. "Depends on what you''re looking for." She gestured at the displays. "Something rare. Something powerful. Something... exclusive." August crossed his arms. "We''ve got plenty of rare items, but exclusivity comes with a price." Celeste smirked while snapping her fingers. One of her bodyguards approached and she opened a briefcase packed with stacks of cash. "I''m not worried about price," she said confidently. "Show me what you''ve got." Greg practically drooled at the sight of the money. "Boss Aleman, can we keep her? Please?" August sighed. "Let''s see if she''s serious first." With a gesture, he led her deeper into the store to check out a variety of items. "This is the Emberflame Sword, priced at about four hundred thousand dollars..." "This is the Devil Fang Dagger... Contains a dark toxin that can spread through touch... Priced at two hundred thousand dollars..." "This is the fruit of life...can heal any disease... Priced at Two million dollars..." August continued to show her around the place, giving a brief explanation on every item behind the display cases. After taking her around, they returned to the first counter August was behind and then we he asked her if she had made her pick. Celeste Montgomery leaned on the counter with an expectant smile as her designer perfume lingered in the air. "You know," she said while twirling a lock of her perfectly styled hair, "I''ve seen your videos, Aleman. You''re quite the... impressive figure." August stood with his arms crossed behind the counter, remaining unfazed under his futuristic helmet. "Appreciate the compliment, Miss Montgomery. Have you decided on something specific, or...?" She waved a manicured hand dismissively. "Straight to business, huh? I like that. But I''ll be honest¡ªI''d consider patronizing this place if you agreed to go on a date with me." Greg standing off to the side, nearly choked on his water. "Boss Aleman, did you hear that? A *date*! Imagine the potential connections!" August ignored him. His voice remained calm and professional as he responded. "I''m flattered, but I don''t mix business with personal matters. AM Coven is about game items, not dates." Celeste pouted before leaning closer. "Come on, just one date. Dinner, drinks... I promise I''m very persuasive." August shook his head. "I appreciate the offer, but my answer is still no." Celeste narrowed her eyes playfully. "You''re a tough one. Most people crumble the moment they hear my last name. Do you even know who my father is?" August didn''t flinch. "I''m aware. But it doesn''t change my answer." She crossed her arms and smirked. "You''re really going to refuse me?" "I already have," August replied. Celeste''s smile faltered, and frustration seeped into her tone. "Fine. Maybe I''ll have my father shut this place down, then. I have connections, you know." August''s visor gleamed ominously as he stood straighter. The air around him grew heavier, and even Greg took a step back. "Threats don''t work here, Miss Montgomery. Either you''re here to buy something, or you''re not. If not, I suggest you leave and come back when you''re serious about business." Celeste blinked in surprise. People rarely talked back to her¡ªespecially not with that level of calm confidence. A slow grin spread across her face. "Interesting... you''re really not afraid of my father, are you?" "No," August replied simply. She tilted her head, still intrigued. "Well then... I guess I''ll be back." She turned on her heel dramatically and strutted toward the exit with her convoy of guards trailing behind her. "Don''t miss me too much, Aleman!" August sighed as he watched her leave. Greg whistled low. "Boss, you really have a way with the ladies." "Focus on work, Greg," August shook his head as he walked toward the display cases. --- Outside AM Coven, minutes later... Celeste walked toward her car with the convoy of black SUVs parked along the curb and her guards flanking her on both sides. The sun reflected off the tinted windows, casting sharp glares. From a rooftop across the street, hidden behind the towering buildings, a shadowy figure adjusted the scope of a sniper rifle. A red dot locked onto Celeste''s chest. Just as her heels clicked closer to the car door, a voice called out from behind. "Miss Montgomery! You forgot this." Celeste turned and blinked in surprise as Aleman approached, holding her phone and briefcase full of money in his gloved hand. She grinned while brushing her hair back. "Oh, how sweet of you¡ª" Suddenly, the reflection of the sniper''s scope caught in August''s helmet visor. Time seemed to slow down as his instincts kicked in instantly. **BANG!** In a split second, August activated Phantom Blitz causing his body to dissolve into a straight purple line as he grabbed Celeste and teleported several meters to the side. Fhrrewwwww~ They landed behind one of the SUVs just as the bullet pierced the air where she had been standing. --- System Notification: [ Phantom Blitz (Tier 2) Activated ] --- Screams erupted from the crowd. Bystanders ducked, and Celeste''s bodyguards scrambled to draw their weapons. Celeste clung to August as her eyes widened with shock and admiration. "You... you saved me." "Are you hurt?" August questioned with a calm tone despite the adrenaline coursing through him. Celeste shook her head while staring up at him with a newfound glow of admiration. "I''m fine... but, wow." He gently pushed her toward one of the guards. "Get her inside. I''ll handle this." Chapter 165 - 165: I Just... Like My Job One of the bodyguards stammered, "Wait, sir¡ª" But August was already gone. --- Leaping twelve feet into the air, he activated Phantom Blitz again and teleported in mid-air before appearing on a building''s window. He began to Phantom Blitz from window to window in the same building gaining higher ground rapidly. The shooter on the other hand was moving fast, jumping between rooftops in an attempt to escape. "Not happening," August muttered as his visor locked onto the figure in black tactical gear. As he closed the distance, the shooter spun around, aiming another shot at him. August dodged to the side with his movements enhanced by the agility of his assassin class. Bang! The moment the shot was fired and the bullet grazed past him, he activated Phantom Blitz again. The shooter hadn''t even finished dealing with the recoil when August appeared before him with his fist hurling forward. Bam! August landed a swift jab on the chest of the shooter, sending him staggering backward in pain. "Ugh!" The shooter hissed in pain and pulled out a knife, ready for close combat. August''s automated voice rang out; "You picked the wrong day, buddy." The shooter ignored August''s remark and dashed forward while slashing at his face. August swerved to the side, easily evading the swing but the shooter kept slashing at him repeatedly. He took multiple swings as he moved rapidly and even tried to stab August occasionally but August''s superior speed overwhelmed the shooter. He kept evading easily since he could see all the strikes coming. As the shooter swung at him again, August ducked and countered with a sharp uppercut before he could retract his arm. The sound of teeth grinding together rang out as the shooter spat out a bunch of teeth but August didn''t stop there. He began to repeatedly land hits on the shooter who was already starting to run out of stamina due to the continuous missed attacks. The shooter stumbled back under the relentless assault. Finally, with a sharp kick to the chest, August sent him sprawling across the rooftop. The shooter tried to crawl away, but August pinned him down with his foot. "Talk," he ordered. "Who sent you?" The shooter groaned as blood spurted out of his mouth but said nothing. August applied a little more pressure. "I don''t have all day." Before the shooter could answer, sirens blared below. The authorities had arrived. August sighed while stepping back. "Guess I''ll let them handle you." He vanished with Phantom Blitz, leaving the shooter to the cops. --- Back on the street, Celeste was still shaken but smiling when August reappeared. "You''re seriously full of surprises," she said. August handed her the phone and the briefcase. "I suggest you stay out of trouble." Celeste smirked. "Not a chance." She took the phone but ignored the briefcase, "You can keep that... consider it a thank you and the start of a long future partnership." "No, I don''t take free money," August proceeded to place the briefcase in the hands of one of her guards. A look of surprise crossed her face as she watched him walk away. Her interest in him had only deepened. "I''ll be back, Aleman," she whispered to herself before slipping into her car as the convoy drove off. August exhaled while walking back into the building. "Just another day at AM Coven." ... ... The next morning, news flashed across multiple channels, all focused on a single story: **"Attempted Assassination on Politician''s Daughter Foiled by Mysterious Supernatural Figure who is also believed to be the same miracle man who saved a patient about a month back."** Footage from various angles played in a montage¡ªCeleste Montgomery stepping out of AM Coven, the sudden gunshot, and the astonishing moment where a blurred streak, later identified as **Aleman**, appeared and teleported her out of harm''s way. The clip slowed down to show his split-second reaction and the faint blue glow of his abilities illuminating the chaos. "Sources confirm that the assailant has been apprehended thanks to the swift intervention of the masked figure known as Aleman," the news anchor reported with a tone of intrigue. "This incident has sparked widespread speculation about the connection between Aleman and the popular VRMMORPG *Enders Light,* where he is also known as a top player... And our very own miracle man in the city..." Online forums exploded with discussions: - "Aleman in real life? Is he the same guy from Enders Light?" - "I knew it! AM Coven is run by a supernatural player!" -"How does he have powers IRL?! I need answers!" -"He must have consumed the fruit of corruption!" -"That item is worth hundreds of millions!" Meanwhile, at the Phoenix Celestial Guild''s real-life Headquarters, a towering skyscraper an hour away from August''s city, the discussion about Aleman had reached a fever pitch. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Inside the guild''s lavish lounge, a group of players crowded around Lilo, Boris, and Ezran, bombarding them with questions. The massive windows overlooked the futuristic cityscape, but all eyes were focused on the large holographic display playing the news on repeat. "So," one of the guild members leaned forward with a smirk, "you guys play with Aleman in Enders Light, right? Is he the Aleman?" Rachel Valentine (Lilo), lounging with her legs up on the armrest of the couch, twirled a lock of her short brown hair and shrugged. "I mean¡­ we''ve never asked him about AM Coven. It''s not like we talk about our real lives that much in the game." Drake (Boris) who was munching on a protein bar, added, "Yeah, and besides, I don''t think our Aleman has superpowers IRL... Right?" He glanced uncertainly at Ezran. Jin Yun (Ezran), adjusted his glasses and sighed. "It''s hard to say. Aleman''s always been secretive. Even if it was him, I doubt he''d tell us." "Come on, Ezran," another guild member pressed. "The timing, the name, the *helmet*¡ªit''s too much of a coincidence! Last time Aleman was here in person, he hid his face!" Ariana entered the lounge with her arms crossed. She listened for a moment before speaking. "You''re all speculating without proof." She turned to Lilo. "But I am curious. You guys should add me to your chat group. Maybe I''ll figure out if he''s the same Aleman." Lilo groaned while swinging her legs off the couch. "You keep asking me that, too. I said later." Aria smirked. "You always say later." Boris leaned in with a grin. "Admit it, Aria. You just want to know if Aleman is single." Aria rolled her eyes as a blush appeared on her face. "I don''t mix business with pleasure." Ezran muttered while sipping his tea, "Sure." Lilo stood up. "Alright, I''m out. Got work." Ezran blinked. "Work? Lilo, why are you still working a regular job when we''re getting paid to be in Phoenix Celestial? You realize we make more than enough now, right?" Lilo laughed lightly while ruffling Ezran''s hair. "You wouldn''t understand, Yun. I like keeping busy." As she walked toward the elevator, Boris called after her, "Lilo, come on. We all left our day jobs for this. You should too!" She paused at the elevator doors as her playful smirk faltered for just a second. A shadow of something deeper crossed her face¡ªsomething even Ezran noticed. "I just¡­ I like my job," she said softly before stepping into the elevator. "Catch you guys later." As the doors closed, her smirk faded, and she stared at the descending floor counter, lost in thought. --- Meanwhile, back in the lounge, Aria watched the elevator doors with a thoughtful expression. "She''s hiding something." Ezran nodded. "Yeah. She''s never been one to keep secrets, but she''s been acting weird ever since we joined Phoenix Celestial." Boris leaned back with a sigh. "Whatever it is, she''ll tell us when she''s ready." Aria glanced at the news screen one more time, watching the footage of Aleman saving Celeste. "And what about him? If he really is *the* Aleman, we need to know. He could be a major asset to the guild." Ezran adjusted his glasses, deep in thought. "Well¡­ let''s just say that if it is him, we should probably respect his privacy. I get the feeling Aleman isn''t the type to share unless he wants to." Aria crossed her arms. "Maybe. But I still want answers." Boris grinned. "Let''s just wait and see. Besides, if he''s the same Aleman we know, he won''t be able to stay out of the spotlight for long." The room fell into thoughtful silence as the news replayed the moment Aleman saved Celeste and his figure teleported in and out of danger. The mystery only deepened. ... ... Hours later, Lilo sat at her desk in the dimly lit office as the soft buzz of fluorescent lights overhead mixed with the rhythmic clicking of her keyboard. The clock on the wall read 11:43 PM and the building was nearly empty, save for a few other employees working late shifts like her. Papers were stacked high on her desk... reminders of deadlines and tasks that never seemed to end. She sighed and rubbed her temples, trying to shake off the exhaustion creeping in. Her phone vibrated beside her, and she glanced down to see a message from Ji Yun Ezran: "You still at work?" Chapter 166 - 166: Upcoming Tournament Rachel rubbed her temples, trying to shake off the exhaustion creeping in. Her phone vibrated beside her, and she glanced down to see a message from Ji Yun. Ezran: You still at work? Rachel smirked and typed back a quick response. Lilo: Obviously. Some of us have bills to pay, Yun. Before she could send a witty follow-up, the landline on her desk buzzed. She frowned and picked it up. "Rachel speaking," she said tiredly. The gruff voice of Mr. Grayson, her overweight, balding superior, came through the receiver. "Rachel, bring me the Sutton file. Now." Rachel sighed again, barely concealing her irritation. "Yes, sir. Right away." Hanging up the phone, she grabbed the thick folder from the stack and made her way down the dim hallway to Mr. Grayson''s office. The plush carpet muffled her footsteps, but she could hear the faint sounds of the city outside¡ªthe distant honks of cars and murmurs of night owls roaming the streets. As she reached the heavy wooden door, she hesitated for a moment before knocking lightly. "Come in," Mr. Grayson''s voice rumbled from inside. Taking a deep breath, Rachel pushed the door open and stepped into the office. The scent of cheap cologne and cigar smoke waffed into her nostrils immediately. Grayson, a rotund man in his mid-50s with thinning hair and a greedy smile, sat behind his mahogany desk. His small beady eyes scanned her from head to toe as she approached. "Here''s the Sutton file, sir," Rachel kept her voice professional as she extended the file toward him. Instead of taking it, Grayson''s thick fingers wrapped around her wrist, gripping her tightly. Rachel froze. "Sir...?" Without warning, he yanked her forward and spun her around before pressing his bloated frame against her back. Rachel''s breath hitched as she felt his warm, greasy hands snake up her thighs, slipping under her skirt with ease. "You know, Rachel," Grayson whispered as his hot disgusting breath brushed against her ear. "You can''t quit on me. Not until you pay back what you owe." Rachel grimaced while gritting her teeth as her heart pounded in her chest. She wanted to shove him off, but she knew better. This wasn''t the first time he''d done this, and if she pushed back too hard, she knew the consequences. "I... I''m working hard to pay it back, Mr. Grayson," she responded with a strained voice. He chuckled darkly as his fingers traced slow, deliberate circles on her hip. "I think we both know there''s easier ways to settle debts, sweetheart." Rachel''s stomach churned with disgust. She clenched her fists at her sides, immediately understanding what he meant. If she made a scene now, she could lose everything. This job, as much as she hated it, was her lifeline besides the game. "Please, sir," her voice was barely above a whisper. "I''m here to work. Nothing more." Grayson sighed while dragging his lips close to her ear. "Tsk. Always so stubborn. That''s why I like you, Rachel. You''ve got fight in you... I can''t deny the urge to pin you to this table and taste that honey pot you guard so jealously..." His grip loosened just enough for her to step forward and out of his grasp. Rachel took a deep breath and turned around before holding the file between them like a shield. "Here''s the Sutton file, sir," she repeated while meeting his eyes with a cold glare. Grayson stared at her for a long moment, then leaned back in his chair with a smirk as he took the file. "You''re lucky I''m in a good mood tonight," he stated while flipping through the pages. Rachel didn''t respond. She turned and walked briskly toward the door as her pulse hammered in her ears. As she reached the threshold, his voice called out again. "Don''t forget, Rachel," he said with a sickening smile. "You belong here until I say otherwise." She didn''t look back. Her knuckles were white as snow as she pushed the door open and stepped back into the hallway. Her legs felt weak, but she forced herself to keep walking, past the empty cubicles, past the judgmental stares of the janitor wiping the floor, and finally back to her desk. Dropping into her chair, she exhaled shakily. Her hands trembled as she grabbed her phone. Ezran: Still alive? Rachel stared at the screen for a moment before typing back: Lilo: Yeah. Just living the dream. She swallowed hard and leaned back in her chair, staring at the ceiling. The debts, the powerlessness, the pressure and everything she kept hidden from her friends in Enders Light... It all felt suffocating. But she wasn''t going to break. Not yet. ... ... The bustling streets of Tagharium were more alive than ever, buzzing with excitement over the upcoming tournament. Players and NPCs alike filled the taverns, alleyways, and market squares, all speculating and scheming about how to secure their place in the mysterious event. August walked through the streets with his dark assassin attire blending effortlessly into the night. He could see adventurers scrambling to curry favor with the royals, desperate to obtain the elusive Tournament Qualification Token. Inside The Golden Flask Tavern, the scent of roasted meats, spiced wine, and the rich, intoxicating aroma of Elven Firebrew, a strong amber liquid that promised to revitalize energy while dulling pain for a short while, wafted through the air. August sat at a corner table, swirling the glowing drink in his hand. It''s faint chill spreading through his fingertips. --- System Notification: [ Elven Firebrew Consumed: +5% Energy Regeneration | Duration: 15 minutes ] [ Minor Debuff: Slight Dizziness | Duration: 10 minutes ] --- He leaned back in his chair, listening to conversations from across the room. "I swear, the only way to get in is to earn a royal''s trust," a broad-shouldered warrior in silver-plated armor boomed from the next table. "I''ve tried everything¡ªfavors, bribes, even poetry! Nothing works!" His rogue companion scoffed while twirling a dagger between his fingers. "Poetry? No wonder you failed, Brann. The royals want action, not sweet words. I''m telling you, it''s all about proving your worth." A mage seated across from them leaned in conspiratorially as his purple robes glittered glamorously. "I heard," he whispered, "that some players managed to gain a token by rescuing a royal''s pet dragonling. Apparently, they risked their lives to bring it back." August smirked upon hearing the conversations; ''Good thing we already took care of that with Lord Cavriel.'' He absentmindedly scrolled through his system interface, glancing at the small golden badge tucked within his inventory. --- Inventory: [ Tournament Qualification Token ¨C Acquired via Royal Favor: Lord Cavriel ] Description: Proof of favor granted by royalty. Grants access to the tournament once the date is announced. --- August closed the interface and sipped his drink. Across the tavern, the talk about the tournament continued to grow louder. "I''m telling you," a lanky bard with a feathered hat proclaimed dramatically. "The rewards for this tournament are going to be legendary! I''ve heard whispers of secret quests tied to it... and even ancient relics hidden within the prize pool!" "Yeah, yeah," grumbled a burly fighter beside him. "If you can even get in. I''ve seen guys literally polishing a duke''s boots just to get noticed!" At another table, a group of younger players were frantically whispering among themselves. "I saw someone offer to personally escort a princess on her shopping trips," one said, shaking his head. "It''s getting ridiculous." "Ridiculous or not," another interjected, "without that token, you''re not getting in. We need to figure out something before it''s too late." S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. August couldn''t help but chuckle quietly. He imagined the sheer desperation of players running errands for royals just to get a shot at the tournament. Some would stop at nothing¡ªhe wouldn''t be surprised if someone had already resorted to pretending to be a royal''s long-lost relative. As he drained the last of his Firebrew, his party chat suddenly blinked open. --- Party Chat: Gregorious: *"Lord Aleman! Have you heard? The whole kingdom is in an uproar over the tournament! It''s all anyone talks about!" Aleman: "I''ve noticed. Where are you?" Gregorious: "Oh, just... running a few errands for a certain noble lady. I may or may not be carrying her twelve fluffy cats around town in a golden chariot." Aleman: "Twelve... cats?" Gregorious: "Royal favor comes in many forms, my friend!" Ezran: "Please tell me you''re joking, Greg." Gregorious: "Not at all! I''m a man of duty. These felines have never been safer!" --- August shook his head in amusement but he wasn''t surprised. Gregorious had a way of finding the most absurd tasks and making them sound like noble quests. Just as he was about to respond, a notification of a public announcement flashed before him. --- System Notification: [ Attention All Players: The Grand Tournament location has been confirmed to take place in the Kingdom of Everwyn. The date will be announced soon. Only those with a royal qualification token may enter. Seek royal favor to obtain entry. ] --- The tavern fell into a stunned silence as the notification spread through the crowd. Murmurs quickly rose in intensity. "Everwyn, huh?" August muttered. Chapter 167 - 167: Sir Dumblores Disappearance "Everwyn, huh?" August muttered. Everwyn was apparently a kingdom that didn''t allow entry to anyone, players included unless they had a certain pass. It was shrouded in mystery. The fact that they were hosting meant the competition would be something to watch out for. Boris suddenly dropped a message in the party chat. Boris: "Everwyn! That''s across the Eastern Plains. We''ll need to prepare, stock up, and train more." Ezran: "Guess we better get grinding, huh?" Aleman: "I''ll meet you all soon. Let''s get ready." They decided to meet up here in the Golden Flask Tavern within the next thirty minutes so all August had to do right now was wait. August remained seated at a corner table with his hood drawn just enough to partially conceal his face as he sifted through his inventory screen. The familiar transparent blue menu hovered in front of him, listing his items neatly. Weapons, potions, crafting materials, and then¡ªhis eyes froze on something unusual. [ Inventory: Empty Soda Can (Non-Game Item) ] August blinked. ''No way... it''s actually here?'' He thought back to when he''d tried testing if real-world items could be stored within his game inventory. He had almost forgotten about it and since it worked he hadn''t tried to check if it would be displayed in his inventory within the game as well but there it was¡ªclear as day. With a tap of his finger against the air, he selected the can and clicked [ Retrieve ]. --- System Notification: [ Do you wish to interact with this item? ] [ YES / NO ] --- His facial expression was one of intrigue as he selected [ YES ], half-expecting an error or some message stating it wasn''t compatible with the game world. Instead, a soft glow shimmered above his open palm, and a small silver soda can materialized out of thin air, landing with a soft clink on the wooden table. August''s mouth went slightly ajar as he stared at it. "No freaking way..." he whispered under his breath. The can felt solid in his grip, cool against his fingers. He turned it over, running a thumb across the faded brand logo, exactly how it had been when he picked it up in reality. It wasn''t just an illusion¡ªit was real. This confirmed it... He could bring real-world items into the game as well. August was geeking out of his mind right now thinking about the multiple ways this could be beneficial to him. However, before he could contemplate any further, a sharp ding echoed in his ears, and a new system notification appeared before him. --- System Notification: [ The Silver Sentinel Summons You ] You are summoned by the Silver Sentinel. Refusing will forfeit potential opportunities. --- August leaned back into his chair with a look of surprise. ''Silver Sentinel...?'' The name stirred vivid memories of the battle against Malrik, the formidable level 85 dark sorcerer who had been a city-level boss. The Sentinel had arrived at the perfect moment, clad in silver armor, riding atop a fearsome dragon, and turned the tide of battle. Without his intervention, they might not have survived. ''If the Silver Sentinel is summoning me, it means something might have happened or maybe it''s related to the battle?'' August wondered if he was the only one who got this. --- System Notification: [ Quest Accepted: The Sentinel''s Call ] Reward: ??? --- August barely had time to react after accepting the quest as the world around him warped in a cascade of azure light. The tavern, the lively chatter, the distant sound of Tagharium''s streets¡ªall of it disappeared in an instant. A rushing wind roared in his ears, and when the light faded, he found himself standing in the middle of an enormous hall. The air here was vibrated with power. Massive stone pillars with ancient carved runes lined the room. At the far end of the grand chamber sat the Silver Sentinel, clad in full silver armor that gleamed under the golden glow of floating chandeliers. His helm obscured his face, but the sheer presence he exuded was suffocating. In his grasp rested a towering silver lance, etched with inscriptions that radiated ancient power. Behind him, sprawled across the back of the throne-like seat, lay his dragon¡ªa monstrous beast with gleaming obsidian scales and piercing silver eyes. Its massive head rested close to the floor and its nostrils flared as it lazily exhaled, sending out a low, rumbling growl that vibrated through the entire hall. The dragon''s head alone nearly touched the ceiling, which soared over forty feet high. August swallowed as his gaze flicked between the dragon and the armored figure. "Welcome, Aleman," the Silver Sentinel''s voice boomed, echoing through the vast chamber. His tone was regal, yet tinged with something heavier¡ªexpectation. "We meet again." August took a careful step forward, offering a respectful nod. "Yeah, I remember you. We wouldn''t have won the battle against Malrik without your help." The Sentinel let out a low chuckle, tapping his lance against the floor. "Indeed. I was summoned by the King of Tagharium to help. That was but a glimpse of the battles to come. But I did not summon you here to reminisce about victories past." --- System Notification: [ Quest Accepted: The Sentinel''s Summons ]** Objective: Listen to the Silver Sentinel''s request. Reward: ??? --- August crossed his arms. "So why did you summon me, then?" The Silver Sentinel leaned forward with his silver-plated gauntlet pointing directly at August. "I summoned you here because I sense the mark of the Legendary Forger upon you." August blinked. "The mark of the Legendary Forger?" "Sir Dumblore," the Sentinel said gravely. "A master craftsman of unmatched skill. His mark lingers on those who have wielded his creations." The mention of the name struck August immediately. He reached behind him, unstrapping his custom mage staff from his back, and held it up for the Sentinel to see. The intricately designed staff pulsed with a familiar energy as he displayed it. "Oh yes, Sir Dumblore made this for me," August said. "I met him in a mining cave months ago, did a quest for him, and he rewarded me with this staff." The Silver Sentinel''s hands gripped the armrests of his throne-like seat. "You mean to tell me Sir Dumblore personally forged a weapon for you?" August nodded, recounting the memory. "Yeah. It wasn''t an easy task, but I managed. He also gave me this." He pulled a blank letter from his inventory and placed it on the table in front of the throne. The parchment bore no visible markings, yet the magic within it shimmered faintly. "He said it will make sense when the time comes." The Sentinel''s dragon stirred behind him. Its silver eyes narrowed as it stared at the letter. The Sentinel leaned forward, running a gloved hand over the parchment but not touching it. "This... is most concerning," the Sentinel said after a pause. "Sir Dumblore does not forge weapons lightly, nor does he hand out objects without purpose. That letter¡­ it''s meant for something beyond your current understanding." August frowned. "Why does it concern you so much?" The Sentinel exhaled slowly. "Because Sir Dumblore forged my lance, Aleman. And the materials you gathered for him to forge the sword¡­" He stood to his feet, towering over August with his shadow. "That sword was meant for the Second Hero." August arched an eyebrow. "Second hero?" "Yes," the Sentinel stated while pacing slowly. "There are five known heroes across the magical kingdoms, chosen to combat the great calamity that will soon descend upon this world. Their strength is mighty, but they cannot reach their full potential without Sir Dumblore''s weapons. My lance was the first. The sword you provided materials for was the second. He still intends to make three more for the others." August listened intently while gripping his staff tightly. "Erm so... I still don''t see how this concerns me?" The Sentinel''s voice grew grim. "Sir Dumblore set out to deliver it to the chosen second hero. But..." he turned to face August with a deep burning gaze; "he went missing." --- System Notification: [ New Quest Unlocked: The Missing Forger ] [ Objective:Track down the whereabouts of Sir Dumblore and recover the Second Hero''s sword. ] S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [ Reward: ??? ] --- August rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "And you think I might know something just because he gave me a staff?" The Sentinel nodded. "Yes. I hoped perhaps he left you a clue, something we could follow. If he entrusted you with one of his weapons, then surely he must have seen something in you." August shook his head. "I haven''t seen him since the day he forged this staff. I have no idea where he could be now." The Sentinel sighed "In as much as I would have preferred to search for him myself, my domain cannot be left so casually. Enemies will strike if I am gone for too long since I protect the border. But Aleman... keep that letter safe. It holds power beyond what you can comprehend now." August glanced down at the mysterious letter once more before tucking it back into his inventory. He nodded. "I''ll keep it safe." Chapter 168 - 168: The Elven Kingdom Sylvalis The Silver Sentinel stepped closer before resting a gauntleted hand on August''s shoulder. "You have done well thus far, Aleman but we have to find Sir Dumblore, and soon or all might be lost when the calamity arrives." "Is this your way of asking me to find him?" August requested with a smirk. The air inside the grand castle hall felt heavy, almost as if the weight of destiny itself loomed over them. Behind the silver sentinel, his enormous dragon stirred as its eyes locked onto August as if assessing his worth. The Sentinel''s voice cut through the silence like a blade. "Yes, I am Aleman. I have reason to believe that Sir Dumblore''s last known whereabouts were within the borders of the Elven Kingdom of Sylvalis." His tone turned grave as he continued. "He was seen crossing into their lands, but after that... nothing. No reports, no sightings. It''s as if he vanished into thin air." August frowned before crossing his arms. "Sylvalis, huh?" He rolled the name over his tongue. "I don''t know much about it, but from what I know, elves have a reputation for being peaceful and fair. It doesn''t make sense that something would happen to him there." The Silver Sentinel nodded. "Indeed, the elves are known for their wisdom and diplomacy. However, even the purest lands can be tainted by shadows." His armor clinked as he took a step forward. "Your mission is simple¡ªtravel to Sylvalis, seek out their royal court, and uncover any trace of Sir Dumblore''s passage. Find out if something¡ªor someone¡ªwas responsible for his disappearance." --- System Notification: [ B Rank Quest Accepted: The Forger''s Trail ] Travel to the Elven Kingdom of Sylvalis and investigate the whereabouts of Sir Dumblore. Read new chapters at My Virtual Library Empire Primary Objectives: - Speak with the elven royals - Track Sir Dumblore''s movements - Uncover any hidden threats Rewards: ??? --- August smirked under his hood. "Sounds like a challenge I can''t refuse. I''ll get it done." The Sentinel''s dragon let out a low, rumbling growl stirring mild winds. The Sentinel himself took one last look at him, then nodded. "Then may the winds of fate guide you. Do not underestimate the hidden forces at play, Aleman." Before August could say another word, his vision blurred and the hall around him vanished in a swirl of shimmering light. Moments later, he found himself standing outside the towering gates of Tagharium with a new quest to complete. August Swiftly sent a message to the party chat, informing them that he had something to attend to and would tell them about it later. --- Tagharium''s Portal Hub was buzzing with players. Crystalline archways pulsed with mana, allowing travelers to warp across the realms. August navigated through the crowd, heading toward the portal that led to Sylvalis. The architecture here was blistering with arcane inscriptions and humming softly with latent energy. A nearby player who happened to be a heavily armored warrior with a long cape, overheard his inquiries at the portal attendant. "Sylvalis, eh? Watch out for the elves, mate. They smile nice, but they''re sharp as a blade under it." August shrugged. "Sounds like a fun trip." The portal attendant, a robed NPC with emerald-green eyes, handed him a small glowing rune. "One portal to Sylvalis. Travel fee: 50 silver." --- System Notification: [ Portal Fee Deducted: 50 Silver ] [ Remaining Gold: 4,140.50 gold] --- With a flick of his wrist, August activated the rune and stepped through the glowing gateway. A familiar sensation of weightlessness enveloped him, and the city of Tagharium dissolved in a swirl of colors. --- sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. When he emerged, the air smelled different. Crisp, fresh, and filled with the scent of blooming flowers and beautiful greenery. The Elven Kingdom of Sylvalis was breathtaking, unlike anything he had ever seen before. Towering trees with crystalline leaves stood in place of buildings, carved into elegant homes. Bridges of woven vines stretched across shimmering rivers that reflected the golden sunlight filtering through the dense canopy above. Elven NPCs, tall and slender with flowing robes and unrivaled beauty, moved gracefully across the city paths. Their voices were like a melody in the wind. August whistled. "Well, damn. This place is straight out of a fairytale." August had always wanted to visit an Elven Kingdom but he never knew that a B-ranked quest would be his reason for coming here. A soft chuckle behind him made him turn. A female elf with silver hair and piercing emerald eyes approached with fluid movements. She wore an intricately embroidered cloak adorned with silver leaves and assessed him curiously. "You must be new here," she said with a playful smile. "You wear the scent of a foreigner." August smirked. "You could say that. Name''s Aleman. I''m looking for information on someone who might have passed through recently. An old man, kind of grumpy, goes by Sir Dumblore. Heard of him?" The elf''s smile faltered slightly, and she exchanged a glance with a nearby male elf, who was clearly eavesdropping. "Sir Dumblore?" she repeated slowly. "That... is a name we have not heard in some time." August caught the hesitation in her voice. ''Interesting... She knows about him but her facial expression is quite strange...'' "But I have friends who might know more," she added while scanning him with intrigue. "Why don''t you join me for a drink? We can talk in more... private surroundings." August nodded cautiously. "Lead the way." --- As they walked through the serene pathways, August''s instincts remained sharp. Something about this situation felt too smooth, too rehearsed. His assassin instincts warned him that not everything was as tranquil as it seemed. Eventually, they reached an outdoor tavern nestled within the roots of a colossal tree. Elves sipped glowing drinks from crystal goblets as their soft and melodic waves of laughter rang out. The elf woman gestured for August to sit, and as he did, she leaned in. "I will tell you this¡ªsome among us believe Dumblore was meddling in things he shouldn''t have. There are forces here that do not take kindly to outsiders, even if they are peaceful." August raised an eyebrow. "You''re saying someone in Sylvalis wanted him gone?" She hesitated. "Not everyone... but a faction, perhaps. A misguided few." Before August could press further, the sound of distant footsteps caught his attention. He turned, spotting a group of elven guards walking toward them with stern expressions. "Oh, great," August muttered under his breath. "This just got complicated." The female elf stood quickly with a troubled expression. "You must leave. Now." August stood but wasn''t quick enough¡ªone of the guards gestured toward him with a glowing hand, and before he could react, an invisible force gripped him, holding him in place. --- System Notification: [ Status Effect: Arcane Bind | Movement Restricted ] --- "The hell?" August cursed under his breath as the guards closed in. One of them addressed him with a firm tone. "You have been asking the wrong questions, outsider. You will come with us." "I literally just got here..." Despite the situation, August smirked beneath his hood. "Well, this trip just got interesting." ... ... Minutes Later, August found himself in a confined space. It was practically a damp cell carved into the roots of an enormous tree. The walls glowed faintly with arcane runes that pulsed with an ominous light. The magic bound August''s movements, limiting any attempt to use his abilities. Chains of silvery metal wrapped around his wrists and ankles, vibrating softly. "Well," August muttered to himself with a sarcastic tone. "I''ve seen cozier accommodations. Guess hospitality isn''t an elven specialty after all." The guards who had escorted him there stood silently outside the cell with impassive faces, betraying none of the grace or kindness elves were famed for. Instead, their expressions carried judgment, as though August''s very presence was an affront. Moments later, an older elf entered, draped in mythical green and gold robes. His stern face was weathered but noble, and his piercing blue eyes radiated authority. Behind him followed a group of elven clerics, each bearing a staff topped with glowing crystals. They stood in a half-circle, regarding August with contempt. The older elf spoke first with a cold tone. "You, outsider, have trespassed into Sylvalis under false pretenses. Your inquiries into Sir Dumblore and your ties to his forbidden practices mark you as a servant of corruption." August raised an eyebrow. "Servant of corruption? That''s a bit of a leap, don''t you think? I don''t even know what you''re talking about." One of the clerics stepped forward as her staff glowed with intimidating light. "Do not play coy, outsider. Sir Dumblore''s craft defies the will of our goddess, Lyranara. His weapons disrupt the balance of magic, and you carry the mark of his handiwork." "The staff?" August questioned while nodding toward his back. "Yeah, he made it for me. I didn''t exactly force him into it. Last I checked, he seemed pretty happy to help after I completed his quest." The older elf''s expression darkened. "You admit your guilt openly. That staff is a testament to Dumblore''s crimes. His creations defile the natural order, twisting mana into tools of destruction. For this, he was dealt with." August''s eyes narrowed. "Tools of destruction? You all literally have magical staffs... are elves usually this dumb?" "Watch your tone, you corrupt low life!" The older elf slammed his staff onto the ground with a triggered expression. August paused with a look of suspicion as their earlier words replayed in his head; "Wait, dealt with? What does that mean?" Chapter 169 - 169: Learning Of Sir Dumblores Whereabouts August paused with a look of suspicion as their earlier words replayed in his head; "Wait, dealt with? What does that mean?" Silence ensued briefly as the air grew heavier. The clerics exchanged glances, and the older elf turned away with a scowl. "You will face judgment for your association with Dumblore. Your execution is set for dawn in two days. The goddess demands penance." "Execution?" August barked with an incredulous tone. "You can''t be serious. Let me guess¡ªthat''s what you did to Dumblore too? Because he didn''t align with your beliefs?" The older elf paused with his back turned toward August. "Sir Dumblore defied our laws and meddled in forces he could not control. His fate is no concern of yours." August leaned back against the glowing wall of his cell with a smirk. "Right, because silencing anyone who doesn''t agree with you is the hallmark of justice. Real divine of you." One of the clerics stepped closer and shot him a glare; "You will hold your tongue, outsider! You are fortunate we are granting you a formal judgment at all." August unflinchingly met her gaze. "Fortunate? Sure, that''s one way to spin getting executed for asking a few questions." The older elf turned back to face him while voicing with an icy tone. "Mock us all you wish. The truth will not change. Your presence here is a threat to Sylvalis, and we will not allow our sacred lands to be corrupted further." --- System Notification: [ Quest Updated: The Forger''s Trail ] Objective: Escape your confinement and uncover the truth behind Sir Dumblore''s fate. --- The elves filed out, leaving August alone in the glowing cell. He sat down and rested his back against the cold, rune-covered wall. "Two days until my head''s on a chopping block," he muttered to himself. "Well, I could always log out and it''s not like I''d really die if I got executed but that''d mean mission failed. Guess I better figure something out fast." He began to survey the magical bindings and the glowing chains around his wrists, looking for a means of escape. He tried to activate a magic spell but it was immediately cut off. [ Unable To Use Magic Power ] [ Hint: Escape The Bindings ] "Oh thank you, I really had no idea that I needed to escape the bindings to use magic," August voiced sarcastically while getting to his feet. August paced in the limited space while thinking of possible escape strategies. He glanced at the silvery bindings around his wrists and ankles, which effectively nullified his magic. He had tested it a few times already¡ªno spell, no staff, no mana. ...But what they didn''t know was that he was also an assassin... He smirked to himself. The elves had made a fatal mistake thinking he was just another mage. August focused his breathing and activated Phantom Blitz... [ Tier 2 Skill Phantom Blitz Activated ] A flicker of shadow enveloped him briefly as he turned translucent and vibrated at a very fast frequency. His form shimmered as he phased through the restraints, slipping free in an instant. The moment his feet touched the floor, he dropped into a crouch and waited. After about thirty seconds, he activated Phantom Blitz again. --- System Notification: [ Skill Activated: Phantom Blitz (Tier 2) ] Cooldown: 30 seconds Effect: Allows the user to teleport short distances through obstacles. --- He reappeared silently outside the cell''s bars still crouched low and surveyed his surroundings. Two guards stood at the entrance with twitching pointed ears, clearly in tune with the natural sounds of the world around them. "Stay calm, Aleman," August muttered to himself. "Don''t get cocky just because you''re a tier 2 player." He activated Perfect Veil skill allowing him to blend into the dimly lit corridors and increasing his speed by 1.5¡Á. The elven guards exchanged quiet words, unaware of his presence as he slipped past them. --- System Notification: [ Skill Activated: Perfect Veil (Tier 2) ] Duration: one minute Effect: Reduces detection chance by 90% in low light conditions and increases movement speed by 1.5¡Á --- As August darted through the winding passageways of the elven stronghold, the alarm suddenly blared. Green vines unfurled from the walls, and magical barriers burst to life in an attempt to trap him. "Crap." August sprinted down the corridor swiftly. He could hear footsteps closing in as the elves'' voices rang out in their melodic but urgent tongue. "Don''t let him escape!" one of them yelled. "The heretic must be stopped!" August cursed under his breath as an arrow whizzed past him, embedding itself into the wooden wall beside him. He turned a sharp corner, leaping over a tangle of roots that suddenly sprang from the ground, trying to ensnare him. Just when he thought he''d be cornered, a figure dropped from the treetops above and grabbed his arm, pulling him into the shadows of a hollow tree. "You''re lucky I was watching," a soft voice whispered in his ear. August looked up to see an elf with striking silver hair and piercing emerald eyes staring at him. Her leather armor was adorned with delicate green patterns that blended into the foliage. A dark hood was pulled over her head, and a thin, curved dagger rested at her hip. "Who are you?" August inquired with a wary tone. "Name''s Sylwen," she said. "And if you want to survive, you''d better come with me." Without waiting for his answer, Sylwen led him deeper into the forest through the trees, leaping from branch to branch with an agility that made August feel like a clumsy amateur in comparison. Once they reached a secluded glade far from the elven guards'' reach, Sylwen stopped and turned to him. "You''re here for Sir Dumblore, aren''t you?" August''s eyes narrowed. "You know where he is?" Sylwen sighed before leaning against a tree. "Yes. They''ve imprisoned him in the lowest depths of Sylvalis, in the underground prison known as the Hollow Dusk. It''s where they keep their worst enemies¡ªnefarious criminals, beasts that defy nature, and apparently, legendary forgers who don''t align with their beliefs." August''s eyes narrowed. "Why did they do it?" Sylwen''s face darkened. "Because the high priestess and a faction of the council believe his craft meddles with the balance of magic. They''re wrong, of course, but they refuse to see reason. I tried convincing them, but they wouldn''t listen. I suspect there is more at play than merely just that." August nodded in understanding. "How do I get in?"* Sylwen gave him a measured look. "You''ll need to go through the Nightshade Grove, where the Hollow Dusk entrance is hidden. But listen to me, Aleman..." she hesitated. "Once you''re in, there''s almost no way out. The place is warded with the strongest of elven magic." August smirked. "Don''t worry, I''m pretty good at breaking out of places." Before heading off, August reached into his inventory and pulled out something he''d been keeping for a while¡ªa Beacon Gem. It was a small crystalline stone that pulsed with an eerie blue glow. --- System Notification: [ Beacon Gem Placed ] Allows the user to set an emergency recall point. --- He knelt and tucked the gem behind a thick root, ensuring it was hidden well. If things went south, this would be his ticket out. Sylwen observed him curiously. "Smart. Let''s hope you won''t need it." August straightened and adjusted his gear. "Alright, lead the way to this Hollow Dusk. I''ll get Dumblore out for sure¡ª Thanks for your help." Sylwen smiled faintly while sheathing her dagger. "Brave words. Let''s hope your skills match them." As they moved swiftly through the moonlit forest, August couldn''t help but grin. "They usually do," he muttered. ... ... About twenty minutes later, August crouched at the edge of the cavernous pit that led down into Hollow Dusk. It was like he was staring into a bottomless abyss. The air had an eerie stillness, punctuated only by the occasional sound of dripping water and the distant wails of unseen creatures. The descent looked endless like the darkness swallowed everything in its path. "No turning back now," he muttered before strapping his staff to his back and preparing to jump. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "I can''t come with you so I can only hope you remain safe," Sylwen stated "Thanks once again... I''ve got it from here," With a deep breath, he leaped into the abyss. --- System Notification: [ You have entered: Hollow Dusk - Danger Level: High ] Warning: The area is teeming with hostile creatures far above your level. --- He plummeted down causing wind to roar in his ears as his cloak flared behind him. When it seemed like he was getting closer to the ground, he activated Phantom Blitz to prevent fall damage. In the next moment, the descent that had lasted for too long finally ended when he landed on a damp, uneven surface. "Well, that wasn''t so bad¡ª" his voice trailed off as he surveyed his surroundings. The underground vicinity stretched out before him in an unnatural sprawl of pointy rocks and large twisted formations. Strange, luminescent fungi clung to the walls, casting eerie lights across the area. Pools of thick, black liquid dotted the ground, giving off a putrid stench. "Yeah... this place is definitely hell." Chapter 170 - 170: The Hollow Dusk "Yeah... this place is definitely hell. His boots made faint squelching sounds on the slick terrain as August advanced cautiously. He pressed forward, navigating through narrow tunnels and strange, vine-like growths that seemed to twitch as he passed by. His heightened senses were at high alert and every step felt like he was walking into a trap. Then it happened. A low growl echoed through the cavern. August froze. From the shadows emerged two humanoid beasts with grotesque forms that were illuminated by the faint glow of the fungi. Their eyes glowed crimson, and their grotesque, elongated limbs twitched unnervingly. They were both towering over him with their levels flashing ominously above their heads. --- [ Void Hounds ] Level: 55 HP: 75,000/75,000 Threat Level: Fatal --- "Oh, shit." August didn''t hesitate... He bolted. The creatures lunged after him, moving their heavy grotesque forms with alarming speed. [ System Notification: Phantom Blitz on Cooldown ¨C 28 seconds remaining. ] "Come on, come on!" August muttered under his breath as he sprinted through the uneven terrain. The Void Hounds snarled behind him with their footsteps pounding the cavern floor. August ducked under a low-hanging stalactite, only to see the creatures tear right through it with frightening ease. Suddenly, a chorus of eerie, guttural voices filled the air. "FRESH MEAT!" August''s eyes widened as other figures emerged from the shadows¡ªnightmarish creatures of various shapes and sizes, all locked onto him with hungry expressions. "You have GOT to be kidding me!" he groaned while sprinting faster. He zigzagged through the cavern, narrowly avoiding snapping jaws and outstretched claws. A vine-like appendage lashed out, nearly catching his leg, but he somersaulted over it at the last second. --- System Notification: [ Environmental Hazard Avoided ¨C Toxic Whiplash ] +5 Dexterity Experience --- A large, boulder-like creature rumbled after him, sending tremors through the ground with every step. August swiftly turned down another narrow tunnel, but just as he thought he might escape, he hit a dead end. "Damn it!" he hissed while spinning around. The beasts were closing in. Just when he thought he was done for, a hand shot out of the darkness and yanked him sideways. He was dragged through a concealed opening into a side cavern, and the passage sealed behind him almost instantly. August landed hard on the ground, gasping for breath. A cloaked figure stood before him. Their face was obscured by a dark mask with weird engravings. The figure crossed their arms, observing August with interest. "Well," the voice was deep, neutral, and calm. "That was quite the entrance." August coughed before wiping sweat from his brow. "Yeah, I like to make an impression. Who the hell are you?" The masked figure leaned against the wall, watching him carefully. "I''m someone who knows better than to run headfirst into the jaws of death. Unlike you." "What?" "From the looks of things, you weren''t thrown in here like the rest of us since you apparently still have weapons in your possession. It was foolishness to come here." August rolled his eyes while pushing himself up. "Look, thanks for the save, but yes I did come here of my own volition. I''m looking for an old man, a forger named Sir Dumblore. Have you seen him?" The figure''s body language stiffened slightly. "Whoever that is¡­ he''s probably dead." August frowned. "Probably? That''s not a great answer." The figure sighed and walked over to a small pile of supplies tucked in the corner. "Hollow Dusk isn''t a place for the living. Anyone thrown down here is left to rot. Beasts don''t just roam here; they thrive. If your friend is still alive, he''s in the deepest, darkest part of this place. But getting there¡­" The figure shook its head. "It''s suicide." August clenched his fists. "I don''t have a choice." The figure studied him for a moment before sighing. "Then you''re either very brave or very foolish." August squared his shoulders, adjusting his gear, and met the masked figure''s gaze. "Regardless of what you think, I''m going to find Sir Dumblore," he said firmly. "Dead or alive, I need to know what happened to him." The masked figure sighed while shaking his head slightly. "You''ve got guts, I''ll give you that. But guts won''t keep you alive down here." He glanced towards the tunnel ahead which was filled with darkness yawning like a beast waiting to swallow them whole. "Look, there are a few so-called ''safe zones'' in this hellhole¡ªfortresses of sorts, built by those who''ve managed to carve out some semblance of order. But getting to them..." He trailed off with a grim look. "It''s not as simple as walking in and saying hello." August narrowed his eyes. "Let me guess¡ªwhoever rules over these places isn''t exactly welcoming?" The masked figure let out a dry chuckle. "Welcoming? No. Brutal? Absolutely. The strongest run the show, and everyone else? Slaves. Entertainment. Or worse." He crossed his arms and sized August up. "If you''re hell-bent on going there, you better be ready to fight. And I mean fight to survive, not just to win." August smirked. "I''ve been in tough spots before." "Not like this," the figure replied sharply. "There''s no coming back in here if you screw up. You fall, and you''re done. The monsters aren''t the worst of it¡ªit''s the people. People who''ve been trapped here for years, who have no intention of letting someone like you walk out alive." August''s smirk didn''t falter. "Then it''s a good thing I don''t plan on walking. I''ll be running circles around them before they even know I''m there." The masked figure tilted his head in amusement. "You talk big. Let''s see if you can back it up." He turned towards a narrow passageway that wound into the deeper shadows. "Follow me, and whatever you do¡ªdon''t make a sound." --- System Notification: [ Quest Objective Updated: Reach one of the Safe Zones of Hollow Dusk ] Objective: Follow the stranger without being detected. --- August fell into step behind him, activating Perfect Veil. His body blended into the darkness seamlessly as they began their journey through the twisting labyrinth of Hollow Dusk. They stepped forward carefully, avoiding the crumbling bones, sharp pointy rocks, and the twitching vines that reached out from the walls as if sensing their presence. --- Their path wound deeper, and the air thickened with the stench of decay. Low growls echoed through the tunnels, and distant wails reminded August that this place was alive in the worst ways possible. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As they crept forward, the masked figure gestured for August to stop. He pointed ahead, where a crude barricade of bones and tattered cloth blocked their path. Two massive humanoid figures stood guard with their eyes glowing faintly in the gloom. One of them was gnawing on something¡ªsomething that looked suspiciously human. "Scavengers," the masked figure whispered. "They patrol these parts. Their senses are sharp, but they rely too much on their eyes. Stay close, move slow." August nodded while creeping forward carefully. The guards sniffed the air, grunting in guttural tones, but the pair managed to slip past unnoticed. As they pressed on, August exhaled slowly. "Smooth," he whispered. "Not yet," the masked figure shot back. "The real fun starts ahead." ... ... Hours later, an underground settlement of sorts stretched out before them like a grim caricature of a city. The walls of the cavern glowed faintly from the bioluminescent fungi clinging to the rocks, giving the entire place an eerie green hue. Crude structures, carved from stone and assembled from debris, dotted the landscape. The air was heavy with the stench of sweat, blood, and desperation. The entrance gate was made of twisted metal and reinforced with boulders. Guards armed with crude spears and spiky blades stood watch with faces that had been hardened by years of survival in this forsaken place. As August and the masked figure approached, one of the guards barked, "Halt! New arrivals, eh? State your business." The masked figure stepped forward. "We''re here for sanctuary. We mean no harm." The guard''s eyes narrowed as he scrutinized them. His gaze lingered on August. "We don''t trust outsiders. Got any proof you''re not here to stir up trouble?" Before August could respond, the masked figure pulled a small, glowing shard from his pouch¡ªa token of sorts. The guard eyed it suspiciously before nodding. "Alright, you can enter. But cause any trouble, and you''ll end up in the fighting pit¡ªor worse." --- System Notification: [ You have entered: Hollow Dusk Settlement 1 ¨C Restricted Zone ] --- The gate creaked open, and August and the masked figure stepped inside. The sight before them was both fascinating and horrifying. Tents made of rock and tattered cloth sprawled across the cavern floor, forming haphazard alleys where emaciated figures scrounged for scraps. Fires burned in small pits, casting flickering shadows over the grimy faces of the inhabitants. Some people bartered with strange items¡ªbones, glowing stones, and even what looked like chunks of flesh. But the most prominent feature was the fighting ring at the center of the settlement. A crowd had gathered, cheering and jeering as two bloodied figures exchanged savage blows. Chapter 171 - 171: The Monarch A crowd had gathered, cheering and jeering as two bloodied figures exchanged savage blows. The fighters were bare-handed since magic was suppressed by the Hollow Dusk''s unique aura. The brutality of their combat was shocking incredibly shocking to witness. One of the fighters who was a bulky man with a scarred face, landed a devastating punch that sent his opponent crashing to the ground. The crowd erupted in cheers as the fallen fighter tried to crawl away, only to be grabbed and have his neck snapped with a sickening crack. "And that''s the end of him!" a grizzled man in the crowd shouted with a burst of laughter as two larger figures dragged the corpse away and dumped it unceremoniously into a dark pit nearby. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The dark pit was filled with mangled corpses as well and had developed a nauseating smell. The masked figure turned to August. "Told you this was a bad idea. This place is madness." August''s expression remained calm. "Madness or not, I''m not leaving without finding Sir Dumblore. He''s gotta be here somewhere¡ª" The masked figure sighed. "Suit yourself. But don''t say I didn''t warn you." They moved through the settlement with August keeping his hood low to avoid drawing unnecessary attention. He approached several people, asking about Sir Dumblore and giving descriptions of his facial appearance but the responses ranged from suspicious glares to outright hostility. At one point, a gaunt man with hollow eyes sneered at him. "Dumblore? Ain''t heard that name before. And if you''re smart, you''ll stop asking before someone decides to shut you up for good." August ignored the warning and continued his search. The masked figure stayed close, scanning the crowd for potential threats. Suddenly, a wiry man with a knife lunged at August from a shadowy corner. "You''ve got a death wish, asking too many questions around here!" August swerved towards the left, evading the attack with ease, and grabbed the man''s wrist. He twisted it until the knife clattered to the ground and then shoved the man against the wall, pinning him there. "I don''t have time for this," August growled. "If you want to keep that hand, you''d better start talking. Where''s Sir Dumblore?" The man whimpered in fear as his bravado crumbled. "I¡ªI don''t know! I swear! But if he''s still alive, he''d be in the lower levels. That''s where they keep low-numbered prisoners." August released him, causing him to slump to the ground. "Thanks for nothing." The masked figure chuckled softly. "You''re making a lot of enemies fast, Aleman." "It''s part of the job," August replied while brushing off his cloak. "Let''s keep moving." As they made their way deeper into the settlement, the oppressive atmosphere grew heavier. The shadows seemed to stretch longer, and the air was thick with tension. Eventually, they came to a small open area where a crude stage had been set up. A group of enforcers stood guard with weapons in their grasp. A man with an imposing presence, clearly one of the settlement''s leaders, addressed the crowd. "All new arrivals will assemble here tomorrow morning!" he declared. "The monarch has business to discuss, and you will listen. Disobedience will not be tolerated." One of the enforcers handed August and the masked figure strange metal tags, which they were instructed to wear at all times. "Lose these, and you''ll regret it," the enforcer growled. August pocketed the tag for now, still focused on the task at hand. As they moved away from the crowd, his attention was drawn back to the fighting ring, where another brutal match had just concluded. The victor stood bloodied but triumphant, while the corpse of the loser was dragged away. "This place is truly a nightmare," August muttered. "And yet you''re still here," the masked figure shook his head. "You''ve got more guts than sense, I''ll give you that." August ignored the comment. "Sir Dumblore has to be here somewhere. I just need to figure out where." The masked figure sighed. "Well, don''t get yourself killed before morning. You''ll want to hear what their monarch has to say." ... ... The underground settlement was eerily quiet at night as the raucous energy of the day faded into a tense silence. Fires burned low, casting flickering shadows across the rough, rocky walls. August sat near one of the makeshift stone structures with his back against the cold surface while scanning the surroundings. Even in this moment of quiet, danger seemed to lurk around every corner. The masked figure leaned against a nearby pillar with crossed arms. "You''ll need rest if you plan on leaving tomorrow. This place doesn''t forgive tired mistakes." August smirked faintly. "I''ve been through worse." He rested his head against the wall, staring up at the glowing fungi on the cavern ceiling. "But thanks for the concern." The figure chuckled. "Don''t mistake it for concern. Just don''t want to see you get yourself killed before you prove me wrong about this whole Dumblore business." August didn''t respond, instead, he closed his eyes. His mind swirled with thoughts of Sir Dumblore, the strange hostility of the elves, and the dangers of this place. There was definitely more at play than they were letting out. --- Morning came abruptly with the harsh clang of metal on metal. August jumped to his feet with his hand instinctively going for the dagger hidden beneath his cloak. Meanwhile, the settlement was alive with activity once more. The masked figure nudged him lightly with a boot. "Time to move. Looks like they''re gathering the lower-numbered prisoners." August stretched out his stiff muscles. "Lower numbered prisoners? Like what that dude mentioned yesterday?" "Yes, the ones at the very bottom of the hierarchy," the figure explained. "They''re paraded around every morning, a show of power from the higher-ups. Keeps everyone in line." The two of them moved towards the edge of the crowd gathering near the center. Guards were dragging out prisoners who were in chains. The prisoners looked dirty and their clothes had been reduced to tatters. Some had bruises or cuts, evidence of the harsh treatment they endured. August''s eyes widened when he spotted a familiar figure among them. "No way..." He muttered under his breath. At the back of the line, was Sir Dumblore. His once-proud posture was now hunched. His beard looked tangled and his robes had been reduced to rags. His wrists were bound with thick chains, and his expression was one of weary resignation. August clenched his fists. "That''s him." The masked figure followed his gaze. "The old man? That''s who you''re looking for?" "Yes. That''s Sir Dumblore," August replied with a low tone. "But why is he here, like this?" The figure shrugged. "Looks like he pissed off the wrong people. If you''re planning to save him, you''d better tread carefully. The guards don''t take kindly to heroics." August took a deep breath. "I can''t do anything now. Not here. I''ll need to bide my time." The masked figure nodded. "Smart move. For now, let''s focus on surviving this assembly. The monarch doesn''t tolerate insubordination, and you don''t want to draw her attention unnecessarily." --- The central plaza had been transformed for the assembly. A large platform made of dark stone stood at the center, and atop it sat a makeshift black throne, carved with designs resembling twisted vines. The makeshift throne was flanked by two massive guards clad in heavy, spiked armor. It was unknown how they had gotten armor but their faces were hidden behind menacing helms. The murmurs of the crowd of prisoners and residents died down as they gathered around the platform. The monarch of this settlement was a dark elf with an overbearing presence and unnervingly cold beauty. Her long, silver hair flowed down her back, contrasting sharply with her jet-black skin. Her crimson eyes scanned the crowd with a mixture of disdain and amusement, and she wore a flowing gown adorned with metallic plates. In her hand, she held a staff tipped with a glowing crimson crystal. --- System Notification: [ NPC Encounter: Dark Elf Melanthis, Monarch of Hollow Dusk Settlement 1 ] Level: ??? --- Melanthis spoke with a menacing tone. "Welcome, loyal subjects... and those who cling to survival by my mercy." Her gaze swept over the crowd, silencing even the faintest whispers. "You are here because you understand one thing: power belongs to those who take it." The crowd shifted uneasily as her words hung in the air. "Some of you are new arrivals, thinking you can escape this place or rise above it. Let me remind you¡ªHollow Dusk is my domain. Your lives, your actions, your very thoughts belong to me." August glanced around, noting the fear etched on the faces of those around him. Even the masked figure beside him seemed tense. Melanthis lips curled into a faint smile as she continued. "Now, to address the... newcomers." Her gaze landed briefly on August, and he felt a chill run down his spine. "Prove your worth. Serve me, and you may find favor. Fail, and you will join the others in the pits of despair. It is simple really, you just have to obey my every command to show you deserve my protection from the wild beasts out there." Chapter 172 - 172: Acquiring A Higher Tag The Monarch gestured towards the prisoners lined up behind her, including Sir Dumblore. "These are examples of what happens to those who defy me. Learn from them, or share their fate." August''s eyes narrowed into slits. He needed to find a way to free Sir Dumblore, but any wrong move could spell disaster. For now, he had no choice but to play along. Melanthis raised her staff, and the crystal at its tip glowed brighter. "Remember, you live by my grace. Do not forget it." With that, she turned and exited the platform with her guards following closely behind. The crowd began to disperse as pressure lingered like a heavy fog. August turned to the masked figure. "I need to figure out how to get him out of here." The figure nodded. "Whatever your plan is, you''ll need to act fast and be careful about it." August''s gaze drifted back to the retreating form of Sir Dumblore alongside other prisoners. "I''m not leaving him here." One of the settlement leaders who was a subordinate of the monarch stepped forward to address them. "The numbers on the tags in your possession represent your ranking. Those with the last twenty numbers will be treated like the prisoners on chains..." The crowd immediately erupted in gasps of shock and disbelief upon hearing this. "You have twenty-four hours to change your tag number before this rule kicks in. Good luck and break a leg," the subordinate walked away after disseminating this information. Chatter! Chatter! Chatter! -"What does this mean?" -"It means we have to take tags from the higher numbers!" -"But no one will willingly give up their tags!" -"Then we just have to take them... By force!" As the crowd erupted with panicking voices, August stared down at the crude metal tag in his hand. The number etched into it glowed faintly... **199** His eyes shifted to the masked figure beside him, who held up his own tag. **200** "Looks like we''re dead last," the masked figure said with an exasperated sigh. "Great. Just fantastic." August rolled his shoulders as his gaze flicked to the others in the area. "We''re not staying that way." --- System Notification: [ Quest Updated: Prove Your Worth ] [ Objective: Increase your rank by acquiring a higher-numbered tag. ] [ Time Limit: 24 hours] [ Failure Condition: Fall into the lowest 20. ] --- They stood in the heart of the settlement, where the chaos doubled as a gathering spot for bets and challenges. There was only one way newcomers could acquire higher numbered tags... And that was through fights. Word of upcoming fights spread quickly, and the more brutal figures in the community were already salivating at the thought of breaking the newcomers in. A large makeshift arena had been set up in the center. It was a ring of rough stones and metal walls enclosing the fighting area. There were no formal rules¡ªonly survival. August knew he had no choice. He had to fight. And win. --- August wasted no time scoping out potential targets. He listened carefully to conversations, observed fights, and subtly asked questions without drawing too much suspicion. After some digging, he discovered the name of the person he''d need to fight... The person with the tag number that was just right above the last twenty. ~ Dornak the Butcher. ~ August watched from the shadows as Dornak currently held a man by the throat, lifting him off the ground with a single hand. The unfortunate fighter struggled with his legs flailing as he gasped for breath. Dornak''s muscles budged as he let out a deep chuckle. He had the physique of a warlord¡ªhis entire upper body covered in grotesque tattoos, his face marred by deep cuts that never seemed to heal properly. With a casual squeeze, the man''s neck snapped. Dornak tossed the body aside like garbage and turned to the roaring crowd. "Who''s next?!" he bellowed. "I''ll take any of you worthless scum and feed your bones to the dirt!" August smirked. "Perfect." He stepped forward, flipping his tag between his fingers. "I challenge you, Dornak." The murmurs in the crowd turned into a low roar of excitement. "That newcomer''s lost his damn mind." "Dornak''s killed dozens of newcomers. Look at him¡ªhe''s built like a monster." "Hope this kid''s got a burial plan." Dornak turned his gaze to August as his thick brows rose in amusement. "You? You''re serious?" August nodded. "Your tag. I want it." Dornak laughed so hard that his massive chest shook. "Fine, little man. But when I break you in half, I''ll make sure to mount your skull as a warning for the next idiot who steps up." --- System Notification: [ Duel Initiated: August vs. Dornak the Butcher ] Objective: Defeat Dornak and claim his tag. Location: Blood Ring Time: Scheduled in 2 hours ---- August leaned against a pillar, watching the fights that came before his. Newcomers battled desperately to increase their ranks and unfortunately, most failed miserably. Some were beaten unconscious. Others weren''t so lucky. His masked companion sat next to him, arms crossed. "You sure you don''t wanna reconsider? Dornak''s a beast. I''ve seen him crush men twice your size with his bare hands." August smirked. "Good thing I don''t plan on letting him grab me then, huh?" "Cocky. I like it." "It''s only cocky if I lose," August replied. The minutes ticked by, and then finally¡ª "Dornak! August! Get your asses in the ring!" The crowd erupted into cheers as the two of them stepped forward. August entered the ring with very silent steps. Dornak, in contrast, stomped forward like a predator claiming his territory. The announcer called out, "A challenger against the Butcher! Place your bets, and let the blood spill!" Dornak cracked his knuckles with a grin. "I''ll give you one chance, kid. Lay down, and I won''t make it hurt." August tilted his head. "That''s kind of you. But I prefer my fights the old-fashioned way." The announcer raised his arm. "BEGIN!" --- System Notification: [ Battle Commenced ]* Opponent: Dornak the Butcher HP: 26,000 Status: Uninjured --- Dornak lunged first, swinging a fist the size of a boulder at August''s head. August dodged with a sidestep, barely avoiding the massive blow as the wind howled in his left ear due to the powerful force of the punch. Dornak''s fist collided with the ground, cracking the stone. "Fast little bastard," Dornak grunted. August smirked. "You have no idea." He activated Phantom Blitz, teleporting behind Dornak instantaneously with a burst of shadow. His dagger flashed as he slashed at Dornak''s ribs. --- System Notification: [ Skill Activated: Phantom Blitz (Tier 2) ] [ Attack Successful! ] Damage Dealt: 3,500 HP --- Dornak snarled before spinning around with a backhanded swipe. August ducked, narrowly avoiding the strike, but Dornak was faster than expected. The butcher slammed his foot into August''s chest, sending him skidding backward. --- System Notification: [ You have taken damage! ] Damage Received: 2,200 HP --- August winced while rolling to his feet. "Not bad. But still too slow." He activated Perfect Veil, vanishing into the shadows before striking from above. His dagger plunged into Dornak''s shoulder. Dornak roared in pain as he stumbled back. --- System Notification: [ Critical Hit! ] Damage Dealt: 5,800 HP --- The crowd gasped. "No way¡ªhe actually hurt Dornak!" "Who the hell is this guy?" Dornak''s rage boiled over. "You''re DEAD!" He charged again, barreling toward August with his massive frame. But August was prepared. He feinted left, then used Phantom Blitz again, appearing behind Dornak and stabbing his dagger into the back of his knee. Dornak howled before collapsing to one knee. August seized the opportunity, driving his blade into the back of Dornak''s neck. A final notification rang out. --- System Notification: [ Enemy Defeated: Dornak the Butcher ] XP Gained: 22,500 HP Remaining: 13,500/17,600 New Rank: 179 --- The crowd fell into stunned silence before erupting into deafening cheers. August stood over Dornak''s motionless body, breathing steadily. The announcer declared, "Aleman is the winner! Dornak''s rank now belongs to him!" August retrieved the fallen tag, holding it up for all to see. "Who''s next?" ... The aftermath of the battle was unlike anything August had expected. Word of his victory against Dornak the Butcher spread like wildfire across the Hollow Dusk settlement 1. Conversations in the alleys, whispers between prisoners, and even loud discussions by the guards all revolved around him. It wasn''t just that he had won¡ªit was that he had done so convincingly, without a single wasted movement, against an opponent who had long been considered untouchable. The masked figure, who had been leaning against a makeshift pillar while watching the fights, smirked as August approached. "Congratulations. You just became famous in the worst possible place." August exhaled while rubbing his neck. "Yeah, I noticed. That was¡­ louder than expected." The masked figure laughed. "Well, enjoy the attention. It seems someone else has taken an interest in you." He nodded toward a group of heavily armed guards standing near the entrance to the settlement''s central plaza. One of them who was clad in dark metal armor, stepped forward. His voice was sharp and commanding. "Aleman. The Monarch requests your presence immediately." --- System Notification: [ New Event Triggered: The Monarch''s Summon ] [ Objective: Audience with Dark Elf Melanthis. ] Failure Condition: Refusing the invitation. --- sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 173 - 173: Entering The Inner Circle August tilted his head. "Didn''t think I''d get summoned this quickly." The masked figure patted him on the shoulder. "You just dismantled a legend in this place. Of course, the queen is curious. She rarely calls new blood this fast." "Good," August muttered. "I was looking for an opportunity anyway." Without hesitation, he followed the guards through the settlement. The crowd parted for them with envy reflected in some of their eyes. Some people murmured about his battle, others glared at him with open resentment. August ignored it all¡ªhis focus was solely on the task ahead. As they passed by the lower prisoner sector, his eyes subtly flickered to where the prisoners were kept. Among them, still shackled and hunched, was Sir Dumblore. He had clearly heard the commotion but didn''t look up. August knew he couldn''t act now, but at least he was getting closer to the moment he needed. Soon, they arrived at a massive stone staircase that led into an ominous underground chamber. The guards flanked him as they entered a grand room¡ªif it could even be called that. The room was vast and illuminated by dim, ghostly blue torches along the walls. Carvings of ancient battles decorated the stone pillars, depicting elves standing victorious over their enemies. This made August wonder about the true origin of the hollow dusk. At the far end of the chamber sat Dark Elf Melanthis on her makeshift throne of obsidian and bone. Behind her, a massive dark elf warrior stood in a better-looking armor than the others. His cold gaze fixated on August as he entered. --- System Notification: [ NPC Encounter: Dark Elf Melanthis, Monarch of Hollow Dusk ] Level: ??? Title: Ruler of the Underworld Domain --- Melanthis studied him for a long moment before speaking. "You are not what I expected." August inclined his head slightly. "I get that a lot." S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A hint of a smirk curled at the edge of her lips. "You are amusing. Tell me, Aleman, what brings you to this place? You have no chains on your wrists, and yet you are here, fighting for your life like the rest of them." August met her gaze calmly. "A simple answer would be survival. But I doubt you''d believe that." Melanthis chuckled. "You are right. I do not believe in simple answers. You have drawn my attention, Aleman. A newcomer who bested Dornak the Butcher in his own game¡ªquite the feat. My people demand entertainment. Perhaps you can provide it for them further." "I didn''t come here to be someone''s amusement." Melanthis raised an eyebrow. "Didn''t you? You issued a challenge, you fought in the ring, you won, and now everyone in Hollow Dusk speaks your name. If that is not a performer, then what is?" August shrugged. "Well, I wouldn''t have exactly needed to fight if my tag number wasn''t at the very bottom now, would I?" Melanthis leaned forward slightly, resting her chin on her hand. "And what exactly is it that you want? To just exist?" August knew he had to tread carefully at this point. "Power. Influence. The same thing that drives most people." Melanthis''s gaze darkened. "How bold of you to admit that so openly." "You don''t respect weakness," August replied evenly. "Neither do I." For a moment, the room was silent. Then, to his surprise, she laughed lightly. "How refreshing. You may have potential yet." The dark elf warrior beside her shifted slightly. "Shall we test him further, my Queen?" Melanthis raised a hand. "No, not yet." She turned back to August. "Tell me, Aleman, if I were to offer you a place in my court, would you take it?" August pretended to consider it. "Tempting offer, but I prefer to keep my options open." Melanthis smiled knowingly. "A diplomat as well. Very well, I shall not press you... for now. But understand this¡ªif you remain here, your survival depends on proving your worth. Today, you have done that. But tomorrow?" She leaned back, waving a dismissive hand. "Go. Enjoy your moment of fame. It will not last." August gave a respectful nod. "We''ll see about that." As he turned to leave, his mind was already calculating the next steps. He had successfully gotten close to the monarch''s circle. Now, he just needed to leverage this position to get to Sir Dumblore. Time was running out. ... ... The confined space where Sir Dumblore and the others were held was worse than August had imagined. The stench of sweat, filth, and despair clung to the damp air like an unshakable fog. The prisoners were shackled and starved as they shuffled around the chamber. Their once-proud eyes were now hollow from the torment of servitude. Some were forced to carry heavy loads, others beaten for mere amusement. August had noticed that they were being forced to work around the settlement whenever they weren''t kept in the confines. ''They treat them like animals,'' August took note of this. He had spent the past two days earning trust within the settlement, performing small yet necessary tasks that ingratiated him with the higher-ups. It was all a front, of course. A ploy to get to where he was now. He headed for the structure that led to the underground area where he had been summoned to just two days ago by the monarch. "What are you doing here?" One of the guards questioned upon spotting him approaching the area where the prisoners who last twenty on the rankings were kept. "Krusk tasked me with checking for a particular prisoner. Asked me to bring him," August answered with a convincing tone. Due to his rising popularity in the last couple of days, it wasn''t uncommon to find him wandering around these parts so they believed him and let him in. Immediately August got in, his eyes swept over the pitiful figures until they landed on a familiar, albeit withered, face¡ªSir Dumblore. The old forger''s usually sharp eyes flickered with exhaustion, but they widened in shock when they settled on August. He instantly recognized him. "What in the void¡­?" Sir Dumblore rasped. "You are the young Lad from before... what are you doing here?" Chapter 174 - 174: Getting Sir Dumblore Out "You are the young Lad from before... what are you doing here?" August wasted no time. He strode forward and crouched beside him. "I came to get you out of here. The Silver Sentinel sent me to find you." Sir Dumblore scoffed. "Foolish boy, you shouldn''t have come. There''s no leaving the Hollow Dusk." August smirked before pulling a small glowing crystal from his inventory. The beacon gem''s other half hummed softly in his grasp, pulsing with a strange mythical energy. "I beg to differ." The moment he activated the beacon, a System Notification flashed before his eyes. --- System Notification: [ Beacon Activated: Teleportation Sequence Initiated ] Time Until Extraction: 5:00 --- Sir Dumblore''s eyes widened. "By the gods¡­ is that a beacon gem? You mad bastard!" August tightened his grip on the old man''s arm. "Hold on. We need to stay together until it activates." But just as he prepared to defend their position, a rough voice called out from the chamber''s entrance. "Oi! Aleman! Get your ass out here! You''ve been in there for too long..." August turned visibly tensed. He knew he couldn''t leave, not until the countdown hit zero. Another voice chimed in from within the confines. "¨C¨Che''s got a beacon!" A moment of stunned silence. Then¡ª "They''re trying to escape the Hollow Dusk!" August immediately punched the loud-mouthed inmate in the face and slammed his back against the door of the confines to prevent the guards from coming in. "Quick, shift those blocks over here!" August yelled to Sir Dumblore who reacted quickly. The forger pushed some large pieces of rocks at the side towards the entry point to block it as well. However, the alarm spread like wildfire. Chaos erupted as guards swarmed toward them with crude weapons drawn and began battering the door. There was no doubt that it wouldn''t be long before they infiltrated the confines. The prisoners, sensing an opportunity, either scrambled for cover or stirred into a frenzy. Some, too beaten down by years of suffering, simply watched in silence. Boom! The door came blasting down in a bit causing August to grit his teeth. "Of course, it couldn''t be easy." Sir Dumblore let out a dry chuckle. "Aye, lad. Nothing ever is." --- [ 4:01 Remaining¡­ ] --- The first wave of guards charged forward. August flicked his wrist, summoning his daggers in a flash. "Stay close to me." One of the guards lunged forward with a curved blade, aiming for his throat. August spun around and vanished before reappearing behind the attacker, slashing across his back. --- System Notification: [ Skill Activated: Phantom Blitz (Tier 2) ] Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Instantly teleport behind your target within 15 meters. [ Critical Hit! ] Damage Dealt: 9,600 HP --- The guard collapsed with a grunt causing blood to splatter across the cold stone. More came. Five at once. August dodged a spear thrust, twisted midair, and slammed his boot into the attacker''s head, sending them crashing onto the ground with their jaw. He flipped backward just as another guard tried to grab him, slicing the man''s wrist before embedding it into his rib cage. --- [ 3:19 Remaining¡­ ] More guards flooded the chamber. There were becoming too many. August activated hurled his dagger forward and it turned into three spectral blades. This was the advanced form of dagger throw. Each of them struck three, causing brief paralysis as they emitted crackling arcs of darkness. Sir Dumblore grunted. "If you''ve got any more magic tricks up your sleeve, lad, now would be a good time." "Working on it!" August hissed while spinning on his heels to deflect a strike from a broadsword-wielding guard. --- [ 3:00 Remaining¡­ ] A deep bellow echoed through the chamber, shaking the walls. August glanced up to see a monstrous, battle-hardened enforcer emerge. A towering dark elf, clad in heavy armor, wielding an executioner''s axe. --- System Notification: [ Elite NPC Encounter: Gorvak, Enforcer of the Hollow Dusk Settlement 1 ] Level: 45 HP: 55,000 --- August cursed under his breath. "Of course, there''s a mini-boss." The enforcer sneered. "You think you can escape?" His voice rumbled like distant thunder. "No one leaves the Hollow Dusk alive!" --- [ 2:30 Remaining¡­ ] Gorvak charged forward. The sheer force of his movement sent prisoners scattering. His axe swung downward with brutal force. August barely dodged, rolling to the side as the blade shattered the ground where he had stood. He countered immediately, dashing forward and slashing across Gorvak''s side. The attack barely left a dent. Gorvak was undoubtedly incredibly sturdy. Gorvak grinned. "Weak." He backhanded August with terrifying speed. --- System Notification: [ You have taken damage! ] Damage Received: 4,200 HP --- August slammed into the wall with a grunt. Sir Dumblore cursed. "You good, lad?!" August wiped blood from his lips. "Yeah. Just pissed." --- [ 1:45 Remaining¡­ ] August activated Thunder Spear in the next instant. "You may be freakishly strong... But..." The electric weapon crackled to life in his grasp causing the air to vibrate with energy. "I am a tier above you!" He spun the thunder spear in his hands before hurling it directly at Gorvak''s chest. --- System Notification: [ Skill Activated: Thunder Spear (Tier 2) ] [ Direct Hit! ] Damage Dealt: 14,500 HP --- Gorvak roared as the spear exploded on impact, sending arcs of electricity rippling across his armor. He slid backward with smoke rising from his body. August capitalized on the moment and phantom Blitzed behind him before driving both daggers into the enforcer''s exposed neck multiple times. --- System Notification: [ Fatal Strike! ] Damage Dealt: 7,000 HP, 2,000HP, 3,200HP, 4,000HP --- However, August noticed that the enforcer still had up to nearly half of his HP left after dealing multiple strikes. He couldn''t afford to allow Gorvak to rise or it would further cause trouble for him so he had to end it now. [ Tier 2 Nightfang Execution Activated ] August''s daggers emitted a dark haze as he swung them toward the giant elf''s neck. Screevvv~ Gorvak''s head was immediately lopped off, causing ash blood to jet out like a fountain. His headless body collapsed and twitched before going still. --- [ 0:30 Remaining¡­ ] August pulled himself to his feet, panting. The remaining guards hesitated as they glanced at their fallen enforcer. August grinned. "Still wanna stop me?" Chapter 175 - 175: The Final Escape August grinned. "Still wanna stop me?" No one moved. They weren''t sure stopping August from leaving was worth their lives at this point. --- [ 0:10 Remaining¡­ ] Sir Dumblore pressed a hand to his chest. "Lad¡­ it''s time." August activated the beacon''s final sequence. The air around them warped, twisting in a shimmering vortex of light. Guards shouted, but it was too late. --- System Notification: [ Beacon Activated: Extraction Commencing¡­ ] [ 3¡­ 2¡­ 1¡­ ] As the beacon''s light consumed them, August felt a strange pull¡ªlike reality itself was bending around him. Time seemed to slow as the sounds of chaos faded into an eerie silence. Just as his body felt weightless, an overwhelming presence surged toward them. A dark blur moved across the terrain, faster than anything August had ever seen. "What the¡ª?"* His thoughts barely had time to register before a gust of force shattered the surroundings. BOOM! A shockwave blasted outward causing the stone walls to crumble as the confined space shook violently. August barely caught sight of a figure slicing through the air like a living shadow¡ªan afterimage of black and violet streaks. His instincts screamed danger but before he could react¡ª A hand lunged forward. It reached for him and Sir Dumblore, just as the beacon''s teleportation activated. And then¡ª The light engulfed all three of them. --- System Notification: [ Beacon Extraction Commencing¡­ ] [ Unexpected Force Detected! Teleportation Surge Activated! ] --- August stumbled as they materialized above the surface, blinking rapidly to adjust. The fresh air hit him instantly as the crisp, green landscapes of the Sylvalis Elven Kingdom stretched before them. Sir Dumblore collapsed to his knees, coughing. "By the forge, we made it!" But August''s stomach twisted. Something was wrong. A sinister laughter echoed beside them. Slowly, he turned. The Monarch of Hollow Dusk settlement 1, stood just a few feet away¡ªfree. Her dark elven form was bathed in writhing shadows as power radiated off of her in waves. The very air trembled around her presence. She spread her arms as if feeling the wind for the first time in centuries. Her laughter was rich, almost musical, but dripping with malice. "Oh, what a generous little rat you are." She turned her violet gaze toward August as her lips curled into a smirk. "You''ve done me a great service, young one." August''s eyes narrowed in disbelief. "You¡­" He spoke slowly. "You got caught in the teleportation." Her smirk widened. "No, boy. I made sure I got caught." -------- (( One Day Ago )) Back in the hollow dusk settlement 1, Faint flickers of torchlight struggled against the gloom, casting eerie shadows that danced like restless spirits along the cracked and uneven walls within a particular space. The metallic scent of blood, sweat, and decay¡ªan unmistakable signature of the Hollow Dusk''s cruelty wafted across the air. At the heart of this forsaken underground labyrinth was a vast, cavernous chamber carved from black stone. Crude banners of tattered cloth, embroidered with strange, ancient symbols, hung like forgotten relics from the spiky outcrops. At the far end of the chamber stood a makeshift throne made of twisted bone and obsidian. Seated upon it was Melanthis, the Monarch of this settlement. Her eyes burned with an unnatural violet glow, sharp and filled with seething hatred. Her once radiant features, remnants of her elven heritage, were now marred by the corrupting touch of dark magic¡ª Veins of black crept up like tendrils beneath her pale skin. The faint shimmer of spectral runes etched across her collarbone pulsed with an ominous light beneath the thin fabric of her cloak. Before her knelt a figure clad in dark, tattered robes¡ªa masked man whose identity was obscured beneath an iron mask. His posture was one of reverence as he spoke. "It is done, my queen. I''ve brought the one you saw in your premonition," his head remained bowed as he spoke. Melanthis''s lips curled into a faint, sinister smile as her fingers lazily traced the sharp edge of a dagger resting on the armrest of her throne. Her voice was a silky whisper, dripping with venom and triumph. "I knew it was him the moment he set foot in this pit of despair," she voiced while leaning forward slightly. "The stench of fate clings to him like rot to a corpse." The masked figure rose slightly from his kneeling position, though his head remained bowed in deference. "He is strong¡­ clever, even. But not strong enough to see through the threads of destiny woven around him. He believes he''s here to rescue some old fool, blind to the true purpose of his arrival," the masked figure glanced up slightly. "You will finally be free, my queen." A dark laugh escaped Melanthis''s lips, reverberating through the hollow chamber like a serpent''s hiss slithering over stone. "Free¡­ Yes, free to reclaim what was stolen from me by those self-righteous hypocrites of Sylvalis," she stood from her makeshift throne causing her dark robes to cascade like a shadow''s breath. Her aura flared with an oppressive energy that made even the masked figure shift uncomfortably. "They thought burying me in this abyss would silence me. But they only delayed the inevitable." She strode forward and stopped just inches from the masked figure. Reaching out, she traced a sharp, blackened nail along the edge of his mask. "When I rise again, Sylvalis will drown in darkness. Their sacred groves will burn, their temples will crumble, and their gods will weep for their failure," she lowered her tone to a venomous whisper. "They will know fear¡­ true fear." The masked figure straightened, emboldened by her words. "The elven elders grow complacent, blinded by their own arrogance. They won''t anticipate your return until it''s too late," the masked figure paused briefly. "And with the boy''s unwitting help, you''ll escape this light-forsaken dwelling and regain your true power." Melanthis''s grin widened with malevolent satisfaction. "Now all I have to do is wait for him to try rescuing that old fool." --------- (( Present )) "What the fuck? The masked dude was your underling this whole time?" August voiced in disbelief after Melanthis recounted the chain of events to him. "I knew of your coming before you even bore the thought in your mind. Your destiny had always been to free me and now you have fulfilled it," Melanthis smirked with a look of satisfaction. --- System Notification: [ ALERT! High-Level Entity Released! ] [ NPC Encounter: Queen Melanthis, Monarch of the Hollow Dusk ] Level: ??? ~Glitch~ ~Glitch~ Level: 170 Title: Mistress of the Abyss --- Sir Dumblore''s face drained of color. "Oh¡­ oh, lad, what have you done?" The realization hit August like a hammer. ''I just freed a monster.'' He whirled toward her as daggers appeared in his hands in an instant. "You''re going back." Melanthis tilted her head with a look of amusement. "And how, exactly, do you plan on making that happen?" Before August could act, she moved. A blur...? A shadow...? A phantom...? Her speed was inconceivable. Her hand was on his throat before he could even blink. --- System Notification: [ WARNING: Speed Difference Too Vast! Escape Impossible! ] --- August couldn''t move. Her grip was like iron as her fingers pressed into his skin, crushingly cold. He tried to use Phantom Blitz¡ªbut nothing happened. "Such potential," she mused with a look of intrigue. "You are¡­ interesting." He activated Thunder Spear at point-blank range. Letting the lightning explode since he couldn''t hurl it at her¡ª Melanthis barely reacted. The energy around her simply¡­ absorbed it. Sir Dumblore tried to lunge at her with what little strength he had left. "Get away from him, you wretched¡ª!" She merely flicked her wrist. BOOM! An invisible force blasted Sir Dumblore off his feet, sending him crashing into a tree on the other end like a ragdoll. August gritted his teeth, feeling completely powerless for the first time in a long while. It was supposed to be a game and yet everything felt so real... This feeling was undeniably terrifying. She leaned in closer and whispered in his ear. "Your magic is powerful, but it pales in comparison to mine." And then¡ª She released him. August stumbled backward, gasping for air. "Why are you letting me go?" he hissed. Melanthis laughed again before stretching her arms toward the sky. "Because I am free and it was your doing. I have you to thank pretty boy." She threw her hands upward¡ª And the sky cracked like glass. A wave of darkness surged into the heavens, spreading like an infection. --- System Notification: [ Major Event Triggered! ] [ Calamity of the Hollow Dusk Begins! ] --- All across the Sylvalis Elven Kingdom, alarms sounded. Elven archmages and warriors turned their gazes skyward as their expressions twisted in horror. The forest trembled. The rivers darkened. The air itself shuddered. Melanthis smirked while stepping backward. "Run, little rat." And with that¡ªshe vanished. A streak of black light tore through the sky and a shuddering sonic boom followed in her wake. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The air rippled and distorted violently before settling once more. She was gone. And August? He just became the reason the entire elven kingdom was in chaos. Sir Dumblore groaned as he sat up, rubbing his aching head. "¡­Well, lad, I''d say that went about as bad as it possibly could''ve gone." August let out a long breath. "You think?" Chapter 176 - 176: Borders Of Slveryin Continent The alarms of Sylvalis Elven Kingdom blared across the treetops, reverberating through the dense forest canopy. The sky, still fractured from Melanthis'' escape, shimmered with unnatural darkness, a mark of the calamity August had unwittingly unleashed. From all directions, elven guards, mages, and rangers surged forward, with righteous fury. They weren''t here to ask questions. They were here to execute. Find Melanthis and her companions and obliterate them before she regains her full power back. August stood beside Sir Dumblore while scanning the surroundings. His cloak of echoes rustled slightly in the wind. ---- System Notification: [ ALERT! Your Reputation in Sylvalis has Dropped to Hostile! ] The Elven Kingdom of Sylvalis now considers you an enemy. Guards, elders, and powerful warriors will attack on sight. --- August sighed upon noticing this notification; "A hero in Tagharium, but branded a devil in Sylvalis. Just my luck." Sir Dumblore grunted. "I warned you, lad. Nothing good comes from meddling with the Elves." August shot him a glare. "You were the one locked in chains, old man." Dumblore raised an eyebrow. "Aye, and you could''ve left me there." August rolled his eyes. "Right. Now how do we get out of here?" A blast of wind magic suddenly hurtled toward them. August grabbed Sir Dumblore by the arm and Phantom Blitzed backward, reappearing fifty feet away just in time to see a high-ranking elven elder step forward. He was dressed in resplendent green robes with golden trims and his emerald eyes burned with wrath. His long silver hair was tied back and his pointed ears twitched with disdain. Around him, other elven warriors stood ready with bows and swords drawn. "Outsiders," the elder spat. "You''ve doomed our lands by releasing that wretched creature. Did you truly think you could escape retribution?" Another elf who happened to be a high priestess, raised a glowing staff. "Surrender, and we may grant you a swift death." Sir Dumblore nudged August. "They''re not big on negotiations." "No shit." --- System Notification: [ WARNING! A High-Ranking Sylvalis Elder Has Marked You as a Criminal! ] --- August glanced at their levels. --- [ Sylvalis Elder ¨C Level 72 ] [ Sylvalis High Priestess ¨C Level 80 ] [ Sylvalis Elite Guards ¨C Level 65 ] --- ''Nope. Nope. Nope. I''m not fighting these fuckers!'' August and Sir Dumblore were so outclassed that fighting wasn''t even a consideration. Sir Dumblore grabbed August''s arm. "There''s another way out. We won''t survive getting to the usual teleportation portal¡ªit''s too well-guarded." August narrowed his eyes. "Then what''s our option?" The old forger hesitated. "The unstable rifts." August blinked. "The what now?" Before he could get an answer, the elves launched their attack. A barrage of arrows and elemental spells rained down. August threw up a tier 2 Arcane Barrier just in time to deflect an ice spear. But he could feel the pressure immediately¡ª S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. --- System Notification: [ Arcane Barrier (Tier 2) Activated! ] Damage absorbed: 32,500 HP [ WARNING! Arcane Barrier Integrity at 63%! ] --- August gritted his teeth. The arcane Barrier was very powerful but it wasn''t going to hold under the face of these relentless attacks because they were too powerful. Sir Dumblore grabbed his wrist and yanked him backward. "No time to explain, lad. Run!" The two of them bolted through the dense foliage, dashing between ancient tall trees. The Elven warriors pursued them relentlessly, leaping through the treetops as their arrows whistled through the air. Sir Dumblore shouted between breaths. "The rifts are unpredictable! They could drop us anywhere in the world¡ªor kill us outright. But it''s better than dying here!" August grimaced. "Yeah, it''s great you left out that piece of information earlier, because that sounds way better!" Ahead of them, four hundred feet away, the landscape shifted. A section of the forest floor was split by swirling anomalies¡ªunstable rifts in reality. The air around them howled violently, flickering like a distorted dream. The ground cracked open, revealing pulsating voids of glowing blue and purple energy. Some of them imploded into nothingness, while others sent tendrils of distorted magic outward, consuming nearby trees. It looked like pure chaos. --- System Notification: [ WARNING! Unstable Dimensional Rifts Detected! ] Entering a rift will teleport you to an unknown location. Survival chance: ??? --- August barely had time to react before an explosion of vines surged toward them. The elven high priestess raised her hands. "You will not leave this land!" The vines lashed forward, glowing with celestial power. ''No time left.'' Sir Dumblore grabbed August by the cloak and hurled both of them toward the rift. They dove in instantly. And the world shattered into a blur of chaos. ... The sensation of drifting through the unstable rift was unlike anything August had ever experienced. Reality itself felt twisted¡ªshifting in and out of focus... warping like reflections on water. They floated aimlessly, surrounded by countless fragments of broken landscapes, and shattered pieces of different worlds that had been caught in the swirling void. Massive chunks of rock, ruins of ancient cities, and even strange, pulsating creatures moved through the rift''s currents... Some were being ripped apart by unseen forces as their remnants vanished into the abyss. --- System Notification: [ WARNING! Unstable Rift Dimensional Travel! ] [ Spatial Integrity: Collapsing ] [ Duration of Travel: ??? ] [ Survival Chance: Uncertain ] --- August''s expression was one of astonishment as his body was pulled and stretched by the chaotic forces around them. "This is getting real old, real fast!" Beside him, Sir Dumblore grumbled, barely keeping himself together as his robes fluttered wildly in the turbulence. "Quit whining, lad. You''re not dead yet." August scoffed, then quickly cast an Arcane Bubble¡ªa protective sphere of glowing, translucent energy enveloped the two of them, shielding them from the worst of the rift''s effects. --- System Notification: [ Arcane Bubble (Tier 2) Activated! ] Damage Mitigation: 95% Duration: Until Spell Disruption -300MP Per Ten Minutes --- With the shimmering barrier in place, the howling winds muted, and the chaotic energy around them was reduced to a distant vibration. Finally able to breathe, August leaned back and exhaled. "Alright, we''re in a bubble. Now what?" Sir Dumblore rubbed his beard while glancing around at the fragmented space. "Now? We wait." August shot him a look. "Wait for what? A sign from the gods?" The old forger chuckled before adjusting his tattered sleeves. "Lad, sometimes life puts you in places where all you can do is be patient. Ain''t no use fighting time itself." August frowned but said nothing. Minutes passed. Then hours¡ªor at least what felt like hours in this endless drift. With nothing but the hazy abyss stretching infinitely, August decided to ask something that had been bugging him. "Back in the forge, the Silver Sentinel said a great calamity was coming. What did he mean?" Sir Dumblore''s expression darkened slightly. "You ask too many questions, lad." "Yeah, well, I just risked my life saving you, so I think I deserve a few answers." The old man let out a long breath as his eyes turned distant as if staring into the past. "The world isn''t as stable as people believe, August. Long ago, there were things called Gates. Portals to places that should have never been touched. They were sealed away, locked for eternity¡­ or so we thought." August narrowed his eyes. "And now?" Sir Dumblore''s face turned serious. "Now, I fear they may reappear. The signs have returned. This is why I got set up by one of the Sylvalis Elven councils... They somewhat believe I will be responsible for it and by sealing me away in the hollow dusk it''ll never happen." --- System Notification: [ Hidden Lore Unlocked! ] [ Calamity of the Ancient Gates ] --- August stiffened. "What exactly comes out of these Gates?" Sir Dumblore hesitated before shaking his head. "You wouldn''t understand even if I told you. Just know this¡ªwithout the Five Heroes and their weapons, we''re all doomed." August still had a look of confusion on his face. "And who are the five heroes?" Sir Dumblore chuckled bitterly. "That, lad, is another question for another time." August gritted his teeth. "You''re really not gonna give me a straight answer, huh?" "Nope." "Figures." Silence settled between them again. Then suddenly¡ª A violent pull yanked at them. The rift quaked and reality twisted once more. The bubble around them flickered as they were dragged toward an opening¡ªa tear in space-time. --- System Notification: [ B-RANK QUEST COMPLETED! ] [ Mission: Find and Rescue Sir Dumblore ] Rewards: - EXP: 580,000 - Gold: 1,000 - Mystic Forged Bracers (Unique - Bound Item) - Arcane Essence x3 - Increased Reputation with the Silver Sentinel --- August grinned. "Oh, finally, something good!" [ You Have Leveled Up! ] Sir Dumblore snorted. "Don''t celebrate yet, boy. We''re still falling through the unknown." Before August could respond, they were hurled through the rift''s opening and tumbled forward¡ª Before crashing onto solid ground. BOOM! Dirt and debris flew into the air as they landed hard. August rolled over while coughing as he shook the dust from his cloak. "Ugh. I swear, if I have to fall through one more damn portal¡ª" Then he froze. The terrain around them was familiar. A dense, ominous fog lingered in the air as the eerie darkness stretched out beyond the horizon, splitting the land apart like a scar across the planet. Chapter 177 - 177: Real World Interference A great, unending void, darker than the night sky, swallowed everything beyond the line. It was a sight unlike anything August had ever seen in the game. --- System Notification: [ WARNING! You have entered the Borders of Slveryin Continent ] -A region of immense magical significance. Proceed with caution. --- August scanned his surroundings and realization struck. He knew this place. His eyes snapped to the right, following the outline of a tall fortress built atop a plateau. A massive dragon lay curled around its peak with its silver scales reflecting the distant light. It was the Silver Sentinel''s Domain. August exhaled sharply. "You''ve gotta be kidding me." Sir Dumblore rubbed his temples and let out a low groan. "Aye¡­ looks like this is where the rift brought us, lad." The old forger''s gaze traced the dark divide that separated the continent from whatever lay beyond. Even he seemed unnerved by it. August turned to him. "What exactly is beyond that line?" S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Sir Dumblore shook his head. "Nothing we should concern ourselves with right now." August narrowed his eyes but didn''t push further. There were far more pressing matters at hand. Without another word, the two moved toward the fortress, stepping onto the smoothly paved black stones leading up to the entrance. The moment they approached, the elongated dark gates groaned open, as if expecting them. They entered. --- The grand hall was exactly as August remembered¡ªthe high, vaulted ceiling lined with banners of forgotten wars, the stone walls carved with glowing runes, and the massive silver seat, sitting at the far end. And then he saw something that had him taken aback... ...He saw himself. Another August stood there, dressed identically in his dark assassin''s gear, standing before the Silver Sentinel. The armored warrior, still clad in his full silver battle regalia, was speaking to the other August. His deep voice echoed through the chamber. "Sir Dumblore has gone missing. I need you to find him before it is too late." August froze in place upon witnessing this. His stomach twisted in knots. ''What. The. Hell.'' Sir Dumblore stopped beside him as his brows furrowed. "Lad¡­ tell me you''re seeing this too." Before August could respond, the Silver Sentinel turned his head sharply, locking onto them with his piercing gaze. The other August flickered like a mirage¡ªthen vanished entirely.* A cold silence settled in the chamber. The Silver Sentinel rose from his seat as the massive dragon behind him stirred. Its golden eyes locked onto August and Sir Dumblore as well. "You already did it?" His deep voice carried a tone of disbelief. "You already saved Sir Dumblore?" August exchanged a bewildered glance with Sir Dumblore. "Wait, what?" The Silver Sentinel''s armor clanked as he took a step forward. "This shouldn''t be possible." Sir Dumblore stroked his beard. "Ahh¡­" His voice was slow as a look of realization dawned in his eyes. "It was the rift." August snapped his head toward him. "What do you mean, ''It was the rift''?" The old man sighed heavily. "Temporal shifts, lad. The rifts don''t only bear the capability to displace people across space¡­ on rare occasions, it can displace people across time as well." August stared at him. "You''re saying we time-traveled?!" The Silver Sentinel nodded. "If you already saved Dumblore, then that means¡­ you have already accepted the quest to save him." August shook his head, trying to wrap his mind around this. "But that''s impossible! I already did it, so how can I still accept it?" Sir Dumblore chuckled bitterly. "Because time isn''t linear when it comes to unstable rifts." The realization hit August like a truck. The other August wasn''t an illusion. It was him from before. A version of him that was about to accept the quest. And now¡­ he was back here before he had even taken it. --- System Notification: [ Temporal Rift Disturbance Detected! ] -You have traveled to a moment in time before you accepted your last mission. This may lead to paradoxical consequences. --- August let out a slow exhale while gripping the bridge of his nose. "Alright. This is officially the weirdest thing that''s ever happened to me." The Silver Sentinel''s gaze remained sharp beneath his helmet. "The rifts are more unstable than I feared. If you have already completed this quest, then we must assume the past and present are now overlapping. Time is unraveling." August stood with his arms crossed and his brows furrowed in deep thought. Sir Dumblore sat on a stone bench nearby, stroking his beard thoughtfully, while the Silver Sentinel stood by the side. "So, let me get this straight," August muttered while pacing. "The rift didn''t just toss us back in time¡ªit changed the flow of time itself." Sir Dumblore nodded. "Temporal rifts are unpredictable. They don''t just affect the timeline of one place¡­ sometimes, they ripple outward." The Silver Sentinel''s booming voice echoed through the hall. "The question isn''t *if* something changed, but *what* has changed." A myriad of thoughts raced through August''s mind. ''Did freeing the Monarch still happen? If the timeline had reset, did that mean she was still trapped in the Hollow Dusk? Or had his actions already set things in motion that couldn''t be undone?'' His system notification chime suddenly pulled him from his thoughts. --- [Party Chat Notification] Gregarious: "Lord Aleman! Where are you? We''re already at the Golden Flask tavern in Tagharium. Don''t tell me you''re sleeping!" Boris: "Oi, you said you were here but you are nowhere in sight. We''re waiting!" Ezran: "Don''t be late like last time. Gregarious is already trying to drink the tavern dry." --- August''s eyes widened. "What the hell?" he muttered. He vividly remembered this. It was the exact same message they''d sent him after he suddenly got teleported to the Silver Sentinel''s fortress. He hadn''t accepted the mission with the Silver Sentinel yet and he had left to begin the quest to find Sir Dumblore because it was only after he left that he messaged them saying he was on a mission. His pulse quickened. "No way¡­ this already happened." Sir Dumblore glanced up. "What''s wrong, lad?" August didn''t answer. "Wait¡­ they''re real players. The rift shouldn''t have affected them, right? This was just part of the game''s storyline¡­ right?" But something didn''t add up. He needed answers. Real-world answers. Without another word, August logged out. --- <[ System Notification: "Logging Out... Please Wait." ]> --- The familiar cool air of his apartment greeted him as he emerged from the pod. The faint sound of electronics buzzed softly in the background as he stumbled out of the gaming pod. Sophia was sitting at the dining table with her textbooks spread out in front of her, and a cup of coffee steaming beside her. She looked up in confusion and surprise as August walked into the living room. "You''re already out?" she questioned while raising an eyebrow. "Didn''t you just start playing?" August blinked. "What¡­? No, I''ve been in the game for almost six days which should mean over two days in reality." Sophia snorted. "Uh, what? You''ve been in there for like¡­ I don''t know, a few hours?" His chest tightened. "What day is it?" She gave him an odd look. "Tuesday." August''s breath caught. "No. That''s impossible." He stumbled toward the clock on the wall. **2:07 AM.** But that couldn''t be right. He''d logged in late Monday night. After everything¡ªthe mission, the Hollow Dusk, the battles, the escape, the time rift¡ªit should be Thursday by now. "No¡­ no, no, no." He voiced in disbelief as he grabbed his phone to check the date. **Tuesday. 2:07 AM.** His knees felt weak, and he sat on the couch, staring at nothing in particular. Sophia set her mug down and walked over, crossing her arms. "Are you okay? You''re acting weird." August stared at her. "Sophia, listen to me. I swear I was in the game for days. I fought, I leveled up¡ªI even completed a B-ranked quest." She frowned."Maybe you dreamed it?" "No!" August stated. "I have the rewards. The EXP. The system logs. It all happened." Sophia''s expression shifted from confusion to concern. "Are you sure you''re okay? Like, mentally? Maybe take a break from the game for a bit." August didn''t respond. He stormed back to his room and connected the gaming pod to his laptop, accessing his Enders Light account logs. There it was. - B-Ranked Quest Completed: "Rescue Sir Dumblore" - EXP Gained: 582,000 - New Items Added: [Arcane Beacon Shard], [Elven Relic], [Gold Treasure Chest] It was real. He stared at the screen as his heart pounded with both exhilaration and horror. "What the hell is happening?" August clenched his fists. "The rift propelling us back in time also affected reality..." This should have been impossible but could one really question what should be possible with a game like Enders Light that could give real-life supernatural abilities? ... August soon materialized back into the world of Enders Light, reappearing within the Silver Sentinel''s domain. The chilling realization from the real world lingered in the back of his mind¡ªtime manipulation, real-world consequences, and dimensional rifts. It was overwhelming, but he shoved those thoughts aside. ''Focus.'' Chapter 178 - 178: Riding The Dragon Sir Dumblore was still there with his long dusty and tattered outfit. Beside him stood the ever-intimidating Silver Sentinel. His massive lance rested beside him, and behind the throne, an enormous dragon stirred. Its golden eyes narrowed slightly as if acknowledging August''s return. The moment August approached, system notifications flashed across his vision. --- [System Notification] S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. B-Ranked Quest Complete: "Rescue Sir Dumblore" - EXP Gained: 582,000 - Reputation with Silver Sentinel: +500 - Reputation with Slveryin Continent: +300 - New Item Acquired: [Dragon Crest Badge] - Bonus Reward: [Mystic Relic Fragment] --- ''The new notification has some adjustments...'' August''s lips quirked up slightly despite the lingering unease. The Silver Sentinel took a step forward with his booming voice resonating throughout the hall. "You''ve done well, Aleman. Sir Dumblore is safe, and for that, I am indebted to you." August gave a slight nod. "Wasn''t exactly a walk in the park, but yeah¡­ mission accomplished." Sir Dumblore chuckled softly while stroking his beard. "If not for your intervention, I might still be rotting in that cursed place¡ªor worse." The Silver Sentinel gestured towards the towering dragon, whose scales shimmered like molten silver. "I will grant you a ride back to Tagharium¡­ on Zephyros." August blinked. "Wait, seriously? On the dragon?" Sir Dumblore chuckled again. "Consider it a royal escort." --- [System Notification] New Temporary Mount Acquired: Zephyros, The Silver Sentinel''s Dragon. - Duration: Until Arrival in Tagharium - Special Buffs Active While Mounted: - Flight Speed: +1000% - Aerial Defense Boost: +500% - Intimidation Aura: -80% Enemy Morale in Nearby Radius --- "Oh hell yes!" August grinned, momentarily forgetting his earlier worries. August watched as the colossal dragon stepped out into the courtyard and spread its wings with an ear-splitting roar that shook the very ground. August climbed onto Zephyros''s back with a look of exhilaration. The dragon''s silver scales felt warm under his touch. The Dragon Crest Badge shimmered on his chest, automatically pinned there as part of the quest reward. "Hold tight," the Silver Sentinel said with a rare smirk beneath his helmet. "Zephyros isn''t fond of gentle take-offs." Before August could respond, Zephyros lunged into the air with a powerful beat of its wings, sending a gust of wind crashing through the surroundings. The wind rushed past, carrying the scent of distant forests and mountain peaks. The continent''s border soon disappeared into the distance as they soared into the clouds. August now understood why the Silver Sentinel was able to respond immediately after he was summoned. With this speed, was there anywhere one couldn''t get to quick enough? From this height, the world of Enders Light stretched out beneath him¡ªendless rivers, towering cities, ancient ruins. He''d fought in some of those places and bled in others. ''And now I''m flying over them on a goddamn dragon.'' Sir Dumblore, who rode comfortably behind August, spoke over the roar of the wind. "Is this your first time flying?" "No, it is my last... Just kidding. Now I certainly will do everything I can to acquire a dragon mount," August chuckled in excitement. Soon Tagharium Kingdom came into view... --- [System Notification] Awe Effect Activated: - Nearby Players and NPCs are Intimidated and Impressed. - Reputation in Tagharium: +100 (Due to Public Display of Prestige) --- Down below, players pointed and shouted. "Is that¡­ is that ALEMAN?!" "That''s the Silver Sentinel''s dragon!" "How the hell did he score a ride like THAT?!" "Must be some insane quest reward!" "ALEMAN! YOU LUCKY BASTARD!" August couldn''t help but laugh as his cloak billowed dramatically while they soared higher. "Eat your hearts out," he muttered, enjoying the envious looks. Zephyros let out another powerful roar, which echoed loudly across the skies, stirring winds. The dragon dipped slightly, beginning its descent towards Tagharium¡ªthe kingdom glinting like a jewel on the horizon. --- As Zephyros swooped low over Tagharium, the city erupted into chaos¡ªnot from fear, but awe. NPCs and players alike stopped what they were doing, pointing toward the sky. Children (NPCs) cheered, while even the seasoned players gawked. The dragon landed with a thunderous impact in the city''s central plaza, causing tremors to ripple through the stone streets. The crowd that had gathered parted in awe as August dismounted gracefully with his cloak trailing behind him. --- [System Notification] Achievement Unlocked: - "Dragon Rider of Tagharium" - Perk Gained: +5% Reputation Gain in Tagharium for All Future Activities +10 Beast Taming Aura --- August gave Zephyros a final pat on the snout. "Thanks for the ride, big guy." The dragon huffed, letting out a warm gust of air which ruffled August''s hair before it took off again, vanishing into the clouds like a myth reborn. August turned to see a small crowd gathered, including some players whispering excitedly. "ALEMAN! Can I get a screenshot with you?" "What quest was that?! PLEASE tell me!" "Dude¡­ are you, like, a secret NPC or something?" August chuckled and waved them off, making his way toward the Golden Flask Tavern. He had stories to tell¡ªand levels to grind. But more importantly, he had a newfound realization. The game was beyond what anyone thought it was. And now his mind was open to literally anything... ... ... The dim glow of enchanted lanterns illuminated the rustic wooden interior of the Golden Flask tavern, casting shadows against the stone walls. The scent of roasted meat and aged ale wafted through the air as lively chatter and bursts of laughter filled the room. August stepped through the entrance smoothly and scanned the surroundings. At their usual table, Gregorious, Boris, and Ezran were seated, indulging in drinks and a plate of seasoned meat skewers. Gregorious was the first to notice him. He shot up dramatically, slamming a fist onto the table. "Lord Aleman! At last, you return from your grand adventures! Did you go on a secret mission? Slay a hidden dragon? Romance an elven queen?" August chuckled as he took a seat, waving off a tavern maid who attempted to offer him a drink. "Something like that." Ezran, who was more observant than the loud warrior, narrowed his eyes. "No, seriously, where have you been? We waited for you after you said you were gonna be here and then you vanished off the face of the game." Chapter 179 - 179: Montgomery Household Boris grunted while tearing a piece off a skewer with his teeth. "Yeah. And then suddenly you show up riding a damn dragon through the city. Care to explain?" August smirked and leaned back in his chair. "If I told you, you wouldn''t believe me." Gregorious gasped. "Is it a legendary quest?! You are a protagonist! I knew it!" August shook his head and changed the subject. "Where''s Lilo?" Ezran sighed while pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose. "She''s working late again. Probably won''t be on tonight." August frowned slightly but nodded. "Alright, let''s not waste time. We need to grind. The tournament isn''t far off, and we''re still way below the top-tier players." Gregorious rubbed his chin. "Yeah¡­ I checked the leaderboards earlier. Some of those bastards are already past level 60." Boris snorted. "The Ice Queen is already level 58. That woman''s a monster." Ezran tapped his fingers against the table. "And we''re still hovering around the late 30s. If we don''t step it up, we won''t last long in the tournament." August pulled up his interface, checking his current Player Status Panel --- [Player Status Panel] - Name: Aleman - Class: Assassin/Mage - Title: Sovereign of Anti-Darkness - Level: 39 - EXP: 120,400/2,550,000 - HP: 22,600/22,600 - MP: 15,800/15,800 - Gold: 6,420 - Power Level: Tier 2 --- He was progressing, but the gap between the top players was too wide. If he wanted to compete, he needed to grind harder. "Alright, let''s go," August got to his feet. "I know the perfect spot." Gregorious clapped his hands together. "Ah, yes! Time to remind the world why we are the greatest adventurers!" Ezran sighed. "You mean time to scream like a lunatic while nearly dying?" "Same thing!" ... ... The party arrived at a dark, foreboding expanse known as the Obsidian Scar Wildlands. It was a region formed from the remnants of an ancient battlefield where powerful creatures roamed. It had only been unlocked recently so it was still a fairly new grinding spot. Tall spiky black spires loomed overhead, crackling with dormant energy. Patches of luminescent blue plants grew along the fractured ground, casting eerie glows amidst the darkness. The land was home to creatures known as Void Howlers¡ªfour-legged monstrosities with obsidian-like bodies and pulsating violet veins of energy running along their forms. Their mouths split apart in unnatural ways, lined with fangs that gleamed like glass. The moment the party stepped forward, multiple system notifications appeared. --- [ System Notification: You have entered the Obsidian Scar Wildlands ] - Warning: Monsters here range from Level 40-58. Proceed with caution. - Bonus EXP Gain: +10% Due to the ''Night Prowler'' Title Effect. --- Gregorious drew his sword with a grin. "Perfect. Let''s get some kills." Ezran was already channeling a protective spell. "Let''s not get overconfident." The Void Howlers began to take notice of their presence. Their violet eyes burned as they released guttural screeches. August activated Phantom Blitz and dashed forward before reappearing a distance away with his twin daggers drawn. "Let''s do this." As August appeared behind one of the Void Howlers he drove his dagger into its obsidian hide. The creature shrieked as August activated slash and struck at the creature repeatedly, drawing blood. --- [ System Notification: Critical Strike!] - You dealt 9,200 Damage! - Void Howler HP: 32,000 ¡ú 22,800 --- Another Void Howler lunged at him, but he activated Phantom Blitz again, flickering out of existence for a split second before reappearing behind the creature. Meanwhile, Boris slammed his battle-axe into the previous howler''s skull, shattering its head after Ezran chipped away at its health with multiple spells activation. --- [ System Notification: You have slain a Void Howler (Level 41). ] - EXP Gained: 5,600 - Loot: [Void Residue] x1, [Obsidian Fang] x2 --- Gregorious wasn''t far behind... he charged straight into the fray with a battle cry as his sword cleaved through one of the creatures. -500HP Although he did little damage compared to the others, there was no doubt that he was slowly improving. Ezran cast Fire Barrage, bombarding the beasts with orbs of condensed flames, making sure they couldn''t surround August. --- [System Notification: You have slain a Void Howler (Level 42) ] - EXP Gained: 7,000 - Loot: [Void Core] x1, [Luminous Hide] x1 --- August proceeded to conjure a Thunder Spear and launched the electrified weapon straight through the last Void Howler. BOOM! The explosion lit up the wildlands as the creature disintegrated, leaving nothing but a crater in its wake. --- [ System Notification: You have slain a Void Howler (Level 44) ] - EXP Gained: 10,000 - Loot: [Shadow Essence] x1, [Howler''s Claw] x3 --- Gregorious wiped sweat from his forehead. "Well¡­ that was exhilarating." Ezran adjusted his glasses. "That was exhausting." Boris cracked his knuckles. "That was just the warm-up." August smirked while checking his EXP bar¡ªthe numbers climbing steadily. "Let''s keep going... We''re not stopping until each of us reaches level 45..." ... ... (( The Real World )) The morning sun poured through the massive glass windows of the Montgomery Mansion, casting golden hues across the lavish floors. The expansive dining room was adorned with crystal chandeliers, sparkling silverware, and a table long enough to seat twenty, though only five seats were occupied. Mr. Philip Montgomery, a man with round-faced features and a neatly trimmed beard, sat at the head of the table. His tailored navy suit was impeccable, even this early in the morning. Across from him sat his elegant wife, Victoria Montgomery. Her posture was as straight as an arrow and she was clad in a pristine cream blouse and pearls that gleamed as coldly as her sharp gray eyes. On either side of the table sat their children: Celeste Montgomery, the poised college-aged eldest daughter, scrolling idly through her phone; Madeline Montgomery, the fiery, bratty teenager and the youngest, Dennis, a ten-year-old terror in the body of a smug aristocrat, sipping orange juice like it owed him money. The soft clinking of silverware against fine china filled the air as breakfast was served¡ªan assortment of fresh croissants, scrambled eggs with herbs, sausages, and an array of tropical fruits. Bodyguards in black suits stood like statues near the entrances. Their presence seemed as casual as the family dog lounging near the balcony. Mr. Montgomery cleared his throat while setting down his fork. "So, Madeline, any trouble at school lately?" His tone was neutral, but the subtle raise of his brow hinted at expectation. Madeline stabbed a strawberry with unnecessary aggression and rolled her eyes. "Nope. Just the usual. Oh¡ªthough I am going to ask Sophia for August''s number again today." The fork in Mr. Montgomery''s hand paused mid-air. "Madeline, for the last time, focus on your studies. You''re in school to learn, not chase after some¡ª" He waved his hand dismissively. "¡ªrandom boy." Madeline huffed before crossing her arms. "You don''t get it, Dad. August isn''t just some boy. He''s tall, super handsome, and probably the man of my dreams." She sighed dramatically while staring off as if picturing a fantasy wedding in her head. Mrs. Montgomery nearly choked on her tea. "The man of your dreams? You''re fifteen." S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "So? Age is just a number." Madeline shrugged defiantly. Across the table, Celeste let out a scoff as she finally looked up from her phone. "Pfft. Your ''dream man'' probably can''t even hold a candle to Aleman." Chapter 180 - 180: 40% Overall Stats Integration Across the table, Celeste let out a scoff as she finally looked up from her phone. "Pfft. Your ''dream man'' probably can''t even hold a candle to Aleman." Her eyes gleamed slightly as she leaned back with a smug smile on her face. "Now that''s a real man." Madeline whipped her head around and shot her sister a glare. "Aleman? The guy with the weird helmet? You don''t even know what he looks like!" Celeste''s expression turned dreamy as her fingers brushed against her cheek. "I don''t need to. The way he saved me from that assassination attempt? The confidence, the power¡­ Ugh, he''s definitely handsome under that helmet. Probably mysterious and brooding too." Mr. Montgomery sighed heavily while pinching the bridge of his nose. "You''re both being ridiculous. Aleman or August, I don''t care. You girls need to focus on your futures, not¡ª" "Oh, please, Father," Celeste cut in sharply with a sarcastic tone. "You''re only annoyed because Aleman makes you feel irrelevant. He literally saved my life, while your security team stood around like statues." The temperature at the table seemed to drop by ten degrees. Even the bodyguards shifted uncomfortably. Mr. Montgomery''s gaze turned intense as his knuckles whitened around his coffee cup. "You''re forbidden from visiting that so-called AM Coven again. That place put your life in danger." Celeste narrowed her eyes before slamming her cup down. "Wrong. You put me in danger because you have enemies. AM Coven didn''t shoot at me¡ªyour political rivals did. If anything, Aleman saved me from your mess." The room went deathly silent. Mrs. Montgomery''s spoon froze mid-stir in her teacup. Mr. Montgomery opened his mouth to retort, but no words came out. He simply grunted and returned to his coffee with a glare dark enough to wilt flowers. Madeline broke the silence with an obnoxious laugh. "Ha! You''re just mad because I''m right. August is way better than Aleman anyway." Celeste glared daggers at Madeline. "Impossible. Aleman is a hero. August is probably just some scrawny schoolboy who thinks he''s cool because he''s tall." "Take that back!" Madeline shrieked while standing up dramatically. "Make me." Celeste''s chair scraped loudly against the floor as she stood sharply. Mrs. Montgomery slammed her hand on the table with a look of annoyance. "Enough!" Both girls froze mid-bicker with their mouths still half-open. Mrs. Montgomery shot them both a deadly glare. "Madeline, get your things and head to school. Celeste, if I hear one more word about Aleman today, I swear I''ll have your credit cards frozen." Both girls groaned in unison but scrambled to their feet. As Madeline grabbed her bag, she muttered under her breath, "August is still hotter." Celeste who was already halfway out the door, whipped around. "Says the girl who couldn''t even get his number." "Ugh, shut up!" Mrs. Montgomery massaged her temples with a look of frustration as the front door slammed behind them. "I don''t know which is worse¡ªteenage hormones or your political scandals." Mr. Montgomery muttered into his coffee, "At least my scandals don''t yell back." Dennis who had been silent the whole time, finally chimed in smugly, "I think I''m the best-looking person in this family." Both parents stared at him. Mrs. Montgomery sighed again. "I need stronger tea." ----- Madeline strutted through Asterisk High School with her designer bag slung over one shoulder after getting out of the car. She spotted Sophia sitting alone under a tree, flipping through a textbook. Madeline marched straight up to her and planted her hands on her hips. "Hey, Sophia. I''m not here to fight, okay? Just give me your brother''s number, and we''ll be cool." Sophia didn''t even look up. "No." Madeline groaned dramatically. "Why are you like this? Don''t you want your brother to find love?" Sophia finally glanced up with a flat expression. "With you? Not particularly." Madeline gasped as if mortally wounded. "Wow. Rude." Sophia smirked slightly before flipping a page. "I''m just being honest." Madeline stomped her foot. "Fine! But you''ll see. One day, he''ll be mine, and you''ll regret being such a brat." Sophia''s smirk widened. "Sure. Right after pigs fly." Madeline stormed off, fuming, while Sophia chuckled softly to herself. ... ... August emerged from his gaming pod, stretching with his joints making satisfying pop sounds. The cool, sterile air of his room greeted him, but what truly caught his attention was the translucent notification hovering right in front of his face. [ +10% Increase In Level Of Overall Power ] [ 40% Overall Stats Integration With Real World Avatar ] His eyes widened in confusion. "What the hell¡­?" He muttered under his breath while swiping at the notification, but it remained stubbornly in place until he dismissed it with an intentional blink. The realization soon hit him as he realized that this wasn''t some random glitch. His power from Enders Light was now more integrated with reality at a much higher rate than ever before. "Forty percent? That''s¡­ insane." Sure, he''d always felt stronger since consuming the Fruit of Corruption, gaining the extraction ability, and manifesting some of his in-game strength. But now? He could practically feel the substantial increase. --- Determined to put this newfound strength to the test, August hit the pavement. The usual jog he did around the block felt laughably easy. His feet barely kissed the ground as his strides devoured distance like a predator. He sprinted faster, turning into a bit of a blur as he dashed past startled pedestrians. Old Man Jenkins, the neighborhood''s grumpy dog-walker, nearly dropped his coffee, watching August zoom by like a blur. "What in the¡ª? That boy''s got rockets for legs!" ---- August soon stopped in front of the neighborhood gym and decided to give it a try for once. The gym was filled with grunts as usual as the faint scent of sweat, metal, and cheap protein bars filled the air. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Upon strolling in, August spotted his neighbor Kane, a broad-shouldered guy with mocha skin, a shaved head, and tribal tattoos running down his biceps like rivers. Kane was mid-rep, benching a ridiculous amount of weight when he spotted August. "Yo, August! Thought you were allergic to sunlight, man. You finally crawled outta that cave of yours?" Kane threw a lighthearted friendly jab at him. August smirked. "Figured I''d give these muscles some fresh air." Kane''s gym buddies, Jaxon and Leo, wandered over. Jaxon had a lean muscular build with a full sleeve tattoo running down his right arm, while Leo was shorter and stockier with a buzz cut. Jaxon gave August a quick once-over before snorting. "Bro, you don''t even look like you lift." Leo chuckled. "What''s the plan? Curling the yoga mats?" August rolled his eyes while walking past them toward the dumbbell rack. He picked up a pair of 100-pound dumbbells with ease as if they were filled with feathers. His form was perfect, controlled, and effortless as he started doing clean shoulder presses. Jaxon''s laughter died mid-chuckle. "Wait, what?" Kane''s grin widened. "Alright, August. Let''s see what you''ve got." They started stacking the weight. August moved from 100s to 120s without breaking a sweat. Then to 150s. His face remained calm as he breathed steadily. "Okay, now you''re just showing off," Kane muttered with a genuinely impressed expression. By the time August pressed the 180-pound dumbbells overhead with perfect form, a small crowd had gathered. "Dude¡­ that''s 360 pounds combined," someone whispered. August set the weights down gently, not even breathing hard. Jaxon''s jaw hung open. "No way¡­" Leo wiped sweat from his forehead. "Alright, fine. Maybe he does lift." But Kane wasn''t done yet. Kane led August to the squat rack. "Alright, let''s see if that strength holds up under real weight." Starting with 225 pounds (two 45-pound plates on each side), August squatted it like it was nothing. They added more¡ª315 pounds, then 405. At 495 pounds, August still showed no signs of struggle. "Dude, that''s nearly 500 pounds!" Kane shouted with a look of disbelief. August smiled faintly. "Add more." They loaded the bar up to 585 pounds. August positioned himself, gripped the bar, and squatted¡ªdeep, controlled, effortless. Gasps echoed around the gym. A loud voice suddenly cut through the commotion. "What''s all this noise about?" Tyrell the gym''s self-proclaimed alpha, strutted over. He was built like a truck, with veins bulging from his arms and a smug grin plastered across his face. His reputation as the strongest lifter in the gym was well-known¡ªand well-fed by his own ego. Kane smirked. "Hey, Tyrell. Think you''ve got competition." Tyrell stared at August like he was an insect. "Him? Please." August raised an eyebrow. "Wanna put it to the test??" The gym erupted in cheers and jeers, with bets quickly being placed. Most sided with Tyrell, confident in his record lifts. "I placed my bets on you man, don''t embarrass me..." Kane whispered into August''s ear while patting his back encouragingly. They started with deadlifts. The bar was loaded to 495 pounds¡ªTyrell''s warm-up weight. Tyrell grunted dramatically as he lifted it with veins popping. He dropped it with a loud clang and flexed for the crowd. "Yeaaahhhh!" Chapter 181 - 181: Perfect Veil August stepped up and lifted the same weight with ease before quietly setting it down. They decided to up the weight to 585... Then 635... Tyrell managed it, though his face turned bright red. ''Let''s test the full extent of my current strength... Hopefully, this dude will be able to keep up,'' August said internally as he moved to lift the same set of weights. He lifted them effortlessly. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Tyrell''s frustration grew. They hit 675. Tyrell barely managed the lift and wobbled as he set it down. August approached with a calm look. ''Perhaps this will be my limit.'' He gripped the bar, breathed in, and pulled¡ªsmooth as silk. The crowd roared. ''Oh that was easy too hmm,'' August thought internally with a slightly confused expression. Kane shouted, "Add more!" They reached 725 pounds. Tyrell attempted it and failed miserably, collapsing to his knees. August approached with his hands chalked. The gym fell silent in anticipation as they kept their eyes locked in his direction. With one swift motion, he lifted the 725-pound barbell like it was nothing and held it for a full five seconds before setting it down gently. The crowd erupted in cheers while Tyrell slunk away, humiliated. Kane patted August on the back while laughing. "Bro, you''re not human." Even Jaxon and Leo looked starstruck. A few women approached, offering flirty smiles. "Hey, August..." August just grabbed his water bottle, grinning. "Guess I''ll be here more often." --- Back home, August summoned the game system interface and watched as his status panel appeared like a hologram before his eyes. Most of his game stats were grayed out, as usual. Except now¡­ one more wasn''t. [ Skill Available: Perfect Veil (Tier 2) ] August blinked in disbelief. The Perfect Veil¡ªhis upgraded stealth ability. It was no longer greyed out. "No way... The last time this happened was at level 30... Does this mean that every time I cross ten levels, a new ability or skill will be available for me to use in reality?" August felt this was the only plausible explanation at this moment. However, he''d have to wait for another ten levels to properly confirm it. He activated Perfect Veil instinctively. [ Perfect Veil Has Been Activated ] A dark shimmer washed over him, distorting the air like heat waves. Then¡ªnothing. He looked down. His hands were gone. "I''m invisible... And this time, in real life..." He moved silently across the room, soundlessly even on creaky floorboards. The Perfect Veil wasn''t just cosmetic¡ªit was flawless. He reappeared with a thought, grinning like a kid who''d just found a hidden treasure. "This¡­ is great... now I can get into anywhere without being noticed." But something at the back of his mind whispered¡ªreminding him of the rifts, time anomalies, and the darkness he''d accidentally unleashed. It felt like there was more to the game than what they knew about... Who really were the creators and why are they still unknown till now? August couldn''t put his thumb behind it but he felt that uncovering the dynamics of Enders Light would definitely shock the whole world. A faint buzz vibrated against his thigh, pulling him out of his thoughts. He reached for his phone lazily, expecting a notification about AM Coven or maybe Sophia sending a meme. But it wasn''t Sophia. [I hope you didn''t forget about our date today.] ¨C Remi August blinked. ''Date?'' His mind scrambled through the dusty corners of his memory, and then it hit him¡ªRemi. Remi somehow roped him into agreeing to a date after weeks of playful banter, half-hearted flirting on his part, her helping them get an apartment and so a bunch of other things. "Oh¡­ crap," August muttered while sitting up straight. He glanced at the time¡ª4:35 PM. ''What time was it again? Seven? Eight?'' He couldn''t even remember. Dropping his phone on the couch, he immediately dialed Derrick. The phone rang twice before Derrick picked up. "Yo, boss. What''s up? Finally decided to check in on us mortals?" August rubbed his forehead while pacing the length of his apartment. "Not now Derrick. Cut the crap. How''s AM Coven doing? Everything cool?" Derrick''s chuckle echoed. "Oh, you mean the empire you left me to rule while you went to la-la-land in that game pod of yours?" August rolled his eyes. "Derrick, focus." "Alright, alright. Chill." Derrick''s tone shifted slightly to business mode. "Things have been smooth, surprisingly. We had a major influx of customers the last couple of days. Guess saving a politician''s daughter and going viral helps business." August smirked slightly. "Go figure." "We''ve sold a few high-tier items. The guards are doing great¡ªsuper intimidating, by the way. You should''ve seen the looks on people''s faces when Terry flexed those robotic arms. Classic." August chuckled lightly. "Good to hear." "Oh, and uh¡­ there was a minor incident." That snapped August''s attention back like a whip. "What incident?" "Well," Derrick began by dragging the word out like he was trying to figure out how to soften the blow, "some idiot tried to steal an item." August froze mid-step. "What?" "Relax, August. It''s under control. The guy didn''t even make it five feet from the display before Terry took him down. Quick reflexes. The guy''s still recovering from the¡ªuh¡ª''gentle'' takedown." August sighed while scrubbing a hand over his face. "And you''re just telling me this now?" Derrick snorted. "Because it''s handled. You shouldn''t have to worry when you leave things to me. That''s why you made me your right hand, no? But we''re good. No damages. No missing items. Just one very bruised thief and an increase in customer respect for our security." August shook his head but felt relieved. "Alright. Good job handling it." There was a brief pause before Derrick''s voice came back. "So¡­ what''s up? You sound tense. More than usual." August groaned. "I''ve got a date." ~ Dead silence on the other end. ~ Then Derrick burst into laughter. "You? A date? Since when do you¡ªwait, is this with Remi? The cyber girl you told me about?" August rolled his eyes so hard he thought they might fall out. "Yes. Remi." "Oh, this is rich." Derrick''s laughter didn''t subside. "I thought you were immune to romance. What happened? Did she hack your brain?" "She forced me into it." "Sure she did." August pinched the bridge of his nose. "I''m hanging up." "Wait, wait!" Derrick''s voice turned mock-serious. "Just remember, don''t do the whole awkward, ''I-don''t-know-how-to-date'' routine. And for god''s sake, don''t talk about your game character like he''s a real person." August smirked despite himself. "Noted. Goodbye." "Enjoy your date, lover boy¡ª" August ended the call. He had forgotten that Derrick could be such a tease and didn''t always sound so serious all the time. He tossed his phone onto the couch and marched straight into his bedroom. Standing before the mirror, he assessed himself critically. His usual black hoodie and jeans screamed ''guy who lives off instant noodles,'' which wasn''t the look he was aiming for today. Usually, he only mostly dressed in business attire when he had to become Aleman and he wanted Aleman to give off a different vibe from August. It was necessary so people would never be able to put two and two together. ''Okay, Reacher. You''ve bedded numerous women ranging from secretaries to models to celebrities to MILFs. A date is nothing. You haven''t lost your charms.'' He pulled out a dark, fitted button-down shirt and paired it with slim black jeans. Simple, no effort¡ªyet somehow effortlessly cool. He even ran a comb through his messy hair, though it stubbornly fell back into place like always. After a final glance in the mirror, he sighed. "Alright, Casanova. Let''s do this." --- The city lights glinted off towering skyscrapers as August pulled up near AM Coven, deciding to check in briefly before heading to his date. The guards at the entrance nodded at him, standing tall in their high-tech gear, looking as formidable as ever. They had no idea August was the boss, they just greeted him as usual. Inside, the place was completely filled. Derrick was at the front, chatting with a couple of customers. He spotted August and immediately a smug grin appeared on his face. "Well, well, look who''s here. Shouldn''t you be rehearsing pickup lines?" August flipped him the finger discreetly and did a quick walk-through of the shop. Everything seemed in order¡ªitems displayed neatly, customers browsing, and the guards stationed strategically. With a satisfied look, he gave Derrick a thumbs-up. "Looks good. I''m heading out." Derrick couldn''t resist. "Don''t forget¡ªeye contact, light jokes, and for god''s sake, no talking about your XP gains." August shook his head while laughing as he walked out. - Derrick leaned casually against the counter, scrolling through the latest sales report on a tablet after August left. Greg approached with a curious look plastered across his rugged face. His buzz-cut hair and sharp jawline gave him an intimidating presence, but his curiosity softened that exterior. "Hey, Derrick," Greg crossed his arms. "Why was he here?" Derrick didn''t even glance up. "He who?" "August," Greg pressed while nodding toward the exit. "You know, the guy we used to bust our asses with back at the factory? Kinda odd seeing him stroll in here like he owns the place." Chapter 182 - 182: The Date Derrick smirked while continuously tapping his tablet. "Maybe he''s just nostalgic. Misses the smell of grease and cheap cafeteria food." Greg squinted, not buying it. "C''mon, man. I know he is your friend but that guy was always a loner. Now he''s showing up here like this? You sure he''s not into some shady stuff?" Derrick finally looked up. "Relax, Greg. August helps out with some logistics stuff behind the scenes. You know how it is¡ªconnections, errands, the usual. He''s just¡­ a guy who knows a guy." Greg shrugged, though his curiosity wasn''t fully satisfied. "Huh. Weird, though. Feels like there''s more to it." Derrick chuckled. ''Yeah, more than you''d ever guess,'' he thought, but said aloud, "Dude, you think too much. Go patrol or something." --- August arrived at Luna Ember, a cozy yet upscale restaurant nestled between towering city buildings. The warm glow from the hanging lanterns outside greatly differed from the glassy architecture around it. Inside lighting was dim but inviting, casting a florescent hue on the surroundings. He spotted her instantly¡ªRemi. Her vibrant blue hair gently brushed against her shoulders, contrasting beautifully against the dark crimson dress she wore. It was simple yet elegant, hugging her curves in all the right places and her neckline was daring enough to catch attention but tasteful enough to leave things to the imagination. August approached with hands tucked casually into his pockets, suppressing the slight jolt in his chest. ''She cleans up nice.'' Remi looked up and grinned mischievously. "Wow, you''re not late. I''m shocked." August pulled out a chair and sat opposite her. "Had to show up on time. I heard rumors you bite." Remi leaned forward and rested her chin on her hand. "Only if I like you." August smirked. "Good thing I''m a fan of danger." The conversation flowed smoothly like rivers merging without resistance. They joked about everything¡ªbad coffee at random cafes, August''s tendency to vanish for days (which he blamed on ''business''), and even reminisced about their first meeting at her cyber cafe store, where August had been awkwardly trying to fix a computer issue. "Remember that time you saved me from those idiots working for my ex?" Remi said suddenly, invoking laughter as she sipped her wine. "God, the way you dealt with those guys like some martial arts lord... You were so cool." August chuckled while shaking his head. "I wasn''t even trying to be heroic. I just wanted to get my key and leave. But no¡ªyou just had to be a damsel in distress." Remi leaned back while still chuckling. "Hey, I didn''t ask them to be creeps. Besides, admit it¡ªyou enjoyed playing the hero." August shrugged with a playful grin. "Maybe. But your taste in men is horrible, by the way." Remi dramatically gasped before placing a hand over her heart. "Says the man who hasn''t dated in¡ªoh wait, ever." August rolled his eyes, but his smile remained. "I''ve got a lot on my plate, Remi. Relationships aren''t exactly on the priority list right now." sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Remi''s gaze softened for a split second before the familiar smirk returned. "Good. I''m not asking for your heart. Just your time." They ended up at a lively bar later in the night. Lights flickered as music thumped softly in the background. Remi had successfully convinced August to join her for drinks, challenging him to a shot contest. "Alright," Remi declared before slamming two shot glasses on the table. "If I win, you come back to my place and you can''t say no to whatever happens." August raised an eyebrow. "And if I win?" Remi tilted her head, pretending to think. "I''ll still take you home." August chuckled. "Sounds like a scam." They started with tequila shots. Remi downed hers like a champion, slamming the glass with a victorious grin. August followed, unfazed. Four shots in, Remi''s cheeks flushed a rosy pink. Her words slurred slightly, and her giggles grew louder. However, August remained steady. His metabolism had most likely benefited from his Enders Light stat integration. "You''re cheating," Remi pouted while pointing an accusing finger. "No one''s this sober after five shots." August leaned back with a smirk. "Maybe I''m just built differently." As Remi got up to stretch¡ªshe stumbled and fell forward¡ªa man from across the bar reached out and grabbed her waist inappropriately. "Hey there, sweetheart," the guy slurred with a slimy and unwelcome grin. "Why don''t you ditch the pretty boy and come sit with me?" His right hand reached down and groped her soft buttocks. Remi yanked herself from him but his grip tightened. Before August even processed it fully, he was on his feet. His hand shot out, gripping the man''s wrist. "Let go," August voiced coldly. The creep sneered. "Or what, pretty boy?" August didn''t bother with another warning. In the next instant, his fist shot upwards, delivering a clean uppercut that struck precisely at the creep''s chin. The guy''s feet left the floor as his body arched backward and swept across the air before crashing onto a nearby table with a sickening *thud*. Splinters got sent flying everywhere as the table came crumbling down. The bar went silent for a beat before gasps and murmurs erupted. August stood over him with cold eyes. "Touch her again, and you''ll leave here in pieces." He turned back to Remi, who stared at him, wide-eyed¡ªthen she burst into laughter, drunk and completely unbothered. "Damn, you''re hot when you''re violent." August sighed while shaking his head with a smirk. "Let''s get you home." And with that, they left the bar... August supported Remi''s wobbly frame as they got into a taxi. ... ... August got Remi home, supporting her unsteady steps as they stumbled into her apartment. The blue light in her cozy space gave it a warm, inviting ambiance, with soft cushions strewn around and faint music playing from a forgotten speaker. "You''re not leaving," Remi slurred slightly while gripping his wrist with surprising strength for someone who could barely walk straight. "You''re staying until I fall asleep. That''s the rule." August chuckled before shaking his head. "Since when did we agree on that rule?" "Just now," she replied while tugging him towards her bedroom. Deciding it wouldn''t hurt to stay for a little while, especially since his own apartment was just a few floors away, August relented. They collapsed onto her soft bed and Remi spread her arms out with a dramatic sigh. August sat at the edge, glancing around her room¡ªphotos from her college days pinned on the walls, little trinkets, and books stacked haphazardly on her nightstand. "You know, I miss college," Remi mumbled with her voice muffled against a pillow. "Those were the days¡ªparties, freedom, bad decisions. Like dating my ex. Ugh." August leaned back slightly with a smile. "Yeah? I barely got to enjoy college myself. Dropped out after... well, life happened." Remi turned her head and her blue hair fell messily over her face, giving her an incredibly attractive look. "You should go back. You''re smart, August. You''d kill it." He shrugged. "Got too much on my plate now. Life doesn''t exactly pause so I can get a degree." Remi huffed while rolling over to face him fully. "You''re always so serious. Lighten up, Mr. Mysterious. Life''s short." Eventually, her words grew softer, and her eyelids drooped. August figured she''d finally dozed off. Carefully, he shifted, trying to slide off the bed without waking her. But the moment he moved, Remi''s arm shot out like a reflex, wrapping tightly around his torso and pulling him back down with surprising force. "Nope," she mumbled and buried her face against his chest. "Remi, c''mon¡­" August sighed with an amused and slightly exasperated expression. Before he could protest further, she shifted and straddled his waist before dropping her face till it was inches from his. Her eyes fluttered half-open, glassy with sleep and residual alcohol. "You''re kinda hot, you know that?" she whispered as her fingers traced the line of his jaw. "Scratched that... You''re not kinda hot, you''re really hot." Before he could respond, she leaned in and pressed her lips against his in a brief, unexpected kiss. Her warmth lingered for a moment before she slumped against him completely, falling asleep right there with her arms still tightly wrapped around him. August stared at the ceiling as his heart raced slightly¡ªnot from the kiss, but from the sheer awkwardness of the situation. He tried to gently peel her off, but her grip was ironclad. "You''ve got to be kidding me," he muttered to himself and resigned to his fate. He knew if he used any more force she''d wake up and he didn''t want to struggle with how she might act under the influence so he let things be. Her soft breathing eventually lulled the room into silence. Despite the awkwardness, there was something comforting about the warmth of another person. August sighed as his thoughts drifted to everything¡ªhis life, the game, Sophia, AM Coven. But at that moment, none of it seemed as pressing. Eventually, his own eyes grew heavy, and he drifted off to sleep with Remi still nestled against him. Chapter 183 - 183: Coincidence? In the late nights, the moon hung high above the city illuminating the structures with its silver glow. Perched atop one of these steel giants, four figures crouched in the shadows with their eyes locked onto the twelfth-floor penthouse of a nearby building¡ªAM Coven. The one leading the operation, Drakos, stood at the edge with his thick arms crossed over his chest. He had deep scars across his knuckles and his reputation in the Oni terrorist network was as solid as his muscle-bound frame. Orlma who stood right beside him, adjusted her night-vision goggles and took a deep breath. Her silver-blond hair was tied into a tight ponytail and she bore a calm expression. Unlike Drakos, she was methodical, favoring intelligence over brute force. Lyriss, clad in an all-black bodysuit, leaned against a steel beam, casually flipping a throwing knife between her fingers. Being a trained assassin with multiple confirmed kills, she was efficient and deadly¡ªwords were often a waste of her breath. The fourth figure, Fox, was the most composed, yet the most cautious. She wore a demonic fox mask that concealed most of her features but her alert posture showed her experience. Her previous encounter with Aleman had left her wary¡ªsomething the others failed to understand. "He''s just a player, Fox," Drakos scoffed while cracking his knuckles. "One guy against the four of us? This shouldn''t take anything." Fox let out a sigh before turning to face him. "You weren''t there," she stated. "I was. You think I came back in one piece by luck?" Drakos waved her off. "Tch. Your team was weak." Fox''s fingers curled slightly, but she held her temper in check. "You don''t know what you''re talking about," she snapped. "Aleman isn''t normal. I don''t know how or why, but I watched my subordinates get obliterated when we engaged him. We underestimated him, just like you''re doing now. And if you go in thinking this is a walk in the park, you''ll be the next one to lose your head." Silence settled between them for a brief moment, broken only by the distant sounds of the city traffic. Orlma decided to step in. "She has a point," Orlma mused. "We know that AM Coven is a business front, but it''s more than that. Aleman''s popularity has skyrocketed, and with it, his resources. What if he has security measures in place?" Drakos frowned, unwilling to back down. "We''ve taken down bigger threats. What could he possibly have?" Fox scoffed. "How about cybernetic bodyguards?" Lyriss, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke. "I did my research," she voiced with a low tone. "There are five heavily armed guards in AM Coven. They don''t just stand around looking pretty. I watched footage¡ªone of them took down a thief in under two seconds. We don''t know what else they''re capable of." Drakos exhaled through his nose with irritation but listened. "Fine. Then what do you suggest?" Fox folded her arms. "We have to be strategic. Rushing in won''t work. We need to lure him out, away from his base." Orlma smirked slightly. "And how do you propose we do that?" S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Fox tilted her head. "Easy. We hit something he values." Drakos'' brows furrowed. "AM Coven?" Fox shook her head. "Too risky. His security is tight there. But he has connections¡ªpeople he trusts." Lyriss caught on immediately. "His companions?" Drakos'' grin widened. "That''s cold. I like it." Fox turned to glare at him. "We did abduct a previous buyer of his and while it worked at the time, he still managed to outsmart us so no..." Drakos scowled. "Why not? It''s a surefire way to get him where we want." Fox shook her head. "It would bring too much heat down on us. If we go after civilians, the feds will get involved. And trust me, we don''t want that." Orlma nodded in agreement. "Fox is right. We need a target that matters to him but won''t send every law enforcement agency our way." Lyriss smirked. "His business partner? The guy who runs things when he isn''t around?" Fox''s expression remained neutral. "What did I just say about going after his companions?" Drakos cracked his knuckles. "If you don''t have a plan, then keep quiet, Fox." Lyriss turned back to AM Coven, watching the building''s security feed through her linked visor. "We monitor for now. We track his movements, his habits. We find the moment when he''s most vulnerable and strike when he least expects it." Drakos grinned. "Now you''re talking my language." "You guys better not come crying to me when this fails," Fox stated with a cold look. "Lighten up Fox. We''ll be saving your reputation as well when we have Aleman where we want him..." ... ... August had barely stepped into his apartment when Sophia turned from the couch with her arms crossed, and a knowing smirk on her face. She had been watching a drama on her tablet, but the moment her brother entered, all her attention shifted to him. "So," her eyes sparkled mischievously as she began. "How was your date?" August sighed while rolling his shoulders as he walked toward the fridge. "It wasn''t a date," he replied before grabbing a bottle of water and taking a long sip. "Mhm, sure." Sophia leaned back on the couch, clearly enjoying herself. "Did you guys kiss? Wait, wait¡ªdid you end up at her place?" She gasped dramatically. "August, don''t tell me you¡ª" "We drank, we talked, and she got drunk." He cut her off. "That''s it." "That''s it?" Sophia raised a brow. "You expect me to believe that you spent the night with a gorgeous blue-haired woman and nothing happened?" August sighed again while rubbing his temples. "Sophia, I''m too tired for this conversation." "Translation: ''I totally got laid, but I don''t want to admit it,''" she teased before flipping back to her tablet. Before August could shoot back a response, his phone vibrated in his pocket. He pulled it out, noticing a message from Derrick. Derrick: _Hey, bro. You might wanna get to AM Coven ASAP. A detective is here asking for Aleman._ August frowned. That was unexpected. He had no reason to have law enforcement sniffing around. AM Coven was legitimate. He wasn''t doing anything illegal¡ªwell, nothing that the authorities knew about, anyway. "What''s up?" Sophia noticed his change in expression. "Something at AM Coven," he grabbed his Aleman helmet from the nearby shelf and kept it in his inventory. "I''ll be back later." "You sure you''re not just running away from my questions?" she called after him as he headed for the door. "Absolutely," he said dryly before stepping out. --- By the time August arrived at AM Coven, he immediately noticed a different energy in the air. The usual vibe of business was still present¡ªcustomers browsing through displayed game items, discussing trades, and extracting new things from Enders Light¡ªbut there was a subtle shift in tension among the employees. They were stealing glances toward the main lobby, where a man in a dark trench coat stood speaking with Derrick. August adjusted his posture into something more assertive as he took on Aleman''s persona. "Something I can help you with?" his voice carried the same confidence he always projected as Aleman. The detective turned and scrutinized him. "Aleman, I presume?" His voice was deep, and there was a hardened look in his eyes, the type only someone who had seen too much of the world possessed. "That''s me," August replied. "And you are?" "Detective Marcus Wright," the man introduced himself while pulling out a badge and flashing it briefly before tucking it back into his coat. "Mind if we have a chat?" "That depends." August tilted his head slightly. "Is this about business? Because if it is, I''d prefer to keep things out in the open." He gestured at the surrounding employees and customers. Wright smirked. "Let''s just say it''s about something a little... bigger than just business. Somewhere private would be preferable." August exchanged a glance with Derrick before nodding. "Follow me." He led the detective into one of the soundproof meeting rooms he had installed for private dealings. It was a bit dark and professionally designed to fit the futuristic aesthetic of AM Coven. He gestured for the detective to take a seat across the metal table before sitting himself. Wright wasted no time. "You''ve been making waves, Aleman. Not just in Enders Light, but out here in the real world too." August leaned back in his chair, feigning indifference. "I run a business. It''s bound to get attention." "This isn''t about business." Wright clasped his hands together. "It''s about the way you''ve been involved in some... unusual incidents." August remained silent, waiting for the detective to elaborate. "A few months ago, a certain hospital patient miraculously survived a fatal wound after an unknown individual interfered with a surgery. That same unknown individual also helped track down two Oni-affiliated criminals a little while later." Wright''s gaze sharpened. "And more recently, there was an attempted assassination on Celeste Montgomery, where a mysterious figure in high-tech gear intervened at just the right moment." August barely blinked. "That''s quite the coincidence." "Coincidence?" Wright chuckled before shaking his head. "I don''t believe in coincidences, Aleman. And here''s what''s got me really interested¡ªyou seem to have access to things no one else does. Tech beyond what should be possible. Chapter 184 - 184: Car Hunting "I don''t believe in coincidences, Aleman. And here''s what''s got me really interested¡ªyou seem to have access to things no one else does. Tech beyond what should be possible... Weapons, armor, enhancements that aren''t commercially available anywhere else." August stayed composed. "I run a business that deals in advanced game-extracted items. It''s all perfectly legal and registered." "Maybe." Wright nodded. "But what happens when items from Enders Light start making their way into hands they shouldn''t be in? What happens when an unregistered, untraceable weapon gets used in a crime? Do you think the authorities are just going to sit back and let it happen?" August exhaled through his nose. "I don''t sell to criminals." "Not intentionally." Wright narrowed his eyes. "But the bigger you get, the harder it''ll be to control who gets what." August folded his hands on the table. "So what exactly are you here for, Detective? Because I doubt you came all this way just to give me a morality lecture." Wright smirked. "You''re right. I''m here to make you an offer." August frowned. "An offer?" "Join us. Work with the task force we''re putting together. We need people with abilities like yours to help keep the supernatural threats in check. The Oni aren''t the only ones playing around with things they shouldn''t be. And I have a feeling you''d rather be ahead of the curve rather than behind it." August chuckled while shaking his head. "Yeah, sorry. I don''t do ''teams.'' I ride solo." Wright wasn''t surprised. "Didn''t think you''d agree right away. But think about it, Aleman. The world is changing faster than you realize. And sooner or later, you''ll have to pick a side." He stood up before adjusting his coat. "If you ever change your mind, contact me." He dropped a card before turning around to leave. August watched him leave, deep in thought. The detective''s words lingered in his mind, but he wasn''t about to let himself get roped into whatever organization Wright was working for. He had enough on his plate already. ... ... (( Many Hours Later )) The night sky above the endless expanse of Shadowvale Ravine was illuminated by bursts of magical energy, streaks of light, and occasional explosions. August¡ªAleman in the game¡ªswiftly dodged the swipes of a towering Shadow Goliath, a Level 50 monster with thick tar skin that absorbed most physical attacks. His Phantom Blitz activated, teleporting him behind the beast as his Dual Crescent Daggers carved through its defenses with each strike. [Critical Hit! -3,620 HP] The Shadow Goliath howled and staggered forward as Boris came crashing in with his massive battle axe, cleaving through its side with a mighty swing. [Boris activates: Berserker''s Wrath!] [+30% Attack Speed, +20% Damage for 15 seconds] The monster reeled, but before it could recover, Lilo fired an arrow crackling with electric energy, piercing straight into its exposed eye. [Lilo activates: Thunder Fang Arrow!] [Weakness Exploit! -5,200 HP] The creature let out a final roar before collapsing in a heap and disintegrating into shadowy wisps. Loot notifications filled their vision. --- August flicked open his Player Status Panel, checking out his stats. << Player Status Panel >> Name: Aleman Class: Assassin/Mage Title: Sovereign of Anti-Darkness Level: 42 EXP: 1,490,500/3,250,000 HP: 26,500/26,500 MP: 17,300/17,300 Gold: 6,720 Power Level: Tier 2 "Damn, still a ways to go," August muttered with a sigh. Ezran had also just checked his stats. "You''re catching up, though. At this rate, you''ll hit 45 before the tournament." Greg pounded his chest. "Lord Aleman! I have officially hit Level 25! Witness my growth!" August chuckled before sheathing his daggers. "Proud of you, Greg. But maybe let''s celebrate when you stop screaming and running every time you get hit." Greg gasped. "How dare you! That''s called tactical repositioning." Lilo snorted, but her laughter quickly faded as August glanced at her. He recalled how she''d been keeping busy outside the game. Work had been weighing her down, yet she never talked about it. "You''re falling behind a bit, Lilo. Everything okay?" August asked casually. Lilo stiffened for a moment before shrugging. "Just busy with¡­ things. Nothing major." Boris gave her a sideways glance. "You sure? You used to be ahead of us all." "I said I''m fine," Lilo insisted, forcing a grin. "Besides, it''s not like you guys don''t slack off." Ezran adjusted his glasses. "I take offense to that. I am never slacking. I simply optimize my efforts." Before August could push further, a world notification appeared before them. [World Notification: The Grand Tournament of Astralis will commence in two weeks (game time)! Seek out your qualification token from the royal courts if you wish to participate!] A murmur passed between the players in the grinding zone. August narrowed his eyes, recalling that he and his group already had qualification tokens, courtesy of Lord Cavriel. But what truly caught his attention was a subsequent notification. [Tournament Grand Prize Announced!] [Amongst the rare treasures up for grabs, the legendary artifact ''Fruit of Death'' will be awarded to the victor!] The entire zone exploded into a frenzy. "The Fruit of Death?" Ezran repeated in shock. Lilo''s eyes widened. "I thought that was a myth." Greg was already shaking August''s arm like an excited child. "LORD ALEMAN, DO YOU KNOW WHAT THIS MEANS?" August let out a low whistle. "A fruit that grants unlimited HP if consumed in the game but if extracted into reality¡­ rumored to grant eternal life?" Boris clenched his fists. "Every top-tier player is going to be after this." August''s smirk deepened. "All the more reason to grind harder." The group shared determined nods. The stakes had just skyrocketed, and they were about to push themselves harder than ever. ... ... (( Later In The Morning )) The city bustled with life as August stepped out of his apartment, dressed casually in a black hoodie and ripped jeans. His sister, Sophia, had already gone to school, leaving him free for the day. He checked his phone, scrolling through AM Coven''s financial reports once again. The numbers were staggering¡ªover three million dollars in revenue within a month. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. His previous savings of six hundred thousand dollars felt like pocket change in comparison. "Alright," he muttered to himself. "Time to get a car¡­ or two." He called a ride and headed toward one of the largest luxury car dealerships in the city. When he arrived, the vast showroom caught his eye. Rows of high-end vehicles lined the space, all looking enticing. A sharply dressed salesman with neatly slicked-back hair approached him with a professional smile. "Good afternoon, sir! Welcome to Imperial Motors. Looking for something in particular today?" August returned the smile. "Yeah, I need two cars." The salesman raised an eyebrow but maintained his composure. "Two? Well, you''ve come to the right place. May I ask what kind of vehicles you''re looking for?" August pocketed his hands as he walked past a black sports car. "One needs to be something modest but stylish. Comfortable, not too flashy. The other¡­" His lips curled into a small smirk. "The other needs to be something that turns heads." The salesman''s eyes lit up with interest. "I see. Well, let''s start with the modest one. May I suggest this Audi A6? It has a luxurious feel but doesn''t scream, ''look at me.'' Great for blending in, but still a car that speaks of success." August walked around the Audi, running his fingers along its polished frame. "I like it. Black or navy blue?" "We have both in stock," the salesman replied smoothly. August nodded. "I''ll take the navy blue one." The salesman''s eyebrows shot up slightly, impressed by the immediate decision. "Excellent choice! Now, for the second car¡­ I assume something a little more¡­ dramatic?" August chuckled. "Very. Show me the best high-performance cars you''ve got." The salesman led him further down the showroom, where the true beasts were displayed. August''s eyes landed on a metallic silver Lamborghini Aventador. The sharp angles, the aggressive stance, and the sheer presence of the car were exactly what he wanted. Something that made an undeniable statement. "That one," August pointed to the Lamborghini. The salesman grinned. "Ah, excellent taste! This is the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, one of the most powerful supercars available. V12 engine, 770 horsepower, and an exterior that practically demands attention." August smirked. "Perfect." The salesman nodded and gestured toward the main desk. "Shall we proceed with the paperwork?" August followed him, knowing that for this purchase, he''d have to use two different identities. For the Audi, he''d register under his real name, but for the Lamborghini, he''d have to use his shadow identity¡ªAleman. He already had the necessary arrangements in place, a secure offshore account under Aleman''s name, making the purchase seamless and untraceable to August Clementine. As he sat in the leather chair, finalizing the deals, the salesman chuckled. "Most people hesitate or take weeks to decide on a purchase like this. You seem to know exactly what you want." August shrugged. "When you know what fits you, there''s no point in delaying." The salesman nodded in agreement. "Very well said, sir." Chapter 185 - 185: The Heist After an hour of paperwork and processing, August finally stepped outside to see both of his new cars lined up side by side. The Audi A6 for his everyday self, and the Lamborghini Aventador for his alter ego, Aleman. The salesman handed him both sets of keys. "Congratulations, sir. Enjoy your new rides." August grinned as he took the keys. "Oh, I will." He climbed into the Audi first, making sure it was registered in his name and everything checked out before taking it for a short spin around the city. Once he was satisfied, he returned to the dealership, switched to the Lamborghini, and revved the engine. The deep, thunderous roar sent a thrill down his spine. He smirked to himself. "Yeah¡­ this is the one." With both vehicles acquired, August now had the perfect cover. One car for his normal life, and one that fit his more infamous persona. He had made the car dealer sign an NDA concerning this transaction so he was sure this could never come back to be a problem in the future. ... ... The morning air was still crisp and the roads were only beginning to see the day''s traffic as a large truck rumbled down the highway, en route to Faith Specialist Hospital. The vehicle, heavily secured, carried an invaluable cargo¡ªfresh batches of health potions, a vital supply that had become a staple in the medical field due to their ability to expedite healing at an astonishing rate. Of course, they had just acquired this from AM coven since August had a deal with the hospital where he sent out batches of Health Potions weekly and this was yet another week. The driver, a burly man named Carl, whistled a tune as he navigated through the roads, while his co-driver, a leaner man named Jonah, sat beside him, sipping a lukewarm coffee. Jonah exhaled while stretching his arms. "Man, this is the easiest gig ever. Drive a truck, drop off some items, get paid. If only every job were this simple." Carl chuckled. "Yeah, easy money. Long as we don''t get jumped by some crazy assholes looking to make a quick buck." Jonah scoffed. "Come on, who in their right mind would try to rob a truck filled with healing potions? It''s not like we''re hauling gold or anything." Unbeknownst to them, a set of motorcycles and a pair of tinted SUVs had begun tailing them, weaving through traffic as they gained ground. The riders, clad in black with helmets concealing their faces, signaled to each other with subtle gestures. The lead rider, a woman with a distinct red dragon emblem on her shoulder, gave the final cue. A sharp rev of the bikes echoed through the air as they suddenly surged forward, closing in on the truck with alarming precision. Carl caught the movement in the side mirror. "Jonah¡­ tell me I''m just being paranoid." Jonah''s relaxed posture stiffened. He turned his head and saw the swarm of masked bikers rapidly approaching. "Uh¡­ Carl, we got company." The first strike came quickly¡ªone of the bikers swerved dangerously close and launched a small, metallic device onto the truck''s rear. It latched onto the doors with a magnetic grip before sparking to life. A loud hiss filled the air as the electronic lock mechanism began to fry. "Shit! They''re trying to breach the truck!" Carl slammed his foot on the accelerator, attempting to outmaneuver them. "Hold on, this ride''s about to get bumpy!" The bikers adjusted immediately. Being on two wheels allowed them to keep pace. Jonah fumbled for the radio, trying to call for help, but before he could get a word in, a black SUV cut in front of them and slammed on the brakes. "Son of a¡ª" Carl yanked the wheel, barely managing to keep the truck from flipping as he swerved off-road onto a rough dirt path. The hijackers weren''t done. A man from the SUV leaned out of the passenger window with his face covered by a black skull mask. He raised a gloved hand, and suddenly, an invisible force yanked the driver''s side door clean off the hinges, sending it tumbling into the brush. "They got a goddamn super on their side!" Jonah yelled. Carl barely had time to react before another unseen force wrapped around him, pulling him right out of his seat and slamming him onto the road with a harsh grunt. The truck which was now out of his control, skidded to a halt as Jonah scrambled for the emergency brake. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The hijackers wasted no time. The red-emblemed biker swung onto the side of the truck and pried open the already-compromised lock. With a swift yank, the doors flew open, revealing the cargo of health potions packed in reinforced cases. "Bingo," the biker muttered under her breath. She hopped into the truck''s cargo space, signaling her crew to start unloading. Jonah, now shaking with adrenaline, lunged for the glove compartment, where he kept a small firearm. But before he could pull it free, the skull-masked man appeared at his door, reached in, and yanked the gun away with telekinetic ease. "Nice try," the man voiced with a smooth yet chilling tone. He then slammed his fist into Jonah''s face, knocking him unconscious. As the hijackers worked fast to transfer the potions into their vehicles, the red-emblemed leader pulled out a comms device and spoke into it. "Target secured. Extraction in progress. ETA: Five minutes." The wind picked up as the chaos unfolded. Birds scattered from the trees, and dust swirled in the morning light. The hijackers moved with speed and smooth teamwork. It was clear they had done this before, and they were damn good at it. But they had no idea who they had chosen to rob this time. --- Back at AM Coven, an alert blared across the private security feed. Aleman, watching from his office, immediately noticed the emergency notification flashing on the display. His eyes narrowed beneath the helmet. Derrick cursed with a troubled expression. "Looks like we got trouble." Aleman cracked his knuckles. "Then let''s make sure they regret it." ... The streets of the city roared with the blaring of sirens and the screeching of tires as police vehicles desperately chased after the hijackers. The stolen truck initially carrying AM Coven''s health potions weaved through traffic, guided by the skilled hands of the masked criminals. The operation had been meticulously planned¡ªthe thieves moved in synchronized patterns, blocking the pursuing officers with decoy vehicles and strategically placed obstacles. Among them, a single figure with a skull mask stood out. Dressed in a dark combat suit, the super being moved with unnatural agility, leaping from one getaway car to another. His eyes glowed a faint violet, a clear sign of his awakened abilities. With a single hand, he created an energy wave that sent one of the police cruisers crashing into a street lamp, forcing the others to swerve and slow down. "Damn it! We''re losing them!" one of the officers growled into his radio. Another officer cursed. "The suspects are using superhuman abilities! We need reinforcements now!" But despite their efforts, the hijackers executed a flawless escape maneuver. The remaining police vehicles were caught in a bottleneck of civilian traffic, allowing the criminals to slip into the labyrinth of the city''s industrial sector. Within moments, the cops had completely lost track of the stolen truck. However, the thieves had underestimated one thing¡ªAleman''s foresight. --- A few miles away, seated inside a black Lamborghini, Aleman watched everything unfold on a display projected from his wrist device. "Predictable," he muttered to himself. With a flick of his fingers, he zoomed in on the blinking red dot marking the truck''s location. They were heading towards the city''s eastern sector¡ªan abandoned warehouse district notorious for black market deals. "They''re making it too easy," Aleman mused before gripping the wheel. The engine of the Lamborghini roared to life as he shifted gears and floored the accelerator. The vehicle shot forward like a bullet, swerving through lanes at breakneck speed. Neon lights streaked past him in a blur as he navigated the streets with accuracy. This was like giving the new sports car a test drive. Within minutes, he had already closed the distance. The police had lost track of them¡ªhe wouldn''t. Aleman''s eyes narrowed beneath his helmet as he accelerated, and approached the blinking dot on his GPS. The truck was slowing down near an abandoned industrial park. Classic. A group of masked men and women gathered outside the truck, unloading the stolen cargo into different vehicles. Their movements were precise and well-rehearsed. Not amateurs. But Aleman wasn''t here to admire their efficiency. He parked a short distance away, stepping out as his futuristic suit glinted under the dim streetlights. The wind howled through the empty space between them, but his footsteps were silent as he moved forward. One of the masked thieves, a burly man holding an assault rifle, suddenly tensed. "Yo, who the hell¡ª?" Aleman vanished. He reappeared behind the man in an instant, using Phantom Blitz to close the distance. A sharp elbow to the back of the head sent the thug crashing to the ground, unconscious before he could react. The others snapped into action, raising their weapons. "It''s... Aleman!" one of them shouted. Chapter 186 - 186: Successful Retrieval A tall figure stepped forward from the group. Unlike the others, this man wasn''t masked. His bald head gleamed under the flickering warehouse lights, and his eyes burned with an unnatural glow. "Well, well¡­ I was wondering when you''d show up," the man cracked his knuckles while speaking. "Name''s Scythe. And you? You just walked into your grave." Aleman tilted his head slightly. "Is that so?" Scythe grinned before lunging forward. His speed was unnatural and his movements seemed quite inhuman. ''A super-powered individual for sure...'' August said internally as he watched his fist shoot out like a bullet, aimed straight at his head. But Aleman wasn''t an ordinary man either... And now they could confirm the rumors themselves. He activated Perfect Veil in an instant causing his body to fade into the darkness as he evaded the punch easily. Scythe''s punch connected with nothing but air, his smug expression replaced with surprise. Then, Aleman struck. A precise strike to Scythe''s ribs sent the man skidding back, but he barely seemed fazed. His enhanced physiology allowed him to tank hits that would have shattered normal bones. "Cute trick," Scythe smirked. "My turn." His entire arm glowed as he swung his arm. An invisible powerful force swept forward, cracking the pavement beneath them. Aleman ducked to evade the telekinetic surge, but the air pressure alone sent him sliding back. He immediately appeared visible again. "Guns up! Take him down!" one of the goons shouted. The other hijackers opened fire. Bullets whizzed through the air, flashing like tiny comets. Aleman darted through the chaos, teleporting short distances with Phantom Blitz to avoid the hailstorm of lead. He leapt onto the side of the truck, using it as cover before launching into action once more. It was time to end this. Aleman lifted his hand with mana crackling between his fingertips. The air around him buzzed with electricity as he summoned his most devastating real-world ability¡ªThunderspear. Lightning gathered, forming into a massive javelin of pure destruction. The sky rumbled ominously as he hurled it with pinpoint accuracy toward the incoming goons. The impact was cataclysmic. A blinding explosion of light illuminated the day as the Thunderspear crashed into the pavement, sending shockwaves rippling outward. Vehicles flipped, metal screeched, and bodies were flung back by the sheer force. The few hijackers still standing quite a distance from the point of impact, gaped in horror. Scythe groaned while trying to pull himself up from the debris as his body still vibrated with residual energy. His cocky demeanor was gone. Like many others, his body was scorched and lightning arcs occasionally ran across his physique. "You¡ª" he coughed. "You''re a damn monster." Aleman stepped forward, unfazed. "You picked the wrong target." Scythe snarled while charging forward once again. Aleman thrust his leg forward, landing a heavy kick on his chest that sent Scythe flying. He immediately passed out. Sirens wailed in the background. The police had finally caught up. The remaining hijackers were left scattered across the area, moaning in pain as the flashing red-and-blue lights flooded the scene. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Aleman took one last glance at the vehicles in the surroundings, making sure the health potions were intact. Mission accomplished. As the police swarmed the area, he turned away and slipped back into the shadows. ... ... The news was abuzz once again with headlines plastered all over media outlets. "Masked Vigilante Aleman Takes Down Criminal Group Hijacking Medical Supplies" "Who is Aleman? The Mysterious Miracle Man Strikes Again!" Footage of the high-speed chase and Aleman''s precise takedown of the criminals played repeatedly on TV and social media platforms. Turns out CCTV was everywhere. Many were hailing him as a guardian of the city, while others debated if he was a dangerous individual operating outside the law. Either way, his name had gained even more traction. At Faith Specialist Hospital, Aleman sat across from the board of directors in their modern conference room. The atmosphere was tense but not hostile. Dr. Lyle Harrington, the hospital''s director, leaned forward with fingers interlocked as he studied Aleman''s masked figure. "While we deeply appreciate your swift action in recovering the stolen health potions, we can''t ignore the fact that our supplies were nearly lost to criminals. This is a multi-million-dollar operation, Aleman. We need assurance that such an incident will not happen again." Aleman nodded slightly, fully expecting this conversation. "I understand your concerns, Dr. Harrington. That''s why I propose a new security measure." The room went silent as everyone focused on him. "From now on," Aleman continued, "one of my elite guards will accompany every delivery from AM Coven to Faith Specialist Hospital. They''ll ensure that the supplies arrive without a hitch." Dr. Harrington exchanged glances with the other board members before exhaling in relief. "That sounds like a reasonable solution. We don''t want another incident, and this additional measure will provide some much-needed reassurance." A few murmurs of agreement circulated around the table before Dr. Harrington nodded firmly. "Alright, we''ll implement this immediately." With that settled, Aleman left the hospital and returned to AM Coven. Business had to go on, and he had no intention of letting the robbery disrupt the day''s operations. --- (( Later That Evening )) The day was winding down, and AM Coven was as lively as ever. Players were exchanging game-extracted items, negotiating deals, and browsing the ever-growing collection of game artifacts. Aleman was overseeing the operations when Derrick approached him. "Aleman," Derrick said in a low voice. "Detective Wright is here again. He''s waiting in the private lounge." Aleman sighed. He had a feeling Wright wasn''t here for pleasantries. He made his way to the lounge and stepped inside to find Detective Wright sitting casually on one of the leather couches, sipping from a small glass of water. He had the air of a man who was about to make another offer that Aleman wouldn''t want to accept. "Detective Wright," Aleman greeted while closing the door behind him. Wright looked up with his usual composed expression in place. "Aleman. Quite the eventful morning, wasn''t it?" Aleman sat across from him. "If you''re here to talk about the robbery, I already have new security measures in place. It won''t happen again." Wright smirked. "Oh, I''m sure it won''t. But that''s not why I''m here." He set the glass down on the table. "This city has been facing an increase in supernatural-related crimes. The robbery today was just another sign that things are escalating." Aleman remained silent, waiting for him to get to the point. Wright leaned forward. "We need someone who understands supernatural elements to lead the Supernatural Task Force. And we believe you''re the right person for the job." Aleman let out a dry chuckle. "Let me get this straight. You want me, someone who operates independently, to work directly with law enforcement? To take orders?" Wright smirked. "Not exactly. You wouldn''t be taking orders. You''d be leading. We''d give you resources, classified intel, and a team. But you''d run it your way." Aleman leaned back and crossed his arms. "And what makes you think I''d agree?" "Because," Wright leaned in closer, "you''re already doing it. You took down the Onis before, helped in critical situations, and now you just prevented millions of dollars worth of health potions from falling into the wrong hands. You''re already protecting this city. I''m offering you the means to do it more effectively." Aleman remained silent for a moment. It was an interesting offer, but he wasn''t the kind of person to be tied down to an organization. After a pause, he finally spoke. "I''ll think about it." Wright smirked. "That''s all I ask." He stood up and adjusted his coat. "We''ll be in touch." As he walked out, Aleman exhaled deeply. It seemed like his actions were drawing more and more attention, and not just from the public. The game he was playing in real life was becoming just as dangerous as the one in Enders Light. ... ... Rachel Valentine shuffled through the stacks of files in her small, dimly lit cubicle. The clock on the wall read past midnight, and most of her colleagues had long since gone home, but she, as usual, had nowhere to go. The city outside pulsed with night lights, but she remained trapped in this corporate cage, paying off a debt that never seemed to shrink. Her ears perked up when she heard voices drifting from the executive offices at the far end of the hallway. She recognized one immediately¡ªMr. Grayson Calloway, her direct superior, the balding man with fox eyes and a cruel smirk that never seemed to fade. "The AM Coven deal is still stuck. Aleman isn''t biting," a gruff voice muttered. Rachel froze. ''AM Coven?'' "We keep offering shares, but he''s turning us down every damn time," another voice chimed in. "I don''t get it. We could make a fortune investing in that place. If he opens up, the revenue would be astronomical." "Aleman''s too smart to just sign a deal that benefits us more than him," Grayson said dryly. "He knows his worth. Unlike most people." Chapter 187 - 187: Taming Failed! Rachel''s heart pounded. ''Could this Aleman be the same Aleman from Enders Light?'' She wondered if it was the one she had been gaming with for months now... The very same person who had become a close friend in-game. She clenched her fists. If it was the same Aleman, then this was her chance. Her only chance. Summoning every ounce of courage, she straightened her blazer and walked toward Grayson''s office. She knocked twice, then pushed the door open without waiting for a response. Grayson looked up from his desk with an arched brow. The other executives in the room eyed her with disinterest until she stepped forward and spoke. "I have a proposal." Grayson leaned back in his chair. "Valentine, it''s late. What could you possibly have to say that''s worth my time?" Rachel took a deep breath. "I heard you talking about AM Coven. You want Aleman to accept the deal and open up for shares. I can make that happen." A smirk curled Grayson''s lips. The other executives chuckled dismissively. "And what makes you think you can succeed where our professionals have failed?" one of them sneered. Rachel met Grayson''s gaze with unwavering determination. "That''s not your concern. What matters is the deal gets done." Grayson studied her for a moment, then leaned forward before tapping his fingers together. "And what do you want in return, Valentine?" She exhaled. "My debt. Erase it. Let me go." The office fell silent. The other executives exchanged glances, and Grayson''s smirk deepened into something more predatory. "That''s a bold request," he murmured. "And what happens if you fail?" Rachel forced herself to keep standing tall, even as every instinct screamed at her to run. Grayson pushed himself up from his chair and rounded the desk, stopping directly in front of her. He reached out and brushed a finger down the lapel of her blazer. "If you fail¡­ then you pay me another way." Rachel''s stomach turned, but she didn''t flinch. She had always known what kind of man Grayson was. She had always known what kind of power he wielded. But she also knew one thing for certain¡ª She could not fail. She lifted her chin and met his gaze. "I won''t fail." Grayson chuckled. "Then we have a deal." Rachel turned sharply on her heels and walked out, keeping her breath steady until she was clear of the office. Once she was back in the empty hallway, she pressed her palm against the wall, trying to calm the tremor in her hands. ''Aleman¡­ whoever you are, wherever you are¡­ you''re my way out of this hell.'' ... ... August swung his blade through the thick underbrush of the Verdant Wilds, slicing away thick vines as he and his team ventured deeper into the wilderness. The jungle air was dense and thick with humidity, and the distant growls and howls of various beasts echoed through the trees. It had been two days since the World Announcement had declared a player had tamed a permanent mount, and now, everyone was out hunting. ------- [WORLD ANNOUNCEMENT: Player GaleStorm has become the first to tame a mount! Infernal Sabercat has been subdued and permanently bound!] ------- Ezran wiped the sweat off his brow while glancing at August. "Remind me again why we''re doing this? We''ve fought through packs of Feral Clawbeasts, a whole den of Razorfang Wolves, and a ridiculously aggressive Forest Stag, yet not a single taming attempt has worked." "Because, my dear Ezran, a mount might be the edge we need for the tournament," August responded while scanning the surroundings. "Besides, imagine how cool we''ll look riding into battle." "Yeah, real cool," Boris grumbled while cracking his knuckles. "If we don''t get trampled by another pissed-off bear first." [System Notification: A wild Steelhide Boar (Lv. 41) has appeared nearby!] The rustling of leaves was quickly followed by a deep snort. A Steelhide Boar which was a massive beast with dark grey armor-like skin and crimson tusks, stomped into view. It was at least seven feet tall at the shoulder, its breath steaming in the cool night air. Lilo would have loved this, August thought briefly before shaking his head and getting focused. "Alright, guys," August pulled out his daggers. "We need a plan." "Yeah, here''s the plan," Gregarious said, grinning as he pointed his sword at the beast. "I hit it, it gets mad, and we tame it. Simple." Ezran groaned. "You''re an idiot." Before anyone could object, Gregarious charged with his sword raised. The Steelhide Boar roared and kicked up dirt as it charged at him with terrifying speed. [System Notification: Gregarious has lost 3,800 HP!] Greg slammed into a tree with a loud thud after a powerful collision. "Ow," he muttered while sliding down the bark. "Well, that worked perfectly," Ezran deadpanned. "Shut up," Greg muttered. Boris didn''t wait. He leaped forward with his Berserker Axe glowing as he brought it down on the boar''s thick hide. [System Notification: Boris has dealt 2,200 damage! The Steelhide Boar''s HP is now at 88%.] The beast bellowed in rage but was still standing strong. August analyzed the situation and dodged as the boar rampaged around, swiping its tusks at Ezran and Gregarious. Attacking it alone wouldn''t work. They had to weaken it further, and then find a way to subdue it. He was about to suggest a strategy when a World Chat Notification appeared. [Player ''Riven'' has successfully tamed a Lightning Strider! The first player to acquire a C-Rank mount! Congratulations!] The group collectively froze. "A Lightning Strider?" Ezran''s eyes widened. "Those things can move at insane speeds! He''s definitely gonna be a monster in the tournament!" "We need a mount," Boris muttered before dodging another tusk swipe. August sighed. "Yeah, but we can''t just punch the boar into submission." Gregarious who was still brushing himself off from his failed attack, raised a finger. "Actually¡­ maybe we can." The group turned to him. "I read somewhere that some beasts will only recognize you as their master if you dominate them in combat. If we get its health low enough, we can trigger the Submission Prompt." Boris cracked his knuckles. "Now that I can do." Ezran sighed. "Of course, the only way to tame a beast is to beat the crap out of it first." August smiled. "Alright, let''s do this." They surrounded the boar and worked together, whittling down its health bit by bit while dodging its fierce charges. [System Notification: Steelhide Boar HP at 18%! Initiating Submission Phase...] A glowing Tame Prompt appeared before August. [Would you like to attempt taming the Steelhide Boar?] [Success Rate: 22%] [Failure will result in enraging the beast further.] [Confirm?] "Well, that''s a shit percentage," Gregarious stated. August exhaled. "Here goes nothing." The boar''s red eyes locked onto his the moment he pressed confirm. It growled as its form trembled between submission and defiance. The system rolled. [Taming Failed! The Steelhide Boar resists and enters Frenzy Mode!] The boar roared in fury. "Great," Boris muttered. "Now it''s mad." The boar''s muscles bulged, and it charged straight at August with terrifying speed. "Time to move," August activated Phantom Blitz. [ Phantom Blitz Has Been Activated ] In an instant, he disappeared and reappeared several feet away, causing the boar to slam into a tree. [Steelhide Boar HP -500 from impact.] Ezran shot a firebolt. "Let''s just kill it." Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. August sighed. "Agreed." And so, they fought until the boar was finally defeated. "That''s the third failed taming attempt today," Gregarious muttered. Boris wiped the sweat off his forehead. "This is going to take a while." Ezran let out a sigh. "We need a new approach." August looked around at the wilderness and muttered, "Or a new target." He glanced at the mountains in the distance, where larger, more intelligent beasts were rumored to dwell. ... ... The morning sun was already peeking through the blinds of August''s bedroom when he finally stepped out of his gaming pod. His muscles were still tense from the previous night''s grinding session in Enders Light. Despite all their efforts, he and his party still hadn''t acquired a mount. He exhaled deeply while rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "Another time," he muttered. After a quick shower and breakfast, he grabbed his phone and checked for updates. No urgent messages. That meant AM Coven was running smoothly¡ªat least for now. With a glance at the time, he stood, stretched his arms, and grabbed his keys. But first, there was a little detour to make. August drove through the quieter parts of the city, cruising through streets until he reached a secluded, abandoned parking structure... his hidden storage for his other car. Stepping out of his current vehicle, he approached a covered section of the lot and pulled away the protective tarp. The matte-black Lamborghini sat beneath it like a predator waiting to pounce. The polished surface was so smooth that he could clearly see the reflection of everything in its surroundings, including the dim light. August smirked as he pulled open his inventory and retrieved his Aleman gear¡ªhis tailored business blue suit and signature helmet. Slipping into it, the disguise felt second nature now. He was no longer August Clementine. Chapter 188 - 188: Theres Only One Way Slipping into his outfit, the disguise felt second nature now. He was no longer August Clementine. Now he was Aleman. Sliding into the driver''s seat, he ignited the engine. The Lamborghini purred to life with a deep growl before he sped out of the lot, merging onto the highway. As expected, the black vehicle immediately drew attention. Other drivers turned their heads, snapping pictures, some even attempting to keep pace. A cocky-looking guy in a modified sports car pulled up beside him at a red light, revving his engine. "Yo! Sick ride, man! Wanna test it?" he smirked while tilting his sunglasses down. Aleman turned his helmet slightly towards the guy without saying a word. Then the light turned green. He stepped on the gas. The Lamborghini lurched forward like a beast unleashed causing the world around him to blur. Within seconds, the challenger''s car was nothing more than a distant speck in his rearview mirror. "Guess that answers that," he muttered. By the time he arrived at AM Coven, the usual buzz surrounded the building. The business had gained a strong reputation among the elite and supernatural enthusiasts alike, meaning customers¡ªand even corporations¡ªwere now flocking in droves. Inside, Derrick was already waiting for him near the entrance. "We got someone here for you," Derrick informed while crossing his arms. Aleman didn''t break stride. "Let me guess¡ªanother corporation trying to invest?" "Looks like it." Derrick nodded. "She''s waiting inside your office." Aleman exhaled sharply. He had lost count of how many investors and major corporations had tried to sink their claws into AM Coven, offering him ridiculous amounts of money just to buy shares. He had zero interest in giving up control. Time to shut another one down. But when he walked into his office and laid eyes on the visitor, he froze for just a split second. A woman stood near the desk with beautiful sea-blue eyes, scanning the room before landing on him. She had light pink hair neatly tied into a professional bun and her business attire was a long-sleeved pink blouse and dark pencil skirt. However, what caught his attention the most was her name. Rachel Valentine. Or, as he knew her in Enders Light¡ªLilo. Aleman maintained his composure while stepping forward with his usual intimidating aura. "Miss Valentine," he greeted with his voice modulated slightly by the helmet. "I assume you''re here on business?" Rachel gave a tight-lipped smile, clearly professional but reserved. "Mr. Aleman, I represent Crimson Holdings, and we''re interested in acquiring a stake in AM Coven." Aleman moved around the desk and took a seat before motioning for her to do the same. "I appreciate the interest," he said smoothly, "but I''m not selling shares¡ªnot to Crimson Holdings, not to anyone." Rachel''s swallowed saliva with a bit of nervousness. "With all due respect, Mr. Aleman, our offer isn''t just about money. We''re offering a strategic partnership that could take AM Coven to greater heights. I am also a game enthusiast and I believe in the work you''ve done here for gamers. We are all inspired by it... I know I am. I know we can do more. We''ve been watching your company grow at a rapid pace, and our firm believes that¡ª" Aleman raised a gloved hand, cutting her off. "I know exactly what you''re offering." His voice was welcoming, yet firm. "But I built AM Coven from the ground up, and I have no intention of letting outside influences dictate how it operates." Rachel''s professional mask didn''t falter, but he could see the slight crease in her brow. "Not even for a deal worth twenty million dollars?" she pressed. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Aleman leaned back and tapped his fingers on the desk. "Not for fifty." Rachel''s eyes flashed with something he couldn''t quite read. Was it*frustration? Or something else? After a long silence, she stood. "I understand. Thank you for your time, Mr. Aleman." She extended a hand which displayed nails painted a deep crimson. Aleman hesitated for a fraction of a second before shaking it. ''She''s really good at this... Too bad I have no intentions of making shares available for purchase... At least not for now....'' As she turned to leave, Aleman''s instincts flared. Something felt off. Rachel had come here for a business deal, but there was something in her demeanor that didn''t quite add up. He watched her walk towards the elevator with his disturbed expression hidden underneath the helm. Then it clicked. Her body language. The way she fidgeted ever so slightly when the deal was rejected. The slight hesitation before she left, as if she wasn''t just here for the investment. Aleman''s voice cut through the silence. "Miss Valentine." Rachel stiffened. She turned back with a masked calm expression. "Yes?" Aleman stood slowly before crossing his arms. "Why do I get the feeling that this wasn''t just a business trip for you?" Rachel''s breath hitched for half a second before she quickly masked it. "I don''t know what you mean." Aleman''s visor tilted slightly. "Sure you do." Silence stretched between them. For the first time, Rachel looked uncomfortable. She quickly averted her gaze and hurried towards the elevator. Aleman watched the doors slide shut. Something wasn''t right. And he was going to find out exactly what. --- Rachel Valentine walked through the grandiose halls of Crimson Holdings as her heels clicking against the floors rang out softly. Her face was stoic and her hands were clenched into tight fists at her sides. ''It''s a different Aleman... Or not but he certainly seems different... Maybe I should have asked... *sigh*'' her mind raced with thoughts. ''What difference does it make...'' She had failed. And now she had to face the consequences. Pushing through the tall mahogany doors, she entered the high-rise executive office of Mr. Grayson¡ªher direct superior and the man who held her leash. The obese balding man was seated comfortably behind his enormous glass desk, puffing on a cigar. His beady eyes immediately locked onto her the moment she walked in. Rachel straightened her back, forcing herself to maintain composure. Grayson exhaled a cloud of smoke and smirked. "Well? I assume you''ve come bearing good news, Miss Valentine?" Rachel took a deep breath. "I failed," she admitted with a neutral tone but braced herself for what was coming next. Grayson''s smirk vanished. His thick fingers began tapping against the desk as he leaned forward. "Failed?" He let out a slow, mocking chuckle. "Failed? My, my, Rachel, I didn''t take you for the kind to waste my time." Rachel pursed her lips briefly before speaking. "Aleman refused. He has no interest in selling shares or working with Crimson Holdings. I tried every possible¡ª" "Every possible angle, my ass!" Grayson slammed his palm against the desk, making Rachel flinch slightly. "You had one job. A job I graciously gave you despite your pitiful debt-ridden ass. And you couldn''t even do that." Rachel clenched her fists. "I¡ª" "You what?" He voiced with a mocking tone as his eyes gleamed with cruel amusement. "Let me guess¡ªyou batted those pretty little blue eyes at him and hoped he''d just hand over his company? Pathetic." Rachel bit her tongue. She had learned that arguing was pointless. But the way he spoke, the way he looked at her, the way he always tried to demean her¡ªit boiled her blood. "I told you before," Grayson''s voice dropped into something more sinister. "If you failed, you''d have to pay me back another way." Rachel took a step backward as her heart thudded in her chest. "I¡ªI''ll find another way," she voiced shakily. Grayson grinned. "Oh, sweetheart. There''s only one way." And before she knew it, he was on her... Too fast. The cigar dropped as his massive hands gripped the collar of her blouse. "Don''t¡ª!" Rachel gasped as she got yanked forward with so much force that her fabric tore apart, exposing her smooth skin. The cold air hit her as she struggled. But Grayson was too strong. He spun her around and slammed her against the desk, pinning her down with his disgusting weight. Rachel thrashed wildly, kicking her legs and clawing at his arms, but he only laughed. "I own you," he growled in her ear causing his disgusting breath that reeked of cigars and whiskey to waft into her nostrils. "You really think you can just walk away?" Tears stung her eyes as rage and humiliation clashed inside her. All of a sudden¡ª BOOM. The office door blasted open. The force sent papers flying, knocking over a lamp, and causing the glass windows to rattle. A figure stepped in, silhouetted against the debris. The air shifted. The intimidating black suit. The futuristic helmet. The deep, modulated voice as the silhouette spoke. "Get your hands off her." Grayson froze with his fat fingers still clutching Rachel''s wrist. Rachel lifted her head as her breath hitched. It was him. Aleman. Grayson recovered quickly and sneered. "What the hell is this?! Who the fuck do you think you are barging into my office?" Aleman didn''t respond. Instead, he moved... In the blink of an eye, he was before them. Chapter 189 - 189: Do You Want To Come Inside? In the blink of an eye, Aleman was before them. Faster than Rachel could register, Aleman clamped his gloved hand around Grayson''s thick, greasy wrist and yanked it away from her. The sound of bones cracking rang out. "AARRGHH!" Grayson howled in agony as he fell back and clutched his mangled hand. Rachel stumbled upright while letting out labored breaths as she clutched the torn remains of her blouse. Before she could react, Aleman draped his long black coat around her shoulders, shielding her exposed skin. "Are you hurt?" His voice was calm yet bore a terrifyingly deadly tone. Rachel stared at him speechless... her body was still shaking. "N-No¡­" she managed to whisper. Aleman turned back to Grayson who was writhing on the floor, screaming in pain. "You''re making a mistake, you masked freak!" Grayson spat in fury. "I''m a powerful man! You think you can just¡ª" Aleman didn''t wait for him to finish. He cocked his fist back¡ªand then swung it forward. His punch connected with Grayson''s gut. The impact was monstrous. A sickening BOOM echoed through the room as Grayson''s body was lifted off the floor, and hurled through the air before crashing into his desk which shattered it into pieces upon impact. Silence. Aleman stood over him with a menacing demeanor. Grayson could faintly make out the 6''4 tall silhouette with a red glowing visor like he was in the presence of a demon. He groaned weakly while coughing out blood. He was barely conscious. Aleman crouched beside him. "I suggest," he said coolly, "that you forget you ever met Rachel Valentine." Grayson''s entire body trembled as sweat dripped down his forehead. "And if I ever hear about you laying a hand on any woman again," Aleman''s helmet visor glowed ominously as he leaned in close. "I''ll make sure you don''t have a dick to use." Grayson''s arrogance crumbled immediately as he shuddered upon hearing Aleman''s threats. Rachel who was still wrapped in Aleman''s coat, watched silently. Her hands clutched the fabric as her mind reeled from everything that had just happened. Aleman turned back to her. "Let''s go," he said simply. Rachel hesitated. Her gaze flickered between him and Grayson''s groaning form laid out like a carpet. Then she nodded. Aleman walked toward the exit with his second long coat flowing behind him while Rachel followed. And for the first time in a long time, she felt safe. -- The city lights blurred past as Aleman drove the black Lamborghini down the wide streets. The hushed purr of the engine filled the silence between them. Rachel sat in the passenger seat, staring down at the new clothes Aleman had bought her and gripping them softly. The shopping bags resting at her feet were filled with clean, elegant clothing¡ªmuch better than the torn, disheveled ones she had on before. Her mind was still reeling. Everything had happened so fast. One moment she had been at the mercy of a monster... And the next? Aleman. He had ripped her out of that nightmare like some kind of avenging phantom, not hesitating for a second. And now here she was, driving through the city with the one person who had truly helped her when it mattered most. Rachel glanced at Aleman''s helmed face with an unreadable expression. She finally broke the silence. "How did you know?" she inquired. Aleman didn''t take his eyes off the road as he responded. "After our meeting at AM Coven, something about you felt... off. I don''t know how to explain it, but I could sense you were hiding something. And when you left, I decided to follow you¡ªjust in case." Rachel''s fingers clenched on the fabric in her lap. So he had known. "I''m... glad you did," she admitted. "If you hadn''t¡ª" "Don''t think about that," Aleman cut her off smoothly. "That bastard will never lay a hand on you again." Rachel turned her gaze to the window, watching as the city stretched endlessly before them. The pressure on her chest loosened ever so slightly. A few moments passed in silence before she sighed and looked at Aleman again. "Do you want to know how I ended up in this mess?" she asked. Aleman kept his eyes on the road, but his response was immediate. "Only if you want to tell me." Rachel exhaled deeply and stared ahead. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "My mother got sick." That alone made Aleman grip the steering wheel a little tighter. "She had a rare illness, and the treatment was expensive. I tried to manage with my salary, but it wasn''t enough. Not even close. So I kept borrowing and borrowing, hoping I could pay it back over time." Her voice wavered. "But it got out of control. Before I knew it, I was drowning in debt, and Grayson..." she trailed off. Aleman completed her sentence. "Took advantage of you." Rachel swallowed hard before nodding. "Yeah. He knew I couldn''t pay it back, so he started making deals with me¡ªones I never wanted." Her nails dug into her palms. "He used my desperation against me." Aleman remained silent for a moment before finally saying, "I understand." Rachel turned her head sharply toward him, blinking in surprise. "You do?" Aleman gave a slight nod. "I used to owe a lot of loan sharks. After my parents died, I had to take care of my younger sister. No job, no money. I did what I had to. And the debts piled up." He exhaled. "It was suffocating." Rachel felt something in her chest tighten. He had been there too. "How did you get out of it?" she asked, her voice softer now. Aleman''s fingers tapped against the steering wheel. "I found another way to make money. It took quite the effort but fortunately, things are working out." Rachel let his words sink in. There was a moment of quiet understanding between them. Then, Aleman added something else. "You''ll get out too. I''ll make sure of it." Rachel swallowed down the lump in her throat. For the first time in a long time, she felt hope. After a long drive, they finally pulled into a quiet neighborhood with dimly lit streetlamps by the sides. Rachel''s apartment complex stood modest yet neat... It was a far cry from the lavish high-rises downtown. As Aleman killed the engine, Rachel sat there for a moment, staring at the dashboard. A thousand thoughts raced through her mind. She turned to him with a fidgety expression. "Aleman..." she voiced with a bit of hesitation. "Do you... want to come inside?" Aleman glanced at her. Rachel immediately shook her head while waving her hands. "Wait¡ª! I don''t mean it like that!" Her face flushed. "I just... I don''t know. I guess I just don''t want to be alone right now." Aleman was quiet for a moment. Then, he gave a slow nod. "Alright. Just for a little while." Rachel let out a breath she didn''t realize she was holding and stepped out of the car. Aleman followed with his futuristic looking helmet still lodged on his head. This made him stand out in this otherwise shabby neighborhood. She led him up to her apartment door and unlocked it quickly. The moment she stepped inside, she let out a deep, tired sigh. Aleman followed her in and scanned the apartment out of habit. It was a cozy but simple space, decorated with soft neutral colors. There were stacks of books on the shelves, a small but well-maintained kitchen, and a warm atmosphere that contrasted sharply with the cold, cruel world outside. Rachel tossed her bag onto the couch and turned to face him. "Make yourself comfortable," she gestured around. "Though, I don''t know if someone like you ever really relaxes." Aleman''s muffled chuckle rang out softly through the helmet. "Not often." Rachel gave a small smile before walking toward the kitchen. "I''m making tea. Want some?" Aleman couldn''t drink anything in this outfit, but for some reason, he just nodded. "Sure." As she prepared the tea, she glanced over at him. "So, what now?" Aleman leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "Now? You get some rest. And tomorrow, we figure out how to get you out of this mess." Rachel stilled for a moment before turning to fully face him. "Why are you doing all of this for me?" she questioned with a tone of confusion. Aleman tilted his head slightly. "Because I can." Rachel exhaled sharply while shaking her head. "You''re ridiculous." "I get that a lot." She let out a small, tired laugh. "Yeah, I bet you do." Rachel bit her lip before saying, "Thank you, Aleman. Really." Aleman didn''t respond right away. He simply gave a slow nod. "It''s alright... We have a lot in common than you realize..." "We do? Enlighten me..." For the next hour, they simply chatted, mostly about casual things¡ªnothing too deep, nothing too prying. Yet, it was one of the most comfortable conversations Rachel had had in a long time. However, despite the atmosphere, one thing had been bugging her the entire time. Aleman still hadn''t taken a sip of his tea. Rachel narrowed her eyes playfully. "You really aren''t going to drink that, huh?" Chapter 190 - 190: A Tip? Rachel narrowed her eyes playfully. "You really aren''t going to drink that, huh?" Aleman tilted his head slightly. "Unfortunately, no. Helmets tend to get in the way of drinking tea." She scoffed. "You do know how ridiculous this is, right? Sitting in my living room, all serious and composed, drinking nothing, eating nothing, and just chatting like some secret agent?" Aleman chuckled while leaning back slightly. "I prefer to think of it as maintaining an air of mystery." Rachel rolled her eyes. "You''re so damn extra." Despite her words, she couldn''t deny the thrill she felt. Everything about him screamed "untouchable"¡ªfrom his perfectly maintained composure to his eerily calm yet confident demeanor. Most guys in her life had always been either too arrogant, too timid, or just plain unbearable. Yet, Aleman was different. And that intrigued her. She sighed and placed her mug down on the table. "Well, since you refuse to drink my tea, I guess that means you''re about to leave?" Aleman nodded. "Yeah. I should head out. It''s late." Rachel pouted playfully. "Hmph. I was starting to enjoy having you around." Aleman smirked under his helmet but simply stood up. "Come to AM Coven tomorrow. We can continue our conversation there." Rachel raised an eyebrow. "You want me to come see you?" Aleman shrugged. "It''s a business invitation." "Hah. Sure it is." She stood up as well and walked him to the door. For a moment, they stood there without saying anything. Then, before she even realized what she was doing¡ªRachel stepped forward and hugged him. Aleman stiffened slightly, caught off guard. Her arms wrapped around his torso, and for a second, she thought he might pull away. But instead, he remained still. Warm. Firm. His scent hit her instantly. It was intoxicating. A mixture of something clean and crisp, like fresh cedarwood, blended with a subtle spice that lingered in a way that sent a slight shiver down her spine. Rachel''s face flushed red. ''Damn it¡­ Why does he smell so good?'' She quickly pulled away and cleared her throat to mask the sudden heat creeping up her neck. "Uh¡­ well, don''t be a stranger, alright?" Aleman nodded. "See you tomorrow, Rachel." And with that, he turned and walked out the door, leaving her standing there with her heart pounding¡ªand his scent still clinging to her clothes. She exhaled deeply before placing a hand on her chest. "Damn it, Rachel. Get a grip." ... ... (( HOURS LATER )) The night sky of Enders Light stretched endlessly above as August (Aleman) stood in Tagharium''s central square, watching players scatter in different directions, either preparing for quests, selling wares, or discussing the upcoming tournament. His party had gathered nearby which was a familiar sight by now: Boris, the grumpy Berserker Ezran, the shy but sharp-witted Mage Gregarious, the self-proclaimed warrior poet with his signature energy Lilo (Rachel Valentine), the always lively Ranger, was noticeably happier than usual tonight They had all logged in with a plan in mind tonight: taming a beast mount. As they walked through Tagharium''s streets, Boris suddenly nudged Lilo. "Alright, spill it," he said. "You''ve been all smiles since you logged in. What happened? Find a hidden treasure? Kill a boss? Get a secret buff?" Lilo grinned and stretched her arms dramatically. "Nope! None of that. I made a new friend today." Ezran raised a brow. "A new friend? That''s what has you so bubbly?" "Well, yeah," Lilo smirked. "He''s kind, mysterious, and super cool. And guess what? He shares the same name as Aleman!" A brief silence followed. August let out a chuckle from the sidelines. "Aleman, huh? What a coincidence." S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Gregarious gasped dramatically. "Wait¡­ wait a second! Don''t tell me... Aleman is a real person in the real world too?!" Lilo rolled her eyes. "Obviously, dummy. You think I meant someone from the game?" "You never know! Maybe an NPC named Aleman suddenly spawned, offering free loot!" Gregarious waved his arms. "I was hoping for a legendary questline!" Ezran shook his head. "So this Aleman... what''s he like?" Lilo smirked. "Mysterious. Strong. Saved me from a really bad situation today." Boris crossed his arms. "Hold up, saved you? You got into trouble?" Lilo quickly waved it off. "It is handled. But he stepped in, so I owe him one." Gregarious snapped his fingers. "So wait¡ªwhat if this Aleman and that Aleman are actually the same guy?" Ezran snorted. "Come on, what are the odds of that?" All eyes turned to August. He merely laughed while shaking his head. "Guess we''ll find out one day." The others groaned in frustration. "Oh, come on!" Lilo pouted. "You''re not even going to deny it? Was it you? Or was it a different Aleman?" August waved them off. "We have a mount to tame, don''t we?" They sighed but let it go¡ªfor now. Despite their best efforts the past couple of days, their attempts to tame a beast mount had been failing miserably. Tonight was no different. After another failed attempt, Boris exhaled. "I don''t get it. I thought it was supposed to be as simple as fighting the beast down to submission." "Maybe we need special gear?" Lilo wondered. Ezran scratched his chin. "Or maybe¡­ we need to ask someone who''s actually done it." That''s when August spotted him. A player standing near the edge of the square with his name glowing in gold letters¡ªGaleStorm, the First Beast Tamer. The player whose name had appeared in the World Notification days ago. "That''s our guy." August motioned to the others and made his way toward GaleStorm who was currently surrounded by players begging for advice. As they approached, GaleStorm folded his arms while smirking. "Everyone wants to know how I did it, huh?" A nearby player tried his luck. "Just give us a tip, man!" GaleStorm grinned. "Sure. What are you offering?" Silence. The players grumbled and walked away, knowing they had nothing valuable enough to trade for the information. But August smirked beneath his hood. "What if I told you I could send you a game item¡­ in real life?" The group froze. "What?!" Even Boris, Lilo, Ezran, and Gregarious turned to stare at August. GaleStorm''s eyes narrowed. "You''re bluffing." August took out an item from his inventory¡ªa Space Storage Ring¡ª "I could have this sent to you in real life..." August said smoothly. GaleStorm''s expression shifted. "Alright¡­ you''ve got my attention." After they discussed the logistics of sending the item to GaleStorm''s designated real-world location, the player finally revealed his secret. "You can''t just beat the beast into submission and expect it to roll over and accept you." He smirked. "You have to break its will. Dominate it. Show it that its life is in your hands." "What the hell does that even mean?" Gregarious asked. GaleStorm leaned in slightly. "Beat it down until it''s almost dead¡­ then heal it back up. Again and again. Show it that its survival depends on you. If you do that enough times, its instincts will override its resistance, and it''ll submit." Ezran blinked. "Wait¡­ so we¡­ torture it?" GaleStorm chuckled. "You call it torture. I call it taming." [ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION: You have learned a new method to tame beasts. Do you wish to add this information to your Beast Lore? ] ? YES / NO August tapped YES. Boris stretched his shoulders. "Alright, then. Looks like we''ve been doing this all wrong." Lilo cracked her cute knuckles. "Guess it''s time to beat some sense into these wild beasts, then." Gregarious grinned. "I like the sound of this method already." August chuckled. "Alright, everyone. Let''s put this to the test." ... ... Minutes later, the group stood at the edge of a vast canyon with the sky above painted in hues of orange as the in-game sun began its slow descent. Before them lay a wide grassland filled with all kinds of beasts that roamed in herds or alone, waiting to be subdued. August cracked his knuckles while glancing over at the others. "Alright, we all know the plan. We find something powerful, beat it to a pulp, heal it, and repeat the process until we break its will." Boris stretched his arms with a smirk plastered across his face. "Sounds like a twisted dating strategy." Ezran rolled his eyes. "If that''s how you get dates, Boris, that explains why you''re single." Lilo giggled. "Honestly, though. This feels weirdly cruel." Gregarious, as always, was the most enthusiastic. "Bah! Tis the way of warriors! We must conquer before we tame! The beast shall learn to love its master through the pain of battle!" August shook his head in amusement. "Let''s just find something worthy." They ventured into the grasslands, carefully scanning for a powerful beast to tame. After an hour of scouting, they stumbled upon a colossal horned beast with dark brown fur, piercing crimson eyes, and four powerful legs that looked like they could tear through stone. << System Notification: [Wild Hellhorn Charger ¨C Level 52] spotted. >> Lilo whistled. "Damn. That thing looks dangerous." Ezran raised an eyebrow. "You''re sure you want that one, August?" August grinned. "I wanted a dragon but I''ll settle for this for now." Chapter 191 - 191: The Race Without hesitation, August launched the first attack. He teleported behind the beast using Phantom Blitz and plunged his dagger into its hide, causing it to let out a furious bellow. The Hellhorn Charger reared up and charged at August but he quickly activated Perfect Veil and dodged at the last second. The beast skidded to a stop and slammed its horns into a nearby rock formation, shattering it into dust. It looked around for August but with perfect Veil Activated, it couldn''t spot him. Boris whistled. "Yup. That''s a monster of a mount." August appeared behind it once more with a thunder spear in his grasp and hurled it at the beast. A burst of electricity surged outwards as the thunder spear rammed into the beast, sending it flying from the impact. A cloud of dust was stirred up as a small crater was formed from the destruction. << System Notification: [Hellhorn Charger HP - 22,300/40,000] >> Ezran quickly cast a healing spell, restoring a portion of the beast''s health. << System Notification: [Hellhorn Charger HP - 30,000/40,000] >> August smirked. "And now we do it all over again." For the next twenty minutes, they repeated the cycle¡ªdamaging the beast, healing it, wearing it down until its will was shattered. Finally, after ten rounds of this, the Hellhorn Charger collapsed onto the ground, panting heavily. Its aggressive stance was replaced with exhaustion and submission despite still having HP. [ Would you like to attempt taming the Steelhide Boar?] [Success Rate: 87%] [Failure will result in enraging the beast further.] [Confirm?] August clicked confirm and a progress bar appeared. In the next couple of seconds, new system notifications appeared. << System Notification: [Hellhorn Charger has been tamed!] >> << System Notification: [Mount Slot Unlocked! Would you like to bind Hellhorn Charger to your Mount Ring?] >> August didn''t hesitate. He pulled out the Mount Ring he had purchased earlier and activated it. The Hellhorn Charger was enveloped in golden light before vanishing into the ring. << System Notification: [Hellhorn Charger successfully bound to Mount Ring!] >> He let out a breath and grinned. "One down." --- Next up was Boris. He set his eyes on a muscular, lion-like beast with flaming paws and a molten mane. << System Notification: [Infernal Fangbeast ¨C Level 50] spotted. >> Boris laughed. "This one''s mine." The taming process for Boris was much less graceful than August''s. While August used strategy and teleportation, Boris simply went full Berserker mode, trading blows with the beast and tanking hits like a madman. The others only just supported from the sidelines, occasionally landing hits but doing well not to deal as much damage as the one trying to tame the beast. At one point, the Fangbeast tackled Boris into a boulder, leaving a huge crater in the ground. Ezran groaned. "Is this really taming or just an excuse for you to fight something strong?" Boris, bruised but grinning, raised his axe and shouted, "Same thing!" Eventually, after a ridiculous amount of brawling, Boris tamed the beast. << System Notification: [Infernal Fangbeast successfully bound to Mount Ring!] >> Boris pumped his fist into the air. "Hah! Knew I could do it!" --- Lilo wanted something fast so she set her sights on a jet-black panther with glowing blue eyes and a scorpion-like black tail. << System Notification: [Void Panther ¨C Level 48] spotted. >> Unlike the others, Lilo''s approach was more distance-based. She used her Ranger skills to weaken the beast from afar then carefully evaded its attacks, keeping its damage output minimal so that it wouldn''t be too aggressive. Eventually, after a long battle of attrition, she successfully tamed it. << System Notification: [Void Panther successfully bound to Mount Ring!] >> She smiled brightly. "And that''s how it''s done, boys." Ezran, the mage, naturally wanted something magical. He found a mystical elk-like creature covered in runic symbols, radiating arcane energy. << System Notification: [Runebound Stag ¨C Level 46] spotted. >> His method? Overwhelming it with magic and then bribing it with healing potions. The others facepalmed as Ezran talked to the stag in a soothing voice, bribing it with mana-enhancing potions and casting small fireballs near it just to assert dominance. Surprisingly, it worked. << System Notification: [Runebound Stag successfully bound to Mount Ring!] >> Boris shook his head. "That was the most Ezran-like taming strategy ever." Ezran smirked. "You tame with brains, not brute force." Boris grumbled. "Brute force worked just fine for me." --- Now came Gregarious'' turn. And, as expected, it was an absolute disaster from the start. He set his sights on a chubby, short-legged, bird-like creature with an oversized beak and a ridiculous waddle. << System Notification: [Plump Featherstrider ¨C Level 31] spotted. >> The others immediately burst into laughter. Ezran gasped. "Gregarious¡­ why? Just why?" Gregarious pointed dramatically. "Do not question my choices, mere mortals! I shall tame the great Featherstrider and ride into battle like a true warrior!" August rubbed his forehead. "This is going to be a mess." And indeed, it was. Gregarious charged at the bird, expecting it to run. Instead, it turned around and charged at him. At full speed! << System Notification: [Plump Featherstrider activated "Stampede Mode"] >> BAM! Gregarious was immediately flattened. The others howled in laughter as he was sent flying, tumbling across the dirt like a ragdoll. Ezran wiped tears from his eyes. "Oh gods, that was beautiful." Eventually, after what felt like forever, Gregarious managed to tame the bird, though not before getting pecked nearly to death. << System Notification: [Plump Featherstrider successfully bound to Mount Ring!] >> Gregarious stood up, battered and bruised, but victorious. "I REGRET NOTHING!" With all five of them now owning mounts, they regrouped to test out their speeds and abilities. ... The golden light of dawn washed over the rolling grasslands as August and his party gathered at the edge of a vast field with their newly tamed mounts stamping the ground in excitement. Boris grinned while tightening his grip on the reins of his Infernal Fangbeast, whose molten paws sizzled against the dirt. "Alright, since we all have our mounts, it''s time to see who has the fastest beast here."* August smirked while stroking the powerful neck of his Hellhorn Charger. "I already know my mount is built differently. Fastest acceleration, and if anyone gets too close, those pink energy rings around its horns will make short work of them." Lilo stretched lazily as she sat atop her Void Panther. "Oh, boys¡­ you have no idea how fast this beauty is. You''re about to eat dust." Ezran, on his Runebound Stag, sighed dramatically. "Why must we resort to such primitive contests? Can''t we just¡­ appreciate our mounts for their power?" S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Gregarious let out a mighty laugh, perched on his Plump Featherstrider. His bird-like mount had oversized talons with thick beaks and an absurdly round body. "You all underestimate my mighty steed! Watch as I crush you all in this race!" Boris gave Gregarious'' mount a skeptical look. "You''re telling me that oversized pigeon is fast?" Greg raised a finger dramatically. "FEATHERSTRIDER shall prove you wrong!" Lilo giggled. "Alright, let''s do this. First one to the large rock formation over there wins." She pointed to a distant thirty-foot-tall rock cluster, at least three miles away. August nodded. "Fine. No abilities during the race, just raw speed. We test abilities after." Boris cracked his knuckles. "Let''s ride!" --- << System Notification: Race Start! >> Three... Two... One... GO! All five kicked up a massive cloud of dust behind them as they surged forward, tearing through the open fields. August''s Hellhorn Charger exploded forward with a speed that launched it ahead of the others. It had left a trail of dust and pinkish lines across the path as a pinkish energy ring formed around its horns while it cut through the wind. Boris'' Infernal Fangbeast wasn''t far behind. Its molten paws left scorched imprints on the ground as it galloped forward with monstrous power. But then¡ªLilo''s Void Panther surged ahead like a shadowy blur as its long scorpion tail flicked behind it. In just a few seconds, it passed both Boris and August effortlessly. "What the¡ª?" August muttered, realizing how insanely fast her mount was. Meanwhile, Gregarious and his Plump Featherstrider were neck and neck with Lilo''s Void Panther. Boris gawked at the sight. "No way that oversized bird is keeping up!" Ezran let out a growl as he trailed behind on his Runebound Stag. "Yeah, yeah, leave the mage in the dust." Lilo grinned triumphantly as her Void Panther stretched its flexible frame and pulled ahead even further. Gregarious, on the other hand, wasn''t letting go of second place easily. "FEATHERSTRIDER, LET US ASCEND!" he bellowed. Suddenly, his mount let out a loud squawk and flapped its stubby wings¡ªgaining a few feet of extra height off the ground as it sprinted. Ezran nearly fell off his stag laughing. "Are you kidding me? It can glide?! That''s cheating!" August pushed his Hellhorn Charger harder but while its acceleration was the best among them, its top speed couldn''t match the Void Panther or Featherstrider. Boris grumbled as he realized he wasn''t going to win especially after he saw Gregarious'' dumb-looking mount overtaking him. "Unbelievable. I refuse to accept this." Lilo''s Void Panther dashed past the finish line first while Gregarious and his Plump Featherstrider followed right behind her. Then August and Boris charged past simultaneously with Ezran arriving dead last. << System Notification: Race Results >> ???? 1st Place: Lilo (Void Panther) ???? 2nd Place: Gregarious (Plump Featherstrider) ???? 3rd Place: August (Hellhorn Charger) ???? 4th Place: Boris (Infernal Fangbeast) ???? 5th Place: Ezran (Runebound Stag) ------