《Idle Money System》 Chapter 1 The Beginning In a room insidey a cozy bed and in that ce a young man was in a sleep, but slowly his brows began to tremble slowly, he slowly opened his eyelids and a bluish pupil just like that of a jewel can be seen. He had a well developed face, with tall bridge nose, short hair, sharp eyes, and a perfect jawline. He slowly woke up and sat up in his cozy bed, as he stretched his arms up a soft yawn escaped from his mouth. The young man name is Alexander Ashbourne a graduated student from high school a few months ago is their graduation and he''s finally going to be a college students soon, he slowly got up from bed and went into the bathroom inside his room. Other than his bed there is a kitchen and a personal bathroom in his apartment, he paid 3,000 Pesos monthly to live here. Which is a great amount for him as a student being all alone by his self.Seeing this he remembered his grandfather and a great anger could be seen from his eyes, but he slowly took a small sigh and continued. He cleaned his self and dry his self up and wore a white t-shirt and a ck short. When all is done he fixed his hair and went outside his apartment, opening the door a room number 120 is where he reside, besides him the door was also opened and a girl with pink hair with a cute and chiseled face appeared on his sight. He slightly greet the girl with a smile and the girl with pink hair replied with a smile as well. Her dimples and cute round eyes were very attractive to see. Alexander then closed the door and bid his farewell. The pink haired girl looked towards Alexander back as he slowly walked down the stairs. "What should I do for the moment? I''ve better find a new job to earn some extra money for the meantime" Alexander though as he slowly walked down the stair with his hands on his pocket. He needed to save money for college if he ever wanted to finish his studies. He had tried a lot of work like being a waiter, cashier, janitor, librarian, and even a construction worker just to provide for his self. After walking down the stairs he got out of the apartment and walk besides thene. There are a lot of cars and civilian walking around this ce. Walking for sometime he saw a restaurant and there was a sign in the ss read. [Wanted Waiter] Alexander stop in his tracks and stood still at the spot outside the restaurant, it has a big clean window inside there are some big goods furniture and tables, there are even lots of customers eating at the ce. "Should I apply" The first thing Alexander though as he saw the sign if he could apply to work at this ce. While he was just standing there for a moment his gaze not leaving not leaving the sign, the door then was opened and a woman with a white long sleeve and a skirt wearing a sses came to his view. Her appearance is someone like that who works in an office, her gaze lingered towards Alexander as she scan him from high to low. Hearing the sound of the door being opened, he shifted his vision and saw the woman eyes scanning him like an X-ray machine. "Good morning young man, are you looking for a job?" The woman said as she lowered her sses. "Me?" Alexander replied suddenly, stunned from the sudden question."Yes who else would I be talking to" The woman said with augh continuing his words, "Would you like to apply at La''s Restaurant, I''m the owner of this ce and I have seen you standing there for some time now, your gaze was not even leaving the sign one bit" The woman said with a smile, she looks mature and a beauty as well.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om She had those perfect curves, big marshmallows, and those long and sexy legs her hair was draped blood red making him have a unresistible charm. Nheless Alexander wasn''t thinking of something lewd and just looked at the woman with his clear eyes, he was a little embarrassed. "I can''t believe she actually seen me like an idiot outside his restaurant, looking at the sign for some time now." He said as he diverted his eyes, looking back again he confronted the woman gaze and replied. "Is there a slot for this restaurant Ma''am, I would very much like to apply but I did not bring any document for my application" Alexander said as he scratched his head with a silly smile. The woman hearing this just smiled professionally and replied, "There''s no need for that I''m just going to interview you, and I just only want to see your ID. It''s not like it''s a bigpany that needs a lot of requirements" she said while finishing with a smile. Alexander could not help but be heart stricken by this matured woman in front of him. Hearing no reply the woman then proceeds saying. "So do you want to apply?" Still in his world and hearing the matured woman voice again, Alexander hurriedly replied "Yes ma''am I would really love to" "Goode inside and follow me" The woman said as she took a turn and went inside the restaurant, Alexander then followed suit. He saw a lot of customers some wearing an office suit drinking coffee and some are just having their morning breakfast. Arriving at the door the matured woman opened the door and went inside while Alexander went inside as well. There is a big table, and some documents were on it and some pencil and ball ben were ce in a cup, the woman then sat at the seat behind the table while alexander seated just in front of the woman." Alright then let me introduce myself, I''m Ms. Valentine Lancaster the owner of this restaurant and can you please introduce yourself" The woman said as she cupped her hands in the table. Alexander then focused and turned serious by answering the question. "Good morning ma''am, I am Alexander " he answered honestly as Valentine continued asking him some questions, about his experience, his reason why he wanted this job. Hearing Alexander answer the woman just nodded her head with a smile clearly satisfied, after the roundabout question and answer goes in a cycle the interview finally ended then Valentine said." You can now start on Monday; your work shift will start 7:00am to 5:00pm. If you have any questions, you can juste to me and ask directly." Valentine said her smile never fades. "Ok boss I''ll juste to you if there''s any problems" Alexander said. "Please just call me Ms. or Ma''am Valentine, that word does not fit for my image" Valentine said. "Ok ma''am" Alexander replied. With the interviewe to an end and looking at the calendar the year is in 2024 in the month of May, day 10, it''s Friday and he will start to work in Monday. He then went into a food stall where the food is not overly expensive and order a lunch to fill his hunger. Today is his birthday and when he looked at his phone an old model of Samsung Version 11, there are lots of cracks on his screen and navigated his fingers towards the Message app. He saw that there is no message from his family and his anger rises even more. Shaking his head he decided to finish his food and not bother about them anymore. When he got home, he took a shower and dry his self-up he slumped towards the bed and took his phone, he opened his Bank ount and checked the amount of money left in his bnce [1,203 Pesos] he sighted thinking how poor he really is. His sry from working to the restaurant in a day is around 1,000 pesos, in a week he could earn around 7,000 pesos which is pretty good than the other restaurant, he could even pay the enrollment and buy some clothes for his uing college. As he put his put his phone back in the table just beside his bed and looked at the ceiling and think about his ns, suddenly something came that is straight out from a Sci-Fi movie. [Hello host {Idle Money System} had finally integrated after 18 years of umting energy, you can now make money, buy skills or even trade with otherwolders.] "Whatttt!" Alexander said as he sat up from his sleeping posture. Chapter 2 Im Rich Sitting at his bed the screen in front of him never leaved his field of view, he tried touching but it just like an air where his arms just went through it. "What the heck is this" Alexander said as he keep brushing his hands of to the panel, its like an hologram. Then suddenly a words appeared on the panel. [Host, please keep your hands away in the system panel] Reading the words Alexander quickly took his hands back and the text began to changed again. [This is the {Idle Money System} it generates money by time passess, you can earn lots of money and buy some skills in the system or even trade with otherworlders. Your current stats are] [Status Name:Alexander Title: None Level: 1 Strength: 9 Speed: 8 Defense: 8 Charisma: 9.5 Earnings: 4 pesos Bnce: 1,203 Pesos Skills: None] Seeing his very own stats with his face attached at the left side he already adapted his self to this system of his, he could see that the earnings that was just 1 began to grow 1 per 10 seconds making it 4 pesos. "System can you tell me why the earnings is increasing per 10 seconds?" Alexander said filled with questions. He''s not worried about his strength nor his skills or even his charismas. It''s not like he could make any money by having a good face right? So he decided to ask first on what is earning because it looks like money. [The earnings is the amount of money that is generated as time pass, you can upgrade it to increase the amount of money it generated per seconds, or you can increase the speed of the time to generate the money per seconds.] "How much to upgrade to increase the value of earnings?" Alexander inquired. [To upgrade just click the {+} button, so you could gain exp to unlock some other functions of the system] [Generated MoneyEarnings Generator{+}: 1 pesos, per 10 sec Total Earnings : 14 Earnings (level: 1) upgrade the value of earnings to {2 pesos} will cost around 500 pesos. Speed Earnings (level: 1) Upgrade the speed of earning to {9.8 per/sec} will cost around 100 pesos. Tap Money{+} 1 pesos per tap Total Earning : 0 Tap Earning(level: 1) Upgrade the Value of every tap to {2 pesos} will cost around 1,000 pesos. Tap Multiplier(level: 1) for every one tap will be equivalent to 2 taps will cost around 10,000 pesos Locked: Unlocked by reaching level 10 Locked: Unlocked by reaching level 20 Locked: Unlocked by reaching level 50] As he saw the details of how much money he could make, Alexander felt that this was so slow even for him, he did not upgrade directly but decided what to upgrade with his money wisely. Even if his system can generate money, he must still be responsible for what he was doing. "System where should I just tap from the Tap Money?" Alexander inquired not knowing where to tap. [You could just open the Tap Money app in your phone and tap anywhere, Host does not need to worry because only you can see the app so you don''t need to hide while tapping like an idiot] The system said in hisst statement which makes it more convenient but calling me an idiot makes it a little harsh. He then opened the app and began to tap, and a 1 number appeared in his previous tapped. He continued tapping like an idiot until his finger began to numb. "This is actually so tiring" he said as his fingers trembled, he earned for about 121 pesos from tapping. "System if I want to withdraw the total earning will it just be deposited into my ount?" Alexander inquired. [Yes Host it will directly be send into your ount] "But will the bank executives or the police going to investigate on where I got this money?" Alexander though clearly bothered about this. The system who can read his thoughts answered. [The Host does not need to bother about something like this, it will send to your ount legally without any illegal activities rted] Seeing the system exnation, he could not help but sigh in relief, "System can you exin to me what the system shop is and what is the trade you meant?" [Sure, the shop is where you could buy some skills, pills, recipes, products and more. As you buy more from the system it will increase your privilege level, reaching the second level of the system shop where items be more rare and expensive as you increased your level.] [For the Trade, it''s a trade for every otherworlders where you could trade any skills, things, or objects in your possession for something you would like to have] "Otherworlders? what do you mean, are there any other living people other than us living in earth?" Alexander asked thinking that they are alone in this world, but it''s not actually true. [Yes Host, there are lots of life other than this universe I even detected that there is life just 1 Billion light years away from yours. Otherwolders doesn''t just means beyond your universe but also the other realms.] Alexander was greatly shocked from this discovery there''s actually life just a billion of light years away from his position, he could not doubt the system because its existence is already more mysterious than the life of the other beings. Alexander then was about time to continue tapping when the system panel showed up again. [After the integration a Novice Gift pack will be given to the host do you want to im?] {Yes} or {No} Seeing this he did not even think for a second and quickly clicked the Yes button, cause who''s the idiot who wants to click No from this gift. [You have imed the Novice Gift Pack, do you want to Open it?] {Open} or {Closed} Alexander did not think twice as well and quickly clicked the {Open} button. The gift in the holographic screen began to shake and shine and finally three random items appeared. [You have received a ''Toothbrush''] [You have received ''20% coupon in the system shop''] [You have received ''10,000 pesos''] Then the items went into his inventory while the money he had won went into his bnce in his status, suddenly his phone made a notification sound. Opening it he saw a message that he received 10,000 pesos in his ount. "I''m going to be rich from this" Alexander said with a smile.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om "System I would like to upgrade the Tap Money Multiplier to level 2" Alexander said making his choice. [Tap multiplier (level:1) Upgrade cost: 10,000(Upgrade) or (Closed)] Upgrading gives him 10 Exp points and by tapping, it generated some random 1 to 2 exp points. Clicking the upgrade button the Tap Multiplier finally reached level 2, he then began to tap and every time he taps in the screen. [+1 Exp] [+10 Exp] [+1 Exp] [+10 Exp] [+2 Exp] It was apanied by an extra tap making him earned a total of 2 pesos per one tap. Reaching 1,000 pesos from tapping and his earnings from Earnings Generator he can upgrade the value of tap money per seconds. Upgrading it he finally reached level 2 in Tap Money. [+10 Exp] [Tap Money{+} 2 pesos per tap total earning : 0 Tap Earning(level: 2) Upgrade the Value of every tap to {3 pesos} will cost around 5,000 pesos. Tap multiplier(level: 2) for every one tap will be equivalent to 2 tap will cost around 50,000 pesos. Alexander then continued on his grinding to upgrade the Earnings Generator so he can sleep and wake up with a good amount of money, he clicked until his fingers be numb and just focused on upgrading the earning generator making the {Earning, level: 5) while the Speed Earnings is still level 1. [+10 Exp] [+10 Exp] [+10 Exp] [+10 Exp] [+10 Exp] He reached Level 2 from his upgrading alone receiving 2 free points to be ced on his stats. Current status [Status Experience: 0/200 Name: Alexander Ashbourne Free Points: 2 Title: None Level: 2 Strength: 10 Speed: 9 Defense: 9 Charisma: 9.5 Earnings: 15 pesos Bnce: 0 Pesos Skills: None] [Money Generator Earnings Generator{+}: 5 pesos per 10 sec Total Earnings: 15 Earnings (level: 5) upgrade the value of earnings to {6 pesos} will cost around 6,000 pesos. Speed Earnings (level: 1) Upgrade the speed of earning to {9.8 per/sec} will cost around 100 pesos. Tap Money{+} 2 pesos per tap Total Earning : 0 Tap Earning(level: 2) Upgrade the Value of every tap to {3 pesos} will cost around 5,000 pesos. Tap Multiplier(level: 2) for every one tap will be equivalent to 2 tap will cost around 50,000 pesos] He then finally closed his eyes thinking something, until he fell sleep, dreaming that this is his favorite or the best gift he ever had.] [Author here this is my new book ''Idle Money System'', this is a fantasy novel where the MC wants to have a good life of course it can only be achieved by being rich] Chapter 3 [No Title] Waking up in his bed and seeing that the system was gone he was sad suddenly thinking that it was just a dream, but when he called it, the system appeared making him sigh in relief. "System how much did I earn today?" Alexander inquired, the first thing he wants to know is how much he earned rather than doing something more productive. [The total earnings you have made this past 7 hours is 12,600 pesos] The system calcted the total amount of generated money this past 7 hours, with this he does not need to worry about his enrolment or even his everyday life. He then took a shower hurriedly then dry his self-up this time he wore a ck t-shirt and a short in ck in. After finishing up he took his phone and opened the Tap Money he quickly tapped in the screen nonstop until he has reached 20,000 pesos in his bnce that also earned him a bunch of exp points. With this amount he could finally rece his old phone and buy a new one. He can still remember that his phone Samsung was already 5 years old clearly an antique, he then got out of the ce and this time the girl besides his room also got out at the same time. Alexander just smiled to greet while the cute pink haired girl smiled in reply as well, this time she wore a white dress, with a white hat on top of his head she wore a blue slipper as she greets Alexander. Alexander then continued on his way leaving the girl when he''s done with the greetings, going out of the ce. He stopped a mini bus and took a ride paying only 12 pesos for the minimum fare for student. There are just a few people in the bus because its Saturday. [Don''t ask the reason ok, that''s based on life experience. Author] It took a while until finally he reached the mall called Robinson its big and there are lots of peopleing and going through the ce, going inside and walking through the hall many people in the area look at him. Because of his handsomeness his charm is clearly top notch making him stand out, but Alexander did not allow this to bother him but continued on his way. He took an esctor and went to the second floor, he roamed around the ce until he saw the shop named Samsung, there are lots of version for this phone like a folding one not knowing how is that possible. Finally, he found his ideal phone, Samsung Gxy A34. Not really his ideal phone but its Samsung so it''s good. "Good morning, Sir is there anything you would like to buy" The saledy said with a smile, she was charmed by the young man charm and decided to assist him. "Excuse me miss, I would like to buy this phone can your pack it up for me" Alexander replied with courtesy as well. The saledy looking at where Alexander is pointing at looked at the phone in disy and could not help being happy, if he sells this, she can get amission. "Sure sir, this phone is one of the best Samsung Gxy A34, it is one of our best sold phones. At around 15,990 it provides amazing features like quad lens camera is perfect for capturing high quality photos, whether you''re out during the day or taking shots in low light. The phone is powered up by a strong processor that ensures everything runs smoothly from multi-tasking to gaming. If you paid it in whole, you could get a 10% discount, would you like to buy sir?" The saledy said as she took the phone inside the ss. "Yes, wrap it up for me miss" Alexander nodded his head, hearing a good detail about his phone. The saledy was so excited as she took a box where the phone inside was sealed and new. She ced the Phone box in the counter as she extends her hand. "Card or Cash, Sir?" The saledy asked. "Here just swiped my card" As he took his card on his wallet.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om Taking the card from Alexander hands she even slightly touched his hands in a tease, Alexander could not help but smile wryly from this. "That will be around 15,990 pesos, minus the 10% discount that''s a total of 14,310 pesos sir" The saledy said as she swiped the card, the payment was done, and she wrapped the phone. Alexander then thanked the Saledy as he took the wrapped phone leaving the shop, the saledy escorted him out and spoke. "Come back again sir if you would like another transaction" she said with a smile. "Sure miss" He replied with a smile, as he was far away from the shop, he excitedly unboxes the phone and took out his new phone. Remembering something important he asked the system directly. "System what about the app for Tap Money should I download it?" He spoke. [Don''t worry Host it will be automatically downloaded as long as the phone is yours] Seeing the reply from the system he ced his old phone on the newly unwrapped box. He decided to have a meal first before continuing to grind for money again. He went to a famous fast-food restaurant named Jollibee and have a great meal. There are lot of eyes on him, but he was unbothered about it, finishing the meal he went out and leaved the mall. He went back to his small apartment and continued on his grinding for the day finally night came, and he earned a total of 34,000 from Tapping and 16,000 pesos for Earning generator a total of 50,000 pesos. He was about to fall sleep but the trade button in the system panel was glowing red, clicking he saw the item in disy. [Strengthening Pill grade: Low Description: Slightly increased the physique of the user Owners Note: 10,000 silver coins or Trade with Equal Value] The owner of this item was called ''HalimawMagJakol'' his pseudonym, he seems to be trading it for 10,000 silver coins or an item of equivalent value. But because of its lower grade no one bough it. But Alexander clearly does not know anything about this. "What''s a silver coins? Where can I get that?" Alexander said, filled with question marks. [Do you want to convert your money to their world currency] [1 Bronze coins = 100 pesos 1 silver coins = 1,000 pesos 1 gold coins = 100,000 pesos] Alexander was filled with curiosity about the item and when he looked at the big difference in currency rate, even with his total bnce he could only buy 50 silver coins making him sad. Suddenly another item was put to be trade and when he look at the item he was surprised. [Evesting Sword grade: Legendary Description: A great sword. Owner''s note: I''ll only ept 100,000,000 high grade spiritual stones.] Seeing the zero''s he felt like he was crazy for putting that up and the description he provided is only a great sword, the name of the trader is "DrunkOldMan". "Is this old man really drunk though? what is even a spirit stones and he even want millions of it" [Spiritual Stone or Spirit Stones, are the energy of heaven and earth that was absorbed and condensed into a crystal] [Do you want to convert your money to their world currency] [1 low grade spirit stones = 100,000,000 pesos 1 middle grade spirit stones = 1,000,000,000 pesos 1 high grade spirit stone = 100,000,000,000 pesos] Seeing the amount of zero just for 1 spirit stones he felt like he would go in poverty if he ever decided to buy one of this. Like whom would even spend that much money for that sword? Yes, its grade was Legendary, but this drunk guy is trading it for this amount. [the Grading for the item is: Low Middle High Heaven Epic Legendary Mythic Emperor ???] Beyond the emperor is an item that is already impossible to be graded because its power and capability is not something that can be measured. He was just thinking about who would buy this when it was traded by someone named "SwordAddict". Seeing this he could not help but doubt himself, "I think I''m the only who''s poor in this Trading center, can I also trade with this?" Alexander though as he took a drink besides him "Mountain Dew" is the bottle of drink where he just bought it at the store earlier this morning before he got back. Opening the trading center, he decided to make a trade with this. "I should just make it simple" Alexander though then finally he put it in trade. [Mountain Dew grade:??? Description: A good drink for those who are tired. Owners Note: I''m only trading it for 10 silver coins] In this transaction he just set it to whoever pays the right amount the item will be automatically traded to the person. He decided to set the currency the same as the guy "HalimawMagJakol", Seeing the grade is filled with question marks he inquired to the system. [The reason it''s question mark is because it''s a useless item that its grade is below than the grading system] Receiving the reply, he could not help but furrowed his brows, "Wow that''s a little cruel of you system, for you to call my favorite drink a trash is like hitting me with a knife personally" he said inwardly from the system sharp message, "There all done" Alexander said with a smile he decided to trade his drink for fun it''s not like he will die from trading his drink, right? Not knowing that he will be rich thanks to the product made from his own world. Chapter 4 A Happy Cooperation In another realm inside a room a man that is slightly fat with an eyesses sticking to his right eye, was scrolling down in the trading center. "Are there anything good to trade here?" He sighted with boredom as he swiped his fingers from the holographic panel. Finally he stumbled upon Alexander item, he was about to continue his swipe but find the product so good. The design of the bottle was different from what he have seen, and some weird letters were written in the bottle. "What''s the name of this Item? Moun-tain Dew, this is my first time hearing something like this" He said as he read the name of the product." A good drink for those who are tired'' what a boast let me see if it''s really good" The fat man said as he clicked the trade, 10 bronze coins is not a big amount to him so why bother about this. [Trade Complete], The system panel appeared showing the sess of the transaction. Then the bottle of Mountain Dew was in his system storage, he took it out and held it in his hands, its not cold anymore and was just in the right temperature. He was satisfied from the design of this bottle, and it was even made with stic not ss. Which makes him more impressed he can''t read the writings due to the difference innguage, but he understands that the green and ck word with big font-size is the name Mountain Dew. "It''s not about the outside let''s taste the inside" The fat man said as he opened the bottle, drinking the green liquid. With his lewd face and those words, if people would have heard him, he will be called a pervert for life. Tasting it, he felt like he was really out of this world. The taste was even better than the wine he had ever taste in his life. He quickly gulped everyst bit of the drink and when it was finished he just noticed that he finished it all, there even still some liquids on his lips which he wiped it with his tongue. "That''s it, why did you only sell 1 bottle of this?" The fat man said angrily, he could not forget how tasty the drink is he felt like his tiredness really went away from drinking that drink. "This drink could make lot of money if mass produced" The fat man with eyes shining apanied by a gleeful smile. He looked for the seller of this bottle drink, then he saw that his name is ''AlexanderTheGrate'' he messaged Alexander ount saying. "Good Morning dear sir, I would like to propose a deal to buy some of those bottle drinks. If you ever want to make a deal just reply to my message right away" The fat man texted. After a few minutes and seeing no reply, he was anxious but waited thinking that the guy behind this item is busy. Unknown to him Alexander was having his good night sleep. Finally the morning came and Alexander woke up, he washed up, brushed his teeth and wear his old t-shirt that is already fade in color. Seeing how old and ugly his clothes is he decided to buy some new ones. "Now that money is not a problem I should go to the mall and buy some clothes, let me see how much I have made today" Alex said as he called the system, and the panel appeared. [The total earnings you have made this past 12 hours is 21,600 pesos] [Because of the Sessful trade for your item you''ve received 10 silver coins converting it to this world currency you''ve made 10,000 pesos] [Total Earnings: 31,600 pesos, your current bnce is now 81,600 pesos] [Status Experience: 0/200 Name: Alexander Free Points: 2 Title: None Level: 2 Strength: 10 Speed: 9 Defense: 9 Charisma: 9.5 Earnings: 0 pesos Bnce: 81,600 Pesos Skills: None] Seeing the amount of money he had, it feels like he was really having a dream with this amount he could even stopped school and bezy. Suddenly another prompt of the system appeared. [Now that the Host is not confused anymore the first mission was initiated] [Be a Millionaire Difficulty: easy Reward: +1 level, 2x earnings for 5 minutes, and 1 lucky spin. Time Limit: 1 Week] Seeing the difficulty is set to easy he knew that he could be a millionaire in just 2-3 days by just tapping, so he could understand that this mission is not really that hard. But remembering something important on where he got that 10 silver coins, he went to his trading history and saw that someone actually bough it. "Someone actually bought my drink?" Alexander said with a stunned face. Seeing that there was an unread message he was even more surprised when he read the message of this guy, he wants to have deal with him which made his mouth in awe. "Don''t tell me Mountain Dew is not avable in that world? Even though it''s not like those drink that can offer super strength, but the taste is clearly good. Even here in my country it was a famous drink. "I should reply to his message" Alexander though as he messages the guy nicknamed, ''FatMerchant69''. Sending the message that he justposed the fat guy in another realm in a reclined chair swaying up and down waiting for Alexander message without any sleep and seeing that there was an unread message he hurriedly read it. [AlexanderTheGrate: Sure, what deal do you propose?] Reading this he hurriedly replied to alexander message. [FatMerchant69: Well, it''s like this I''ve drink your bottle of drinks and nned to propose a deal with you, what about I''ll buy 1 bottle of those drinks for 20 Silver coins. If it can be mass produced I would buy sets of those, do you agree sir?] Reading his long text and his ns to buy more of those bottle drink, he could not help but smile smugly. This is money so he did not ept it yet and raised the price higher, he could see that this guy really wanted this drink. [AlexanderTheGrate: The price is a little low because the ingredients to make this is hard toe by and I''m not confident if I can mass produce this what about 1 bottle for 100 silver coins?] Alexander messaged the guy again, reading his message the fat guy decided to bargain to lower the price. [FatMerchant69: Sir the price is a little much what about 30 silver coins] Reading this Alexander decided to bargain again replying. [AlexanderTheGrate: 80] [FatMerchant69: 40]n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om [AlexanderTheGrate: 60] [FatMerchant69: 45] [AlexanderTheGrate: Okay 50 is myst offer take it or not take it?] Alexander decided to set the price in 50 silver coins, if the guy does not ept then he could just lower the price, right? It''s about making the item rare to make it more expensive and in demand. The fat guy could see that there are no room for any bargain and epted the price with a smile. [FatMerchant69: Alright deal, how much could you produce of this drink in 1 week] Seeing that the user named ''FatMerchant69'' was tricked and decided topromise his smile grow wider. [AlexanderTheGrate: I could produce 12 bottles per day, with a total of 84 bottle per week. Don''t worry as the production rate improved the production for our drinks will improved. 1 set will be 12 bottles and will cost around 600 silver coins] [FatMerchant69: I see, then I would like to preorder 7 set of this drink. I will pay you right now to show my generosity] The fat merchant smiled as he took the sses in his right eye and cleaned the lens, Alexander showing how generous this FatMerchant69 he could not help but be happy from his scheme. [AlexanderTheGrate: Sure, just send me the money and I will send your order of 7 sets of Mountain Dew tomorrow, because there are still some remaining bottles left in our stock. That will be around 4,200 coins] [FatMerchant69: Sure, here''s my payment I wee our good operation] The fat guys said with wicked smile on his face, Alexander on the other side could not help but cursed happily. "That guy did not even think twice and just buy my bottle of drink for 50 silver coins each. Talk about stupidity, hahahhaah." he said whileughing. Unknown to him the fat merchant also cursed him. "That seller is really stupid, He does not even know the value of what he is selling, with this I can earn 3x the profit by selling it for 2-3 gold coins per bottle" The fat merchantughed his voiced echoed throughout the room. [What do you guys think? who got tricked Alexander, or the Fat Merchant share your thoughts here!] Chapter 5 Meeting A Friend [Re-Edited] After finishing his transaction towards ''FatMerchant69'' he received the payment for his drink. [You have received 4,200 silver coins from ''FatMerchant69''] [Converting 4,200 silver coins to this world currency with a total of: 4,200,000 pesos] [First time transaction will cost around 3,900,000 pesos, You have earned 210,000 pesos] [Status Name: Alexander Title: None Level: 2 Strength: 10 Speed: 9 Defense: 9 Charisma: 9.5 Earnings: 740 pesos Bnce: 291,600 Pesos Skills: None] "Why is it so expensive? Isn''t this like stealing my first million without a trace? The charge is even expensive when I pay for my documents" he said with a frown, wanting an exnation. [I''m Broke] The system replied only in two words, making him speechless and angry. A money-making system, being broke? This is not exnatory at all! Well at the least he earned, 210,000 pesos so its still good. He had a total of 291,600 pesos in his bank ount, he even made 740 pesos just for wasting time talking to that guy. Now that it''s done, he should go to the market and bought some Mountain Dew and also buy some new clothes too. Going out in his room he did not meet the girl again and went to the shop by riding a public ride. Arriving at the mall he went to the grocery and there are lots of products like foods, shampoos, biscuits, and lots of things. Strolling around he found the Mountain Dew wrapped in a box, every box there are over 2 sets in every wrapped box 1 sets equals to 12 bottles. He took one of the boxes which is a little heavy with only his one arm carrying, he did not see the abnormality because with the 1 point increased in his stats increased his strength by 1 whole. Arriving at the counter he asked the cashier. "Miss how much is 1 box of Mountain Dew?" Hearing the inquiries of a young man the teenage girl wearing a mask that only her eyes can be seen, shifting her gaze towards Alexander. She stood still stunned from how handsome this guy in poor clothing is. She quickly adjusted his self and could not help but be embarrassed. "Yes sir, one box of Mountain Dew cost around 400 pesos" The girl answered professionally her eyes were like gone from the smile, thinking that this girl must have a blood of a Chinese. "I''ll take 7 boxes and also do you offer delivery for this?" Alexander asked. "Yes we offer delivery but it will cost you 200 pesos but if its far the price will increased" The girl in a masked said. "I see, then I would like to order 7 boxes to be delivered in this address. I can pay right now" Alexander said while giving a note towards cashier. She took the note and remembered that this ce is not really far. "Sure sir, that will be around 2,800 pesos for the seven boxes of Mountain Dew and 200 pesos for the delivery a total of 3,000 pesos." She said after calcting the total amount. Alexander then took out his card and the girl then swiped the money from the scanner paying the bill. [Current Bnce: 288,600 Pesos] He then leaved the girl and left his number to the cashier to call him if the delivery has arrived. He then left the first floor and went into esctor to go all the way through the 3rd floor, he bough 3 t-shirt from Adidas and 3 shorts as well that cost around 599 each. With a total of 3,594 pesos was minus on his ount. [Current Bnce: 285,006 Pesos] When he was about to go to the esctor exit the mall someone tapped him in his shoulder, when he looked back its a friend that he had not seen after his graduation. A man in wearing a ck t shirt with a skull face design attached to it, his wearing a short while wearing a shoe. He had ck hair that was trimmed like a buzzcut his face was friendly as he looked at Alexander even though he looked like a thug, but he is not. "Alexander It''s been a long time, your actually here in the City? What school are you going to enroll" The guy asked. "Oh, Cedrick it''s actually you what a coincidence. I''m actually here to buy some clothes and was about to go home" Alexander replied with a smile. His best-friend Cedrick is one of his few friends that treats him like a real family, when he was bullied in high school due to his low background and handsome appearance. Cedrick is always there to rescue him, even when he was sent to the principal office for beating a guy until it turns ck and blue. "Do you want to have drink there and catch up my treat" Alexander said, as he pointed at a small shop for beverages, it''s a Milktea if you know what it is.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om Seeing the ce he pointed at, Cedrick does not know whether to agree or not, he know his friend financial situation than everyone else. He even saved money just to pay for school fees, even though he had no more food to eat. He even tried selling his favorite food outside just to earn some extra cash, the food his friend made using the Binangkal Recipe, made it more delicious. Reading his though Alexander just smiled and said, "Don''t worry I have money" Hearing Alexander words, he was feeling a little skeptical if his friend really had the ability to pay. Or even he could pay is their money going to be left for him to spend? "Are you sure? I have money so you don''t need to pay my drink" Cedrick said. "Yes don''t worry I''ll pay, I have money so you don''t need to worry" Alexander saidfortingly. The both of them went into the store and sat inside a Milktea Store, Alexander then ordered 2 Milktea inrge size, he ordered a Chocte one with addons ck pearls, while for his friend Cedrick he ordered a Buko Pandan vor with addons ck pears. The total amount is 220, while each cost 110 pesos. He paid it with his card and his bnce lost 220 pesos, with this small amount of money to be paid he did not even bat an eye at it. Bringing the drinks he ced it towards the table giving it to Cedrick while he sipped his Milktea and sat down at the seat. "Thank you for the drink" Cedrick said while he took the stic bottle cup and sipped at the straw. "Don''t mention it" Alexander spoked while shaking his hand. "So how long have you been in here?" Alex asked with a sipped on his drink. "Not long I only been here for around 1 week, I''ve finally found a Boarding House but it''s only a bed space it''s not so expensive the monthly payment is 1,500 so It''s good" Cedrick spoked. Alexander nodded his head, the same as him Cedrick is also from a poor family, he had 1 little brother and 1 elder sister that is already in college, their family ie is only average to support his elder sister to finish his studies. "What about you Alex? How are you" Cedrick inquired, the two of them had not meet after graduation. The two of them began to catch up with somethings. Until finally Cedrick remembered something. "Oh yeah, it''s Zya birthday next Monday they are going to celebrate it in the hotel, I think they have rented the whole floor do you want toe?" Cedrick asked, as he looked at Alexander face. Hearing this Alexander was contemting, he remembered how much he liked Zya not only she is beautiful but also smart and rich. While the both of them had a great rtionship, he did not want to ruin their friendship if he''s going to confessed. Cedrick knew this looking at Alexander with his head lowered, hell even Zya knew of his feelings but waiting for him to confess. But he did not say anything or tried to force Alexander to go to the party, but with their friendship he should reallye. "Sure, I''ll go" Alexander said with a nod. "Alright then we''ll see each other next Monday you''ve better get a gift wrapped up, or if you need money, I can let you borrow mine" Cedrick said. Alexander just shook his head declining, "Don''t worry I have money now. I think I should say this to you, if you ever need extra bucks juste to me" he said with a teased. They took a while to have a conversation and finally they separated, Alexander then went back to his apartment and the delivery guy arrived he gave the guy a tip of 1,000 pesos to show his gratitude. The delivery guy thinks that his gay and wanted to Bombayahh, with him by giving money. But he''s wrong and left dejectedly but he still thanked Alexander, from his GE-NO-RO-SI-TY. Alexander then opened the box which had a total of 14 sets, he then sends the 7 sets of Mountain Dew to ''FatMerchant69'' and the 7 sets of Mountain Dew was illuminated by some white light before it dissipated in in sight. [AlexanderTheGrate: There, I''ll send the next batches of goods next week] [FatMerchant69: Ok] After that Alexander decided to upgrade the Earnings Generator, to earn more money while idling. Opening the system, he navigated his finger to the upgrade button. Chapter 6 First Day at Work [Status Name: Alexander Title: None Level: 2 Strength: 10 Speed: 9 Defense: 9 Charisma: 9.5 Earnings: 2,595 pesos Bnce: 285,006 Pesos Skills: None] [Generated Money Earnings Generator {+}: 5 pesos per 10 seconds Total Earnings: 2,595 Pesos Earnings (level: 5) upgrade the value of earnings to {6 pesos} will cost around 6,000 pesos. Speed Earnings (level: 1) Upgrade the speed of earning to {9.8 per/sec} will cost around 100 pesos. Tap Money {+} 2 pesos per tap Total Earnings: 0 Tap Earning (level: 2) Upgrade the Value of every tap to {3 pesos} will cost around 5,000 pesos. Tap multiplier (level: 2) for every one tap will be equivalent to 2 taps, for the next upgrade will cost around 50,000 pesos] He already had good sum of money just by walking out. He decided to upgrade it to the max and focus on the Tap Money tomorrow. Navigating to the plus button he clicked it, and two options of upgrade appeared. [Earning] or [Speed Earnings] He decided to upgrade the Speed Earning to generate money much faster. Clicking it he agreed directly for upgrading, only costing for 100 pesos. [You have upgraded Speed Earnings to level 2] [+10 Exp] [Speed Earnings (level:2) Upgrade cost: 200 (Upgrade) or (Closed)] The price then increased by 100 making it 200 so he upgrades it directly [You have upgraded Speed Earnings to level 3] [+10 Exp] [You have upgraded Speed Earnings to level 4] [+10 Exp] [You have upgraded Speed Earnings to level 5] [+10 Exp] [You have upgraded Speed Earnings to level 6] [+10 Exp] [You have upgraded Speed Earnings to level 7] [+10 Exp] [You have upgraded Speed Earnings to level 8] [+10 Exp] [You have upgraded Speed Earnings to level 9] [+10 Exp] [You have upgraded Speed Earnings to level 10] [+10 Exp] Earnings Generator {+}: 5 pesos per 9 seconds Total Earnings: 15 Earnings (level: 5) upgrade the value of earnings to {6 pesos} will cost around 6,000 pesos. Speed Earnings (level: 5) Upgrade the speed of earning to {8.8 per/sec} will cost around 100,000 pesos. "There, it''s actually not very expensive, now that it has reached level 5. The price to upgrade to the next level just surged 100 times." Seeing the change in price made him stunned. "It just cost around 100 just a seconds ago, why did it multiplied over 100 times" Alexander spoked with brows furrowed. [Status Experience: 170/200 Name: Alexandern/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om Free Points: 2 Title: None Level: 2 Strength: 10 Speed: 9 Defense: 9 Charisma: 9.5 Earnings: 85 pesos Bnce: 284,006 Pesos Skills: None] With this upgrade finally all is done, the money he could make is about 2,000 pesos per hour. It rises over 200 pesos even though it only increased by a small margin, an increased is an increased. Putting the phone besides the table, he got to sleep because tomorrow is his first day at work. Even though he is rich right now and could make money anytime, he can''t just quit at his first day at work. The kind matured woman offered him work, while increasing his sry that could greatly help him if he does not get this system. Closing his eyes he slumped to his bed sleep, night passed and finally its Monday his first ever worked. When it reached 5:00 am in the morning. Alexander just automatically woke up, totally ustomed to waking up early. He went to the shower, after that he brushed his teeth. Getting out of the bathroom only with the towel covering his lower body. He fixed his hair, then wore some clothes he wore trousers this time a long sleeve and a shoe. That took him about 20 mins in total and he went on his way, in the sidene the road is not filled with many vehicles because it''s so early in the morning. He went to a close small restaurant where it offers rice porridge with egg and some coffee. "Auntie 1 porridge please" Alexander spoked to the woman in his forties, her had some strand of white hair and dark circles on her face. Looking at the person who called her aunt just now, her eyes glistened as she saw Alexander, "Alex its actually you, early aren''t we? Did you apply to a new work?" She asked, as she took a bowl and filled it with porridge with an extra egg. "Here I just gave you 2 eggs make sure to finish it all" The good Aunt said with a smile, as she handed the bowl towards Alexander. Receiving the kind grace of this old aunt Alexander could not help but felt good in his heart, when he just came into this ce 1 month ago. This kind Aunt name Cynthia always offered him food for free even though he had no cash to pay. When he had no job and no money to spare to buy some food, this aunt always helped him making it seems like her real mother. Alexander did not take the bowl but put his hand on his pocket, searching for something when he touched a piece of paper. A stack of 1,000 pesos bill appeared, earlier before he came to buy. He cashout some of his money on an ATM machine the moment he left. Alexander then gave the money to the good Aunt. Seeing a stack of cash in Alexander''s hands Cynthia was utterly terrified, she hurriedly held the alexander hands where he held the cash. Squeezing it to a fist while putting it down. "Alexander tell me the truth did you steal this? I know that life is hard but doing bad things to make a living is not good" Cynthia spoke with a trace of anger, though there was also a touch of concern in her voice. Alexander feeling the caring voice in her words could not help but felt warm his heart, then a slight smile bloomed on his face. "Don''t worry auntie I did not steal it but it''s because my business is growing right now, so I''ve made a lot of money. So, I decided to give you some you cannot refuse me auntie just consider is as a payment for all of the free meals" Alexander said, he made it clear so his aunt Cynthia will take the money making him feel at ease. Cynthia was about to refuse, but after hearing his words, she couldn''t help but ept it reluctantly. She knew Alexander''s financial situation, so she responded. "I''ll just keep this money and if you have no money left juste back, and I''ll give you your money back okay" Cynthia spoked, with her hands on Alexander face squeezing his cheeks with her fingers. Alexander had nothing left to say but agreed, as long as his aunt received the money, he will naturally spend it as time passed by. He then took a seat and eat the porridge after that he finally left saying goodbye to Aunt Cynthia. Walking for a while and finally he arrived at the restaurant at exactly 6:30 in the morning, the store entrance door is already open, but the sign is still closed. Going inside the ce it had no customer and he saw his boss Valentine sitting at the chair. Seeing Alexander Valentine greets him saying, "You''re actually so early, go to the staff room and wear some waiter clothes, oh yeah before you start, I will first introduce you to the team. Valentine said as she stood up from his seat, Alexander followed behind her. She wore the same clothes just like that of an officedy, wondering what his real upation is. The both of them went into the kitchen and there are already 3 people in there. There''s a middle-aged guy wearing chef clothes with a spat on his left hand, the person confronting her is a girl with blond hair, which the face seems to look familiar. Besides the chef is a little girl also wearing a clothe that of a chef. "Look ire I''ve been teaching you for a week now I think being a cook is really not for you, why don''t you try learning something new" The middle-aged man said with a sight. "But old man Weasley, I''ll try my best to learn can you teach me again. Pleaseee" ire the blond woman said as she made a cute puppy face. He was supposed to pity ire but hearing the world old man he was angry all of a sudden, "You brat why do you keep calling me old man? I''m only 44 this year I''m still not in the sixties call me uncle" Weasley the chef spoked with a strict tone. ire just pouted and seeing the angry appearance of Weasley she decided to tease him more, "Old man Weasly, why are you so angry. Why don''t you calm down first and teach me again gramps" ire said with a teased. Hearing the word Old man and Gramps some ck lines appeared on his forehead, "You kid I''m going to teach you how to respect your elders" As he tried to teach some sense to ire''s mind, but he was stopped by a hand of a delicate girl behind him. Chapter 7 First Day at Work 2 "Dad, why don''t you calm down? Look how stressed you are¡ªyou''re even starting to get some strand of white hairs! You''re turning into an old man now," the girl behind him said. "Sophia, not you too," Weasley replied with a forced smile, hearing his daughter call him an old man. "Alright, that''s enough messing around. I''d like you to meet our new recruit," Valentine''s voice echoed through the kitchen. It was then that they realized they had been watched for a while. Weasley hurriedly adjusted his self but when he saw Alexander eyes and broken smile, he knew that his image was already broken. He could not help but cry but had no tears to spare. ire who was quick to react and changed the atmosphere, she smiled and hurriedly took Alexander hand said with a greeting. "Hello handsome I''m ire its nice meeting you" she said while shaking Alexander''s hands up and down. Valentine seeing her behavior made a fist in her hands and with a force *bonk. She hit her head with a punch. "Ouch, sis why did you hit me?" Sophia said with tears on her eyes, a red bump seems to have appeared on his head.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om "Can''t you see your making the new recruit awkward with your behavior, also apologize to Weasley remember no matter how naughty you are. You must respect those who are older." Valentine reprimanded. Hearing her words she could not help pout but did what she said, facing Weasley she bent her head a little saying, "Sorry, about that uncle." Seeing him apologize and getting hit by the boss, he could not butugh and forgive ire since she already apologized. Alexander seeing the interaction between his boss and this girl named ire. "They were actually blood rted, no wonder why I seem to have seen her before." Alexander though in his mind. ire actually had the same features as Ms. Valentine, but she was a little different because of her personality, and underdeveloped peaches. Then Weasley introduced himself with his daughter besides him, which made him shift his attention. "I''m Weasley Thornton the Chef of this restaurant, besides me is my daughter Sophia Thornton. Go and shake hands with Mr.?" Weasley said with a pause, not knowing what is the name of the new recruit. "Oh, I''m Alexander Ashbourne uncle Weasley, Lady Sophia and Ms. ire." Alexander said with a smile, his smile is like that of a prince in a shining armor. Sophia and ire could not help but be charmed by Alexander smile. Even Weasley a man felt his heart throbbed for a moment. [Why are you gay?] "Now that you have fully introduced yourself ire, I want you to guide Alexander to the locker room and show his uniform. I have work for a moment, so I''ll leave it to you guys" Valentine spoke with momentum. All of them nodded and Valentine left the kitchen, leaving only the four of them. ire then looks at Alexander and said, "Let''s go Alexander, I''ll show you your uniform for today." While exiting the kitchen, before following suite Alexander bade his farewell to the two then went on his way. They then went to another room just a few meters besides the kitchen, going inside he saw that ire opened a locker and a white uniform for waiter was in her hands. "Here take it just wear it, I suggest for you to take off your clothes cause the weather is hot today" ire said as her gaze lingered on Alexander body with a smile. Alexander could not help but be rmed on how naughty her boss young sister is. He then took the clothes in her palms, after that ire pointed at the dressing room where he takes off his clothes and wear the uniform. The clothes are in a formal outfit. He is wearing a ck vest over a white dress shirt, paired with ck trousers. The vest has buttons down the front and features a small emblem on the left side. He is also wearing a ck tie and white gloves. As Alexander stepped out in his formal waiter uniform¡ªa ck vest over a crisp white dress shirt, ck trousers, and a neatly tied ck tie¡ªhis striking appearance became even more handsome. The sleek lines of the outfit emphasized his tall, broad-shouldered frame, while the elegant cut of the vestplemented his sharp jawline. His ck hair, falling just over his piercing blue eyes, seemed to stand out even more against the clean contrast of his attire, making him look both refined and undeniably charming. ire mouth was in awe she was really dumbstruck by this sudden increased in charm, she could not help but bit her finger seeing Alexander appearance like that of young master. "You look good in that uniform" she said with her face red apanied by a thumbs up. "Be prepared we are going to be open in just 10 minutes, I''ll go and changed now" ire said as she opened another locker and took the uniform towards the dressing room. After 3-5 minutes she finally got out. She was wearing a uniform consists of a ck, three-quarter sleeve shirt and a full-length dark apron with vertical stripes. The apron has a front pocket and is tied around the waist with a strap that goes over the neck. When ire stepped out in her waiter uniform¡ªa ck, three-quarter sleeve shirt paired with a full-length dark apron adorned with vertical stripes¡ªher natural beauty became even more captivating. The apron, tied neatly around her waist and draped elegantly over her frame, showing her tall and graceful silhouette. The uniform made her delicate jawline and high cheekbones stand out, while her striking ck eyes, framed by longshes and perfectly arched brows, seemed even more intense. The dark tones of the outfit brought a radiant contrast to her fair skin, making her appear effortlessly charming and stunningly sophisticated. Alexander was breatheless for a moment seeing this, but he gradually recovered seeing Alexander stunned expression, ire could not help but had a great pride in his beauty. She then went besides her and spoke. "Let''s go I''m going to open the restaurant now" she said with a smile going to the sign hanging closed, flipping it the word Open appeared. [Magic] Alexander knows what to do so he stands at the door of the entrance, waiting for some customers to eat. Finally, a first diner came in and its 3 girls that seems to be around 18-19 their appearance were top notch, this did not affect his focus on his first work and weed the three when the entered. "Good morning,dies do you want to eat? Let me show you your seat" the three who just opened the door were surprised from this great service, seeing the appearance of the waiter in front of them they could not help be in awe. Chapter 8 First Day of Work 3 They triedparing those idols appearance to this man in front of them, but they find it unbelievable that this guy is much more handsome than a celebrity. Feeling flustered the girl with sses answered in a flustered tone. "Yes, we would like to eat" she said with her eyes darting from side to side. Alexander arched a smile which made the three girls be in absolute entranced, Alexander then proceeds with the order. "What do you want to order, here is the Menu" While giving a menu each to the three. Taking the list they still made some slight nces towards Alexander when all is done, they finally made an order. The girl with sses spoke first. "I''d like to order Adobo and one rice, please," she said. Her sses reflected her sharp eyes, giving her a smart, almost genius-like appearance. She usually seemed cold and aloof, but that attitude seemed to disappear in an instant. "For me, I''ll have the Bicol Express and one rice, please," said the girl with ck hair and bangs, her almond-shaped eyes tapering gently at the outer corners, giving her a warm and approachable look. "I''d like to order Kaldereta with one rice, please," added the other girl with ck hair. Her features were more delicate, with big round eyes, a tall nose, and a graceful face. Alexander was focusing on his mission which is taking the order, not caring whether his serving a beauty or not. It''s not like he''ll get rich by seeing a beautiful woman. After calcting everything he spoke in reply. "For the Adobo it will be 70 pesos per serve, while Bicol Express and Kalderata is about 50 pesos per served. The rice is only 10 pesos, your order is totaled at 200 pesos." He said as he wrote in the small note. The three nodded and Alexander continued, "Before I go do you need drinks or just Service water?" "I would like to drink a coke in a bottle" The girl in the sses said. "Me too" The girl with almond shape eyes spoked. "Me three" thest girl added. Alexander nodded while taking notes, "That will be about 260 pesos, excuse me while I get your order" he then went on his way taking the note to the counter which is given to an open square trapdoor, a delicate hand then took the note it was none other than Sophia, she then passed it to his father to prepare the order. ire seeing how Alexander handles the customer she could not but give a thumbs up in her heart, the three who was left alone, the girl with the almond shape eyes took her phone and the image of Alexander smiling was taken. It''s the perfect image because Alexander was greatly taken at the right angle without him noticing it, seeing the image on the phone the two were shocked. "Yumi what did you do! What if you get caught and implicate us, it will be embarrassing" The girl with the sses said. "Don''t worry, Faith. He won''t know a thing. It''s not a crime to take a picture," Yumi said with a sly smile. Her eyes were slightly obscured, and she had a distinctly Asian look that made her a ssic example of a ''Chinita''. "Can you share me the image" The girl with round eyes said in a low voice. "Sure Althea, I''ll send it to you in messenger" Yumi said in reply. Faith could not help but want to find some words to argue but he found nothing, she could only look at the two of them on how shameless they are. "You two are unbelievable" Faith said with a sigh. After a while, the order was ready, and Alexander brought their meals along with their drinks. The three of them ate enthusiastically, but as more customers arrived, Alexander became quite busy. With ire''s help, the workload eased a bit. While Alexander was busy, ire was serving a table in the back near the wall. The table had five guys with tough, gangster-like appearances and hair dyed in various colors. "Sir, could you please ce your order? I''m in a hurry," ire said, clearly annoyed. She was frustrated with the five guys who had kept her waiting for quite some time. The 5 thugs just look at her with a lewd face, the one guy who had a red hair with a tall and muscr build. His hair was style in a Buzzcut and was dressed in a leather jacket the same with the others. "Beautifuldy why don''t you sit and chat with us for a while, we will order after we are satisfied" The thug in red hair said with smile, as his eyes darted towards ire body. ire seeing this felt disgusted she put on a strong front and said, "You perverts if you don''t want to eat then leave this ce, or I''ll throw you out" Hearing her threats, the five of them couldn''t help butugh, finding it the biggest joke they had ever heard. Theyughed so hard that tears even formed in their eyes. "Lady, that''s enough joking. Sit beside me, and we''ll leave this ce alone. If you don''t, we''ll wreck it until it''s nothing but scrap," he said with augh at the end. His buddies joined in, adding to the mockery. ire was furious. She nced back, ready to ignore the five thugs looking for trouble. But before she could walk away, a strong hand grabbed her wrist. Turning to see the guy with red hair smiling slyly, her anger soared to new heights. "If you don''t let go, I will call the police" ire threatened. The red hair was amused and said, "Do you think we''ll be afraid of a mere cop? We are from the ck Serpent Gang now tell me do you think we''ll be afraid?" Hearing the gang''s name, ire recognized them immediately. They were known for using violence and extortion to extract money from innocent civilians, controlling much of Iloilo City''s underworld. She also knew this was just a branch, with their main base located in Man. Undeterred, ire tried to pull her wrist free from the guy''s tight grip. His hold was firm, making it difficult for her to break free. "Are you really not going to let go?" She said with her brows furrowed. "No, why what are you going to do about it" the thug said looking at ire''s face, having fun on making her angry. "So be it then" irest voiced trailed off, as her palm came flying off towards the guy in red hair. With a smack the sound reverberated throughout the restaurant, and a red handprint was formed on his face from the impact. The guy in the red hair was stunned, as he touched the ce on where he was p.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om His buddies were also bbergasted from the sudden p, not thinking that this beautifuldy will put on a strong retaliation. ire seeing him holding his cheeks, smirk in disgust. "Don''t bother me anymore or I''m going to p till it turns purple." ire said as she looked back and was about to leave. The guy in red hair who came back to his senses when he heard her insulting words became angry, from getting pped in the face and also being humiliated from tons of people. He never felt something like this in all his life. "Where do you think you''re going, you bitch?" the guy with red hair sneered, reaching to grab ire''s hair. ire nced back, seeing his hand closing in on her head, and fear began to grip her. Suddenly, before his hand could reach her forehead, her back mmed against a solid wall, and the scent of a strong man filled her nostrils. She noticed that the red-haired thug''s arm was stopped by a smaller arm that held his wrist firmly, halting his advance. A man''s voice resonated behind him, "Hey, you thugs¡ªtrying to hit a woman in broad daylight? Don''t you have any shame?" Alexander''s voice echoed through the restaurant as he red sharply at the thug. Chapter 9 One Sided Fight 5 v 1 Seeing a pretty face in front of him and he even dared to use the method of saving the beauty, in front of him ignited his anger even more. "Hey pretty face, if you don''t want me to ruin your appearance you''ve better focus on your own problems, rather than involving yourself to this woman''s problem" The red hair guy said with a menacing tone. Hearing his threatening words Alexander was not afraid, he was also a troublemaker and involved in a lot of fight. So, to end this he just had to beat the sense out of them, but there are at least five of them making him at a disadvantage. "System put my 2 free points in strength" Alexander said inwardly, finally putting it to good use. [Current Status] [Status Experience: 170/200 Name: Alexander Free Points: 0 Title: None Level: 2 Strength: 12 Speed: 9 Defense: 9 Charisma: 9.5 Earnings: 27,000 pesos Bnce: 284,006 Pesos Skills: None] Then a cold feeling spread thought out inside him, making it felt like he was sshed by a basin of cold water. Filled with sudden increased in strength, he knew that this is enough to handle this gang. "What if I don''t? what are you going to do about it" Alexander said with a glint, his face serious. ire who was in front of him held his clothes located in his abs, she was a little regretful for involving Alexander to this problem. The red hair hearing what he said, he made a fist in his left hand and was about to send it off. But Alexander who was holding his right hand locating at his wrist, held it in a strong grip stopping the guy from doing what he was about to do. He groans in pain as he felt that his wrist was about snapped. "Let go you idiot it''s about to break, let go you stupid shit" he said as his face began to turn red. "If you say so" he then loosened his grip and pushed back his hand, making the man stumbled a few steps and fall through the floor in pain. "Big Brother" the four thugs who are in the same group stood up, and hurriedly went to the red hair guy. ire and the crowd were taken aback by Alexander''s impressive disy of strength. Despite his build not being particrly bulky or muscr, he managed to push back the red-haired thug¡ªwho was three times his size¡ªand make him scream in pain. Alexander then whispered to ire''s ear saying, "Get behind me I''ll handle it" Hearing a soft voice in her ear her face even her ears, turns red like a TO-MA-TO. She hurriedly followed her instruction and went behind him. Back to the thugs arriving it the red hair guy, they asked. "Boss, are you okay?" The guy in mullet hair asked. The red-haired thug''s anger red even more. "Do I look freaking okay? If I kicked your ass and asked if you were alright, would you be freaking okay? Hurry up and surround this guy! I''m going to beat his face so badly that his mother won''t even recognize him." The guy who was being reprimanded was embarrassed from asking a stupid question, hearing hismands they hurriedly surrounded Alexander in four corners. While behind him is ire who was holding the quilt of his cloth. He could feel ire''s fear as her fingers trembled while holding onto his clothes. "Don''t worry, they''ll only get to you if they can get past me," Alexander said, offering reassurance. His words seemed to have a calming effect on ire. She wasn''t sure what Alexander had done, but his confidence and presence made her trust himpletely. "If you have time to worry about that woman, you should worry about yourself more. You four, beat him up. Whoever inflicts the most damage gets the first chance with that woman behind him," the red-haired thug said with a cruel smile. Hearing this, the four of them felt invigorated as they scanned ire''s body from top to bottom, wondering what it looked like behind those clothes. ire hearing the red hair guy''s words, she felt even more disgusted. The four thugs charged at the same time, closing in on Alexander. The guy positioned behind him, where ire was standing, leered lewdly, as his hands reaching out to touch her. Before he could make it, a hard pnded on his face. His expression turnedical as his teeth flew out, and he was thrown 6-8 steps away, crashing to the floor. The same fate befell the other three thugs, who were also knocked down and scattered. A strong palm struck their faces, sending them flying and causing them to crash into a chair, which broke upon impact. Some of them even hit the table, and the customers who are the closes was startled, quickly stood up cause one of the bodiesnded right on his table. The red hair guy was stunned from what happened it merely took 2 seconds, for him to handle the four of dandies. "The 2 points in strength is actually this strong?" Alexander surprised from his prowess, his like a superman in human form. He then looked at the red hair thug which made him terrified, walking slowly closing the gap between the two of them. "Stop right there! You don''t know who you''re dealing with. My father is the leader of the ck Serpent Gang. I''m James West, and if youy a hand on me, my father will hunt you down until you''re finished!" he shouted, his voice trembling. "Oh no I''m so scared" he said nonchntly, not afraid at all with his system why would he be afraid. Hearing his indifferent tone and not putting his gang seriously at all, he was angry on how arrogant this guy in front of him. When the distance is closed, he hurriedly throws a sharp punch that whistled through the air aiming at Alexander face. Alexander blocked his attack gripping it tightly, he pped the red hair guy''s face. "This is for making trouble, in my first day of work" *Pah the sound of p came, and one of his teeth flew out. "This is for harassing ire" *Pah another p sounded making another teeth flew out. "This is for disturbing the other customer" another p came again, which made his face turned purple and disfigured from the three ps. Alexander eyes then turned sharp as he said, "And this is for mentioning my family in front of me" with a kick the in the abdomen. He was struck by a strong force making him fly through the air, some bone breaking sound was even heard. Showing that its ribs were broken or fractured from the impact, he puked a mouthful of blood asnded on the floor. When all is done, Alexander then picks them up one by one and throw them outside the restaurant. The customer and the three girls who were watching, were amazed on how strong Alexander was. Yumi who was holding his phone camera, was happy to be able to record this fight. Even the girl with the sses Faith had his mouth awed, seeing 1 guy fought 5 people amazed him. "That''s amazing" Faith whispered in a low voice, as she put down her phone that was ringing. Clearly, she called the police, but she did not expect the fight to end this early. Weasley the Chef who heard a lot ofmotion from the kitchen, went out to inspect beside him is her daughter Sophia. When the two of them heard what happened they were angry at the thugs, but when they heard that Alexander beat them to a pulp, they were happy. "Attention everyone sorry for the disturbance, you can continue your meal while we deal with this problem" Weasley said as he went to Alexander.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om "Hey, kid, you okay?" Weasley asked with admiration. "I never thought someone as slim as you could fight like that." Despite Alexander being tall but not overly muscr, Weasley was surprised by the power and skill packed into each of his punches. "Yeah, you''re actually impressive and heroic" Sophia said in a praised, showing her two dimples. Alexander was feeling shy from the praised, when he looked around and saw the damage he had caused wondering if he had to pay it. Seeing his eyelids looking through the mess, ire was fully back to his senses and spoke. "Don''t worry Alexander, my sister will not make you pay for damages, I will tell her that you saved me which leads to this mess." ire said. "Also, thank you for standing up to me and getting involved. If you weren''t here, I would have been harassed, by those hooligans." ire spoked in her heart feeling grateful, she was really scared at that time luckily, she was fine. "Don''t mention it ire, you''re my boss sister and also my teammate. I would not leave you hanging when you''re in trouble" Alexander full of self-righteous. He really disliked injustice and whenever he saw some peoplemits this, he always involved himself even though it can lead to injuries or even death. But as long as he had the power to help, why wouldn''t he? Chapter 10 Invited To a Dinner They went back to work, and ire took a call from her sister. When her sister heard what happened, she was about toe over, but ire reassured her that everything was okay. This helped her sister calm down. Once the work was done and thest customer had left, it was 5:00 p.m., and they finally closed up. Weasley then called Alexander from the kitchen. "Here, Alexander, this is 10,000 pesos for your first day. The extra is from your boss, Valentine, for saving ire from those troublemakers. You''d better ept it, or I won''t be able to exin this to Ms. Valentine if you refuse," Weasley said, handing over the money. Alexander was reluctant to take the money, thinking it was for a trivial matter. But seeing how insistent Weasley was, he reluctantly epted the extra amount. "Thank you, Uncle Wesley" Alexander spoke gratefully. Seeing Alexander ept the money, Weasley smiled and went to clean the kitchen. When Alexander asked about Sophia, Weasley replied that she had gone home early because she was tutoring someone. Alexander couldn''t help but admire her. Bncing a morning job with evening tutoring was impressive. Alexander then left the kitchen and saw ire sitting alone at the table. With no customers left, she was the only one there. As soon as she saw Alexander, she hurried over and said shyly. "Alexander, can I invite you to dinner or maybe go out to eat? I really want to repay you for your help." She spoke with a hint of redness in her cheeks, her usual yful demeanor reced by a more bashful side. She was really grateful towards Alexander and decided to invite her to eat outside to repay him. But when she remembered that she invited a man to eat outside. "Isn''t this a date?" She said, with her cheeks that is red as a tomato. Alexander didn''t see anything wrong with ire''s offer; it was natural to feel indebted. However, he thought it was a minor issue and was about to decline. "I''m sorry, but it¡ª" He started to say, but then he saw ire''s face, which looked like she was about to cry. Seeing her distressed expression, Alexander quickly changed his mind. "I''m free, so let''s go," he said, rmed by her sadness. ire''s expression brightened instantly upon hearing his reply. "Hehe, let''s go then," she said with a smile, and quickly left the restaurant. Alexander couldn''t help but feel a bit tricked but decided to follow her anyway. They walked through the bustling streets, surrounded by crowds of people. The two stayed close together, walking side by side. ire couldn''t help but blush, feeling like this outing was more of a date than just a thank-you. When they finally arrived at therge mall and went inside, ire asked, "So, where do you want to eat?" Her gaze lingered on Alexander. Wanting to wrap things up, Alexander pointed to a ce. When ire saw where he was pointing, her face turned bright red, all the way down to her neck. She simply nodded and followed him to the restaurant. When they arrived at the restaurant, they noticed that every table was upied by couples. ire''s face turned bright red, but Alexander paid no attention and went straight to the counter with her. Remembering that this outing was just a gesture of thanks and not a romantic date, ire managed to calm down. As Alexander ced his order, he said, "I''d like a medium-sized chocte frappe. What about you, ire?" He nced at her as he spoke. ire was lost in thought and didn''t hear what Alexander said. "Hello, ire, what do you want to drink?" he asked again. "Ahh, what?" she said, snapping back to reality and looking at Alexander with a questioning gaze. "I said I''ve already ordered my drink. What about you?" Alexander repeated. ire realized she had been absentminded and quickly responded, "I''d like a strawberry frappe, medium size, and also some fries, please." "Okay, ma''am and sir, that will be 236 pesos," the cashier said. ire paid for the order, and they took a seat in the center of the restaurant where it was empty. With ire''s beauty drawing attention, it was clear that they were both under the spotlight. Feeling the stares from others, ire shrank her head towards the table, worried that people might misunderstand her rtionship with Alexander. Meanwhile, Alexander, oblivious to the situation, simply waited at his seat for their order. The ce they were at was called "Sweet Sips & Bites," a caf¨¦ typically favored by couples or married women. Alexander had no idea about this, even after noticing the romantic d¨¦cor and heart-shaped designs on some of the cupcakes. He was focused on just getting this over with so he could head home. When their order finally arrived, Alexander took a sip of his drink and noticed that ire looked unwell, almost as if she had a fever. "Are you okay, ire? If you''re not feeling well, we can leave," Alexander said, concerned by her pale appearance. ire, touched by Alexander''s concern, smiled and said, "Don''t worry, I''m fine. Let''s just finish this first." She waved towards their drinks. "So, Alexander, which school are you nning to attend?" she asked. "I''m nning to enroll in Sagebrook College for a Bachelor of Secondary Education. I''ve always wanted to be a teacher because I find it really fun to teach students." Alexander replied. ire nodded in response and then asked, "What about you? Which school are you going to, and what course will you be taking?" "Actually, I want to pursue a BSBA course because someday I''d like to help ease the burden on my sister with managing the business," ire said, taking a sip of her drink. Alexander nodded, considering that managing a restaurant must be challenging. They continued chatting about various topics until it was 7 p.m.; they had been talking for about an hour. When they left the caf¨¦, they found themselves outside the mall, and it was already quite dark. "Do you want me to apany you home? It''s dangerous to be out alone at this hour," Alexander offered, looking at ire with concern. ire smiled at his care and shook her head. "Don''t worry, Alexander. I''ve already called my father to pick me up. You can go now if you want." "I see. I''ll just wait until you leave to make sure you''re safe," Alexander said, standing up. ire couldn''t help but appreciate how protective he was. After a while, ire''s phone rang¡ªit was her father. She said her goodbyes to Alexander and then left. Alexander watched as her figure grew smaller in the distance before he also departed. He took a ride to a nearby bus stop and left the mall. Meanwhile, at another corner of the mall, ire got into a parked car. A driver was at the wheel, and a middle-aged man with a distinguished presence was seated inside. ire greeted her father warmly as she got in. ire''s father nodded and, with his gaze focused on the road, asked, "Who''s that boy?" ire was taken aback by the sudden question but responded, "That''s Alexander, a new employee at my sister''s restaurant. I invited him to dinner as a thank you for saving me. Please don''t cause him any trouble, Dad." Her father''s brows furrowed when he heard about the dinner invitation, but his expression became serious when he heard that Alexander had saved ire. "Who dares to attack our family in broad daylight? Don''t they fear the consequences?" he said, his demeanor shifting to a fierce and intimidating presence. Sensing her father''s anger, ire quickly tried to calm him down. "Dad, don''t be angry. I''m fine, aren''t I? I''m just worried that Alexander might get hurt because he was involved in this trouble because of me."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om Her father''s expression softened slightly, but he still looked at ire with concern. "Who was responsible for this harassment?" he asked. "It was the ck Serpent Gang, Dad," ire replied. Upon hearing the name, his brows furrowed, and he fell silent, his eyes filled with determination. "Don''t worry, I''ll protect this kid. As for the ck Serpent Gang, I''lle up with a solution," he said resolutely. With that, the engine roared to life, and they drove away from the mall. Chapter 11 Buying a Technique After taking the bus back to his apartment, it took Alexander about 15 to 20 minutes to travel back to his apartment. Once he was in, he took a quick shower and stood up only wearing a towel. "System, show me the money I earned today," he said to himself. A high-tech voice responded. [Sure Host] [After calcting for about 17 hours, 36 minutes, and 12 seconds, the host has umted about 35,205 pesos.] [Do you want to im it and add it to your bnce?] Alexander nodded, and the money he had earned was instantly transferred into his bank ount. [Status Experience: 170/200 Name: Alexander Free Points: 0 Title: None Level: 2 Strength: 12 Speed: 9 Defense: 9 Charisma: 9.5 Earnings: 0 pesos Bnce: 319,211 Pesos Skills: None] As Alexander looked at his bnce, he couldn''t help but feel frustrated at how slowly it was growing. He tapped the shop button on the interface, knowing that the thugs he''d angered wouldn''t just let him off easily. His experience told him that grudges like that weren''t easily forgotten. The shop opened, revealing a list of options. There seemed to be an entire tier above the regr system shop. He was still stuck at level 1, which made sense, since he hadn''t purchased anything yet. [Shop]n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om {Skills} {Techniques} {Potions} {Weapons & Armors} Seeing the four options, Alexander decided to go with "Skills" because the name sounded cool to him. As he clicked on the button, a list of various skills appeared on the screen. [Skills {Basic Swordsmanship: Increases proficiency with a sword, slightly enhancing uracy and attack speed. Ideal for beginners looking to improve theirbat effectiveness. Price: 10,000,000 Pesos } {Swift Step: A footwork skill that provides a small boost to movement speed, allowing the user to dodge or retreat quickly in battle. Price: 5,000,000 Pesos } {Focus Strike: Heightens concentration, enabling the user to deliver a slightly stronger and more precise attack on their opponent. Price: 5,000,000 Pesos } {Iron Skin: Temporarily hardens the skin, offering minor protection against physical attacks. Effective for short-term defense inbat. Price: 5,000,000 Pesos }] When Alexander saw the prices, he realized they were much higher than he had imagined. He had expected them to be around 100 to 500 thousand, but they were far more expensive. Frowning, he couldn''t help but feel how poor he really was, letting out a sigh of disappointment. He switched the options to "Techniques," though he didn''t hold much hope, assuming the prices wouldn''t be any more affordable. [Techniques {Thunder p: A technique that involves pping the hands together to generate a shockwave, disorienting and pushing back nearby enemies. Useful for crowd control. Price: 10,000,000 Pesos } {Flowing River Strike: A fluid, continuous striking technique thatbines multiple sword sh into a seamless attack, overwhelming opponents with a series of rapid strikes. Price: 15,000,000 Pesos } {Shadow Strike: A technique that hides the user presence, allowing the user to strike with quick, unpredictable attacks. Great for catching opponents off guard, rmended for assassins. Price: 10,000,000 Pesos } After scrolling endlessly, Alexander felt hopeless seeing the high prices. But finally, he came across something affordable that he could actually buy. {Serpent''s Coil: A grappling technique that allows the user to ensnare and immobilize an opponent with fluid, serpentine movements. Effective for close-quartersbat. Price: 400,000 Pesos } Seeing the affordable price and realizing he was 800 pesos short of his current bnce, Alexander tapped around the app for a while and imed the amount he needed. With a 20% discount from the novice gift pack, the price changed to 320,000 pesos. He couldn''t help but think about how useful this coupon was. After buying the skill, he gained some knowledge rted to it. The concept of Serpent Coiling started to appear in his mind. He saw himself standing in a dimly lit room, surrounded by multiple opponents. With a sudden, fluid motion, he extended his arms, weaving through the air like a serpent. His hands moved in a serpentine pattern, wrapping around an opponent''s torso with swift, precise grips. Each twist and turn of his body was calcted to entangle and immobilize, pulling the opponent into a controlled hold. As he opened his eyes a profound look emerged in his gazed, not just his technique improved but also he felt his self be a little light. Standing up he did a stretching, and he felt that his arms were flexible and even his body was flexible and nimble as a serpent. "System, can you show me my current Status" Alexander said as he want to see the changes in his self. [Status Experience: 170/200 Name: Alexander Free Points: 0 Title: None Level: 2 Strength: 16 Speed: 14 Defense: 10 Charisma: 9.5 Earnings: 0 pesos Bnce: 0 Pesos Skills: None Techniques: {Serpent Coil}] Seeing the huge boost in his stats, he was stunned and amazed. With just one technique, he could actually nourish himself and boost his strength and speed. Clenching his fist, he was eager to test out his new power. Suddenly, he heard a growl and looked down to find his stomach growling with hunger. He had forgotten that he hadn''t eaten anything, but just had a few drinks earlier. So, he put on a ck t-shirt and some short and went out, feeling a new, unusual sensation as he wore it. He noticed his chest was noticeably fuller, giving him a broad and powerful look that filled out his shirt, but it wasn''t as bulky as a bodybuilder''s. His waist, on the other hand, was much slimmer, tapering sharply to create a sleek and defined silhouette. It was like he trained his body for years to attained this physique, with his charm and added by his tall silhouette and with his great physique. He became a model but with an aura of a man at that. He then left the ce and used the Tap Money app to make some money, earning 3,000 pesos. After stopping, he arrived at the nearest convenience store, where he looked around for a bit, he bought some food and ate at a table inside. In the street, a man with red hair and a bandaged face, using a crutch, walked by with a group of thugs carrying bats behind him. Next to him was another guy, about the same age but a little smaller, and they seemed to have a good rtionship. "James, are you sure you don''t want to take the car? We can just meet over there if you prefer," said the blonde-haired guy, who carried the air of a young master. Besides him two people in ck clothes followed him. "Of course, I''m fine, Gavin. If I catch that guy, I''m going to torture him and teach that little punk a lesson," James replied, his voice tinged with fury. Gavin, seeing the anger on James''s face, felt sympathy for the young man who had been beaten by the cruel guy. He was just a waiter with no connections and seemed to have gotten himself into a lot of trouble. James then calmed down and looked at Gavin. "Oh, by the way, why did you suddenlye here? Are you here for some business?" he asked as they continued walking. Hearing this, Gavin replied, "Yes, my father sent me here on business. A wealthy foreign investor will be attending a stone gambling event on Saturday. He wants me to close a deal that could significantly earn us a big sum of money" James''s interest was piqued at the mention of stone gambling. They finally arrived at the convenience store. "Hey, go buy some drink with this money," James said, handing a stack of cash to one of the thugs. The thug nodded and went off to get the drinks. Meanwhile, the group of about 18 people settled at a table outside. The ce wasrge but packed with people. James had brought his crew to drink and calm his anger while waiting for information on the person who had beaten him up. Before they could enjoy the moment, the thug who went inside was running and it seems he was in panic and full of fear. All of them stood up while James and Gavin look at him with a bewildered expression. "What is it Rey, spell it why does it look like you''ve seen a demon" James said impatiently. Rey the thug who was still catching up his breathe pointed at the convenience store and said a little flustered, "Boss, the guy who beat us up his inside the convenience store" he said. James was stunned by what he heard. Then a twisted smile spread across his face as heughed with anger. "This is fate," he said. "Let''s go inside. I''m going to make him pay ten times for what he did to me." He stood up, using his crutch to walk, with his friend Gavin and the thugs following him. Rey, the thug who led the group, guided them through the store. Chapter 12 [No Title] Alexander who was eating a rice with a hotdog, with his favorite drink mountain dew apanying him. Did not knew that James with his new friends were actuallying to disturb him. He just only noticed this when he heard a shout and it seems to be indicated to him, "Boss his over there" Shouted by Rey. James then sweep at the ce and saw Alexander figure who was holding a paper te looking at him, he grinned and closed the gap between the two of them. James grinned widely and shouted, "You think you can escape me, huh? This time, I''m going to beat you into a vegetative state!" Alexander remained calm as he nced over at James and then at the yellow-haired thug standing beside him. The thug looked vaguely familiar, and it hit Alexander that he was one of the guys he had beaten up earlier that morning.N?v(el)B\\jnn "How do you want to settle this?" Alexander asked with a casual smile, taking a bite of his rice and hotdog. James and his friends, including Gavin, thought that they this must think they are joking. This only fueled James''s anger. He stormed over to Alexander, flipped the table with force, and turned it upside down. Despite his injuries, the table wasn''t heavy, so James managed to upend it easily. Disturbed during his lunch, Alexander narrowed his eyes and looked at James with a cold re. "Oh, that''s so scary. What are you going to do, hit me? Let me remind you, you''re surrounded by not just four, but over twenty of my men. You''d better sit tight while I p you around," he said with an arrogant sneer. Despite the threat, Alexander remained unshaken. He arched a smile and replied, "Do you realize what you''ve just done?" He stayed seated at the table, continuing to watch James with a calm demeanor. "Oh, tell me," James said, leaning his ear closer to Alexander''s face without a hint of fear. With his friends behind him, why would he be afraid? Alexander, showing no emotion, continued calmly, "First, you ruined my dinner, which is a serious offense. Second, you''re nning to take revenge on me. Do you really think I''ll let you get away with that? And third¡­" He paused, his eyes piercing through James. When Alexander fell silent, James pulled back his ear, leaned his head in closer, and said arrogantly, "What''s the third?" "The third," Alexander said with a fierce look, "is that you''ve got some nerve getting this close to me." Before James could react, Alexander pped him hard across the face, sending him spinning through the air. As James crashed into the disy rack holding chips and other snacks, everyone including the thugs and Gavin was stunned. Everything happened so quickly that none of them had time to react. When they saw their leader, James, lying in the shattered rack, his bandages torn and teeth knocked out and his in a pitiful state, they were furious. Gripping their bats, they rushed toward Alexander in a rage. "Avenge the young boss!" one of them shouted. "Beat him!" another roared. Alexander, already prepared, quickly took a stance. Despite their bats, he remained calm andposed. As the first thug swung at him, Alexander''s arms moved like a serpent, swiftly catching the bat in mid-swing. With a smooth and fluid motion, he gripped it tightly in his hands. He delivered a punch with his free hand, careful not to use his full strength for fear of killing someone. His fist connected with the thug''s arm, producing a loud crack. The thug screamed in pain, but Alexander quickly silenced him with a kick to the side. Without wasting any time, Alexander charged at the others who were closing in. Moving like a serpent, he dodged another swing and struck a man in the chest with his arm, causing him to cough up blood. Behind him, another thug swung at him, but with fluid motion, Alexander kicked the man in the jaw, sending him flying into the air. His body was so flexible and quick that he could effortlessly dodge attacks and counter them with ease. Undeterred, he rushed at them one by one, and the sound of breaking bones echoed through the air. Wherever he moved, thugs were left lying on the ground with broken arms. Everything happened so quickly that soon they were all sprawled out, groaning in pain. Seeing this, James was stunned as fear crept over him. The man in front of him was the best fighter he had ever seen. Fighting barehanded while being surrounded and stilling out on top of it wasn''t just luck, it was pure skill. Despite the chaos, Alexander seemed unfazed. The store was in ruins the disy rack was shattered, and the windows were broken from the thugs Alexander had kicked away. Yet, he remained calm amidst the destruction. Alexander felt that it wasn''t enough. He hadn''t used all of his power; if he had, it wouldn''t be just broken bones butplete disability. He could sever tendons and leave them permanently disabled if he wanted to that is. However, he chose not to go that far. He wasn''t truly cruel beating them up and teaching them a lesson was sufficient. "This technique is really powerful in closebat," Alexander said with admiration. "Now, don''t think I''ve forgotten about you," he added, turning his gaze to James, who was still in the floor with the broken rack filled with fear. James, hearing Alexander''s voice, started to panic. "Don''te near me, you filthy scum!" he shouted. Hearing the word poor and scum his anger intensifies the word ''poor'' and ''scum'' greatly engraved in his mind, a lot of people called him this word which made him angry hearing this again. He closed the gap between them, ready to take action, when a voice from behind called out and a hand touched his shoulder. Although he could have dodged, he chose to let his opponent approach. "Who are you? Are you with this guy?" Alexander asked, without turning around. "Yes, I''m with him. You''d better step back before my bodyguards take action. Before, you were dealing with mindless thugs with no skills. But this time, it''s different. Two of my bodyguards are retired soldiers they are merciless and with a lot of battle experience. If you don''t back off, we might cripple you right here," Gavin said, brimming with threats. Chapter 13 Getting Arrested He was really surprised by the fighting capability of this guy in front of him, to be able to defeat a thug with weapons anding out unscathed and it even took him around 3 mins to aplished that. Gavin realized that this kid must be a martial artist. However, he didn''t panic. He was confident that his two bodyguards, both retired soldiers with extensive battle experience, would handle the situation. Dealing with a student didn''t seem too challenging for them. "So, what''s it going to be" Gavin said with a confident smile. With his back to them, Alexander nced at James on the floor and said, "I''ll deal with youter." His body moved swiftly, slithering away from the grasp of the man in the ck suit. The bodyguard was stunned, unable to process how Alexander had escaped. Before he could react, a hand shot out, gripping his throat. A powerful force then mmed him to the ground with a loud bang, pinning him firmly to the floor. He puked up blood from the impact and his back and head felt like it was broken he stopped moving and pass out, seeing him knock down he look at the remaining one. "Are you not going to avenge yourpanion?" Alexander muttered under his breath, ncing at the other man in the ck suit, whose mouth was agape in shock. The other man knew what his friend was capable of but was astonished that he couldn''t handle this kid''s fists. However, he remained calm, thinking that Alexander must have caught him off guard, causing him to pass out. "You''re arrogant; I''ll give you that. You only won because you caught him off guard. Let''s see if you can handle my fist," the man in the ck suit with shades said. He charged forward, closing the distance, and threw a punch. Alexander, barely moving sideways to dodge it, looked at him with disdain. As the man tried to retract his fist, it seemed to be caught by Alexander. He saw Alexander''s hands snake up to his elbow. With a twist, there was a bone-cracking sound once again. The man''s face turned red as he groaned in pain. Alexander then pped him, sending him staggering sideways and falling, clutching his broken arm. Seeing this, Gavin was filled with fear. If even his bodyguard was no match, how could he possibly win? Alexander simply looked at Gavin with disdain before turning his attention back to James. Seeing Alexander defeat two retired soldiers, James realized that this person couldn''t be dealt with using ordinary methods. He needed to inform his father, knowing that his father would have a strategy for handling someone like Alexander. As Alexander squatted down in front of James, his voice was icy. "If you trouble me again, I will really cripple you." Suddenly, sirens wailed outside, followed by the sound of footsteps. Police officers in uniforms arrived with guns drawn pointing at Alexander. Seeing the police, Alexander returned to his calm demeanor and said in a respectful tone, "Officers, these people tried to beat me up, so I fought back in self-defense. Please provide justice for me." The officers were stunned and at a loss for words. "This is not self defense but a beating" The police said inwardly. What Alexander described as self-defense seemed more like a one-sided beating. The woman in front, with a businesslike air, short ck hair, and long, elegant legs, walked gracefully towards Alexander. Alexander was initially relieved that a female officer was there to help him get justice, but his mood quickly shifted when he felt handcuffs snap onto his wrists. He looked at the female officer, his face showing his surprise but changed into a frown. "I think you''ve got the wrong guy, officer. It''s them," Alexander said, pointing at James and Gavin. But the female officer simply looked at him coldly and replied with a snort, "Be quiet. This isn''t self-defense this is direct assault. You are under arrest for assault and disturbing the peace. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court ofw." Hearing this, Alexander''s favorable impression of the officer vanished. He frowned, clearly upset, but did not resist as he was led to the police car. Meanwhile, the injured thugs were taken to the hospital. Gavin was also sent to the police station while he was ced in the interrogation room. Alexander was seated as the beautiful officer looked at him coldly. "Why did you use assault and violence in this situation?'' she asked, her tone stern and unwavering. "We need to understand your actions to proceed with the investigation." she finished. "Officer, I said that its self-defense if they did not used force in the first ce, I will also not used force" Alexander said with eyes narrowed. The policewoman brows furrowed as she ps the table, "Do you think what you did is self-defense I''m going to apprehend you for 10 days and see if you have the gal to do it again" Hearing this Alexander frowned and the displeasure on his face became livid, "Officer, don''t you think this is a bit unfair, they want beat me up and now I''m getting apprehended. What happens if I don''t know any self-defense, isn''t my life is going to be more miserable than them" The policewoman hearing what he said think that what he said was right, if this kid does not know self-defense his state will be much more miserable. She touched his brows in contemtion, she was only angry right now thinking that this person is the kind who always likes to cause trouble. But when he saw Alexander who was cooperative, she could not help but pity him, "Sorry about that, but the problem is you''ve mess with 2 big families at the same time. The first is the son of the leader of ck Serpent Gang while the other is the young master from the Murphy family." "Even if I tried to not apprehend you do you think they will not take action?" The policewoman answered. Hearing her words Alexander could not help but ponder, his opinion towards the police officer changed as she cared about his wellbeing. Seeing Alexander in a stalemate she could not help but sigh. In a big mansion in the living room Valentine is still wearing his office suit when suddenly she received a call. She took the phone, and herzy and tired face turned serious all of a sudden. "I got it" Valentine replied.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om "Who is it sis?" Seeing her serious expression ire who was in the sofa decided to ask. "Alexander was arrested" she said coldly as she put the phone down. Hearing this ire was stunned and panic, "Why, what did Alexander do?" she asked worriedly. "The caller said that he beat up the ck Serpent Gang and even the young master of some rich family was also involved" Valentine said with narrowed eyes. ire who heard this could not help but med herself she hurriedly stood up and begged her sister, "Sister please help Alexander he was only implicated because of me please don''t let anything happen to him" "Don''t worry our family never turned our back to those who had helped us, I''ll try calling a friend if he can help" As she took out her phone. On the other side a man picks up the phone and spoke, "Yes what is it, Young Lady?" "Uncle, can you help me a friend of mine was arrested, and it seems he was going to be detained" Valentine said on the phone. "Let me see what I can do, what is his name?" The voice on the other side replied. "His name is Alexander Ashbourne he''s a kid working at my restaurant" Valentine said patiently. "Let me see what I can do" Then the call was cut off, Valentine then left and took a car, it is a Porsche 918 Spyder a limited-edition car. As she was driving her phone begun to ring again, "Young Lady I can''t handle this problem, it concerns 2 big families. I think you should ry this to your father, I''m sorry I can''t help you with this case. But I''ll be by your side when you arrived at the police station" The other side of the phone said. Valentine nodded her head and already expecting this kind of result, his uncle William is only an Assistant Chief and dealing with two rich families is not an easy one. "Thank you Uncle William I''m almost at the Police station, I''ll call father first" Valentine said in reply. As she gazed at the road in distressed, clearly this problem is going to be hard to deal with. So, she took a call and ry this problem to his father. On the other end, his father nodded, signaling that he would use his connections to try and help Alexande Chapter 14 Whats His Background? Alexander sat calmly in the interrogation room, his hands cuffed, but there was no panic. If he wanted to, he could easily break free using brute force. Yet, he didn''t. He wasn''t even sure if he could dodge bullets, let alone escape the station. Meanwhile, in the main hall of the police station, a blond man spoke to a middle-aged officer in uniform, grinning. "Officer Josh, make sure that Alexander guy suffers for beating up James and humiliating me. If possible, lock him up for a few years," Gavin said with a smirk. Gavin''s attitude were the same as James, he was deeply humiliated by someone with no background. He thought beating them up would intimidate him, but now he nned to teach Alexander that strength is meaningless without connections. Josh, the middle-aged officer, gave a sly grin. "Don''t worry, Young Master Gavin. I''ll make sure this boy suffers for crossing you. I''ll show him just how small he really is for daring to offend the both of you," he said, shing a wide smile. Seeing a police lieutenant curry favor with him made Gavin smile proudly. This was the power of money and status. Suddenly, the sound of high heels echoed through the main hall. As they turned to look, a stunning woman entered, a beauty with long, sexy legs and a mature, well-defined face that could charm any man. Her ruby-red hair gleamed as she walked gracefully. Beside her stood a middle-aged man in a crisp police uniform, sharp with gold stripes on the shoulders indicating his senior rank. He exuded authority and experience, his demeanor calm butmanding. When Lieutenant Josh saw the middle-aged man enter, he frowned, immediately recognizing him. The two neers approached Josh and the blond-haired Gavin. "Is there a young man named Alexander being detained here, Lieutenant Josh?" the middle-aged man asked, his voice filled with authority. Hearing this, Josh respectfully sped his hands together and replied, "Yes, Assistant Chief William. He''s in the interrogation room for the crime hemitted. This is Young Master Gavin from the Murphy Family in Man. He reported that the kid not only beat up some gang members, but also severely injured his two bodyguards." Josh spoke with confidence, barely acknowledging William''s authority. In his mind, with the backing of Young Master Gavin from the Murphy family and the ck Serpent Gang, a promotion was already within his reach, as long as nothing went wrong of course. He knew he couldn''tpete with William Leywin, a man he despised. Not only did William hold a high position, but many people loved him for his upright personality. But with the support of the Murphy family and the ck Serpent Gang, Josh felt no fear in confronting William. Meanwhile, Gavin''s eyes remained fixated on Valentine, filled with lust as he wondered what it would be like to have such a high-ss woman under his control. "Hello I am Gavin Murphy, nice to meet you beautifuldy. Can you give me the honor to know your name" his smile is pure but his eyes of lust lied from his actions. Valentine who saw this felt disgusted, she really want to p this guy away but did not do so, "Put your hand back you make me sick, I don''t shake hands to young guy who only know how to rely on their families and bully the weak." she said coldly with disgust on her face. Gavin hearing her sarcastic remarks had some ck lines on his face, "Why don''t we find out if I''m a young guydy, do you want me to show you in action" he said withugh. Hearing this Valentine was even more disgusted from his perverted attitude, she just ignored him like he was some kind of pests. Seeing that he was ignored Gavin was so angry. "Seargent Josh, I heard that Alexander was ganged up by some gangs when he was in the convenience store. Leading for him to use self-defense in the process tell me why he should be detained?" William said with his face serious. "Assistant chief, this problem only urs because he greatly assaulted the other party, this is not self-defense anymore. So, he must be detained, to be good for all of the people he must be arrested so problem like this will not happen again" Josh said with a smile not respecting the person in front of him. Valentine chest heaved up and down and was about to talk back, but was stopped by William, he looked at Josh in front of him and his eyes turned sharped, "William in case you forgot, talking to your superiors in that manner is a sign of not being respectful to their seniors. Also, I heard that he only used self-defense since the other party attacked first in that situation, tell me what we are going to handle this situation?" he said with ice block cold eyes. Josh was in a lot of pressured and does not know how to reply suddenly a shout caught their attention, "If you''re asking how to handle this situation then this kid should be locked up for 10 years to let him know a valuable lessons." As they looked at the person it was a man with a sharp, tailored suit with dark in color, with crisp lines, a clean, white dress shirt underneath the suit and a subtle but elegant tie, a sleek wristwatch, and well-polished leather shoes. His appearance made William frowned and troubled, "So tell me assistant chief shouldn''t my suggestion good?" The guy smiled as he looked William eye to eye. "I did not know that the ck Serpent Gang, is fast in taking actions. They actually contacted you a top defense attorney Mr. Victor Donovan" William said with a broken a smile. He knew that with this person here the trouble had be more troublesome. Then the beautiful policeman came to them and saw that this must be the two parties, the other is from the gang and he even saw his superiors protecting that kid. But when she saw the beautiful woman besides his superior, she suddenly understands that thisdy was the boss of the restaurant ording to the information she read. She greeted his two superiors and Gavin who was besides Josh saw another high-quality woman, he could not help but drool. He did not see her figure during at that time, because the fear of getting beaten up clouded his mind. The policewoman seeing this even him, was feeling disgusted. The attorney seeing her asked directly. "Have you done with the interrogation? So did he admit his mistakes?" The attorney said. Hearing his words and seeing what he was wearing she knew that this guy must be awyer, "Yes, but he said that it was in self-defense and the 2nd party attacked him first." The policewoman answered defending Alexander. Thewyer raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Of course, he is. Self-defense is always the easy out. We''ll see how that holds up in court." Hearing this all of them were now in a hard position, Josh and Gavin was smiling from ear to ear knowing that they''ve won this round. Suddenly when the silence was prolonged enough, a sound of call reverberated throughout the ce. It was from the assistant chief William, picking it up he remembered that this number is from the Chief of Police the highest-ranking officer in the police department, responsible for overall management. He was confused why is his superiors was calling at this moment. Picking he said respectfully, "Good evening Chief is there any problem you want to share" "Did you detain some kid named Alexander?" The voice of the other side inquired, directly.N?v(el)B\\jnn Hearing this William was stunned wondering how their chief knows about something trivial as this, "Yes we have caught a kid named Alexander he is currently being interrogated" He replied respectfully. The other side did not speak for a while until hemanded, "Let him out no matter what". Chapter 15 Whats his Background 2? William was shocked when he heard the order. Letting him out? Isn''t that a bit too much? But since he also wanted to help the youngdy, he agreed. With the support of his superiors, he now felt confident. "Roger that, Chief," he said, putting the phone down without hanging up. He looked at Josh and Donovan, a smirk creeping onto his face. Seeing his grin, a sense of dread washed over them, they knew that something good must have happened from that call. "Chief Johnson just called and said that Alexander is innocent and should not be detained. Are you doubting his word too?" he finished with a smirk. Josh and even Donovan thewyer, frowned in disbelief. They couldn''t believe the Chief of Police had personally gotten involved. Meanwhile, Valentine who was standing nearby, let out a sigh of relief and silently thanked her father. She clearly remembered that she called her father, thinking that his father must have taken action. Donovan''s expression darkened he knew they were at a disadvantage, but he refused to back down. "Even if the Chief of Police says so, the evidence is here. That troublemaker needs to be locked up," he said, trying to sound confident. Seeing Donovan''s unyielding stance, William calmly put the phone to his ear and ryed the situation to the person on the other end. Donovan, however, remained unfazed for he believed that thew was on his side. Hearing this Johnson just replied nonchntly, "Oh can you give the phone towards that Donovan" he stated. Taking the phone off his ear, he then passed the phone to Donovan, "Here Chief Johnson wants to talk to you". Donovan took the phone and put it in his ear and said his statement, "Chief this problem is hard for you to handle, the evidence is clear and if you want to help Alexander out. You need to hire awyer to represent him" He said with a smile, knowing that he can won this. The voice on the other end of the phone was emotionless but firm. "Don''t get yourself involved in this case if you want to continue your career as awyer. The person behind him can bend thew just to get him out." Donovan''s brow furrowed upon hearing this. The situation was trickier than he had anticipated. "Who''s behind him?" he asked, a sense of unease creeping in. Johnson replied, "The Prime Minister". Hearing this Donovan faced fell and some sweat began to pour on his face, the prime minister involved his self just to let this kid out, "What is his background?" He though inwardly. After hearing the answer he give the call back to William and looked at the two besides him, his confidence was no more and a hint of fear was visible on his face, "I''m sorry, this case is beyond my power" he said as he leaves the police station. Seeing this situation Josh and Gavin was stunned even the beautiful policewoman was dumbfounded, the guy was clearly in high spirit but now he surrendered without any second thoughts. "Just who is that kid?" she said inwardly. "So now that the trouble is done, I''ll escort Alexander out of the interrogation room" William said, with smile of triumph as he looked at the two. The two faces fell even Gavin was unwilling, but he could not put up a fight, he knew that the kid could get out now. Even a famous attorney give up. No matter how unwilling he was he can only ept defeat as he leaved the police station. The call then was ended and William with beautiful policewoman besides him, went to the interrogation room and saw Alexander sitting with his hand cuffed, "I''m verry sorry for not investigating the situation clearly, you''re free now and you are innocent in this situation" "Ca go ahead and released him" William said, Ca then took action as she took the key and released Alexander from the handcuffed. Alexander look at the police woman and William with gratitude, "Thank you for proving me innocence officer" Hearing this William was filled with smiles as he waved his palm, "No, no don''t need to thank me, follow me out Ms. Valentine is outside waiting for you" as he stood up leaving the interrogation room. Alexander then saw outside it was none other than Valentine in an office suit, when she saw him he smiled and run over to him, "Alex are you hurt anywhere?" she said worriedly.N?v(el)B\\jnn Feeling her care to him Alexander smiled, "Don''t worry Ms. Valentine I''m fine I was not mistreated during my interrogation." Hearing this Valentine sighed in relief as he took Alexander palm, "I''ll take you back home it''s sote at night now, there''s no more ride at this hour. Uncle William I''ll go and take Alexander back thank you for your help, Uncle" she said gratefully. William smiled but shook his head, he knew that he did not provide any help even if he wasn''t here Alexander could still leave. Since he has the backing of the Chief of Police, if he heard that even the Prime Minister was involved during the call he would be shocked. After getting out of the police station they were at the parking area and he saw that Valentine went inside on an expensive sports car, "Is this your car Ms. Valentine?" Alexander said in awe. Seeing his expression Valentine was amused at his expression, "Yes it''s mine hurry and get inside" As he heard her reply Alexander was skeptical isn''t she was just an owner of a restaurant how could she buy an expensive car. But since he was an outsider he had no say to this matter and just keep his mouth shut. Finally he arrived back, just outside of his apartment as he got out to his car Valentine bade his farewell before leaving. The throtle of the car sounded as the figure of the car dissapeared. Alexander then went back into his room and before he can slumped down to his bed he recieved a message, opening he saw that it was ire. [ire: Alexander are you okay did the ck Serpent Gang hurt you] [Alexander: Don''t worry I was never hurt, quite the opposite it was them who hurt themeselves] Reading the text ireugh and replied, [ire: I''m sorry for bringing trouble to you I''ll try to repay you again next time.] [Alexander: No need its just a trivial matter] [ire: No let me treat you, you cant say no to this] Alexander could only agree so they have conversation for a while until it was done, when he was about to put his phone on the table. His phone started ringing and it''s an unknown number, picking up the call he heard the voice of the person that he could never forget. "I heard you were detained for getting into a brawl with some gangsters. Can you stop causing trouble that might hurt you?" the man on the other end of the line said. Alexander''s expression turned icy as he responded coldly, "Isn''t it a bitte for you to start caring about the son you abandoned to fend for himself? Don''t call me again. I have no family anymore no mother, nor a father. I don''t want to see your face ever again." He hung up, his emotions in turmoil, but after a while, he managed to calm down. The anger that is within him for years cannot be forgotten, since he was thrown aside, he will never be part of that family ever again. The other side of the phone who looked exactly Alexander, but he had a noble aura and the only difference is he had brown hair and a bit of maturity. He slowly put his phone down when the call was ended, he sighed as he gazed at the night sky. "Am I really wrong for epting father''s words? I''ll just let his anger subside for a while and wait for him to return since his 18 now, his training is finally ended" The man said as he closed his eyes. Chapter 16 Unique Skill The next day, Alexander woke up early and decided to go for a jog. He felt like his body was changing, turning him into a different person. He had never been the type who enjoyed training or exercising, but now, he felt an intense urge to do it. Wearing only moisture-wicking shorts, running shoes, and a ck sweatshirt, he stepped outside. The sun hadn''t risen yet, but its soft glow gently lit up the surroundings. As he was jogging his mind kept wondering aboutst night, and the memory deep inside his heart sh back again. Remembering his crying and pleading to not thrown him out, but still he was tossed aside like a stranger. He gritted his teeth, his eyes tinged with a hint of red as he recalled the pathetic moments of begging and pleading with them. He couldn''t help but think about how weak and fragile he had been. But this time, no matter the cost, he vowed never to go back. "Since you''ve thrown me out this time, I will never return. I''ve survived for 12 years with those difficult time without their help. With the help of my system, I''ll make sure to be a Man that is greater than myself years ago" Alexander said with a determined face. [The Host has experienced an intense emotional breakthrough, solidifying a new resolve. In recognition of this transformation, the unique skill "Heart of Stone" has been granted.] The system voice sounded on his ear, "Heart of stone? what is that and it''s a unique skill" Alexander though with his brows narrowed. [Heart of Stone {First Tier}]: System: Due to the Host''s anger and sorrow caused by his childhood memories, and with his new resolve and goal, the unique skill "Heart of Stone" has been granted to apany you on this journey. Description: The Host''s ability to feel emotions will be significantly reduced, allowing for clear, rational thinking in any situation. While this grants unmatched mental fortitude, it also makes forming deep emotional connections more difficult.] Reading the description, he stopped in his tracks and was shocked, but his expression showed a serious one different from his emotion. He really felt that his anger towards his family seemed to be a normal one for him. "Am I really going to be a Machine with this Unique skill? But It''s still useful with this even if they are in front of me, I will never feel a thing." He said as he continued to jog. He exercised for a while until he arrived at a park. Since it was only 5:00 in the morning, there were just a few people around, clearly all of them were there to exercise. He then stopped at an empty patch of grass. He started stretching, even doing a split, feeling the stretch in his waist as he reached for his toes." Just across him an old man in white hair, was standing and looking at the two figures. There was a woman with a brown hair, with a good body figure which is also pretty. She had those big peaks, tall bridge nose and sharp eyes, her hair reached over waist but sadly it was tied into a ponytail. She throws her fist in the air creating whistling sound, while changing it into a palm strike. Her move is fluid and precise the old man seeing this could not help but smile. Besides her is a man the same aged as the girl he had brown hair the same as him, with a tall figure and an aura of a refined soldier. He also practiced some kind of technique where sometimes he throws some kicks, which felt like it can cut through rocks and steel. With the power every time he sweeps. The old man seeing this could not help but touched his beard in satisfaction. "Lexera, Jeff, that''s enough for today. I can''t help but feel proud of both of you," the old man said, his voice full of praise, but looking at his grandson made him even more prouder. "You, my granddaughter, in about 5 to 8 years, will finally master our family''s secret technique. Your older brother, on the other hand, mastered it in just a year, maybe even less. Both of you have incredible talent." Hearing this, the two smiled happily at their grandfather''s words, feeling proud and encouraged by their abilities. "We are not letting you down grandfather" The two spoked in unison. The old man nodded with a small smiled and looked at his grandson Jeff, "Jeff are you sure you''re going to attend college? It''s not like in the battlefield where you can do whatever you want" The old man said. Hearin this Jeff replied, "Yes grandpa, I really want to experience the life of just a normal person. I''ve been on the battlefield for 5 years now, and now I''m 19 taking a break for 1 or 2 years is good I supposed." he said with longing to experience a normal life. The old man looking at his face that really wants to experience other than fighting and killing was feeling bad, it was his decision, or you can say, primarily it was his grandson choice. He still remembered when his grandson was a child, always obsessed with fighting. Sending him to the battlefield only made him happier. But now that his grandson had outgrown that thrill and understood how dull it could be, the old man could finally rx, knowing he was far from danger. "That''s good. No matter what choice you make, I support you," the old man said, turning his gaze toward the woman as he continued.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om "What about you Lexera? Do you still want to be a soldier? I think being a businesswoman suits you, it''s so dangerous out there" he said with a serious expression. Lexera hearing this could not help but roll her eyelids, "Grandpa I want to be a soldier like you, the same as father and brother. You can''t change my mind anymore grandpa this is what I really want." She said expressing her outmost dream. "Aiya, alright then if that''s what you want" The old man sigh thinking that his cute granddaughter would be sent into the battlefield beheading people. Or on the other hand maybe she will be the one to be beheaded making him worried. Seeing his worried expression Jeff on the side smile, knowing that his grandpa really doted in his little sister, "Grandpa don''t worry as long as I''m alive, I will never let Lexera travel alone." he said reassuringly. Hearing this, her expression narrowed she rebutted in anger, "Are you saying that I''m not strong enough and will just be a chopping board during battles? I''m not a little kid anymore" she said as she throws some measly punches towards Jeff. Jeff blocked with his palm smiling wryly, the old man hearing this could not help but feel his worry lessened a bit. "Since you''ve said that I''m relieved for some reason" The old man said with augh. Hearing his grandpa''sugher the girl who''s hitting Jeff looked at his grandpa like a spoiled girl, "Grandpa!" she cried out with a pitiful expression. Jeff and the old man justugh from her expression, the old man then noticed a figured on his side. It was a young man, the old man gazed, and he can see something special from this young man in front of him. Even though he was just doing some stretching, he felt that the young man in front of him is special. Filled with curiosity the old man left the two who was still quarrelling and went across towards Alexander. They were not really far apart so he arrived quicker than expected, Alexander seeing the arrival of an old man stopped what he was doing and looked at him. He can see that the old man is trying to investigate him, with its perceptive eyes. "Excuse me for the intrusion young man, are you a Martial Artist by any chance?" The old man asked. Hearing the abrupt question Alexander furrowed his brows, "Martial Artist?", he was filled with question not knowing what the old man is referring to. "No, I''m not old man" Alexander replied, devoid of any expression. The old man seeing his expression without any changed or shift of emotion put him on a stalemate, he couldn''t just force the young man to show his true self. But his intuition was never wrong, so when he was about to leave suddenly his grandson came to him. Alexander seeing the arrival of another 2 people was still at the ground in a stretching position. When his gazed came to the young man besides the old man, his expression showed a slight smile. The old man noticed the way Alexander was looking at his grandson''s handsome face and nced back at Alexander''s smiling expression. With a puzzled look, he muttered, "Am I wrong, or is this kid actually gay?" Alexander then stood up, turned to the young man, and spoke, "Excuse me, friend, would you like to have a battle?" Hearing this the old man and the two were stunned from the sudden challenge, Jeff hearing this challenged frowned. He was an elite soldier, and for an ordinary person to challenge him, without understanding the vast difference in their skills, was someone clearly seeking their own demise. Chapter 17 Challenge Lexera who was fed up with Alexander''s arrogant behavior, shouted, "Before you fight my brother, you''ll have to go through me first!" She pointed at Alexander as she spoke. Alexander was momentarily stunned by her challenge. He could tell that, even if there were fifty of herself, she wouldn''t be a match for him. He nced back at the guy standing next to the old man. "So, do you want to fight or not?" Alexander asked again. Getting ignored Lexera eyes red with anger, as she rushed suddenly with an attempt to attack. Her moved was fast and fierce, without any sign of holding back. Alexander seeing this did not panic, when the kick was almost within his face, with just extending his palm he blocked the attack. Seeing this both the old man and Jeff were surprised, they did not expect that he could blocked a full power moved just now. The old man eyes glinted in confirmation, "My guess is never been wrong". The girl Lexera who saw that her attacked was blocked, wanted to take it back but Alexander held it firmly. Angered from this she exerted pressure to his body and spin in midair with his other leg came flying to hit alexander. Before Lexera could evenplete her move, Alexander grabbed her foot, pushed it, and threw off her momentum. She tumbled backward from the attack. As she rolled on the ground, her hair became disheveled. When she saw Alexander''s indifferent expression, her rage grew even stronger, this humiliation had to be repaid. But just as she was about to continue, a hand rested on her shoulder, stopping her. When she looked back, it was her grandpa, his expression serious. "Grandpa, let go of me," she demanded, trying to break free. But her grandpa''s voice stopped her. "Lexera, don''t cause trouble. This kid has some skill. Let your brother avenge you." Hearing this, Lexera quickly calmed down. She realized that, based on what had just happened, she truly wasn''t a match for him. Standing up, she shot Alexander a sulky re, looking like a spoiled child. "Hmph," she snorted towards Alexander, standing up and tidying herself. Alexander felt wronged. She had attacked first, yet now that she was defeated, it seemed as if it was all his fault. However, he didn''t dwell on it and instead turned his attention to the young man. Before Jeff could confront Alexander, the old man leaned in and whispered to his grandson, "Teach this kid a lesson." Jeff nodded and stepped forward to face Alexander. As they squared off, the lighthearted, sunny expression vanished from Jeff''s face, reced with a serious and focused look. "You''re going to suffer from hurting my little sister" Jeff said coldly. Alexander''s expression didn''t change, but he let out a slight smile. From another perspective, it looked like the confident grin of someone who had already won, a clear sign of arrogance. This was exactly how Jeff interpreted that smile. "Please" Alexander called as he was just standing. Jeff, taking his stance narrowed his eyes a little. He noticed that the guy in front of him seemed open with no defense at all, but he knew it had to be a trap. Still, he charged in, confident that he was stronger. Jeff who was lunged forward, throwing a swift right hook aimed at Alexander''s jaw. But just as his fist was about to connect, Alexander effortlessly sidestepped, his movements smoothly and precise. Jeff''s punch met thin air, and before he could recover, a sharp jab struck his ribs, sending a shockwave of pain through his torso. Jeff gritted his teeth, ignoring the sting, and quickly shifted his weight, aiming a low kick at Alexander''s legs. This time, it was useless as well as Alexander dodged it. With surprising agility. He was in awe to see that this normal looking guy had the strength and even the moves. Blood pumped in Jeff''s ears as he steadied himself, his muscles tensed. "I''m just getting started," he growled, charging forward again, this time his serious. "Come" Alexander taunted, with his hand signaling him toe. With a straight jab Alexander decided to confront him head on, his arms slithered through his Jab. But he takes it back as quickly he throws it. He knew that this was just a sparring match and there was no need for him to destroy the other party. Jeff seeing him take back his counterattack was enraged. Thinking that Alexander was underestimating him, so he increased the strenght in his fist and when it reaches Alexander chest. A strong hand blocked it. It was Alexander''s palm that caught his attack. "This can''t be possible," Jeff muttered in disbelief. He took a step back and unleashed a flurry of punches. But Alexander who was prepared for it, dodged each strike with ease. He moved like a snake, weaving effortlessly through the air as Jeff''s fists whistled past him. Being yed like this Jeff anger rises, he was a genius back in the military. He dominated every young soldier even his seniors through a fight. But this time, he was being yed by some unknown guy who was exercising in a park. Making his pride, that apanied him from young to be ruined. "Ok that''s enough" Alexander voiced sounded. Before he could even react, Alexander slip closed to him while he was swinging, dodging the attacked. With in ranged he releases a palm strike hitting the youth in the chest. Sending him flying a few steps away, the old man who was behind was faster and caught him. When he looked at the palm print, a hint of energy was present from the attack. "A Master?" The old man mumbled as he looked at Alexander in surprised. Seeing his grandson''s pale face, with blood trickling from his mouth, the old man felt a strong urge to avenge him. But he was from an older generation, and even if he tried, he knew he stood no chance against the kid in front of him. Lexera, seeing her injured brother, quickly rushed to his side. "You''re such a bad person for bullying my brother!" she snapped, ring at Alexander with cold eyes. Alexander smiled wryly, "It was only a match sorry I could not hold back" he exined. That''s true though from the match just now he only uses 30% of his strength. Hearing this excuse Lexera was about to retort again but was stopped by his brother. "Lexera, stop arguing," Jeff said firmly.N?v(el)B\\jnn "A duel is a duel, and I''ve lost. He held back from the very first move and if he hadn''t, I would''ve been defeated right away. He showed me some respect, but it''s still a hard pill to swallow. This is already a disgrace for me, so please don''t say anything more." Jeff''s tone was serious, leaving no room for protest. Seeing his brother expression, she could only nod his head. The old man looked at Alexander and stood up to give a handshake. "What''s your name young man?" The old man Asked. "My name is Alexander" Alexander stated his name. The old man nodded his head in acknowledgement and inquired again, "What''s your master''s name?". Alexander hearing this answered truthfully, "I have no master". Hearing this both the young guy and the old man was stunned, a talented kid with good foundation and skills had no master. How is this possible? Seeing the expression of his that is devoid of any lie, they could only nod in understanding. Jeff wasn''t feeling great about this loss, even with the help of his family''s secret technique and the training he had received at the camp. He had lost to someone who was self-taught. For Alexander, this was a turning point he had finally grasped the essence of the technique''s movements. His goal had been achieved. But the old man introduced his self-making him stay a bit longer. "My name is Franklin ckwood," the old man introduced. "These two are my grandsons. The girl is Lexera ckwood, and the one you just fought is Jeff ckwood." Alexander nodded at Jeff, who returned the gesture. Lexera, however, only responded with a cold snort, making Alexander scratch his head in confusion. "Ok Mr. Franklin I''ll get going now or I''mte for work" Alexander said. But before he could go Franklin stopped him and took a card in his pocket, Alexander seeing this stopped in his tracks. "Here young Alexander take this card, my number is written in that card call me if you have any problem. Please call me Old Franklin or Franklin" Franklin spoked waiting for Alexander to take it. Alexander, who was in a hurry, took the card and put it in his pockets, "Thank you Old Franklin I''m going now or I''mte for work" As he run away from their sight. Lexera seeing his action was so angry, he did not even dare to look at his grandpa''s card making her even more dissatisfied. "I will have my revenge" She mumbled, full of resolution. Chapter 18 World of Magic and Swords In another realm, there''s a cepletely different from Alexander''s world. In the vast emptiness of space, a blue and green that is three timesrger than Earth, can be seen. Massive void worms that isrge as an enormous ship, trying to breach the''s atmosphere, but a barrier surrounds the, making their attempts futile. Even with their thousands of razor-sharp, needle-like teeth trying to bite through the barrier, their efforts were futile, forcing them to flee from boredom with no results from their efforts.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om The scene then zoomed in on the, revealing vast oceans stretching for millions of miles. Some sea creatures, never before seen or documented by science, roamed its waters. The view then shifted to the continent. Towering mountains dominated thendscape, and above them flew a beast the size of arge ship. Its scales were as red as rubies, and its wings, with a single p, could shroud the sky. A real-life dragon existed in the flesh roaming in the sky. As the view zoomed in further, it revealed an endless expanse of grasnds. Eventually, a massive kingdom appeared, sprawling across at least 20 million miles. Its borders were safeguarded by towering walls, clearly designed to defend against any invasion. There were three massive walls inside the ce. One protecting the outer region, another in the middle, and the innermost wall guarding the heart of the kingdom. On each towering wall that is spread out from South, West, East and North. A diamond-shaped crystals were embedded for the blue on the outer wall is the outer wall, white on the middle wall, and red on the inner wall. They resembled turrets from video games in appearance. Inside the kingdom, thendscape was breathtaking, with mountains and rivers giving the impression of a paradise. As the view zoomed in, it revealed many vigers, and even carriages pulled by strange creatures with caterpir-like legs and oddly shaped bodies. The scene shifted to arge room, where a wooden table with carvings and strange symbols stood. On the table was a stack of documents. The room was spacious, with bookshelves lining the walls, filled with various books. Seated at the table was a person, clearly the manager of this ce, as the setting resembled an office. He was dressed in ayered outfit with a white shirt with rolled-up sleeves and a V-neckline, oveid with a white vest featuring two vertical rows of square patches or pockets. Around his neck, there is a choker or band adorned with a rectangr ornament. His waist is encircled by an assortment of belts and pouches, with one belt having arge circr buckle in the center. His lower attire consists of baggy pants gathered at the knees, leading into fitted greaves or shin guards. These greaves have straps and buckles for fastening and are paired with heavy boots that have reinforced toes. Additionally, he has armored pieces on each forearm, possibly made of leather or metal, covering from wrist to elbow. His hands are bare, that seems to be a dignified and handsome person, but he was big and fat ruining the entire introduction. The fat person that looks like of a merchant had a magnifying single eyess on his right eye. Carefully, reading the entire description of this person its none other than our, Fatmerchant69. He was seated with his hands on the table where his jaw was ce on the back of his palm, looking at the door with patience. Suddenly a footstep came all of a sudden and the door was open violently. "This deal must be of great importance, or I will really hit the shit out of you Bruggin" A middle aged man appeared that also woreyering clothes. The middle-aged man that had the looks of a professor wore a suit with an exquisite blend of dark, enchanted fabrics, the main color is a deep charcoal grey, with veins of iridescent silver threads running through the fabric, which catch the light and shimmer faintly, giving an almost otherworldly aura. The suit''s material appears lightweight yet durable, perhaps offering him protection or increasing his agility in subtle ways. The jacket is sleek and tailored to perfection, with a high cor that stands slightly, giving him an imposing presence. The edges of the cor and cuffs are lined with obsidian-ck embroidery, etched with intricate potion symbols that signify his power and status within the magicalmunity ''maybe''. The buttons are not ordinary either they are made from polished stone that looks like it was plucked from the moon, which glow faintly with an ethereal light. Each button bears a small, inscribed rune not knowing its function. Underneath the jacket, he wears a ck silk vest, embroidered with delicate, swirling designs in dark silver. The vest is fastened by a row of silver chains, giving it a more regal and mystical appearance. The man tie is made of deep blue velvet, fastened with a silver sp in the shape of a crescent moon. His pants are made of the same charcoal grey, enchanted fabric as his jacket, fitting seamlessly with his tall, lean figure. They taper down to his polished ck leather boots, which are adorned with runic inscriptions, offering both style and beauty. He was tall and domineering, the way he looked at Fatmerchant 69, whose real name is Bruggin Thistlebrow. He did not choose the name Fatmerchant69 but it''s up to the system itself, so he can only swallow this problem not knowing how to change the username. Fatmerchant69 or Bruggin is a shrewd but jolly merchant, with a knack for making deals and a deep love for food and drink (hence his interest in selling his beverage). Hisst name, "Thistlebrow," could imply that despite his outward joviality, he has a sharp and prickly side when ites to business. He''s a hustler, willing to go to great lengths to make a profit. His owner of the bigpany Everbarrel Mercantile, which is located in the center district of the Demacian Kingdom. It''s a Five-star Shop where adventurers and nobles trade for some equipment''s and other items, but this shop is renowned when ites to drink and potions. Across him the middle-aged man Valtor Ashveil is the CEO or the Founder of ElixirCraft Industries. Valtor is a cold, calcting businessman with a deep understanding of both magic and alchemy. He was called through by Bruggin with some magical item because of a great deal which he cannot declined, even though he was located in the other kingdom that is located 100 thousand miles away. He travelled fast using magic crossing mountains and rivers, knowing that this fat guy deal must be really important and profitable. The both of them were friends for a long time and consideredrade in arms. So, if there''s a good thing the both of them will not let the other party leaved a share, which made them seem more like a brother rted by blood. Hearing his angry call Bruggin smile totally used to this, "Sit here for a while Valton, I''m going to show you something good". Valton just snorted while saying, "It better be good or my trip this time will be useless". As he sat in the seat across the table looking at Bruggin with curiosity. "Don''t worry you will love this" Bruggin smiled mischievously. Seeing his expression Valton was curios, he was a man who was direct and can''t handle being cliffhanger. "Can you show me the item, you''re making me curios" he said running out of patience. Bruggin smiled and raised his hand, causing the air to distort. A void opened, and from it, he pulled out a bottle made of green stic, with strange carvings or markings on it, possibly an enchantment made by an enchanter. The Valton who was observing this wasn''t surprised, knowing that since childhood, Bruggin had an affinity for a rare element and that is space. What he didn''t realize, however, was that this ability was actually part of a system, allowing him to store items. Nheless, Bruggin did indeed have a natural affinity for space, while the system provided an external storage ability for him to use. Putting it in the table Valton expression remained nonchnt as he looked Bruggin confused, "So you''re giving me a bottle of your piss is this what you mean" he said questioningly. Chapter 19 World of Magic and Swords 2 Bruggin hearing this was stunned from the sudden disgusting words, "If you''re not my brother I will not going to share you, my piss. Just drink the damned thing and you will know" He retorted. Valton was cautious, looking at the bottle and Brugging back and forth, "It''s not poison right?" He asked with brows furrowed. "Valton, are you really that stupid? We''ve drunk together on plenty of asions. If I wanted to poison you, I would''ve done it a long time ago," Bruggin said. Hearing this, Valton realized Bruggin was right, and his cautious demeanor faded. He picked up the bottle, inspected it, and a look of appreciation appeared on his face. As an Alchemist this is the first time, he had seen a bottle to store a drink made of stic and not ss. Even with his years of experience, the words engraved on it he could not understand wondering what it says. Valton then opened the bottle cap then he slowly drinks it. As the first sip of the strange green liquid touched Valtor''s tongue, his senses were immediately overwhelmed. It was not cold but sharp, unlike any potion or brew he''d ever tasted. The fizz bubbled wildly in his mouth, crackling against his tongue like tiny bursts of energy. A shockingly sweet, citrusy vor flooded his taste buds, tangy and bold, leaving a tingling sensation as it slid down his throat. It was both invigorating and alien [''alien'' I use because I find it fitted in this text], then a strangebination of vors and sensations that made his heart race. For a moment, he paused with his eyes wide, unsure if he had just consumed a magical concoction or some powerful alchemical elixir. The drink felt electrifying, awakening something within him that left him craving more, even as he tried to make sense of the unfamiliar taste. Even though it did not increase his stats but the vor it could be consider a delicacy, Valton was filled with question as he looked at Bruggin who''s smiling from ear to ear looking at him. "Where did you get this?" Valton asked unknowingly. "I''ve got this from an unknown adventurer, and he seems to have this, but he can only produce this in low margin. Now you''ve known the reason why I called you right" Brugging said looking at Valton intently. Knowing the meaning in his words he replied, "So you want me to produce this kind of drink, by providing me samples?" Valton said with knowing his intention. "Bingo! You nailed it" Bruggin said with thumbs up. Valton was in a dilemma for a moment, even though an alchemist renowned throughout the kingdom the taste of this, brough him to a new light that even he did not know such drink actually exist. But this is what he liked the most, the more mysterious it is the more he wanted it to discover. Not agreeing for a while he decided to inquire more about it. "Who''s the mysterious guy who sell this to you?" Valton inquired. "As I mentioned, he''s a mysterious one," Bruggin said. "He wears a ck cloak that hides his face and body. He only sells this to me, and he resupplies me with around seven sets every week. I buy them for 2 gold each, and I n to resell them for 3 gold. I''ll give you one set for research, and if you make a breakthrough, we''ll split the profits 50-50. So, do we have a deal?" Bruggin cleverly concealed the true identity of the system and the real price of the drink, even fabricating Alexander as a mysterious merchant. Well Alexander existence truly is mysterious, since his from another realm and only doing some trade. Unable to find any fault in Bruggin''s words and recognizing the potential profits if this product hit the market, Valton decided to agree. "When do you n to sell this?" Valton asked. "Next week when I''ve received another supply of this. I want to make it grand so more people can buy as the stock run out, they will increase the price from the original one knowing how scarce it is" Bruggin said cunningly.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om Valton nodded for he knows that noble and even the king will love this if it was put in sell, "Then give me 1 set for this drink and I''ll do my research right away" Without any hesitation, "Sure here" Bruggin said as he took a whole set of Mountain Dew in his system storage. Seeing this Valton could not help but be envious, having an affinity for space is really a cool one. Not only it''s good for travelling but it even has a great ability to escape in crisis, but its best used is when ites to storing items. As 1 tray of Mountain Dew was ced in the table Valton then hurriedly put it in his storage pouch, which is also made of space element. He was in a haste afraid that someone will take it from him. Seeing his actions Bruggin smiled while thinking about next week ns, he needs to make an advertising and a grand unveiling at that. "I should get going now, I want to study this unknown drink. I''ll call you from the call stone when it was done" Valton said as he stood up leaving the shop. He flew up opening the window in the office, as he was floating there seems to be a wisp of air surrounding him. In this world it''s like very normal to fly or even store items in an empty space. Bruggin did not stop seeing how excited he is to uncover its secret, also it was in his best interest if he ever uncovers it. He then looked at his ceiling wondering what another surprised this ''AlexanderTheGrate'' will bring to him. Talking about Alex he was in a haste running from the sideroad with formal clothes afraid that he may bete from second day. Chapter 20 Completing the Mission Alexander who was on the way to his work arrived not totallyte, ire seeing him greeted a good morning and the both of them then changed clothes. Once dressed Alexander in his uniform, finally they opened the store, and he stand at the entrance of the door again waiting for customers toe. Then finally the first customer arrived, which was assisted by Alexander. As he ordered, Alexander heed his request. As time goes by more and more customers came. The ce quickly filled with people, and it became busy as customers came and went. This left little time for ire and Alexander to interact. While Alexander was serving, a man with heavy makeup caught his attention. Despite having a rugged, manly face, the man gave Alexander a charming look. When he was serving the table, as he put the te of food. The guy touched his hands coincidentally. His whole body seems to have been electrocuted. "If that''s all I''m going now" Alexander said with a forced smile, as he walked away. The guy looking at Alexander figured disappearing was saddened, his pals who were also gay look at himughing. "Hahha, you''ve scared the young man, why are you not so patient Miguel" One of the gay with heavy makeup said, the blush on his cheeks was so thick. "Yeah, look at him! You scared him so badly," one of them added with a hint of frustration. "I didn''t even get his name because of you." Hearing this, his previously sad expression shifted into a fierce one,pletely different from his earlier,dy like demeanor. "Shut up you two, it''s not my fault his so handsome. Hays, his beauty is the only thing we can admire without touching" The gay named Miguel said, with a disheartened tone. Alexander felt cringed all throughout his body, the three did not know that with Alexander increased in overall stats. Could hear their conversation, even with noise from the other customer. As they were done eating Alexander thanked them for eating, leaving directly afraid that something might have happened. The three gays also left the restaurant, thanking Alexander for the food and service he offered. Alexander proceeded with his work, until finally the end of work was done. It was 5 in the afternoon, both Alexander and ire did not hang out. Because both are busy Alexander took the allowance from chief Weasley, he also did not see the figure of Sophie knowing that she must be on her way to tutor. Receiving his allowance of 1,000 pesos, Alexander then took a ride home and arrived on his ce, he was not tired but wants to finish this mission fast. [Bnce: 1,000 Pesos] He knows that something good might have happened if he finishes this mission. [Be a Millionaire Difficulty: easy Reward: +1 level, 2x earnings for 5 minutes, and 1 lucky spin. Time Limit: 5 Days] Looking at the mission in the system panel where he only had 5 days remaining. He took called his system to show his total umtion. [After umting for about 17 hours, 12 mins, and 11 seconds the total amount that is generated is over 34,405 Pesos] Seeing the result Alexander though that this is so low, the amount of money he can generate is rtively slow, so slow. "I guess It''s tapping time" Alexander said cooly like a power ranger. As Alexander tapped away on his phone non-stop, a series of two-digit numbers appeared on the screen with each click. asionally, 1 EXP was added, but the rate of EXP increase remained rtively low. Ten minutes passed and thanks to his increased in strength, Alexander didn''t feel tired. He remained focused, still clicking on the screen full of concentration. 20, 30, 40, 50, and finally 60 minutes. 1 hour had passes and Alexander felt that his fingers trembled slightly and when he looked at the total amount, he acquired from tap money he sighed. [Tap Money: 48,000 Pesos Earnings Generator: 2,000 Pesos] For the Tap Money he has earned about 48,000 pesos while for the Earnings Generator he has made 2,000 pesos in just one hour. "Slow" He mumbled as he cashout the bnce. [Current Bnce: 51,000 Pesos] He then decided to upgrade the Tap multiplier because it''s much more convenient than the Earnings Generator. By clicking ''Upgrade'', the price changed making the 50,000 Pesos to 100,000 Pesos. The price just doubled but the level rises from 3. So, it''s still good. [Tap Money {+} 2 pesos per tap total earning: 0 Tap Earning (level: 2) Upgrade the Value of every tap to {3 pesos} will cost around 5,000 pesos. Tap multiplier (level: 3) for every one tap will be equivalent to 3 taps. Next upgrade will cost around 100,000 pesos]. Nodding in appreciation he decided to continue his grinding, Alexander then decided to upgrade Tap Earning next, to increase the amount of money he can make with this. Tapping in the screen for a while he made 6 pesos per one tap because of the multiplier. After tapping for 10 minutes, he has umted 6,000 Pesos. He then upgraded the Tap earning that cost only 5,000 Pesos. As the level rises the same as the next price now it became 10,000 Pesos doubling to its original. Alexander continued his grind, and after 12 minutes of non-stop tapping, he managed to earn 10,000 pesos. Feeling satisfied, he imed the money and upgraded his skill to ''Tap Earning'' Directly. The next upgrade now required 15,000 pesos. As a bonus for upgrading, he gained some EXP, not only from the upgrade itself but also from the tapping he had been doing along the way. [Congrattion Host for leveling up] [Because of the easiest way in levelling up by just only upgrading in the system function. The exp gained from upgrading in the system Generated Money will not work anymore. While the chances of receiving exp from tapping will also be lowered to 5% chance] Reading this Alexander was stunned and furios, but his face remained stoic as ever and his mind calmed down all of a sudden. "This skill is really full of wonders" he spoked in his mind. Alexander then asked the question, "Are there any other way to gather exp points?" he said filled with questions. [That''s up to the Host to find out] Reading this, luckily Alexander knows that he can''t pull his hopes up from this. Since there''s a lot of time, he will slowly discovered how to gain exp. "System show me my, current status" Alexandermanded. [Status Experience: 0/300 Name: Alexander Free Points: 2 Title: None Level: 3 Strength: 13 Speed: 10 Defense: 10N?v(el)B\\jnn Charisma: 9.5 Earnings: 16,035 pesos Bnce: 0 Pesos Skills: {Heart of Stone [UN]} Techniques: {Serpents Coil}] [Author''s Note: UN is short for Unique, I know you get the idea so peace.] Chapter 21 Completing the Mission 2 Looking at his stats in the system panel, his all of his status points increased by 1 except for Charisma. With this he somehow felt some changes in his body only a little. Alexander then continued on his grinding which is the journey of tapping in the screen, tapping and tapping for a while until 10 minutes passed. [Tap Money: 20,592 pesos] he had gained 20,592 in just 10 minutes talk about a massive breakthrough. [Author''s note: Just for some rification because the tap varies from him tapping every miliseconds so sometime he tap at 0.3 sec to 0.6 sec. So that''s why the amount sometime he get is high and low depending on his speed and tapping.]n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om With this he directly upgrades the Tap Earning which only cost about 15,000 Pesos. As the level rises by 1, he did not receive any exp because of the system removing that way for gaining exp. Even after 10 minutes of tapping he received only 1 exp, which made him sigh from sadness. [Tap Money {+} 5 pesos per tap total earning: 0 Tap Earning (level: 5) Upgrade the Value of every tap to {6 pesos} will cost around 60,000 pesos. Tap multiplier (level: 3) for every one tap will be equivalent to 3 taps. Next upgrade will cost around 100,000 pesos.] Seeing the massive increase in the price, Alexander was heartbroken again. He now has to continue his grinding and focus on the multiplier to increase the speed in making money. "Let''s tap for 30 minutes non-stop for now to umte enough money" Alexander though a basic n. As he taps again through the screen non-stop, he was basically like an idiot tapping at the empty screen to other people''s view. But to him, he was tapping at the app home screen generating money. Just like that 30-minute passed and another hour just passed. Now its currently 9 in the evening. [Earnings Generator: Total Earning: 2,000 Pesos Tap Money: Total Earning: 61,776] [Bnce: 6,592] Alexander seeing this could only frown, in the Earning Generator this money generator is clearly too slow. But he did not n to upgrade that but focus solely on tapping, because it''s much faster and more efficient this way. He then collected the money making his bnce [70,368], He decided to keep this money and wait for it to reach 100,000 to upgrade the multiplier. Just by that 15-minute passed and he made, exactly 38,610 pesos in that time. totaling he made [108,978 Pesos]. He did not waste any time and directly upgraded the Multiplier. [Tap multiplier (level: 4) for every one tap will be equivalent to 4 taps. Next upgrade will cost around 500,000 pesos.] Just by that the price rises again by 4 times its original making it 500,000 Pesos. Alexander could only hiss, like a snake. But this did not lower his resolved but continue on his grinding just by that time passes, and finally. His finger finally numbed from tapping. "Is this my Limit?" Alexander mumbled, feeling his finger shaking from the tapping. From his normal self 6-10 minutes is his normal capacity to tapped continuously but now it made it reached passed 3 hours. He even still has the power to go if he wanted to but now it''s already 10 in the evening. If you think about it, his strength and endurance really increased. In the 45 minutes from tapping he had made, [154,440 Pesos]. Just like that, the multiplier could greatly change the speed of making money. Alexander decided to stop for now and continue grinding tomorrow, he then collected the money from every generator. For the Earnings Generator he only made [1,250 Pesos] in the past 45 minutes which is really slow. [Bnce: 164,668 Pesos] Alexander then upgrades the Earnings that only cost about 6,000 Pesos. He upgrades it and the price rises every 1,000 Pesos reaching it to level 10. [Earnings (level: 10) upgrade the value of earnings to {11 pesos} will cost around 60,000 pesos.] Current Status [Status Experience: 8/300 Name: Alexander Free Points: 2 Title: None Level: 3 Strength: 13 Speed: 10 Defense: 10 Charisma: 9.5 Earnings: 0 pesos Bnce: 124,668 Pesos Skills: {Heart Of Stone[UN]} Techniques: {Serpents Coil}] [Generated Money Earnings Generator{+}: 10 pesos per 9 seconds total earnings : 15 Earnings (level: 10) upgrade the value of earnings to {11 pesos} will cost around 60,000 pesos. Speed Earnings (level: 5) Upgrade the speed of earning to {8.8 per/sec} will cost around 100,000 pesos. Tap Money {+} 5 pesos per tap total earning: 0 Tap Earning (level: 5) Upgrade the Value of every tap to {6 pesos} will cost around 60,000 pesos. Tap multiplier (level: 4) for every one tap will be equivalent to 4 taps. Next upgrade will cost around 500,000 pesos. ] Alexander took a quick shower and went to sleep. The next morning, he headed to work as usual. Upon arriving, he greeted Valentine, who was always there early. He also greeted Weasley and her daughter, Sophie, in the kitchen. Later, he and ire had a brief conversation to pass the time while they waited for the day to start. When it''s finally time to open, Alexander went back to his role in serving the guest, taking their orders, giving them their orders with outmost hospitality. The ck Serpent Gang did not trouble him this time not knowing the reason why, but this though disappeared suddenly. His mind was not fully upied about those ruffians, since how could they possibly deal with him? Finally, work was done and Weasley gave him his sry which is [1,000 Pesos] which added from his Bnce. Alexander then bade his farewell both to ire and Weasley since Sophie wasn''t their knowing that she was tutoring. Going back home at exactly 5 in the afternoon he quickly called his system. "System show me the total money I''ve made this time" Alexander said inwardly. [ Earnings Generator: 10 pesos per 9 sec Total Earnings: 76,000 pesos] Seeing the good amount of money he had gotten for 19 hours he was satisfied because its above 50 thousand. [Current Bnce: 174,668 Pesos] Alexander did not waste any time but to grind this time for about 2 hours, starting right now. In just 10 minutes, Alexander earned [34,320 pesos]. With the same amounting in every 10 minutes, an hour eventually passed. From Tap Earnings, he umted [205,920 pesos], and the Earnings Generator added another [4,000 pesos], bringing the total to [209,920 pesos]. Now his current bnce is, [384,558 Pesos] Seeing this the speed of making money was now fast. He could even be a millionaire in just no timepleting the mission. He then continued to tap for the screen for another 30 minutes, he made a total of [102,960 Pesos] now he got [487,518 Pesos] which is only short for about 13 thousand or lower than that for the next upgrade. So, grinding for about 4 minutes he made [13,720 pesos], now he had [501,238 Pesos] on his bnce. "Finally," Alexander said happily, if he can upgrade the multiplier again. The tapping money he gets will multiply again. Just like that he spends 500 thousand to upgrade the Tap Multiplier lowering his current bnce to, [1,238 Pesos]. [Tap multiplier (level: 5) for every one tap will be equivalent to 5 taps. Next upgrade will cost around 10,000,000 pesos.] Seeing the massive increased in the next upgrade his eyes almost escaped from his sockets. "Damned, why did it increase so high. Even its price is the same as those skill in the system shop" Alexander said dumbfoundedly. But the system did not offer any exnation so he can only swallow his anger. So, he continued his tapping adventure. In just 10 minutes he had earned, [42,900 Pesos] But why did it seem like his still far from his goal though? If he continued this, he will exponentially finish the mission. So, he then continued finally other hours passed and he made a total of, [260,100 Pesos] added by his current bnce his bnce now is, [261,238 Pesos] "So, if I continued tapping for about 4 hours, I will actuallyplete the mission, because that will earn me a million" Alexander calcted. Then suddenly his stomach growled, clearly it was hunger. "Maybe taking a break for about 30 minutes will be good" Alexander said, looking at the time it was 7:14 in the evening. He dressed up to look more civilized, then exited the door. Coincidentally the girl just beside his room neighbor actually exited at the same time as him, the two eyes were connected and the girl looked at Alexander with a smile blooming at her face. Her beauty was truly beyond words, radiating an aura of pure innocence that could effortlessly capture any man''s heart with just a single nce. There was something captivating about her presence, as if even a brief moment of eye contact would be enough to leave asting impression. Chapter 22 Mission Complete Alexander was surprised to see a familiar face again. "What a coincidence," he thought to himself. "Good evening, miss," he greeted, still unsure of her name. Since they were neighbors, it seemed natural that they should know each other. The pink-haired girl realized this too after living next door to each other for so long, getting to know one another made sense. "I''m Lily Carter, nice to meet you-" Lily the pink haired girl inquired, with her expression full of question mark "Alexander" Alexander said responding with a shake of hands. After getting to know each other, Alexander pulled his hands back and noticed what she was wearing it is a in white t-shirt and ck jeans. He thought she might be heading out for some things. "Are you going out?" Alexander asked respectfully, he did not really want to butt in from her life and be nosy. But yet he did. But for real he just run out of topic to talk about, since she only meets her for once. "Oh, I''m just going out to buy dinner from a retail store. Are you heading there too?" she asked with a smile, her dimples making her look even cuter and more innocent. Alexander nodded in response. "Yes, I''m just going to go out to have some dinner to fill my stomach. Would you like to go together?" he suggested. Lily the pink haired woman did not rejected Alexander offer, since they were going at the same ce and finally get to know each other. Having a little conversation to the ce seems good. Since she also felt a favorable impression toward Alexander, she couldn''t help but notice that this was the first time she had met a man who remained calm andposed without changing his expression while talking to her. She was a very observant person, but when she looked into Alexander''s gaze, it felt as if he had a heart of stone. "Am I not pretty?" She mumbled as the two of them were out of the building. On the road that only cars were making noises, while some passerby chatter. The both of them did not have any talk, Alexander really did not know how tomunicate since she was unfamiliar with her. The silence was so loud between the two of them, finally they arrived at the nearby 24-hours retail store. Alexander and Lily went inside the store and look for something to buy. As they arrived in the counter to pay Alexander bought a Cup noodles with a bread and a hot red hotdog inside. He paid for less than a hundred just barely moved his money in his bnce. While Lily also bought some Cup noodle also but the one, she buys was like that of a porridge with rice on it. While Alexander was the sushi kind. After paying the food Alexander sat in the table followed by Lily, the two of them were facing each other. If people were to look at this scene, they will think that this two were dating or more precise were in a rtionship. Alexander then opens the lid, which was opened slightly, before he seats at the ce. He first filled it with hot water he also assisted Lily earlier to fill it with hot water, which she agreed readily.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om As they sat together, neither of them had spoken since they were at the apartment, aside from a bit of small talk when he helped her fill a cup with hot water earlier. After a moment of awkward silence, he decided to initiate a conversation to get to know her better. "So, Lily, is it okay if I ask whether you attend school? What year are you in?" Alexander asked while sipping his noodles. Hearing his questions, Lily replied with enthusiasm, "Yep, I''m in college right now! I''m currently a second-year student in BFA." From her voice, it was clear that she truly loved her course. Alexander had no idea what BFA stood for, so he sat in silence, trying to process what kind of program it was. Noticing his nk expression, Lily understood what he was thinking. "Actually, BFA stands for Bachelor of Fine Arts. It''s a four-year program that offers specializations in Painting, Sculpture, and Visual Communication," she exined to help him understand. Alexander, caught off guard, felt embarrassed as he noticed his own reaction. Lily smiled at him reassuringly. "Don''t worry about it you''re not the only one who doesn''t know. I''ve been asked so many times, and only a few people really understand it, so it''spletely normal." Hearing this made Alexander feel a little better. He wasn''t particrly smart just an average guy. But he thought that not knowing about the course didn''t reflect on his intelligence actually, it was more about not having done the research, so there was no reason to be disappointed in himself. "What about you Alexander what course are you in?" Lily asked her gaze is questioning. "Oh mine? actually, mine is Bachelor of Secondary Education since I find it fun to teach. I n to enroll as a first-year next month when the school opens" Alexander said with a smile. Lily parted her lips slightly and said, "Oh," but when she heard that he was a first-year student, her brows furrowed. "Did you just say you''re a first year? when school opens?" she asked. "Yes," Alexander replied without hesitation. Lily mouth was in awe the way she looked at Alexander, seeing this Alexander was stunned seeing her expression. "Is it really that shocking or is there a ghost behind me" Alexander said doubtfully as he gazed at her eyes that is clearly looking at him. "So, there''s no ghost" Alexander said with a nk expression. "Is it really a matter to be shocked with, its not like it''s a famous or well-known course." Alexander spoked. Realizing her sudden changed in expression, she was embarrassed and quickly adjusted herself. "Sorry about that, that was a bit unprofessional of me. I just assumed you were the same as me, a second or even third-year student I did not you''re just actually recent graduate. It''s just that you have the demeanor of a mature person who has experienced a lot," she exined, sharing her honest thoughts. Hearing this, Alexander understood why she had mistaken him for being older. It was due to his skill, "Stone of Heart," and the experiences that had greatly enhanced his demeanor as a man, even though he was only 18. "So, what kind of school do you n to enroll in" she inquired as her ears perked up a little. "I n to enroll in Sagebrook College on Monday its just 3 days away." Alexander replied. He found this information on their official page stating that they would open on Monday, so he realized he needed to prepare the necessary requirements. Meanwhile, Lily''s face lit up with excitement. "Really? You''re going to attend Sagebrook? That''s great! I guess that makes me your senior," Lily said proudly. Being called a senior by a young, handsome man felt wonderful to her. "Senior? You''re actually a student at Sagebrook?" Alexander asked, surprised. "Of course! If you need a tour guide, I''ll be there. Just call me Lily," she joked,ughing lightly. She looked like an innocent young maiden. Alexander was in a turmoil right now, her beauty and demeanor as an innocent and quiet girl, was actually different from her real self. "She''s actually pretty talkative and very lively, I really though she''s the quiet type. Looks can really be deceiving" Alexander though about her. They have some conversation about some stuff theirugh and engaging talk were a good sight to see, they then finished their talk and dinner that took exactly 30 minutes. Alexander then took the honor to grab the food they had brought and tossed it into the dumpster to help reduce pollution and prevent the spread of germs. [Be like Alexander¡ªresponsible with your trash, if you don''t want to be a trash in the future.] They took a walk still having a conversation and finally arrived back to the apartment, just outside their door, Alexander bid farewell. "Have a nice sleep senior" Alexander said, his face arched a smile. "Ayy, I said don''t call me senior you''re making me looked old. I''ll go now and rest you to as well Alexander" Lily said with a smile. Alexander nodded then both of them went inside their irrespective ce, inside felling rejuvenated and full. He decided to continue his work which is the tapping kind. His total bnce is currently [261,238 Pesos] added by his Earning Generator that earned him only [ 2,400 pesos] for about 36 minutes outside. Alexander then started, he knows that it will take him about 4-5 hours to achieve his necessary goal. He did not waster anymore time as he started at 8:01 pm. With his pointed finger, he tapped at the screen with unbelievable speed. Just like that an hour passed he earned [180,360 pesos.] in Tap earnings. "The earnings this were slow, I must increase my speed tapping" Alexander voiced out. With an increased in speed his fingers tap at the speed of lightning, just like that another hour passed yet again. In just 1 hour he earned [299,700 pesos] from tap earning. He was surprised by the increased when he increased his pace. So, he continued with his finger that was numbed already with his movement somewhat slow down a little. Making him earned at least [278,870 pesos] Which is still good totaling this he had around [758,930 pesos] In his Tap Earning bnce. "I though it will take me 4-5 hours but it actually took me around 3 hours at most" Alexander said excitedly. As he imed the money from Tap Earnings and the Earnings Generator, which was [12,000 Pesos], he added it to his current bnce of 261,238 Pesos. This brought his total bnce to [1,032,168 pesos]. Suddenly, a *ding sounded, indicating that he had finallypleted the mission. [Mission: Be a Millionaire Difficulty: easy Reward: +1 level, 2x earnings for 5 minutes, and 1 lucky spin. Status: Complete] Chapter 23 A luxurious Villa? [Mission: Be a Millionaire Difficulty: easy Reward: +1 level, 2x earnings for 5 minutes, and 1 lucky spin. Status: Complete] [Congrattions forpleting the mission Host] Then Alexander was covered by some specter blue light, his level increased by 1. [You have leveled up] [You have an inactive 2x earnings for 5 minutes and 1 lucky spin. Do you want to use the items?] Alexander seeing this really wanted to use the 2x earnings directly and make money, but he stopped himself. He will first grind and increased the multiplier to earn more, so he''ll just put it in the system inventory for now. "System I want to use lucky spin" Alexander decided, wanting to know how his luck will be. A spinning wheel appeared before him. It looked holographic, but felt solid, like a 3D object he could actually touch. When he pulled the red lever, the wheel spun wildly, with the red pointer darting around nonstop. "Please be something good" Alexander prayed. As the seconds passed, the spinning wheel gradually slowed down. Each section was marked with a question mark not knowing what''s the price, leaving him unsure of what he might win. Hoping for something good, he silently prayed as the wheel slowed more and more. Finally, it came to a halt on the white question mark. The red pointer stopped precisely at that spot, and Alexander''s anticipation grew, eager to see what he had won. *Ding [Congrattions, Host! You have won ''Evercrest Manor'' located in ''Summit Heights.''] Alexander was stunned. The name of the manor was famous throughout Iloilo, and its estimated value was a staggering 10 billion pesos. He couldn''t believe how lucky he was to win such a prize from the lucky spin. Smiling smugly, he really admired his luck. [Host, you''re not actually that lucky. This is the second-lowest prize on the spinning wheel.] The system spoked making an expression [-_-]. Alexander was stunned, "Lowest? Are you kidding me? This is the best prize! You''re just trying to gaslight me because I hit it big this time," he retorted. [Well, if that''s what you want to believe, then so be it,] The system replied nonchntly. Alexander blinked in surprise. The system had been so quiet over the past few days, but now it seemed livelier. "Are the other prizes really that good?" he muttered to himself, his mind racing with curiosity. "System, can you tell me what the top prize is?" he asked eagerly. [Sorry, Host, I can''t divulge that information. It''s private and must remain confidential.] The system said nonchntly, Alexander hearing this made a sigh. He racked his mind and asked again, "Not even just a hint?" The system did not reply and made a sigh, Alexander was filled with question mark. Is it even possible for a system to sigh even though it''s a robot? [Since you insist, I''ll give you a hint. This will be the only time I''ll do this. The first prize is a weapon. If it were put up for auction in your world, its value would be around a trillion, or even more if someone could afford it, that is.] Hearing this, Alexander was left speechless, his face turning pale. The idea of a weapon worth more than a trillion was mind-boggling, he really felt that the prize he won actually pale inparison to that. "What kind of weapon could it possibly be?" Alexander wondered, his curiosity growing. He was just about to dive deeper into his thoughts when his phone suddenly rang. It vibrated and so he took it and answer the phone call, the number is a new one wondering who called. "Good evening esteemed sir, I''ll just want to ask on what schedule would you like to sign the papers for the ownership of the Vi?" A voice of a woman sounded in the phone speaker. Alexander hearing this, knew that this must be the reward of the system, "That''s fast" he said inwardly. "What about tomorrow? I have no ns for the day," Alexander replied. "Sure, I''ll be at Evercrest Manor in Summit Heights at 12 in the afternoon to give you the necessary documents. Does that work for you?" thedy asked. Alexander nodded. He wanted to inspect the manor himself, so signing the papers there seemed perfect. After the call ended, he slumped onto his bed, filled with satisfaction. [Congrattions for the Host inpleting you''re first Mission. The second mission was given] [Mission: Saved the Vige Difficulty: Medium Reward: +3 Level, Random Middle grade item, and New system function. Description: You will be transported to another world on an Ind called ''Mistveil Ind''. The goal of this is to keep the vige ''Ariana'' from the beast attacks and find the mastermind attracting this beast. You will be transported after 3 days, please be prepared. Failing the mission, will make the host experience sperm cramps for 1 week with 100% pain intensity. Time Limit: 1 Month, clock will start after getting transported.] Reading the mission, Alexander furrowed his brows. This time, he was tasked with saving a vige in another world, and the difficulty was marked as "medium," indicating it would be a tough challenge. "Another world? I wonder what kind of ce that will be," Alexander mumbled, rubbing his chin in deep thought. He wondered what is the different between the people from that from his, his mind then made an image about an alien with green skid and big head. "That''s no possible right" He asked himself inwardly, as he inspect at the system task again. "Saving the vige from beast attacks? That sounds dangerous, I need to get stronger if I''m going to survive this. It''s literally a matter of life and death now." Just thinking about the mission filled him with unease. The idea of failing and facing the penalty was terrifying. But will he die though? Since he will die how can he be punished? [The Host will not die, if you did die during mission, you will return back to your world and that will be the punishment will start] Hearing the penalty, Alexander was terrified. Sperm cramps for a week with a 100% increase in pain intensity? That would be insanely painful. Determined to avoid that fate, he decided to spend the 1 million pesos he had in the system shop. Navigating to the system shop, Alexander knew he needed to buy at least one technique to help him survive. He was aware that 1 million wasn''t much, but in this case, purchasing even a single technique could be a lifesaver. After navigating to the system shop and choosing the technique panel, he scrolled and scrolled until finally he caught something. [Vital Draw Technique: a basic cultivation method designed to absorb natural energy from the surrounding environment to gradually strengthen the practitioner''s body. Price: 1 Million Pesos] Seeing this Alexander was ecstatic, with this after constantly absorbing the energy with the surrounding area. Not knowing how is that possible, but still. It could improve his strength making it really convenient for his uing mission. Clicking the buy button, the introductory of the skill and how to use it was absorbed by his mind, after absorbing the knowledge Alexander then seated at the top of the bed. [Bnce: 32,168 Pesos] Sitting cross-legged on the ground, his posture perfectly straight and serene. His hands rested gently on his knees, palms facing upward, with the tips of his thumbs and index fingers touching to form a circle. He closed his eyes, allowing his breath to slow and deepen. With each inhale, he visualized drawing in the energy, that is like a vibrant string of pure white from the surrounding environment. The energy flowed through his nostrils, down his throat, and into his lungs, where it began to circte throughout his body. As he exhaled, he imagined any impurities or negative energies being expelled from his body, leaving him feeling lighter and more focused. His mind became a still pond, undisturbed by the ripples of thought. Gradually, he began to feel a warm, tingling sensation in his palms. The energy he had gathered was now pooling inside him, the energy center located just below his navel. Which he directed this energy through every inch of his body allowing it to be nourish and strengthen his internal organs. With each cycle of breath, his breathed connection to the natural world deepened. He could sense the subtle energies of the earth beneath him, the sky above, and the life all around. In this state of profound harmony, he continued to gather and refine his self. By focusing on slow, steady breathing and channeling energy through specific points in the body, this technique increases physical endurance, enhances muscle strength, and promotes recovery. While it is the lowest grade of energy absorption techniques, it is a solid foundation for beginners to build their strength over time. Results are slow and require consistent practice, but over time, the practitioner''s body will be noticeably more resilient. Alexander who was immersed in cultivating the Vital Draw Technique, faint golden lines flickered across his skin, tracing intricate patterns as if marking the pathways of energy surging through his body. For a brief moment, his muscles tightened, veins pulsed with energy, and a glowing aura surrounded him, showing an untapped, immense power. But just as quickly as the signs appeared, they faded, leaving no trace, as if the power was hiding, waiting to fully awaken. The system, sensing something dangerous while feeling immense pressure, suddenly materialized outside, casting a strange look at Alexander. [This power... I can''t believe it. Even for a moment, I felt threatened. You are actually gifted and blessed. Even without my assistance, you would still rise to stand above everyone,]n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om The system said, as surprise flickering across its interface, which now seemed more human-like than before. [I can''t believe it¡ªdespite my abilities, I still can''t fullyprehend what''s inside you. But let''s leave it for now. Since you''re my host, I''m excited to see what surprises you''ll bring,] it added with a tone of intrigue. The system spoke before disappearing, but Alexander was so focused that he didn''t notice what had happened. [What do you think is the reason the system is surprised by Alexander? And what is the system exactly to have a personality like a real person with its own mind and intelligence? Comment below.] Chapter 24 Trouble is Cumming! Sitting cross-legged on his bed, Alexander waspletely unaware that hours had passed. The sunlight streaming through the window illuminated his face, gradually waking him up and making his eyes widen. Then, a strong odor hit his nose once more remembering something bad. "Not again," Alexander sighed in dismay. He hurried to the bathroom and took a long bath, scrubbing every inch of his body. Once he was done, he wrapped a towel around his lower half and approached the mirror. Just as he was about to leave, he paused and nced at his reflection. He looked at himself in the mirror and was stunned. His face was the same, but he felt as if his charm had increased. He radiated an otherworldly aura that surpassed even those from families who had trained and honed themselves for years. Self-reflection had never held much importance for Alexander, but today was different. Standing before the mirror, he felt something had changed. His face, once familiar, now held an undeniable maism. His ck hair, which normally fell casually over his brow, seemed fuller, with a healthy sheen that caught the light perfectly. His blue eyes, once just sharp, now carried a depth that seemed to pull anyone in, as if they could see through souls. His skin was smoother, radiating a subtle glow that made him look almost untouched by the harshness of life. His features, while still the same with his tall, bridged nose and chiseled jawline had be more refined, more sculpted, as if an artist had subtly perfected them overnight. The slight imperfections that once made him handsome had faded, leaving behind a wless appearance. His muscles, toned but once understated, now seemed more defined, their lines entuated in a way that made him seem powerful without effort. It wasn''t just his physical appearance that had transformed. There was something intangible in his presence, an aura that radiated from him. It was as though the air around him had shifted, making him seem not just handsome, but untouchable like a celestial being in human form. Alexander Ashbourne had be a man who couldmand attention without saying a word, and the reflection in the mirror only confirmed it. "This¡ªwhat the hell happened? This is just bringing trouble to myself," Alexander said angrily, staring at his current appearance. "System, what happened? Why do I look different than yesterday?" he asked, anxiety creeping into his voice. [You don''t need to panic or feel troubled, Host. Be happy that you''ve be more handsome! The reason for this change is because of the ''Vital Draw Technique.'' It gradually removes impurities from your body, resulting in your final appearance,] The system exined the process behind Alexander''s transformation. Still unsatisfied, Alexander pressed on. "But when I leveled up, didn''t I already cleanse myself? Why did this happen again?" [Host, leveling up and channeling energy throughout your body are not the same. When you leveled up, it only cleansed you a little, its main function is to increase your stats, not to remove all the impurities. However, channeling energy flows through every inch of your body, from top to bottom, releasing it through your skin, which led to your current situation.] [Do you understand now?] The system finished speaking, Alexander then finally let go and nodded his head. Having a good appearance will be a trouble for him. [Also, you should check your current status you will be surprised] Alexander hearing this was curious, so he quickly opened his stats. Suddenly a panel showing his status appeared. [Status Experience: 8/300 Name: Alexander Free Points: 4 Title: None Level: 4 Strength: 19 Speed: 17 Defense: 18 Charisma: 10 {MAX} Earnings: 26,400 Pesosn/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om Bnce: 32,168 Pesos Skills: {Heart Of Stone[UN]} Techniques: {Serpents Coil}, {Vital Draw Technique}] Alexander was surprised to realize that his strength had rapidly increased just by absorbing energy from the surrounding area. He couldn''t help but nod, feeling that his recent purchases weren''t actually worthless after all. Once he processed everything, he decided to put on some clothes. Since it was Saturday, he had nothing else nned, so he wasted no time in practicing his skills. He began to circte the ''Vital Draw Technique'' and dove into his training. Outside, in a hospital ward far from Alexander, there was a guy with red hair. His arms were bandaged, and he even had some bandages wrapped around his torso beneath his clothes. His face was swollen, resembling a broken doll, as he nced at the man standing beside him. The man, who was about 155 cm tall, wore a ck suit and had a burn mark on the side of his face. "Did you investigate the kid''s background?" He looked ruthless, exuding a mafia-like aura as he faced one of his followers behind him. His totally different from any other thugs, since he looks more experienced andmanding. The thin assistant, holding a suitcase, quickly replied, "Yes, the kid''s name seems to be Alexander Ashbourne. ording to the file, he''s an orphan with no connections. The only reason he was released from the charges is that Valentine from the Lancaster family was involved." Hearing this, the man sneered, madness flickering in his eyes. "That bitch from the Lancaster has no power or connections. I suppose Benjamin interfered to protect the kid," he said, his voiceced with fury. The man behind him nodded his head in agreement, he also know that Valentine did not have those strong connections, "So should we stop pursuing this matter boss? Since Benjamin would retaliate because he was already involving his self" "Stop?" His eyes glint with a ferocious smile. "Who''s afraid of who? We''re going to get our revenge also Benjamin is not even that influential, he only had money while we have fighting power. Tomorrow let''s show him that ''ck Serpent Gang'' is not a gang that cannot be mess with." The man in the ck suite said. The patient hearing this was delighted, "Dad if you captured that kid, please don''t kill him. I''ll torture him slowly and then kill him" The red haired patient smiled with cruelty. The person is none other than James the one who Alex had beaten into a pulp, the person in front of him is his father. The current leader of the ck Serpent Gang, his a person that is known for his cruelty in the underworld. Making him feared by many, he does not let go or ignore any kind of grudge that involved their gang reputation especially if it''s his family reputation is on the line. "Don''t worry son I''ll let you torture that kid" The man spoked with a scoff not really putting Alexander in his sight. "But dad he was really strong, even when I bring my buddies armed with weapons, we were no match for him" James spoked, fully irritated on why they still lost. His father smiled and replied full of confidence, "Just rest because that''s up to me if he really had that ability." Hearing his father words James was full of confidence, since he knows how scheming his father is. He know exactly that kid fate is finally doomed now. "This is what you get for offending me" he said inwardly, with his eyes red with ferocity. The man heard in the report that the kid was really strong and even beat up many of his gangs, but they were only at the lower echelon, and also can he dodge guns? I don''t think so. The man then left the ward, apanied by the guy with the suitcase. Exiting the hospital they got inside into a ck sedan car, as the engine roared, they left the ce. Back in his apartment, Alexander was blissfully unaware that trouble was approaching. Feeling energetic, he stood up and decided it was time to leave. After cultivating for about six hours, he nced at the clock and saw it was now 11. Surprisingly, he didn''t feel any sweat instead, he experienced a refreshing sensation with every practice session, almost like being surrounded by snowkes. It was a bit exaggerated, but it felt close to that. His stats had even increased slightly, boosting his mood. This time, he opted for a pair of shorts and a simple T-shirt before heading out. He was just there to sign some papers and leaved, why need to bother wearing formal dress since he can just sleep there after the signing was finished. He then went out his room and got out of the apartment. ncing at the time in his phone, he know that his still notte. After calling a taxi he went inside and said to the driver. "To ''Summer Heights'' Uncle" he spoked. "Sure, kid buckle up your seatbelts" he said as he drives through the road. [Notice Author here! I just want to share a few updates. From now on, each chapter will be over 1,500 words, so if you unlock it with a subscription, it will definitely be worth it and not a waste of money. I made it premium to earn, but I also want you to enjoy the story and not feel ripped off with chapters under 1,100 words. If you love the story, I''d really appreciate it if you could leave a review. And if you spot any errors or something you don''t understand, feel free toment here. That''s all for now. Sincerely yours, The Author. ] Chapter 25 Meeting Another Beauty The ride was neither fast nor slow, it moved at a steady pace all the way to the city. After crossing the intersection, they continued toward their destination, which was in the mountains but still within the city limits. The taxi driver drove to the entrance, where there was arge gate with security guards stationed. "We''ve arrived, young man," the driver said to Alexander, ncing back. "Thank you, uncle," Alexander replied with a smile, handing over 1,000 pesos for the ride. The driver''s face lit up upon seeing the money. The fare was only 312 pesos, so receiving such a generous tip made him quite happy. "Thanks, young man," the driver said as Alexander stepped out of the car. The taxi drove off, leaving Alexander standing outside the entrance. Two guards were stationed at the gate, and as he approached, one of them stopped him. "Do you have an ID young man?" The security guard asked. The security guard was momentarily stunned by Alexander''s appearance. His sharp, handsome features and piercing gaze showed that he must been trained or molded by some powerful family. Still, no matter how wealthy he might seem, the guard had to do his job. If the young man wasn''t on the entry list, he had no business being here. Besides, the fact that Alexander arrived in a taxi made the guard question his wealth and status even more. Alexander hesitated briefly before handing over his ID to the guard, who passed it to his colleague. The other guard opened a notebook and began flipping through the pages, searching for his name. As he scanned page after page, there was no sign of Alexander''s name. The guard, still checking the book, nced at his colleague, the one who had received the ID. "Kent, this kid''s not on the list. Give him back his ID," he said, passing back the ID in his hands to Kent. Kent, the security guard, nodded and approached Alexander carrying his ID on his hands. "I believe you heard that. Your name isn''t on the list," he said afterpleting the inspection, and giving Alexander back his ID. Alexander furrowed his brows, didn''t they made an appointment here howe his name is not there. "Officer, there must be some mistake. I just bought a house here and was about to sign some papers. My name should be on that list," he exined. The two guards exchanged a look before Kent turned back to Alexander and asked respectfully, "Which house did you buy here?" "Evercrest Manor. I got a callst night, and our meeting is supposed to be here," Alexander replied, his expression calm and unchanged. The two guards exchanged shocked nces. ''Evercrest Manor?'' That property had been vacant for years, with rumors swirling that the owner refused to sell. Yet, they hadn''t received any notice from their superiors about someone purchasing the ce. Kent the guard who was still feeling skeptical, asked again, "Are you sure it''s that ce? Even some rich people can''t afford it." Alexander still patiently replied to him, "Yes, I''m sure. Why don''t you call your superiors for some checking" Kent who was still unsure, pulled out his walkie-talkie as the call was connected, he exined the situation. The chief of security, realizing that this person might be the new owner of Evercrest Manor, and quickly understood his mistake. He immediately gave instructions to his team and ryed this news to the executive who was standing and waiting outside the manor gate. "Ma''am, I received the call that the owner is outside the entrance gate" he said to the person. The woman who heard this furrowed her brows. "Didn''t I tell you to put his name on the entry list? Don''t tell me you forgot," she muttered sharply. The middle-aged man quickly looked away, avoiding her piercing angry gaze. "You did tell me, but when you asked me to drive you here, I forgot to pass it on to my people" he said, his voice fading as he finished speaking. The beautiful woman''s anger red, but she quickly regained control and instructed, "Take me back to the entrance." The middle-aged man nodded, the chief of security, quickly opened the car door for the woman, who stepped inside. He then took the driver''s seat and quickly drove back to the gate. After a few moments, they arrived, and the gate was open. She saw that Alexander was standing there, being assisted by the two security guards. The car came to a stop just a few meters in front of them, and the chief hurriedly opened the back door. As the woman stepped out gracefully, Alexander was taken aback to see another beauty. Standing at about 5''8" with an elegant presence, the woman exuded a blend of professionalism and allure. Her long, blonde hair cascaded in soft waves down to her shoulders, gleaming in the light with a golden sheen that framed her face perfectly. Herplexion was wless, smooth and radiant, with a hint of a natural glow, the kind that made her seem effortlessly poised. Her eyes, a striking shade of pale blue, were sharp yet inviting, conveying a sense of intelligence and confidence. Subtle yet expertly applied makeup enhanced her high cheekbones and full lips, which were painted in a soft, nude pink, adding just the right amount of color to her otherwise polished appearance. Dressed in a fitted, tailored zer of dark charcoal, the jacket hugged her slim waist and broad shoulders, enhancing her hourss figure without losing its professional edge. Underneath, she wore a crisp, white blouse tucked neatly into a high-waisted pencil skirt that ended just above her knees, showcasing her long, toned legs. The skirt, also charcoal, allowed her to move with grace, each step confident and purposeful, her ck heels adding height and entuating her poised posture. Her outfit was finished with simple gold jewelry a delicate ne and a matching bracelet that shimmered with every movement. Everything about her appearance was wless, from the clean lines of her clothes to the sharp professionalism in her expression. She was the perfect blend of business savvy and effortless beauty, the kind of person who could close deals with ease and attract attention without even trying. Alexander first though that this beauty in front of him isparable to Valentine his boss, they looked matured and sexy specially their long legs and big breast. "What the hell am I thinking?" Alexander frowned, but his expression stoic as ever. "The mind is the root of all evil" Ahh mind. The feeling Alexander had was not that of lust but pure admiration. The woman, surprised by the appearance of the person who had purchased the manor, took a moment to assess him. He was, in fact, a remarkably handsome young man. She could sense that he was different from anyone else she had met, his aura exuding a hint of mystery and elegance. As she noticed his gaze lingering on her, she did not feel ufortable but only a genuine curiosity. This normal look surprised her, raising her eyebrows in intrigue. Unlike many men she had encountered, who often looked at her lewdly despite their gentlemanly behavior, Alexander''s expression was refreshingly respectful. Having studied psychology, she was skilled at reading people''s expressions based on their movements and expression. However, the man in front of her was neither nonchnt nor stoic, making him unreadable. "Apologies, esteemed sir. my subordinates forgot to include your name on the list, which caused you to wait here for a moment. I will discipline him when this is done" the woman said with a polite smile, with a hint of forgiveness in his tone. The middle-aged man on the back began to sweat hearing this, he was really now in great trouble. Alexander didn''t take it to heart, understanding that the guards were simply doing their jobs. "Don''t mention it miss, well you''ve arrived so it''s good" he replied, waving his hand dismissively. The woman smiled and she passed the ck file in her left hand, and then offered a handshake with his right hand. Alexander also shook his hands to finish the greetings. The middle-aged man sighed in relief when he saw that Alexander wasn''t offended at all. He silently thanked him for being so forgiving. "I''m Jessica Rivera, a Sales Director responsible for this deal. Get in the car first and I will show you where the manor is located" Jessica suggested. There was nomunication during the travel since Alexander closed his eyes, wondering about what his mission going to be. Jessica, who was just beside him, look at him who closed his eyes. "Is my charm gone?" she mumbled, her brows furrowed in confusion.N?v(el)B\\jnn She didn''t dwell on the thought much, as they had just arrived outside the magnificent manor. The gate before them was an exquisite masterpiece, crafted from gleaming white metal, adorned with intricate patterns that curled and twisted like vines in bloom. Beyond the gate, two vignt guards stood at attention. When the guards saw the car approaching, they opened the gate and allowed it to pass through, recognizing who was inside. The vehicle came to a stop outside the entrance of the grand manor. Beside the white circr driveway, the lush greenwn added to the natural and serene atmosphere. Everyone got out of the car, and Jessica moved to Alexander''s side. "I''ll be guiding you around, so try not to get lost. This ce is a lot bigger than you''d expect," Jessica said to Alexander with a yful smile. Alexander just smiled from this, his looks and smiled was radiating like that of a sun truly captivating Jessica for a moment. "Jessica act like a proffessional" Jessica said angrily towards herself. [Author here. Please support me with spirit stones if you loved the story :D ] Chapter 26 A Grand Tour "Wee to the grand entrance hall, beautiful, isn''t it?" Jessica said with a smile. Alexander did not say anything yet but inspect at the ce, there was a massive, double-height entrance with intricate marble floors, a grand staircase, and crystal chandeliers hanging at the top. "Indeed" He replied, with pure appreciation in his gaze. Going inside the ce it was so big and massive, he was then taken by Jessica exining everything acting like a tour guide. "These are the living spaces, we have multiple of this living rooms each furnished with luxury couches, designed furniture''s and state of the art entertainment systems" she said with a smile. "Also, this manor consists of 20 bedrooms, each bedroom would berge, with ensuite bathrooms and private balconies greatly offering views" she continued to exin. "For the bathrooms, we have over 25, each featuring marble finishes, soaking tubs, walk-in showers, heated floors, and high-end fixtures." They continued down the hallway and arrived at a door that stood out from the rest. Jessica opened it, revealing a spacious room filled with various luxurious furnishings and intriguing items. "This is the Master Suite, the master bedroom with your own private living area, office, spa bathroom, walk in closets and a private terrace view" As she gestured Alexander to take a look. As Alexander inspected the ce, he was genuinely surprised by its beauty. This was the first time he truly understood how remarkable it was to live in such luxury. Having a house like this felt like a blessing beyond imagination. However, his face remained impassive, showing no hint of emotion. Despite his unchanged expression, his mind couldn''t help but be in awe of the grandeur surrounding him. "Too much for being the second lowest price," he thought to himself. The two of them then went into another room it was a ce where lots of books and shelves. "This is the library it is lined with shelves and high-end desks. The books you can find here were all ced by a famous librarian, feel free to explore if you want to" As she showed the ce. Moving onto another ce she took him to another floor by climbing up the grand stair. She then revealed Alexander a luxurious nestled on a serene hillside, where it greatly blends in modern time that greatly meets the tranquility of nature. As twilight descends, the housees alive with a warm, inviting glow from its expansive ss windows. The interior lights cast a soft, golden hue, illuminating the sleek, contemporary design within. An infinity edge pool stretches out towards the horizon, its vanishing edge blending seamlessly with the distantndscape. The water appears to merge with the sky, creating an endless expanse of blue that invites anyone to lose their self in its beauty. Steppingstones were elegantly ced in the section of the pool, offering a path to a secluded lounge area where you can unwind and soak in the breathtaking views. Adjacent to this aquatic masterpiece, a cascading waterfall flows from an elevated pool, its gentle sound adding to the serene ambiance. The water tumbles gracefully over smooth stones, creating a mesmerizing disy that captures the essence of tranquility. The outdoor area is like the sanctuary of rxation, with lush greenery and carefully ced lighting, enhancing the natural beauty of the surroundings. This view is so grand that it is a perfect blend of luxury and nature, a ce where modern design and the timeless allure of watere together to create an unforgettable experience. It''s a haven for Alexander who lives in a fucking apartment. The manor exuded both elegance and grandeur, a ce where every detail was meticulously crafted to create a sense of harmony. "Is this even still a house?" he retorted in his mind. The ce felt like a paradise. As they moved to the next area, Jessica showed him the private spa,plete with saunas, steam rooms, massage rooms, and a hot tub. It even had an indoor swimming pool, offering ultimate rxation. The things that is even more shocking is that inside the manor. There are full sized outdoor courts for tennis, basketball, volleyball, or even multi-purpose sports area. Moving into another ce it has its own state-of-the-art home theater with recliner chairs, a massive screen, Dolby Atmos sound system, and custom lighting for a cinematic experience. "This is a damn theater" He cursed inwardly. This is the first time he saw a house, that was actually has its own theater. In another room besides the theater, there was also a gym, and a fitness center equipped with thetest exercise machines, free weights and yoga areas. The Manor also had a wine Cer with its own tasting room, that is capable of storing thousands of bottles of rare and vintage wine. It even has its own nightclub or bar area with luxury seating, a DJ booth, and a bar fully stocked with top-shelf liquor. This space could actually be served as a private entertainment area for parties. As the door swung open, a realm of gaming room unfolds towards him. The room was bathed in a soft, ambient glow from RGB LED strips that lined the walls, pulsating in sync with the beat of a game soundtrack. A massive curved ultra-wide monitor dominated the center of the space, its stunning 4K resolution offering crystal-clear visuals that made every pixele to life. Beneath the monitor, a sleek mechanical keyboard with customizable backlighting awaited, each key responding with satisfying clicks that promised an exhrating gaming experience. To the side, an ergonomic gaming chair, d in breathable mesh and leather ents, stood poised for long hours of immersive y. The chair was perfectly positioned at a polished, custom-built desk made of dark hardwood, adorned with cable management solutions that kept the workspace tidy. A powerful gaming PC, a true beast of a machine, sat proudly on the desk, its tempered ss side panel revealing a dazzling array of high-performanceponents multi-colored fans whirring softly and a liquid cooling system glowing like a work of art. Surrounding the desk were wall-mounted shelves disying an impressive collection of gaming memorabilia figurines of beloved characters, limited edition games, and framed artwork. A state-of-the-art sound system filled the room with rich, immersive audio, while a VR headset rested nearby, ready for the next adventure into virtual realms. The carpet was plush underfoot, muffling any sound and enhancing the sense of escapism. A mini fridge tucked in the corner stocked with energy drinks and snacks provided the perfect fuel for marathon gaming sessions. The room was not just a gaming space it was a sanctuary for every gamer''s dream a ce where reality faded away, and the adventures of countless worlds awaited. The best part is there was not only a gaming room the ce was also equipped with billiards, poker tables, arcade machines and other forms of entertainment. Alexander was not really gamer but seeing this made his heart palpitate, if any other gaming fanatic will be here, they will go crazy just to live here. Jessica, standing beside him, noticed his unchanging expression. Despite the grandeur of everything around them, his face remained calm and indifferent. She couldn''t help but admire him, she knew that even she wouldn''t be able to keep suchposure if she lived in a ce like this. "Now that we''re done with the inside, it''s time to see the outside," Jessica said, pping her hands with a smile. Alexander brows furrowed, "There''s more?" as Jessica lead the way out. Arriving at the backdoor. For the outdoor spaces there''s at least an expansive garden with fountains, sculpture and flower beds, that is professionally maintained with paths leading to various parts of the vi. It has its own outdoor kitchen or BBQ area for dining,plete withrge dining table, grills and a pizza oven. He even spotted a private helipad for helicopterndings, making the manor essible by air. This manor even had a small airstrip for private jets. They then went underground, that''s right there''s an underground road leading to a 20-car garage, it even has its own state of the art security, it has luxury flooring, and the most eye catching is that it even has its own rotating tform for showcasing exotic cars. it did not end there yet, after getting out Jessica took him to another ce. It was a luxurious guest house that is separated from the main vi, to amodate additional guests or even staff. He was also taken to a quarter for staff housing. It is an amodation for the vi''s staff, including butlers, chefs, cleaners, and gardeners, ensuring the estate is always perfectly maintained. But right now, his manor was like a ghost house because there''s no one inside. After returning inside the manor, the two of them sat down in the living room. Though not truly exhausted, Alexander gave off the appearance of being tired it was more a reflection of how overwhelminglyrge the manor was. "Dang, just how big is this ce? I think it took like an hour just to get from one area to another," Alexander said in astonishment. He had finally reached his limit with how massive the estate was. It felt less like a house and more like a small city, equipped with everything he could possibly imagine. Jessica seating at the couch also began to exin about something rted to the manor. "This manor also had its own Smart Home Technology, like smart home systems, allowing voice-activated control of lights, temperature, security, and more. I''ll give you an example" "Lights off" She spoked a little loud.N?v(el)B\\jnn Then the lights in the living turned off, Alexander was surprised it has this kind of advance system. "Turn on the lights, also the TV" Shemanded yet again. Then the lights were on and even the TV was powered on showing a celebrity with red hair, that''s none other than Bini Mikha. Jessica then looked at him with a smile but there''s no surprised at all making her still surprised. "But what would happen if there were strangers? Don''t they also have ess to the manor?" he asked, he was surprised but isn''t this also dangerous? Jessica smiled in response. "Don''t worry for it has its own voice recognition system. My voice is registered, so it listens to me. After signing the contract, only you will have this ess." Hearing this, Alexander nodded, clearly satisfied with the answer. He then asked another question. "How big is this area? and also what is the size of this manor?" He was really curious rather than calcting in his mind. Jessica smiled warmly, clearly used to this question. "The entire estate spans around 20 hectares, which is about 200,000 square meters," she exined, gesturing slightly about the vast expanse ofnd. "As for the manor itself, it covers approximately 10,000 square meters. It''s one of thergest properties in the region, offering both luxury and space." Alexander hearing this nodded his head, digesting the information. "So, you want to sign the papers now?" Jessica said. "Sure" Alexander replied since he had nothing to ask anymore. Jessica dressed in a professional attire, handed Alexander a sleek ck folder. "Mr. Alexander, for buying this Manor this is really a great honor for choosing us. All you need to do is sign this contract, and the property is yours." Alexander took the paper and with just a sign he was now the owner. Jessica then left the ce after giving Alexander the deed of ownership. Chapter 27 Call to Play Left alone in the vast manor, Alexander found himself with nothing to do, but something caught his attention. The energy in this ce was incredibly dense. From the moment he stepped inside, he felt the surrounding energy being absorbed into his body. He was certain that if he trained here for just one more day, his strength would increase again. "If I cultivate for just one more day, my strength will grow by 5 points," Alexander said with a smile, excitement clear on his face. "But why is the energy so abundant here? Back at my apartment, it''s much scarcer," Alexander wondered, deep in thought. "Could it be because this ce is in the mountains?" he pondered, raising his eyebrows. It seemed like the most logical exnation. Without knowing whether his theory was true or not, he made his way down the hallway and arrived at the master bedroom. The Manor wasrge, but Alexander had already memorized theyout of the entire ce, so he did not get lost. Thanks to the increase in his stats, Alexander noticed a boost in his intelligence as well. After entering the room, he sat on the king-sized bed, crossing his legs. White streams of energy began swirling around him, and with every passing second, minute, and hour, he could feel his power growing. His breathing quickened, but not a drop of sweat formed on his skin. His mind remained focused, his face calm as he continued on his path without disturbance. He felt at one with the world, while his consciousness awakening within him. Everything around him was pitch ck, with the white energy serving as the only light in the darkness. Far away from Alexander, in a dark alley, there stood a bar guarded by several men withrge, muscr builds. Their bodies were covered in tattoos, and their faces were as fierce as lions. Inside, in the underground section of the bar, two men sat at a table, while two women attended to a middle-aged man, massaging him or offering him drinks. The man had a burn mark on his face and was short in stature, but his height was not to be underestimated. His aplishments were far more impressive than anyone might assume at first nce. The man was none other than James''s father, sipping wine served by a young woman in a sleeveless ck dress. He nced at his thin assistant standing quietly in across the table him. "So, how did it go?" James''s father asked, looking at the assistant. The assistant adjusted his sses slightly before replying, "He took the call, boss. He said he''d be here tomorrow, but¡­" His voice trailed off. "But what" Jonathan said hearing the suspense at the end. "He''ll only ept if you pay him 1 billion pesos to take action," the thin assistant said. Jonathan furrowed his brows, closed his eyes briefly, then opened them again. "I see. Tell him we''ll agree," he replied. The assistant was stunned that his boss epted such an outrageous deal. "Boss, isn''t that amount a bit excessive? He''s just a fighter. Why are we paying him so much?" he asked, his expression was so confused, about what made the old man worth a billion. Like an old man who''s a fighter? What happens if he has a backache during a fight? Isn''t that just throwing away money instead of saving it for future use? Jonathan looked at his confused expression feeling amused, "Ethan there''s a lot of things you don''t know from this world there are people that is different than normal" he exined. Ethan his assistant was even more confused, "What do you mean different than normal?" "You''ll understand tomorrow what I mean. Just tell him we''re happy to ept his offer," Jonathan said, a wide smile arching across his face. Ethan grew curious about who this old man could be, but knowing he''d find out tomorrow, his questions would soon be answered. He walked out to ry his boss''s message to the old man via a phone call. Jonathan took another sip of his wine, confident that victory was within reach now that he had a grandmaster on his side. "Benjamin, this time you''re going to lose big," he said, finishing with augh. He then pinned the woman who was serving him with fine wine to the couch, tearing off her dress, revealing her cleavage before taking her forcefully. "Master, be gentle" Thedy said, her voice was flirtatious. "Woman you''re ying with fire" as he ravaged her. The room then was filled with sounds unsuitable for minors. The next day passed, and as the sun bathed the manor in light, Alexander remained in bed, deeply focused on his cultivation. Suddenly, the sunlight streamed across his face, rousing him from his slumber. As he opened his eyes, his blue pupils sparkled with radiant energy. He took a deep breath through his nostrils, then rose from the bed and began to stretch. "System show me my status" Alexander mumbled. [Status Experience: 8/300 Name: Alexander Free Points: 4 Title: None Level: 4 Strength: 26 Speed: 23 Defense: 24 Charisma: 10 {MAX} Earnings: 46,200 Pesos Bnce: 32,168 Pesos Skills: {Heart Of Stone[UN]}n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om Techniques: {Serpents Coil}, {Vital Draw Technique}] Seeing this, Alexander realized his strength had increased fivefold. Back in the apartment, it would have only increased by 2 or 3, but the energy in this ce was far superior. Not only had his strength improved, but his speed and defense had also seen a slight boost. Just then, his phone rang with a familiar number. He picked it up and pressed it to his ear. "Alexander, do you want to join us? Sophie and I are going shopping and then hitting the arcade. Want to y?" the girl''s voice asked from the other end. "Sure, I''d be d to," Alexander nodded in response. "Hurry up and get here! We''re at Robinson''s. Be fast!" she urged. "Okay, I''ll go right away," Alexander replied, realizing he had nothing else nned. Enjoying the day sounded like a great idea. He took a quick shower in his bathroom, drying himself off with a towel in no time. Then he put on a ck tank top and matching shorts that showcased his muscles. He looked like a figure carved from a painting; the simple clothes he wore were elevated by his temperament and demeanor, greatly enhancing his appearance. The saying "clothes make the man" didn''t apply to Alexander at all. As he exited the manor, the two guards quickly opened the gate and greeted him with a respectful "Good morning." Alexander responded respectfully and walked down the path, which was lined with many houses leading to various vis and small manors. After making his way down, he arrived at the gate and saw the familiar face of the security guard named Kent. He walked over to him. Seeing Alexander who wasing to him, Kent quickly opened the entrance gate and said, "Sorry about yesterday I didn''t know," feeling embarrassed, remembering yesterday and also afraid of offending a big shot. Alexander waved it off with a smile. "There''s nothing wrong with what you did. You were just doing your job." The security guard sighed in relief. Alexander, noticing theck of taxis around, found himself in a dilemma, unsure if any woulde down this road. "Are there any taxis thate through here?" Alexander asked Kent. Hearing this question Kent was stunned, "Does he not have the car" he asked inwardly filled with confusion. "No, actually, you''re the first person to arrive in a taxi here. Most ownerse in Maseratis, Ferraris, or other expensive cars. You''re really a low-profile young master," Kent said, mistakenly assuming Alexander was a modest kind of rich guy. "Low profile, my ass," Alexander thought to himself. "But how can I get a ride to leave this ce?" Alexander asked. Kent smiled at this and replied, "I can give you a ride, young master. We have a ck car from thepany right over there, if you want me I can take you to your destination." Hearing this Alexander was surprised, "Aren''t you working right now" he spoked inquiringly. "Actually, young master, you''re special because you''ve bought the most expensive manor. We''ve been instructed to assist you in any way we can. So, what do you say?" Kent asked. Worried about wasting more time since ire and Sophie were waiting for him, Alexander replied, "Okay, then take me to Robinson. I have an appointment with a friend." "Sure, young master," Kent said as he drove the car out from the disy area in the parking lot. He pulled the car out, and Alexander settled into the backseat. "We''re on our way now, young master," Kent informed him from the front. Alexander felt ufortable with the term "young master." "Just call me Alexander; no need for formalities," he said. Kent was stunned and found himself in a dilemma. "Young master, I¡ª" Seeing the troubled expression on Kent''s face in the rearview mirror, Alexander sighed and added, "You can call me whatever you want if that makes you morefortable." Kent sighed in relief. "Thank you, young master" Kent understood that his status was low, and addressing a rich person by their name without any title could cost him his job. So, he felt grateful for Alexander''s respectful attitude. Chapter 28 Youre Playing With Fire As he got in the car, Alexander thought that buying a car was important. "Another grind, I suppose," he said to himself. The car drove down the path leading to the city. After a few minutes, they finally arrived and the car traveled for a while, finally arriving at therge mall named ''Robinson''. "Young master, we have arrived," Kent said, looking back. Alexander nodded and took something out of his pocket money, about 5,000 pesos, giving it to Kent. Seeing therge sum of money, Kent was stunned. "Young master, this..." he said, ncing at the cash with a shocked face. Alexander just smiled at his expression. "Take it, consider it as a gift of mine for your service. You can''t say no," he said, taking no as an answer. Kent was reluctant at first but epted the money. This money was small to Alexander, but for Kent, it was a lifesaver. His mother was sick and needed to buy some medicine. "Thank you, young master," Kent said, epting the money. "You''re wee. I''m off now," Alexander said, patting Kent on the shoulder. He then got out of the car, and Kent, in the driver''s seat, bid him farewell and thanked Alexander again. Outside the mall, many girls, seeing Alexander, were shocked. This was their first time seeing such a handsome male, that is tall and had a muscr build. Alexander, feeling the gazes of the women in the mall like wolves wanting to eat him, made him sighed. "This is really a great problem," Alexander said as he went inside the mall. Everywhere he walked, he was the center of attention. He was like a celebrity, famous throughout his country, as people looked at him with admiration. He then took out his cellphone and called ire, asking for their current location. ire replied that they were just on the second floor, near a clothing shop. Alexander nodded and took an esctor. Arriving at the location, he searched his gaze at the ce and found ire, beside her was the chief''s daughter, Sophie. He then waved his hands up, making him be spotted by the girls. Then the three of them were finally together. "Alexander, what took you so long? Isn''t your apartment just close to the mall?" she said, not knowing why it took him over 30 minutes toe. "Sorry, I wasn''t at home when you called me," he replied, with a forgiving tone. "Hmph, if you say so, I''ll forgive you this time," ire said with her arms on her hips, she''s a like a girlfriend being angry at his boyfriend. Sophie, seeing the two interact, understood that their rtionship must have improved, making them buddies in just a span of five days. ire was wearing a long-sleeve hoodie that reaches over his hips. The hoodie features a striking graphic design with various white texts and illustrations, including stars and a shield or crest, all set against a dark background. For the bottom she''s wearing a loose-fitting cargo pants withrge side pockets, which are solid-colored and match the dark tone of the hoodie. She looks like a tomboy in style, besides her is none other than Sophie. Sophie was standing full of youthful grace, her short ck hair cut just above her chin in a sleek, simple style that frames her soft, heart-shaped face. Her deep brown eyes hold a quiet innocence, reflecting her youth and giving her an approachable, fresh-faced beauty. Herplexion is smooth and radiant, with a natural glow thatplements her unadorned features, making her appear effortlessly pretty, like a maiden still in the bloom of youth. She is dressed in a sleeveless, skater-style dress, the fitted bodice hugging her slim frame before ring into a gently swaying skirt. The navy-blue color of the dress contrasts beautifully with her fair skin, and its smooth, medium-weight fabric moves gracefully with her as she sways, the hem of the dress sitting just above her knees. With a round neckline and a concealed zipper at the back, the simple yet elegant design of the dress gives her an air of a simple yet elegant girl. "So where do you two want to y?" Alexander asked, looking for their suggestions. "Didn''t we say we are going to shop? Let''s go now," ire dered, pointing towards the clothing shop as they started walking. Sophie, who was beside her, whispered in her ear, "ire, can you not be so loud? So many people are looking at us." ire then shifted her view and saw that many gazes werending on them. "Just let them be, it''s not our fault we''re beautiful," she said with confidence as her hair flutter. The spectators, hearing this, were speechless. There was only one word in their minds "Shameless." But she really had the ability to back it up. Sophie just shook her head in dismay. She then slowed down and arrived at Alexander''s side. "So how was your first week of working at the restaurant, Alexander?" Sophie said, with her eyes looking at him. She felt that Alexander had undergone some changes from thest time she saw him. He was beyond handsome, but now there was some kind of force or demeanor that made Alexander more appealing to the eye. "Oh, actually, it''s the best, though. Not only is the sry big, the work isn''t even actually that hard. What about you? You''re actually amazing, though. Bncing work in the restaurant and being a tutor after that is impressive," Alexander said with full amazement. Sophie just smiled from thepliment, "It''s actually not that great though, since I''m not the only who can do this." she stated making a point. "But still, that''s them and you''re you. From my perspective, you are much more amazing," Alexander said seriously. He had worked hard for all of his life, so he knew how hard it is to manage time. In the restaurant, he could see that there were a lot of customers and only her and her father were the cooks. If that wasn''t enough, she even had the strength to continue with her tutoring, showing how truly dedicated she was. "What are you two talking about?" ire, in front of the two of them, asked since she was left out. "Nothing, just some casual conversation," Sophie replied with a slight smile. ire didn''t say anything more and finally, they arrived at the clothing shop. It was filled with girly clothes, and ire began to try all of them. She also tried to find clothes that were perfect for Sophie, by making her try out the dresses and clothes that she picked up. "ire, you don''t need to let me try out the clothes since I''m not going to buy it," Sophie said, feeling embarrassed. "Who said you are going to pay? Don''t worry, let your good sister help you out," ire said with a smile. "But this isn''t right," Sophie was about to decline, but ire interjected directly. "Were sisters, this is what should I do or are you saying we are not?" She said with brows furrowed, her gaze is questioning. "Of course, we are, but-" Sophie didn''t finish her sentence when ire already spoke. "Then that''s good, I''m going to buy some clothes for you," ire spoke with stars in her eyes as she went from every part of the clothing shop to make Sophie try it. Alexander, who was following the two, was tired mentally. They were already in this clothing shop for an hour. "Woman who are in shopping sprees are really scary," Alexander spoke inwardly, his hand already filled with a stack of clothes and dresses from ire.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om "I think that''s about it" ire said, "What about you Alexander, do you have any clothes that you like?" she asked. "Nope I do not, let''s just go and pay this" Alexander ryed his answer. "Suit yourself then" They then paid the bill that cost around 10,000 pesos worth of clothing. Alexander now was carrying a lot of clothing bags on his hands as they walked outside the clothing shop. Finally, they went into the arcade. "Alexander, since you have been carrying the clothing bags for a while now, I will give you the honor of choosing a game," she said, pointing at every arcade game. He nodded since he wants to enjoy his day as he tries to find something that was girly since he wanted the two to enjoy as well. Looking at the right side, close to the wall, he spotted a crane game. "What about that" Alexander pointed at the machine, where you insert a coin to control a mechanical w, which you maneuver to try and grab a prize. The prizes were some cute stuffed toys that were so girly and cute. ire face be distorted and disgusted, "That game is for girls. What about that, let''s go," she declined as she walked to a shooting game. Alexander''s face grew some ck lines, but he still followed her. "If you want to y that game, why did you ask my opinion in the first ce?" he said with a sullen face. Sophie, beside them, just giggled at their interaction. ire then bought some coins, spending 1,000 pesos without batting an eye. "It really feels good to be rich" Alexander said inwardly. "But aren''t I''m also rich?" he continued. They then went to an empty slot of the machine game it was arge, high-definition t screen that disys the game environment and targets. The screen is usually mounted at eye level for easy viewing. it has it''s own gun controller a replica of a firearm, often with realistic weight and feel. It even have it''s own buttons and triggers to shoot and reload, and sometimes even recoil feedback to simte the feel of firing a real gun. The game is housed in a sturdy cab that supports the screen and gun controllers. It was also apanied by a high-quality speaker providing an immersive sound effects, including gunfire, explosions, and character dialogue. Standing at the empty slot, ire looked at Alexander, filled withpetitiveness. "Let''s have a challenge. If you win, I will do anything you say, but if I win, you''ll listen to everything I said," she said yfully. Alexander was about to ept when Sophie, behind him, warned, "Alexander, don''t. She''s a professional shooter. She even ranked first in this ce. Look at the leaderboards on the screen over there." He then gazed at the screen and saw a name in first ce ''SailorMoon''. He then looked back at ire''s proud face. "What a childish name" he said inwardly but did not blurt it out. "Is that yours?" Alexander asked, pointing at the screen that was hanging up. "Of course it''s mine, what now are you scared?" She said trying to provoke Alexander. Alexander just smiled mischievously, "girl you''re ying with fire" he said inwardly. "Who''s afraid of who" he said epting the challenge. Chapter 29 Game on Seeing the confidence in Alexander''s face, ire couldn''t help butugh, as if she had already won. "I can''t wait to see the look on your face when you taste this youngdy''s prowess," she imagined Alexander''s look after losing, making her giggle. "Yeah, yeah. So, what are the rules?" Alexander asked, wanting to stop her arrogant behavior. "Are you so excited to lose?" ire pursed her lips, feeling amused. "Alright then, these are the rules of the game. We''ll each have 10 coins to y, and the highest score wins," ire said, shing a grin. Alexander didn''t see anything wrong with the rules, so he decided to y her game. He was confident, of course. "So, can you give me an introduction on how to y this game first?" Alexander said with a nk and emotionless expression.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om Hearing this ire could not hold herugher, she let out a giggle that sounded like a string of tiny bells, her eyes twinkling with mischief. It was augh that could melt the coldest heart, a sound that promised pure joy and unadulterated happiness. But to Alexander, it was augh of mockery. He only quirked a smile, letting her enjoy the moment. ire, however, was stillughing, even holding her stomach as a tear escaped her eye. "Are you done?" Alexander said, rolling his eyes. "Yeah, yeah, I''m done," ire said, readjusting herself, but a few giggles still escaped her lips. Sophie, seeing this, felt bad for Alexander. "If you don''t know how to y, why did you ept the challenge?" Her lips twitched, but she only said this in her mind. "Okay, now I''m going to exin it to you in beginner terms. This game is called ''Project: Z-Zero''. It''s a game where you shoot zombies and gain power-ups when you kill a lot of them. So, first, you drop a coin, then you pick up this toy gun. There''s a wire attached to this magazine, which acts as a connector, so the indicator moves and you watch it," ire said, picking up the toy gun with wires attached, moving it upside down. The screen showed a crosshair moving, indicating where the bullets would be fired. "When you fire the gun 10 times, it will reload for 2 seconds, then you can shoot again. You only have 3 minutes before the game ends, so you''ll have to insert another coin for the character to move again for 3 minutes. Remember, you have to insert the coin after 1 minute has passed, or it will restart, and you''ll lose your score." "But we''re not going to y that kind of game. We''ll y the 20-minute game challenge. As you can see on the leaderboard over there, there are 10, 20, and 30-minute challenges. It depends on the yer what challenge they want to y. You can even see my name on every challenge there," she said triumphantly, a victorious smile appearing on her face. "Oh," Alexander said, a single word indicating his understanding. "What''s with that look of yours?" she said scornfully. "Let''s see if you''ll have that expression when you lose miserably," she said smugly. "Now let''s start the challenge. Sophie, you''ll act as the referee and the witness of this challenge. If I lose, then I''ll do what he does, and if I win, he''ll do what he does," ire said, looking back towards Sophie. "Sure, I''ll act as the witness of your match. Whoever loses and doesn''t take their words will be deemed a loser forever," Sophie said, resigned to her fate as the referee between these two. Then the battle began. ire inserted all of the coins and navigated to the 20-minute challenge. Alexander did the same, inserting all of his coins. ire grabbed the gun, and the level started. Gruesome-faced zombies appeared, and she expertly controlled the gun, firing at their heads. The gun on the screen moved, creating a blue light ray that hit the zombies'' heads, killing them instantly and earning her 10 points. She didn''t stop there. She maneuvered the gun in her palm, shooting every zombie that appeared. Her movements were precise, hitting the zombies directly in the head. The zombies moved slowly, so before they could take a few steps, they were already dead. Alexander watched ire y from the side, his gaze fixed on her serious face. He was so engrossed in watching her that he didn''t realize his own game had already started and a zombie was already biting his character. "Umm, Alexander, you''re being bitten!" Sophie eximed, unable to hold back her reminder. Alexander was stunned by Sophie''s words. He quickly grabbed the gun and fired at the zombie that was biting his yer''s arm. The bullet hit the zombie''s head, killing it instantly. He earned 10 points. Seeing Alexander''s foolish actions, ire couldn''t help butugh. Victory felt assured. Her points had already reached 300, while Alexander was stuck at a measly 30. Alexander, struggling to control the gun, couldn''t hit the zombies that were further away. He tried to center the crosshair on their heads, but the recoil was so strong, making him miss. After 5 minutes had passed, some zombies had even approached Alexander and bitten his arms. His health was reduced to just 1, putting him at risk of losing if he were bitten again. On the other hand, ire''s character still had full health. Upon reaching the maximum points, she unleashed a skill that turned her gun into a machine gun, unleashing a barrage of bullets at the zombies. Their speed increased as time went on, but ire remained unfazed, showing no signs of stress on her face. ire was so engrossed in her game that she had no time to spare for Alexander. Meanwhile, Sophie, standing behind them, nced between Alexander''s screen and ire''s. The difference between the two was like night and day. Alexander''s score was only 180, while ire had already reached 770. The difference in score was immense,pounded by the fact that Alexander only had 1 health left. As the zombies closed in on him, Alexander shot at their heads and took down multiple zombies in one swift motion. "Now I''ve got the hang of it," he eximed, shing a grin. A few minutes earlier, he had experimented with different ways to hold the gun properly. He discovered that even a slight lift caused the crosshair to move too high, and the slightest movement shifted the crosshair significantly. After some practice, Alexander mastered the gun. His aim had improved, and he had learned to handle the recoil. With just one shot, he adjusted for the slight bend caused by the recoil, effortlessly lowering the gun and firing again as if there was no recoil at all. The zombies rushing towards him were swiftly taken down, turning into experience points. As he reached the maximum points, he activated a random skill that granted him dual-wielding guns. It is a two MP5s, one in each hand, theirpact frames buzzing with suppressed fire. He aimed it with a deadly grace, a blur of motion and lead. The weight of the rifles felt reassuring in his character hands, since it allowed him to fire with pinpoint uracy. The wave of zombies appeared, running wildly. Some wore armor, shields, and there was even a fast-running zombie dog. However, with the gun in his hands, no zombie could get close to Alexander. Every shot he took was a precise hit to the head. He aimed at the endless stream of zombies approaching, earning points with each precise shot. Meanwhile, Sophie looked solemn, her brows furrowed in a serious expression. The difficulty level had increased significantly. The zombies were much tougher, wearing armor and helmets, and their speed had increased drastically. Her aim wavered because she could only kill them by targeting the neck or body, as they swarmed from every direction, earning her only half the points. Sometimes, she was even bitten by dog zombies that appeared unexpectedly, causing her to lose health. With five minutes remaining until the challenge ended, the zombies became even stronger, their defenses increasing to the point where even headshots required at least three hits to eliminate them. Alexander remained calm, gripping the gun in his hand as he skillfully shot down the zombies without letting a single one escape his sight. Every shot was aimed at the head, swiftly taking them down, even those who were fast enough to evade others were still shot. Sophie standing behind, unable to hide her amazement as her eyes blinked rapidly in disbelief. Just moments ago, Alexander was on the verge of losing, yet now he managed to survive with only 1 health remaining, showcasing his true skills. His movements were precise, his so focus and his eyes is so captivating. Sophie couldn''t help but be momentarily entranced, her cheeks flushing before settling into deep contemtion. She was curious if Alexander had tricked ire, trapping her from imposing a condition on the game. His carefree demeanor suggested that the challenge wasn''t particrly difficult for him. Shifting her gaze to Sophie, she observed her struggling to keep up with the relentless zombies. Even with a 15-second power-up, it was still a struggle to slow them down. Finally, after 20 minutes, the game ended. ire breathed a sigh of relief and a proud look was spreading across her face as she checked her score. It was ''5732'', a total that surpassed her previous score by over 200 points, demonstrating her improvement. She nced at Alexander, knowing she had won, only to find him standing behind her, feeling amused in his eyes as he observed her score. "Don''t tell me you lost so early that you came to watch me y," she said, a smug smile ying on her lips. "It''s okay to lose, Alexander. There''s still room for improvement," ire said, her voice dripping with yful teasing. But when she met his gaze, it felt like he was looking at an idiot. Shifting her eyes towards Sophie, she saw a sly smile arching across her lips. A wave of fear washed over ire, chilling her to the bone. "That''s impossible for him to win," she scoffed, then strode over to Alexander''s spot to check his score. Her jaw dropped in as she looked at in silence. Chapter 30 Consider this a gift Her face was one of disbelief as she saw the score. She looked pale as she stared at the scene before her.N?v(el)B\\jnn "Impossible," she muttered, mming her fist against the metal fence that marked the boundary for yers shouldn''t cross. She was pale and couldn''t believe what had just happened. Alexander''s score from the game was a staggering 10,859 - double from her own. "My record," she said, her voice filled with grievance. ire red at Alexander, her eyes narrowed, "Alexander, this isn''t fair! You''ve clearly cheated. You''re a newbie, aren''t you? How can your score be better than mine? Don''t tell me you''re a wolf in sheep''s clothing!" she retorted, her voiceced with usation. Alexander, upon hearing this, furrowed his brows. "It''s not my fault you''re weak," he said, his tone dripping with pity. "Your title as the first cer of this game is actually so-so" ire''s anger red. She knew Alexander was a skilled fighter, but how could he also be so good at shooting games? It just didn''t seem possible. "Hmph, this doesn''t count. You''ve clearly cheated," she dered, her voice dripping with authority. "The bet is void." Alexander raised an eyebrow, listening incredulously to ire''s excuse for not epting defeat. Seeing his look of disbelief, ire simply ignored it and spoke. "What do you still want to argue about?" she said, her re unwavering. "No," he said quickly. Women''s emotions really did change faster than flipping a book. Just a minute ago she was beaming, and now that she''d lost, she was ming him. What a cruel world this was. Alexander pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration, thinking to himself. Hearing his reply, ire''s smile returned, her expression bing yful once again. "That''s good. This youngdy forgives you," she said shamelessly,pletely forgetting about the bet and her loss. "Let''s try ying other games." Sophie watched the two of them interact, with a chuckle escaping from her lips. They then moved on to a game called Whack-a-Mole, where the goal was to whack as many moles as you could. ire went first, but after ten moles popped out, she only managed to hit two or three. She was frustrated and angry, so she started smashing the moles relentlessly whenever they appeared, seemingly intent on destroying them rather than just hitting them. Alexander couldn''t help butugh and receive a re from ire, forcing him to keep quiet. Next, it was Sophie''s turn. She picked up the hammer and whacked away, hitting a respectable six moles, earning more points than ire had. Alexander gave Sophie a thumbs up, making her smile as she stepped down. It was his turn next, and he picked up the hammer. As he was holding it, a mole popped out, and with a swift, fluid motion, Alexander whacked it without any trouble. His movements were precise and effortless. As more moles emerged, none escaped his grasp, and he hit them all, earning a perfect score. He then turned to the two of them, who stood there with their mouths hanging open in shock. They couldn''t actually see Alexander swinging the hammer, but they heard the resounding "smack" every time it hit a mole, sending it back down into its hole. Alexander gazed at ire, a wide smile stretched across his face that clearly interprets as, "You''ve lost again." Her idolized look instantly transformed into anger. They yed a few more games, challenging each other with each one. Currently, they were engaged in a racing game. Alexander noticed that Sophie was missing. When he looked around for her, he saw her standing by the area where he''d pointed out the first game, the one where ire had asked for her opinion. Alexander stood up from the driver''s seat, leaving ire behind. She was so focused on winning that she didn''t even notice he''d already left her side. "Do you want a toy?" Alexander asked Sophie, who waspletely unaware he was standing behind her. Sophie, who had been intently watching the machine, suddenly heard a voice behind her, giving her a fright. Turning around, she saw a familiar figure, which brought a wave of relief. "Alexander, don''t scare me like that," she said coldly, but her expression was so adorable that it couldn''t possibly frighten anyone. "You almost gave me a heart attack." Her appearance, voice and even the way she acts and moves. Is like a pure innocent girl, that is an ideal partner for every man. "Oh, sorry about that," Alexander said, "I just noticed you''d been spacing out for a while, looking at the w machine. Do you want one?" Sophie shook her head. She really wanted it, but it seemed impossible to win the stuffed toy. It was just so hard. She didn''t want to embarrass Alexander because the odds of winning were so slim. Seeing her shake her head, Alexander could tell that she really wanted it. Because he could see it in her eyes. Without saying a word, he walked over to the w machine and inserted a coin. He then took control of the controller and pressed the button, sending the w lowering to capture its prey. Sophie, realizing what was happening, quickly walked toward Alexander. "Alexander, you don''t have to! I said I¡ª" Her words were cut short as she saw the w carrying the plush toy. When the toy fell into the prize drop, Alexander retrieved it and held it out to Sophie, extending his hand towards her. She was stunned. Seeing the cute toy, she couldn''t help but take it and hug it tightly, pressing it against her chest. The plush toy''s cottony exterior was as soft as a baby''s cheek, practically begging to be cuddled. The plush was shaped like a bunny, with big, expressive eyes that seemed to sparkle with mischief. Its white fur was so inviting, you just wanted to sink your fingers into its plushy embrace. She couldn''t help but release a blooming smile as she looked at Alexander. Her eyes were sweet and captivating, filled with affection. She looked at him bashfully, with her cheeks flushed with color. "Thank you for the gift, Alexander," she said, her cheeks still flushed. Alexander was captivated for a moment. He felt like his heart was racing. He couldn''t help but be stunned. Wasn''t his heart made of stone, because of his skills? How could it be so turbulent for a moment? "Don''t mention it," he replied, as he made a fake cough. "The two of you were actually here! I''ve been looking for you everywhere," ire said, her voiceced with annoyance being left behind. Seeing the interaction between Alexander and Sophie, and noticing Sophie''s blushing and shy face, ire''s heart began to panic. "Did something happen while I was gone for a moment?" she asked, her gaze scanning the two of them, searching for clues. Both Alexander and Sophie looked at her, their eyes meeting hers. But ire did not care and continued scanned them from top to bottom, searching for answers. Finally, her gazended on the bunny plush toy, the cutest she''d ever seen. With a knowing look, she finally understood. "Sophie, that toy?" ire pointed at the plush, her voiceced with suspicion. "Oh, this? Alexander won it for me in just one round," Sophie said, her face beaming with happiness. "He''s actually so good." Hearing this, ire realized that she wanted one too, but she was too embarrassed to ask Alexander. Her eyes sparkled as she looked at the bunny, unable to hide her desire. Noticing this, Alexander asked her, "You want one?" "Hmph, who wants that? I''m not a child," she said, her arms crossed over her chest, puffing out her cheeks like a child trying to hide their true feelings. "Okay," Alexander nodded, then continued. "Let''s go eat. We''ve been here for hours now, I''m starving," he suggested, and then he and Sophie left the arcade. Being left behind, ire stared in disbelief. "This wasn''t in the script!" she eximed. "Weren''t you supposed to ask me if I wanted it? Or maybe even win me the prize without my consent, you idiot? I hate you!" She fumed, following after them. After exiting the arcade, Alexander noticed that ire was keeping her distance from him. "Did I even offend her?" Alexander wondered, but nothing came to his mind. He just shrugged it off and continued walking. "Do you guys want to eat here? My treat," Alexander said, pointing at the ce. The ce he pointed to was called ''Jollibee'' a famous fast-food restaurant in his country. Hearing the words "my treat," Sophie was skeptical for a moment. Wasn''t Alexander trying to save money, since he was working as waiter? But ire, who was behind her, was too clouded by anger to care. She just harrumphed and walked inside, so Sophie could only follow her. Finding a table, Alexander asked what they wanted to order. "I just want the Original Chicken, Alexander," Sophie replied, choosing the lowest price on the menu. "I want the C3," ire said, puffing out her cheeks. "It says here that ites with three chicken pieces, one sauce, one burger steak, one coke float, and one rice. Hmph." She harrumphed in herst sentence, still holding a grudge. Alexander, starting to get a feel for ire''s attitude, knew the best counter for it, it was to ''ignore it''. "Okay, it''s going to take a while," he said as he joined the line. After waiting for a while, he sat down with the two of them, carrying a check that came to over 898 pesos, which was really not a big amount for him. Seeing the bill, Sophie couldn''t help but feel bad for Alexander. When the order arrived, they began to eat a hearty meal, Sophie then asked Alexander. "Alexander, howe you''re so good back at the arcade? Especially ying ''Project: Z-Zero.'' I think your score will remain undefeated there forever," she said, her voice filled with admiration. ire, who was biting the chicken, nearly choked. She remembered her arrogant, and prideful look at that time and how Alexander had crushed her triumphant expression into oblivion. Now that Sophie had mentioned it again, ire could only vent her anger through the fried chicken, eating it without minding her image as a woman. Suddenly, a girl''s voice sounded behind Alexander. "Alexander, what a coincidence! You''re actually here?" Her voice was charming and soothing to the ear. Chapter 31 Crush Since Elementary Alexander recognized the familiar voice and a girl from his high school years instantly appeared in his mind. He looked back and saw a girl with a happy smile gazing at him. "Zya? What a coincidence," Alexander eximed, surprised, as he stood up from his seat. Seeing his surprised expression, Zya smiled delicately, her voice coquettish. Without hesitation, she hugged Alexander, who was still facing away from her. Alexander was shocked and his face flushed red as he was unexpectedly embraced. "How have you been these past few days, Alexander?" she asked, her eyes glimmering as she looked at Alexander with longing.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om But she stopped her gaze, realizing that he wasn''t alone. Two women were apanying him, and she gazed at them coldly. ire, who was shocked by the sudden intimacy, was stunned, but then angry. Her eyes red as she gazed back coldly towards Zya. Her eyes were indicating the words ''mine'' with her violent gaze looking at her, but Zya did not back down. Instead, she scoffed at the two. Sophie, on the side, was bewildered. Why was the girl who hugged Alexander looking at her aggressively? Also, she even hugged Alexander without any constraint. Couldn''t she have asked the other party first before she did that? She only pouted as she did not back down from the gaze either. Seeing their looks, Alexander hurriedly introduced Sophie and ire to her. "Oh, yeah, Zya, these are my new friends. This is ire, the boss''s sister from where I work, and this is Sophie, the cook of the restaurant. We came here to have fun but decided to eat since we are hungry. What about you? Are you also here to eat?" he asked curiously. "Yes, a friend of mine invited me to eat here," she said scornfully, purely irritated or feeling disgust with the person who invited her. Zya stood tall, a striking 5''8" with long, raven-ck hair that cascaded down her back. Her features were small and perfectly proportioned, with a high forehead framed by her long, dark hair. Her eyes, the most striking aspect of her face, wererge and almond-shaped, with a captivating shade of crimson that seemed to glow with an inner light. They were framed by long, thick eyshes, and a hint of matureness always seemed to linger in their depths. Her nose was small and straight, and her pink cherry lips were so charming to look at. Her expression was one of quiet confidence, with a hint of a smile ying on her lips. She seemed to be both yful and intelligent, abination that made her all the more intriguing. She was dressed in a crisp white zer, adorned with ck trim, over a ck cored shirt and a vibrant turquoise tie. The zer was paired with a pleated white skirt that fell just above her knees, and she wore ck tights that entuated her long legs. Her attire exuded an air of sophistication. Zya Puertas is Alexander''s best friend all the way back from elementary school. She was talkative and cute, and she sometimes loved to talk with him. There were times when his ssmates bullied him, and she was always there to stand up for him. Not only was she beautiful, but she was also brave and smart. This is when Alexander developed a crush on her when he was 12 years old. At that time, he really wanted to confess but didn''t want to. Since her family was rich, she had many suitors at that time, even though she was just a child. When they were in high school, her suitors were not only rich but also came from families with strong family backgrounds. So he only buried this in his heart and let time slowly extinguish that me. Since he knew that the two of them weren''tpatible and if he confessed and she said no, then their friendship for years would be ruined for nothing. Hearing his words, Alexander was about to ask what friend when suddenly a voice of a guy came. "Zya, sorry I''mte. What do you want to eat? Do you want a-" His voice stopped as he saw a man was so close to Zya, seeming like they were a couple. His eyes red with jealousy, his face turned red with anger. He bared his teeth and closed the distance between them. "Hey, you! Why are you sticking so close to Zya? With your poor clothes, do you think you can afford her?" he spoke without restraint. His vicious eyes and malicious words were so bad to hear. Alexander narrowed his eyes and was about to retort, but someone already beat him to it. "Shut up you dog. Being rich isn''t an achievement when your attitude stinks like that. You walk around like your money can buy respect, but news sh ¨C it can''t. You look like you just crawled out of a trash heap, and yet you have the nerve to insult Alexander? Please. He''s got more beauty and decency in his little finger than you''ll ever have in your entire miserable existence. And guess what? Your face looks like it was kicked by a donkey, it makes me want to puked." ire retorted in a high voice, her anger roused if it concerns Alexander name. The people dining inside were startled by the sudden shout, turning their heads to see the source. It was an argument between charming individuals. Hearing a girl berate him in front of a crowd, the guy''s gaze shifted, his eyes seeming to hold a flicker of anger. But when he saw that it was a beautiful woman, his face softened into a smile, his eyes glinting with amusement. "There''s not just one beauty, but two! How can this bastard be so lucky?" The man thought to himself, inwardly envious of Alexander''s good fortune. He only looked at the girl, her tomboyish attire making her seem more like a boy than a girl. "Beauty being handsome isn''t everything," he retorted with a smirk, his eyes lingering on her with a predatory gleam. "If he can''t even earn a decent living, what will happen to his future? He''ll starve to death and be a low-ss insect forever." As he looked at her from top to bottom. Not only her, but his gaze also shifted to another girl in the group, a short-haired woman with striking beauty as well. "Well, being with a handsome man with a good personality is better than a rich, ugly wrench," ire countered, her voice dripping with sarcasm. Being called ugly by a beautiful girl ignited a spark of anger within him. His face wasn''t truly handsome, just slightly above average. Thin brows framed sharp eyes, a slightly prominent nose, and short ck hair. He was tall, well over six feet, with a muscr build that set him apart from the average man. Alexander was around 6 feet as well, but the guy was slightly taller. With no way to retaliate physically, he could only re at Alexander, his disgust is palpable. "Are you just going to hide behind a woman? What a coward you are," he spat, his voiceced with aggression. He clenched his fist, attempting to intimidate Alexander with the threat of violence. Undeterred, Alexander met his gaze nkly, his face devoid of emotion. The skill ''Heart of Stone'' helped him quell the rising rage within him. But inside he really wants to cripple him right now. It was only Zya''s presence that held him back. If it was his past self, he would have caused trouble already. "Your mouth stinks," Alexander said, his face contorted in disgust, as if he had just smelled a pile of dung. "You bastard! What did you say?!" The man roared, his anger reaching a boiling point. He made a right hook, his fist came flying towards Alexander''s face. "Michael, what are you doing? Who gave you the guts to insult my friend?" Zya intervened, her voiceced with fury, halting his attack. His fist froze mid-air, inches from Alexander''s face. It was too close to dodge. Alexander stood there,pletely still, not even flinching. He was motionless when the attack wasing at him. This filled the guy with a strange kind of disgust, "This guy was so easy to intimidate, it was almost offensive." he cursed at Alexander, only at his though. Thinking that he was so scared that he did not even respond from his attack. "You''re lucky this time," he grumbled, pulling his fist back and shoving his hands into his pockets acting cool. "I should say that to you," Alexander replied coldly, a smirk spreading across his face. "Why, you little¡ª" Michael didn''t finish his sentence as Zya shouted again. "Michael, if you don''t stop, I''m going to ask you to leave." Her eyes were as cold as her voice. Michael reluctantly held back his anger as he looked at Alexander, his looked was so cold that seemed ready to devour Alexander whole. If looks could kill, Alexander would have been dead. "I''m leaving for now, but this isn''t over," Michael said, threatening Alexander. He then left, leaving Zya behind. Alexander watched him go without a hint of fear. Even a gang wouldn''t stand a chance against him, what could a normal guy possibly do? "Sorry about that, Alexander. Please don''t mind his words. He''s just so arrogant and thinks he''s above everyone else," Zya said, pouting and looking adorably cute. Alexander didn''t let Michael''s words bother him. Ever since he gained this skill, he felt that insults that once fueled his anger had significantly less impact. However, the lingering urge to take down that guy remained, thankfully, he was able to hold it back. "Zya, don''t mention it. I don''t really care what he says since it''s just empty words," he said with a smile. Seeing this, Zya couldn''t help but smile at his carefree expression. Suddenly, her eyes widened as she remembered something important. "Alexander, I''m sorry, but I have to go or I''ll bete. I''ll call you to catch up on some things," she said, sounding reluctant but still waved her goodbye as she left. As Zya stepped out of the restaurant, she was filled with anger over Michael''s actions. Their reunion had been ruined because of him. Just then, her phone rang. She answered it as she speaks quickly. "Dad, I''m on my way now," Zya said into the phone. "Be quick, Zya. You know how important this day is," her father''s voice replied from the other end. Zya''s expression turned serious, "I know, Father. I''ll be home soon." She picked up her pace, leaving the mall behind. Meanwhile, Alexander, Sophie, and ire also left the restaurant. Their appetites had been spoiled, and people around them were staring and whispering, making them the center of attention. As they walked through the mall''s hallway, ire was still fuming, practically wanting to skin Michael alive. Alexander tried to calm her down, and after a while, they separated and headed home. Chapter 32 Is he your boyfriend? Alexander didn''t return to his manor instead, he went to his apartment, since he left the sets of Mountain Dew there. Upon arriving, he took the stairs and entered his room. After closing the door, he searched for the sets of Mountain Dew, and he saw it on the right side of the wall. They were then illuminated by spectral light as they disintegrated into particles. A panel then materialized before him. [Click ''Confirm'' to continue] The system panel said clicking the button, it then disappeared into his system storage. He was so stupid that he actually forgot he had a system storage on him. For the set of Mountain Dew, it was sent to a guy named ''FatMerchant69'' since tomorrow he was going to send it, so sending it early was still the same. cing his hand on his jaw while looking down, he thought for a while, "I think I should buy some food and drinks tonight since it''s an unknown world. What happens if the animals aren''t edible for me?" he thought deeply. Alexander was truly curious and couldn''t wait to experience what world he was going to be transported to. But he knew he must not ck off and prepare himself for the better. He then sat cross-legged again on the bed, using the ''Vital Draw Technique'' to attract the surrounding energy. His focus was at maximum, and after an hour had passed and night came, he couldn''t help but furrow his brows. "The energy here is really thin. After cultivating for six hours, only two points were added, and for the rest, it''s just only one," he said in disappointment, his face etched with frustration. [Status Experience: 8/300 Name: Alexander Free Points: 4 Title: None Level: 4 Strength: 28 Speed: 24 Defense: 25 Charisma: 10 {MAX} Earnings: 61,525 Pesos Bnce: 27,168 Pesos Skills: {Heart Of Stone[UN]} Techniques: {Serpents Coil}, {Vital Draw Technique}] Observing his stats and the remaining free points, he decided to let it stand by and wait for trouble to arise. ncing at his earnings, which had reached 61,525 pesos, he couldn''t help but shake his head. It was like half a day of umtion, and he had only earned that much. He was nning to continue and wait until 8 pm to stop, but his phone rang. The name was familiar, and the face on the profile was Zya''s. Answering the phone and cing it to his ear, he asked, "Yes, Zya, is there a problem?" he inquired, puzzled by her call at night. "Alexander, can you apany me tonight?" she replied on the other end. Upon hearing this, Alexander agreed immediately, as it was nighttime, and he was concerned that something might happen to her. "Sure, where do you want us to meet?" he asked inquisitively. "I''m just outside Gaisano. I''ll be waiting for you here," she said warmly over the phone. "I''ll be there right away," Alexander replied. After the call ended, he searched for clothes in his drawer to change. Despite not having showered, he felt refreshed. Opting for a white shorts and a ck T-shirt with the ''Oxygen'' logo, he left his room. After stepping out of his apartment, he took a ride in a minibus. The ce was a bit far, as the ride would take the road over the bridge, this is the minibus pathway. "I really need to buy a car," Alexander sighed inwardly. Arriving across Gaisano, a supermall, he crossed the road and tried to find Zya. Finally, he spotted her standing in the center. She looks so elegant, draped in a sleek ck dress that hugged her curves with understated grace. The dress featured a high neckline with a delicate choker, adding a touch of sophistication. The sweetheart neckline, subtly revealing a sliver of her decolletage, hinted at a yful sensuality beneath her demure exterior. The long sleeves, gathered at the shoulders, added a touch of romanticism, while the thigh-high slit on the skirt showcased her long, slender legs. Her dark hair cascaded down her back in soft waves, framing a face that was both delicate and striking. Her eyes, a deep, mesmerizing shade of brown, held a quiet intensity that hinted at hidden depths. Her lips painted a soft shade of pink and her entire demeanor exuded an air of a quiet beauty and elegance. The dress, with its simple yet sophisticated design, entuated her natural beauty and highlighted her graceful figure. She was a vision of understated elegance, a woman whomanded attention without needing to shout. Alexander was frozen for a moment, unable to help but see how beautiful she looked, all dressed up. He then called out to her. Zya, hearing the familiar voice, shifted slightly. When she saw Alexander, she arched a smile that felt like it was radiating with light. He was frozen yet again, wondering if the skill ''Heart of Stone'' was working or not. Seeing her awed expression, she couldn''t help but giggle at his silly expression and take pride in his beauty. "Sorry I''mte. The minibus took a detour, crossing two bridges," Alexander exined, scratching his back hair sheepishly. Zya just smiled and interlocked her arms with Alexander, feeling the soft skin of his. He couldn''t help but freeze, wondering what just happened. If his memory served him right, Zya wasn''t usually this touchy, but now she was interlocking with him, making him surprised by the intimacy. Suddenly, a car roared and stopped in front of them, as they were close to the road. It was a supercar, a Toyota GR Supra, rolled up. Its electric blue paint still gleamed despite a few subtle signs of wear, giving it a rugged, seasoned look. The car''s sharp, aggressive curves and low-slung stance gave it the appearance of a predator on the road, ready to pounce. Its ck alloy wheels and carbon-fiber spoiler showed its raw speed and power it contained, while the roaring exhaust announced its arrival long before anyone saw it. The windows then lowered, and a familiar face appeared in Alexander''s view. It was none other than Michael, the guy who had insulted him back at the restaurant. He was wearing a formal suit, and his face was filled with a smile. But when he saw Zya interlocking her arms with Alexander, his gaze turned cold. "Not you, poor guy, again? Why are you here!" Michael spoke, starting to insult him again. Zya narrowed her brows and said coldly, "Michael, if you don''t let Alexandere, then I won''te with you," she said indifferently. Michael couldn''t help but curse but had nothing to do but agree. So, he got out and opened the door in the front seat, but Zya just ignored him and opened the door for the back seat. She went inside and called for Alexander to sit beside her. Alexander followed suit, leaving Michael, the owner of the car, fuming. His eyes were red, as if he had been treated as a chauffeur in his own car. He swallowed his anger and entered the driver''s seat, driving away from the scene. Looking at the rearview mirror, he could see the two of them engaged in a cheerful conversation,pletely disregarding his presence. "Let''s see how I can make you pay for ruining my chances," Michael thought coldly. Through the rearview mirror, he noticed Alexander''s eyes roaming around his car, making him have an arrogant smile from his face. "A poor person remains a poor person. Consider it an honor to ride in my car," he thought, emphasizing their difference in status. Unbeknownst to him, Alexander simply observed the car and noted its ws. The paint had faint scratches and a couple of small dings on the body, suggesting it was overused. The leather seats had softened, disying slight creases and a gentle patina. The digital dashboard glowed brightly, but some buttons showed signs of wear, indicating frequent use. After his observations, it became clear to Alexander that the car was pre-owned, likely a second-hand purchase. He then resumed his conversation with Zya, and eventually, they reached their destination.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om She then opened one door, while Alexander opened the other. They both stepped out of the car as Michael parked it. At the entrance, arge man in a ck suit stood, adorned with ck tattoos of a dragon on his neck that extended to his cheeks. Bald and muscr, resembling a WWE wrestler, his presence was even more intimidating due to his ck skin tone. Michael handed him a card, which the man inspected before allowing the three of them to enter. Walking through the hallway, they found themselves in a KTV bar. After a brief walk, they reached a door. Upon opening it, they found seven people already inside. There were four men and three women inside. As they opened the door, the group smiled, indicating they had been waiting for them. However, they were surprised to see an additional, uninvited guest who was more handsome than anyone they had ever encountered. Despite his striking looks, the women lost interest upon noticing his casually dressed attire, leading to disappointed sighs. They had finally met a handsome man, only to realize he was not wealthy. "Michael, you''re finally here. Let''s start drinking now," a man with brown hair said with a smile. "Haha, I''m onlyte because I picked up Zya on the way," Michael responded. The man with brown hair looked at the new unfamiliar face and inquired, "Who''s the man you brought along?" scrutinizing Alexander from head to toe. "A poor guy, just pretend he was never here," Michael said, attempting to humiliate Alexander. Zya was displeased with his words but chose to introduce Alexander to the group, "This is my ssmate since elementary, his name is Alexander," presenting him to the others. The group nodded in agreement, as they were reluctant to befriend someone that is poor, regardless of his good looks. Then a girl, around Zya''s age, approached her. "Zya, is he your boyfriend? If not, why did you invite him?" May asked, narrowing her eyes as she whispered into Zya''s ear. "May, he''s my friend. Of course, I want to invite him to apany me. I only epted Michael''s invitation because you were pestering me to go, not because of him," Zya cheeks blushed, as she exined to her best friend. May, who had been her friend for years despite not attending the same school, had a preference for wealthy individuals. Zya could sense the disdain in her words when mentioning Alexander. "Zya, just a reminder, Michael is much better than your friend over there. He''s only handsome, but being handsome doesn''t make money. You have to consider that Michael is the best choice," May said to her. "I''ll keep that in mind," Zya responded, not caring at all. She just wanted her friend to shut up rather than arguing with her. Chapter 33 Being deaf can actually be a gift Seeing her gaze, which seemed indifferent to her words, May did not spoke anymore. Everyone then called for a gathering at the table. The ce they were in right now were considered good, the walls are a deep blue, ented by a diamond-patterned wall with blue LED lighting. A long, plush sofa runs along the wall, inviting guests to rx and enjoy the atmosphere. The room is furnished with low coffee tables, perfect for drinks and snacks. Arge t-screen TV mounted on the wall disys a vibrant underwater scene, adding a touch of color to the otherwise dark space. All of them then sat on the sofa as a girl in uniform went inside their room, clearly a waitress, to deliver their drinks and snacks. Alexander was seated on the far-left part, with Zya beside him to keep himpany, as she was the one who invited him. Each person had a ss cup, and they all poured drinks into them. "So, Alexander, you haven''t told me what your work is. Can you give me the honor of telling me?" Michael didn''t waste any time and target Alexander directly. Alexander nced at the ss of wine in front of him but didn''t touch it. Because he wasn''t really a drinker. Hearing Michael''s question, he pursed his lips, aware that he was being deliberately targeted by the other party. "Actually, I work at a restaurant and also I''m a waiter," Alexander replied, meeting Michael''s gaze. The other people at the table were showing a disgusted expression on their faces, "How dare he sit at the same table as them with his low status?" But they kept this thoughts only to themselves. Alexander could see the disgust in their eyes, but he remained unfazed. Being a waiter was a job, and he didn''t see why it should be viewed with disdain. Michael chuckled at Alexander''s answer, but inside, he was cursing at him. "How dare a waiter try to snatch my woman and even dare to challenge me? With your status as a waiter, you even dare to talk back to me and ignore me?" he thought angrily. "Oh, a waiter, that''s really bad," Michael said smugly, taking a sip of the wine. "I heard that a waiter at a restaurant could only earn about 13,000 pesos per month. Hayss, Alexander, you should focus more on business to be more sessful." he educated Alexander, like a grown man. "Do you see this wine? This is Opus One, it costs around 20,000 pesos per bottle. Be honored that you can drink this," Michael said arrogantly, expecting praise from his friend and yes, they didn''t disappointed him. "Wow, this bottle costs around 20,000 pesos, so very expensive," a girl in the group with heavy makeup eximed. "Big bro Michael, it''s really an honor for us to taste this wine for the first time in our lives," another person said, taking the ss of wine that had been poured for him. "Brother Michael is really rich, such a capable guy is really hard to find" May said full ofpliment as she nced at Zya, but her expression remained stoic. "Of course, of course, we''re friends, aren''t we?" he said, full of pride, he was really delighted. The Opus One wine is a bottle of elegance and simplicity. It has a tall, slender shape, made from dark, thick ss that gives off an air of luxury. The deep blue foil covering the top extends down the neck of the bottle, embossed with the signature "O" of Opus One, a mark of its prestige. At the center of the bottle, a minimalist whitebel features two intertwined profiles, symbolizing the coboration between Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild. Beneath the image, in elegant blue font, the name "Opus One" is written with the vintage year below it. May shifted her gaze towards Alexander, looking at him with disgust, as if he were a germ in her eyes. "Alexander, since Michael let us experience how this wine tastes, why don''t you pour wine for Michael to show your appreciation?" May said coldly, her smile a mask of malice. Alexander, hearing this, furrowed his brows and looked at her. From their earlier conversation between Zya and her, he could clearly hear her, even though she had just whispered it. His enhanced hearing made it possible. "Sorry, I don''t drink wine, and besides, doesn''t he have a pair of hands? Why doesn''t he pour himself if he''s so capable?" Alexander said calmly, meeting her gaze. Hearing Alexander''s words, many were angered, "How dare you, a poor waiter from a restaurant, have the nerve to decline May''s suggestion? Will you die by just pouring one ss for our big brother?" the guy said, ring at Alexander. This was the same person who had asked Michael about Alexander earlier. The girl with heavy makeup also chimed in, "Yeah, you''re handsome, but you''re so full of yourself and so arrogant. If you weren''t with Zya, I would have kicked you right now," she said, her voiceced with venom, clearly wanting to hit Alexander. May was also dissatisfied and felt humiliated by Alexander''s words, "Hmph, what can your pride even do? Can it even help you earn money? Zya, are you not going to say anything about this?" she said, looking at Zya, expecting an answer. Zya frowned at their words. She was even more disappointed in her friend May. If only she hadn''t invited Alexander, he wouldn''t have been humiliated. "Alright, alright, stop now. Don''t let a poor guy ruin our drink," Michael said, shaking his hands, his face stered with a fake smile. They continued their drinking session, and Alexander didn''t touch the wine; he truly wasn''t a drinker. "I''ll go to the bathroom first," May said to the others, leaving the room. Zya also drank some, but only one or two cups, as she wasn''t a heavy drinker and had a low tolerance. "Brother Michael, is it true that you''ve bought a new car?" the same guy with brown hair asked, his eyes gleaming with excitement. Hearing this, Michael knew it was his time to show off again. He didn''t waste any time in unting his wealth. "Yes, Bard, I''ve recently bought one. It''s a Toyota GR Supra, you know it cost me millions of my hard-earned money to buy. But a friend of mine gave me a discount since he treats me as a brother," he said, acting cool and showing off his connections. Bard, the guy with brown hair, looked at Michael with stars in his eyes and began to bootlick him. "Young master Michael is really capable. If only I had just a small fraction of your skills, I wouldn''t be this poor," he said,menting his current situation. And also changing his way of calling to brother to young master. The other girls had their eyes shining and couldn''t help butment that he hadn''t pursued them. They were a little jealous of Zya for having a rich man pursuing her, but she didn''t even care. "Young master Michael is really capable and godly," another man said, showering him with praise. The rest of the people continued to give praise for him. Alexander couldn''t help but chuckle at this. He had clearly seen the car when he was inside, and it was old, almost like a second-hand car. It wouldn''t even reach millions if it were sold. This guy could really win an award for his bragging skills. Hearing Alexander''s chuckle, the people around the table quickly narrowed their eyes. Bard mmed his hand on the table, feeling displeased just by seeing this guy acting arrogant again even though he was so poor. "If you''re so capable, why don''t you try buying a car that costs millions?" Bard said coldly, baring his teeth. Alexander didn''t get angry. If he really wanted to, he could buy a car he liked with just one day of grinding. Hearing no response from Alexander, Bard could only scoff. Their favorability towards Alexander was now negative. Zya, feeling embarrassed, couldn''t help but lean in and whisper to Alexander''s ear, "Sorry, Alexander, for inviting you here. I didn''t know that they would act this aggressively towards you," she said sheepishly. She looked so cute and beautiful the way she looked at him. Alexander just smiled at her and replied without any care about their words, "Don''t worry, I''m fine," he whispered back into her ear. Feeling his breath on her ear, Zya''s face turned red, and she lowered her head like a child. Her blush even reached all the way to her ears. Seeing this scene, Michael was so angry. How dare they act so lovey-dovey in front of him? "Alexander is working in the restaurant, really good? What about I rmend you to be a call center agent? You''re sry will be around 20,000-21,000 pesos per month if you want to," Michael said mockingly. He was mocking Alexander for mentioning he was working at a restaurant while pretending to offer him a job. It''s like acting as a saint and demon at the same time. Alexander couldn''t help butugh at this. Even if there was no system that earned him money, Alexander wouldn''t ept his offer. His sry was 1,000 pesos per day, which was higher than any other job. It could earn him about 29,000-31,000 pesos every month. "No need, I love my current job," Alexander replied instantly, not even considering it. "Hmph, if you don''t want to, then it''s your loss. This is an opportunity, but you didn''t even bother to think twice about it," Michael snorted.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om "Young master Michael is already acting humbly towards you by offering you a job with a good sry, and you didn''t even think about it. No wonder you''re so poor," Bard said exasperatedly. Then there came the others'' insulting words towards him about being too prideful. Alexander just looked at them calmly, with disdain in his face. They were about to say more when suddenly the door opened, and May finally came back. There seemed to be something wrong with her. "May, are you okay?" Zya said, standing up and going to May, touching her cheeks. There was a red handprint in her face, and her face was full of fear while her hair was so haggard. "Don''t worry, Zya, I''m fine," May said, but the fear in her voice was vivid. Suddenly, the closed door was mmed opened, and a bunch of men with tattoos and big muscles came in. After they were inside, there was a fat middle-aged man with a red, beaten face that looked like it was pped by a hard object. His right face was bleeding, and everyone wondered what had happened and who is this fat man. Chapter 34 Fate is really unpredictable? The fat man had a ferocious expression on his face as he came inside the room, apanied by a total of seven big men in ck suits. The atmosphere in the room began to turn hostile. May, seeing him, was scared. Her legs were shaking constantly, and she hid behind Zya. The others also stood up and came towards Zya and May to face these unreasonable people who seems toe to looked for trouble. The fat man seeing her his gaze was menacing as an infuriated buddha since his bald, with smile adorned his face, "You bitch you think you can escape? I just only want you to apany me, but you have the nerve to p me. I will show you what true pping really is" his face was lewd, and his cold gaze is really scary to see. Zya was protecting May behind her, who was shaking. She asked May about what happened. May then recounted the events when she went out to go to the bathroom. "After I finished peeing and washed my hands, I was about to walk back when that fat guy stopped me and wanted me to apany him to drink. Of course, I disagreed, but he held my hand, making hurting so I''d struggle to escape his clutches. So, I had no choice but to p him in the face. But he retaliated and pped me, so I picked up the vase in disy that was nearest to me and smashed it into his face so I could escape. Zya, please help me," she said, her voice trembling with a tear in her eyes. Zya, hearing this, narrowed her eyes in anger clearly enraged about the people who hurt May. Her gaze lingered on them, full of coldness. Even though her best friend had a bad attitude, they had been friends for three years now. The others, hearing this, couldn''t help but frown. They didn''t know such things actually happened. The fat man, hearing this, didn''t care about their cold res towards him. "Hey, you ugly fat man, how dare you bully our friend? Are you not afraid of thew?" Bard said coldly, he was fuming and it was livid on his face. The fat man justughed, and even his big belly shook from hisughter. "Law? Whatw are you talking about? If you curse at me again, believe it or not, I will cripple you with my men over here," the fat man said menacingly, with a sly smile on his face. Bard, who was full of confidence just now, was now a little scared. He could only swallow what he was about to say again and stay silent. Just by seeing the big men beside the fat man, who wouldn''t be afraid? All of them were in a dilemma right now, afraid of getting beat up. But suddenly, Michael, who was behind them, looked at his ssmates with a smile. Seeing his confident attitude, May and the rest were no longer scared and waited for him to fix the problem. He went forward and faced the fat man with no fear on his face. "Hello, sir, there seems to be a misunderstanding. My friends are at fault first, but can we let this problem bygones be bygones? To not make matters worse," he stated to them. The fat man looked at him as if seeing an idiot. "Kid, who do you think you are to talk to me face to face? Do you want to get a beating? If I smash your face with a vase and let the problem aside, aren''t you also going to lose face" he said coldly,cing his words with threat. Michael frowned, wondering if this fat man didn''t know him, so he introduced himself. "Listen here, sir, My name is Michael Barocayo. I think you''ve already heard my name, right? So, can we just let this matter slide?" Michael said, full of pride, waiting for the fat man to retreat. The fat man snorted and looked at the fool who was acting like a clown in front of him. "Barocayo? What kind of family name is that? It sounds like a fucking broli. You''d better not involve yourself here, or I will smash that bottle of wine in your face. Making you hospitalized for a month," the fat man said, full of contempt, wondering where this kid got his courage from. Seeing that there was no effect, Zya, May, and the others were finally sensing a bit of dread. Michael was displeased, wondering if this fat man hadn''t heard of his name, so he spoke yet again. "I believe you''ve heard of my father. His name is Laxon Barocayo. He''s a businessman and very influential. I believe you''ve heard his name," Michael said with pride, mentioning his father. Hearing the name, the fat man sensed a little trouble, but he was just a low-ss businessman in their circle of people, not a person to be wary about. Seeing his face, Michael knew that he must have heard of his father, since his father had a lot of connections and was also influential. The fat man just smiled and pursed his lips, "Do you even know who I am alright then I''ll tell you, I''m Bald Fury one of the four captains of the ''ck Serpent Gangs''. Tell me should I still be afraid?" He said looking at Michael eyes. The others, hearing this were terrified. How could they not know him? He was a ferocious and cruel person. There were a lot of rumors about his criminal record, like rape, killing, and drugs. But he was still roaming around the city like nothing ever happened. Even Michael was in a dilemma right now, since the problem was much harder than he thought. Alexander hearing this, couldn''t help but pursed his lips in amusement, "Fate is really unpredictable," he said inwardly as he inspected the fat man. The fat man just smiled expecting their reaction thenpromised with Michael, "Since I know your father, I will let you all leave," he said with a smile. The others, hearing this were happy while sighing in relief. Finally, the danger was gone. Their idolization towards Michael increased drastically. "But, the two of them will stay," the fat man said, pointing at Zya and May. His gaze towards Zya was full of lust. He had already been eyeing her for a while now. Wondering how it would feel to pin this kind of teenagedy down. The fat man couldn''t help but drool, imagining that scenario. The others hearing this were stunned, and Michael couldn''t help but frown once again. "Sir, they are my friends. I can''t just leave them behind," Michael said, wanting topromise again. This time the fat man was outraged he shouted, "If it weren''t for your father, I would have crippled all of you in this ce right now. I''m giving you a chance. Leave and the problem will be gone or stay and get beat up. You choose," as he looked at him with a stern expression adorned on his face. Zya and May''s faces were solemn, afraid that they are really going to be left alone. After standing and contemting for a while, Michael made up his choice. He looked at Zya and May resignedly. "Sorry, Zya, I can''t handle this problem anymore," he said, as he left the ce bitterly. The others were also afraid of the trouble, so they left the ce following Michael''s back. While they were walking to the exit of the door, Zya''s face was cold with a distant look.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om "Michael, you coward! Leaving a woman behind. Aren''t you afraid of retribution?" she shouted at him. Michael didn''t look behind and finally exited the ce with the rest of his friends. Leaving only Zya and May in the room, but suddenly someone caught their eye on the sofa. A guy was sitting, looking at them with an emotionless expression. The fat man wondered where this kid came from. "Hey, kid, since you''ve stayed, I will not let my word down or I''ll be called a person who does not keep his promise. I''m going to let my men beat you into a pulp until you''re hospitalized," he said to Alexander with a smile on his face. Hearing his words, May and Zya looked behind and they saw Alexander, who then stood up in his seat and stood in front of them, blocking them from the danger. Zya''s face was solemn and worried, seeing Alexander didn''t leave. She was afraid that he might get involved, but actually, he was already involved in the trouble since the fat man had already ordered someone to teach him a lesson. "Don''t worry, Zya. As long as I''m here, there''s not an ounce of your hair that will be touched," he said seriously. Zya, after hearing his words, couldn''t help but sense a bit of security, but she was still worried. The fat man, seeing how brave he was, couldn''t help butugh, thinking if he was stupid or simply ignorant. "Kid, if you want to do the plot of saving the beauty, I''ll let one of my men wake you from your dreams," the fat man said as the man in the ck suit went forward. He cracked his knuckles, and his expression was grinning from ear to ear. With a look of pity and sarcasm on it. When he was close, he threw a direct punch with full force, wanting to knock out Alexander in one blow. Zya and May, seeing this, their faces were pale as white, and Zya couldn''t help but close her eyes. Alexander just arched a smile, and before the fist came, Alexander just made a casual kick with no special effect. When it hit the man in the stomach, he flew back like a broken kite, hitting the door with his back. But because of the force, the door was broken, and he and the door behind him flew until there was a wall stopping his progress. He fell down with his face on the floor without any sign of consciousness. The fat man and his other men, seeing this, were bewildered, and now their faces were full of fear. The fat man even sensed a feeling of dread from the young man''s attack. Zya and May were surprised by Alexander''s power. With just one casual kick, he flew off like a cannonball without any sign of stopping. Zya''s brows fluttered as she gazed at Alexander, filled with curiosity. "Is Alexander one of those people?" she said inwardly, looking at Alexander''s figure. "Do you still want to continue? If you want to, I can entertain you for as long as you want to y," he said with a yful smile as he looked at the fat man. Chapter 35 Its time Alexander smiled at them, but behind that smile was chilling coldness. His gaze terrified the fat man, and even the others in ck suits were visibly shaken. This wasn''t an ordinary person, he seemed more like a superhuman, they though in their mind. After all, who could kick a man bigger than himself so hard that he flew across the room and shattered the door? The fat man''s sweat flowed like a river as he looked at Alexander, but seeing that he still had six men left, he regained some of hisposure. "Don''t hesitate! He''s alone, and there are six of you. Draw your weapons and kill that kid!" the fat manmanded, trying to mask his fear by shouting loudly as he pointed at Alexander. The men realized that their big bro was right, Alexander was just one person, while they had numbers on their side. They reached into their pockets, pulling out a folding knife, and slowly began to surround Alexander, ring at him with killing intent. Alexander smirked in amusement as he watched their movements. He then felt a gentle tug on the back of his clothes. It was Zya, looking at him with deep concern. Alexander gave him a reassuring smile, silently telling him not to worry since he was here. But Zya couldn''t calm down. Just moments ago, the men were unarmed, but now they held knives, making the situation far more dangerous. "Kid, let me tell you, the ck Serpent Gang isn''t a group you can just mess with," the fat man sneered, his voice dripping with arrogance. Three of the gang members, emboldened by their numbers,unched their attack. The man at the front, his eyes burning with malice, as he aimed a deadly thrust at Alexander''s heart. His intent was clear, he wanted Alexander dead. But Alexander was ready. With a flick of his wrist, he intercepted the knife with just two fingers, stopping it inches from his chest. The man in ck suite was stunned by the ease from which Alexander deflected his attack, he tried to pull back his weapon, but it wouldn''t budge. Alexander seized this opportunity, raising his palm with lightning speed. A thunderous p echoed through the room as his hand connected with the man''s cheek. The force of the blow sent the attacker reeling backward, his face contorted in pain. The p was like a drum being pounded by a giant drumstick, as the sound echoing through the room. The man''s cheek caved in, as his teeth flying out in a bloody spray. His eyes rolled back without any sign of consciousness, as he was flung through the air. He mmed into the wall, shattering a string of LED lights with a sickening crunch. Sparks flew as the electricity shorted out. The other two men, seeing theirrade''s fate, lunged at Alexander, their knives aimed for his throat. But Alexander was too quick. Heshed out with a lightning-fast punch, connecting with both men''s faces simultaneously. Their faces were shattered, and their noses was crushed and twisted. If there was an X-ray it would likely reveal their broken bones beneath the mangled flesh. They flew through the air like ragdolls, passing beside the fat man, and crashing against the wall at the same time as the walls where they were hit shook from the impact. They theny motionless, unconscious and defeated. The fat man was visibly terrified, realizing the gravity of the situation he had instigated by provoking such a formidable opponent. The three men was hesitating right now, unsure whether to act or not, knowing that Alexander could swiftly resolve the conflict in a matter of seconds. Like seriously, he dealt with theirpanions earlier in just a matter of five seconds. Who are they to go and confront this devil, they don''t have five lives. Amidst the chaos with the violent sounds reverberating through the room, a man in a formal suit, adorned with sses and of a slight build, entered with an expression of anger. "Who dares to stir trouble in our ''ck Serpent Gang'' territory?" he thundered, his gaze piercing as he looked at the fat man. "Pyro, who has the nerve to cause trouble here? Does he still want to live?" he seethed with rage, his gaze locked onto the trembling figure of Pyro. Pyro, unable to meet the furious man''s eyes, trembled visibly, his fear is palpable and livid. With a shaky hand, Pyro pointed towards a figure in the room. The man then strode forward, his anger simmering as heid eyes on the source of the disturbance. But after seeing the person, his eyes twitched. "How did this kid end up here?" he cursed silently, taken aback by the unexpected presence of the youth. Alexander who was the center of this was stunned, "Didn''t I just kick some of his subordinates ass? why are they treating him with respect right now? Being violent is actually a great way to scare the opponent in submission" he though inwardly. Zya and May just hid behind Alexander, watching the entire situation unfold. "Do you know me?" Alexander said, looking at his face. Ethan answered instantly, "Of course we know you, Mr. Alexander. Please forgive my subordinates for causing trouble. I will try to punish them after this for offending you," he said with his hand sped, showing Alexander his broken smile. Alexander just snorted, so he walked, nning to leave while holding Zya''s soft hand. Being held by him, Zya couldn''t help but feel that she was in the safest ce in the world. "You''d better control your subordinates, or I will do it myself," Alexander said as he passed by him. His voice was cold clearly a threat. Ethan formed some ck lines on his forehead as he looked back at Alexander, still having that ugly smile on his face. "Yes, yes, I will try and manage my subordinates after this," he said in a respectful tone, afraid to offend Alexander. Hearing his reply, Alexander just scoffed and left the ce through the door and finally exited the bar. When his figure was finally gone, Ethan, whose face still had a smile, turned ferocious as a mad lion. "Fuck! fuck! fuck! that kid thinks he''s so good, huh? Let me see how we''ll deal with you," he said, cursing Alexander as he picked up the wine bottle on the table and smashed it to relieve his anger. He was seething with anger, a controlled but with an intense anger, with his clenched jaw and narrowed eyes. Seeing this, Pyro and the rest couldn''t help but calm him down. After he was calmed, his eyes were still red from the anger and humiliation. "Big brother, are we going to take revenge?" Pyro said, even though he was afraid, but the humiliation the ck Serpent Gang suffered was horrendous. "Don''t worry, the boss had already nned this out, but since I just saw how strong he is, I think there might be some revisions for the n," Ethan said gloomily. Alexander, Zya, and May were walking in the side road. When the two finally looked back and saw that they were not being followed, the two could finally breathe. "Alexander, thank you very much for standing up for us in there. If it weren''t for you, we would have been..." Zya said but stopped. She was fearful from just imagining it. May, who was holding Zya''s hands, let go and looked at Alexander. The three of them then stopped in their tracks. "Alexander, thank you very much for saving my life as well. It was my fault in the first ce, and the two of you got involved. I''m very sorry for making trouble for you earlier," she said, feeling regretful for what she did. "Don''t mention it. You''re Zya''s friend," Alexander said, shaking his hand to not mind the past. "So if I''m not Zya''s friend, you will actually not care since what I did is really inhumane," May said as she sighed, feeling remorseful from what she had done to humiliate Alexander. Alexander then wanted to assist them to go home, but Zya had already called her father, sending their driver. He waited with them to make sure no unexpected things would happen. After the driver arrived, they bade their farewell, and Alexander also went home. This time he decided to sleep in his manor. By stopping a taxi, he took a ride in the direction to ''Summit Heights''. After arriving at the entrance of the gate in ''Summit Heights'', the security guard stopped the vehicle. After Kent saw it was Alexander, he opened the gate to let car in. The driver of the taxi was awed and surprised to see this seemingly young man, who he thought is a normal person was actually a rich person in disguise. When it arrived just outside the gate of his manor, he paid like 1,000 Pesos. Then the driver said his thanks, then left the ce. The security guard that was specifically assigned to his manor greeted him and opened the gate. After Alexander was inside, he walked his way to his room and took a shower. After wearing his clothes, he did not waste his time and started cultivating using the ''Vital Draw Technique''. Morning passed, and Alexander felt refreshed. He took a shower and went to work for today since it was Monday. As he was walking the path down towards the entrance gate, a Porsche passed by him. Unknown to him, a woman was watching him from a rearview mirror. She couldn''t help but think, "Did someone buy a house? He seems to be so young, and that path where he came down is the only Manor that has been unupied for years," she said, but she did not ponder about it and just left the ce. Alexander then asked Kent to take him for a ride just below the mountain to take a taxi, but Kent said that he could drive him to his destination, but he disagreed. After taking a ride, he also gave him a tip and stopped a taxi then worked for the day. He served some guests, had fun with ire, and he also did not see Sophie because she always left when it was time for her tutor. Just like that, morning passed, and tonight is the night, but before that, a message popped up. [FatMerchant69: I''m sorry, ''AlexanderTheGrate.'' I''ve been so busy these 1 day that I missed your message. Aspensation, I''ll add another 500 silver coins.] FatMerchant69 sent the message, and soon after, Alexander received 4,700 silver coins. [The Host has received a payment from user ''FatMerchant69'' of 4,700 silver coins. Converting to your currency, you''ve received ''4,700,000 pesos.''] Alexander was surprised and thrilled at the same time, he had just made millions from another transaction. "That guy is seriously loaded with money," he cursed in excitement.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om "System show me my Status" [Status Experience: 8/300 Name: Alexander Free Points: 4 Title: None Level: 4 Strength: 31 Speed: 26 Defense: 29 Charisma: 10 {MAX} Earnings: 102,005 Pesos Bnce: 4,227,168 Pesos Skills: {Heart Of Stone[UN]} Techniques: {Serpents Coil}, {Vital Draw Technique}] His status increased after cultivating in that one night, and now he was ready. Suddenly a message panel popped up. [Mission: Saved the Vige] [Will be starting in 5, 4, 3, 2... 1] The system counted, then Alexander was illuminated by light, and his face that was serious and excited about what it feels like to go to another world. The he was gone from his room. Chapter 36 Otherworld As he was slowly swallowed by the light, Alexander found himself in another ce. Observing his surroundings, he was surrounded by trees. It was dark since when he looked up, he saw the moon that was in full shape. This made him ponder and also wonder, "Am I really in another world? Why does it seem like this is just a forest, and the terrain and structures of the earth are somehow the same as this?" as he wandered his gaze, trying to find something unique. Suddenly, the system sounded, stopping his mind from wandering about things. [Wee to the ''Mistveil Ind'' located at the 3,378th realm. To assist the Host for this mission, you have been blessed with a title, ''Traveller''] Explore more adventures at empire [Title: Traveller Description: This title is granted to the Host only since you possess the ability to travel between realms. It is a unique title, with only one holder across all realms. The bearer of this title gains the ability to understand andmunicate in anynguage, eliminating anynguage barriers when interacting with others.] Reading this, he felt good somehow. Since he got a good beginners pack to assist him, but there seems to be no changes in him or even like a wave of memory came flooding on him. Thinking that it must not be activated yet, so he put it aside for now. "Well, that was pretty convenient," Alexander thought inwardly. Suddenly, his ears perked up as he shifted his gaze behind him. The ce where he was looking right now is surrounded by trees, and it was so dark that his vision can''t pierce it. Then suddenly, a rustle sounded again from the bushes, making him alert. It circled around him, wondering what it was as he kept locking his gaze from where he was hearing the moving sound is. As the sound became closer and louder, suddenly the bush shook, and Alexander was ready. Then the unknown animal puffed out. It was a white rabbit with its eyes glowing red. As it sniffed in a cute way in front of him, Alexander just looked at its actions, couldn''t help but be in awe of how cute and adorable it is. But its size made Alexander think twice before touching it. Since its size is 2x bigger than a normal rabbit, even its ws were sharp as a de, making him seem more like a predator than a herbivore. Suddenly, its eyes gazed at Alexander, and suddenly, he felt his danger sense shook while looking at its eyes. The rabbit then just took a step back a little, then sprung its body up. It was fast as it flew through the air with its ws up, wanting to pierce Alexander. Alexander, who was prepared for any abnormality, took a sidestepped, dodging the iing attack as it passed by beside him. Their eyes connected with each other as it flew past him. Afternding, it hopped again in Alexander''s direction. It was really fast, like a cheetah in full speed, but Alexander was much faster since he was dodging it with ease. When the rabbit hopped again, aiming for his chest, Alexander decided to counterattack. When it was close, he just kicked it in its jaw using his knee. A heart-stopping crunch echoed through the air as the rabbit''s teeth shattered like ss. Its body flew upward in a violent arc, with its bones breaking with a sickening snap. As itnded on the ground and was about to move, Alexander moved in lightning speed, stomping its chest. With a strong force, his feet caved in to the rabbit''s body, making it puke with blood from its mouth and nose, and another sound of broken bones and flesh was heard. The rabbit could not handle the pain anymore, finally it stopped moving, clearly lifeless on the ground. Alexander just looked at this with a cold expression, but his hands were trembling, but inside him, his emotion was calm. "So, this is actually the true purposed of this. Even though this is my first time killing a living animal, it somehow made me feel I''m used to it," Alexander thought inwardly as he looked at his shaking hands. He slowly turned them into a fist, and finally he calmed down, as he looked at the dead rabbit in front of him. [You just killed a ''Loomhopper''. You''ve gained 9 exp.] Hearing this, his emotion from killing the rabbit that was still lingering inside his heart vanished. "There''s actually such a thing, system why did you not tell me?" he cursed inwardly. [Host, please don''t me the system. Since It''s not my fault you''re so stupid. Don''t you read a lot of novels and animes that leveled up by killing beasts and animals? Didn''t this idea evene to your head just once?] The system replied, after hearing his cursing word inside his mind. Alexander, hearing this, couldn''t help but be embarrassed. The system was right. He wasn''t exploring the capabilities of the system, making him not know that it actually had this function. [Congrattions for killing your first beast in the other world, you have unlocked the ''Catalogue'', a detailed archive of creatures, nts, and items.] [Catalogue Description: This is a hidden system function, unlocked only after meeting a specific requirements. After defeating a beast or gathering nts and items, the Catalogue will automatically scan and appraise them, revealing their skills, effects, and other properties.] Then above the buttons in the system panel, another button was added, and the name ''Catalogue'' was etched on it. Alexander was really surprised that he actually unlocked one of the system''s new functions. Suddenly, the system panel and a holographic light began to scan the dead rabbit. After just a few seconds, it was added to the catalogue, and it was recorded in the book. which the cover is name ''3,378th Archive''. After clicking the book with its name on it in the panel, there are three buttons once again: Beast, nt, and Items. Of course, he clicked Beast. Then he saw there was one record, and it was the image of the ''Loomhopper''. Clicking it, the information about the beast he just killed appeared in front of him. [Loomhopper Description: Don''t be deceived by its adorable and cute appearance, cause this beast is actually quite dangerous. While its physical strength is low, its speed and senses are exceptionally sharp, allowing it to hear a mosquito from 30 meters away from its current location depending on their level. You can anticipate its attack when it begins to back off slightly before springing toward its opponent, catching them off guard. The beast''s level is indicated by the color of its eyes: red represents the lowest tier, yellow indicates the second strongest, and the most formidable is the Loomhopper, which possesses a striking blue eyes and a horn on its head. It stands between 5 to 10 meters tall and boast a power level of 50 or above.]n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om Reading this, Alexander was bbergasted. The one he yed is actually the weakest, but its speed is already beyond normal, and for the strongest rabbit, I mean Loomhopper, is actually around level 50 or above. Alexander thought with an impending doom on where he was standing right now is actually dangerous. "I''m still currently at level 4, and now there''s a level 50 beast that is wandering this forest. Are you serious?" he furrowed his brows while, cursing inwardly. But suddenly, there''s another rustling sound, and about six beasts jumped from the bush and came into his view. It has gray fur, sharp teeth, and its eyes were menacing as it could be. Chapter 37 Unlocking something new Discover exclusive content at empire Alexander, who was cornered, racked his brains when suddenly the leader of the pack of wolves pounced on him. It rushes forward, its speed was fast as it opened its jaws again with excitement on its face. Seeing this, Alexander could not help but find this chance to counterattack. As the face of the wolf was closing on him, Alexander decided to confront it. When it was within range, Alexander held its opened jaw with all his strength. His back was now connected to the tree, as he held its mouth from the lower and upper part. "System add all the free points in strength," Alexandermanded inwardly. [Affirmative Host] Then he suddenly felt an increase in power. The wolf, who was grinning from ear to ear, as he increased his power into its bite force. But suddenly, he felt that his opponent seems to be stronger. He saw that the human in front of him was looking at him with a malicious grin on its face, a forbidding doom came washing within him. Its fur stood up on its end as he felt his mouth was being forced to widen. The wolf struggled and wanted to escape, but Alexander did not let him escape. Hispanions behind him wanted to help, but when they pounced on Alexander, he just snorted and kicked the two wolves in the face, making them roll back on the ground. Alexander looked at the wolf in front of him, meeting its eyes. It was filled with fear as he looked at Alexander. "You could have won if you weren''t so arrogant. As the leader of this group, you made the wrong decision to attack me alone," Alexander said, his voice dripping with wrath, his blue eyes aze with murderous intent. Hispanions behind him wanted to help, but they can''t stop Alexander, whose eyes are full of madness, and they are too weak to fight the human in front of him and saved their leader. Because during their attack earlier, their leader is the one who came to save them whenever Alexander wanted to counterattack. Making Alexander to retreat, but now that their leader is captured, it''s hard for them to have a confrontation towards Alexander. He then gripped the wolf''s massive jaw, digging his fingers into its flesh until blood began to drip down to his elbows. He carried it upwards, making the wolf struggle when he felt his feet are not on the ground anymore. With a fierce expression, Alexander applied more force, stretching the jaw open in the opposite direction. With the sound of flesh being teared and the wolf''s howl in pain, the wolf can''t do anything but let Alexander do his thing, it was fully stretched as blood began to spew. When it was fully stretched the wolf stop his struggle, feeling no movement Alexander throw its body making it fall on the ground as it shook. [You just killed a ''Saberwolf''. You''ve gained 202 exp.] Hearing this and knowing what kind of animal it is, Alexander then moved his gaze towards the remaining saberwolves. Who are looking at him full of fear, they step back when they sensed his gaze and its lustfulness to kill. Seeing this, Alexander tightened his brows and rushed towards them. Since they nned to kill him in the first ce, killing them is also the right choice, he thought inwardly. The wolves, seeing him rushing forward, turned their backs, which is a grave mistake. Before they could even run, Alexander stomped the first saberwolf with his foot. The power within his leg was strong because when it hit the wolves'' back, it pinned him down on the ground. It even caved in as cracks formed on the ground. Seeing anotherpanion in front of them die in just a few seconds, they were scared shitless. The human in front of them is so ruthless and strong, just like a devil itself. [You just killed a ''Saberwolf''. You''ve gained 89 exp.] [You just leveled up.]n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om Alexander did not put his attention on the system announcement and rushed to rest. When he appeared to the second one, he kicked it with full force as it whistled through the air. He hit its head, which broke its skull and damaged its brain, unaliving it. He then appeared to the rest in the speed of light, they even tried to struggle but how can their strength be able to match Alexander that is like a grim reaper killing them one by one. [You just killed a ''Saberwolf''. You''ve gained 78 exp.] [You just killed a ''Saberwolf''. You''ve gained 82 exp.] [You just killed a ''Saberwolf''. You''ve gained 79 exp.] [You just killed a ''Saberwolf''. You''ve gained 81 exp.] When only one remaining, this is the first time for the predator, the hunter of the night, felt true fear, seeing Alexander''s menacing eyes. It was trembling in fear as its senses screamed to escape and flee, but it seems to be frozen in its ce. Alexander then teleported in front of the wolf, holding it by its neck. The saberwolf struggled as it howled in pain. But Alexander, who was filled with coldness, looked at him with the smile of a devil, seeming like he was enjoying it. He then strengthened his grip as a snapping sound was heard. Alexander just broke its neck. The saberwolf could only look at the human who killed him without any challenge at all. Then finally, he eliminated all of the saberwolves. [You just killed a ''Saberwolf''. You''ve gained 89 exp.] [You just level up.] [Congrattions for reaching level 5 Host, to enhance the host ability, you have unlocked new attributes: Agility, Intelligence, and Dexterity.] [Intelligence: The ability to think critically, solve problems, and understandplex concepts like cultivation techniques or magic. A max Intelligence score allows the host to n ahead in battle, solve intricate puzzles, orprehend techniques or skills much faster. Dexterity: The precision and control of fine movements improving its uracy, such as wielding delicate weapons, crafting, or even skills rted to aiming, such as shooting or throwing. High Dexterity enables the Host to be nimble with their hands, execute wless techniques, and react with precision in high-pressure situations. Agility: measures how quickly and smoothly a person can move, dodge, and react inbat or tricky situations. High Agility can dodge attacks with ease, perform acrobatic feats, and react quickly to unexpected threats. Reading this, he couldn''t help but feel nimble all of a sudden, and even the flexibility of his movement seems to have improved. For his intelligence, there seems to be no problem, since he was smart in the first ce. [Yeah right] The system responded sarcastically, hearing his inside thoughts. Then it scanned the saberwolf in front of him, so Alexander can take a look of its information. [Scanningplete] [Saberwolf Description: A beast in the forest known for its great hunting skills and teamwork when hunting prey. This beast was not a problem if they were alone, but if they are in a group, it will be a disaster. This beast split up from their pack to hunt more food. Whenever one of the group died, they received a signal using their bloodline, ''Bloodre Kin'', which stimtes their blood and can use this to locate the location of the dead body and avenge their kind. If a person would have killed a whole group, he must escape or it will be toote, since they are everywhere in the forest.] Alexander, reading the information was stupefied, "There''s actually such a thing," he twitched his lips with his jaw clenched, while observing his surroundings. That''s when he heard a rustle and a lot of footsteps from all directions, making his eyes flutter. He knew that he can''t escape now, since they have already surrounded him from all directions. He has been standing here for about 15 minutes now, giving its pack a good amount of time to already surround him. Then Alexander, who''s in the center, was encircled by a lot of saberwolves. He was like a vegetable on a chopping board, ready to be devoured at any moment. He felt his scalp went numb, and the hair on his body stood. Alexander had no confidence if he can survive this, since back in his world, there were only humans that can''t let him feel what true danger is. But this world made him realize how weak he is in front of the so-called danger, since danger is everywhere in this world. But even though he was really scared, a smile could not help but spread across his face. Alexander didn''t know why is this happening, but he felt that the more he was in danger, the happier he was, not knowing the reason why. When he killed the Loomhopper, he felt really bad and guilty, but his personality seems to shift, a massive turn he could not help but want to experience the feeling of killing again. "System, add all of my free points to Agility," Alexander mumbled in a low voice as he took a stance. He felt that agility is a great choice, since it can improve his ability to move fluidly and enhance his flexibility to dodge their attacks. Since in front of him were a lot of saberwolves that filled the ce. There are even red glowing eyes in the dark that their gaze is only at him. It was uncountable and must be around 100 or even above than that. "Come," Alexander shouted with a taunt as he leaped forward. This time he will test his endurance and skills, since dying will not really kill him, so this made him be able to act unrestrained. The saberwolves, seeing his movement, rushed at him in all directions. It''s like a swarm of big mosquitoes going after him. Chapter 38 The figth that lasted until tomorrow The saberwolves circled him, their glowing red eyes fixated on Alexander. Their snarls filled the air, and he could feel the tension rising. There had to be a hundred of them, their dark forms moving like shadows in the night, closing in on him. He clenched his fists, feeling the pulse of adrenaline shoot through his body. His heart raced, but the thrill of the fight washed away any fear. "System, add all of my free points to Agility," Alexander muttered. His body responded immediately, his movements bing sharper and faster. But agility alone wouldn''t be enough. He''d need to rely on his skill, ''Serpent''s Coil'', to survive the onught. With a taunting grin, Alexander shouted, "Come!" His voice echoed through the forest as the wolves charged at him from all sides. The first wolf lunged, its ws aiming at his chest. Alexander reacted instinctively, sidestepping just in time, his body moving with great fluidity. He spun around the beast''srge frame, his arms coiling around its neck like a serpent. With a quick twist, he locked the wolf in ce, immobilizing it. The beast thrashed and snapped its jaws in frustration, but Alexander''s grip was unyielding. With a powerful jerk, he mmed the wolf to the ground, its body hitting the earth with a dull thud. [You just killed a ''Saberwolf''. You''ve gained 62 EXP.] Alexander noticed the drop in experience points after his recent level-up, but there was no time to dwell on it. He quickly turned off the notifications, switching them to silent mode. Before he could catch his breath, three more wolves had already lunged at him. He ducked, narrowly avoiding a set of snapping jaws, and twisted his body to the side. His hands shot out like a striking viper, ensnaring another wolf by its hind leg. Using its momentum, he swung the beast into the others, knocking them off bnce. Another wolf leaped toward him, with its massive form casting a shadow over him. With quick reflexes, Alexander rolled beneath it, letting the beast sail harmlessly over him. As itnded, he leaped up, coiling his arms around its torso and locking it like how a serpent caught its prey. The wolf snarled and thrashed, but Alexander''s grip was like iron. He twisted his body, using the technique to choke the air out of the beast, and with a final push, threw it to the ground. His body was moving fast, but the wolves weren''t slowing down. More of them came their numbers were overwhelming. Alexander ducked and weaved between their strikes, narrowly avoiding ws and fangs. His Agility allowed him to dance around their attacks, but he was tiring, and the wolves were relentless. Another wolf lunged from his left, and Alexander spun on his heel, catching it mid-air. His arms wrapped around its neck in a swift, fluid motion, the Serpent''s Coil technique flowing naturally through his muscles. He twisted, using the wolf''s own weight to m it into the ground, the impact shaking the earth beneath him. But before he could even catch his breath another again, another wolf was already charging. He felt a sharp pain shoot up his leg as a wolf''s ws raked across his thigh. Alexander winced as he stumbled back. His Agility allowed him to stay on his feet, but the wound was deep passing his defense, blood trickling down his leg. He clenched his jaw, refusing to let the pain slow him down.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om Panting, he backed up against a tree, momentarily surrounded. The wolves, sensing his weakness, circled him, their snarls growing louder. Alexander''s muscles ached, his breaths shallow and ragged, but he wasn''t done yet. He couldn''t be. "This is just the beginning" he roared. With a surge of adrenaline, he charged forward, meeting the wolves head-on. His movements were a blur as he ducked under their ws and wrapped his arms around the neck of thergest wolf in the pack. With his technique by using his technique again, his body twisting and coiling like a snake as he immobilized the beast, tearing the joints connecting its head and body, until it fell limp. But the rest of the pack wasn''t waiting. Another wolf pounced on him from behind, its ws digging into his back. Alexander gasped in pain, but with a swift roll, he dislodged the wolf and held its long big arms disabling it. His boot mmed into the saber wolf''s gut, a sound like a cracked ribcage echoing through the clearing. The beast let out a guttural roar, its eyes burning with pain, its legs buckling under the force of the blow. It flew like a bullet hitting the tree bark. He was panting heavily now, his body starting to slow down from exhaustion. His Agility gave him the speed to dodge, but the sheer number of wolves was wearing him down. They weren''t just fast, they were relentless. His muscles were sore, his reflexes growing duller by the second. But even so, Alexander grinned. "Come on," he growled with a wide smile on his face, his voice barely above a whisper as he stared down the remaining wolves. His body ached, blood dripped from his wounds, but he wasn''t backing down. The saberwolves charged again, but this time, Alexander was ready. He braced himself for the onught, but luck was on his side as a notification shed before him. [You have leveled up.] Instantly, his injuries began to heal, restoring 50% of his health and replenishing half of his energy. His strength surged, and as a final blessing, a new title appeared in his system. [After ying multiple saberwolves, you''ve acquired the title. ''Saberwolf yer.''] [Title: Saberwolf yer Description: +15% increased damage against saberwolves and wolf-type beasts.] Alexander quickly scanned the effects of his new title before pouncing on the remaining saberwolves. As the first wolf came into range, he unleashed a powerful palm strike, crushing its skull and forcing its head to fold into its body. Blood sprayed as the wolf''s corpse flew like a cannonball, crashing into its packmates. More wolves lunged at him, but Alexander moved like a god of war, effortlessly countering each attack with precise and deadly force. Alexander shaped his fingers like a de and thrust them into the stomach of the oing wolf. It let out a pained growl as he swiftly followed up with a powerful kick, sending the beast tumbling like a rolling tire. He remained rooted to his spot, hands moving with deadly precision. Each strike brought down another beast, and slowly, their lifeless bodies began to pile up around him, rising until they covered half of his frame. Alexander hadn''t run out of energy, thanks to the continuous leveling up from killing the saberwolves. However, that didn''t mean he was unscathed. His back was covered in w marks, deep enough to be hard to heal. At one point, a wolf even sank its teeth into his neck, but thanks to his boosted defense, the bite didn''t pierce through. Still, it left a red mark that throbbed with pain. With a grimace, Alexander gripped the saberwolf by the forehead, his fingers digging deep into its skull until they punctured a hole, killing it instantly. His body was drenched in blood, his eyes glowing cold and red. The grin on his face widened with every kill, while his killing intent surged like a tidal wave, spreading over a 20-meter radius. The saberwolves could feel the human before them growing more terrifying with every passing moment. He had already ughtered nearly a hundred of their kind, yet he showed no signs of slowing down. Their courage began to waver. But as the bodies of their fallen kind littered the ground, their fear was overtaken by a burning sense of pride and the thirst for revenge. With deep fury, they charged at Alexander, who stood like a god of death, annihting their fellow kin with every sweep of his relentless attacks. "Hahaha! Come, you beasts! Kill me if you can!" Alexander roared into the forest,ughing madly as he fought for his life. He couldn''t quite grasp what he was feeling, it is an insatiable thirst for blood, a rising tide of murderous intent with every saberwolf he ughtered. Each kill only fueled the fire within him. Crushing their skulls under his boot, tearing their hearts from their chests in gruesome disys of violence, it was very exhrating. His killing intent thickened with every strike, bing so dense it was almost palpable in the air. Around him, the lifeless bodies of the saberwolves piled higher and higher, until they formed a grotesque mountain of death. [Warning: The Host''s desire for bloodshed is increasing...] [You have acquried a new skill, ''Berserker Instict''] [Skill: Berserker Instinct [First Tier] Description: As your lust for killing rises, your strength increases by 10% -50%, while nearby enemies can sense your bloodthirst, making weaker foes hesitate or flee. But at the cost of rity and control. Prolongedbat will lead to a frenzy state, where distinguishing friend from foe bes difficult.] His killing intent spread outwards, enveloping a radius of at least 50 meters. Any saberwolf that entered this range trembled in fear, their eyes were wide with terror as they gazed upon Alexander, who appeared to them like a merciless butcher. Continue your saga on empire Driven by vengeance, they charged at him regardless, but their courage was waning. With each passing moment, their momentum faded, turning them into mere sheep delivering themselves to the wolf. Alexander who was grinning andughing, was lost in an absolute frenzy. He waspletely out of control, and his killing intent thickened and intensified with each passing moment of his rampage. The saberwolves, once driven by revenge, were now fully terrified, the fire of their vengeance flickered and dimmed. They looked at Alexander as if he were a god, wanting nothing more than to flee. But Alexander, smiling like a devil, had transformed into the hunter, pursuing them one by one. His speed surged beyond anything he had shown before, and his strength had drastically improved. When he struck a fleeing saberwolf at the waist, it flew through the air, crashing into a tree with such force that it snapped upon impact. "Ahhh!" he shouted as his killing intent surged, expanding to cover a radius of at least 100 meters. Many saberwolves couldn''t withstand this heavy pressure, as they fainted on the ground, leaving Alexander to decapacitate them effortlessly. Just then, a ray of sunlight pierced through the forest canopy, illuminating the scene. Alexander was revealed, seated atop a mountain of corpses. His blue pupils glowed red, though they gradually began to shift back to their original hue, signaling a flicker of control returning to his actions. The light of the sun shone on his face that was filled with blood, even his hair was draped with red making it look like crimson blood. Alexander could not help but balled his fist from his actions. "That skill is really dangerous; it felt like I wasn''t myself anymore," Alexander murmured, recalling the cruelty that had consumed him during that time. "Is this the real me?" he questioned, gazing upward as if addressing his own inner demons. With an unwavering breath, he opened the skill''s interface, eager to understand its effects. He knew he had to regain control before losing himselfpletely. Chapter 39 Passive investment Hey everyone! I''m so sorry for the dy in updates. I''ve been under the weather recently, but I''m feeling much better now and ready to get back to writing. Expect 2-3 new chapters starting tomorrow! -- Author. With a flick of his wrist, Alexander summoned the system interface, a holographic disy shimmering before him. His fingers danced across the system interface, after finally seeing the skills, he clicked on it. [Skill: Berserker Instinct [First Tier] Description: As your lust for killing rises, your strength increases by 10%-50%, while nearby enemies can sense your bloodthirst, making weaker foes hesitate or flee. But at the cost of rity and control. Prolongedbat will lead to a frenzy state, where distinguishing friend from foe bes difficult.] As Alexander read the information, he couldn''t help but feel the danger lurking within the skill. If he ever decided to kill again, his desire to do so would surge, threatening to overwhelm himpletely. However, he noticed the phrase "First Tier" at the end of its description, recalling that ''Heart of Stone'' had a simr designation. "System, can you exin why there is a ''First Tier'' in my skill?" Alexander asked, genuinely curious about the significance of this level designation. [For skills, each has its own levels. The First Tier is the starting point; the higher the tier, the stronger the skill. Leveling up a skill allows it to evolve, enhancing its effects and abilities. However, each skill has unique requirements; the rarer the skill, the harder it is to level up.] Hearing the system''s exnation, Alexander nodded. "But what are the requirements?" he thought inwardly. "System, can you show me the requirements for ''Berserker Instinct''?" he asked. [First Tier -> Second Tier] [Quest: Trial of Bloodlust] Description: To evolve Berserker Instinct to the next tier, you must embrace your bloodlust while maintaining control. Your ability to bnce power and rity will be put to the ultimate test. Quest Requirements: y a beast that is above level 30. [0/100] y a spirit beast. [0/5] Master the art of killing intent. [0/1] As he read the requirements, Alexander couldn''t help but be taken aback, the quest to promote the skill seemed incredibly hard to aplish. like literally, killing level 30 beasts felt like an insurmountable challenge. After battling the saberwolves, the strongest he had faced was only level 9, and that had been a significant struggle. He was puzzled by the mention of a spirit beast and had no idea what "mastering the art of killing intent" meant. "System, could you exin what a spirit beast is and rify what you mean by mastering the art of killing intent?" Alexander inquired again. [A spirit beast is a creature that has cultivated for years umting a lot of energy from the heaven, evolving into a being with human-like consciousness. It can think and act like a human, possessing unique powers that emerge after evolution. Spirit beasts are typically around level 50 or above, simr to the strongest Loomhopper in your catalogue. Some of them even have extraordinary traits, such as the ability to breathe fire like a dragon depending on their evolution.] [As for the requirements of mastering the art of killing intent, it is up to you, the host, to discover what that tells.] After the system delivered itsst statement, it disappeared, leaving Alexander scratching his head in confusion. Achieving the remaining requirements felt really a challenge for him and it would likely take an unknown amount of time. Now, he also had to figure out how to utilize his killing intent. Was it just a matter of releasing it, or was there more to it than meets the eye? After pondering for a while, Alexander decided to inquire about his other skill, "Heart of Stone." [Quest: Trial of the Heart] Description: To evolve Heart of Stone to the next tier, the host must undergo trials that test your emotional resilience. Quest requirements: Confront the past. [0/1] Resist Emotional Maniption. [0/1] As Alexander read this, he couldn''t help but reflect on theplexity of emotions. This quest was truly about confronting his past. The anger toward his family lingered, and even the thought of their abandonment stirred deep resentment within him. After enduring years of suffering without any support, he did not even received calls, no messages asking if he was okay, he felt like he was just a trash being thrown at. It was as if he had been deemed a burden, someone whose death would not matter even if they are in front of him. The weight of that realization pressed heavily on his heart. Shifting his thoughts, Alexander nced at the second requirement, curious about what another quest might entail. However, he was too bored to ask, realizing that this skill was centered solely on emotions and offered no powerups or buffs. He decided it was better not to dwell on it too much. "System show me my status" Alexandermanded. Read exclusive content at empire [Status Experience: 38/12,000 Name: Alexander Free Points: 14 Title: {Traveller} {Saberwolf yer} Level: 11 Strength: 39 Speed: 37 Agility: 39 Dexterity: 27 Intelligence: 7 {Maximum is 10} Defense: 39 Charisma: 10 {MAX} Earnings: 102,005 Pesos Bnce: 4,227,168 Pesos Skills: {Heart Of Stone[UN], {Berserker Instinct} Techniques: {Serpents Coil}, {Vital Draw Technique}] Alexander looking at his stats, could not help furrowed his brows when he noticed that his earnings had not increased. Clicking on the panel, he saw a paused status disyed. "System, why is my earning generator paused?" Alexander inquired, confused about why his passive ie was frozen. [The reason is that the host is currently engaged in missions, and this is not considered idling at all. But don''t worry, your earnings will umte for the duration of your stay in this ce.] The system replied to his question, but then something caught Alexander''s eye. As he scrolled through the panel, he discovered an unlocked stickerbeled. [Unlocked after reaching level 10] Curious, he clicked the unlock button. He heard the sound of chains nking, which made him nod in appreciation at the system''s special effects. In response, a new money generator appeared on the screen. [Passive Investments: Stock Market Simtion] Stock Market (Level 1): Invest any amount to earn 1% per hour passively. Stock Market Earnings {Level 1}: Increased percentage by 1% will cost around 500,000 pesos. Real Estate (Level 1): Invest 100,000 pesos to earn 5% per day. Real Estate Earnings {Level 1}: Increased percentage by 2% will cost around 1,000,000 pesos. Increased Real Estate Investment {Level 1}: Increased Maximum investment to 200,000 pesos will cost around 500,000 pesos. Alexander''s eyes widened with excitement at this new function. With this upgrade, he realized that making money wouldn''t be a challenge anymore and it will be easy as plucking apples from a tree, he could even generate millions in just a month or even less than that. He eagerly anticipated the next locked function, which would unlock at level 20. However, he noticed that the generator was paused, and he couldn''t upgrade it yet. With a sigh of disappointment, he resigned himself to waiting for it to umte a good amount of money while he continued his mission.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om Suddenly, Alexander caught a foul odor reminiscent of dead fish emanating from himself. He felt sticky from the sweat and blood of covering him like a pain, and the w marks lining his back and chest throbbed were so vivid that if he does not drink any magical things to heal it. When it will be healed by itself, the aftereffects of it will remain as his trophy in his first mission. Standing up from the pile of saberwolf corpses, he jumped down to the ground. As he contemted leaving the area, his stomach grumbled, reminding him of his hunger. Alexander suddenly remembered something important and smacked his face in frustration. "I can''t believe I forgot something so important! The snacks and water I was supposed to buy for this mission. I totally forgot!" he eximed, feeling incredibly stupid for such a simple oversight. He was supposed to restock on supplies before apanying Zya that night, but he''dpletely forgotten. This was a real problem, as he didn''t know if these saberwolves, or any of the other beasts in this area, were even edible. He pushed down his cravings to eat the corpse and decided to find a river to take a shower. After taking a few turns, his ears picked up the sound of flowing water. He picked up his pace and finally found a river. The water was clean and seemed uninfected by germs or bacteria. It was so spotless, that it even reflected his bloody face. He took off his clothes. Since they were already ruined, it was ripped on both the back and front like it was wore for years. If he wore them now, he''d look like a beggar that had no money to buy clothes. Luckily, his shorts hadn''t been attacked by the saberwolves, showing that they weren''t entirely shameless. Alexander then cleaned himself in the river, washing away the blood that clung to him like mud. He spent a while cleaning himself and decided that was enough for now. Stepping out of the flowing water, he decided to find the vige Ariana toplete his mission and leave this world for good. After walking back into the forest, he saw a single-path road in the middle of the forest. He assumed this must be the road leading to the vige. Since his system couldn''t help him locate the ce, he decided to explore it himself. Taking this road, it was quiet, and the only sound he could hear was the chirping of birds. It wasn''t dark, because the leaves of the trees weren''t really covering the road. But the sides were a little creepy, filled with trees and tall grasses, making it a perfect ce for an ambush. He was just thinking about how good this ce would be for an ambush when he suddenly saw a group of people blocking the road, staring at him with big grins on their faces. Alexander couldn''t help but feel excited. He''d found locals! With their help, he could finally find out where Ariana, the vige, was located. Chapter 40 Knowledge about the world. In front of him were ten men standing before him, d in thick leather armor. Their boots, also of leather, thudded heavily on the ground. Each man held a weapon ¨C a gleaming metal sword in one hand, and the others are an axe. Their eyes, narrowed with greed and were fixed on Alexander figure. He couldn''t help but raise his eyebrows in surprised. This world, he thought that it was going to be different. He''d imagined the inhabitants would be green skinned, with six hands and oversized eyes. Instead, he was facing a group of men who looked surprisingly like the people from his world. "Kid, if you want to live, you better give us everything you have and we''ll let you go," the big man growled, his axe pointed menacingly at him. Alexander narrowed his gaze, with a smirk ying on his lips. Is this guy an idiot. "Can''t you see I''m not carrying any bags? I don''t even have anything valuable on me. What am I supposed to give you if I have nothing in the first ce?" he replied, enjoying the man''s frustration. Alexander, with no hint of panic in his eyes, raised his leg and delivered a powerful kick to the man''s abdomen. The impact reverberated with a sickening crunch, as if flesh had collided with iron. The man''s face turned ghostly pale, his expression frozen in shock, as if the very soul inside him had been knocked loose. His body shot through the air like a broken kite, mming into a nearby tree with a bone-jarring thud. The force of the impact caved the trunk slightly, pinning him in ce like a torn poster on a wall. His eyes were dull and lifeless, blood streaming from his nose and mouth.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om The fabric of his clothes, where Alexander''s kick hadnded, was shredded, hanging in tatters as he remained motionless, a grim testament to the overwhelming strength he had just tooked. "A warrior?" Alexander pondered, wondering what he was talking about. Alexander shifted his gaze to therge man wielding an axe. The instant their eyes met, terror gripped the man, his bravado crumbling. His aplices, sensing the danger, fled without a second thought, they are desperately trying to distance themselves from the monster in front of them. The big man with the axe was no different, his instinct screamed at him to run. But before he could take a single step, Alexander vanished from sight. A cold shiver ran down the man''s spine as he realized the kid was no longer where he had stood. His heart pounded violently in his chest, panic wing at his mind as he felt a presence behind him. With a wild grunt, the man stepped back and swung his axe in a wide arc, twisting his body with all his strength to gather momentum. His muscles bulged as the axe cut through the air, aimed to cleave Alexander in two. Enjoy exclusive chapters from empire Alexander watched as the massive de of the axe swung toward him with deadly force, but with a casual flick, he raised his hand and caught the axe between his two fingers. The man stared in disbelief as Alexander smiled and quipped, "Oopsies." Panic gripped the big man. His fingers trembled as he released the axe, abandoning it to flee for his life. He spun on his heel, desperately trying to run. Alexander who was unfazed, crouched down and picked up a small pebble. With a rxed yet calcted movement, he ced the pebble between his fingers, aimed as if holding an invisible gun, and let out a soft ''phew''. The pebble shot through the air like a bullet, striking the back of the man''s head with a sharp thud. The man stumbled forward, his legs giving out beneath him, before crashing face-first into the ground. A smirk tugged at the corner of Alexander''s lips as he admired his handiwork. He never expected his aim will be that good. "Is this the effect of dexterity?" he mused deep down, his voiceced with curiosity as he approached the fallen man with slow and steady steps, while his fingers brushing against the heavy axe that nowy at his arms. "Don''t move, or I''ll kill you right here, right now," Alexander warned, his voice was cold and unyielding. This time, his killing intent was fully focused on the man. "Please, don''t kill me! I''m sorry if I offended you. I will never do it again," the big man with the axe whimpered, his voice breaking between sobs. Tears streamed down on his face, mixing with the snot running into his mouth as he choked on his words, utterly consumed by fear. Alexander stared at the man, momentarily speechless at the pathetic disy of surrendering. He sighed, his hand still casually gripping therge axe. "You''re already a big man. Stop crying, or I swear I''ll drop this axe and chop you in two," he warned, his voice was cold butced with a hint of exasperation. The man sobbed harder, shaking uncontrobly, but made an effort to stifle his cries, desperately trying to avoid further provoking the one who held his fate. He then raised his head and looked at Alexander with great fear. dimir''s eyes flickered with confusion, "Aren''t you a warrior? Why don''t you know anything about this?" he muttered to himself, afraid of offending cruel man in front of him again. "A warrior is a kind of person who can feel the energy in the surrounding area. They harness this energy to strengthen themselves, giving them a boost in strength and powers. For the levels, we have: Beginner Stage, Initiate Stage, Adept Stage, Warrior Stage, Battle Master Stage, Grandmaster Stage, Ascendant Stage, and Saint Stage. This is what differentiate a warrior by their status." dimir exined recounting the structure of this world. Alexander nodded, still pondering because of the system''sck of rity about his actual standing in his world. It disyed his level, but he had no real point ofparison, as it seemed detached from the rankings that governed even this world. He wondered if there were others like him, strong, hidden figures lurking in the shadows, waiting for the right moment to reveal themselves. "So, if I may ask, what level am I right now?" Alexander repeated, his gaze shifting toward the big man. dimir, the man who was kneeling, pondered. He furrowed his brow, clearly thinking hard, before finally answering, "I¡ªI don''t really know, Master. I''ve never encountered warriors like you before. They''re rare, the kind of people you hear stories about, but never see. And if we ever did meet one, we''d be running for our lives. Your presence and identity... well, they''re far beyond what a small gang like us could ever dare to offend." Alexander sighed, already knowing the response he was about to receive. "Alright then,st question, where is the vige of Ariana located?" dimir, still shaken, pointed toward a narrow path. "This road leads straight to Vige Ariana. Just keep going, and you''ll find it, but... it''ll take about two days on foot. The ce is really far, and you don''t have a carriage or even a Veil Essence Lamp to mask your scent from the beasts lurking in this forest." "Veil Essence Lamp?" Alexander asked, curiosity was clear in his voice. He felt like a newborn calf in this world, constantly needing to ask basic questions just to get by. dimir blinked rapidly, speechless for a moment, "Isn''t this justmon knowledge? Even a kid knows what it is..." he thought but didn''t dare voice his frustrations. "Veil essencemp It''s a small, ornatentern infused with special herbs and crystals. When lit, it emits a subtle mist that not only conceals the scent of the person but also masks the presence of any living beings within. Merchants used this to attach it to their carriages, ensuring a smooth journey without attracting unwanted attention from beasts. Its soft, glowing light is said to soothe even the most restless spirits." he exined again. Alexander nodded, feeling that his understanding of this world was slowly expanding. "Do you have thismp?" he asked, his gaze sweeping over dimir, as if searching for hidden treasures. dimir quickly shook his head, "No, I don''t. Beast attacks are rare during the day, so I keep mine at our base. We mostly use it at night when it''s more dangerous." "I see. Well, that''s about it. You can leave now," Alexander said, rising to his feet and turning his back on the man. dimir on the ground wasted no time. He scrambled to his feet, with heart racing but starting to calm down now that the danger seemed to have passed. Just as he was about to run, Alexander''s voice cut through the air once more, it was cold and sharp. "Also, if I ever see you involved in this kind of practice again..." Alexander''s voice trailed off as he slightly turned his head, his gaze was dark and menacing at the same time, like that of a grim reaper. "You''ll be the first human I kill." dimir stood frozen, his body trembling uncontrobly. The weight of Alexander''s words pressed down on him, the cold promise of death seeping into his bones. Without another thought, he bolted, not even daring to nce back. His breath came in ragged gasps as he darted into the dense forest, weaving between the trees, his heart pounding in his chest. "Hekk..." he muttered under his breath, nodding to himself as if to confirm that he had narrowly escaped with his life. Meanwhile, Alexander turned his gaze toward the long road ahead. The path stretched on, leading him toward the vige of Ariana, where his mission awaited. Without hesitation, he took his first step forward, his pace was steady and purposeful, leaving the chaos behind as he continued his journey. Chapter 41 In another world, from the otherworld Alexander had just begun his journey, and after walking for an hour, he realized he had forgotten something. "Did I forget that I''m hungry?" he wondered inwardly, as his stomach grumbled, reminding him of his hunger. He could not help but smacked his head and decided to leave the road and look for a pond or river. The people in this world seemed to be the same as him, so maybe eating their food is an exception. Leaving the trail, he went into the woods again. Tall, greenery trees towered above him, their dense canopies blocking out most of the sunlight. The air grew cooler and damp with the scent of moss and decaying leaves. Strangely, the nts were the same in his world just like grass for example. With luminescent petals glowed softly in the underbrush, casting an otherworldly light. He could hear the distant chirping of unseen bird, and the rustle of leaves as small animals scurried about. The deeper he ventured, the thicker the foliage became, wrapping him in an almost oppressive embrace. Thanks to his incredible agility, he could effortlessly navigate through the dense and rugged forest. Thick trees, entangled vines, and stubborn bushes posed no obstacle to him. He moved with the fluid grace of a serpent, slipping through the narrowest gaps and twisting paths with ease. His heightened senses guided him through the undergrowth, making his passage almost silent and seemingly effortless, as if the forest itself was parting to let him through. "Is this how it felt to be a serpent?" he wondered aloud. [No], the system replied bluntly. "I''m not talking to you," Alexander shot back, his face livid with a mocking expression. The system then disappeared, allowing Alexander to continue his journey. The forest was dimly lit, with the sun tightly covered by the dense canopy of leaves. After a few minutes of struggling through thick trees, entangled vines, and stubborn bushes, they began to thin out. Finally, he saw a light. As he sped up his pace, he found himself before a breathtaking scene. Multiple waterfalls cascaded down lush, green cliffs into a clear, turquoise pool of water, its surface shimmering in the sunlight. Dense vegetation surrounded the area, with trees and nts adding to the serene atmosphere. The water was so clear that he could see the bottom of the pool, adding to the surreal beauty of the scene. It was a hidden paradise that seemed almost too perfect to be real. Alexander was in awe of this ce. It was so magnificent and beautiful that words couldn''t define it. It was as if he had stepped into another world and was inside of another world. Walking to the rocky shore of the pond, he took off his slipper and dived in. He could see the fish swimming gracefully, their scales radiant and pearlescent white, and there were so many of them. The rity of the water only heightened the surreal beauty of the scene. When Alexander jumped in, the fish in the pond scattered, trying to swim away. But Alexander was faster. He swam to the nearest fish and caught it with his bare hands. The fish wasrger than expected, with peerless white scales and fins so smooth he didn''t feel any prickle. Its gills were puffed, making it look even cuter, while its shining pectoral fins constantly moved in a frantic attempt to escape Alexander''s grasp. The fish''s radiant beauty was mesmerizing, and Alexander couldn''t help but marvel at the exquisite creature he held in his hands. Seeing how cute it was, Alexander gritted his teeth and let go, even though he was really hungry. He couldn''t bring himself to eat that cute fish. After letting go, the fish didn''t swim away but looked at Alexander with its big, cute eyes. It swam between his legs in an appealing way, making Alexander smile from its actions. Deciding he couldn''t eat such charming creatures, he resolved to find some fruits instead of eating the fish. After swimming to the shore, his feet finally touched the rocky water, and half of his body was no longer draped in the water. Suddenly, just across the pond, he heard a ssh, indicating someone had made contact with the water. Alexander turned his head and could not believe what he saw. This was the first time he had witnessed such a breathtaking beauty. The woman stood at the edge of the pond, feeding the fish. Her flowing white dress adorned with intricate gold ents showing an otherworld regal style. The dress''s low-cut neckline revealed a hint of her cleavage, entuating her feminine curves. Thin, delicate straps added to her overall grace and refinement. Her long, flowing hair framed her face, showing her delicate features. She had a feminine face withrge, expressive eyes that held a hint of mystery. Her bright red lips added a touch of sensuality to her appearance. Her skin was wless and radiant, reflecting the soft light that bathed the scene. She carried herself with a graceful confidence, exuding poise and self-assurance. She appeared at ease in her surroundings, radiating tranquility and serenity. The overall impression was one of ethereal beauty and captivating charm. The fish gathered around her, eager to eat the fruit she offered. The scene was so peaceful, conveying a sense of harmony between the woman and nature. Alexander could not help but be stupefied. This was his first time seeing something so otherworldly beautiful. "Is this how a normal woman looks in this world?" he thought inwardly. The woman who was feeding the fish lifted her face, her radiant smile quickly changing to a stunned expression. She saw a shirtless man looking at her nonchntly from across the pond. She was surprised that she hadn''t noticed him earlier, but her gentle gaze quickly turned cold as she pointed at Alexander. "Who are you? How did youe here?" she demanded, her voice firm. Alexander couldn''t help but follow his gaze to her bouncing peaks, then quickly coughed, realizing how inappropriate that was. His skill ''Heart of Stone'' was activated, making his expression neutral and calming his racing heart almost instantly as it happened. "Sorry, I''m lost. Is this your pond by any chance?" Alexander asked as he lifted half of his body from the water. His handsome face and blue eyes radiated a kind of charm and otherworldly aura. The scars and bite marks on his chest and back only added to his cool, daunting appearance, giving him a mature vibe in the eyes of the woman. She observed him closely, noting the contrast between his striking features and calmed demeanor while talking to him. "This is the first handsome man I''ve ever seen in my life," the woman thought to herself as she eyed Alexander. "Yes, this is my ce. I will let you go this time since you were lost and not lying to me," she replied, her face remaining serious, exuding a cold and aloof vibe. Yet, her voice was calm and soft, like a melody ying every time she spoke. The contrast between her stern demeanor and the soothing sound of her voice made her all the more intriguing to Alexander. He couldn''t help but be captivated by her voice. The woman could see that Alexander was not lying, as she possessed an eye that could see through any lies. Her stare never left him as she waited for him to move. Alexander nodded and left the pond, heading back to the trees. The woman couldn''t help but touch her forehead in wonder. "How did a human get in here? Did he identally wander through a hidden portal? Hmph, luckily he didn''t hurt any of my fish," she said, caressing the same fish Alexander wanted to eat. Alexander, back in the dense forest, was hungry. His stomach grumbled, and he regretted not eating that fish. His conscience said it was a good fish and shouldn''t be eaten, making him sigh as he continued his walk.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om After a while, he spotted two massive boars, each twice the size of a regr boar. The boars had thick, bristly fur that was a mix of dark brown and ck, providing perfect camouge in the forest. Their eyes glowed with a wild, fearsome aura, and their tusks were long and curved, gleaming menacingly in the dappled forest light. Each step they took was heavy, causing the ground to tremble slightly beneath their weight. Their muscr bodies disyed their immense strength and power, making it clear that these were formidable creatures not to be underestimated. "Can these still be called boars?" Alexander muttered, squinting his eyes while hiding in a bush. "Who gives a shit right now! The bigger, the better," he whispered to himself. With that, he teleported behind their backs silently and with a swift ''boink,'' he knocked them unconscious. Alexander stood over the fallen beasts, a small, satisfied smile forming on his lips. "Now that''s how you handle a boar," he thought, feeling a surge of satisfaction. He then killed them quickly and without pain at that, trying to soothe his conscience. He shook his head, muttering to himself, "Alexander, remember this is how a hungry person survives. Killing a boar or two isn''t a sin." He was trying to convince himself, forgetting that he had ughtered nearly a hundred saberwolves just yesterday. [You killed a ''Titan Tusks''. You''ve gained 13 exp] [You killed a ''Titan Tusks''. You''ve gained 11 exp] The system then automatically scanned the beast with its holographic panel, much like the rays of light used when paying at a cashier. [Titan Tusk Description: The beast of nature and favorite pets of a Titan. It has immense physical strength and formidable tusks, a Titan Tusk can plow through dense forest with ease. Their senses are highly attuned, able to detect the slightest disturbances in their territory. One of its most distinctive behaviors is the ground tremor it creates with each step, which serves as a warning to intruders. Whenever you spot these beasts and see a symbol on their tusks, it indicates they are owned by someone. Be warned: killing such a pet is tantamount to killing their child.] Alexander was in a daze when he heard this. He hurriedly checked the tusks and, sure enough, there was a grey symbol. Discover more stories at empire Etched into the tusks was a grey symbol, resembling an intertwined serpent and crescent moon. The serpent coiled tightly around the moon, its body covered in intricate scales that seemed to shimmer faintly. The moon was a perfect crescent, with delicate lines radiating from its edges, giving it an ethereal glow. This symbol clearly marked the boar as the property of someone powerful, a clear warning to any who might think to harm the creature. The ground beneath him shook violently as a booming voice echoed throughout the forest. "Who killed my childrennnnnsss!" it''s roared, were reverberating through the trees and causing the leaves to fall like rain. The sheer power of the voice made Alexander''s heart race. He knew he was in serious trouble. The owner of these Titan Tusks wasing, and it wasn''t going to be pretty. Alexander could sense a thick wave of killing intent covering the forest, making him regret his decision. Even if he tried to apologize by killing the boar, I mean ''the child'', since who calls a boar a child? He knew it was the pet of a powerful person, I mean a child of a powerful person. And you bet that owner, will be especially protective of their "pet-child," and would never let him go, since he killed them. As the archive closed, the cover of the book then appeared, now bearing the title ''Fairy Realm Archived.'' But Alexander didn''t notice this, as his focus was on the approaching figure. Chapter 42 Where the heck am I Feeling the pressure was gone, Alexander could not help but catch his breath. "This monster is so strong," Alexander muttered under his breath as he carefully observed the hulking figure before him, who was now watching him with equal intensity. Therge man with red skin took a few heavy steps forward, but then paused abruptly. His nostrils red, and his eyes darkened with realization. The energy that had struck down his children earlier, he could feel it now, it was the same kind that human in front of him is emanating. "You... you killed my child! I''m going to kill you!" the red-skinned giant roared, his voice shaking the trees around them. The scream echoed through the forest like thunder, reverberating in Alexander''s ears, almost rupturing his eardrums. Alexander instinctively stepped back, momentarily overwhelmed by the sheer fury radiating from the red-skinned human like person. His body was tensed, and in a split second, he turned, ready to flee. But before he could take a single step, the monstrous figure was behind him, moving with terrifying speed, as if the air itself parted for his advance. A massive fist came hurtling toward Alexander in a powerful, sweeping hook, the force behind it undeniable. His instincts screamed, urging him to react, but he barely had time to brace himself. Desperately, he crossed one of his arms, bringing them to his waist where the blow was aimed. The impact was immediate and brutal. Alexander grunted in pain as the immense force of the punch sent him flying into the air like a ragdoll. The world blurred around him as he soared upward, while his body spinning helplessly. The arm he used to block the strike throbbed with searing pain, and he realized with horror that it was bent in an unnatural direction, twisted and red from the sheer force of the blow. The pain was blinding, jolting him fully back into the moment. Still airborne, Alexander acted on instinct. Gritting his teeth, he reached out with his other arm, grabbing onto a low-hanging tree branch to stop his fall. The sudden halt jarred his body, but it kept him from crashing into the ground below. "Human! you dare trick me earlier! You''ve just made me furious!" the red-skinned giant roared, his eyes zing with deadly rage. With a furious snarl, he clenched his massive fist and mmed it into the ground with full force. The impact sent tremors rippling through the earth, and debris erupted into the air. The very ground beneath their feet quaked violently, creating an earthquake that shook the trees around them.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om One by one, the trees began to uproot, swaying wildly before crashing to the ground. Even Alexander, who had taken refuge in a sturdy branch, felt the tremors. Despite the tree''s impressive size and strength, it buckled under the pressure and began to fall. He barely had time to react before gravity took hold, sending him plummeting toward the ground. "What the hell is this strength?!" Alexander cursed in shock as he tumbled. "System, wasn''t this mission supposed to be just at medium difficulty? Why does it feel like I''m the mission is at the impossible level?" He demanded answers from the system, unable toprehend how the giant''s power had escted so drastically. "Uhhh. Just handle it yourself, Host. It''s not like you''re going to die," the system replied nonchntly, as if Alexander''s life was not facing a life and death situation. "What do you mean I''m not going to die?! I''m literally about to get crushed if that fistnds on me!" Alexander retorted, frustration bubbling up inside him. The casual attitude of the system during such a dire situation was enough to drive him mad, but there was no time to argue. The massive tree he had perched on began to buckle, the ground trembling beneath it. With no other choice, Alexander leaped down,nding heavily on the ground. His body tensed as he felt the enormous presence of the red-skinned giant bearing down on him with terrifying speed. Without warning, the giant threw a straight punch, the sheer force of it sending a gust of wind that rippled through the air like a cannonball. Alexander barely had time to dodge, twisting his body to the side with great agility, just in time to evade the deadly strike. Focusing intently on the fight, he pushed the system''s uncaring problems to the back of his mind. There was no time to think about anything else, one wrong move, and it was over. Continue reading at empire Every punch the red-skinned giant threw was like a thunderous explosion, the force so powerful it created wind bullets that tore through the environment with ease. Trees were snapped in half, bushes shredded like paper, and the ground beneath their feet cracked and cratered with each missed blow. Alexander dodged with everything he had, while was sweat pouring down his face, his breath turned ragged. His injured arm hung uselessly at his side, the bone was shattered and limp, needing at least a day to heal. Each dodge became more desperate as the onught continued. The destruction around him was immense, and he knew that one direct hit would mean certain death. "Boss, maybe we can talk about this? There''s gotta be something I can do to make you forgive me," Alexander said, wanting topromise. He knew the difference in strength between them was like night and day, and he was grasping at hisst straw to survive. The giant, red-skinned man paused, ring at Alexander with burning red eyes. A deep, gutturalugh escaped his throat. "You killed my children, and now you want to bargain with me?" His voice was like thunder, filled with contempt. "Human, I''ve been using only 10% of my power. If I were serious, you''d be nothing but just a puddle of blood by now. I''m letting you live because I want to. I''ll go soft on you... just so I can torture you until death." The hatred in the red-skinned man''s eyes was palpable, its like a living force that suffocated the air around them. Alexander''s eyes widened in shock, "That was only 10%? Are you serious?! I almost died from that destructive power, and he''s still holding back?!" His mind raced, the sheer gap between their abilities sinking in like a cold wave. "This mission is a total scam... the difficulty is insane!" he muttered to himself, disbelief swirling in his thoughts, he could not help but cry, but no tears wasing. It was almost too overwhelming to process. As the liquid touched his tongue, he experienced something entirely different from anything he had "Fuck those children, you can just cook them if you want to," the big man with red skin said, forgetting about the cause of this problem just a moment ago. Alexander couldn''t help but manage a broken smile as his brows trembled. He really wanted to smack his head with his fist, but he was too weak right now. "Since you seem to have given me a lot of your treasured wine. Here, take this. For I, Talon Ragnor, am an upright person and will not steal without giving youpensation." As he spoke, three blue crystal stones appeared on his palm and flew through the air, which Alexander caught. Chapter 43 Crimson Overlord When he caught the stone, he saw it was a crystal, pulsing with massive pure and destructive energy. Unlike any diamond or treasure he had ever seen, it left Alexander wondering about its true nature. "System can you exin to me what a spirit stone is?" Alexander inquired. [Spirit stones, sometimes known as Aetherial stones, are powerful sources of condensed energy. These stones contain a highly concentrated form of Aether, the energy that fuels cultivation. They are essential for various purposes such as enhancing cultivation, powering artifacts, and even as a form of currency among cultivators. The quality of a spirit stone can vary, with higher-grade stones providing more potent energy and greater benefits.] Alexander felt his scalp go numb after hearing this. "What happens to those who aren''t so lucky?" he asked, curiosity getting the better of him. "Not much," the big man in red skin replied. "Some of them make you their ve or a puppet for torture and amusement. But there are also good spirits who help those who identally end up here. That''s why you''re lucky to have survived this long." He looked at Alexander, his hair fluttering in the wind.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om "Are you saying you''re one of the good spirits? And... you''re not human?" Alexander said, with a raised eyebrow. "I''m neither good nor bad," Talon said. "I can''t define that since it''s up to the person themselves to decide. Since I have nothing else to do, and I really like your gift, I''ll entertain your questions for a while. Now, sit." He gestured for Alexander to sit on the ground. "Yes, that''s right. Some of our kind can reach the height of a mountain. Those are known as full-grown Titans. As for me, I''m still considered young since I''m not over a thousand years old yet. I may be not tall right now, because we Titans have the ability to shrink and expand to our normal size. Explore stories at empire However, when we shrink, we lose a small margin of our strength, so this leads to my current appearance" he exined to Alexander, pulling out a bottle of Mountain Dew from his storage ring and sipping it slowly to savor the taste. Alexander nodded thoughtfully. "A Titan as big as a mountain? Couldn''t one of those destroy an entire nation if it attacked my world?" He pondered the possibility, imagining the devastation. If only he knew that a full-grown Titan could obliterate his world with a mere snap of its fingers, he would be utterly shocked. "Are there any other races besides yours? Like Beastmen, Vampires, Werewolves, Mermaids, and Demons?" Alexander asked curiously. At the mention of Demons, the Titan''s eyes gleamed sharply, and a surge of killing intent flooded the air like a roaring river. Alexander suddenly felt suffocated, this killing intent was ten, no, a hundred times stronger than his own. But just as quickly as it appeared, the Titan retracted it, noticing Alexander''s heavy breathing. "Yes, there are many races, including those you mentioned. But in this realm, where you currently find yourself in, only us Titans, Seraphim, Wraiths, Aetherians, Mermaids, and Fae live here. Since this is one of the sacred grounds. As for races like Beastmen and Vampires and more, they lived in different ce than us. For the rest, I''m not sure, since the realms are vast and full of diverse races. But when ites to Demons..." his voice grew sharp as he spoke thest word. "The Demons are the true devils across all the realms. Long ago, when the world was plunged into suffering, about 500 million years ago, if I''m correct. It was filled with danger because these devils roamed free. They were like a gue, and their cruelty was beyond imagination. Their power was immense, but the scariest thing about them was their ability to regenerate in the blink of an eye. During that time, millions died each day from the destruction and massive massacres. Even when all the races and powerful beings across the realms united, they were still defeated. Just when all hope seemed lost, someone appeared." Talon''s tone shifted, now filled with respect and reverence as he spoke of this mysterious figure. "He was unbelievably strong, far beyond any cultivator I''ve ever heard of in history. He ughtered every demon with just a swing of his crimson de, known as the ''Devil''s Punisher.'' With each swing, the demons fell, their most proud regenerative abilities werepletely suppressed. For years, he fought relentlessly, alone, facing billions of demons without rest. He was unmatched, and his strength inspired hope across all races in the realms. The demons became so terrified of him that they fled to their world, which made every powerhouse in awe. Seeing that those demons actually know true fear. But he didn''t stop there, he followed them through the portal, not knowing where it would lead. That was thest time caught a glimpse of him." Talon''s voice grew louder, his reverence for the savior was clear in his voice. "He became known as the ''Crimson Overlord,'' the savior of the realms from the demons'' reign of terror. He was the only true bane of the demons." Alexander was amazed after hearing this story, "One person solved a problem that billions of people across the realms couldn''t handle? This is like a real-life main character," he thought, really impressed by this guy. "So, where is he now?" Alexander asked, curious, since Talon had only mentioned the Overlord''s achievements but not his current whereabouts. "When he entered the portal, he never returned. Legends say he''s still alive, kicking, and ying demons in their world. After all, the demons haven''t made any moves in millions of years," Talon said, his voice be lower and dimmer. "The entire realm was deeply indebted to the Crimson Overlord, yet no one ever got the chance to thank him before he disappeared after saving the world." Talon ended with a sigh. Alexander nodded, his worldview was shifting dramatically. The strength he once thought was impressive in his world seemed insignificantpared to the powers that existed in other realms. But if he were to discover that Earth itself wasn''t what it seemed, he would have topletely rethink his understanding of it. His eyes burned with determination, with a newfound resolve to grow stronger igniting within him. "Since I''ve answered all of your questions, follow me. I''ll escort you back to your world. Since this is going to be ourst meeting," Talon said with augh as he stood up. Alexander couldn''t help but smile. Despite everything that almost killed him, the guy before him wasn''t so bad after all. He stood up, eager toplete his mission and grow stronger. "If we meet again, I''ll share more of my heavenly wine with you," Alexander promised, and Talon''s satisfied smile widened at that remark. "Good. Hurry now, or you might be discovered by the other races," Talon replied as they began to walk away from their previous location. They traveled for a while, as the trees growing thicker around them until only a narrow path remains, that is barely a meter wide, remained for them to walk on. The area was dark, with the massive trees blocking most of the light, making it difficult to spot even a glimmer of brightness. Finally, they arrived at a wide clearing, the ground covered in in grass and surrounded by thick trees. In the center stood a colossal tree with a gaping hole that resembled a cave entrance, but it was pitch ck inside. Chapter 44 You did not see that coming didnt you? As Talon watched Alexander vanish into the tree, a wave of relief washed over him. That relief quickly dissipated as he sensed a presence behind him. Turning around, he saw three entities he knew all too well. Their bodies were elongated and gaunt, seemingly held together by shadows rather than flesh. Their limbs, unnaturally long and thin, ended in w-like hands that seemed capable of tearing through the very fabric of reality. Their faces were hollow, with deep-set eyes that glowed faintly, giving the impression of smoldering embers in a dark void. Their presence exuded a chilling dread, as if they were harbingers of despair itself. "Talon of the Titan race, how dare you allow that human to return to his world? Do you have any idea what grave crime you havemitted?" one of them demanded in a deep voice, his tone was brimming with anger. Talon just scoffed at the Wraith who spoke to him, ring sharply in response, "What I choose to do is none of your concern. He didn''t force his way into this realm, he merely stumbled upon it by ident, so it''s not a crime for him to be captured." he exined to the three. "So what? ording to the rules of the fairy realm, if any race other than ours sets foot here, they must be killed, tortured, or...hehe." He the slightly paused, with a twisted smile spreading across his face as he giggled, leaving his sentence unfinished. Stay connected through empire Talon felt disgusted by the implication of the Wraith''sst statement. (Umm, please don''t think of anything inappropriate, since it''s not like that, actually, it''s something like that.) "That rule only applies to your kind, whose personalities are so twisted and disgusting. It clearly states that as long as no harm is done, we cannot kill them or administer their ''deserved punishment,''" he replied, filled with amusement in his voice. "Actually, that human killed my pets, but hepensated me by giving me something else. So, it was a win-win, and he did not lose anything" Talon said inwardly, with a smile adorning his face. "Hmph! Talon, if you weren''t the son of the chief of your race, I would have chopped you into pieces and fed you to my ves!" The Wraith''s eyes glowed red, and a powerful pressure filled the air. Talon merely pursed his lips, "Do you think I''m afraid? Don''t forget that I ranked first among the strongest of my generation. I haven''t survived all this time by relying solely on my father. Even if the three of you gang up on me, you''re still no match," he said arrogantly, his voice dripping with coldness. As their auras leaked and shed with each other, sparks flew from their exchanged res, creating an electric tension in the air. The Wraith took a step back, realizing that even with three of them, they are really no match for Talon. "This isn''t over, Talon," the Wraith said threateningly, his gaze deadly. In an instant, the three of them were absorbed into the ground by the shadows, leaving only Talon standing in the clearing. He nced back at the hole in the tree and mused aloud, "The Ashbourne family is still alive and kicking. I wonder where you all are residing now?" His gaze drifted upward, filled with curiosity. He had notice this when Alexander introduced himself. Since the Titan Tribe was particrly sensitive when ites to bloodlines. After connecting these dots, Talon sensed that Alexander possessed the pure bloodline of the ancient Ashbourne family. Combining these two clues led him to this realization. But he wasn''t entirely sure, as it had been a long time since anyone had heard from the Ashbourne family after the Great War. Inside the darkness, Alexander couldn''t see anything, "Hello?" he called out loudly. His voice echoed throughout the dark ce. After walking for a while, he spotted a light so he quickened his pace. The familiar sight of the forest emerged before him, looking around he was finally back. A wave of happiness washed over Alexander, he was greatly relieved to return back. That other world was dangerous, filled with something so abnormal and the unknown danger it have is so scary. Yet, deep inside, he felt that such a world was where he truly belonged. Shaking his head, he called upon his system with a grin on his face.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om "System, you were just making fun of me a moment ago, right? Look, I escaped and finally returned to this world. Now you should fulfill your end of the bargain!" Alexander said, excitement was evident in his voice as he anticipated his reward. [>_<] "..." Alexander did not say anything, as he tapped his finger on his shoulder, crossing his arms and giving the system panel an annoyed look at its expression. [Side Quest: Find the portal to go back] Difficulty: Impossible Punishment for failing: Increases the pain by 100% from the original mission punishment. Description: Since this seems impossible to achieve, failing the mission and epting the original punishment is a good choice. Rewards: Heavenly item of your choice (>_<) Status: Completed] The mission panel then expanded like a t-screen TV, revealing an array of weapons. Among them were swords with distinctive designs and auras. Sword number 1 had a curved de with jagged edges, looking fierce and battle worn. Sword 2 gleamed with a golden hue, its sharp curve ready for swift strikes. Sword 3 stood tall and regal, with aplex hilt resembling a cross, hinting at ancient craftsmanship. Sword 4, was sleek and white, it had a dark brown handle, exuding an air of purity and precision. The unique crescent-shaped de of sword 5 glimmered in gold, its circr guard adding to its mystique. Sword 6 was silver with intricate, almost crystalline designs, paired with a blue hilt, radiating elegance. Sword 7 wavy de and simple brown handle gave it an unpredictable and deadly charm. Sword 8, broad and angr, looked like it could cleave through anything in its path. Sword 9 is red and ck design, coupled with a curved guard, emanated an ominous aura. The sleek blue de of sword 10, with its futuristic design and grey hilt, looked ready for cutting-edge battles. In the bottom row, sword 11 was a ssic straight silver de with a golden hilt, exuding timeless heroism. Sword 12 purple de and ornate hilt suggested a weapon of magical origins. The green and gold design of sword 13, with its detailed hilt, appeared as if forged in nature''s heart. Sword 14, with its red de and golden guard, seemed destined for a fiery warrior. Sword 15''s straight de and feather-like hilt design hinted at a swift, cutting grace. Sword 16, a white de with golden ents and a detailed hilt, looked like it belonged to a celestial guardian. The fiery red de of sword 17, with its jagged design and brown handle, seemed forged in the heart of a volcano. Sword 18, sleek and silver with a futuristic hilt, looked fit for a space-age knight. Sword 19 is green de with golden ents and a detailed guard appeared as a relic of the forest guardians. Lastly, sword 20, with its pink de and intricate designs, stood out as a weapon of delicate yet formidable power. [Weapon: Nightfang Grade: Heaven Description: Forged in the heart of a dying star, Nightfang''s de absorbs and stores cosmic energy. When wielded, it can unleash devastating energy sts that can disintegrate enemies and other dark entities. Its jagged edges are designed to tear through the fabric of space, suppressing any abilities of its foes. The sword also has a passive ability to cloak its wielder in shadows, making them nearly invisible in low light conditions.] Reading this, Alexander felt a surge of satisfaction. He then moved his hand, navigating it to explore the next weapon in the system. [Weapon: Sunfire Cleaver Grade: Heaven Description: This sword was forged from the core of a sun, giving it an intense, radiant energy. The golden hue of its de is not just for show for it can emit searing bursts of sr energy that can incinerate foes with a single strike. Sunfire Cleaver has the unique ability to harness sunlight, making its wielder stronger during the day and nearly unstoppable in direct sunlight. This weapon was created by a race of celestial cksmiths who aimed to create a beacon of hope in times of darkness, ensuring that its wielder could bring light to the darkest corners of any realm.] Alexander''s eyes gleamed with interest as he scanned the information on each weapon. Though tempted to choose those weapons since he liked their ability, he stopped since he knew that he had to find the perfect match for his skills. With each description about their unique properties, his desire to possess them all grew stronger. Finally, he arrived at weapon 30. [Weapon: Starlight Rend Grade: Heaven Description: Forged in the depths of a neb, Starlight Rend is a sleek, blue de with a cutting-edge design that harnesses the power of stardust and Aetherial energy. Its main ability is to manipte gravitational fields, allowing the wielder to control the weight and trajectory of their strikes with pinpoint uracy. The sword can create small gravitational wells to trap or disorient enemies, making it a formidable weapon against multiple foes. Starlight Rend was created by an ancient race of star navigators who needed a weapon that could withstand the harsh conditions of space and provide unparalleled versatility inbat.] As he scrolled through the options, Alexander found most of them unappealing and not quite to his taste. After scrolling through nearly a hundred swords, he finallynded on weapon 763. His excitement surged, as this weapon perfectlyplemented his current self. Chapter 45 Infernal Fury The weapon he was seeing, was a sight to behold, a testament to the power of fire and the forge of the damned. Its de is a jagged with serpentine curve of obsidian, its surface etched with the flowing lines of moltenva. The edge is like a fiery inferno, crackling and dancing with an otherworldly heat. The pommel is a gnarled, with a demonic skull, its eyes were glowing red with an infernal light. The hilt is wrapped in the sinewy skin of a fire demon, its scales were even shimmering with a fiery sheen. The guard is a twisted, with a horned beast, as its ws gripping the de in a perpetual frenzy. [Weapon: Infernal Fury Gade: Heaven Description: The more the wielder kills, the more powerful Infernal Fury bes, it amplifies the host strength exponentially with each life taken. As the de be redder and redder after absorbing so much blood you will get a passive ability unique only to the Host] "Unique Passice? System what is that" Alexander inquired. [Host, every Heaven Grade weapon has a unique passive ability that only its wielder possesses. The system can''t disy this information, so the Host must choose wisely.] Hearing this, Alexander narrowed his eyes in disagreement, "Don''t tell me you''re just trying to get back at me! I thought you were all-powerful, but you are clearly holding a grudge when you didn''t see thating. Is this part of your revenge?" He said, shooting the system a mocking gaze. [No.] The system replied before disappearing entirely. He quickly selected the item and clicked the ''Confirm'' button. A bright light then illuminated the space in front of him as the sword began to float slowly toward him. As Alexander''s fingers curled around the hilt of the sword, a surge of raw, untamed power coursed through his veins. The de thrummed with a malevolent killing energy, with its fiery edge crackling with anticipation. He felt an intense heat radiating from the sword, not burning, but invigorating, like a forge''s heat tempered by centuries of dark magic. The aura around the de was oppressive and intoxicating, a palpable sense of dread mixed with a thrilling rush of power. Every fiber of his being resonated with the de''s thirst for battle and bloodshed, making his heart pound with exhration and his senses sharpen to a razor''s edge. In that moment, Alexander felt an overwhelming connection from the weapon, as if it were an extension of his own self. He even felt that his killing intent turned sharp and the oppressive feeling it release is so powerful right now. [Contractplete, you are now the sole owner of the sword ''Infernal Fury''] [Unique Passive: The more the wielder kills, the stronger they be. This ability can greatly enhance all stats by 10-80%, except for Intelligence and Charm. If no blood is shed within 30 minutes, the buff will be deactivated.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om [Bloodlust: As the wielder''s desire for battle intensifies, Bloodlust heightens the Host senses and reflexes, increasing strength and Speed by 60%. However, prolonged use diminishes rity and control, potentially leading to a berserk state. Cooldown: 1hour] His veins was more refined than ever, enhancing his overall control of the Aetherial energy, making it easier for him to transfer it in any part of his body. When everything achieved spiritual harmony, Alexander''s body shook and sweat formed on his face. Slowly, a core began to materialize within him. After absorbing the final drop of the Aetherial Stones, Alexander opened his eyes, now filled with immense power. [ I don''t even know what the hell I''m exining, since its all nonsense thates to my mind. But you get the idea so moving on. --Author ] Alexander felt a gaping emptiness inside him, like a core that was missing its essence. As he tried to draw energy, it slowly started to fill that void, but the process was agonizingly slow. "System, show me my status," Alexander said, curious about the massive changes in his stats. [Status Experience: 62/12,000 Name: Alexander Ashbourne Free Points: 14 Title: {Traveller} {Saberwolf yer} Level: 11 Strength: 62 Speed: 59 Agility: 58 Dexterity: 43 Intelligence: 7 {Maximum is 10} Defense: 62 Charisma: 10 {MAX} Earnings: 102,005 Pesos Bnce: 4,227,168 Pesos Skills: {Heart Of Stone[UN], {Berserker Instinct} Techniques: {Serpents Coil}, {Vital Draw Technique} Weapons: {Infernal Fury}] His strength had really soared, at least two times than what it was before, which shocked him greatly. Even though his level was still 11, it didn''t reflect his current power at all. He believed that even if a level 20 beast was in front of him, he could take it down easily. After standing up, his vision had be much clearer, and his hearing was sharper than ever. He could even hear a woodpecker hundreds of meters away so clearly. Alexander then left the area, trying to find the road again. After a lot of wandering around, he finally found it. He took the path and went straight, but then something struck him, "Didn''t I eat anything? Howe I''m not hungry at all?" Alexander said, furrowing his brows. Why wasn''t he hungry? is the biggest question. "Is it because of the improvement in my strength? That''s not good exnatory at all. Just to be safe, I should eat," Alexander said. He left the road, but now he was much more cautious, afraid that if he went deeper and stumbled upon another portal, it would be the end for him. He didn''t know that such urrences were rare, since all about chance and luck, or more precisely, bad luck for a human to stumble upon those ces. After wandering around for a while, he finally found a source of food. It was a deer, but this wasn''t just any deer, it had three horns on its head, thicker fur, and was much bulkier and bigger than any deer he''d seen before. Like he had even seen a deer in his life, since he was always in the city doing work, not having much time to see this animal. But he saw this in the TV from the channel Natgeo Wild, about their appearance so he had a general idea about it. Alexander sprinted, pouncing on the beast. His gaze turned cold as he released his killing intent. The deer, sensing immense danger, wanted to flee, but Alexander''s killing intent suffocated it, causing it to shake uncontrobly. Alexander swiftly decapitated it, making the kill as painless as possible. [Tricorn Deer Description: A deer known for its imposing size and strength. Its three horns, jutting majestically from its head, serve as both a defense and a symbol of its dominance. The fur of the Tricorn Stag is much thicker than that of a regr deer, providing warmth in the harsh climates of its native environment. With a bulkier and more muscr build, it stands as a formidable presence in the wild, embodying the raw, untamed essence of thend it inhabits.] He skinned the beast, removed its meat, and made a fire. Since it was just basic math to him. As the fire grew bigger, he used a branch with a sharp point to pierce the meat and grill it over the mes. As the meat cooked, the refreshing smell of roasted meat filled his nose, making his mouth water. Even his stomach, which had been quiet just a moment ago, grumbled, remembering its function as a stomach. Alexander took a bite of the meat. As the cooked flesh was chewed in his mouth, he couldn''t help but savor the vor. Tears were even forming in his eyes as he chewed, he so overwhelmed by the deliciousness. After finishing the first piece, he threw away the empty stick and picked up another, biting into it ferociously. "This is so delicious," he mumbled, savoring the vor. But suddenly, he felt his blood rejuvenating, and his body seemed to be strengthening, though it was only about 1%, so it was barely noticeable, but he noticed this and though that it''s because the animals here carried a hint of Aetherial Energy in them. Then, the bush beside him began to tremble. Making him stopped his lunch and looked at the spot. Suddenly, he saw a little girl who looked malnourished staring at his piece of cooked meat, where his stick was holding it. Her eyes locked on it, and her stomach grumbled loudly, causing her saliva to fall uncontrobly. "Whose child is this? Don''t tell me she''s lost in this forest. Poor little girl," Alexander thought as he stood up and slowly walked towards the girl. Seeing him walking close to him, she looked at the big man in front of him, trembling with fear. Continue your journey on empire Her eyes trembled, and her brows fluttered as she took a slow step back. She was so scared that tears welled up in her eyes. Chapter 46 This is supposed to be a draft, Dont pay this chapter Alexander smiled at them, but behind that smile was chilling coldness. His gaze terrified the fat man, and even the others in ck suits were visibly shaken. This wasn''t an ordinary person, he seemed more like a superhuman, they though in their mind. After all, who could kick a man bigger than himself so hard that he flew across the room and shattered the door? The fat man''s sweat flowed like a river as he looked at Alexander, but seeing that he still had six men left, he regained some of hisposure. "Don''t hesitate! He''s alone, and there are six of you. Draw your weapons and kill that kid!" the fat manmanded, trying to mask his fear by shouting loudly as he pointed at Alexander. The men realized that their big bro was right, Alexander was just one person, while they had numbers on their side. They reached into their pockets, pulling out a folding knife, and slowly began to surround Alexander, ring at him with killing intent. Alexander smirked in amusement as he watched their movements. He then felt a gentle tug on the back of his clothes. It was Zya, looking at him with deep concern. Alexander gave him a reassuring smile, silently telling him not to worry since he was here. But Zya couldn''t calm down. Just moments ago, the men were unarmed, but now they held knives, making the situation far more dangerous. "Kid, let me tell you, the ck Serpent Gang isn''t a group you can just mess with," the fat man sneered, his voice dripping with arrogance. Three of the gang members, emboldened by their numbers,unched their attack. The man at the front, his eyes burning with malice, as he aimed a deadly thrust at Alexander''s heart. His intent was clear, he wanted Alexander dead. But Alexander was ready. With a flick of his wrist, he intercepted the knife with just two fingers, stopping it inches from his chest. The man in ck suite was stunned by the ease from which Alexander deflected his attack, he tried to pull back his weapon, but it wouldn''t budge. Alexander seized this opportunity, raising his palm with lightning speed. A thunderous p echoed through the room as his hand connected with the man''s cheek. The force of the blow sent the attacker reeling backward, his face contorted in pain. The p was like a drum being pounded by a giant drumstick, as the sound echoing through the room. The man''s cheek caved in, as his teeth flying out in a bloody spray. His eyes rolled back without any sign of consciousness, as he was flung through the air.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om He mmed into the wall, shattering a string of LED lights with a sickening crunch. Sparks flew as the electricity shorted out. The other two men, seeing theirrade''s fate, lunged at Alexander, their knives aimed for his throat. But Alexander was too quick. Heshed out with a lightning-fast punch, connecting with both men''s faces simultaneously. Their faces were shattered, and their noses was crushed and twisted. If there was an X-ray it would likely reveal their broken bones beneath the mangled flesh. They flew through the air like ragdolls, passing beside the fat man, and crashing against the wall at the same time as the walls where they were hit shook from the impact. They theny motionless, unconscious and defeated. The fat man was visibly terrified, realizing the gravity of the situation he had instigated by provoking such a formidable opponent. The three men was hesitating right now, unsure whether to act or not, knowing that Alexander could swiftly resolve the conflict in a matter of seconds. Like seriously, he dealt with theirpanions earlier in just a matter of five seconds. Who are they to go and confront this devil, they don''t have five lives. Amidst the chaos with the violent sounds reverberating through the room, a man in a formal suit, adorned with sses and of a slight build, entered with an expression of anger. "Who dares to stir trouble in our ''ck Serpent Gang'' territory?" he thundered, his gaze piercing as he looked at the fat man. "Pyro, who has the nerve to cause trouble here? Does he still want to live?" he seethed with rage, his gaze locked onto the trembling figure of Pyro. Pyro, unable to meet the furious man''s eyes, trembled visibly, his fear is palpable and livid. With a shaky hand, Pyro pointed towards a figure in the room. The man then strode forward, his anger simmering as heid eyes on the source of the disturbance. But after seeing the person, his eyes twitched. "How did this kid end up here?" he cursed silently, taken aback by the unexpected presence of the youth. He thought Alexander wasn''t as tough as he seemed, considering he''d only taken down a group of inexperienced thugs. But this time was different. Alexander had defeated their most skilled fighters, the men known for their experience in violence andbat. Discover hidden tales at empire Seeing their lifeless bodies and disfigured faces, a chill ran down his spine despite there was no wind. His menacing expression softened into a smile, as if greeting a friend. "Mr. Alexander, I apologize for the trouble. Please forgive us," Ethan said with a forced smile. Yes, it''s Ethan, Jonathan''s assistant. He understands that based on this scenario right now, Alexander is both powerful and ruthless when dealing with his enemies. He need to reassess their approach before counterattacking again. Seeing the sudden change in expression, Pyro was stunned, as were the three men in suits. Pyro, the fat man, remained silent since he recognizes that Ethan''s was much more experienced than him and this person in front of him seems to be a person that shouldn''t be messed with. Alexander who was the center of this was stunned, "Didn''t I just kick some of his subordinates ass? why are they treating him with respect right now? Being violent is actually a great way to scare the opponent in submission" he though inwardly. Zya and May just hid behind Alexander, watching the entire situation unfold. "Do you know me?" Alexander said, looking at his face. Ethan answered instantly, "Of course we know you, Mr. Alexander. Please forgive my subordinates for causing trouble. I will try to punish them after this for offending you," he said with his hand sped, showing Alexander his broken smile. Alexander just snorted, so he walked, nning to leave while holding Zya''s soft hand. Being held by him, Zya couldn''t help but feel that she was in the safest ce in the world. "You''d better control your subordinates, or I will do it myself," Alexander said as he passed by him. His voice was cold clearly a threat. Ethan formed some ck lines on his forehead as he looked back at Alexander, still having that ugly smile on his face. "Yes, yes, I will try and manage my subordinates after this," he said in a respectful tone, afraid to offend Alexander. Hearing his reply, Alexander just scoffed and left the ce through the door and finally exited the bar. When his figure was finally gone, Ethan, whose face still had a smile, turned ferocious as a mad lion. "Fuck! fuck! fuck! that kid thinks he''s so good, huh? Let me see how we''ll deal with you," he said, cursing Alexander as he picked up the wine bottle on the table and smashed it to relieve his anger. He was seething with anger, a controlled but with an intense anger, with his clenched jaw and narrowed eyes. Seeing this, Pyro and the rest couldn''t help but calm him down. After he was calmed, his eyes were still red from the anger and humiliation. "Big brother, are we going to take revenge?" Pyro said, even though he was afraid, but the humiliation the ck Serpent Gang suffered was horrendous. "Don''t worry, the boss had already nned this out, but since I just saw how strong he is, I think there might be some revisions for the n," Ethan said gloomily. Alexander, Zya, and May were walking in the side road. When the two finally looked back and saw that they were not being followed, the two could finally breathe. "Alexander, thank you very much for standing up for us in there. If it weren''t for you, we would have been..." Zya said but stopped. She was fearful from just imagining it. May, who was holding Zya''s hands, let go and looked at Alexander. The three of them then stopped in their tracks. "Alexander, thank you very much for saving my life as well. It was my fault in the first ce, and the two of you got involved. I''m very sorry for making trouble for you earlier," she said, feeling regretful for what she did. "Don''t mention it. You''re Zya''s friend," Alexander said, shaking his hand to not mind the past. "So if I''m not Zya''s friend, you will actually not care since what I did is really inhumane," May said as she sighed, feeling remorseful from what she had done to humiliate Alexander. Alexander then wanted to assist them to go home, but Zya had already called her father, sending their driver. He waited with them to make sure no unexpected things would happen. After the driver arrived, they bade their farewell, and Alexander also went home. This time he decided to sleep in his manor. By stopping a taxi, he took a ride in the direction to ''Summit Heights''. After arriving at the entrance of the gate in ''Summit Heights'', the security guard stopped the vehicle. After Kent saw it was Alexander, he opened the gate to let car in. The driver of the taxi was awed and surprised to see this seemingly young man, who he thought is a normal person was actually a rich person in disguise. When it arrived just outside the gate of his manor, he paid like 1,000 Pesos. Then the driver said his thanks, then left the ce. The security guard that was specifically assigned to his manor greeted him and opened the gate. After Alexander was inside, he walked his way to his room and took a shower. After wearing his clothes, he did not waste his time and started cultivating using the ''Vital Draw Technique''. Morning passed, and Alexander felt refreshed. He took a shower and went to work for today since it was Monday. As he was walking the path down towards the entrance gate, a Porsche passed by him. Unknown to him, a woman was watching him from a rearview mirror. She couldn''t help but think, "Did someone buy a house? He seems to be so young, and that path where he came down is the only Manor that has been unupied for years," she said, but she did not ponder about it and just left the ce. Alexander then asked Kent to take him for a ride just below the mountain to take a taxi, but Kent said that he could drive him to his destination, but he disagreed. After taking a ride, he also gave him a tip and stopped a taxi then worked for the day. He served some guests, had fun with ire, and he also did not see Sophie because she always left when it was time for her tutor. Just like that, morning passed, and tonight is the night, but before that, a message popped up. [FatMerchant69: I''m sorry, ''AlexanderTheGrate.'' I''ve been so busy these 1 day that I missed your message. Aspensation, I''ll add another 500 silver coins.] FatMerchant69 sent the message, and soon after, Alexander received 4,700 silver coins. [The Host has received a payment from user ''FatMerchant69'' of 4,700 silver coins. Converting to your currency, you''ve received ''4,700,000 pesos.''] Alexander was surprised and thrilled at the same time, he had just made millions from another transaction. "That guy is seriously loaded with money," he cursed in excitement. "System show me my Status" [Status Experience: 8/300 Name: Alexander Free Points: 4 Title: None Level: 4 Strength: 31 Speed: 26 Defense: 29 Charisma: 10 {MAX} Earnings: 102,005 Pesos Bnce: 4,227,168 Pesos Skills: {Heart Of Stone[UN]} Techniques: {Serpents Coil}, {Vital Draw Technique}] His status increased after cultivating in that one night, and now he was ready. Suddenly a message panel popped up. [Mission: Saved the Vige] [Will be starting in 5, 4, 3, 2... 1] The system counted, then Alexander was illuminated by light, and his face that was serious and excited about what it feels like to go to another world. The he was gone from his room. Chapter 47 Bear vs Man The battle between Alexander and the bear raged like a thunderstorm in the clearing. The air crackled with intensity as the beast''s roars mixed with Alexander''s wildughter, their voice was echoing through the trees. Experience more on empire Blood trickled from a cut on Alexander''s cheek, but he hardly noticed it, since he too caught up in the thrill of battle. The bear lunged again, its pawing down like a hammer. Alexander met it with a powerful block, feeling the bones in his arm rattle from the impact. He gritted his teeth butughed in the bear''s face, his eyes gleaming with a dangerous light. "Come on! Is that all you''ve got?" he taunted, his voice was raspy with exhration. The bear snarled at him, with its fury zing in its eyes. As it charged once more, using its massive weight to try and overpower the human. Alexander ducked low, sidestepping the bear''s rush, but not before a paw grazed his ribs, tearing through his skin and drawing blood. He winced but broke into a manic grin, the pain only fueling his excitement. His muscles tensed, and he sprang forward, delivering a crushing elbow to the bear''s side. The bear groaned in pain, its legs buckling for a brief moment before it steadied itself. Its eyes locked on Alexander, and it let out a thunderous roar, swiping at him with renewed rage. Alexander jumped back but was caught off guard as the bear''s ws shed across his shoulder, sending him stumbling. Blood dripped from the wound, but Alexander onlyughed harder, his voice carrying a wild, unhinged edge. "Good! Now we''re talking!" Alexander shouted, wiping the blood from his mouth with the back of his hand. He darted forward, dodging another swipe from the bear, his fists moving in a blur as he pummeled the beast''s side with rapid punches. His knuckles bruised with each hit, but the pain was meaningless to him now. The bear groaned louder, each strike was driving it back step by step. It bared its fangs, attempting onest desperate lunge, but Alexander was faster. He ducked under the attack, delivering a savage uppercut that sent the bear staggering back, roaring in agony. The air around them shifted, heavy with tension as the bear''s eyes turned crimson, radiating an aura of terrifying raw power. Alexander felt a shiver crawl down his spine as he stopped in his tracks, his grin fading into an serious expression. He could sense the shift that something primal had awakened within the beast. [Warning: ''Rage of the Wild'' has been activated] The system chimed, but Alexander''s focus was already on the bear. He could feel its killing intent, that was cold and sharp like a de aimed directly at him. The wounds Alexander had inflicted moments ago were closing, the bear''s body is pulsing with newfound a strength and vitality. Its muscles bulged as it roared, that sound of his shook the trees around them. "So, you''re not going down easy," Alexander muttered, rolling his shoulders. "I guess I''ll stop holding back." he said, since he was just only using 70% of his power. In an instant, the bear charged, faster than before. Alexander barely had time to react. Raises his arms in defense, but the bear''s ws smashed into him with brutal force, sending him skidding across the ground. His feet dug into the earth, leaving deep trails behind. Gritting his teeth, Alexander shot forward, unleashing a flurry of punches at full power, each one strong enough to shatter stone and destroy metals. But the bear met every strike with renewed fury, its speed and strength overwhelming him. Alexander''s heart pounded in his chest. He dodged another vicious swipe, but the beast''s ws grazed his side, drawing a deep gash. He winced but pushed forward, delivering a heavy blow to the bear''s jaw. The impact reverberated, but the bear barely flinched the beast, since it seemed to be in a berserk state. It responded with a massive swipe that caught Alexander across the chest, sending him crashing into a tree. The wood splintered on impact, the force of that blow was sending shockwaves throughout the forest. The trees around them swayed, their leaves rustling in fear as the ground quaked under the force of their battle. The once serene forest was now a battleground, with the ground torn up and trees cracked from the immense power the two unleashed. Birds scattered in the sky, fleeing the chaos below. Alexander struggled to his feet, blood dripping from multiple wounds. His body ached, and his breath came in ragged gasps. The bear, now towering over him, looked down with its glowing red eyes, relentless and bloodthirsty. It roared again, the sound deafening. Its body surged with even more power, and it charged forward, intent on crushing him. Alexander blocked with everything he had, his muscles was straining as he fought to keep the bear''s ws from ripping him apart. But even at full power, the bear''s strength was too much. It was faster, stronger, and its wounds were healing faster than he could deal damage. With every strike, Alexander felt his body wear down. His punches were met with the bear''s unstoppable force, and each impact felt like a mountain falling on him. The forest shook, and the ground beneath them cracked with every sh. The fight raged on, but Alexander was slowly losing ground. For the first time in the battle, amusement flickered in his eyes. "Dammit," he growled, wiping the blood from his lips. "This thing''s tougher than I thought." he continued. "But I''m tougher than you think, little bear," Alexander growled, a wicked grin spreading across his face, it was so twisted and fierce, like a devil savoring the chaos around him. [Berserker Instinct was activated.] His bluish eyes flickered it then burned a deep, crimson red the same bloodlust now reflected in the bear gaze, but colder and more menacing. The atmosphere around them grew darker, as though the air itself was recoiling in fear. The trees trembled, and the ground cracked beneath Alexander''s feet as his killing intent surged like a volcanic eruption. It was no longer a battle between man and beast it was a sh of beast and beast. The bear sensed this change but refused to back down, its own rage reaching its peak. With a deafening roar, it activated its one of its ability ''Maul Storm'' The beast charged at Alexander, its ws and fangs moving in a blur, tearing through the air with savage precision. Each swipe was a whirlwind of death, ripping into the ground while it flew shing toward Alexander with the force of a hurricane. Dirt and debris flew everywhere as the earth was scarred from the bear''s relentless fury. Alexander''s movements were quick, but not quick enough to avoid all of the bear''s frenzied strikes. ws raked across his chest and arms, leaving some deep bleeding wounds. He grimaced, feeling the sting of the cuts, but his grin only widened as his blood began to flow. "More!!" Alexander shouted, like a madman. The bear then lunged, its jaws snapping at his throat, but Alexander twisted just in time, delivering a brutal elbow into the beast''s side. The impact reverberated through the forest, but the bear barely flinched. It followed up with a savage w, catching Alexander in the ribs again sending him flying across the battlefield. He hit the ground hard, rolling through the dirt, his body battered but not broken. Blood dripped from his wounds, but as it did, his muscles began to swell, his strength surging in response to the pain. [Berserker Instinct: Power increased by 20%.] The bear roared again, this time even louder, and charged forward, ready to finish him off. But Alexander, still on the ground, was already grinning. His red eyes burned brighter, his aura growing heavier and more oppressive than ever before. He slowly stood up, wiping blood from his mouth. "Come on, beast," he muttered, his voice was low and deadly. "You''re not the only one with a few tricks." he snickered. The bear in range unleashed another wave of its skill ''Maul Storm'', ws shing faster, trying to overwhelm him with sheer speed and ferocity. Each blow sent shockwaves through the forest, tearing apart trees, ripping chunks of earth from the ground. Alexander, now fully embracing his Berserker Instinct, blocked and countered as best he could, but the Werebear''s strength was immense. The ws tore into him, leaving new wounds that bled profusely, but each wound only seemed to fuel his power. With every strike the bearnded, Alexander''sughter grew louder. His body was covered in gashes, but the more damage he took, the stronger he became. [Berserker Instinct: Power increased by 30%.] He lunged forward, his fists were flying with brutality. His punches were like sledgehammers, cracking against the bears ribs and jaw, making it stagger. But the bear recovered quickly, swiping its ws again. This time, Alexander didn''t dodge. He took the full brunt of the attack, the ws digging deep into his shoulder, but instead of falling back, he grabbed the bear''s arm with his other hand, locking it in ce.N?v(el)B\\jnn Blood streamed from his wounds, but his grin was wide, his eyes glowing with savage delight. "Hurts, doesn''t it?" Alexander snarled, before mming his head into the bear''s snout. The impact sent a shockwave through the clearing, and the bear recoiled in pain, its nose cracked and bleeding. But Alexander wasn''t done. Using his enhanced strength, he lifted the massive beast off the ground, mming it into the earth with a sickening thud. The ground caved beneath the impact, creating a crater around them. The bear roared in fury, trying to rise, but Alexander was already on top of it, his fistsing down like meteors. Punch after punch, he drove his knuckles into the bear''s face and chest, each strike fueled by his bloodlust and fury. The ground beneath them shook violently, cracks like a spider-webbing out from where they fought. Trees fell, as the forest crumbling around them as the sheer force of their battle devastated everything in its path. The bear that was so desperate, activated its only skill again ''Maul Storm'', its ws iling wildly in an attempt to tear Alexander apart. But it was no use. Alexander was too far gone, his Berserker Instinct fully in control. He weed the pain, using it to fuel his relentless assault. Blood coated both of them, and the battlefield was littered with debris, the air was thick with the smell of blood and sweat. The bear''s strength was formidable, its regeneration keeping it in the fight, but Alexander''s power was growing with every second. His punches grew heavier, each onending with the force of an avnche. [Berserker Instinct: Power increased by 50%. Power is at Maxed Level] The system spoked in a cold voice. The Werebear groaned, its body finally showing signs of strain. Alexander, drenched in blood, let out a final primal roar, his fists crashing down with such force that the ground itself seemed to give way. The forest around them was unrecognizable, thendscape was torn apart by their battle, but Alexander stood victorious, his red eyes glowing as he looked down at the battered beast beneath him. The bear then died as it took its final breathed passing away. His red eyes that were glowing for a few minutes slowly returned to its true color, his mind bes clearer and finally it turns back to normal. Chapter 48 Werebear Vs Man Actually!! [You have killed a Werebear. You''ve gained 87,000 exp] The ''3,378th Archive''. Appeared on his sight again. Then the information about the beast he just killed appeared in front of him. [Werebear Description: This towering beast stands twice the size of a normal bear, making it a formidable opponent in the wild. Covered in matted, dark fur tangled with debris, its appearance is both wild and menacing. The Werebear''s eyes gleam with a fierce red light, showcasing its malevolent intelligence and raw power. Its massive frame is supported by muscr limbs and dagger-like ws, ready to tear through anything. A growl from this creature itself can send shivers down the spine of any adversary. At night, its strength increases by half, and under the full moon, its power is doubled, making it even more dangerous. Unique Skills: Rage of the Wild: When the Werebear''s health is low, this skill temporarily increases its strength and speed, while also regenerating a portion of its lost health. Its eyes glow a fierce red, and it emits a terrifying roar that intimidates nearby enemies, reducing theirbat effectiveness. Maul Storm: Unleashes a devastatingbo of w and bite attacks in rapid session, dealing massive damage and causing bleeding, which makes the opponent take damage over time.] Alexander reading this was stunned he actually just escaped death itself. If he was not wrong, if he fought this werebear at night he will struggle a little and if its in the full moon it will make him more serious and used his weapon which he also had the confidence to win. Reading the skills he finally understood why its strenght and overall stats increased so much its actually because it was nearing its death. Remembering the amount of exp he had gained, he then called the system to know the great changes is. [Status Experience: 62/18,000 Name: Alexander Ashbourne Free Points: 26 Title: {Traveller} {Saberwolf yer} Level: 17 Strength: 68 Speed: 65 Agility: 64 Dexterity: 49 Intelligence: 7 {Maximum is 10} Defense: 69 Charisma: 10 {MAX} Earnings: 102,005 Pesos Bnce: 4,227,168 Pesos Skills: {Heart Of Stone[UN], {Berserker Instinct} Techniques: {Serpents Coil}, {Vital Draw Technique} Weapons: {Infernal Fury}] Seeing his level that increased by 6 levels he was ectastic, he felt a cooling sensation as the injuries he had recieved slowly healing by his level up. It slowly patched up his wounds until the only thing left was his tropies after that battle. He was like a sandbag that was bullied by an animal since he had lots of scars, and bite marks. If normal person to see this, they would fell their scalps gone numb just from seeing what pain can a person feel if he had this kind of injuries. Alexander seeing the increased in his stats, he nodded in satisfaction as he felt that this mission would be much more easier than he anticipated. But what caught his eyes is one of his quest that had increased by 1. [Quest: Trial of Bloodlust] Description: To evolve Berserker Instinct to the next tier, you must embrace your bloodlust while maintaining control. Your ability to bnce power and rity will be put to the ultimate test. Quest Requirements: y a beast that is above level 30. [1/100] y a spirit beast. [0/5] Master the art of killing intent. [0/1] He can see that in one of its requirements the number actually increased by 1, so that means the werebear is actually level 30 or above which made him astonished. Find adventures at empire "I though that I could only fight some beast that is only in the 20s or above. I can actuallypete to those that is around level 30? So if I used my swords right now added by the increased in my level and my free points. My power must be able to confront those beast around level 40 and above." Alexander pondered if his strenght must be on par with those monster. He can''t tell since his level is only at level 17 but he can fough beast that is way ahead of him. "System can you make an update like you can show the level of the beast I defeat?" Alexander requested as the panel appeared in his sight. [Sure Host] The systemplied since it was meant to serve and apanies the host, since that is his function and program. Seeing his reply Alexander then got off from the beast, as he looked at its massive size wondering how tasteful it is. But he just shook his head since he was already full. Then the bush far away rustled and the little appeared on his sight, seeing him the little girl run to him with its delicate and small legs. "Mr, are you okay?" The little girl, spoke softly with a bit of childish tone. When she saw Alexander was fully covered by blood and the gruesome appearance of the bear, she did not show disgust and difort at all, but only gazed at him full of concerned.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om This warmed Alexander''s heart as he approached her, but did not get too closed since the blood and sweat is so stinky. "Let''s go to a nearby river so I can washed up, and you as well since you haven''t showered for a long time I guess" Alexanderugh as he caressed her small head. The little girl nodded as her big round eyes looked at him, with a happy expression seeing that the man who was good to him seems to be ok. Alexander then went to a nearby river, since when they were fighting they were already changing locations from the constant battle arriving to a ce that is closed to a running river. When they arrived Alexander then swam in the running river where the current is not really that strong and the water just only reached over his chest. As he removed the blood that was clinging to him, he lifted his head and saw that the little girl is clutching the hilt of her clothes. Her eyes were red, with a hint blush on her cheeks. Alexander wonder what is wrong with the little girl making him concerned. "Are you ok? Your face seems to be red, are you having a fever" Alexander said, as he stood up from the river where his body was draped with water. The scars and the water that drapes from his body downwards, showed his great physiques that could make any girls mouths dry. His like an indomitable model filled with irresistible charm, even the little girl seems to be affected. The little girl hearing Alexander spoke, she shook her head. "I''m fine Mr. I''ll go down now" she replied, as she slowly walked from the rocky river. When she step foot for a few steps she felt that the water became deep making her drowned. Alexander hurriedly assisted her holding him by her waist, the little girl was breathing heavily by almost drowning. Alexander held her up as he brought him to the surface where the water is not really deep. Having made contact the little girl blushed, his face reddened like a tomato. Alexander wondered why his face was so hot while his body was cold from the water. "Are you really alright?" Alexander asked again. "Yes Mr, I''m really fine" She replied. Alexander then swam back to where he was and continued cleaning himself. The little girl then also cleaned every inch of her body, she sshed her face with water, she also washed his hair and cleaned every inch of dirt and mud that is sticking onto his skin. Alexander feeling the stikcy feeling of the blood even though it was already gone, the feeling of the slimy thing was still there. "I should buy a soap next time for this reason" He though inwardly. As they were done since Alexander was shirtless he resurface with only his wet shorts. He did not need to dry it since he will not cold by his great resistance to cold and heat now, even a fever never likely going to happen to him. As he looked back the little girl clothes was so wet, she can see that her skin was actually white, her face was rosy and lively showing her cuteness. Just from this features her appearance will be a top notch beauty in the future. "You should dry your clothes" Alexander suggested, since she can''t just continue their jouney she will get a cold if she continued. The little girl nodded knowing this problem, she looked at Alexander and he gazed back at him. After a few moments the little girl face turned red. "Mr, can you give me space it''s embarassing" She uttered in a mosquesto voice as she looked down shyly. Alexander was stunned he could not help butugh inwardly from this, but he know that this was good since the little girl understood the difference between a man and a woman even though she was just a little child. "Ok, I''ll be waiting over there" Alexander replied with a smile as he gave the little girl some space. The little girl seeing him walking away, took her clothes off as she dried it in the big rock where the sun shone brightly on it. The heat was strong so it just only took 30 minutes to be dried but its still wet a little but still its good since it was much morefortable to wear. She then walked towards Alexander who was sitting with its back to the trees closing his eyes. His breath was calm and he seems to be resting, feeling the presence of life his eyelids open and stood up. "So you''re good to go?" Alexander inquired. "Yes Mr." The little girl replied with a huge smile. Alexander nodded then they went back to the main road to continue their walk, he nced at the lively girl and asked something that he seems to have forgotten. "I forgot to ask, what''s your name again?" Alexander spoked while they continue to walk. The little girl hearing the abrupt question replied, "My name is Anya Chalotra, Mr.""I see so it''s Anya, you don''t need to call me Mr. since that seems to be more respectful, just treat me as a brother and call me Alexan...Alex. Just call me Alex," Alexander replied with a smile. He stopped and decided to change his name to Alex since it would be cool that way."Big brother Alex," she spoke cutely as she looked at him with her big round eyes. None of them spoke as they continued to walk. As they traveled for about an hour, Anya stopped in her tracks and nced sideways. Alexander noticed this of course and nced at her. "Uncle, I remembered that tree over there. We are close to my ce now," Anya said excitedly as she pointed at the big tree, where its fruits were apple-shaped, but its color are like that of a grape. Chapter 49 Finally Arrived As Anya pointed toward the tree, she walked over to it, gently touching its bark and gazing up at the ripe fruit hanging above. Alexander followed closely behind, intrigued by the strange, otherworldly tree. "Is this even edible?" Alexander muttered to himself, eyeing the unusual fruit with suspicion. Anya sensing his curiosity, turned to him with excitement in her eyes, "Big brother, the fruit of this tree is really delicious! You should try it!" she eximed, her face lighting up with enthusiasm. Alexander looked at the bluish-purple apple in his hand, wondering what it would taste like. After all, it looked like an apple from his world but with a color more like a grape. "Well, here goes," he thought, trusting Anya''s excitement. With a small leap, he plucked the apple and took a small bite, hearing the familiar crunch of a juicy fruit. And as the vor hit his tongue, he chewed thoughtfully as his face remaining neutral, giving nothing away.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om The juice spread through his mouth, and the taste was surprisingly rich and sweet, with a slightly tangy aftertaste. Anya watched eagerly, her big eyes full of anticipation. Alexander took another bite, this time more forceful, "It''s... different, but in a good way," he finally said, nodding approvingly. "I thought so," Alexander mused to himself. "It''s just like an apple, only in a different color." The mystery was solved, and his mind was at ease. Anya, her eyes wide with curiosity, asked eagerly, "So, big brother, how is it? Is it good?" Alexander smiled and nodded, "Yes, it''s good," he said, still savoring the unique vor. Anya giggled softly, her innocent face lighting up with joy, "Big brother, let''s go to my ce now," she suggested, remembering something important. "Alright," Alexander agreed, letting her take the lead. The forest around them wasn''t too dense, and the bushes and vines were easy to navigate. After about ten minutes of walking, they reached the edge of the trees, and just beyond that, Alexander could see a small vige nestled in the distance. Seeing the vige in the distance, Anya''s excitement bubbled over. She stopped in her tracks and jumped up and down, with her face brighting with joy. "Big brother, that''s where I live!" she eximed, her voice full of longing and happiness. But her mood shifted slightly as she added, "Let''s go. I''m afraid my big sister is still worrying about me." Alexander hearing this nodded casually, and the two of them quickened their pace. They left the forest behind and entered the grassy area surrounding the vige. A dirt path, likely used by carriages and travelers, stretched out before them. As they walked closer, the vige came into sharper view. Alexander noticed the bad situation of the ce, since the houses was made from old, weathered wood, some of them with roofs even had holes in them. Leaving the homes vulnerable to both cold and heat. The sight gave him a sense of the vige''s simplicity, but also its struggle. As Alexander and Anya walked further into the vige, the people around them cast wary, untrusting nces in his direction. Their eyes were filled with suspicion, clearly not used to seeing strangers. Alexander noticed their reactions but paid little attention, since his focused instead was returning Anya safely to her home so he could continue with his mission. However, the vigers'' expressions changed when they saw Anya walking beside him. Shock and surprised filled their faces, as if they couldn''t believe she was back. They all though she died two days ago, it was really a surprised for him to survived. Alexander could feel their gazes on him, which is heavy and curious, as if they were trying to figure out who he was and what his intentions were. Anya, used to the vige''s watchful eyes, was unfazed. As they reached the center of the vige, Alexander noticed arge stone adorned with a ruby-like gem at its peak. It gave off a strange and unfamiliar energy, causing him to pause and study it for a moment. Suddenly, the sound of heavy breathing caught his attention. He turned to his right and saw a woman, her clothes were in tatters, her hair was unkempt, and her skin was smeared with dirt. She looked frail and malnourished, cause her bones were slightly visible beneath her thin frame. Despite her appearance, there was a certain intensity in her gaze as she looked at Anya, a mixture of relief and joy. The woman rushed toward them, her pace quick and unsteady. When Anya saw her, her face lit up with joy, tears streaming down her cheeks. Without hesitation, she ran to the woman with her arms outstretched. "Sister, little Anya missed you!" she cried as she dashed toward her. Find your adventure at empire The woman then knelt down and scooped Anya into her arms, holding her tightly as tears welled up in her own eyes. They clung to each other, with their sobs was the only sound in the vige square, as they savored their reunion. After a long moment, the woman put Anya down gently, her hands was trembling as she cupped her little sister''s rosy cheeks, checking her over with a deep sense of worry. "Anya, are you okay? Were you hurt? Did anything bad happen to you out there?" Her voice was thick with concern, as her tears falling freely again. "Please forgive me for leaving you behind. It was the only way for you to escape safely," she added, her guilt evident as she wiped away her tears. Anya shook her head vigorously, her eyes still filled with tears, but her smile was shining through. "No, big sister! I''m fine! Big brother Alex helped me, and I''m safe now." The woman turned to Alexander with her eyes filled with gratitude, but also a hint of uncertainty, as if still processing the presence of a handsome man Infront of him. Anya smiled warmly, pressing her face against her sister''s cheek tofort her. After a moment, she pulled back and reassured her, "Sister, I''m really fine. When you distracted the big bear, I managed to escape. I wandered the forest for two days, but luckily I met big brother Alexander. He helped me find my way back." As she finished speaking, Anya nced back at Alexander, who stood a few steps away, who was shirtless observing their reunion with a gentle smile. Her eyes widened as she took a good look at Alexander, she saw the scars covering his chest, the w marks, bite marks, and all sorts of wounds that told a story about a battle is deeply engraved in those. Despite his intimidating appearance, his expression was calm and there was kindness in his smile as he looked at her. For a moment she was lost in thought, wondering about the pain and hardships this man must have endured. Not knowing that Alexander, thanks to his berserker instinct the pain he felt was lowered due to its effects. But beyond the scars, she couldn''t help but notice his striking appearance, he was the most handsome man she have ever seen in her life. His smile was warm and reassuring, and she felt a deep sense of gratitude toward him. Aeloria blushed lightly as she received Alexander''s warm smile. Holding Anya''s small hand tightly, she stepped forward, her gratitude was evident. "Thank you for saving my little sister, Anya," she said softly. "I, Aeloria Luminara, am in your debt, Alex." She bowed slightly in appreciation, but Alexander gently stopped her helping her stand upright. "No need to bow," he said, shaking his head with a reassuring smile. "And please, just call me Alex, no need for formalities." Aeloria nodded, her heart filled with gratitude, while Anya smiled up at both of them, clearly happy to be reunited with her sister. Even though she was covered in dirt and grime, her natural beauty was undeniable. Her striking cat-like eyes, with their upward tilt at the corners, gave her a fierce and alluring look. Her hourss figure and graceful presence only added to her undeniable charm, even in such disheveled circumstances. Totally used to this, Alexander just appreciated it. This woman in front of him was so beautiful that her charm was even greater than that of the women in his world. "Is this just a normal girl in this world? It''s impossible to find this kind of high-quality girl from a vige, right?" Alexander wondered, as he held his chin. Feeling the intense gaze towards her, Aeloria was embarrassed, of course. Anya, who was beside her, shook her palm, making her nce at her. "Oh yeah, big sister, we don''t need to be afraid when gathering food and fruits right now. Big brother Alex just killed that bear into a pulp, avenging us!" she said with awe on her face, as she looked at her happily. Hearing this, Aeloria was stunned, "The Werebear is dead? That''s impossible! That beast is so powerful that even warriors are no match for it." she said inwardly with a shocked expression on her face her embarrassment was momentarily forgotten. Her gaze shifted to Alexander, and her eyes were wide with surprise and admiration. "You killed the Werebear?" she asked, her voice was a mix of disbelief and gratitude. Alexander scratched the back of his head, feeling a bit awkward with all the attention. "Is that bear famous in this ce?" He said inwardly. "It wasn''t that big of a deal," he said modestly. "I just happened to be there at the right time." he continued. Anya, who was still full of excitement tugged on her sister''s hand, "Big brother Alex fought it like a hero, sister! You should have seen it too!" Aeloria nced between her sister and Alexander, her heart swelling with relief and gratitude. "I don''t know how to thank you enough," she said softly. "That beast has been terrorizing the vige for weeks, making it dangerous to even leave for food. You''ve done more than just saving Anya, you''ve saved us all from some trouble." Aeloria said with gratitude again. "There''s no need to thank me," he said, shaking his head with a smile. "I''m just d I could help." "Can I ask, if it''s not inappropriate, are you and Anya rted by blood? Since yourst names seem to be different," Alexander asked, looking at Aeloria''s face. Hearing his inquiries, her face turned serious and then changed to sadness. She was about to reply when suddenly a bunch of footsteps sounded in the surroundings. Looking at the source of the sound, she bowed her head as the man, who seemed to be in his fifties, arrived near her. "Aeloria, who is this gentleman over here?" he said without any dillydallying, trying to get to the point. "Vige Chief good afternoon to you, this gentleman here is named Alex. He''s the one who saved and helped Anya, my little sister, back here," she greeted and replied, as she stopped bowing her head. The man just nodded his head and looked at Alexander, "What is your purpose ining to our vige? Since Ariana vige is located in the innermost part of this ind, it''s impossible for you to have no objective ining here whatsoever," he said, his eyes glowing with red light as he looked at Alexander. Alexander looked at the man who seemed to be in his fifties, a middle-aged man you could say. He was a man in his fifties with a sturdy, average build. His ck hair was slightly peppered with gray andbed neatly, showcasing a bit of receding hairline. His face was marked byugh lines and a hint of weathering, reflected a life well-lived full of vitality. He had warm brown eyes and a neatly trimmed beard that added a touch of good living. His skin was light tan, and his attire was simple yet tidy. There were no tattered clothes, which made Alexander narrow his eyes. But hearing the sentence in the man''sst statement, his mouth was in awe. Sadly, his expression remained stoic as ever. "I finally arrived," he thought inwardly, what a coincidence that Anya is actually one of the inhabitants of this ce. Chapter 50 Suspicious Seeing his nk expression, which seemed like he hadn''t heard him, the man frowned in dissatisfaction. "Young man, did you not hear what I said?" he spoke again in a cold voice. Alexander, who was back in his thoughts, nced at the middle-aged man''s face, who seemed to be the vige chief of this ce. "Well, for my objective I''m actually a mercenary, you can say. I epted a mission about some strange happenings in this vige," Alexander replied, looking at the vige chief''s face. Hearing his statement, the vige chief just stared at him intently he then looked back. "We have no more homes for you to sleep in, also we have no more food and clothing to offer for you. So, it''s up to you if you still want to do the mission," he said as he walked away, leaving the three of them. Alexander didn''t leave his gaze towards the vige chief. He looked at him intently. Since he felt that the vige chief was so weird he does not know it but, he can feel it. Aeloria, who was in front of Alexander, was embarrassed by their chief''s behavior. Find adventures on empire She looked back and nced at Alexander in the face, "Sorry about that, Alexander. I think the chief is just so overwhelmed from the problems that this vige is going through, right now" she said softly. Alexander just shook his hands, telling her not to mind it, "If you don''t have a ce to stay, you can just stay at my house, but it''s not afortable ce. That is, if you want to," she said in a mosquito voice, since this was her first time inviting a man into her home. Hearing this, Alexander was happy. Of course, as long as he could stay in this vige andplete the mission, then there was no problem. "Sure, I can go and live in your ce for now. If it''s okay to you that is," he replied with a bright smile.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om "You''re very wee. Let''s go now, since they''ve been eyeing at us for a while now" Aeloria replied, with a slight smile, as they began to walk away. The stares of the vige people were not leaving his figure, but he didn''t care, "Oh, yeah, about your vige chief, there''s something I want to ask," he said while they were on the verge of traveling. "Sure, if there is something on your mind, you can ask," she replied, holding Anya''s palm afraid to lose it again. "About your vige chief, is there something strange about him?" he said with his brows upwards. Aeloria narrowed her eyes when she heard this, "There''s nothing strange about our vige chief, but..." her voice trailed off in the end. "But what?" Alexander said with a scrutinizing gaze. "Well, I don''t know what to say because, our vige chief is always a cheerful and a weing type of person. But this attitude changed about three weeks ago. And this is when those beasts started to attack and raid our vige nonstop. We don''t know what the specific reason for this sudden change, but I think it''s just because he was tired" she said lost in her thoughts. "But even though his attitude changed, our vige chief''s heart is still pure as ever. Sometimes he offered us food so we don''t starve, making him our savior in this time of crisis," Aeloria uttered, feeling grateful for their chief''s heroic deeds. But to Alexander, this didn''t sound right at all, "Helping? Giving away food to the starving? The story doesn''t add up at all," he muttered inwardly. From his observation, the vige chief was more than meets the eye. If they were in a time of crisis, why was everyone in the vige was starving and looked so malnourished? And why was he the only one who seemed so healthy and full of vitality? Also, where did his foode from? His clothes didn''t even have any grime or tatters. It seemed like he wasn''t under any poverty at all. Alexander racked his mind, wondering what that vige chief was hiding, but decided to put it aside for now since he still had a lot of time before the mission ended. Suddenly, he saw that Aeloria stopped in her tracks, making him stand still as well. "We have arrived," Aeloria spoke, as she looked back towards him. Seeing where they lived Alexander felt bad from the both of them, the house appears to be an old, abandoned wooden structure. Its roof is made of wooden shingles, many of which are missing or damaged, indicating significant wear and tear. The walls are constructed from horizontal logs, also weathered and deteriorating and some parts are even missing. Making any animals or insects to have ess to the ce. There''s a single window on the left side, and an open doorway in the center. Surrounding this house are big trees. When they got inside, Alexander could see that there was really not a lot of things inside. There was only a firece for cooking food, and a single mud pot for making soups or boiling water and some bowls and spoons. In the corner, there was a bed a crude one at that. It consisted of uneven splintered nks of wood randomly arranged and barely held together. There was no mattress, just a thinyer of straw that did little to soften the hardness of the wood beneath. The bed seemed more like a rough tform, providing a slight elevation off the ground but offering littlefort at the least. Seeing Alexander inspecting the ce, she was embarrassed, since this was the only thing she could offer. "I''m very sorry if this wasn''t what you were expecting. It''s just that life is so hard these days," she said, with her cheeks red. Alexander just smiled at this and didn''t feel like it was bad at all. When he was thrown away, he always slept in the streets. At that time he even almost died from the cold weather. Every night, he could only think of a solution, and this was what drove him to work in order to live in afortable ce. Even though it was hard at first after getting the hold of it, like picking up trash and selling it. he made a small house in the garbage camp, making him at least fell at ease. But it did not end their after a few weeks some homeless person took his home driving him away. He couldn''t fight the man since there were two of them, and he was so young at that time. With his weak strength, what could he do? So, he could only leave unwillingly even though he''d made that small house from garbage stuff. It took him weeks to make it sofortable. So, this time he doubled his work, and after umting much money, he finally lived in a small rental house that he could pay for 500 pesos each month. Even though the space was small, there was no electricity, and the rental room was filled with cobwebs, spiders, and cockroaches, he was happy to have a roof over his head. He still felt happy since he now had a sense of home. So after a few years, he finally had a stable job as a construction worker. Even though he was still young, the foreman didn''t really want to ept him, but after begging him for hours, he gave him work that paid him about 100 pesos every day. Since his work wasn''t a heavy load type of job, the only thing he needed to do was assist the workers. Reminiscing these memories, he couldn''t help but sigh at how hard life had been for him, "Don''t worry about it. I''ve tried living in the streets when I was young, if you want to know," he said, while pursing his lips. Aeloria just made a low giggle as she looked at Alexander without any shirt to cover his upper body, "Don''t you feel cold? Wait, I have a boy''s shirt in here. I wonder if you can wear this," she said as she exited the house and went just beside the her home. There was a small thin rope, probably for hanging clothes. That is tied from two trees facing each other. She took a brown T-shirt that was made of low-quality fabric. It wasn''t dirty, since she''d washed it and left it hanging there. Aeloria then went back inside and passed the clothes towards Alexander. He didn''t waste any time and wore the T-shirt that was given to him. Even though the clothes were of low quality and felt a little rough against his skin, he didn''t feel any difort at all. "Um, Alexander, could you please take care of Anya for a while? I haven''t showered for two days because I''ve been looking for Anya, making me so dirty and stinky. Could you take care of her for a while, while I clean myself? It won''t be long," she said, looking down. Her face was red, mentioning this kind of stuff, while she caressing her shoulders. "Sure, you can leave Anya with me while you go. Don''t worry, she''s a well-behaved child," he replied with a smile, as he took Anya''s hands from her palm. Aeloria thanked him, then went out of the house. Since it was afternoon, the bright sun was still hanging high above the sky. Anya then let go of his hands and went into the bed, closing her eyes. Feeling her calm breaths, he smiled slightly. "This little girl must be tired after all that walking," he muttered inwardly, afraid of disturbing the little girl''s slumber. Alexander then went out and observed the ce. The house was located on the far side of the vige, nestled close to a tall rocky mountain. This location was dangerous, since if an earthquake urred, it would destroy the ce, or possibly some lives might be taken away in the process. The ce was surrounded by trees, and if possible, some beasts might attack this area, since this location was already in the wild. Alexander then circled the house, and after that, he jumped to a tree, wanting to see the surroundings clearly. So he tried to hop from tree to tree, and now he got a good idea of his surroundings. Then he saw that there was a flowing river located close to him. Hopping for just a few more trees and standing in a branch, the flowing river was clean and spotless. And what caught his sight was that there was a woman there, cleaning the grime and dirt from her wless body. He could clearly see her unclothed appearance from up here. Alexander couldn''t help but swallow a mouthful of saliva on his throat, seeing this scene. The way her hand moved gracefully from her chest and abdomen all the way down to her knees and toes. Her plump breasts swayed gently. He even saw her pink nipples from up here, making him dazed. When Aeloria changed position and was now longer facing his direction, and he could almost see her garden, with that he hurriedly left, afraid that what he was doing right now was clearly wrong. Aeloria, who nced at her surroundings warily, as if someone was looking at her, suddenly felt a chill run down her spine. "Is it just my imagination?" she frowned, as she continued cleaning herself in the river. While Alexander went his way back to the house, after arriving, he went inside and sat just a few steps away from Anya, who was asleep. He sat in a lotus position and decided to cultivate. As he gathered the energy using the Vital Gathering Technique, there were no changes since he felt that the energy here was so thin. Even his world was much better than this world. But there was something different, other than the energy he was absorbing. An energy that was different and seemed to be a bluish color that''s in the shape of a string, was surrounding the area. He didn''t know what it was since the energy he was familiar with was totally different from this. chapter 51 Anyas Dark Past Just to be safe, he didn''t absorb that bluish energy, but only the regr energy which he usually absorbed. After a few minutes, there were still no changes, and he felt a shadow cast across his face. After opening his eyes, he saw that Aeloria was already done with her routine. "Sorry if I took a long time. The dirt and grime were sticking so hard to my skin that it took me a while to get it off," Aeloria said with a blush on her face. Alexander just shook his hands, telling her not to mind it. Remembering the scene, he could not help blush from what he had done. "Let''s go outside. Anya seems to be sleeping. Let''s not disturb her by making noise," he said in a low voice. Aeloria nodded her head as she took the first step to exit the small wooden house. When they were outside, they went to a table where there were two seats made out of rock. Alexander sat down while Aeloria sat in the opposite direction, so they were now facing each other. Alexander gazed at her intently. She was actually much more beautiful when there was no dirt and mud covering her. She was a beauty that even Alexander was taken back by the huge change. If she was back in his world, every entertainmentpany would likely hire her for an unimaginable price. "Oh yeah, you didn''t give me any reply when I asked you this earlier. Is it okay to ask? Are you and Anya rted by any chance?" Alexander asked remembering, since theirst names were totally different. Hearing his question, she was saddened, and her brows trembled slightly, "Well, I think you already know that me and Anya aren''t really rted. I believed that you already know why her parents died, right?" she asked, looking into his eyes. Alexander nodded and replied, "Yes, she said that her father died during a hunting trip when he was attacked by some beast, while her mother died of an illness," he stated, recounting the story Anya had told him back their. Hearing this, her eyes trembled, and a deep sigh escaped her mouth. Alexander, seeing her expression, couldn''t help but think that this wasn''t really the case at all. "Actually, that story wasn''t true about his father dying. They were killed by bandits when he was out hunting for food. The vigers witnessed that they offered him a chance to live if he gave his wife which is Anya''s mother, to them to be their ything to pass the time. Her father retaliated, but those bandits were stronger, killing him in the process," she said, her voice trembling, thinking about Anya''s life experiencing the loss of love ones as a child. "After that, her mother and Anya were left, but did the bandits leave them? No, they didn''t. One bandit went to their house, and one of the vigers heard their conversation. He said that if she didn''t follow instructions to go to their ce every day, her daughter would be implicated in this trouble. Aunt was so scared at that time that she had no choice but toply, and the vigers were too weak to handle this," she uttered, clenching her teeth. Alexander frowned at this. The story was actually darker than it seemed, "What is the condition that those bandits gave to keep her daughter safe in return?" he said, his voice bing heavier. "You already know what those conditions are, since what do disgusting men want from a woman anyway? Because Aunt was so beautiful that those bandits couldn''t resist at all. They offered her to serve all of their people back in theirir. She could only resign herself to her fate unwillingly, since Anya was the only thing left for her. She then followed what they instructed. She left early and told me, if it was okay, to take care of Anya while she went to ''work''. She didn''t know that I knew where she was going, and I tried to stop her, but her mind was already made up. At night, when it was dark, and Anya was asleep, a knock came. When I saw it was Aunt, I cried just by seeing her appearance. Her face was so red and pale that it felt like she was out of breath. Enjoy new adventures from empire Her clothes were tattered, and there were many whip marks on her body. Her smile was still hanging on her face, and she looked at me with her eyes that were devoid of any life. Looking down, I could see that her lower part was bleeding continuously, as she fell toward me, gasping for breath," Aeloria said, her eyes were deep red, while gritting her teeth in rage. A line of tears began to fall down her face. Alexander''s face was calm, but his heart was thumping heavily. His emotions were dormant, but they calmed down suddenly, as if he wasn''t affected at all. But one word appeared in his mind, which is to exact "Revenge." Imagine a happy life with your family being ruined for their own amusement. It was something only a madman could do. It was even worse than a devil itself. "Every morning when I woke up, I could see that Aunt was smiling, looking at me, trying tofort me, telling me she was feeling better than ever before. She then left before Anya could wake up, and when she returned that night, she was in terrible condition again. Her lower part was still bleeding, which greatly affected her health. Every night she came back, more injuries seemed to appear. Her face wasn''t affected, since that''s what the bandits were after. I even saw that her nipples were bitten off, making her cry out in pain when she tried to sleep. This torture kept going on for months, until she got so sick she couldn''t walk anymore but still keep going. Her stomach was now bulging, and she was impregnate by those bastards at that time, but they didn''t care about it, as they kept ying with Aunt. As days passed, she became seriously ill, making a slight move impossible she can only lie down to her sickbed, and she passed away not long after, filled with bad memories of torture," Aeloria sobbed. Her tears kept falling from her eyes, and she even choked sometimes as she told this story. Alexander clenched his hands to a fist and swore in his heart that before he left, he must avenge Anya''s parents so their souls could finally pass away with no resentment. "I''m sorry for asking about this," he spoke. He hadn''t known that by asking this question, he was bringing back those bad memories. Aeloria wiped the tears on her face and tried to make a smile, "Don''t worry about it. Since you know Anya, knowing this is information is good," she said softly. "But how did Anya not know about this situation?" he asked, narrowing his gaze. Aeloria just sighed and replied, "That''s because Aunt kept this a secret from her, afraid that she would hold resentment in her heart. At that time, when Aunt was leaving, Anya had been looking for her, and she could only see her in the middle of the night, tired and sleepy, so she had no idea. After that month, she only saw her for the first time not leaving their home, which is when she was sick. So those were theirst moments before Aunt passed away," she said, as she hung her head. "But that was a very long time ago. It''s been a year since her parents died," she continued. Alexander nodded his head as he asked another serious question, "They dide back?" His voice was calm as he said this. Aeloria nodded her head in fear and replied, "When Aunt passed away after a year. They came back, and one of them turned their target on me and gave me the same option as Aunt. I was so angry and scared at the same time, but I treated Anya as my little sister, starting from when she was just a child, since Aunt always helped me when I was young back then. So I agreed to their request, and just by seeing his ugly smile made me so enraged," she said, her nostrils ring with anger. "But luckily, that day was the start of the trouble. This is when the beasts started attacking the vige. So, when the bandits heard this, they tried to go near the area to capture both me and Anya, but because of therge amount of beasts that were being attracted by our vige, they fled in fear and never bothered me again in the past three weeks," she said in relief, but the death of their vige because of the cmity made her not happy about this. Alexander couldn''t help but sigh in relief, since Aeloria didn''t experience what Anya''s mother went through, since it could have been a disaster and a dark memory to be remembered. His eyes then narrowed as he asked something, "Did your vige chief not do anything when this happened?" "No, he''s powerless at that moment. Since if he wants to partake in it, all of the vigers will also be caught in the spiral as well," she replied, answering Alexander''s question. "Powerless?" he muttered inwardly, deep in thought. He sensed that the vige chief was more than meets the eye. His gut told him that the chief wasn''t normal, since he felt something weird about him. But since his mission was to find the culprit, then the old man was his first suspect. Alexander then stood up, wanting to investigate the reason why these beasts were attracted to this vige. Seeing him stand, Aeloria nced at him, wondering what he wanted to do. Seeing her questioning look, he smiled at her of course, "I''ll be out and investigate. I''ll be back, and you don''t need to gather food for today, since it will be dangerous at this time. I''ll return bringing lunch," he said with a smile. He then diverted his nce to the forest and walked his way, bidding farewell. Aeloria was about to say something, but he had already walked in. She was worried that bad things must happen to him, but when she remembered Anya telling her about how he single-handedly dealt with a werebear, she calmed down a bit, but the worry was still there. Alexander, who was inside the ce checking the area, hopped from tree to tree, circling the vige. He didn''t feel anything abnormal at all. After circling the area, there were no beasts, but only animals that were not ferocious. And only herbivores were found. "What''s the source of this trouble?" he muttered, deep in thought. After hanging in the tree for about an hour and seeing that the sun was about to set, he decided to return. But first, he needed to bring lunch. He directed his way to the river, from where Aeloria had cleaned herself. If he was right, that river must be filled with fish. After hopping like a ninja, leaving afterimages from tree to tree, he arrived at the serene river. Alexander then jumped down from above. As his feet touched the ground, he only took off his shorts and T-shirt so his clothes wouldn''t get wet. Yes, he wouldn''t get cold, but sleeping in wet clothes was ufortable don''t you think?n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om With just his boxer shorts, he then went into the water, which reached over his waist only. He focused his attention on the clean water. And he could even see its bottom, making it easy for him to spot the fish that were swimming merrily, not knowing the impending danger is closing in on them. With a shoot of his arms through the water, the speed was so fast that it caught the fish. With a grip the fish couldn''t get away, it felt like it was being held by an iron grip that no amount of movement could make its body free. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 53 Chaoter 52 Eating a good meal When he felt the water was nowhere anymore, it tried to wiggle in retaliation, but it was useless. Alexander just looked at the fish in amusement and threw it offshore. The ripples he created were so strong that they scared the fish in the river. "You better hide little fishy," he muttered with his tongue licking his lips. Then he disappeared from his spot, appearing to the fish that thought he was safe. When it felt that its body was being gripped, removing its freedom to move, then felt the river water was gone and it was flying to thend, it jumped crazily trying to breathe. Alexander did this repeatedly, catching 10 fish in no time. Just five fish were already enough for a three-family household since the size he caught was over 18-20 cm tall, which is big. [You killed level 2 Fish. You''ve gained 0 exp] [You killed level 1 Fish. You''ve gained 0 exp] [You killed level 1 Fish. You''ve gained 0 exp] [You killed level 1 Fish. You''ve gained 0 exp] [You killed level 2 Fish. You''ve gained 0 exp] Seeing this notification, he nodded because the system really did what he wanted to do, it is to show the killed beast and animal levels when being unalive. He didn''t feel anything by getting 0 exp points, since he knew that his level was high and killing a fish wouldn''t increase it. Alexander then walked back ashore, donning his clothes. He took the fish from the ground and carried it all back to his current home. The sun was already not visible in the sky, and the ce was already dark. When he arrived, he saw that Anya was ying by using a stick to draw something in the ground. ncing sideways and seeing the figure of a man walking towards her, she was scared, but seeing his face, she smiled brightly and shouted. "Big Sister! Big Brother Alex is back with lots of fishhh!" she said excitedly, throwing the stick in her arms far away as she ran towards Alexander. Hearing this, a woman inside the house walked out. Seeing Alexander with lots of fish, she was surprised. She hurriedly walked towards him and looked at the fish in his arms in a closer view. "This is a lot," she said with amazement. This food in front of her was something she could only dream of having. Alexander just smiled at this, "Give this to me, Alex since you were the one who caught it. I''ll cook it for you to eat," Aeloria spoke softly, she''s like a housewife talking to her husband. He nodded and passed the fish to her. After taking it, she began to skin it using a knife made from sharp metal. Although the de seemed overused and had lost some of its sharpness, Aeloria was already ustomed to it, making her cut the food with ease. She then walked behind the house to wash it. Over there was arge container made of stone, dug into the ground. This stone basin, carved out and filled with water, served as their makeshift washbasin. Alexander, seeing this, didn''t know that there was actually clean water there. She then cleaned the fish and after cutting it, she went inside and made a fire. Of course, Alexander was outside during this period, just sitting at the table with Anya sitting on hisp while ying with a wooden stick. Discover hidden content at empire He yed with his hair making it a ponytail and other kind of hairstyle, but of course only the basic ones since his not really a hairstyler. Then he smells a sweet aroma inside the house, Alexander saw that the surrounding ce was dark, so he decided to lighten up the ce. Since it was also a great way to scare any kind of animal in radius. Using a branch, he lit up the stick making a small fire until it began to grow in size. Now the ce was much brighter than before. When he stood up from the campfire, he saw that Aeloria was holding the cooking pot, made of mud, all the way to the table. Alexander then stood up and assisted her. He took the hot pot and put it on the table. Aeloria then went back inside and took three bowls and two spoons. She only had two spoons since it was just the two of them. She tried giving a spoon to Anya and Alexander. But Alexander declined since Aeloria would be spoon less. And since the soup made out of fish inside was hot, how could she blow on it? Should she blow from the bowl? Then it would take a long time. No matter how much she tried to give it away, Alexander declined, making her stop and decide to use the spoon. As Aeloria took each bowl and poured it with a bowl of fish soup, by just opening the lid, the delicious aroma wafted in the air. Making Alexander''s stomach grumble in hunger, hearing this, Aeloria just smiled and giggled at the same time. Making her look cute, while on the other hand, Anya wasughing as she pointed at Alexander''s stomach. "Hahaaha, Big Brother Alex stomach can''t wait to taste Big Sister''s fish soup," sheughed softly. Her voice was a good ring in his ears. "Yeah, yeah. Your big brother is hungry," he said with augh, not embarrassed at all. As Aeloria ced the bowl of soup in front of him, Alexander then first blew on it and sipped on the broth. He was amazed. As Alexander took his first sip of the soup, he was immediately captivated by its otherworldly taste. The broth was rich and savory, yet it had a subtle sweetness that danced on his tongue. The vors wereyered, with hints of tangy berries and aromatic herbs that mingled perfectly with the delicate fish. He couldn''t help but take another sip, savoring theplexity of the vors that seemed to transport him to a different world. "Aeloria, this soup is incredible. Why is it so delicious?" Alexander asked, his curiosity was piqued. Aeloria just smiled, she was very pleased with his reaction, "The secret is in the ingredients?" she began. "To tell you I use Glow Berries, to add a unique tangy sweetness. If you want to know they grow in sunny meadows and are known for their enchanting vor. For seasoning, well I added Spice Seeds, which give it that aromatic depth and a hint of licorice. And of course, Earth Root, a root vegetable that adds a subtle sweet aroma to the broth. All these ingredientsbined create a harmonious blend that makes the soup taste so special." she spoked. Aeloria couldn''t help but feel proud seeing the two finish her delicious meal. She began organizing the bowls and spoons on the table, but Alexander wanted to help and she stopped him. She then went behind the wooden house where the clean water was used to clean the used utensils. Aeloria then called Anya to clean up so they could finally get a good night''s sleep. Anya listened to her big sister without saying anything. She was very cooperative. While Alexander, was full and satisfied, and was already up the tree sitting on its branch with his back against the bark. He gazed up and looked at the bright full moon. He nced at the two of them ying and enjoying the moment. Looking back at the sky, he couldn''t help but smile. "I can only be with them for a few weeks. It''s better to clear any threats and problems to ensure their safety before I go home," Alexander thought to himself. Aeloria and Anya then went inside the house. Aeloria took some clothes to cover Anya up so she wouldn''t get cold. "Anya, go to sleep for now. The night is going to be long," Aeloria smiled as she squeezed Anya''s cheeks, which were very fluffy like a cat. She then scanned the ce and Anya saw that Alexander was not there. "Big Sister, where is Big Brother Alex?" she mumbled in a low voice. Hearing her, Aeloria also scanned the ce. She was about to stand up on the bed and look for him when a figure of a man became visible in the doorway. It was none other than Alexander. "Big Brother Alex, are you also going to sleep beside Anya?" Anya asked, looking at Alexander in the eye. Alexander hearing this, was stunned. He then nced towards Aeloria who lowered her head while blushing. Her cheeks were in a shade of red. He was about to decline when he heard her speak up. "It''s... fine if you want... to," she said in a mosquito voice while her eyes didn''t meet his gaze. Hearing this, Alexander swallowed a mouthful of saliva. He could see her posture, which was really hot, added by her embarrassed and flirtatious actions. But Alexander could see that the bed was not really that big. If he decided to sleep in there, then skin contact would happen with just a slight movement, and also, he can''t just let Aeloria and Anya feel ufortable since the space was not that wide for the three of them. "Oh, don''t worry about it, I''ll just go and sleep outside. Don''t worry about it. Good night!" he said in a rxing tone as he waved his hands and looked back, closing the door. Seeing him leave the house and not ept her suggestion, she sighed in relief. Since she knew that if he did get in, she couldn''t sleep in that situation since he was a man and she was a woman. But there''s some kind of loss deep down. "Am I not beautiful?" she mumbled inwardly, but shook this thought away as she hugged Anya, and both of them closed their eyes and went to sleep. Alexander, who was outside, was deep in thought. When he was inside, he could feel that the gust of cold wind was entering the house. Since there were a lot of holes, and if there was rain, it would be bad because they couldn''t sleep if that happened.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om "I should fix the house tomorrow, cover the roof and walls. Since cold is not only the problem, bugs, insects, and beasts are also a problem," he mumbled inwardly. After walking for a few steps, he slightly bent his knees and sprung upwards. He thennded above the tree. He sat in a lotus position as he began cultivating his technique, [Vital Drawing Technique] was now activated. The strings of energy in the surrounding area were absorbed by him. He can still feel the presence of the bluish-string of energy. But he doesn''t know what this is. He even tried to attract it towards him to absorb it, but what if it''s some kind of weird and dangerous energy? Since he cannot take a risk, he just put that aside, as he cultivates normally. At this time, there''s no unusual thing that happened that night as the day passed. As he opened his eyes, he felt that his power increased by only 10%, making him frown. The energy here is really rtively low, making his cultivation so slow. He then gazed up at the sky and saw that the moon was about to set. So he stood up and decided to find some breakfast for their morning food. As the gust of wind brushed towards him, he vanished in the spot, hopping from tree to tree. Chapter 54 Beast Attacks His breath was heavy as he ran like crazy in the path leading to Aeloria''s ce. Alexander, with his keen senses, heard this of course. So, he stopped eating and nced at that direction. Sensing him stop, Aeloria was confused, so she also shifted her gaze and saw a man she was familiar with. It was a man that seemed like a middle-aged one. He was malnourished with unkept hair, and his face was filled with ck lines and dark circles. "Aeloria, this is an emergency, the beasts are invading again. Hurry and gather at the vige chief''s ce," the man shouted, as he increased his pace. When he arrived, he saw something that surprised him, "This, where did she have this much food?" he mumbled inwardly. But when he saw there was a man, which he clearly remembered yesterday who apanied Anya back, he realized this man must be a hunter. Now this clearly exins the situation. Seeing his expression, which was terrified a while ago, and his hasty voice, she panicked as well so she did not finish her meal. "Alex, we should hurry now, the beast is attacking the vige again," she uttered as she held Anya''s hands strongly as she stood up from her seat. Alexander did not dilly-dally as well and stood up. Even though he was not afraid, his mission was to protect the vige. Even if there was no mission involving saving the lives of the vigers, he would still help. "Sure, let''s go now," he replied as all of them left the ce. As they ran down the path leading to the vige, three wolves suddenly appeared in their sight. The beasts bared their teeth, snarling with menace. Anya, Aeloria, and the man were terrified at the sight of the wolves. As the wolves pounced, fear gripped them, and they instinctively stepped back. The man, was frozen in panic, he even stumbled and fell to the ground. Anya, however, remained calm, watching without fear, knowing they would be alright. She was right. As one of the wolves lunged, Alexander moved like a bullet, swinging his arm. His blow struck the wolf''s face, which distorted as the sickening sound of flesh tearing filled the air. The other two wolves, who are still in mid-air, were momentarily stunned. But Alexander wasted no time. He turned to the next wolf and delivered a powerful uppercut to its chest, sending it flying upwards. In one swift motion, he kicked the wolf in its exposed side,unching it like a broken toy into a nearby tree. The force of the impact shattered its spine. It took exactly three seconds as the three of them died, without even having the chance to fight back. Alexander then motioned them to continue running. The two were shocked from how fast he was to clear these three beasts. [You killed a level 5 silver wolf. You''ve gained 3 exp] [You killed a level 6 silver wolf. You''ve gained 4 exp] [You killed a level 5 silver wolf. You''ve gained 3 exp] "Is this man a warrior? Finally we are saved for now," he said, filled with happiness as he trembled with excitement. "He''s actually this strong," Aeloria mumbled with an astonishing expression. Without thinking any further, they pressed on toward the vige. When Alexander and the others arrived, they saw a horrifying sight, beasts were attacking from all sides, they are too many to be counted. The bodies of the vigersy scattered on the ground, their organs and flesh torn were apart and being devoured by the beasts. Alexander spotted a variety of creatures like, wolves, bears, flying monsters, and even snakes. His brow furrowed as he wondered what could be attracting such a diverse horde to this ce. As he gazed at the lifeless bodies of the vigers, a surge of anger welled up inside him, and his killing intent red. He fought to keep control, knowing it would be dangerous to lose himself to rage now. "Go and gather in a safe ce. I''ll handle this," Alexander said, his voice steady as he moved swiftly, disappearing within seconds. Aeloria was about to speak, but Alexander had already vanished from her sight. She just nodded and led the group to safety. Nearby, a man was desperately crawling on the ground, tears streaming down his face as he clutched his injured thigh, which had been savagely scratched by sharp ws. As he struggled to survive, a flying creature that is part crow, part eagle, swooped down toward him. Hearing its screech from above, he knew his time hade. "I lived a good life," he muttered, closing his eyes as the creature''s ws closed in on him. Continue your journey with empire Suddenly, Alexander appeared in a gust of wind. With a punch carrying the force of at least 30,000 pounds, he struck the creature in the chest, sending it hurtling like a cannonball. It crashed into the ground, leaving a trail of dirt in its wake. [You killed a level 11 Skyhawk. You''ve gained 11 exp.] The man, realizing he had been saved, was about to express his gratitude. But before he could, Alexander was already gone, moving like lightning as he massacred every beast in his path. It seemed as if he was teleporting, appearing at each creature that crossed his sight, leaving destruction in his wake. Alexander moved like a phantom, crushing his enemies each time he appeared. A silver wolf lunged at him, but with a single punch, the beast was sent flying. A snake attempted to coil around him, but he casually sidestepped and grabbed its tail. With a powerful grip, he swung the snake like a whip. As the snake''s massive body spin through the air in a circr motion, it mmed into the two silver wolves and the Skyhawk that were charging at him, causing them to stumble backward. Alexander then yanked the snake''s tail, pulling its head toward him in a daze. In a precise motion, he raised his right hand and brought it down with immense force, like a hammer. The blow struck the snake''s head, pinning it to the ground. The earth trembled under the impact, sending shockwaves and causing the ground to quake. Suddenly, Alexander spotted an old woman running slowly, he can see that she was being pursued by three wild boars, each muchrger than normal. Their sharp tusks glistened, and it was clear that one strike could end the woman''s life. "You dare!!!" Alexander roared, his voice booming. His feet mmed into the ground, creating cracks like a spider''s web, and he shot forward like a bullet, closing the distance in an instant. Alexander reached the boar closest to the old woman just in time. With a powerful kick, he struck its exposed side, sending it flying like a car hit by a truck. Without hesitation, he twisted his waist and swung his leg sideways, striking the two other boars that were still stunned. The impact collided with their heads, mming them together as they tumbled across the ground. "Are you alright, ma''am?" Alexander asked, concerned. The old woman turned and smiled warmly, reaching out to gently touch his cheek, "Young man, I''m fine. Thank you for saving these old bones of mine," she said gratefully. Alexander just smiled back, "You should head to a safe ce now, I can''t stay with you this time," he replied, his eyes scanning the bushes and trees where more beasts were emerging. The old woman nodded, "Take care, young man," she said, continuing her slow walk away. Without a second thought, Alexander sprinted toward the approaching wave of beasts, fearless and relentless. The system chimed in his mind: [Berserker Instinct activated]. His eyes glowed a bloodthirsty red, and his killing intent flooded the area. Most beasts would normally hesitate or flee, but not this time. These creatures held their ground, stunning him for a brief moment. With no time to reconsider, Alexander charged into the fray, confronting the beasts head-on. The first beast lunged at Alexander, a monstrous boar with tusks as sharp as spears. Alexander just sidestepped with lightning speed, his fist crashing into the boar''s side with the force of a runaway train. The beast let out a pained roar as it was sent flying, crashing into a tree with a sickening thud. Before he could catch his breath, another beast, a wolf-like creature with glowing eyes pounced on him. Alexander didn''t flinch. Instead, he delivered a powerful uppercut, sending the wolf sprawling back, its body convulsing from the impact. He spun around just in time to dodge the ws of a third beast, a massive bear with fur like steel. Alexander''s fists moved in a blur, each punchnding with bone-crushing force. The bear roared in fury, but Alexander''s relentless barrage left it no chance to strike back. A final, thunderous punch to its jaw sent the massive creature toppling over, utterly defeated. Despite the overwhelming number of beasts, Alexander didn''t even break a sweat. His strength was far beyond anything these creatures could match. He tore through the ranks of the beasts, every move a deadlybination of speed and power. Blood and fur flew in all directions as one by one, the beasts fell at his hands. Yet the onught continued, more and more creatures charged at him, their numbers seemingly endless.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om The ground was already littered with the bodies of fallen beasts. Suddenly, the sky darkened above him as a swarm of flying creatures descended, aiming to tear him apart. Alexander caught the w of the flying creature mid-air, his eyes was glinting slightly. With tremendous force, he mmed it down, creating a small crater where the beast''s bodyy ttened. "System, isn''t my Berserker Instinct skill active? Why aren''t these weaker beasts hesitating or fleeing at all?" Alexander asked, delivering a sharp jab to the chest of a cobra-like snake. The impact was so powerful that it killed the creature instantly. As Alexander continued his rampage, unaware of how many beasts he had in, the system finally responded. [The reason your skill isn''t working is because the beasts are hypnotized. You can identify this by their glowing red eyes.] This revtion made Alexander pause for a moment, ncing at the creatures. Sure enough, their eyes glowed a sinister red as they charged at him, without hesitation. Questions filled his mind. "There''s a mastermind behind this," he muttered, as he unleashed a powerful palm strike against a wolf''s chest, sending it flying backward. The force of the blow also knocked back the rest of its pack that was right behind it. Despite the chaos, Alexander''s thoughts were racing. Who or what was controlling these beasts? Alexander hadn''t drawn his sword yet, reserving it as his trump card in case there was a hidden enemy. Suddenly, a de as thin as a needle but sharp as a knife came hurtling toward him. Already on high alert, Alexander noticed it immediately. With a quick lean to the side, he dodged the de effortlessly. His eyes narrowed as he nced at a tree hidden by thick leaves. "Found you," Alexander said, grinning from ear to ear, beforeunching himself like a cannonball, leaping toward the tree where the attack hade from. Chapter 55 As Alexanderunched himself toward the tree, a figure suddenly emerged to confront him. The man was cloaked in ck from head to toe, his face covered with cloth, revealing only his piercing, emotionless eyes. Without hesitation, Alexander released a full-force palm strike, this time he was not holding back. The strike carried at least 50,000 pounds of force, and the air around him seemed to tremble with the sheer power behind the blow. The cloaked man''s eyes widened as he sensed the lethal intent. He sidestepped at thest moment, narrowly avoiding the strike. The force of Alexander''s palm hit the trunk of the tree behind him, splintering it into pieces. Wood and debris exploded into the air, but the ck-cloaked man was quick on his feet and was already moving. In a fluid motion, the man flicked his wrist, and thin, razor-sharp needles shot out from his sleeve, aiming for Alexander''s chest. With a swift backstep, Alexander dodged the attack, the needles whizzing past him and embedding into the ground. But the man wasn''t done. With a snap of his fingers, the needles sprang to life, turning and flying back toward Alexander like guided missiles. Alexander smirked, clearly unfazed by this. With blinding speed, he spun around, deflecting the needles with the back of his hand. The sound of metal shing against skin echoed as the needles fell uselessly to the ground. "You''ll have to do better than that," Alexander said, his voice was steady, as his eyes locked on his opponent. The man''s expression remained hidden behind the cloth, but his eyes betrayed his frustration. He twirled his fingers again, and from within his cloak, more hidden weapons appeared, this time, a chain with ded edges. With a flick, the chain snapped forward, shing through the air like a serpent. Alexander dodged the first strike with ease, but the man was quick, using the chain to redirect his attack. The ded chain came from different angles, cutting through the air in rapid session. But Alexander was faster. He dodged each strike, weaving through the air with perfect timing, his movements were fluid yet precise. In a swift motion, he grabbed the chain mid-swing, yanking it hard. The man stumbled forward, his eyes were wide with surprise, as Alexander pulled him closer. With the man off bnce, Alexander unleashed a powerful punch toward his torso. The ck-cloaked man twisted his body at thest second, narrowly avoiding a direct hit, but the force of the punch grazed him, sending shockwaves through his body. He winced as he felt the raw power of Alexander''s attack, realizing he was outmatched in strength. Desperate, the man quickly leaped back, gaining distance, and with a sharp whistle, the beasts surrounding them suddenly stirred. Wolves, boars, and even flying creatures, all with glowing red eyes, began to close in on Alexander. Their snarls and roars echoed through the forest, but Alexander remained calm, his eyes scanning the battlefield. "So, you''re controlling them," Alexander muttered, his expression hardening. He clenched his fists, his killing intent rising once more. The beasts lunged at him simultaneously, but Alexander moved like a whirlwind. He sidestepped the first wolf, delivering a bone-crushing kick that sent it flying into a nearby boar. The impact knocked both beasts out cold. The flying creatures swooped down from above, but Alexander leaped into the air, delivering a devastating spinning kick that connected with one of the creatures, sending it crashing to the ground. Hended gracefully, his eyes never leaving the cloaked man. Find your next read on empire The ck-cloaked man, realizing his beasts were no match for Alexander, drew a short, curved dagger from within his cloak. With a flick of his wrist, he sent it flying toward Alexander''s throat. In one swift motion, Alexander caught the de between his fingers, stopping it inches from his neck. He crushed the de with his bare hand, as the metal crumbling into pieces. "You''re running out of tricks," Alexander said coldly, his voice filled with deadly calm. He charged toward the man, who desperately unleashed a barrage of throwing stars and more hidden weapons. But none could find their mark. Alexander deflected each one, closing the distance with terrifying speed. Panicked, the man tried to summon more beasts with another sharp whistle, but Alexander was already upon him. In a blur of motion, Alexander grabbed the man by the arm, twisting it behind his back with a sickening crack. The man let out a pained gasp as Alexander mmed him to the ground with overwhelming force. The ck-cloaked man coughed up blood, his body trembling from the pain. His red eyes flickered as he struggled to move. The beasts, sensing their master''s weakness, growled in rage. Alexander stood over the man, his eyes cold and merciless, "Who sent you?" he demanded, his voice sharp andmanding. But the man didn''t answer. Instead, his bloodshot eyes met Alexander''s, filled with both fury and fear. He struggled to speak, but no words came. Blood dripped from his mouth, and his breathing grew ragged. Even in his battered state, the man''s eyes glowed with the same unnatural red light that filled the beasts. Alexander knew there was more to this, someone or something must be pulling the strings. But for now, this enemy was done. The man, heavily injured and barely conscious, red at Alexander with hatred. His bodyy broken, but his eyes burned with defiance. Alexander stood tall, as the beasts around them was circling him it was uncountable since there were also flying creatures above the sky. The ck-cloaked man red up at Alexander, his body broken but his pride was intact. "Kid, I admit you''re strong, but you don''t know who you''ve offended," he growled, his voiceced with fury. Alexander just narrowed his eyes at this and gave a mocking smile, the disdain was clear on his face. "Oh? Care to tell me who I''ve offended? I''m very scared," he taunted, his voice dripping with sarcasm. The man''s eyes glowed even brighter, a blood-red hue that matched the unnatural gleam in the eyes of the surrounding beasts. Alexander was unfazed by this, extending his hand to uncover the man''s face, curious to see who was behind the mask. But just as his fingers were about to reach the cloth, a sudden glint of light shot toward him. A shining needle, moving at lightning speed, aimed directly for Alexander''s head. Without missing a beat, Alexander dodged the projectile, leaning back just in time to avoid the lethal strike. His eyes snapped in the direction the needle hade from. Emerging from the shadows of the forest, another figure d in ck appeared. This one moved with a shadowy movement, his presence exuding a far more dangerous aura than the first. Alexander immediately sensed the shift in the air. The beasts, which had been weaker moments ago, now grew more aggressive, their snarls turning into roars as they began to encircle him. Even the flying creatures overhead swooped lower, their red eyes glowing fiercely. It was as if this new arrival had not only taken control of the beasts but had amplified their bloodlust. The new man in ck clothes stood tall, his face also covered, but his eyes were cold, calcting. With a subtle gesture of his hand, more needles appeared between his fingers, glinting ominously in the faint light. "You''ve done enough," the neer said, his voice calm butmanding. "Leave him to me." The first man, still on the ground, coughed up more blood but managed a smirk.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om "You''re lucky," he rasped, his voice weak but filled with venom. "My brother won''t go so easy on you." Before Alexander could respond, the second man flicked his wrist, and a dozen more needles shot toward him, aimed with deadly precision. Alexander leaped back, twisting in mid-air as the needles sliced through the space where he had just been standing. Hended smoothly, eyes locked on the new threat. "Who are you?" Alexander questioned, his voice was firm, though he already had a sense this was no ordinary foe. "You don''t need to know," the second man replied coolly, as the beasts around them grew wilder. Wolves and boars charged at Alexander simultaneously, their movements erratic and ferocious. The ground shook with their stampede, while the flying creatures above began diving toward him, ws and fangs bared. Alexander didn''t hesitate. He moved like a whirlwind, his fists and legs striking down any beast that got too close. One wolf lunged at his throat, but he mmed his elbow into its snout, sending it crashing into a tree. Another boar came from his blind side, but Alexander spun and delivered a crushing kick that snapped its spine in two. Despite his overwhelming strength, the sheer number of beasts was starting to feel endless. Every time he knocked one down, two more seemed to take its ce, more berserk and wilder than before. The new man in ck watched from a distance, his hand continuously flicking more hidden weapons into the fray. Small des, needles, and even poisoned darts flew toward Alexander, but he deflected or dodged most of them, though the relentless attacks were starting to pin him down. Realizing the situation was bing more precarious, the second man took advantage of the chaos. Using the distraction of the beasts and the barrage of weapons, he dashed toward his fallenrade, who was barely clinging to consciousness. Alexander saw the movement and knew what wasing, "You''re not escaping," he growled, charging forward through the wave of beasts. But the second man was fast, much faster than the first. In one fluid motion, he grabbed his injuredrade by the arm and pulled him up, all while expertly dodging Alexander''s strike. "Too slow," the man said, his voice was icy, as heunched another volley of needles toward Alexander''s face. This time, Alexander had no choice but to pause and defend, swatting the needles out of the air with rapid strikes. Chapter 56 Using the momentary distraction, the second man whistled sharply, and the beasts went into a frenzy. They rushed at Alexander with reckless abandon, their glowing red eyes filled with madness. Boars, wolves, snakes, and the flying creatures all charged at once, creating a wall of fur, ws, and fangs between Alexander and the retreating pair. By the time Alexander fought his way through the onught, the two men had already escaped into the dense forest, vanishing from sight. He could still hear the distant howls and roars of the beasts under their control, but they, too, began to fade as the men withdrew. Alexander stood amidst the carnage, surrounded by the bodies of in beasts. His eyes narrowed in frustration, watching as thest trace of his clues disappeared into the shadows. "They got away," he muttered, clenching his fists. Find more to read at empire But he knew this wasn''t over. Whoever they were, they had made a grave mistake. The next time they crossed paths again, he would be ready, and not give them any chances. If he took out his sword, he believed that he would have won that battle, but he wasn''t confident if he really could handle it. Since he hadn''t used any sword in his whole life, this time he must at least practice how to hold a sword, rather than shing it stupidly if he ever uses it. But if it really came to a longsting battle, he could win if he used ''Berserker Instinct'' to the max. But since there were a lot of innocent people here, the risk of using it to the max outweighs the benefits. The ce was filled with the smell of blood, and there were no more beasts to be spotted. Suddenly, behind him just 30 steps away from his current location, were the vigers, looking at this scene. They couldn''t help but gasp in astonishment. One for all vs all for one, and he actually won. They then loudly cheered for Alexander with their eyes shining brightly. They couldn''t help but be happy that the crisis was solved by this young warrior in front of them. It was different from the rest of the warriors who had died in this ce, but to respect the dead, they did not me those warriors since they fought with their lives for their safety. Alexander hearing this loudmotion, looked back and saw the vigers cheering for him wildly. Then a little girl ran towards him, filled with a bright smile. [Berserker Instinct was Deactivated] The system reminded him as his reddened eyes turned back to normal. The death aura that surrounds him also disappeared without a trace. "Big brother Alexander, are you okay?" Anya said after arriving in front of him. Alexander just smiled from this little girl who seems to care about his well-being so much. He lowered his legs a little and pinched her cheeks. "Of course, this big brother of yours is strong. What kind of beast can I not handle?" he said with augh, making the atmosphere more light. Then a beautiful woman ran towards them gracefully. It was none other than Aeloria as she arrived towards Alexander. She looked at him dotingly, her eyes were soft as she looked at him, filled with concern. "Don''t worry, I''m fine. This low-level beast couldn''t injure me," Alexander said,forting her, without letting her speak. Hearing his she inspects him for a while and, she could see that he was fully invigorated and seems like he wasn''t really suffering. She released a smile that was both gentle and beautiful as it could be. "That''s good that you''re okay now," she spoke, deep within her heart. The vigers behind also walked towards him, the man who was being assisted by another man by putting his arms towards his shoulder, looked at Alexander gratefully. "Young warrior, thank you very much for saving me at that time. If not, I would have died earlier," the man said, full of thanks in his tone. Then an olddy walked in slow steps and smiled as well, "Young warrior, thank you very much for saving this vige and also for helping me earlier. My bones were too old that I cannot even fight back," the olddy sighed as she spoke towards Alexander. Alexander then was bombarded by a lot of thanks from the vigers, and suddenly, a man walked towards them, filled with ck lines on his face. Seeing this, Alexander narrowed his eyes as he looked at the man. "Vige Chief is back!" one of the vigers eximed as he looked at the man in his fifties, walking towards them. "It''s really the vige chief, we''re safe now," another one uttered, seeming like the chief is the one who saved them. All of them weed the vige chief as he walked towards Alexander, filled with a smile, as he returned the greetings towards the vigers. Finally, he arrived in front of Alexander, his face was still filled with smiles. But for Alexander, he could feel endless malice and the killing intent he released was palpable. This made him narrow his eyes and really wants to expose this man in front of him. But he couldn''t, since he had no evidence, and he didn''t see any injuries on his body at all. To help him with this case. "Young warrior, thank you for saving the vige when I was out for the moment because of some trouble. I, Bernard, am really grateful for what you have done," the vige chief said, feeling grateful, but the killing intent in his smiling eyes was bing more thicked. Alexander just smiled from this and decided to wait for his actions. He wasn''t afraid and after he had found some evidence, then he could just expose this Bernard guy in front of him. He saw that the vige chief extended his hands towards him for a handshake.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om He didn''t disappoint him and also extended his hands. As both of them shook hands, he felt that his hands were being gripped tightly, but he just sneered inwardly. "Everyone, give thanks to this young warrior that we have survived for today. For now, gather the corpses of these beasts. With a lot of them, we are not going to worry about being starving for a long time," the vige chief spoke aloud, looking at the vigers, filled with smiles. The vigers heeded his words and began to gather the corpses of all the dead beasts with smiles on their faces. They were excited because all of them were starving and really wanted to eat meat. With a lot of dead beasts, they will not starve for two weeks with this. Bernard, seeing their actions, just smiled and put his hands behind him as he left the crowd of people as he was far away. His face turned ferocious and serious. His expression changed from sunny to night in just a second. Alexander was observing this vige chief''s actions, wondering if he was going to do something. But he didn''t, making him narrow his eyes, "I''ll give you some time to prepare," he sneered, looking at his fading figure. "Should we go back first?" Alexander said to Aerolia, who was right beside him, looking at the vigers filled with happiness on her face. Since she knows how scarce the food is in this vige, thanks to Alex, she can see hope for this vige to survive this disaster. Since beast attacks aren''t only the problem, but also food scarcity. Hearing what Alexander said, she nodded her head, since they still have meat, and it was a lot in her house. So, she will not participate in this gathering for food. "Yeah, let''s go back. I''ll heat the food again so it''s hot," she spoke towards Alexander. Aeloria then held Anya''s hands as they left the ce. Alexander on their way back was pondering about something while they were walking. He knows that the vige chief must be the one who saved the other man, he must be cautious and be wary from now on. For any surprise attacks or ambush. When they were back, Alexander sat at the table with Anya drawing something on the ground using a stick. He couldn''t help but be sad for Anya. Since she cannot y with someone the same age as her. "The food is fully heated. Anya, go wash your hands now," Aeloria instructed Anya, since the food is going to be dirty if she eats now. Anya nodded excitedly, since she wants to continue her distracted meal. She hurriedly sshed water on her palms. When she was back, Aeloria put a bowl of soup with meat in it. She then blew it for a few times and was very happy. Her face was filled with smiles, tasting the food that is in front of her. "Big sister is really the best," she mumbled while gulping the bowl of food in front of her. Aeloria couldn''t help butugh from her silly actions. For Alexander, he just looked at the two of them with a smile on his face. "This kind of life is actually not that bad," he mumbled in a low voice that no one could hear. Aeloria then served Alexander a bowl of boar soup. He took her offer and began to enjoy this moment as well. Chapter 57 When they were done eating, Aeloria cleaned and gathered the used tes and spoons on the table. As she went to the back of the house to clean them to be used again. Alexander burped, feeling his stomach that is very much full. He then remembered something so he stood up, seeing his actions Anya who was beside him nce at his direction. "Big brother Alex, where are you going?" Anya asked, seeing that he was leaving. "Oh, just fixing some stuff," Alexander replied with a smile. "Can I go with you big brother, Anya is bored by doing nothing all day," she said with a saddened face. Seeing her expression, Alexander couldn''t help but be sad as well, being a kid with no one to y with who is the same age as her seems to really boring. He nodded his head to agree, since he was only going to gather some resources. "Yay, wait for me, big brother," she said as she stood up in her seat, filled with excitement in her eyes. "Wait, go and ask for permission from your big sister first, or she will be worried," Alexander instructed as he waited for her to go. Anya nodded as she hastily ran behind the old wooden house and saw her big sister Aeloria. She ran hurriedly, seeming like Alexander would leave her behind. "Big sister, can I go with big brother Alex to fix something?" she asked as she jumped up and down from being too excited. Seeing her so excited and the wide, bright smile on her face, she was about to agree, but still asked. "Fixing for what?" Aeloria asked with her face filled with question marks. "I don''t know, big brother Alex just said that he is going to do some fixing. I don''t know what he meant, but he agreed for me to follow him. But I still need to ask for your permission first," she spoke as she looked at Aeloria in the face. "Okay then, but be a good girl ande back early, okay?" Aeloria replied with a smile on her face. She trusted Alex since she just saw that he was not a bad person. He was even more heroic than she could have imagined for saving the vige. About the dangers if Anya went with him? She can clearly see that she was in the safest ce right now since Alex was the only warrior in their vige. "Thank you, big sister," Anya said, jumping into her embrace, hugging her. She then pecked on her cheek with her smooth lips, kissing it. She then let go of her embrace and ran with her back facing Aeloria. She just shifted her head while waving her hands and left with a smile.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om Alexander was looking at the ground, kicking the small rocks below him. This is what he does sometimes when he is bored. When he heard the footsteps, and it was Anya, he waited for her to reach him. "Let''s go now big brother Alex," she said excitedly as she ran to the entrance of the forest. Alexander just smiled at her actions and followed behind her. Anya was wandering around touching some nts, flowers, and even ying with adybug. He made sure that Anya would not escape his vision since this is a forest after all. "Anya, make sure to not walk far away from me, ok," he shouted towards Anya, who was poking the chameleon with a stick, hitting its eyes. The chameleon brushed the stick hitting its eye socket and stood up on its two legs, making a hand gesture saying "no." She was greatly amazed by this little chameleon. "Okay, big brother Alex," she replied, while looking at the Chameleon who seems to be breakdancing. Alexander knew that he needed to put his vision towards Anya just to make sure, since sometimes kids tend to break their words in idents. He went to the closest tree and tried touching its bark. He could feel its toughness, but it was too big. But he could cut it and this seems to be a good one to be used for fixing the house. Like the logs for the walls and for the roof, he could just shape it to fill the hole. Far away from Alexander in a cave, there was a man filled with ck clothes from top to bottom sitting in a lotus position, as he puked blood from his mouth, drenching the ground. "Dang, this hurts! Kid, just you wait. I''m going to kill you!" The man bellowed, filled with resentment. Suddenly, at the entrance of the cave, a man that was familiar to Alexander appeared. If he saw this person, he would not be surprised since that person is none other than the vige chief. He already knows this since their aura is rtively the same without any signs of any difference. "Don''t worry, my little brother, we will have our revenge and kill him. The blood gem is about to form after gathering the resentment souls of the vigers in a week when it''s done condensing the energy. After that, we will kill him," The vige chief Bernard spoke with a malicious smile. As he released his killing intent, that was really thick and deadly, the man then took off the ck cloth covering his face. Showing a terrifying face, it was cut, seemingly hit by a de, with a burn mark on his right face. "But isn''t it surprising, brother, that there''s actually a Grandmaster that young? Maybe he''s a disciple from some major sect or some young master from big families that came here to gather experience. Since this ind is far from the four continents," He spoke, looking at his big brother. Experience exclusive tales on empire The man nodded when he heard this, "You are right, since the warriors here are only at the Warrior Stage or even at the Battle Master Stage." Bernard replied, sharing his thoughts also. "Big brother, don''t you think that he must be apanied by a master in the dark, since his talent is top-notch?" he asked, pondering about this question. Bernard just shook his head. "No, he was alone. I didn''t sense any presence of a hidden master. So, we have nothing to worry about," he replied, since during that time where he was rescuing his little brother. He was very wary, that he always watched his surroundings if there''s any abnormality. Because of this kind of personality, he survived for this long years by being a killer. "Also, brother, isn''t this also a problem, since he is at the same level as you? Do we still have to proceed with the mission?" The man asked, since the blow he had taken really injured him greatly. The force that hit him was totally different, making him wonder what kind of technique that the little brat used for cultivating since he did not sense any energy that he was very familiar with. "You''re right, but did you forget what your big brother is?" He said with a smile of pride on his face. "I''m a beast tamer, so of course my strength doesn''t rely on fighting head on, but my beastpanion," he spoke, as a big beast with ck scales that looks like a cobra and a serpent appeared. It was big as it circled Bernard, extending its head to be petted, which he also responded to it. The big man smacked his head, remembering this. Because of that, he puked another blood, but it was worth it for reminding himself to not be stupid. "How could I forget about your beastpanion, big brother! With that, the kid will be no match, and if it absorbs the blood gem, it will be a spirit beast, raising its strength to the Ascendant stage," He spoke loudly, looking at the gigantic snake that is like a little child in his brother''s arms. "Even in the four continents, you can now be considered a big-shot, that only those first-rate sects can cause you problems. We''ll be considered invincible in this ind, since no major powerhouse is inhabiting this ce," He said with excitement, unable to wait for this to happen. "Yes, that''s right. After the blood gem has gathered the necessary energy, it will be the time for our time to shine. Then, I will give you that kid named Alex to know that we are not the kind of person to be offended," He spoke with enthusiasm. His little brother nodded his head, unable to wait for this to happen. Bernard then instructed the snake to rest in its ce. The snake heeded his word as it loses its grip towards him and went to the deep of the cave. "Stay here for a while and recuperate your injuries. I will try to attract more beasts tomorrow by turning on the blood gem with the formation. We will just let the kid do our job by killing the beast to fill up the blood gem," He said as he looked back filled with smiles. The man just nodded his head as he continued his meditation to heal his injuries that were caused by Alex. About Alex well, he was still looking for a good tree to be cut, since the quality he needed must be high to make sure that it canst for a long time, even with heavy rains and storms. Chapter 58 While Alexander was wandering in the forest, he checked trees by trees to find if there were any appropriate ones to be used. As he wandered around, and Anya was ying not far away from his current location. "I think this tree would be a good one," Alexander mumbled, feeling its bark. It was a big tree, and he could feel its toughness by just the touch. Alexander took a step back and was about to release a palm strike but stopped! If he did that, wouldn''t he be very stupid for ruining it? He needed to cut it without any damage. Suddenly, he remembered his sword. As he opened his system inventory and saw the sword, he then took it out of the system inventory. As it appeared, the de thrummed with a malevolent killing energy, with its fiery edge crackling with anticipation. The intense heat radiating from the sword was not burning, but so invigorating, like a forge''s heat. The aura around the de was oppressive and intoxicating, a palpable sense of dread mixed with a thrilling rush of power. As he held the sword in his hand, he couldn''t help but be amazed at howpatible this weapon was to him. It seemed to be the only weapon that could reallyplement his suddenly twisted personality. "Now then, it''s chopping time," Alexander hummed as he lowered himself with the de up diagonally. He gripped the handle, and the de seemed to be responding with excitement, finally he was being used. *Shing A sound made out of the sword as it struck the tree horizontally. It was like a piece of sheet of paper when the de went in without any sign of any resistance. With that, the malevolent tree fell. As it collided with the ground, the earth trembled on its feet. Alexander then walked towards it with his cool sword and was about to cut the branches into the shape of a log. Suddenly, his de shook, trembling in his hand. He stopped and put it in front of him, and looked at it with narrowed eyes. He could feel its huge dissatisfaction towards him as it trembled, wanting to say something. But Alexander did not mind it and continued his n which is clearing the branches on the tree. Even though it was shaking and trembling, he does not know what the sword''s problem was. "Is this thing broken? It''s impossible for a heaven-grade sword to be broken, right?" he mumbled, as small footsteps sounded behind him. It was Anya, looking at the big red sword on his hand. Her eyes were forming stars as she looked at the sword that was radiating with red light and its moltenva designs. The chameleon was on top of her head, as it slept on it, they seemed to have be best friends. "Anya, do you want to go back now? We''ve been here for an hour now," Alexander asked if this little child wanted to go elsewhere. Anya nodded her head and responded, "Yes big brother Alex, Anya just made a new friend, look, this creature is very strange and can change color. His name is Pascal," she said excitedly, introducing her new friend towards Alexander. She slowly took the green chameleon on her head, as it showed it towards Alexander. He nced at the creature Anya was talking about and was surprised. "Some of the animals here were actually had the same facial features on my world," he muttered inwardly. "Anya, if you''re wondering this is an animal, it''s called a Chameleon. It can change color into anything it likes. I''m so happy that you can actually find one in the wild," Alexander said while petting Anya''s head. "Cha-Me-Leon," she muttered slowly, while looking at the creature in her palm. The Chameleon was still sleep with its eyes were still closed. It did not even bother about waking up, even though it was being held like a dog. After Anya finally processed the entire information, she was amazed, of course. "Really, big brother Alex, Pascal can change to any color it wants?" Anya said with awe. Alexander nodded in a smile, since this is what he heard about it. But for the reason it changes color? He had no idea. "Yes, but it only depends on the little guy," he replied, as he took back his hand that was patting the little girl''s head. Anya nodded in understanding as she leaned her head sideways, "Are we going back now, big brother?" she asked. "Yes, but let me chop this into small pieces first," he muttered, and when he was about to do that, wouldn''t it be going to be smaller? "Wait, is this also possible to be stored even though it''s big?" he asked himself, in a scrutinizing gaze. As he opened the system inventory and clicked the store button, it was absorbed into the ck hole. "Ohh, it actually works," Alexander said in surprise. They then trailed their way back to their home. As Alexander arrived, he saw that Aeloria was not here. He concluded that she must have gone to the vige, so he went into the back of the house, opening the system storage and unstoring the log that was stored in it. Alexander then tried to shape the logs to fit the hole, and yes it works. Now the only thing he needed to do was to attach it. He put down the shaped wood for the wall and walked to the side where there were some small bones that had a tip point. With that, he took this and went back to the hole part of the house, covering it by the squared shaped wood. He then used the tough bones, that were even much tougher than the nails that were made of metal. He used his hand as a hammer, but instead of striking it down like a hammer, he just exerted some force into it, piecing it to the wall. He did this to both sides, from top to bottom. When he was done, he nodded in satisfaction. He also went to the roof and covered it as well. He also shaped the wood by using the Infernal Fury. The sword in his palm seemed to be very angry as it released its aura in protest, but Alexander does not know what this sword was talking about, so he did not bother its resistance. After that, he then covered the roof by putting some nails made of bones. When all is done, he jumped down and nodded in satisfaction. "With this, during summer and raining season, they are not going to worry about this problem anymore." He then heard some footsteps on his back, and it was none other than Aeloria. She could see that her old wooden house was changed. She could see that the hole in the roof and the wall were fixed. Even the part where the worn-out part were also changed, making her freeze. "Alex, did you do this?" Aeloria asked as she stood beside him.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om "Of course, who else would it be if not me?" Alexander said with a smile. With all of a sudden, he felt two soft marshmallows in his chest, making his breath heavy. But other than that, he didn''t feel anything more. He knew that this was the effect of his skill ''Heart of Stone'' making him cursed. He felt like he was turning gay, that even a woman as beautiful as Aeloria hugged him. He could feel nothing other than surprised, he could only sigh from this. Aeloria then looked upwards with their faces so close to each other, Alexander was frozen in ce as he looked at this. "Damn, it''s so close," he muttered inwardly as he looked at her pink cherry lips. He was stunned for a moment, and his arms slowly went upwards on their own, hugging her hourss waist. Because of the fabric of the clothes that was very thin, it felt like there was no barrier at all. Aeloria felt electrified from the touch, as her face grew red with embarrassment. "Big sister, Big brother, what are you doing?" Anya spoke while looking at them so close to each other. Hearing Anya''s voice, Aeloria panicked and hurriedly let go while caressing her left arm, looking down. Her face was so red that it even reached her neck. "I- a- we..." she stuttered, not knowing what to say. Alexander just made a cough to clear the awkward atmosphere in the air. "Actually, Anya we were just a, we just missed each other, so you don''t need to ask anymore, okay," he said, not knowing how to exin at all. "Uh-huh," Anya nodded as she walked towards Aeloria to be hugged by her big sister. But for the chameleon on Anya''s head, his brows were furrowed, as a knowing gaze glinting in his eyes. When she slowly forgot about what happened earlier, she went back to her old self. "Ohh, don''t tell me you missed your sister after ying earlier. Let''s go inside the house and watch what your big brother Alexander fixed," she muttered, very embarrassed to see him in the face. For Alexander, he couldn''t help but feel but look at his two hands that touched her waist. He couldn''t help but feel good from touching it. When her breast touched his chest, the feeling was really good. He couldn''t help but imagine if Anya wasn''t there, they would have taken it to-, he then shook his head as he stopped thinking since having these weird thoughts wasn''t good for his health. Chapter 59 When he was left alone, Alexander decided to keep a lookout in the vige. He then disappeared in the spot. He was then back in the forest, observing the surroundings. "What kind of magic or artifacts that the Vige chief seems to be controlling the beast?" Alexander mumbled, filled with question marks. He really had no idea what it was. After circling the ce and not finding any clues at all, he decided to stay up here for a while. But after waiting for a whole day, he found nothing. With that, before night strikes, he goes for hunting food. This time, he captured at least one boar in the outskirts of the forest. He also tried to store the dead boar in the system storage, and yes it worked.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om As he went back, he saw that Aeloria was standing at the door looking at the horizons. Seeing this, Alexander pursed his lips wanting to scare her. Aeloria, not knowing what was going to happen, was staring nkly at the sky. Suddenly, a shadowy figure appeared in front of her. She was shocked at the same time she was very scared. "Ahh!" she eximed, as she took a step back and slipped. Alexander, seeing this, hurriedly held her in the waist to stop her from falling. The feeling of holding her waist made him heart thump again. "I''m so sorry about that," Alexander said, truly regretting what he did. Aeloria was about to struggle from the unknown person who just appeared out of thin air, but when she heard the voice, she stopped and looked at his face. Her racing heart calmed down as the two were looking at each other. Alexander was staring at her nkly again. He slowly pulled her waist closer to him, while Aeloria did not struggle from his movements. His consciousness returned suddenly, seeing that what he was doing was really inappropriate. "Sorry about that, I shouldn''t have done that," he muttered in a low voice, as he diverted his gaze. He slowly lifted her up and put her down gently, like a delicate flower, afraid to hurt her. Aeloria''s face was so red, feeling his soft and gentle touch. She didn''t know why her heart was racing like a wave by being touched. "It''s okay, Alex, but please don''t do that again. You freaked me out just now," she replied, while narrowing her eyes, lecturing him. But to Alexander, her actions and the way her eyes narrowed, while pursing her lips, were very cute to look at. Seeing his smile all of a sudden, her cheeks reddened suddenly, as she touched her face that was hot as pepper. "Big sister, is food ready yet? Anya is hungry," the little girl, Anya muttered while yawning, her eyes were still sleepy, clearly she just woke up. Seeing that Anya was awake, Aeloria''s embarrassed face disappeared as she looked at her dotingly. "Okay Anya, this big sister is going to cook for you, okay," she said while patting her head. Alexander then took out the boar, appearing beside him, that was already dead. "Oh yeah, here is the lunch for tonight," he said while unstoring it in his system inventory. Seeing another piece of beast in front of her, Aeloria was very speechless. She felt like that poverty and starvation were not a problem anymore if she was with Alex. "That''s so big, Alex. You do know that we still have a lot of meat here from what you have captured yesterday. We are going to be fat thanks to you," Aeloria said with a sigh, but also thankful since their life seemed to be much easier. "Don''t worry, if you turned fat, you would still look beautiful," Alexander muttered, raising his palm, touching her cheeks. Aeloria was surprised from the sudden touch. She was frozen for a moment, as her whole body felt like it was electrified, even though there was no electricity. Her face turned red as a tomato, but she did not stop him. Alexander finally noticed what he had done, and was stunned. This hand of his seemed to be possessed, doing whatever it wanted. "Sorry about that, I will be staying over there while you cook," Alexander muttered, taking his hands back as he ran to escape. Seeing his actions and the shy expression on his face, she couldn''t help but release a giggle. She did not hate it, but she seemed to like being touched by Alex, the man she just met yesterday, not knowing why. "Anya, I want you to go with your big brother Alex while I prepare for dinner, okay," Aeloria said to the little girl Anya, who was still sleepy. Anya just hummed in reply as she walked outside the house and went towards Alexander, while Aeloria began to prepare for dinner. Alexander also lit up a fire, so it wasn''t darker. He was currently sitting in the chair, his two arms were ced on the table as his elbows were ced on it and his arms were crossed, putting his jaw while thinking deeply. "I have to control myself more often, these devil hands of mine are literally turning me evil," Alexander stated inwardly as his eyes were staring nkly at the trees with a serious expression. "Big brother Alex, can Anya sleep in yourp?", she said with her arms up. She was even still sleepy after sleeping for who knows how long. Alexander smiled from this cute little girl, he could never say no since he really like her. Just for some short info. His not a pedophile, but the author is, but that''s not the point or you could say that''s besides the point :D He then ced her on hisp while she began to sleep again, hugging him as her face was in her chest, having a good sleep with a smile blooming on her face. Alexander''s heart was melting seeing her actions, and he could not help but sigh. If he left this ce, he had no idea if he could ever get back to this ce and meet Aeloria and little Anya. Imagining this made him sad, but as long as he was here, he must enjoy this moment than ever. After a half an hour, finally the food is ready. Alexander slowly woke up Anya who was sleeping soundly on him. Waking up, Alexander helped with the arrangement of the table as they began to eat. As their stomachs were filled, Alexander rested for a bit. He then bid his farewell towards Aeloria, saying that he would scout for any abnormality that was going to happen in the vige. Seeing his actions, she thought that he must still be embarrassed about what had happened earlier. The forest this time was dark as he circled the vige again, if he could find those ck people, I''m not talking about their skin color but their ck clothes like a ninja. So its not racist. He circled the ce but stopped after an hour, not finding something weird. He decided to stop and sat in the tree branches. Suddenly, he caught something in his pupil, in the center of the vige, he saw one person walking in the middle of the night. Even though it was 500 meters away from him. His vision was sharp, like that of an eagle even seeing its face. He hid his presence above as he observed him. He could see that the vige chief just stood there and then mumbled something in the air, which he could not hear. Bernard then observed his surroundings as he left the ce, which made him narrow his eyes. Suddenly he felt something weird. He didn''t know, but the air seemed to have changed, making him wonder what he had done. When he saw that he left, he went down the tree as he stood at the center of the vige where there was the big rock in ced. He circled the ce but found nothing. He could really feel the sudden change of atmosphere just a seconds ago, but now it was gone. "Is it just my imagination? Or is there really some secret here?" Alexander muttered in a low breath while his brows furrowed, full of questions in his mind. He decided to leave this ce, since he really had no idea. He could juste back tomorrow night and capture the vige chief and question him, since what he was doing right now could already cause some questions for the vigers. As he left the ce, he went back, then looked at the window and saw that the two were already asleep. Seeing they were fine, he leaped up to the tree, but did not sleep since cultivating felt much better than sleeping. Not only could his mind be so calm, just like still water, but he would also feel full of vitality and energetic tomorrow. Which is literally better than sleeping. Sitting in the lotus position, he began to cultivate. He then began to draw the energy in the surrounding area, not even thinking about absorbing the bluish energy. As he activated the [Vital Draw Technique], he closed his eyes. In the outskirts of the vige, every beast and flying creatures were groaning and convulsing, not knowing why it was happening. They groaned as they rolled on the ground. Suddenly their eyes turned red as they stood still. When morning strikes and only half of the sun was up, the beasts then began to move. Chapter 60 Alexander, who was up in the tree, felt something wrong. His ears perked up a little, hearing a lot of heavy footsteps. His eyes narrowed as he directed his way in full speed. "What the heck is happening?" he muttered, seeing that hundreds of beasts were marching towards the vige. He circled the forest and saw that it was in every direction. He hurriedly went back to wake up Aeloria and Anya to take cover in the vige, so he could protect all of the people at once. Since he was only one person and dealing with hundreds of beasts, he did not know if he could handle it alone. "Should I really have to use my sword this time?" Alexander thought as he hopped from trees to trees, leaving some shadowy figures. "It''s not the time yet," Alexander muttered. If he showed his cards now, the vige chief would be more wary. "Let''s just wait for a while. If the situation is really crucial then using it will be a good choice," he thought as he agreed with his idea. Arriving at the wooden house, he opened the door. Hearing the sudden opening of the door, Aeloria woke up and saw Alexander. She was stunned and was about to ask what was wrong with the sudden intrusion. "Aeloria, go to the vige to take cover now. The beasts will be here in just a minute," Alexander spoke, as he carried Anya on the bed towards him. Because of this action, Anya''s eyes fluttered slowly. Aeloria, hearing this, was stunned. Her still sleepy eyes were now wide awake as she hurriedly stood up. "Let me carry Anya, so you can do your duties," Aeloria said as she opened her arms. Alexander nodded as she let Aeloria run off first while he followed her from behind. He could hear that they were getting closer, making his eyes narrow. "Big sis, where are we going?" Anya spoke in a sleepy voice. "Anya, just sleep for now, okay? There are some problems going to happen again, okay honey." Aeloria spoke to Anya while she still kept running, carrying her. Anya just hummed and her eyes were wide awake now. She knew that something bad must have happened, so she listened and looked at the surroundings. Suddenly, a silver wolf pounced to the air towards her and Aeloria. Alexander burst in speed that he quickly appeared besides the beast, hitting its right side, as it flew like a broken kite, snapping its ribs. He did not hold back from that, so he killed it with just one swing. Aeloria did not panic since she felt so secure if Alex was besides her, so she continued to run, giving all her trust towards Alexander. For Alex, every beast that came to stop and hinder their way, he just sted them away. As they arrived, Alexander instructed Aeloria, "Go and alert the vigers, I will do my best to hold them off," Alexander muttered with a serious face. Aeloria nodded her head, "Be careful, Alex," she muttered as she ran and began to shout to alert the vigers. "Beast attack. Everyone, the beasts are attacking," she shouted loudly. Her shouts were heard in every house. The vigers, who just woke up, heard her voice, hurriedly stood up and alerted the rest of the vigers. All of them began to slowly gather in the center of the vige. As Alexander stood at the vige''s edge, he could feel the ground vibrate with the thunderous stampede of beastsing from all directions. The sounds of their snarls and growls, rustling was intensifying. His senses were sharpened as the radiance of the sunrise scattered in the ce. The air was filled with the stench of blood and primal rage. In front of him, the forest''s shadowy treeline stirred as some glowing red eyes appeared, one after another. Their eyes were like those of predators. Since they are really predators. The wave of beasts then burst forth from the trees, it is a mix of silver wolves, massive boars, and serpent-like creatures slithering at incredible speed. *Screeech Looking up, he could also see those flying creatures were back again. His eyes were cold looking at this. They then charged towards his direction, fueled by endless resentment. Their eyes glowing with the same unnatural red hue that Alexander had seen before. Alexander didn''t wait for this to get close. So he dashed forward, meeting the first silver wolf in mid-leap. With one fluid strike, he drove his fist into its side, his punch was like a hammer blow that shattered the wolf''s ribs. The beast let out a sharp yelp before being flung through the air, its body spinning uncontrobly before it hit the ground, lifelessly. But there was no time to pause. [You killed a level 7 silver wolf. You''ve gained 6 exp] Another wolf came at him from his left. Alexander ducked under its snapping jaws, grabbed it by the throat, and mmed it into the ground with enough force to crack the earth beneath them. Without any hesitation, he crushed its windpipe, ending its life in an instant. He stood back up just in time to see arge boar charging toward him, its tusks glinting dangerously in the towards him. Alexander just sidestepped casually from the charging boar and delivered a punishing elbow to its side, the impact so powerful it caused the beast''s legs to buckle. But the boar wasn''t down yet¡ªit turned with surprising speed, aiming its tusks at Alexander''s midsection. Seeing this Alexander smiled coldly and increased the forces making a cracking sound on its leg nailing it to the ground, as spider web cracks were created. The beast''s head snapped downward with a bone-crunching sound as its body slumped to the ground. [You killed a level 9 Boar. You''ve gained 11 exp] Still, the assault didn''t let up. More beasts were pouring from the forest, a seemingly endless wave. Then a pair of massive serpents coiled around the base of a tree, their bodies were thick in other words big, moving in a zig-zag motion as they hissed. They darted toward Alexander with fangs bared, aiming for his legs. He jumped slightly from this, avoiding the first strike, he then grabbed the second serpent by its neck mid-air. With a sharp twist, he snapped its body like a whip, mming it into the other serpent with a brutal force that left both writhing in pain. The serpents hissed in agony, but before they could recover, Alexander stomped down hard, crushing the head of one under his boot, while delivering a swift punch that crushed the skull of the other. [You killed a level 8 Forest Serpent. You''ve gained 8 exp] [You killed a level 7 Forest Serpent. You''ve gained 6 exp] Even as he dealt with the serpents, more wolves were closing in, surrounding him in a deadly circle. They pounced in unison, while their bodies flying at him from every direction with their ws outstretched, as their jaws snapping in the air. Alexander leaped into the air yet again, spinning his body in a full circle. His legs extended in a wide, sweeping kick that created a small whirlwind around him. The wolves that had lunged at him were caught in the spinning vortex of his legs, as their bodies flew away like ragdolls. The power behind the kick sent some crashing into trees, while others hit the ground hard, their bodies were broken and unmoving. [You killed a level 5 silver wolf. You''ve gained 3 exp] [You killed a level 6 silver wolf. You''ve gained 4 exp] [You killed a level 5 silver wolf. You''ve gained 3 exp] ... "This is going to be endless," he said with red eyes. [Berserker Instinct activated] The system prompted, as his aura turned red from the killing intent surging out in him. As hended, Alexander''s eyes scanned the battlefield. The forest seemed alive with the movement of more beasts that wereing. Boars, wolves, and nowrger creatures with horns and thick hides that resembled mutated bulls were emerging from the woods. The flying creatures circled above, waiting for their moment to strike.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om The situation was growing more dire, but Alexander stood his ground, a lone warrior against a wave of enemies. Just as he finished fending off another boar with a powerful knee strike, three more wolves leaped from the shadows, trying to catch him off guard. Alexander dropped to the ground, his hands bracing on the earth as he kicked out with both legs in a wide, sweeping motion. His spinning kick connected with all three wolves at once, their bodies sent flying like debris in a storm. But the numbers kept growing. The beasts were now attacking from every side, pushing Alexander to his limits. He was a moving so fast he is leaving a blur of images, dodging, striking, and countering every attack with a lethal strike that left his enemies broken even worse dead. [Berserker Instinct: Power increased by 10%.] The ground around him was littered with the corpses of beasts, but more kepting. His body surged with energy as his fists connected with the hide of a massive bull-like creature, sending it crashing backward into a cluster of wolves. His eyes were crimson, as he charged at them like a hunter. With a punch, the air was distorted as it hit the big bear in the chest. It caved in and flew like it was hit by a missile, hitting the rest of the beasts behind it. Alexander then stood his ground as more than 20 beasts attacked him from all sides, even in the air. With a stance, he released a barrage of punches. That hit every beast, with just one hit, some were unconscious while some died from the impact. [Berserker Instinct: Power increased by 20%.] Chapter 61 Since he was on the front lines, the beasts he was vanquishing were only the ones in front of him. The increased stats caused by his skill were overwhelming. The power released from his blow hit the bear, but this time, it didn''t cave in. The blow hitting its chest felt like it had been hit by a sniper, but with arger bullet. Half of its body was blown to pieces from the impact. The werebear died as it fell back. [You killed a level 11 Werebear. You''ve gained 9 exp] Alexander''s smile glinted maliciously, his bloodlust surging. Heughed with every disappearance and reappearance, striking down a beast every second. Different races of creatures fell before him, each death fueling his bloodlust. [You killed a level 13 a silver wolf. You''ve gained 11 exp] [You killed a level 7 a Forest Serpent. You''ve gained 6 exp] [You killed a level 10 a Skyhawk. You''ve gained 8 exp] [You killed a level 7 a Boar. You''ve gained 6 exp] [You killed a level 9 a silver wolf. You''ve gained 8 exp] ... A bunch of notifications echoed with every movement, a clear soundtrack to his rampage. He was like the reaper, taking souls, but in reverse, a bringer of death instead of a collector. His eyes turned crimson in that is even redder than blood, his clothes was full of bloodstains. [You Just Leveled Up] The system''s notification sounded again he ignored this, lost in the whirlwind of his fury. While he held the front line, the vigers, huddled in the center, were defenseless. Seizing their chance, the beasts surged forward. A silver wolf''s snapping jaws caught a viger who was running towards the gathering crowd. "Ahhh! Help!" he cried, his leg was being ripped off. Blood sttered across the ground. His face was pale as sheet of paper, but no vigers came to help, because they were paralyzed by fear. The man who had already epted his fate, closed his eyes, overwhelmed by pain. Suddenly, a footstep sounded, followed by a woman''s shout. The woman smashed the head of the silver wolf, who was munching on the man''s leg, with a wooden table. Her strength was weak, making the beast only backed off, growling angrily towards her. It gazed at her with its crimson blood eyes, filled with killing intent. It then pounced towards her, but was stopped in mid-air. The silver wolf looked behind, seeing that his leg was being held by the man he had just injured. "Aeloria, thank you very much for your help. But I don''t want you to risk your life, for this useless life of mine," the man gritted his teeth, his voice filled with a strong will. Even though he was lying on the ground, he pulled the wolf towards him, hammering its head with a with his fist which is literally weak since he was injured. *Bonk "Aeloria, what are you dozing off for? Run!" the man shouted, holding the beast in its two legs. The silver wolf was stunned, seeing that a human dared to hit him with his weak hands. It was a disgrace to him, a silver wolf. They were a race of high pride, even though he was hypnotized the anger in his heart were burning with fury. The wolf snarled, baring its teeth towards the man. It growled and looked back, biting the man in the neck. The man just looked at Aeloria with a smile on his face as he puked a lot of blood. "Uncle Barry," she shouted, slumping back to the ground, kneeling. Tears streamed down in her face as she watched the wolf devour the man. The man wasn''t just anyone, he was more special since he was the one who always came to her house to warn her about the beast attacks, and also. He had always been kind to her, treating her like a little sister, "Uncle Barry, why are you so good to me? We''re not even family. I''m curious¡ªdo you like me?" Aerolia asked. She was only around 13 or 14 at this time, as she was getting a shback. The young man, who looked about 18,ughed and almost choked. "Aeloria, what are you thinking? I''m not interested in kids! Besides, you just remind me of someone I love a family of mine, you could say," he replied, his smile tinged with sadness. Her eyes widened as she stepped closer besides him and looked up at him, "Really, Uncle? Who was that person who looks like me?" she asked, her voice was t. Barry felt emotional all of a sudden as his eyes steeled red, "Actually its my little sister, she was just like you a happy person, kind, and very helpful. Just by seeing her everyday I felt that the tiredness and hardship of life was nothing. But-" he stopped with his eyes turned watery looking at the horizons. Aerolia was confused why he suddenly stopped, "But what uncle?" she asked full of question. "She died when I was away hunting for food," Barry said, his voice trembling. "A small beast attacked, and she was alone at that time. I can''t stop imagining her calling for me, but I wasn''t there, Aerolia. Her big brother wasn''t there when she needed me the most." He could no longer hold back his emotions, and they poured out. "I can''t help but think of the pain she went through. Her organs were eaten, her left arm was gone, and she only had one leg left. The living room was in ruins, her blood was everywhere when I came back. Her eyes stared lifelessly at the ceiling. As her brother, how do I deserve to live after seeing her die like that, right in front of me?" he said, his voice breaking. "At that time, I''ve been thinking of suicide ever since I lost the will to live. So, I tried to find the beast who killed her and avenge her spirit, but I didn''t find it. I was about to kill myself after a few weeks she died, but then I saw you," he said with a smile, his heart slowly healing. "You''re just like her. You were like the same person, your personality, it''s really the same as hers. Because of you, I get to live this long. So, Aeloria, can you be my little sister?" Barry said with a smile, looking at her. Seeing his saddened face and the way he cried made her sad for a moment, but hearing that she was the reason for him to live made her happy. "I would be happy to, big brother Barry," Aeloria replied, with her two dimples on her cheeks popping up. Barry smiled and replied, "Just call me Uncle Barry from now on, since I''ve already gotten the hang of it. Ahahaha," heughed at the end. This time, the tears that slid down his face were not sadness but pure joy. And now looking at the person who she was referring to as a brother, being ravaged by the beast made her frozen not epting it. Barry, who was being eaten alive in his consciousness, he felt his heart, which had been in turmoil for a long time, calm down. "This time I will try to protect you, since I couldn''t protect my very own sister," he mumbled as his spirit disappeared. His spirit was supposed to go through the process of reincarnation, but he felt a strong suction force pulling him towards something. He couldn''t resist as he was pulled strongly to the center of the vige. The rock, embedded with a red gem, was glowing strongly in response to his spirit. His soul was then absorbed by that jewel, being condensed into something. Not only him but also the dead beast spirits were getting absorbed. When he was condensed into energy, the pain he felt was 100 times more painful than being eaten alive. But he didn''t care, as his heart finally in peace, knowing that no one was going to die because of him, especially his little sister. If you want to know why, he took a deep nce at the spot where Aeloria was limping on the ground, shedding tears, as the wolf was done with its meal. It also wanted to ravage Aeloria. "Big sister, noo!" Anya shouted, tears pouring down her face, as she was being held by the vigers to keep her from getting involved. When the silver wolf was just an inch away from her face, filled with tears, she wasn''t afraid. The pain of losing someone was much more painful than being eaten alive by this beast. Suddenly, a gust of wind appeared in front of her as a strong hand held the beast that was in mid-air by its neck, stopping it. The man''s gaze was blood crimson, as he looked at it filled with killing intent burning in his eyes. He threw the beast up as he punched its abdomen, making it fly high like a butterfly, being shot into the sky. Enjoy new chapters from empire The beast growled in pain as it flew more than 50 meters in the sky before it couldnd toward Alexander''s face. He whipped a kick, making it hit the tree. Breaking its bones in the process of those two strikes, Alexander hurriedly helped Aeloria stand up, where she hugged him in return. Barry, seeing this, just smiled peacefully as his soul was fully condensed into energy. "I hope you take care of her Alex," Barry said his final words, as he disappeared. "Alex, *sob my big brother was dead. It''s all because of me. It''s all my fault," she grimaced, her face pressed against his broad chest. She was too weak to help, she med her self from being too weak.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om Alexander just hugged her around the waist, patting her head tofort her. His mind didn''t wander towards anything perverted, as his face was very serious this time. "Aeloria, it''s not your fault. Don''t ever me yourself. I saw what happened. Can''t you see that he was very happy when he saved you just now? So, snap out of it. You go ahead and protect Anya. Look, she''s crying needing you the most right now," Alexander eximed, mentioning Anya. She looked behind and saw that Anya was shedding tears looking at her. But was being stopped by the vigers, "Anya now needs you the most, so go ahead and be there with her. For your big brother! Don''t worry let me handle this, I''m very sorry foringte" Alexander said as their face was just inches apart. He extended both of his hands to her cheeks, brushing them with his finger to wipe away her tears. Aeloria then started to feel better as she put her face in his broad chest and mumbled in a low voice. "Be careful," she said, escaping from his embrace, running towards Anya, hugging her to stop her cries. Seeing her shedding tears, the resentment in his heart turned colder, it was like a methrower that cannot be extinguished at all. Suddenly, a red glowing sword appeared in his hands. [Berserker Instinct: Power increased by 50%.] With the sword in his hands, the aura surrounding him was like death itself. The endless killing intent that surrounded him was like sharp des. The beasts, who were hypnotized, slowed down as an enormous pressure seemed to be pushing them down. [Bloodlust was activated] [All stats except for charm and intelligence increased by 60%] Chapter 62 Holding his sword tightly, Alexander slowly turned his head, his gaze was sharper than any de at this moment, it was burning with a crimson glow that radiated like a deadly me. The sheer killing intent emanating from him swept across the battlefield like a violent storm, crashing into everything in its path. Even the vigers watching from a distance weren''t spared either, their bodies were trembling under the might of his pressure. They gasped for air, feeling as though they were being crushed by a boulder, despite knowing the wrath wasn''t directed at them. In their eyes, Alexander appeared more like a vengeful god than a young man. He was unaware of the devastation his raw killing intent could inflict on the weak. His mind was singrly focused on the beast before him, a towering werebear with muscles like steel and ws that could rend boulders. Its monstrous roar shook the air, but Alexander''s cold expression remained unmoved. "Prepare to die," Alexander growled, his voiceced with a chilling tone. His heart pounded in his chest like a war drum, his blood boiling with the thrill of pure rage. Despite the wild torrent of emotions surging through him, he was amazed at his ability to remain clear-headed. Even if both of his skill [Berserker Instinct] and [Bloodlust] were activated, yet his thoughts remained so clear. Without warning, he spun his sword in a blur the sword glinted in red light, and in the next breath, he vanished. His speed now was beyond anything he had known before, it had already surpassed his previous limits. What once felt like the swiftness of a cheetah hunting its prey was now something much deadlier, he was like a predator amongst slumbering prey. The beasts scattered across the battlefield stood no chance. A bunch of notification bombarded him, but he decided to mute this since it was very annoying. Each time Alexander reappeared, his de was drenched in blood, every time he left those pools of blood was the markings of his every strike. The beasts were affected this time as they were greatly slowed when they reached the area which his aura was covering. One by one, they fell, dismembered, and in they were like insects in the face of a powerful beast. Then a massive wolf lunged at him from the side, its fangs bared, but Alexander sidestepped effortlessly, his sword shing as he cut through its body like a knife through paper. Find your next adventure on empire Blood sprayed in a wide arc as the beast crumpled to the ground in pieces. Without stopping, Alexander leaped forward, his eyes locking onto his next target. A boar charging at him with tusks as thick as tree trunks. He didn''t flinch. With a swift flick of his wrist, his de sliced clean through its skull, halting its advance in an instant. The beast toppled, its eyes already dull as its lifeblood pooled beneath it. The sword in his hand trembled, seemingly excited. It was thrilled to be used to y its enemies and being bathed in the blood of the beasts. The sword glowed even redder as it absorbed the blood, and Alexander felt his power growing stronger with each kill. He knew this was the unique passive of the sword Infernal Fury, the de was being fueled by blood. The werebear, watching the ughter unfold, roared in rage and charged, its massive w aimed at Alexander''s back. But Alexander was faster. In just a blink of an eye, he appeared right in front of the beast, his eyes glowing with a dangerous light. The werebear''s w descended with terrifying force, but it met only air. Alexander had vanished again, his sword was a blur image as it cut clean through the Werebear''s arm. *pluck As it dropped in the ground, the beast howled in agony, its severed limb hitting the ground with a sickening thud. Blood gushed from the wound like a river, but the werebear had no time to react no more. Alexander then reappeared behind it, and in a single fluid motion, his de sliced through the beast''s back. The werebear''s enormous body convulsed as it was hacked into pieces in just a second, its flesh and bones scattered across the blood-soaked battlefield. Alexander stood amidst the carnage, his sword dripping with the blood of his enemies. The air was thick with the scent of blood and death, yet his expression remained cold and detached. The vigers were all swallowing their breaths, looking at this with pale faces. It was so gruesome, a scene of pure mass destruction, whenever they saw the young man appear. It was as if every beast who met him met their end without struggling at all. His sword Infernal Fury was constantly absorbing the blood in its possession, strengthening Alexander by 40%, which is a huge boost. Above the tree, far from both the vigers and Alexander, two men in ck suits looked at this with shocked faces. The power the young man they had fought yesterday was actually holding back his power. "This, this! Big brother, this kid''s level is actually above Grandmaster. He must have already reached the Ascendant Stage. I think we''re no match for him," the man in ck suit spoke, truly terrified by what he was seeing. The man who was Bernard looked at this with a frown on his face. He then shook his head and sneered. "Don''t underestimate our strength, little brother. If a man and a beast fight while they''re at the same realm, the beast always wins. Since a human is still a human. While a beast is a beast." He muttered, his breath was heavy with confidence. "Don''t worry about it, since he''ll be at our feet sooner orter. Even though he''s strong, he''ll be no match for us," he finished. The other man in the ck suit nodded, agreeing with his brother''s words. "We''ll just let the kid do the work. Since he''s doing us the favor in powering up the blood gem for our own use. Hahaha!" heughed maniacally. The little brother alsoughed, as his brother was very cunning in letting someone else do the job for him. Alexander, who didn''t know he was being used like a puppet, didn''t even care. Since he was here to avenge Aeloria''s big brother, this was also good for him since his level would rise from this. As the beasts circled the area, one of them slipped towards the gathering vigers. He just sneered and threw his sword, whistling through the air, hitting the boar on the forehead, instantly killing it. He then tapped the ground with his foot, disappearing in a blur and reappearing where his sword was. He then went in circles, ensuring no vigers were hurt by the beasts that were appearing around them. He didn''t stop as more waves of beasts came towards him. A Skyhawk even tried to snatch his head but was cut in two pieces. He then threw a barrage of sword strikes at every beast that came, their numbers were steadily decreasing. Even if the flying creatures tried to attack the vigers, they couldn''t since he could just pick up a pebble and hit their fragile heads, instantly killing them. Finally, the wave ended. As Alexander stood like a butcher in a pile of dead beasts, the air pungent with the smell of blood, which was incredibly foul. Their body parts were scattered everywhere. Alexander''s mind was slowly being corrupted. Since he had been using his skill for almost 30 minutes, and the side effects of [Bloodlust] and [Berserker Instinct] were taking a toll on him. He felt the urge to surrender to his berserker self, and let his mind slumber so it can do what ever it wants. If it wasn''t for his skill, ''Heart of Stone'', he wasn''t sure if he could have stayed in that form for even 20 minutes. But thanks to it, he could control it for about 30 minutes or more, before the effects intensified. He sighed in relief, realizing how useful this skill if its in a tight position. [Bloodlust was deactivated] [Berserker Instinct was deactivated]n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om The system prompted as his eyes returned to normal. He also stored his sword, Infernal Fury, in his system storage. The heavy killing aura that surrounded him disappeared like thin air being blown out. He closed his eyes and took a deep breathed as he opened them yet again, he finallye back to his original self. "System show me my status" Alexander said inwardly. [Status Experience: 62/21,000 Name: Alexander Ashbourne Free Points: 30 Title: {Traveller} {Saberwolf yer} Level: 20 Strength: 71 Speed: 68 Agility: 67 Dexterity: 52 Intelligence: 7 {Maximum is 10} Defense: 72 Charisma: 10 {MAX} Earnings: 102,005 Pesos Bnce: 4,227,168 Pesos Skills: {Heart Of Stone[UN], {Berserker Instinct} Techniques: {Serpents Coil}, {Vital Draw Technique} Weapons: {Infernal Fury}] Looking at his stats, he was surprised. His level had actually risen by 3 levels! He was about to close the system panel when another panel appeared. [Congrattions to the Host for reaching level 20. New function of the system is unlocked. The rewards will be shown after the Hostpletes the mission.] The system stated, making him stunned. He wondered what the new function was since he had unlocked so many things already. "Is it another money generator? I really hope it is. Since more generators mean more money," he spoke inwardly, wishing for it to be something like that. Chapter 63 Alexander then closed the panel and looked behind him, his expression returning to a calm one. He slowly walked to a corpse, carrying it from the ground. Its neck was bitten, where the lungs was visible, its legs torn off from being ravaged by the beast. But the smile adorning the man''s face, even though blood was sliding out, was so vivid. The expression of dying not of agony and fear, but pure relief was a sight to see. Alexander truly idolized this kind of person. Aeloria then ran towards him, holding Anya''s hand. "Uncle Barry," she spoke, biting her lip, her eyes watery, as she looked at his body being carried. "Big sister," Anya mumbled, hugging Aeloria to minimize the emotional pain. Alexander, after finishing his nce at the man, shifted his gaze towards Aeloria. "Let''s go and bury his dead body, so we can let him rest in peace now," Alexander uttered to her. Aeloria was reluctant to see him be buried, but she agreed since this was really needed. Alexander and the two then left the vige. With that wave of beast attack, out of all the vigers only one person was hurt. To make it worse, he had died. "Brother, that kid just left. Aren''t you going to stabilize the situation now?" The man in ck spoke, seeing that Alexander had left. Bernard nodded his head with a smile of satisfaction, "Go ahead and shed me with that de of yours" he spoke looking towards him, as he leaped down above the trees. "What! why should I hurt you?" the man asked with a stunned expression, as he also leaped down. He had no idea why he wants to injure his own self, "Are you stupid! Of course to make those idiots to believe that I fight my way to theirs. If I came there unscatched then I''ll be suspicious" he exined. The little brother was in awe from his older brother wisdom, "Big brother is mighty, and really smart" he said as stars forming in his eyes. "Of course I am, aren''t I the older one in this family the first ce" he said with pride, "Now hurry and took out your dagger, and shed me the more vivid it was the believable it is" he finished spreading his arms. The little brother nodded, taking out a small dagger. He then shed it with a sneer on his face, his eyes glinting wildly. When the tip of the dagger hit his front body diagonally, he puked a mouthful of blood, stumbling back several steps. "You, you! Why did you use too much force? Are you trying to kill me?" he eximed in anger. "What do you think, brother? Hahaha, it hurts doesn''t it?" he said, his eyes glinting maliciously. Seeing his brother''s expression and unusual behavior, he was starting to have a bad premonition. He hurriedly stood up, clutching his bleeding chest, looking at him angrily. Experience more on empire "Are you stupid! Let me ask you again, why are you trying to kill me? Aren''t we brothers?" he said after standing up. Hearing his words, he spat on the ground and looked at him like an idiot. "Brothers? I''ve been waiting for this my whole life. Do you think I wouldn''t know that you were keeping a secret from me?" he said with pure anger. Hearing what he said, he was stunned and looked at his angry face. "What do you mean? What secrets?" he asked, sweat forming on his forehead. "Hahaha, I know you know what I''m talking about. Don''t tell me you''ve forgotten that you fed my beastpanion to your big snake? Do you think I was blind at that time?" he angrily shouted. Now that the secrets was out heughed and look at him, "Isn''t that just a weak beast. Why do you care about its life, its nothing more than a livestock to be lunch for strong beast. Didn''t I already told you that I''m going to feed it to my snake since it would help me evolved it to the next level" he spoke, towards him. "But did I agree! You do know that was the gift of our mother when she passed away. Now that you have taken mine, I will take everything you have when you die!" he shouted full of anger. "Are you really serious? You still care about that bitch mother of ours? She died when we were young. She was really useless for bringing us to this world with nowhere for us to live and enjoy life like others. If you want to avenge her, then you''re just like her, a useless scum," Bernard retorted, not feeling guilty at all. "Also, do you even have the power to kill me? Are you dreaming? I''m one level higher than you. Even if I''m heavily injured, you can''t kill me," Bernard said with disdain. Hearing the words "bitch" and "useless," he was very angry, "We wouldn''t havee to this if you had at least respected her when she died and didn''t kill herst gift for me. This time, it''s do or die," he shouted, his voice is heavy with emotion. "You insolence! If I don''t teach you a lesson, you''ll think that I''m weak and softhearted," Bernard muttered under his breath as he rushed forward, closing the distance in a blink. He tried to sidestep to dodge it, but Bernard quickly maneuvered himself, using his foot to change direction. When they were close, he released a palm strike, covered with condensed energy. The impact was vigorous and overwhelming. But the man in the ck suit blocked it, but due to the huge difference in strength, it passed through his defense, hitting him in the abdomen. He flew like a bullet, hitting the bark of the tree with his back. He fell to the ground, kneeling, with blood oozing from his mouth. Bernard was about to rush again when suddenly he felt his energy being swallowed. "You, what did you do to me?" he said angrily, surprised by the sudden changes in his body. "Hahaha, my big brother, do you really think I''m stupid? I know that I can''t beat you even if I injure you heavily. So I coated the de with a poison, Etherbind. I think I don''t need to exin the special properties of this poison, right?" he said, ending with augh as he slowly stood up, wiping the blood from his mouth.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om "You, you! I swear I will kill you!" Bernard said with red eyes. He clearly knew the special effects of this kind of poison, since it was famous in the continent, but it is considered rare, since its hard to be produced. If a person gets hit by this, especially a warrior, it will literally bind them down. Their abilities and supernatural strength will be sealed, making them a normal person. "Kill me? Are you hallucinating, my dear brother? You can''t even move, and you still want to kill me?" he said disdainfully as he rushed like a bullet, hitting him in the stomach. The sound of flesh being smacked was heard so loud. Bernard who was hit spat a mouthful of blood as he flew and fell to the ground. With his eyes wide open, he couldn''t move anymore. "Not so tough are you now? Before I kill you, I will steal your hard work first," he said with a wide grin on his face. But first, before he did that, he tore off his face. There seemed to be ayer of skin, just like a mask, hiding his real face. The same as his little brother, his face was also terrifying to look at. "I want to see your real face before taking everything. So, you''d better cherish this moment," he said, holding him by the neck, lifting him off the ground. As for the real vige chief? No one knows what happened to him. But if you looked carefully, it was clear he was already dead. When he was being carried up, the man slowly exerted force. Suddenly, his hand glowed darker, with an ominous feeling. Bernard, if that was his real name at all, felt like the energy inside him was being absorbed. "You, you! Don''t tell me you joined the Blood Moon Cult. This absorption method is only essible to those members of this cult. I can''t believe I let a floating time bomb get close to me!" he said with regret, but there was nothing he could do. His level slowly became lower and lower, and the man''s aura slowly increased. His level, which was in the Battle Master stage, rose to Grandmaster. While Bernard turned into a dead corpse that looked like it hadn''t eaten for years. "Thanks for the meal," the man said, feeling the overwhelming power coursing through him. He then lowered his legs a little and took something from his big brother''s pocket. It was a ck rock, that is the size of a fingernail. He then put it in his pocket while he left the ce. Now the only thing he needed to do was finish his n, which was to get the blood gem to increase his big brother''s beastpanion''s level and avenge himself against the kid who beat him up. Chapter 64 Alexander and the two were already far from the vige, they were in a ce filled with serenity and beauty. It was a peaceful scene of a forest clearing bathed in the golden light of the radiating sun. The foreground was made up of a lush expanse of green grass, dotted with delicate white wildflowers. Arge, sturdy tree stood in the center, where its branches reaching out towards the sky, casting long shadows across the clearing. The sun, peeking through the branches, created a warm glow that illuminated the ce. There was already a hole dug, big enough for a whole person. Alexander didn''t bury the body with dirt first, but looked at Aeloria beside him. Aeloria, who had already epted her uncle''s death in name, still knelt and prayed in respect. Even though she was sad, she could only give him a farewell, hoping his next life would be something grander. "Alex, I''m good now. You can let Uncle Barry rest in peace. Thank you," she said, looking at him with her runny nose. She was like a child, from her current appearance. He nodded his head and took the shovel, burying the dead. Seeing the man slowly being buried in the ground until his face could no longer be seen, tears started to form in her eyes again. Anya seeing this, hugged her tightly. "Big sister, don''t worry, Anya will never disappear, and never ever going to leave you. I promised," she mumbled in a soft tone. Her heart, which had been wrenching in pain, seemed to have calmed down a little, when it was fully buried. Aeloria picked up a white flower and ced it on the buried corpse. "This little sister of yours is happy to have someone like you, Uncle Barry. Farewell," she said as she ced the white flower. "Anya, go ahead and pick up a flower and put it at the three burial grounds. To pay respect to your uncle and also to your parents," Aeloria instructed, since the ce was also where Anya''s parents were buried. Anya nodded and put some flowers at each burial ground. Alexander stood behind the two of them, watching this scene. He kept silent as the two finished paying their respects. He was staring at this scene, while his mind is wandering. He imagined where his piece-of-shit grandfather was already dead, so he could piss on his own coffin. The old man had already lived far too long, and at least with this his anger could be extinguished a little. "Alex, let''s go back," Aeloria muttered, already standing in front of him. He was still lost in his own dream, doing stupid things at that old man''s burial ce. When he heard Aeloria''s voice, it snapped him out of his dreamy state. [I sometimes mashed up Aeloria''s name to Aoleria and sometimes Aerolia. I should have made her name easier to remember, since every time I type, I have to double-check.] "Are you done?" Alexander asked, looking at her face. "Yes," she mumbled, only one word. Alexander nodded his head as they left the ce. Find adventures on empire As they were walking back, Anya seemed to be a little tired, maybe because of the emotional and psychological happenings earlier. He carried her on his back, and Anya slept soundly with a smile. Seeing the two, with Alex acting like a father with a child, she couldn''t help but feel warm from this scene. They went home on a quiet journey. In a cave, the man in the ck suit, whose face was already on disy, shouted. "Big snake, hurry up and greet your master," his voice echoing through the ce. Suddenly, a slithering sound was heard, as the big serpent arrived again. Seeing its blood-red eyes, the man was not afraid. The serpent, that was sensing something wrong, looked at the man in front of him. Suddenly, it smelled the blood of its master on its master''s younger brother. The serpent hissed angrily, turning ferocious suddenly, knowing that its master must have been killed. It slithered forward, wanting to avenge its master. The man just smiled at this, taking something from his pocket. When the snake was just three steps away, it stopped, feeling pain within itself. It slumped down to the ground, rolling in pain. The man was holding the ck stone, that is the size of a fingernail in his hand. Heughed, seeing that the serpent was wriggling in pain on the ground. "You little beast, don''t think you can defy me. What I have in my hand is the ck stone that is connected to your heart. If I break it, you will die. You better listen to mymand, or I''ll kill you," the man said, releasing his killing intent to make the beast submit to him. Seeing that it had no choice, the serpent reluctantly nodded, epting the person who killed its master as its new master. Seeing that he had finally tamed the beast, the manughed, feeling ted. "Now, I want you to get back and sleep. I will call you again when it''s time to move," he stated, which the serpent seemed to understand. It then slithered its way to the deepest part of the cave, while the man sat in a lotus position to consolidate the energy he had absorbed earlier. Leaving it unchecked could cause a strain inside him. As Alexander arrived at the wooden house, he went inside and slowly put Anya on the bed. He did it carefully, afraid that she would wake up. When he put her in the bed, he then got up and sat at the table outside. He was lost in a deep thought, trying to figure out how to deal with the problem. He needed to investigate tonight to find out the source that is controlling the beasts. Aeloria, seeing him alone, took the seat across the table and pulled it next to him. Alexander, seeing this, just nced at her. She looked okay now, since her face seemed livelier, and she looked fully invigorated. "Alex, is there a problem? Why are you spacing out, and you seem to be in a deep thought?" she asked, looking at him in the eye. Hearing her question, he just shook his head and smiled reassuringly. "Don''t worry, I''m just thinking about something," he replied. Hearing this, she nodded her head and shifted her gaze in front where the trees were standing. But sometimes, she would take a peek at him, making her blush. Alexander didn''t notice this since he was focusing on how to catch that bastard Bernard off guard. As he thought for a while, he made a choice and decided to rush to Bernard''s residence tonight when everyone was asleep. Suddenly, he felt something soft lean on his shoulder.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om He froze for a moment and lowered his head a little. He saw that Aeloria''s head was leaning on his shoulder, making him stunned by this sudden happening. He didn''t know what he should do, so he stayed quiet. Meanwhile, Aeloria''s face was so red. What she did was really bold, "You girl, what are you doing? This is so embarrassing!" she eximed inwardly, her heart jumping wildly in her chest. Alexander nced at her again. Suddenly, his eyes darted down her neckline, seeing her fair skin and cleavage. He couldn''t help but be captivated by the sight. He was about to linger on it when Aeloria suddenly looked up, catching him in the act. He hurriedly looked away, trying to seem innocent. Aeloria, seeing him staring at her deeply, looked at the ce where he was looking, and it was her chest, exposed through the neckline of her clothes. She was embarrassed and looked down, "Do you want to touch it? I don''t mind," she muttered in a mosquito-like voice, her face turning crimson. Alexander, hearing this, was stunned. His mind was saying no, but his mouth betrayed him. "I can?" he muttered. He was stunned at how quickly his mouth had spoken. His hormones were really high now that he had reached 18 years old. Hearing him reply so fast, she was very embarrassed to say anything. As she just only nods her head. Seeing her approval, he really wanted to do it, but he stopped since this is not good, "Hahaha, It''s just a joke! I should leave for now to observe the surroundings," he said with a brokenugh as he slowly let her sit up. He then dashed into the forest at high speed. He was very afraid ofmitting a crime in broad daylight. Aeloria was stunned, seeing him escape so fast. She froze for a moment, thenughed heartily when he was gone. Herugh was like a melody as she watched him leave. She then stopped and looked down. Slowly, she took her two hands, fumbling her plump breast that seems like she was massaging it. "Is my breast not attractive enough, or is he not manly enough to do it?" she mumbled in a low voice, squeezing it, feeling its softness like that of a marshmallow. Alexander was already far away from his current location. He took a deep breath and sighed in relief. He knew that the two of them couldn''t be together. If he had acted on his impulse, and when the mission was done, where couldn''te back here anymore, Aeloria would be left alone leaving his responsibility. So, instead of just focusing on his little brother, he needs to think about her too.